Originally operated by the Billiard Congress of America (BCA), the BCA Pool League is now operated by CueSports International. The BCA Pool League umbrella membership group is for pool leagues in all countries. The association has over 50,000 members. It also has over 500 leagues located in eight countries.
The BCA Pool League is the oldest pool league sanctioning organization 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 were designed to allow for team play. Teams have a maximum of eight players. Each member of the team can only play one or two rounds. All players must be members. All players must also sign an official Code of Conduct and Ethics agreement. The organization also has a Hall of Fame that honors 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. With more than 450 leagues in eight countries, the organization has become a powerful 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, Larry Hubbart and others founded the league. They were also professional pool players. They established the American Poolplayers Association (APA) in 1981. It has two international associates, the World Pool-Billiard Association WPBA or the Japanese Poolplayers Association JPA.
The BCA Pool League features nine-ball, eight-ball, and regulation 9-foot table play. The points system determines the winner of the nine-ball match. To win, the player must score at least two points. Players must have a minimum skill level of 3 or more to play in the eight-ball. Eight points will be awarded to the player with the highest number of games won. The match must be played within three week if the match is delayed. If the player is unable to play within three weeks, he or she loses the match.
Players must register with the BCA Pool League and pay BCA member dues. All dues must be clearly noted on score sheets. In order to count a player's scores, he or she must pay all the dues.
BCA Pool League rules also incorporate "Applied Rulings", which are large-scale tournament administration. These rules include the lag timing rule, which states that the ball must be shot after the opponent's ball contacts 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 responsible for making sure that all players are treated equally, and that no one team is preferred over the other.
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.