STRAIGHTSHOTS POOL LEAGUE RULES

We wish to keep this League to high standards of sportsmanship and fair play, so that we can all keep enjoying this past-time as best as we can. The League has no time for bad sports and trouble-makers; they are not welcome here. We have the following Rules to maintain the high standards we are advocating. As a member of SS, please carefully read and respect these Rules which are in place to make playing more enjoyable. There is a penalty code under Rule 7 which will be enforced if necessary against those who choose to disrespect others and break the League Rules.

1. ACCOUNTS AND ELIGIBILITY 1.1. The League will be known as the Straightshots Pool League (hereafter referred to as SS) and a player joining as a member is allowed one account only. If more than one account is detected, all accounts may be deleted which includes match histories. 1.2. An ID which is deemed unsuitable or inappropriate must be changed. This includes an ID with cuss or rude words, including the 'F' word or any deviation of it, or any defamatory reference to another league or member. When requested, a member who does not change an ID deemed unacceptable for any reason will be boxed until the request is complied with. 1.3. A member must have a valid e-mail address. If one is found to be invalid it may result in his or her ID being removed from the League. Updating an e-mail address can be done under 'My Account/Edit E-mail Address'.   1.4. A member must not play on another member's ID at any time. Both members may be penalised for cheating if it is established that the member owning the ID in question gave their password willingly. 1.5. SS Admin reserves the right to remove any signed-up member who does not adhere to the eligibility qualifications at any time. 2. GAME PLAY 2.1. It is customary for the member listed first in any pairing to 'Create Table' and to invite his or her opponent to a table. The opponent should take the bottom seat. The table set-up must have the following ON and applying: 'Regular Game', 'Allow Watchers', 'Allow Guests', 'Allow guests/watchers to access chat', 'SafeGame' and 'Rated Game'. Under 'Security', 'Maximum Allowable Disconnection Time' must be set at 10 minutes, and under 'Game/Move Time', the 'Game Time' must be set at 20 minutes. If both players invite at the same time, the second named player in any pairing should accept the invite. 2.2. Once the 'Game Time' has expired (20 minutes), the winner of the game will be the member awarded the win by Gamedesire. 2.3. All tournaments will allow Ball In Hand (BIH) unless specified as No Ball In Hand (NBIH). Any tournament without NBIH in the title will be BIH in all cases, except where the tourney does not permit BIH anyway. 'Anything Goes' (AG) will apply throughout unless specified otherwise.

2.4. It is a League requirement to type 'gl' (good luck) before a game starts and 'gg' (good game) after the game is over. However 'gg' must not be typed before the game has been completed under any circumstances. Should this happen the offending member risks having a complaint submitted in which a screenshot is required. Lack of game etiquette could lead to a warning or penalty being imposed for unsporting behaviour. It is in a member's best interest, no matter what the outcome of the game, to always show good sportsmanship. 2.5. During any game, a member is not permitted to leave the table before the 8-ball is potted, nor cancel, nor 'force forfeit' the game. This includes force forfeiting a game when a player has been booted and/or timed out.  2.6. Substitutes may be used in a team tournament (2-a-side, 3-a-side or 4-a-side), as long as the substitute is nominated and present at the table before a timer has expired. If one substitute leaves the game, a second substitute is not permitted and a timer will apply until either the substitute or original partner returns. A substitute must not have played for another team in the same tournament. 2.7. If Gamedesire boots a member from a table while he or she is actually playing in a game and the opponent is automatically given a win as a forfeit, the game must be re-racked (one game). However, if a member that looks like he or she is going to be defeated and suddenly forfeits, it will count as an intentional force forfeit and a penalty will be applied. 2.8. Should a game be delayed due to any technical glitch where one or both member cannot open a table or start the game, and other options have been tried (including rebooting the players' computers, and re-signing-in to Gamedesire), then the hosting TD or SS Admin may award the game to the higher ranked member specifically to enable the tournament to advance.

2.9. The 'Hanging 8-Ball' Rule: Should the 8-ball hang in a player's nominated pocket, the opponent must single bank in that same pocket when on the 8-ball to win. However, the player whose pocket it is can tap in to win. Should the 8-ball hang in a neutral pocket, both players need to single bank to win.  

