League Rules and Ettiqute

Rules and Etiquette

These rules supplement or, in some cases, modify the current WPBSA rules. New players should be able to ask their opponent or another player for clarification of the rules. A league admin will settle disputes:

Foul and a Miss: Three attempts/two put-backs.

  • A player can only be "put back" a maximum of two times, so long as the "snookers required" rule is followed.

  • If a player is badly snookered, ask a floating ref or an available player to keep an eye on the balls' positions so they can be replaced correctly if needed.

  • On the player's third attempt, it must be a valid effort to hit the ball that is on and cannot be played as a defensive play. Doing so will result in a 7-point foul.

  • If any attempt results in an invalid snooker, then the non-fouling players may let their opponent "take it from there" and restart a new Foul and a Miss sequence all over again.

Respotting Color Balls:

  • A player's opponent will re-spot the color balls for them.

Sharking:

  • If it is not your turn to shoot, return to your seat and remain silent while your opponent is at the table.

  • Avoid standing, moving, or making noises in the line of sight of your opponent's shot. No wandering around the periphery of your opponent. Repeated sharking could result in a 7-point foul or forfeit of the frame.

  • Avoid using your phone during a match. Give your attention to the game.

  • Players must refrain from sudden loud outbursts, negative comments, abusive language, or fighting. Any fighting or abusive behavior can result in removal from the league without a refund and may lead to a ban from future leagues or tournaments.

A Safe Space for Learning:

  • Be professional and encouraging to all players of WSL.

  • A beginner player may ask their opponent, their coach, or admin for help or suggestions on a difficult shot.

  • Opponents of beginner players should only coach or offer suggestions when asked.

RESCHEDULING A MATCH

Be Proactive if You Will Miss a Match

  • Reach out immediately using the Reschedule Match button on the Submit Scores page when you know you will miss a match.

Requirements for Rescheduling:

  • All rescheduled matches require players to pay for table time at OX or Empire (pre-plays and make-ups included)

  • Sunday rescheduling: Make-up or pre-play matches are not allowed on Sundays until ALL regularly scheduled matches for that day are completed

  • Communication: Use the Submit Scores page to reschedule with your opponent and always copy WSL on your rescheduling emails so we can track match dates

  • Deadline: All rescheduled matches must be completed before the final week of the season—no make-up matches will be accepted after the season ends

Why These Rules Matter

Playing scheduled matches benefits everyone: it keeps the league running smoothly, ensures fair competition, and maintains WSL's credibility. We understand life happens—just let us know early if you need to reschedule, and we'll work with you.

SCRATCH AND HANDICAPS

Scratch: Head-to-head scoring with no added points given to any player

  • This scoring system gives players a snapshot of where their game is on any given week in a head-to-head match.

Handicaps: Points given to players based on their skill level.

  • Handicaps are based on performance and analyzed with certain criteria.

  • If your handicap is negative (-), then you will give your opponent points.

  • If your handicap is positive, then you receive points.

  • Add up handicaps to determine points given or received.

  • EXAMPLE: Player A = +10 vs Player B = -10, means Player A gets (20) points

SCORING A MATCH

Starting the Match: Player will flip a coin (NOT on the cloth) to see who decides to break off. Winner decides.

  • Matches will be scheduled in two 3-hour time slots: 10 am and 1 pm.

  • Players will receive a warning if the play is running long.

Reporting a Match: Players will use the online “Submit Scores” scoring system and a paper score sheet to record match scores.

  • Each match is 15 reds and a race to three (3).

  • Beginners vs Beginners are suggested to play 6-red due to time constraints. (Handicaps are cut in half.)

  • A “match” is both a scratch and a handicapped match and is scored at the same time.

Scoring a Break:

  • Players will count out points for their opponent's break. Score and vocalize points AFTER the break is over to avoid confusion.

Scoring a Match:

  • Both players must confirm each frame score and the final match score on the online scoring system and paper sheet.

Conceding a Match:

  • A match is deemed conceded when all reds are off the table, and a player’s opponent is ahead by 2 snookers or more (plus the value of the remaining color balls).

  • A scratch frame may be decided before a handicap frame, and vice versa, so consider the “snookers required” scenario for both.

  • See the guideline below:

    • 6 color balls = 27 pts, concede at or above 32 pts

    • 5 color balls = 25 pts, concede at or above 30 pts

    • 4 color balls = 22 pts, concede at or above 27 pts

    • 3 color ball = 18 pts, concede at or above 24 pts

    • 2 color balls = 13 pts, concede at or above 20 pts

    • 1 color ball = 7 pts, concede at or above 8 pts

Tie Score, Respot Black Ball

  • When the score is tied, and all the balls are off the table, players will respot the black ball and flip a coin to see who decides to break off. Winner decides.

  • The respotted black ball can only be scored once, either by potting the ball or if a player fouls. The game is over when either happens.

LATE ARRIVALS, LOSS OF FRAMES, AND FORFEITS

Players’ Responsibilities

  • Show up on time for your match.

  • Communicate to your opponent and league admin when unforeseen events cause you to be late.

  • Communicate immediately when you know you will be late or can’t make your scheduled match.

Penalties and Forfeits

  • Arriving 15 minutes late without communication will forfeit one frame (both scratch and handicap), then,

  • After 25 minutes, two frames will be forfeited (both scratch and handicap), then

  • After 30 minutes, the match will be forfeited without the possibility of a make-up match.

  • A “No Call, No Show” will forfeit your match 3-0 without the possibility of a make-up match.

Repeated “No call, No Shows” can lead to the player being suspended from the league, with their remaining matches forfeited.

EQUIPMENT

Personal cues, chalk, and rests are allowed if they are in good condition. Each club has house cues, chalk, and other equipment available for use.

DRESS CODE

Dress Code for Streaming: Players on the stream are expected to dress smart casual as described below. Players not on the stream may dress as they wish, except that no political, offensive, or unprofessional messaging, images, or logos may appear on clothing.

  • Anticipate being on the livestream as players may be asked right before their match.

  • Jeans or pants, clean shoes, a collared shirt, jersey, or a well-maintained tee are allowed.

  • No visible logos other than the WSL, WSL sponsors, and/or participating clubs.

  • No hats or caps.

  • No earbuds.

  • No warm-ups or shorts.

  • No torn or soiled clothing.

  • No political, offensive, or unprofessional messaging, images, or logos.

  • Feel free to dress in formal snooker attire.

  • If it’s questionable, don’t wear it.

Keep an eye on this page as rules will be updated.