The tournament ● Event rules
Specific event
rules
Everything you need to know about the event rules. The hotel's rules, how matches are run in the arena, and what happens when things go wrong.
Section 01
Important hotel rules
These are the hotel's rules, not ours, and we have no control over how the Norbreck enforces them.
Ejection without refund
Norbreck has the right to eject from their premises, without refund, any guest that breaks their hotel rules or who uses threatening or abusive behaviour towards their staff. We have no control over the hotel decision to evict a guest. No refunds will be given.
Captains are responsible
Team captains are responsible for the behaviour of their players and spectators in the arena AND hotel premises. Players or teams that misbehave, or are reported to us by the hotel, risk being ejected from hotel and disqualified from the tournament. Serious offenders will be banned from future events.
Bar drinks only
Only drinks purchased at the hotel bar can be consumed in the arena. Please do not bring your own alcohol into the arena. Stewards will check those entering the event for alcohol. Those found drinking their own alcohol risk being ejected from arena.
Fire exits are not smoking areas
Fire exit doors in arena are not to be used for smoking. They are for emergency use only. These are rules of the hotel.
Half board mealtimes
Players staying Half Board at the Norbreck are responsible for booking their own evening mealtimes at hotel reception. Players can book a time in advance or turn-up and wait to be seated.
The Organisers are not responsible for players that fail to get their meal and no refunds will be given.
Watch your step
Please be careful when walking in the arena, as spilt drinks can make the floor very slippery. Please report any spilled drinks to staff or referees.
Criminal offence
False fire alarms and firefighting equipment
It is a criminal offence to set off a false fire alarm, or move / play with firefighting equipment within the hotel. Any player or guest caught doing this will be reported to the police and ejected from the hotel and their team disqualified from the tournament.
They will be liable to prosecution and banned from all future Golden 8 Ball and BAPTO events. The hotel has CCTV and perpetrators will be caught and arrested.
This is very serious and the hotel and tournament do not treat offenders lightly.
Section 02
Tournament rules
How matches are run, scored and timed in the arena.
01
Scoring and results
- All teams are required to use our new online scoring system to create their match sheets and input their results, frame by frame, using their smart phones. Each Captain will be given their own login details at the event. Our staff are on hand to help.
- A paper results slip must be completed for each match, and signed by the Captains. This result will be used if a dispute with the online result arises. If the wrong result has been submitted online, please report to Top Table who can edit the result.
02
Turning up on time
- Late start penalty: 1 frame may be docked for every five minutes a team is late for the start of their match. Tournament times are decided by the tournament clock on Top Table. Docked frames are at the discretion of the referees and Top Table, depending on circumstances of a team being late for their match.
- If a team fails to show for a match in the group stages, then that group does not play more frames. Instead, the teams automatically win their match against the no-show team.
- Players must be available when called to the table. Team Captains should ensure their players are ready to play when their turn is due. Failure to be at table results in loss of frame, for example going for a cigarette break during a team match when you are due to play.
03
Pace of play
Novice ● 3 player
1h 30m
Target match time, 10 minutes per frame.
Pro-Am ● 4 player
2h 00m
Target match time, 10 minutes per frame.
Shot clock
30s then 15s
After 10 mins, 30 sec shot rule can apply. After 15 mins, a new 15 sec shot rule can be applied.
- Slow or negative play may result in the shot clock, match moved to multiple tables or 9 ball racks being imposed. A ‘slow play’ warning will usually be given first.
- Round Robin stage: each group will be allocated two tables and play all their matches in one session, with one match per table, so all teams in group play at the same time. When one match finishes in a group, the other match must use both tables to achieve a quicker result, especially if the match is running behind schedule.
04
At the table
- Positioning the cue ball: players may now use the shaft of their cue to position the cue ball BUT THEY MUST NOT use the tip or ferrule of the cue. Using the tip of the cue to position the cue ball will be considered a shot, and result in a foul. We recommend players always use their hand to position cue ball, to avoid any misunderstanding.
- Please do not touch the pool table lights or bulbs. Call a member of staff if a light needs adjusting.
05
Singles and flyers
- Do not enter singles qualifiers unless you are in the arena. Players called who are not present, will automatically lose their match with no possibility of re-entry. No refunds for players that fail to show for their match.
- Do not enter the flyers until you have played all your singles matches.
- Players wanting to enter flyers must have a players wristband. Flyers are only open to those participating in the event.
06
Penalty shootout
- Teams not present at end of a match for a penalty shootout will be decided by the toss of a coin. If one team is present, then the other team loses by default. This is to stop any delay of the draw.
