Official IPT 8 Bilijar
Official IPT 8 Bilijar
Official IPT 8 Bilijar
These rules are for the game of 8-Ball played at all IPT tour events. These rules are subject to change at any time. It
is the responsibility of the players to know and understand these rules before competing. The most important rule is
have fun, be honest, and be respectful to the other players and fans.
4.0 Winner Option to Break After the first break, the winner of each game has the option to break for the next game
or to have the opponent break.
6.1 8-ball in on break - If the 8 ball is pocketed on a legal break shot it is a win of game. If the 8 ball is pocketed
and the cue ball scratches or lands off the slate surface of the table, or any foul is committed, it is a loss of game.
6.2 Open table after break - Regardless of how many solids or striped balls are made on the break, the table is open
after the break. In an open table situation, any ball but the 8 ball can be hit first in any combination shot. Once
solids or stripes are determined for a player, only their respective balls (solids or stripes) can be struck first in a
combination shot. The 8 ball can be used in any combination shot, just not struck first.
6.3 Scratch or foul on break - If a player scratches or otherwise fouls on the break, the opponent has ball in hand
(with the original shooter on one foul), or having the balls re racked and being awarded the break (without the
opponent being on one foul).
6.4 Break Box - The cue ball must be placed anywhere behind the C-line and between the two non-center rail
markers on the short rail.If the shooter jumps any object ball off the table it is a foul and the incoming player is
awarded the choice explained in item 6.3. If the eight ball jumps the table on the break it is a loss of game for the
breaker.
Obvious shots need not be called, though if an opponent doesn't recognize the shot he retains the right to ask the
shooter, before the shooter goes down on the shot, what ball and pocket are called. None of the following are
considered obvious, even in their simplest forms: banks, kicks, combinations, masse, and jump shots. All of these
shots need to be called.
Opponent has the right to ask the shooter which ball and pocket is being called if it is not clearly obvious. If a shot
seems obvious, and the ball shot goes into another pocket and a dispute arises, a referee will make a final
determination.
b. The shooter's cue ball touches any numbered ball on the table, on an open table, with the exception of the eight
ball, and drives either it or any other ball after contact, or the cue ball to a rail.
c. The shooter's cue ball touches a numbered ball that corresponds with the shooters ball group (solids or stripes),
once determined, before hitting any other ball, and driving any ball or the cue ball to a rail thereafter, or pocketing
any ball except the eight ball (unless player is on the eight ball).
d. If an object ball is frozen to a rail and is the intended ball on which to make a legal hit, the cue ball must either
strike a rail after making contact with the frozen ball, or the frozen ball must contact a different rail.
Any failure to perform a legal shot is a foul and cue ball in hand is awarded to the incoming player.
9.0 Playing-
A player continues to play until he fails to pocket a ball that corresponds to his ball group (or any numbered ball but
the eight on an open table) or the eight ball once his ball group has been completely pocketed, or until a foul has
been committed. A player is allowed to call a "Safety" and by doing so is allowed to pocket a ball that corresponds
to his ball group while legally ending the inning.
a. All ball fouls- if a player touches any ball in any way other than a legal stroke; any touching of the cue ball with a
mechanical bridge, body part, piece of clothing, chalk, or anything related to the shooter. The only exception to this
rule is when a player has Ball in Hand, in which case it is legal to position the ball with the cue. If the front of the
cue tip touches the ball, such as in a shooting posture, it is a foul.
c. Any intentional moving, striking, disrupting, of any ball on the table at any time using any body part, element or
device.
d. Marking the table in any way with a piece of chalk or any other method.
a. The eight ball must always be the first ball contacted by the cue ball, and it or any other ball including the cue
ball must contact a rail after the initial hit. Failure to do this is a foul and the opponent is awarded cue ball in hand;
it is not a loss of game.
b. Combinations, caroms, kisses, are all legal as long as the eight ball is the first ball contacted by the cue ball.
d. If a player scratches or jumps the cue ball so that it comes to rest off the playing surface of the table while
playing the eight ball, it is a loss of game. Not making a legal hit on the eight ball, but leaving the cue ball on the
table, is a Ball in Hand foul- not an automatic loss of game.
18.0 Referees-
Referees are an integral part of any professional sport. In a situation where a referee presides over several tables, it
is the players' responsibility to call a referee to a table to watch a shot or make a determination. The shooter or the
opponent has the right to call a referee. If the opponent calls for a referee, it must be done before the shooter goes
down on the shot (if shooter plays quickly, then opponent must act quickly). If the shooter ignores the call for a
referee it is a foul. Since many languages are spoken by IPT players, it is best to call out "referee please." Referees'
decisions on shot calls, dispute resolution, or anything within the jurisdiction of the referee are final. If either player
feels as though the referee has made the wrong decision, the player(s) has the right to ask that the call be reviewed
by the Tour Director, or appointed Tournament Director (if any). The review will consist of the Director asking
each of the players for their opinion, as well as the referee's opinion, and the opinion of anyone the Director believes
could add insight to the situation. After review, the Director will make a final determination. After such a final
determination is made, any arguing or derogatory remarks toward an opponent, referee, witness, or Director, may
result in a one game penalty for each infraction and is at the discretion of the Director. If the Director is unavailable
or recuses himself from the situation, another referee shall take the position of a substitute Director and retains all
directorial power for that specific situation. Referees also have appointed responsibilities where they require no
invitation to preside over a game.
a. Sharking- defined as intentionally trying to distract your opponent which can include trying to intimidate
opponent either verbally or through gesture.
b. Player's Chair- players are required to be seated in a designated player's chair during the opponent's turn at the
table. At the end of an inning, the outgoing player should go directly to the chair and remain there until the
incoming player's inning has ended.
c. Intimidation- defined as the act of threatening a player, spectator, referee, or anyone verbally or through gesture.
e. Coaching- players are allowed to have one "cornerman" for coaching and support. However, discussions with the
"cornerman" should not be disruptive to the opponent while shooting. Cornermen must adhere to the player dress
code. Once a player has left his seat to start his inning he may not get coaching from the cornerman or anyone else.
