Referee’s Guidance, Revision 2d (January 2026). This guidance accompanies the full International Eightball Rules. Always consult the full ruleset first for decisions and clarification. Prior knowledge of the full ruleset is required to understand this guide.
Contents
1. Spirit of the Game
The game shall be known as ‘International Eightball Pool’ with rules that must be played in a sporting manner at all times.
2. Equipment & Table Layout
Equipment permitted:
- (a) A white, called a cue ball
- (b) Two groups of object balls consisting of seven reds and seven yellows
- (c) An eight-ball
- (d) Spider, rest, gooseneck rest, cross rest
- (e) Prescribed cues
If any standard equipment in (d) above is unavailable, the referee should stop the match to retrieve a set from the senior referee or tournament director. This equipment should be available before a match commences, and checking it should form part of the referee’s duties.
Players may use their own purpose-made equipment, but it must be authorised by the senior referee or tournament director before playing in the competition.
Players must be made aware before the match starts that the shot clock runs at all times if they collect, use or put back any equipment they supply themselves. This includes rests, cues, cue extensions, chalk, hand towels etc.
Should a tip fall off a player’s cue, the referee will halt the match so the player can speak with the senior referee or tournament director about how long they have to re-tip the cue. Referees and players should always be aware of tournament rules, which may cover re-tipping. If a falling tip makes contact with any ball on the table, a standard foul is called.
If the table is incorrectly marked, the match should move to another table. If no tables are available, the match should be rescheduled. If all other available tables are also incorrectly marked, the match may be played on an incorrectly marked table only if both players agree. This also applies to damaged tables.
If there is no eight-ball spot marked and no table engineer is onsite to assist, the referee shall align the rack so the eight-ball sits in a direct line from the centre pocket to the opposite corner pocket at the top end of the table.
Table layout. The eight-ball spot sits where the lines from each centre pocket to the opposite top corner pocket cross.
3. The Object of the Game
The match referee will enforce the flow of any match so that it is played in accordance with the strict process by which a frame is won. Players must also adhere to the same strict process.
4. The Lag & The Break
The Lag
Referees should ensure there are no other balls, and no racking triangle, on the table when the lag is about to start. Players should have access to the full top rail to hit and not be restricted.
The referee may swap players over if one is left-handed and the other right-handed, so neither player’s cueing is impeded. As a rule, the right-handed player lags on the left of the table and the left-handed player on the right.
Balls used for the lag, in order of preference: two cue balls, or a red and a yellow ball. Do not use a cue ball and a group colour together, as they differ in size and weight.
Players strike their balls simultaneously towards the top cushion on the referee’s indication. If one player’s ball strikes the top cushion before the other player’s ball is hit (not simultaneous), both players re-lag.
The Break
When counting points scored on the break, the referee should ensure that any ball counted is:
- (a) Completely over the imaginary line drawn between the centres of the two centre pockets, or
- (b) Pocketed.
An object ball that fully passes the centre line AND is pocketed only counts as 1 point.
Take care that no object ball is counted twice. For example, a ball can pass the centre line, hit the baulk cushion, hit the top cushion and return back over the centre line. The same applies to balls that pass the centre line, hit a cushion and are kicked or contacted back over the centre line a second time.
5. The Rack
When a referee is officiating, players may not rack the balls or check the rack after the triangle (or other racking device) has been removed. Players rack their own balls when no referee is present.
Referees should ensure the eight-ball is racked on the eight-ball spot, and that the balls are racked in the correct sequence.
Correct racking sequence.
Referees may use their discretion when the balls are not tight enough or the head ball rolls away from the rack. In this case, rack the balls marginally higher or lower, to a maximum of 25mm or 1 inch (half an object ball’s diameter).
Players may not check any rack ‘close-up’ before the frame starts. If they see an obvious issue from where they stand at the baulk end of the table, they must tell the referee immediately.
6. In Play
6a. Deciding Groups
Definition: During an ‘open table’, an ‘obvious’ object ball that the cue ball makes initial contact with first becomes the ball ‘on’.
At any time during an open table, if a player pots an obvious object ball (the ball ‘on’) and the shot is not a foul, the referee verbally advises their group once all balls have come to rest.
While the table is open, if a player attempts to play an obvious object ball but misses it completely and the cue ball pots another ball of the same group they attempted, the player continues on that group. If the ball potted is from the opposite group, it is a ‘loss of turn’.
The referee should not request a group nomination when one is required, as this could be considered coaching. If a player calls a group when the table has an obvious layout, the referee calls ‘No nomination required’.
While the table is open, the eight-ball cannot be used as a ball ‘on’.