 

2.10. Deliberate slow play or wasting time will not be tolerated. If a member is deemed to be doing so then he or she will be warned by the hosting TD or SS Admin and if this warning is ignored then he or she will be disqualified in that particular game. A player may not deliberately delay the game for any reason whatsoever to force an opponent to run out of time. A player guilty of this will be disqualified in that particular game. Deliberate slow play or wasting time will be treated as unsporting behaviour. 3. RE-RACKS, SAFETIES AND COACHING   3.1. If the 8-ball is potted directly on a break, or before solids or stripes have been allocated to the players (ie. an 'open table'), the game must be re-racked, unless a player chooses the 'continue' option.  3.2. In all other instances where the 8-ball is potted early after solids or stripes have been allocated to the players (ie. a 'closed table'), a re-rack is prohibited. A player may not offer a re-rack, nor one be accepted, under these circumstances. Should a game be illegally re-racked, the winner of the initial game prior to the re-rack will be advanced if detected in time by staff. 3.3. Excluding the previous two rules, a member of staff may order a game to be re-racked should circumstances require it to be applied, such as due to a dispute between two players, or a technical glitch, or any other valid reason requiring a re-rack, or where a re-rack is the sensible option. 3.4. Primarily SS is a Ball In Hand League. Safety shots ('snookers') and 'tapping' are permitted at all times in Ball In Hand tournaments, but are prohibited in No Ball In Hand tournaments.  3.5. Coaching is not permitted in any SS Cam competition game. This includes coaching partners in team tournaments. Screenshots must be submitted as evidence of coaching.  The use of any screen-sharing device or application during a tournament or any SS Cam competition game  is strictly prohibited. Any breach of this rule would make a player liable to be penalised under Rule 7.1 (P1).    4. REPORTING LEAGUES, RACING AND BOOTING 4.1. 'SS leagues' may be played as long as both members agree to play them, up to a maximum of 15 against each opponent. Any loss must be reported within 12 hours of the game being played. If there is any problem with reporting, the member must contact an SS Admin for assistance. Should SS leagues not be reported within 12 hours without a valid explanation, the offending player will be boxed accordingly. 4.2. Racing – the practice of the overall loser reporting his or her losses only – is strictly forbidden. Any member caught racing will be boxed accordingly and have the correct number of games lost reported as SS leagues. 4.3. A member must NOT boot a spectator from a table without just cause. If proven to be an unwarranted booting, this will be viewed as unsporting behaviour. A player must NOT boot the hosting TD or SS Admin from a table under ANY circumstances. 4.4. A member feeling there is just cause to boot a spectator from a table (for disruptive behaviour for example) must (a) ask that person to stop typing (screenshot taken). If the spectator carries on typing, (b) he or she must be asked to leave the table (screenshot taken). If the spectator has ignored both (a) and (b), he or she may be booted. Screenshots must be taken by the member booting to substantiate his or her actions. Coaching is NOT a reason to boot any spectator. 5. RECORDING GAMES, SCREENSHOTS AND TIMERS 5.1. Unless otherwise directed, no games in SS need to be recorded by Camtasia or a similar recording program, except in SS Cam competitions where recording is a requirement as per the competition rules, unless both members mutually agree not to record their game. 5.2. SS Admin reserve the right to selectively request a member to record all games and submit tapes as directed if it is deemed necessary. Another option is to view a member's monitor via Skype Share Screen or Team Viewer if it is deemed necessary. Failure to comply may result in a member being penalised under 'other gross unacceptable behaviour'.

