{{ THESE ARE THE OFFICIAL 8 BALL POOL RULES }}

U) BALLS OFF THE TABLE:
  1. It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface (other than being potted) and remains off the playing surface or does not return by it's own means.
  2. Definitions/Examples:
    (a) "Playing Surface": The Playing Surface of the table is the flat part of the table between the cushions.
    (b) "By it's own means":
    (1) It is not a foul if the ball leaves the playing surface, runs along the top of a cushion, drops back on the playing surface and comes to rest there or falls into a pocket.
    (2) It is a Standard Foul if if a ball leaves the playing surface, comes into contact with a person or object that is not part of the table and then returns to the playing surface.
    (c) "Off the Table": It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface and comes to rest other than the playing surface, (For example, the floor or the top of a cushion).
    (d) "Spotted": A ball is spotted when it's centre point is placed on the spot or, if this is not possible, as near as possible to the spot in a direct line between the spot and the centre point of the cushion that lies the greatest distance from the Baulk Line. If any of the following balls require spotting, they are spotted in the following order:
    (1) Eight-Ball, then
    (2) Red Balls in any order (or balls numbered 1 to 7 in numerical order), then
    (3) Yellow Balls in any order (or balls numbered 9 to 15 in numerical order). Spotted balls should be placed as close to each other and any intervening balls as possible, without touching.
  3. If a ball leaves the playing surface and remains off the playing surface, it shall be returned to the table:
    (a) If it is the Cue Ball it is not to be played from Baulk.
    (b) If it is an Object Ball (or balls) it is to be spotted.
V) BALLS FALLING WITHOUT BEING HIT:
  1. The player in Control {see (C) Definitions (9)} is responsible for any stationary that subsequently falls into a pocket without being hit by another ball.
    (a) If one of the player's own Colour falls the player is deemed to have potted that ball and the player in control continues with that visit.
    (b) If one of the opponent's Colour falls while the player is in control, it is a Non-Standard Foul that is penalised by the turn passing to the opponent.
    (c) If the Eight-Ball falls at any time it is replaced as near as possible to it's original position. If any other balls are moved in these circumstances they shall also be replaced as near as possible to their original positions and the player in control continues with that visit.
 W) INTERFERENCE:
  1. If any of the balls are moved during a frame:
    (a) By a person other than the players taking part in the frame, or
    (b) As a direct result of one of the players being bumped, or
    (c) Due to any other event deemed outside the players' control such as:
    (1) "An act of God" such as an earthquake, etc.
  2. The falling of a cue or end falling of a spider, etc.
    The Referee will replace the balls as near as possible to the original positions they were in before the incident occured, no penalty shall be imposed on either of the players and the frame shall continue.
    (a) The Referee will prevent any unauthorised marking of the table. If a player causes a block of billiard chalk or other foreign matter to be on any part of the table it is not a foul. However, the Referee will ensure that the item is removed.
    (b) If a player repeatedly causes a block of billiard chalk or other foreign matter to be on any part of the table the Referee may deem that the player has breached the Spirit of the Game and award the frame to the opponent.
    (c) Exeption to (a) above: A ciggarette or beverage container. {see (K) Standard Fouls (9)}.
 X) IMPOSSIBLE SHOT:
A situation may arise during a frame where it is impossible for a player to play a shot without fouling. In sush a situation the player has no other option but to commit a foul.

 Y) STALEMATE:
The Referee shall declare a Stalemate if both the player and the opponent have three turns in succession where the Cue Ball fails to make contact with an Object Ball. In such a case, the frame will be replayed with the same player breaking.

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