CueSports International manages the BCA Pool League. It was initially operated by The Billiard Congress of America. 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 was founded in 1897 and is the oldest sanctioning pool league organization in the entire world. The organization was originally operated by the BCA. In 2004, CueSports International purchased it. The organization operates in Canada through more than 450 leagues and is well-known in other countries.
BCA Pool League rules have been designed to facilitate team play. A maximum of eight players can be in a team. Each player on the team may play only one or two games per round. Players must be members. The organization also has an official Code of Conduct and Ethics agreement that all players must sign. The organization also has a Hall of Fame that honors great 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 be a major force in pool, with more than 450 leagues spread across eight countries. It has also become a major sponsor of the WPBA Tour, which is the premier pool tournament in North America.
BCA Pool League rules are designed to encourage fair play and good sportsmanship. Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart founded the league. They were also professional pool players. They established the American Poolplayers Association (APA) in 1981. It has two international affiliates, The World Pool-Billiard Association WPBA and the Japanese Poolplayers Association JPA.
The BCA Pool League features nine-ball, eight-ball, and regulation 9-foot table play. The nine-ball matches are based on points. The player needs to score two or more points to win. Players must play eight-ball at a skill level three or higher. Eight points are awarded to the player who wins more games in a round. The match must be played within three week if the match is delayed. If the player is unable to play within three weeks, he or she loses the match.
Players must register with the BCA Pool League and pay BCA member dues. All dues paid must clearly be indicated on score sheets. Scores will be canceled if a player fails to pay all dues.
BCA Pool League rules also incorporate "Applied Rulings", which are large-scale tournament administration. These rules include a lag timing rule that states that the ball should be shot when the ball of an opponent contacts the foot cushion.
The league director has full authority to make placements. The league director also has the responsibility of ensuring that each division is competitive. The league director also has to ensure that all players are treated equally.
The "Equalizer" APA handicapping system is also part of the BCA Pool League rules. This system is meant to give everyone a chance to win.