5.3. Screenshots or recorded tapes may be made by a member and submitted as evidence if deemed necessary. A screenshot or tape must be labeled correctly as follows: Opponent's name, round and date, with screenshot number if more than one is submitted. Example: 'ps_ace_player_round1_21aug14_1'. All screenshots or tapes must be emailed to an SS Admin as soon as possible. No game must be held up to view any screenshot or tape unless directed by SS Admin. 5.4. Tournament timers are SEVEN minutes for regular rounds and TEN minutes for finals. Any timer imposed is cumulative, and does not restart at the full amount. A member requesting a timer is requested to contact the hosting TD in the lobby or via 'private message' to ask for one. If a member has been put on a timer and fails to return to complete the game he or she will lose that game. 6. BEHAVIOUR AND SPORTSMANSHIP 6.1. A member is expected to behave sportingly and with courtesy at all times. A member is also expected to respect all other members and staff. Any form of abusive, foul or offensive language, gamesmanship, goading, harassment, homophobic remarks, intimidation, jinxing, provocation, racism, taunting or any form of disruptive, unacceptable or unsporting behaviour, including making aimer accusations whether in the lobby or any other lobby or at a table is not permitted. Any breach of this Rule will make a member liable to be sanctioned in accordance with the Penalties outlined below. 6.2. Excessive general swearing or cussing or the unwarranted use of caps in the lobby is not permitted.  6.3. Any form of cheating or suspected cheating is strictly not permitted. This includes the suspected use of any aiming program. SS Admin are empowered to remove any player from the League, or any competition run by the League, who is suspected, proven or not. 6.4. A member must not, at any time, bring the name or reputation of the League into disrepute by defamation, or by making adverse comments about the League in the lobby or at tables, or in another league's lobby or room, or by spamming material or details of another league in any lobby. Any breach of this Rule will make a member liable to be sanctioned in accordance with the Penalties outlined below.   6.5. Any member boxed during one of the SS Cam competitions cannot participate until his or her box period is complete. No competition will be delayed due to a boxed member. If the competition needs to advance, the boxed member may forfeit matches or be removed from the competition accordingly.  7. PENALTIES   Penalties for any breach of SS Rules have been sorted into six categories with Category A being the most serious through to Category F being more of a misdemeanour. This has been done so that a member will know in advance what the likely penalty will be for any given action and therefore is requested to govern him or herself accordingly. Each offence has a penalty (P) code which must be specified in any boxing. 7.1. Category A – Penalty: 60 days in the penalty box or possible banishment from SS. P1. Proven cheating, suspected cheating or serious falsification of any kind. P2. Defaming the League whilst a current member or a current boxed member. P3. Playing on another member's ID or permitting another member to use one's own ID P4. Other gross unacceptable behaviour. P5. Deemed to be an undesirable member. P6. Repeated breaking of lesser offence rules in Category B. 7.2. Category B – Penalty: 30 days in the penalty box. P7. Gross insulting behaviour and/or racist comments to another member. P8. Continued 'loud' abuse of other members (use of CAPS). P9. Bringing the name and reputation of the League into disrepute in any lobby, at a game table, in any shout box or in any messenger service.

P10. Abuse and other disrespect of SS Staff (including booting from a table) in any lobby, at a game table, in any shout box or in any messenger service.

P11. Unacceptable behaviour not covered by these rules.

P12. Repeated breaking of lesser offence rules in Category C. 7.3. Category C – Penalty: 15 days in the penalty box. P13. Ignoring an Admin’s rulings or call for cessation of any inappropriate behaviour.

P14. Continued arguing, harassment or intimidation of another member or SS Staff (if severe, P10 applies) in the lobby, at a game table, in any shout box or in Instant Messenger.

P15. Any form of disruptive behaviour, continuing disrespectful behaviour or anti-social behaviour.

P16. Manipulation of League statistics – if deemed to be a serious case of cheating, P1 will apply. P17. Lesser unacceptable behaviour not covered by these rules. P18. Repeated breaking of lesser offence rules in Category D. 7.4. Category D – Penalty: 8 days in the penalty box.

P18. Force forfeiting another member or deliberately leaving the table before the opponent's 8-ball is sunk.

P19. Taunting or jinxing during any game.

P20. Misuse of the SS shout box or forum, including disrespectul behaviour.

P21. Inappropriate behaviour in another league's lobby or table, or another competition lobby or table. P22. Spamming another league or competition in the SS lobby or at a game table. P23. Repeated breaking of lesser offence rules in Category E. 7.5. Category E – Penalty: 4 days in the penalty box. P24. Unwarranted booting of a non-Staff member.