Once groups are decided, players cannot ask what group they are on. This would be deemed coaching.
6b. Continuing a Frame
A player is ‘in control’ of the table from the time all balls stop moving from the final shot of their opponent’s visit, to the time all balls stop moving from the final shot of their own visit.
6c. Combination Shots
Any attempted combination shot that fails to pot both the ball ‘on’ and an opponent’s ball results in a loss of turn, called as such by the referee.
Potting the eight-ball and then an opponent’s ball(s) is a legal shot and no penalty is awarded.
6d. Loss of Turn
Potting an opponent’s ball(s) without potting the ball ‘on’, having hit the ball ‘on’ first, results in a loss of turn. The opponent plays the cue ball from where it lies. Examples include an unsuccessful combination shot or a tactical/turnover shot.
On an open table:
- If a player makes an obvious attempt (no need to nominate) to hit a specific group, misses it completely (no contact) and pots the opposite group, the referee calls ‘loss of turn’ and the table remains open.
- If the cue ball makes initial contact with one group and the shot results in potting the opposite group only, the referee calls ‘loss of turn’ and the table remains open.
- If the intended group is not obvious, a nomination is required. For example, playing towards a cluster, or towards balls of each group in close proximity, or failing to nominate when a touching ball has been confirmed. After the shot, the referee calls ‘loss of turn’ and the table remains open.
- With no referee present, if a player calls one group but intentionally plays the opposite group to force a loss of turn, the player continues on the group potted. The nomination rule cannot be used to force a loss of turn.
Referee calls and actions
- CALL: Loss of turn.
ACTION: n/a
6e. Standard Fouls
As the rule states: “Shall be called as soon as they occur, the fouling player is in control until all balls from that shot have come to rest. The incoming player is awarded one visit and a cue ball in hand, which can be: a) Played from its current position, or b) Placed anywhere on the playing surface. The only exception to (a) is if the cue ball has come to rest and is touching an object ball and therefore must be repositioned.”
If a player has cue ball in hand after a foul, the cue ball is touching an object ball, and the player plays without repositioning it, a standard foul is given to the opponent under rule 6e(7): “Playing a shot before any balls that require re-spotting or replacing have been re-spotted or replaced”.
With a referee present: The instant the referee is aware of a foul, they make the appropriate call. When all balls have stopped, they call the penalty. The referee will recover the cue ball, offer it to the incoming player or place it on the playing surface against the baulk cushion, and call “Time Running”. If the incoming player asks for the cue ball to be left in position, the referee immediately calls “Time Running” and the player is still free to pick up the cue ball at any point.
After an “In-off”, the referee or player may recover the cue ball from the return box. The referee calls “Time Running” the moment the player’s hand is in the return box, even if the cue ball hasn’t arrived yet. If the player takes their time, the referee will recover the cue ball, place it against the baulk cushion and call “Time Running”.
With no referee present: Once the fouling player acknowledges the foul, the incoming player may pick up the cue ball or play it from where it lies. A loss of frame foul (rule 6f(9)) is awarded if the fouling player passes the cue ball to the incoming player, or the incoming player moves the cue ball before the foul is acknowledged.
The referee or opposing player must not stop a player who may be about to commit a foul. The action must take its course and a foul is called if committed. If two or more fouls occur in the same shot, the foul with the most severe penalty is called.
- 6e(1) The cue ball falling into a pocket and remaining off the playing surface is an ‘in-off’. If the cue ball hits the back of the pocket and returns to the table, it is NOT an in-off.
- 6e(2) A player positions the cue ball over the break line by more than 50% of its diameter.
- 6e(3) Playing a shot when a player does not have the right to do so is playing out of turn. This can apply at any time during a frame.
- 6e(4) A player may position the cue ball with the shaft of the cue when they have ball in hand. Only the tip may strike the cue ball to perform a legal shot. If the referee believes the breach was deliberate, consider whether the spirit of the game has been breached (rule 6f(2)).
- 6e(5) Accidentally striking any object ball with any part of the cue, including the tip, is a foul. If deliberate, consider rule 6f(2).
- 6e(6) No further advice needed.
- 6e(7) No further advice needed.
- 6e(8) Referees should be sure the words or actions can be interpreted as coaching. If suspected coaching causes a player to visibly alter their shot or change how they are looking at the table, or there is a definite instruction, the referee issues a first and final warning (if one has not already been given).
- 6e(9) To leave the arena for a bona fide reason, a player must get permission from the referee (or opponent if no referee is present). Referees should not agree to excessive comfort breaks; competition rules may set the limit. Leaving the arena during a frame is generally not allowed unless agreed with the tournament director, for example for a medical reason.
