Originally operated by the Billiard Congress of America (BCA), the BCA Pool League is now operated by CueSports International. The BCA Pool League, an umbrella membership organization that supports pool leagues all over the world, is operated by CueSports International. It has more than 50,000 members and over 500 leagues in eight different countries.
The BCA Pool League is the oldest pool league sanctioning organization in the world. The organization was originally operated by the BCA. In 2004, CueSports International purchased it. It has over 450 leagues throughout eight countries, and is a prominent presence in Canada.
BCA Pool League rules can be used to support team play. Each team may have up to eight players. Each player on the team may play only one or two games per round. Players must be members of the BCA. All players must sign the official Code of Conduct and Ethics. The Hall of Fame honors great players.
To unify leagues around the globe, the BCA Pool League was created in 1978. It was established to give pool leagues economies of scale. With more than 450 leagues in eight countries, the organization has become a powerful force in pool. It has become a major sponsor in the WPBA Tour. This is North America's premier pool tournament.
BCA Pool League rules allow for fair play, and encourage good sportsmanship. The league was founded by Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart. They were all professional pool players. In 1981, they established the American Poolplayers Association. It has two international associates, the World Pool-Billiard Association WPBA or the Japanese Poolplayers Association JPA.
The BCA Pool League has nine-ball or eight-ball matches on regulation 9-foot tables. The nine-ball matches are scored on points. To win, the player must score 2 or more points. To win the eight-ball, players need to be at least three levels of skill. The player who wins eight games per round is the winner. The match must be played within the next three weeks if it is postponed. If the opponent is unable or unwilling to play in the scheduled time, they will lose the match.
Players must register with BCA Pool League to pay BCA membership dues. All dues paid must clearly be indicated on score sheets. A player who fails to pay all dues will have his scores removed.
BCA Pool League rules include "Applied Rulings" that are derived from large-scale tournament management. 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 has full authority to make placements. The league director also has the responsibility of ensuring that each division is competitive. The league director is also responsible for ensuring that all players are treated equally and that no team is favored over another.
BCA Pool League rules also contain an APA handicapping method known as the "Equalizer". This system is meant to give everyone a chance to win.