P25. Failure to report SS leagues within 12 hours without a valid explanation.

P26. Racing in the League at any time. Additionally the correct number of games must be reported to the opponent. P27. Coaching in tournament and SS Cam competition games. Disqualifications may also apply. P28. Repeated breaking of lesser offence rules in Category F. 7.6. Category F – Penalty: 2 days in the penalty box. P29. General unsporting behaviour, including lack of game etiquette, having a disagreeable attitude, lack of cooperation, other minor disrespect or excessive general swearing. P30. Any other minor offence, such as failing to adhere to a TD's or other Staff member's request. 8. STAFF CODE 8.1. A member of Staff must read and fully understand these Rules and be aware of what is permitted and not permitted within the League. For the sake of consistency, a member of Staff must be fully aware of tournament rules at all times, and must never deviate from these rules without the permission of the Head Admin. 8.2. A member of Staff must conduct him or herself in an orderly, courteous, respectful and appropriate manner at all times. He or she is expected to never cuss or abuse, or lower himself or herself to a level which is unacceptable or improper.   8.3. A member of Staff when hosting must check the Tournament Calendar to avoid any overlaps with hosting Staff and as a matter of courtesy must liaise with a hosting member of Staff before spamming his or her own tournament. The member of Staff hosting must use CAPS for clarity and it is considered good etiquette to pass CAPS between one host to another. If two members of Staff are hosting at the same time, by agreement, both may use CAPS.   8.4. A member of Staff when hosting must not close a tournament until an existing tournament in progress has reached the Final, unless permission is given by the first host, or unless 'specials' including 'Fast Fours' are being run. 8.5. If an Admin needs to box a member, it must be done in accordance with the penalties listed in Rule 7. Penalties, by using the correct Penalty (P) code specified. For example, for a member's disrespect, "P29. General unsporting behaviour (disrespect)" must be entered into the comments box at the time of boxing. The Admin must add his or her name. Any box made incorrectly may be overturned at the discretion of the Head Admin. 9. COMPLAINTS, DISPUTES AND APPEALS 9.1. In tournaments any disputes will be settled by the TD running the tournament and the decision of the TD is final, subject to League Rules. Failure to comply with the instruction of the TD in any dispute will result in the disqualification of the offending member. This rule excludes the SS Cam competitions where any disputes must be dealt with by the SS Cam competition organisers.   9.2. Any dispute or other issue that a member may have against another member, or Staff member, must be taken to a private table, private message or Instant Messenger and never aired in the lobby, forum or League shoutbox. Any complaints about any violations of these Rules must be proven with a screenshot and forwarded to an Admin or HTD.    9.3. Complaints or suggestions should be either communicated through e-mail, via Trillian Instant Messenger or Skype to the Head Admin (see SS Pool League Management Team contact list on home page).   9.4. A member may appeal against any penalty incurred but must do so in a respectful and business-like fashion. An appeal may be submitted by e-mail or on Instant Messenger to the Head Admin, where a member will be required to give full details explaining the nature of the appeal, and support it with evidence, if possible, including screenshots or recorded tapes. A screenshot or tape of any game must be labeled correctly in accordance with Rule 4.3. The e-mail address for any appeal is

m.0lly@yahoo.com.

9.5. The appeal must be submitted within 3 days of the notification of the boxing, otherwise it will not be considered.

9.6. Once an appeal is received which complies fully, the Head Admin will consider it, possibly after consultation with other Admins, and will e-mail or 'yim' back a decision. A member is expected to accept any decision reached regarding a complaint or an appeal without further communication. Such a decision is final and binding.

10. ALTERATIONS AND INTERPRETATION OF RULES

10.1. These Rules may be subject to change at any time as deemed necessary and at the discretion of SS Admin.

10.2. By participating in the League, a member will be deemed to have given his or her assent to these Rules and agree to abide by the decisions of SS Admin and Staff.

10.3. All questions regarding interpretations of these Rules, or of any point not provided for by these Rules, will be referred to the Head Admin whose decision shall be final and binding on all concerned.