CueSports International operates the BCA Pool League, which was originally operated by the Billiard Congress of America. The BCA Pool League serves as an umbrella membership organization for all pool leagues around the world. The group has over 50,000 member and more than 500 leagues in 8 countries.
The BCA Pool League, the oldest pool league sanctioning organisation in the globe, is still being operated by the BCA. The BCA originally managed the organization. CueSports International purchased the company in 2004. The organization operates in Canada through more than 450 leagues and is well-known in other countries.
BCA Pool League rules are designed to accommodate team play. Each team may have up to eight players. Each player may only play one or more games per round. Players must be BCA members. The organization also has an official Code of Conduct and Ethics agreement that all players must sign. The organization also has a Hall of Fame that honors great players.
In 1978, the BCA Pool League was founded to unify all independent leagues in the world. It was established to give pool leagues economies of scale. The organization is a strong force in pool with over 450 leagues across eight countries. It has also become a major sponsor of the WPBA Tour, which is the premier pool tournament in North America.
BCA Pool League rules allow for fair play, and encourage good sportsmanship. Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart created the league. They were both professional pool players. In 1981, they founded the American Poolplayers Association (APA). It has two international members, the World Pool-Billiard Association WPBA (World Pool-Billiard Association) and Japanese Poolplayers Association JPA (JPA).
The BCA Pool League has nine-ball or eight-ball matches on regulation 9-foot tables. The points system determines the winner of the nine-ball match. To win, the player must score at least two points. To win the eight-ball, players need to be at least three levels of skill. The player who wins the most games for the round scores eight points. The match must be played within three week if the match is delayed. The match is forfeited if the player cannot play within the three-week deadline.
Players must register with the BCA Pool League and pay BCA member dues. All dues paid must be clearly indicated on score sheets. Scores will be canceled if a player fails to pay all dues.
BCA Pool League rules contain "Applied Rules" from large-scale tournament admin. 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 is responsible for ensuring that all divisions are competitive. The league director also has to ensure that all players are treated equally.
The BCA Pool League rules contain an APA handicapping program called the "Equalizer". This system is intended to give all players a chance to win.