- 6e(10) A push shot can be determined when the cue ball, having struck the object ball, follows it in a similar direction AND at a similar speed when the balls were in close proximity before the shot, OR when the tip is still in contact with the cue ball after it has started its forward motion.
- 6e(11) Seeing the cue follow through and/or hearing a double contact is not enough to make a call. It must be a visible contact.
- 6e(12) See rule 6p ‘Legal Shot’. Potting or hitting an opponent’s ball first, for example when escaping a snooker, is deemed accidental unless it is clear and obvious the shot was deliberate, which carries the greater penalty of loss of frame.
- 6e(13) The player must always have at least one foot on the floor, meaning the sole of the shoe touching the floor. The foot must be inside the shoe, not out of it and resting on top.
- 6e(14) See rule 6o ‘Touching Balls’.
- 6e(15) See rule 6l ‘Balls off the Table’.
- 6e(16) No further advice needed.
- 6e(17) A jump shot refers to the action of the cue ball on first striking. If the cue ball jumps but hits the object ball on the back, it is not a jump shot; the cue ball must completely clear the object ball. If the cue ball clears the object ball, hits a cushion and returns to hit that ball, it is a jump shot. If the cue ball first contacts a cushion and then jumps an object ball, it is also a jump shot. Once the cue ball’s first contact is with the intended ball, any balls jumped afterwards are not jump shots.
- 6e(18) Deliberately marking the playing surface or cushions to assist a shot is a standard foul (e.g. chalk from the tip, a finger mark, or placing chalk or a coin in a strategic position). The referee should remove any marks or items. If the player persists, consider a breach of the spirit of the game.
- 6e(19) See rule 6j ‘Shot Clock’.
Referee calls and actions
- CALL: Foul, ball in hand.
ACTION: Retrieve and offer the cue ball to the incoming player.
- CALL: Time running.
6f. Loss of Frame Fouls
- 6f(1) Prohibits deliberately striking an opponent’s ball first. This does not include accidents (miscues, missing a fine cut).
- 6f(2) Not playing in the spirit of the game (unsporting behaviour), for example (but not limited to): (a) audible bad language for a second time after a warning; (b) excessive hitting of the table, physically or with a cue; (c) dismantling a cue or placing it in its case; (d) constant arguing with the referee or opponent, or refusing to accept the referee/senior referee’s decision; (e) gamesmanship, such as interfering with the opponent’s shot verbally or physically, jangling coins, noisily chalking, moving in the opponent’s eye line or making audible comments; (f) repeatedly marking the table; (g) deliberately trying to stop the cue ball going ‘in-off’ by any means. A player cannot assume an outcome will happen (the cue ball could jump back out of the pocket).
- 6f(3) No further advice needed.
- 6f(4) No further advice needed.
- 6f(5) Prevents refusing to play a shot (including a deliberate time fail, but not any time foul; it must be deliberate) or playing a deliberate foul instead of a legitimate attempt to escape a snooker. If a player attempts the ball ‘on’ but leaves the cue ball well short, the referee may call it a deliberate act, for example to avoid disturbing balls near the ball ‘on’ to gain an advantage. If the referee cannot reach a definite conclusion, they should first warn the player that they cannot be 100% sure it was a poor enough attempt, and that a similar shot will result in loss of frame.
- 6f(6) No further advice needed.
- 6f(7) No further advice needed.
- 6f(8) No further advice needed.
- 6f(9) Given when: the fouling player passes the cue ball to the incoming player; the incoming player moves the cue ball before the foul is acknowledged; or a player deliberately moves any object ball, whether to gain an advantage or just having a laugh with friends.
Referee calls and actions
- CALL: Foul, loss of frame.
ACTION: Proceed to rack the balls for the next frame.
6g. Stalemate Situation
Players must always ask for a stalemate if they believe one exists. The rule is clear: “if there is no path ‘out’ for the cue ball or no path ‘into’ the ball ‘on’ in order to play a legal shot, a stalemate is given”.
However ridiculous an escape may be, the shot is never impossible, only improbable. The referee will not apply the ‘laws of physics’ or consider a player’s ability. Judgement is based solely on the rule.
Referee calls and actions
- ACTION: Call timeout and evaluate the table as to whether a shot is possible for the incoming player.
CALL: Stalemate / No stalemate, time running.
6h. Frozen Balls
For frozen balls there are six cushions: baulk cushion, top cushion, left-hand side top, left-hand side baulk, right-hand side top and right-hand side baulk.
