Space Coast BCA Pool League - Bylaws
Revision 5.5.25

What is a Bylaw?

Bylaws are rule changes or additions to the set of national league rules.

Why are there Bylaws?

Every BCAPL league operator has the discretion to implement bylaws as they see fit. We will be using bylaws as a way to maintain the experience that our existing players are accustomed to, or to correct rules that our players have identified as having issues.

What about at Tournaments?

The rule set used during tournaments will be based on the national rules. Players are responsible for familiarizing themselves with these rules prior to playing in a sanctioned tournament.

Sanctioning Fees

All players’ annual sanction fees must be paid by the second week of play. Failure to do so could result in a match forfeit for any team with unsanctioned players. Please note full name and amount paid on the envelope, so that we can attach payment to the correct player.

Definition

Manipulation of either a score or a handicap is defined as follows:

• Sandbagging – Intentionally losing a game or match, either to maintain a lower handicap, boost an opponent handicap, or gift points to an opponent

• Manipulating/Omitting Match Data – Incorrectly recording wins/losses or recording a match against an incorrect opponent (IE: Player A played Bob Smith, but didn’t want Bob’s handicap to go down, so during the recording of the scores, identified that the match actually took place against John Doe)

• Delaying Data Entry – Purposely delaying the entry of match data to maintain a skill level or point level, most commonly used to keep a handicap lower

Repercussions

Any player found to be knowingly manipulating their handicap or score as defined above (or in other ways) may be immediately suspended from play and will be subjected to a ban or suspension from the league. The severity of the offense will dictate whether the ban will be temporary or permanent. We are required to report any suspensions or handicap abuse to our national office for further review.

500 Rule

All of our open divisions follow that same handicap rule. Teams must be able to field a team with an average Fargo rating of 500 or less. Ladies division has a set Fargo limit of 1,350 per team. Any Exceptions to the rule must be approved by a League Operator or designated representative. Violations of this rule will result in a minimum penalty of 10-0, recorded as a WF on the scoring app.

Example:
5 Players Team – 2,500 Fargo Limit
4 Player Team – 2,000 Fargo Limit
3 Player Team – 1,500 Fargo Limit

Playback Rule (Drawing)

What is a Playback?

When a team is short a player to complete their roster for the evening (IE: Team A has 4 players present, but there are 5 matches to compete in), they may opt to utilize a player that has already played a match for the evening, to play the final match.

Choosing a Player

The opposing team will be permitted to choose the player from the roster of the team that is utilizing the playback. The opposing team must choose from the members of the roster that have already played that evening. Teams that are utilizing a playback must keep all members on hand until the player is chosen by the opposing team. Should a player depart that the opposing team desired to play against, then the match turns into a forfeit.

Playbacks by Both Teams

In the event that playbacks are necessary for both teams, those teams may choose their own players for the final match, just as they would have normally for any other match. Again, a player may not play back in both formats in Double Play leagues.

Date Exceptions:

Drawing players is not permitted during the last 4 weeks of the session, without express consent from a League Operator or approved representative, Drawing is strictly prohibited during playoffs, or during tournaments.

Late Players:

If a player is going to be late, they must get permission from the opposing team, as rosters are set before match play begins. If the late player has not arrived by their second match, the opposing team may elect to draw another player who has already played, to take their place, so long as that player does not break the handicap rule for said division.

Subs/Alternates

What is a Substitute or Alternate Player?

Teams may utilize subs or alternates on their roster at any given time, with a couple of small exceptions.

Player Exceptions:

• Players from Opposing Team – You may not use a player that is part of the core roster of the team you are scheduled to play against that evening.
• Players with no Fargo Rating – You may not use a player that just walks in off the street and has no established Fargo Rating as a sub. You may add them to your roster as full-time players and get them established, but you must clear this with the league operator first. If you are adding a brand new player, please contact your league operator or representative at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled match to get them registered.
• Subs may only play for one team during the current session – Having floating subs is known to promote sandbagging and manipulation. To protect the integrity of the league, subs may only be allowed to play for one team in a division. Subs may change teams in a new session.
• Subs must pay dues – Subs are responsible for paying annual and weekly dues. Captains are responsible for making sure they do.
• Suspended or Banned Players – You may not use a player that has been suspended or banned from the league.

Date Exceptions:

• Final Week of Session – You may not use a Substitute player in the final 4 weeks of the session, during playoffs, or during a tournament.

Shot Clock

There is normally no shot clock time limit for local league play. If a player is to be considered as delaying the match unnecessarily or in an unsportsmanlike manner, a league director, referee, or representative may institute a 45 second shot clock. Violations could result in ball-in-hand.

Timeout Limit

Limited to one timeout, per player, per game. Anyone playing on your team may call timeout. Once timeout is called, it is taken, unless already used. Abuse of this rule may result in ball-in-hand, or removal of timeout privileges. Players who are engaging in a timeout, have a time limit of 2 minutes to discuss and execute a play. Abusing this time limit may be considered a foul, and the incoming shooter will be presented with ball in hand.

Etiquette

Please be courteous and respectful to everyone. Not everyone plays the same, We are all here to have fun and hopefully go to Vegas. Please be patient and understanding when dealing with other players and captains. Please show everyone the same respect you would like to be shown. Before quickly jumping up to call a foul on your opponent, consider showing them the right way, or explaining the rule to them.