Snooker
Section 1 - Commencement of a Frame
|
|
Q1
|
In setting the table what is the position of the triangle of reds in
relation to the pink?
|
|
A.
|
The pink should be on its spot, the apex red as near as possible to the
pink without touching and the base of the triangle of reds nearest, and
parallel, to the top cushion.
|
|
Q2
|
The frame is about to commence. Player places the cue-ball in the "D"
and in doing so he disturbs another ball. Is this a foul?
|
|
A.
|
No foul. The frame has not commenced until the cue-ball has been struck
from in hand with the tip of the cue.
|
|
Q3
|
Can a player hit a cushion before hitting a red at the opening stroke?
|
|
A.
|
Yes, providing the first ball hit by the cue-ball is a red.
|
|
Q4
|
In the opening stroke the striker misses the reds and does not contact
any ball. What is the procedure?
|
|
A.
|
Foul stroke, penalty of 4 points. Cue-ball must be played from where it
has come to rest either by the next player, or by the same player, should
the second player so request. Should the second be snookered a free ball
would be awarded.
|
|
Q5
|
In the opening stroke of the frame the player misses the reds and does
not contact any other ball. Cue ball is not snookered by any colour.
The next player claims a "Free ball" maintaining that he cannot hit both
sides of any particular red. Is this claim in order?
|
|
A.
|
No. A player cannot be snookered on a ball "on" by another ball "on".
|
|
Q6
|
A player misses the reds at the opening stroke, does not contact any
other ball and cue-ball comes to rest approximately midway between the
blue and the pink on the centre line of the table. The next player can
hit the right-hand side of the right-hand corner red and the left-hand
side of the left-hand corner red. Should the referee award a "free
ball"?
|
|
A.
|
Yes. The pink is the obstructing ball.
|
Section 2 - Spotting of Balls
|
|
Q1
|
Where is the black placed after being pocketed and its own spot is
occupied?
|
|
A.
|
On the highest available spot. If all spots are occupied the black would
be placed as near to its own spot as possible, without touching another
ball, in a direct line between the spot and the face of the TOP cushion.
|
|
Q2
|
The yellow is pocketed and all the spots are vacant except the yellow
spot. Where is the yellow spotted?
|
|
A.
|
On the highest available spot which in this case is the black spot.
|
|
Q3
|
The blue is pocketed and all the spots, including the blue, are occupied
Where is the blue placed?
|
|
A.
|
As near as possible to its own spot, between that spot and the nearest
part of the TOP cushion without touching another ball.
|
|
Q4
|
The black is pocketed, all the spots are occupied and there is no room
between the black spot and the face of the top cushion. Where is the
black placed?
|
|
A.
|
As near as possible to the black spot, without touching another ball, but
below the black spot on the centre line of the table. This would also
apply if the pink was pocketed, no spot available and no space between
the pink spot and the TOP cushion.
|
|
Q5
|
Brown and Blue are pocketed in the same stroke and only the Brown spot is
available. Where are the Brown and Blue balls placed?
|
|
A.
|
The Brown would be placed on its own spot and the blue as near to its own
spot as possible, without touching another ball, between the blue spot
and the nearest part of the TOP cushion.
|
|
Q6
|
Again the Brown and Blue are pocketed in the same stroke and only the
Yellow spot is available. Where are the two balls placed?
|
|
A.
|
The Blue, being the higher value ball, would be placed on the Yellow spot
and the Brown would be placed as near to its own spot as possible without
touching another ball between the brown spot and the nearest part of the
TOP cushion.
|
|
Q7
|
Player pockets the Pink and before the referee can spot the pink the
player plays at another red. What is the penalty?
|
|
A.
|
SIX points.
|
|
Q8
|
After pocketing a red, striker pockets the Green. The referee spots the
green on the Yellow spot. Striker plays again without noting the error.