If a frozen ball, when struck, leaves its cushion and returns to the same cushion without touching another cushion, it is NOT a legal shot, unless:
- (a) The frozen ball contacts an object ball, forcing that ball into a cushion, or
- (b) The cue ball contacts a cushion after contact with the frozen ball, or
- (c) The cue ball, after contacting the frozen ball, misses the cushions but contacts an object ball, forcing it into a cushion.
A simultaneous contact between a frozen ball and the cushion it is frozen to is NOT a legal shot.
If both the object ball and cue ball are frozen to the same cushion, then:
- (a) A ball ‘on’ must be potted, or
- (b) Either the cue ball or frozen ball must contact a different cushion, or
- (c) Any other object ball must be caused to contact any cushion.
Referee calls and actions
- ACTION: Call timeout and evaluate the frozen ball(s).
CALL: Frozen ball.
ACTION: Indicate which ball is touching the cushion.
6i. Outside Interference
Everything in the rules is clear and concise. Note: if the interference was deliberate, the players and spectators receive a first and final warning. If it happens again, the person will be disqualified from the competition or removed from the venue.
6j. Shot Clock
All calls are made clearly and audibly for the benefit of players and spectators.
A ‘time foul’ is called when the audible signal for zero sounds AND the player has not made contact with the cue ball. If a manual stopwatch is used, the timekeeper calls ‘time foul’ at zero.
If the referee has any doubt about a close time foul, they should consult TV replays (if available) or give the benefit of the doubt to the player at the table.
After a time foul, the shot clock or stopwatch is not reset and started for the incoming player until ‘time running’ is called. If balls need re-spotting, the clock does not start until the referee calls ‘time running’, with both players remaining seated until then.
If a VDU (visual display unit) shows the score, shot clock and extensions, the player should not be penalised if the timekeeper fails to update it or there is a computer malfunction.
Stopwatch (if used): timekeepers should not stare at the stopwatch to the detriment of their other duties. If the five seconds call is made late, the player still gets five seconds from when the call is made.
The shot clock for the incoming player normally starts the instant the referee decides all balls have stopped moving, and stops the moment the cue ball is struck.
6k. Balls Falling into a Pocket
Any balls that drop before a shot starts are replaced to their original position. The referee may need to call a timeout to do this. The player should not lose shot clock time; pause the clock and restart it when the referee calls ‘time running’.
Any balls that drop during a shot, when not part of the shot (or would have been played but dropped before contact), are replaced and the player continues with no penalty. If the dropped ball would have been played as part of the shot, ALL balls are replaced to their original positions, resetting the shot. The player may attempt the same shot or choose a different one, with no penalty.
If the match is broadcast, the referee may ask the production crew for a freeze frame of the ball positions. If both players are not satisfied, the referee must make further attempts to satisfy them. A re-rack can only be granted by the referee if they feel they cannot return the balls to their original positions. A player cannot enforce a re-rack.
6l. Balls off the Playing Surface
The playing surface is the flat surface between the cushions.
At ANY point in a frame (break or in play), if a ball leaves the playing surface and does not return of its own accord, it is a standard foul and the ball(s) are re-spotted (rules 6e(15), 6l and 6m).
A ball that leaves the playing surface must return of its own accord. If it contacts an object (not part of the table) or a person and then returns, a standard foul is called. If it leaves the playing surface, runs along a cushion and returns (or is potted if a ball ‘on’), it is not a foul.
A ball is deemed ‘pocketed’ if: (a) it falls into a pocket, or (b) it sits over a pocket so that, although touching the playing surface, the centre point of the ball is over the pocket and not on the playing surface.
Deemed pocketed: the centre point of each ball is beyond the playing surface and resting over a pocket.
6m. Re-spotting Balls
Object balls that remain off the table are returned to the eight-ball spot, or as close as possible to it in a direct line towards the top cushion. If there is no space between the spot and the top cushion, place them in a direct line from the eight-ball spot towards the baulk cushion. Place balls as close as possible to other balls without touching them.
When returning multiple balls, the order is: eight-ball first, reds second, then yellows.
6n. Players’ Responsibility
If a player asks for clarification of a rule, the referee must be aware of whether the answer could affect the shot the player is considering. Choice of shot is the player’s responsibility, and the referee’s advice cannot affect the outcome of a shot or frame. Clarification must not be construed as coaching. Clarification is requested in the player’s own time; no timeout is granted.
Players must not approach the table during a timeout, as this would gain an advantage while no shot clock is running. The referee should first warn the player and ask them to stay seated. If they do it again, the referee may award the frame to the opponent for gamesmanship (rule 6f(2)).
