CueSports International has taken over the operation of the Billiard Congress of America's Pool League. 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, the oldest pool league sanctioning organisation in the globe, is still being operated by the BCA. The original organization was operated by the BCA. It was sold to CueSports International, in 2004. It is a significant presence in Canada with more than 450 leagues across eight countries.
BCA Pool League rules were designed to allow for team play. Teams have a maximum of eight players. Each team member may only play one to two games per round. All players must be members. All players must sign an official Code of Conduct and Ethics agreement. 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 established to give pool leagues economies of scale. It has grown to become a significant force in pool. It is also a major sponsor of WPBA Tour, the top pool tournament in North America.
BCA Pool League rules allow for fair play, and encourage good sportsmanship. Terry Bell, Larry Hubbart and others founded the league. They were pool professionals. In 1981, they founded the American Poolplayers Association (APA). 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. The nine-ball matches are based on points. To win, a player must score two or more points. Players must play eight-ball at a skill level three or higher. 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 for the BCA Pool League. All dues must be clearly noted on score sheets. If a player does not pay all dues, his or her scores will not be counted.
BCA Pool League rules also include "Applied Rulings" from large-scale tournament administration. These rules include the lag time rule which requires that the ball be shot only after the ball of the opponent touches the foot cushion.
The league director has the right to make placement decisions. The league director also has the responsibility of ensuring that each division is competitive. The league director has the responsibility of ensuring that all participants are treated equally and that no player is favored over another.
The "Equalizer" APA handicapping system is also part of the BCA Pool League rules. This system is designed to give each player a fair chance to win.