CueSports International operates the BCA Pool League, which was originally operated by the Billiard Congress of America. The BCA Pool League is an umbrella membership organization for pool leagues worldwide. The BCA Pool League has more than 50,000 members, and there are over 500 leagues across eight countries.
The BCA Pool League, the oldest pool league sanctioning organisation in the globe, is still being operated by the BCA. Originally operated by the BCA, the organization 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 were designed to allow for team play. Each team may have up to eight players. Each player can play one to two rounds per round. Players must be members. All players must also sign an official Code of Conduct and Ethics agreement. The Hall of Fame honors great players.
To unify leagues around the globe, the BCA Pool League was created in 1978. It was intended to provide pool leagues with economies of scale. The organization is a strong force in pool with over 450 leagues across eight countries. It is also a major sponsor of WPBA Tour, the top pool tournament in North America.
BCA Pool League rules were created to ensure fair play and promote sportsmanship. Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart founded the league. They were also professional pool players. In 1981, they founded the American Poolplayers Association (APA). It has two international affiliates, the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPBA) and the Japanese Poolplayers Association (JPA).
The BCA Pool League features nine-ball, eight-ball, and regulation 9-foot table play. The nine-ball matches are based on points. To win, each player must score two points or more. Players must play eight-ball at a skill level three or higher. Eight points will be awarded to the player with the highest number of games won. If the match has been postponed for any reason, the match must still be played within three working weeks. The match is forfeited if the player cannot play within the three-week deadline.
Players must register with BCA Pool League to pay BCA membership 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 include "Applied Rulings" from 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 can make placement decisions. He or she also has to ensure that competitive levels are similar between divisions. The league director is also responsible to ensure that all teams are equal and no team is considered superior.
The BCA Pool League rules contain an APA handicapping program called the "Equalizer". This system was created to give every player a fair chance at winning.