CueSports International has taken over the operation of the Billiard Congress of America's Pool League. The BCA Pool League, an umbrella membership organization that supports pool leagues all over the world, is operated by CueSports International. The association has over 50,000 members. It also has over 500 leagues located in eight countries.
The BCA Pool League is one of the oldest sanctioning organizations for pool leagues in the world. The BCA originally managed the organization. CueSports International purchased the company in 2004. The organization has more than 450 local leagues in eight countries and is a major presence in Canada.
BCA Pool League rules have been designed to facilitate team play. Each team can have no more than eight members. Each player can play one to two rounds per round. All players must be members. All players must sign the official Code of Conduct and Ethics. A Hall of Fame is also available to honor great players.
The BCA Pool League was formed in 1978 to unify the independent leagues all over the world. It was created to bring pool leagues together with economies of size. The organization boasts more than 450 leagues and eight countries. It is now a formidable force in pool. It is also a major sponsor for the WPBA Tour which is the most prestigious pool tournament in North America.
BCA Pool League rules promote fair play and sportsmanship. Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart created the league. They were also 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 is a nine-ball and eight ball league that plays on 9-foot tables. The points system is used to determine the outcome of the nine-ball matches. To win, the player must score at least two points. Players must play eight-ball at a skill level three or higher. The player who wins the most games for the round scores eight points. If the match has been postponed for any reason, the match must still be played within three working weeks. If the player is unavailable for three weeks or more, the match is forfeited.
Players must register with the BCA Pool League and pay BCA member dues. All dues paid must be clearly indicated on score sheets. A player who fails to pay all dues will have his scores removed.
BCA Pool League rules also incorporate "Applied Rulings", which are large-scale tournament administration. These rules include the "lag timing rule", which stipulates that the ball must not be fired until the opponent's ball touches the foot cushion.
The league director has full authority to make placements. The league director also has the responsibility of ensuring that each division is competitive. The league director is also responsible for ensuring that all players are treated equally and that no team is favored over another.
The "Equalizer" APA handicapping system is also part of the BCA Pool League rules. This system is intended to give all players a chance to win.