6o. Touching Balls
The referee (or player if no referee is present) calls all touching balls.
A player must play away from ALL touching balls at an angle of 90 degrees (perpendicular) or greater. A touching ball that rocks or moves slightly because it was resting on the cue ball is not a foul if played away at greater than 90 degrees.
On an open table, a touching ball requires the player to call a group to clarify the intended shot. The call does not set the group for the rest of the frame; only the first legal ball potted does that. If no call is made, a loss of turn is called regardless of the outcome.
6p. Legal Shot
A player must always attempt a legal shot, whatever the situation. Two elements are needed:
- (a) Strike the ball ‘on’ first, AND THEN
- (b) Pot a ball, or another ball indirectly (except the eight-ball if not ‘on’), OR cause the cue ball or any object ball (including the eight-ball if not ‘on’) to contact a cushion.
During an open table, the ball ‘on’ is the first ball contacted for the purposes of a legal shot.
For ‘contacting a cushion’, the six pockets count as cushions. This covers object balls that are potted and jump back out onto the playing surface without any ball contacting a cushion.
Simultaneous contact is allowed as long as one of the contacted object balls is ‘on’.
On an open table, simultaneous contact requires the player to have nominated a group (because the shot is not obvious, rule 6a(5)), which declares the intended group as the ball ‘on’. If no nomination was made before the shot, the referee calls loss of turn (rule 6d(4)).
7. Completion of a Frame
The frame is complete when a player pockets the eight-ball legally and all balls have come to rest. The referee calls ‘Frame’ to indicate the frame has finished, then proceeds with the normal steps to start the next frame or allows a comfort break. The referee may use this time to speak with the senior referee on any matter, but must tell the players beforehand.
Annex A: Timeouts or Play Halted
During a timeout or stoppage, neither player is in control of the table. Referees should ensure both players stand or sit away from the table. If a player takes a shot or involves themselves in the frame during a timeout, they are deemed to have played out of turn and a standard foul is called. Timeouts are at the referee’s discretion.
A timeout may be called when:
- (a) A player requests a rest or bridge
- (b) Something or someone is obstructing the player
- (c) The referee has to make a decision or call in a senior referee
- (d) The referee has to replace or re-spot a ball
- (e) A player sustains an injury needing medical attention or a few minutes to recover
Some of these can be overruled by tournament/competition rulings. Referees must know all relevant tournament rulings.
Timeouts will NOT be granted for:
- (a) Cleaning a ball (can be done in the player’s own time)
- (b) A toilet break
- (c) Searching for a dropped item
- (d) Fetching refreshments
Annex B: Glossary of Terms
- Push Shot: A shot where the cue tip stays in contact with the cue ball until the cue ball touches the object ball (see 6e(10)).
- Table: Collective term for the carcass, slate, cloth, rails and pockets.
- Playing Surface: The slate and cloth; the area that houses the balls in play.
- Cushions: Also known as rails. Six per table, between each pocket.
- Pockets: Also known as bags or holes.
- Break Line: A straight line across the width of the playing surface marking the end of the baulk area.
- Baulk: The area you break from, normally 1/5th the length of the playing surface.
- Baulk Cushion: The cushion parallel to the break line, used as the reference for the lag. Also known as the bottom cushion.
- Top Cushion: The cushion opposite the baulk cushion, normally where the balls are racked before being moved into position.
- Frozen Ball: Any object ball touching a cushion.
- Touching Ball: Any object ball the cue ball is touching.
- Open Table: No groups decided; a player may play at any group.
- Combination Shot: Potting your own ball and an opponent’s ball in a single shot. Your group must be hit first.
- Tactical Shot: Hitting your own group first then potting an opponent’s ball, with no attempt to pot your own, to gain an advantage.
- Rack: The initial triangle formation of balls before the frame starts.
- Nap: The directional grain of the cloth. Smooth when brushed from baulk to top cushion, resistant the other way.
- Ball ‘On’: Any ball from your group, including the eight-ball once your group is potted, during your visit.
- Visit: Also known as turn. When you are in control of the table and your opponent is not.
- Pot: Making a ball fall into one of the six pockets.
- Frame: A single game of pool.
- Match: Multiple frames of pool.
- Extension: Additional time given to extend the original shot time.
- Concession: A player gives up the match and loses it. The referee must see or hear something to conclude the match, e.g. shaking hands, throwing a towel on the table, or verbally conceding.
- In-Off: The cue ball is potted during a shot.
Source: Referee’s Guidance, Revision 2d (Jan 2026). Copyright © International Referees Organisation 2026.