League Rules
MORLEY POOL LEAGUE – LEAGUE RULES
These rules set out how the Morley Pool League is run, how matches are played, and what is expected of teams and players throughout the season. They exist to ensure fair competition, consistent match standards, and good sportsmanship across all divisions.
The rules cover everything from match formats and scoring, player registration, and league meetings, through to disciplinary matters, finances, and dispute resolution. They also explain how league positions, bonus points, penalties, and walkovers are handled, so every team knows exactly where they stand.
All teams, players and venues are required to follow these rules at all times. Any changes can only be made at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) by a vote of the teams, ensuring the league remains transparent and democratic.
The Morley Pool League is built on fair play, respect, and competition, and these rules protect both the integrity of the league and the enjoyment of everyone involved.
GENERAL
1) League rules will be strictly applied to all teams and may only be amended or added to at the A.G.M., with a simple majority vote of teams present.
2) The League Committee will ensure these rules are adhered to. Should any situation arise which is not covered in these rules, or there is any dispute as to the interpretation of the rules, the matter will be referred to a full League meeting.
3) All Players and Teams will be expected to behave in a sportsmanlike manner, any Team or Players who behave otherwise will be expelled from the League.
4) All Trophies and Cups will always remain the property of the Morley Pool League.
LEAGUE MATCHES
5) Match sequence;
4 Singles
1 Scotch Doubles
3 Singles
1 Scotch Doubles
Players may play two singles and /or one Doubles (players cannot play twice in the first 4 games and only the first game played will count to the players averages).
6) The Home Team will referee the first frame; the away Team will break. Thereafter Teams will Referee and break alternately.
7) A) The Home Team will pay for the cost of the games. B) The home team must write the names of their players on the score sheet first.
8) Teams will be awarded 1 point for each frame won, the Team winning the match will be awarded 2 bonus points. If a team has less than 5 players and wins the match they will not receive the 2 bonus points. A minimum of 5 different players are required to play 1 game of singles to be awarded the bonus ponts. Score sheets should be handed in at the next League meeting. Teams will be deducted 1 point for each score sheet not received.
9) Both Teams will be responsible to ensure the result sheet is sent in via WhatsApp or Messenger before 12 noon the next day, any team not sending in the result will be deducted 2 points.
10) Matches will start at 8;00 pm. prompt, should a team be more than 15 minutes late, the team present may claim the first frame, additional frames may be claimed at 10 minute intervals.
11) If a Team fails to turn up for a match the Team present will be awarded a total of 11 points. The Team failing to turn up will be fined except under exceptional circumstances;
a. Givin No penalty
b. Giving 24 hours notice; �5 fine
c. Giving less than 24 hours notice; �10 fine.
12) Any points lost through the season will not be reinstated at anytime.
13) If a team fields less than 4 players, the opposing team will be awarded the frames not played.
14) The reason why any frames have been claimed should be written in the appropriate space on the score sheet, e.g. Claimed – late etc.
15) If a team fields an unregistered player, any frames won by that player will be forfeited.
16) Any complaints as to the condition of the table must be made before the start of the match.
17) League matches may not be postponed for any reason.
18) If a Team leaves the League before completing 50% of the season, all points scored against such a Team will be void, if after completing 50% of the matches results for the first half of the season will stand. After completing 80% of the season, all results will stand. Teams still to play the Team will receive a total of 11 points.
REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS
19) A maximum of 10 and a minimum of 5 players can be registered on the registration form, which must be handed in before the start of the season.
20) Teams can register additional players up to half way through the season by signing the score sheet, only up to the maximum of 10 players.
21) Transfers will not be allowed.
22) Exceptions to (19) & (20) will only be allowed subject to approval by the committee.
23) No team will be allowed to register more than 1 mens County A team player, not including players who were registered with their team before qualifying for the County team.
24) No player can play for a team if he also plays for another team in a different league on the same night if the seasons cross over.
25) The current Licensee, Manager, Steward etc. will be allowed to play for their team at any time and do not need to register. Except where the venue has more than 1 Team when the Licensee will be subject to the same rules as any other player.
MATCH RULES
26) All matches will be played to the rules of the English Pool Association, prior to 1st Jan 1998 (available at www.morleypool.co.uk), with the exception that following a foul the player must ask the Referee to replace the white ball (if required). A player picking the white ball up may result in a foul being called. When a player pockets a ball from the break the next legally potted ball is the colour they are on (there is no requirement to nominate).
27) A copy of these rules will be provided for each team, the home team will ensure a copy is available on match nights
KNOCKOUTS
28) The League reserves the right to refuse entry to any of its knockout competitions.
29) Only registered players can play in the knockouts.
LEAGUE MEETINGS
30) Each Team is responsible for sending a representative to League meetings, failure to attend will result in the loss of 2 points. Where a venue has more than 1 team, 1 player will be allowed to represent both teams.
31) The League will not accept responsibility for any default or penalty incurred due to that team not being represented at League meetings.
FINANCES
32) All teams will pay monies to the League by the agreed dates, the League reserves the right to impose penalties on teams who are late with payment.
33) A full financial statement will be provided by the treasurer before the start of each season.
DISPUTES
34) In all cases teams should try to resolve any disputes amicably between themselves, if this is not possible the matter should be referred to the Committee via the secretary. The Committee will then make a ruling based on the current League and/or Match rules. If either team does not agree with the decision of the Committee the matter will be referred to a full League meeting, where the decision reached by a majority vote of teams present will be final.
35) Any teams or players engaging in violence during or immediately after a match will be expelled from the League.
LEAGUE POSITIONS
36) League positions will be awarded on the following basis; a) total points, b) Number of matches won, c) aggregate scores between tying teams, except where teams are tied for first or second place, or places to determine prize money when a playoff will be arranged at a neutral venue.