The governing rules of play are detailed in the 2005-2006 VNEA Rules Booklet and will be strictly adhered to along with the following:

8-Ball Team Format

The 25 game round robin format will be used in the Open 8-Ball team events. The 16 game round robin format will be used in the Women's 8-Ball team events. Each player will play each player from the opposing team once. The team with the most points at the end of the match will be declared the winner. If there is a tie in the total points, the teams will play the last round over as it stands on the scoresheet until a winner is decided. Flip for the first break and alternate thereafter.

o All team events will be played using a Double Elimination bracket. Finals brackets will be re-drawn with participants starting with no losses.

Substitution Rule

A team may substitute players during a match if the following criteria are met:

The opposing team captain must be notified before the start of the round in which the substitution is being made.

A substitute player will not be allowed to play any opposing player more than once. Once a player has played, he/she must keep that same position unless removed for a round and reinstated in a later round.

Determining the Break

Team captains will flip a coin prior to making the line-up. The winner of the coin toss has a choice of being home or visiting team. The home team will complete their line-up first each round. The teams will then break in accordance with the scoresheet.

8-On the Break

If the 8-Ball is pocketed on the break, the breaker may ask for a re-rack or have the 8-Ball spotted and continue shooting. If the breaker scratches while pocketing the 8-Ball on the break, the opposing player has the option of a re-rack or having the 8-Ball spotted before beginning to shoot.

Call Pocket

In Call Pocket, obvious balls and pockets do not have to be indicated. It is the opponent's right to ask which ball and pocket if he is unsure of the shot. Banks and combinations are not considered obvious and both the object ball and pocket must be called. When calling the shot, it is NEVER necessary to indicate details such as the number of cushions, banks, kisses, caroms, etc. Any balls pocketed on a foul remain pocketed, regardless of whether they belong to the shooter or the opponent. If a shooter continually refuses to inform his opponent, even when asked, the captains or tournament officials should be informed. Continuous failure to verbally call the pocket can be ruled unsportsmanlike conduct.

Calling the 8-Ball

Calling of the 8-Ball must be by the disc method in the following manner:

Disc Placement

The disc must be completely within the first two diamonds on either side of the intended pocket. (A Referee will make a ruling if the disc position is protested)

It is not necessary to move or touch the disc if it is already at the intended pocket. If a player shoots at the 8-Ball and commits a legal shot and the 8-Ball is not pocketed, the game continues.

Team Certificates

Team captains are responsible to have in their possession during all Team Tournament matches, their "Official Team Certificate".

Safeties

A Safety can be played within the definition of a legal shot.

Start of Match

All matches will start at there posted time if the assigned table is available. If a player/players is absent, the match must still begin and the absent player/players will have until the end of that round to show up. If they are not there by the end of the round, the absent person/persons will lose that game 10-0. This rule is the same for all the rounds.

Forfeits

Team...
If no team members are available within 15 minutes after their posted match time, the team will be forfeited. Tournament Committee will decide forfeits.

However, in the event that enough team members, but less than the full team, are available when the match is called, then those present must begin shooting.

Singles...
Players are responsible to be at their table at their posted match time. Absent players will receive one recall before being forfeited. If the table is not available, you must report to the control desk.

Protest Procedure

In the event a person or team wishes to protest a player's or a team's eligibility, the protesting team or person will be required to deposit $100 with tournament officials. If protesters are correct in their protest, they will be refunded their deposit and the tournament officials will take proper measures in dealing with the situation. If protesters are incorrect in their protest, they will forfeit their deposit. Deposits will go into the general funds of the VNEA.

Seniors Divisions

Entrants in the 8-Ball Seniors Singles cannot play in any other 8-Ball singles and entrants in the 9-Ball Seniors Singles cannot play in any other 9-Ball Singles.

Listed Master & Intermediate Senior players are ineligible for the Seniors event.

Age: Men - 50 yrs. old minimum
Women - 45 yrs. old minimum
(as of event day)