Players should be aware that excessive coaching or discussion with the cornerman could put the player in jeopardy
of a slow-play penalty.
f. Dumping- defined as fixing the outcome of the game. Can result in instant disqualification from tournament
and/or suspension or loss of Tour Card.
h. Players are required to call fouls on themselves when they know that they have committed a foul.
20.0 Timeouts-
Players are allowed one time out per match which can only be taken during player's own inning unless mutually
agreed on by both players.
Timeouts should last no more than five minutes. If player is gone for an extended period of time, opponent should
consult a referee.
25.0 Scorekeeping
It is each player's responsibility to turn in a score card, signed by both players, immediately after a match to the
tournament direction table. Failing to turn in a score card can result in a forfeit for the non-recorded game.
26.0 Intoxication-
If the referee and / or Tournament or Tour Director deems that a player is drunk, high on drugs, or in any way
intoxicated or impaired by a legal or illegal substance, the player will be disqualified from the tournament.
These dress code guidelines are designed to make IPT players stand out as the well paid professionals and
celebrities that they are. We encourage individuality as well as comfort. The general rule of the IPT is "You can't
over dress!" When an IPT player walks into the room, everyone will KNOW "That's an IPT player!" The following
are the official IPT Dress Code Standards:
Male players -
The minimum expected dress code for male players is dress slacks, dress shoes (clean and polished), long sleeve
button-up dress shirt (with collar), and sport coat. While playing, players may remove their sport coat and roll up
their sleeves (if desired). The suggested dress code for male players is a formal suit and tie, with or without a vest, a
button-up dress shirt (with collar), and dress shoes, or a sport coat and tie.
Turtle necks may also be worn with a sport coat. While playing, players may remove their coat and tie if desired,
and roll up their sleeves. No short sleeve shirts are allowed. All shirts must be tucked in with the exception of
certain turtle necks.
Female players -
Expected & suggested dress code for female players is dress slacks, dress blouse or turtle neck, sweater, etc., and
dress shoes. Female players may opt to wear a skirt, or a dress. Casual sun dresses or any other casual attire is not
allowed. Sandals or flip-flops are not allowed. Other open style dress shoes may be allowed if they are dressy and
not casual. Players who are not sure if a specific shoe will meet code must have it cleared in advance by the Tour
Director.
All players -
The following clothing is not allowed: Jeans (any denim of any kind), khakis, sneakers, trainers, or any type of
gym-type shoe, flip-flops, sandals, baseball caps, berets, sock hats, visors, or any casual hat or cap.
Sponsorship Logos -
Players are allowed to display their sponsorship logo(s) as long as they are embroidered onto their shirts or blouses.
Players may display up to three logos on their shirts. Logos must be tastefully displayed and appropriately sized so
as not to detract from the dressy nature of IPT events.
Logos that are overly bold or obnoxious are not allowed. If there is any question whatsoever that a sponsorship
logo might not be compliant with the dress code, it is the responsibility of the player to have the logo size and
appearance cleared by the Tour Director.
General Appearance -
All players are expected to be neatly dressed. All players must wear a belt if their slacks have belt loops. Shoes
must be shined and in good condition.
Players are expected to be well groomed with regard to hair cuts, facial hair, and cleanliness.
Cue Cases -
Players are allowed and encouraged to display their sponsorship logo stickers on their cue cases. The IPT crew will
do their best to display cue cases on television programs for players who are on television tables.
These general rules apply to all pocket billiard games, UNLESS specifically noted to the contrary in the individual
game rules. To facilitate the use and understanding of these general rules, terms that may require definition are set
in italics so that the reader may refer to the Glossary of Billiard Terms section for the exact meaning of the term.
(f) The ball rests within the corner pocket and past the nose of the head cushion, or;
(g) The ball contacts the foot rail more than once. If both players violate automatic-loss lag rules, or if the referee
is unable to determine which ball is closer, the lag is a tie and is replayed.
(b) If on a stroke, the stroke is invalid and any pocketed balls are not counted to the shooter’s credit, and;
(c) Any ball(s) is re-spotted only if the rules of the specific game require it.
(b) Cause the cue ball or any numbered ball to contact a cushion or any part of the rail. Failure to meet these
requirements is a foul.
(c) The frozen ball being caused to contact a cushion attached to a separate rail, or;
(d) Another object ball being caused to contact a cushion with which it was not already in contact. Failure to
satisfy one of those four requirements is a foul. (Note: 14.1 and other games specify additional requirements
and applications of this rule; see specific game rules.) A ball which is touching a cushion at the start of a shot
and then is forced into a cushion attached to the same rail is not considered to have been driven to that
cushion unless it leaves the cushion, contacts another ball, and then contacts the cushion again. An object
ball is not considered frozen to a cushion unless it is examined and announced as such by either the referee
or one of the players prior to that object ball being involved in a shot.