FAQ

The league has always had skill levels. Currently, the major use of skill levels is to determine which players are eligible to substitute for an absent player.

Why did the league switch to just two skill levels, A and B?

After careful consideration it was determined that the only reason that we need to have ratings at all is to protect the substitution process. The new method simplifies the process, makes it easier to get a substitute, and prevents a captain from getting a very skilled player to substitute for a player with much less skill. In the new system, A-players may only substitute for an absent A-player; however, B-players may substitute for any absent player. The substitution rule protects against a captain using the system to get a substitute that is much stronger than the absent player.

How is a player’s skill level determined?

In the current draft system players are selected by the captains in a series of four rounds. Since each captain gets only one selection in each of the four rounds the captains will usually attempt to select the best player available at the time of his selection. Players selected in the first or second rounds are A-players and players selected in the third or fourth rounds are B-players.

What about Captains, how are they rated?

Since there are four draft rounds and only four players on a team the captain must select himself in one of the rounds. The executive committee determines which round each captain must select himself. The determination is made either by the round in which the captain was selected prior to becoming a captain or the committee’s best guess at which round the captain would be selected if he were not a captain.

Why do some players always play together?

The OBG has a policy to allow family members to play on the same team. That policy has been extended to allow players that have a dependency on another player, (such as needing a ride to Silverlake) to play together. The executive committee reserves the right to extend this courtesy to others as it deems appropriate. To take advantage of this policy, one member must be a captain. The other player will be placed on that captain’s team prior to the draft and be shown as having been selected in a round as determined by the executive committee.

How is the draft selection sequence determined?

The order of the selection sequence is determined electronically in random order. Each captain is assigned a slot in the draft sequence in a random fashion. That slot determines the captain’s team number and his slot in the selection sequence of the first round. The selection sequence of the subsequent rounds of the draft is determined by a mathematic formula that is designed to achieve equity in the selection sequence. The slot number of each selection of a captain’s four selections when added together with the other three slot numbers will be the same for every captain.

Why isn’t “reverse order of finish” used to determine the order of the first round?

Returning teams have only one member returning for sure, the Captain. The other three players on each team are put into the pool of players available for the draft and may be selected at any point during the draft. Therefore, if a captain were lucky enough to choose three very good players in one season, he would be punished by having the last pick in the next season while the three very good players may be selected one, two, and three. Also, it is a problem determining where new teams fit in the selection sequence and people may assume that there is favoritism or discrimination involved. The random assignment does away with favoritism and discrimination.

Why are some changes made without having a vote of the members?

Like most organizations the OBG is a representative democracy. The members vote for the officers and the officers set the rules and policies. The officers are the people that are charged with the day-to-day duties of running the club. As such, it is the officers that are most keenly aware of the problems in running the club. There are many decisions made on a day-to-day basis of which the membership is unaware, but the decisions must be made to keep the club running smoothly. In order to maintain a consistent set of rules and policies the officers must be entrusted to make the informed decisions. This is not dissimilar to any branch of government. Voters are not consulted on the day-to-day operations. The members are always welcome to make suggestions and recommendations, but it is the officers that must evaluate and implement any changes. When the executive committee is uncertain on any given issue, the committee may conduct a referendum of the captains or the entire membership.

Is the OBG a dictatorship?

No, the OBG is run as a representative democracy. The officers are elected and can be voted out of office every year. The officers are elected to run the club and make the day-to-day decisions to keep the club running smoothly. Many of the changes that have been made to the operation of the club come directly from the players. The membership and the captains are occasionally asked to vote on an issue when the officers cannot decide what to do on a particular issue. All members of the club are asked to make suggestions. In the event that the club does not change to meet the members suggestions the member can always run for one of the elected offices.

Are changes made in accordance with the club’s Bylaws?

Yes, the executive committee is charged with the daily duties of running the club and amending the rules and bylaws as necessary.

What happens when someone miscues on the break?

Most players in the league follow tradition and allow the player that made the illegal break shot try again. However, the BCA Pool League rules differ from this tradition and can be enforced if the opposing team desires.

What is the BCA rule regarding an illegal break in 9-ball?

You must either pocket a ball or cause at least four object balls to contact one or more cushions, or it is a foul. This means that there is no choice in 9-ball; the opposing player comes to the table with ball in hand. Furthermore, the incoming player is not shooting a break shot so the rules regarding a break shot including the push out rule are not in effect.

What is the BCA rule regarding an illegal break in 8-ball?

You must pocket a ball or cause at least four object balls to contact one or more cushions or it is an illegal break.

If your break is illegal your inning ends. Your opponent may:

a. accept the table in position if you did not scratch;

b. take ball in hand if you foul;

c. re-rack the balls and break;

d. require you to re-rack the balls and break again.

Notice that the BCA Pool League rule in 8-ball allows for the option of allowing the breaking player to attempt another break as is typical in the OBG.

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