CueSports International has taken over the operation of the Billiard Congress of America's Pool League. The BCA Pool League serves as an umbrella membership organization for all pool leagues around the world. The BCA Pool League has more than 50,000 members, and there are over 500 leagues across eight countries.
The BCA Pool League is the oldest pool league sanctioning organization in the world. The original organization was operated by the BCA. It was sold to CueSports International, in 2004. It is a significant presence in Canada with more than 450 leagues across eight countries.
BCA Pool League rules can be used to support team play. A maximum of eight players can be in a team. Each team member may only play one to two games per round. Players must be BCA members. The organization also has an official Code of Conduct and Ethics agreement that all players must sign. The organization also has a Hall of Fame that honors great players.
In 1978, the BCA Pool League was founded to unify all independent leagues in the world. It was designed to offer pool leagues economies-of-scale. The organization boasts more than 450 leagues and eight countries. It is now a formidable force in pool. It is also a major sponsor of WPBA Tour, the top pool tournament in North America.
BCA Pool League rules are designed to encourage fair play and good sportsmanship. Terry Bell founded the league with Larry Hubbart. They were both professional pool players. They established the American Poolplayers Association (APA) in 1981. It has two international affiliates, the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPBA) and the Japanese Poolplayers Association (JPA).
The BCA Pool League has nine-ball or eight-ball matches on regulation 9-foot tables. The points system is used to determine the outcome of the nine-ball matches. To win, the player must score 2 or more points. The eight-ball requires players to have a skill level at least three. The player who wins eight games per round is the winner. If the match is postponed, the match must be played within three weeks. If the player is not able to play within three week, the match will be forfeited.
Players must register and pay dues to the BCA Pool League. All dues must be clearly indicated on scoresheets. A player who fails to pay all dues will have his scores removed.
BCA Pool League rules include "Applied Rulings" that are derived from large-scale tournament management. These rules include the lag time rule which requires that the ball be shot only after the ball of the opponent touches the foot cushion.
The league director is able to make placement decisions. He or she also has to ensure that competitive levels are similar between divisions. The league director also has to ensure that all players are treated equally.
The BCA Pool League rules contain an APA handicapping program called the "Equalizer". This system gives each player an equal chance of winning.