- There is a penalty shoot out score card available from Top Table that details the rules and order of play.
- Cue ball can be placed anywhere behind the baulk line for a penalty shootout.
07
Reporting a team
- Any team reported at the event for breaking the team entry criteria rules will be investigated but for borderline cases, we will not take action during the event, unless it is blatant, undisputable rule breaking that gives the team a clear advantage.
- Team data is purposely made public to allow teams to be reported in advance of the event, so any issues can be sorted in fair and reasonable manner. Any team found to be purposely cheating in an attempt to win the prize fund will be disqualified and banned from future events.
Section 03 ● The code
Player & guest conduct
01
Friendly is
the format
Our relaxed and friendly approach to running tournaments is not a weakness; it is what makes our events welcoming with a good atmosphere! We pride ourselves on being friendly, respectful and approachable but expect the same in return.
02
Pool for all
We believe in pool for all, regardless of ability or skill level. All our players will be treated equally.
03
Good character only
The Golden 8 Ball is a prestigious competition and we only want teams of good character and manner to be participating, to help make it an enjoyable and friendly weekend for all involved. The tournament committee will carefully assess every team application and will reject any team or player deemed detrimental to the tournament. Those with the wrong attitude or demeanour are not welcome.
04
Play in
the spirit
Fair warning
Players or teams who do not play within the spirit of the game, behave in an unsportsmanlike way, act aggressively, spoil the enjoyment of others or bring the tournament into disrepute, risk being banned from future events and ejected from the hotel. We will not tolerate this type of behaviour at our tournaments and we will take the appropriate action after an event to deal with those that have caused problems. Repeat offenders will receive life bans.
05
Keep it clean online
✓ Welcome: we welcome constructive criticism, sensible debate and fair feedback. We pride ourselves on listening to players.
✗ Not welcome: those intent on negative, rude and abusive social media trolling, or those posting continuous derogatory comments, to try and damage the reputation of our events, organisers or staff, will not be welcome at any of our tournaments. Those that support these individuals on social media, also risk being banned.
But we will not tolerate nastiness, slanderous comments, bullying or unreasonable negative individuals. We don’t need you and we certainly don’t want you at our events or in our social media groups.
06
Wristbands on, always
Players and guests must wear their wristbands at all times in the arena. Those without a wristband will be asked to purchase one or leave. Players must wear their wristband to play in the Thursday qualifiers. Wristband prices.
Section 04 ● Kit inspection
Player & guest dress code
Players must look smart in formal wear and have a shirt with a collar whilst playing in any main event on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
Thursday night
No dress code
Flyers & practice tables
No dress code
Fri–Sun ● main events
Collar on, look smart
✓ ALLOWED ✓ ALLOWED ✓ ALLOWED
✓
Shirts with a collar & polos
✓
Trousers, chinos & skirts
✓
Smart tailored shorts & leggings
✓
Shoes, black trainers, wedges & heels
As from June 2024, we now allow smart tailored shorts or chinos to be worn, as well as black trainers.
✗ NOT ALLOWED ✗ NOT ALLOWED
✗
Jeans, denim & combat pants
✗
Trainers (other than black) & tracksuits
✗
Casual shorts & t-shirts
✗
Collarless shirts, fancy dress & caps
✗
Studs & patch pockets
Check your trousers carefully. Any scruffy attire will not be permitted.
The penalty
If you get it wrong
Being unsuitably dressed when called to table may result in immediate loss of frame. Referee may allow a match to finish where blatant rule breaking has not happened, for example studs or patch pockets, but the offending player must get changed before their next match. Players unsuitably dressed must change if they wish to continue playing. Refusal will lead to loss of frames and possible disqualification from the event.
Team names ● shirts
We embrace creative team names as it adds to the fun of the weekend, but we will not accept names that are deemed offensive or too long to announce over the microphone. Team names, logos, pictures etc, can be printed or embroidered on the back and front of polo shirts.
Medical ● exceptions
Exceptions to the dress code for medical reasons can be made, but must be agreed with organisers in advance of the tournament or before playing. Players will be given a medical exception card to carry with them throughout the weekend.
Disputes and changes
The organiser's decision is final
In an event of a dispute, the organiser's decision is final. Players or teams that continue to dispute the organiser's decision, risk being disqualified from the tournament. Any complaints must be made in writing after the event.
Organisers reserve the right to give players an exception to the team entry criteria rules at any time and to change the tournament format, schedule or rules at any time.