Originally operated by the Billiard Congress of America (BCA), the BCA Pool League is now operated by CueSports International. The BCA Pool League is an umbrella membership organization for pool leagues worldwide. It has more than 50,000 members and over 500 leagues in eight different countries.
The BCA Pool League was founded in 1897 and is the oldest sanctioning pool league organization in the entire world. Originally operated by the BCA, the organization was sold to CueSports International in 2004. The organization has more than 450 local leagues in eight countries and is a major presence in Canada.
BCA Pool League rules are designed to accommodate team play. Teams have a maximum of eight players. Each member of the team can only play one or two rounds. Players must be members of the BCA. The organization also has an official Code of Conduct and Ethics agreement that all players must sign. The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding players.
The BCA Pool League was set up in 1978 in order to unify different leagues across the globe. It was designed to offer pool leagues economies-of-scale. The organization boasts more than 450 leagues and eight countries. It is now a formidable force in pool. The WPBA Tour is North America's most popular pool tournament. It has been a major sponsor.
BCA Pool League rules are designed to encourage fair play and good sportsmanship. Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart created the league. They were professional pool players. 1981 saw the founding of the American Poolplayers Association. It has two international affiliates, the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPBA) and the Japanese Poolplayers Association (JPA).
The BCA Pool League offers nine-ball as well as eight-ball play on regulation 9 foot tables. Points are the basis of nine-ball matches. To win, the player must score 2 or more points. Players must have a minimum skill level of 3 or more to play in the eight-ball. The round's winner is the one who has won the most games. This earns the player eight points. The match must be played within the next three weeks if it is postponed. The match is forfeited if the player cannot play within the three-week deadline.
All players must register with the BCA Pool League, and pay BCA member fees. All dues must be clearly indicated on scoresheets. In order to count a player's scores, he or she must pay all the 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 the authority to place players. He or she is also responsible to ensure that the competitive levels of all divisions are comparable. 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 meant to give everyone a chance to win.