His opponent claims a foul as the striker played with a ball not
correctly spotted. Is this claim in order?
|
|
A.
|
Yes. Although the referee made the mistake it is up to the striker to
see that the balls are correctly spotted.
|
|
Q9
|
The striker having been penalised for playing with a ball not correctly
spotted leaves the table. The next player coming to the table requests
the referee to spot the incorrectly spotted ball to its rightful
position. Should the referee accede to the request?
|
|
A.
|
No. The ball not correctly spotted ball should remain where it is as
after any foul stroke the next player plays from the position left or he
can request his opponent to go again.
|
Section 3 - Touching Ball
|
|
Q1
|
When should the referee state "Touching Ball"?
|
|
A.
|
Without being asked the referee should declare "TOUCHING BALL" when the
cue ball comes to rest touching a ball "on" or a colour after a red has
been pocketed. If necessary he can indicate which ball is touching.
|
|
Q2
|
Red is the ball "on" and cue-ball is touching the red. Referee has
declared "touching ball". Player plays away from the red without
disturbing it and does not contact any other ball. Is this in order?
|
|
A.
|
Yes. He is deemed to have played the red.
|
|
|
Q3
|
Striker has pocketed a red, the cue-ball finishes touching the Yellow.
Referee declares "touching ball" and striker nominates the yellow plays
away from it and snookers his opponent on the remaining reds by the
Yellow. Is this a fair stroke?
|
|
A.
|
Yes. It is a fair stroke.
|
|
Q4
|
Striker pockets a red and cue-ball comes to rest touching the Brown.
Striker nominates and pockets the Black. His opponent claims a foul
stating that as the cue-ball was touching the brown the striker must
nominate the Brown. Is this claim correct?
|
|
A.
|
No. The striker is entitled to nominate any colour he wishes and
providing he does not disturb the ball the cue-ball is touching the
stroke is in order.
|
|
Q5
|
Red is the ball "on". Cue-ball is touching the red, referee has declared
"Touching Ball". Striker plays away from the red without disturbing it,
cue-ball strikes the blue which hits another red and pockets it. Is this
in order?
|
|
A.
|
Yes, perfectly fair stroke.
|
|
Q6
|
After pocketing a red the cue-ball finishes touching the Blue. Referee
calls "Touching Ball" striker nominates Blue, plays away from it but
cue-ball rebounds from a cushion comes back to hit and pocket the Blue.
Is this in order?
|
|
A.
|
Yes. Striker obeyed the rule by playing AWAY from the Blue without
disturbing it.
|
|
Q7
|
Striker has pocketed a red and cue-ball comes to rest touching a colour
with other colours better placed for pocketing. The referee calls
"Touching Ball" but should he add anything to that declaration?
|
|
A.
|
In that situation with other colours better situated for pocketing then
referee should add "Please declare". The striker if not called upon to
declare could play at another possibly higher valued colour and fail to
reach it and state that he had played the ball the cue-ball was touching.
|
Section 4 - Free Ball
|
|
Q1
|
When is a player awarded a "Free Ball"?
|
|
A.
|
When snookered after a foul stroke.
|
|
Q2
|
Having been awarded a "Free Ball" must a player declare which ball he
intends to play?
|
|
A.
|
The player need only declare which ball he intends to play on request of
the referee.
|
|
Q3
|
Should the referee award a "Free Ball" immediately or on appeal by a
player?
|
|
A.
|
Immediately.
|
|
Q4
|
Can the ball "on" be pocketed by the nominated ball?
|
|
A.
|
Yes.
|
|
Q5
|
Red is the ball "on". Striker has been awarded a "Free ball". He
nominates black but mis-cues and cue-ball strikes the red. Is this a
fair or foul stroke ?
|
|
A.
|
It is a foul stroke. The cue ball must first hit the nominated ball.
|
|
Q6
|
Ball "on" is red. Striker has a "free ball". He nominates a colour,
hits that colour which pockets the red and the nominated ball also is
pocketed. What is the score and procedure?
|
|
A.
|
Two points are scored and the colour is spotted in accordance with the
rules.
|
|
Q7
|
Striker nominates the black as his "free ball". He pockets the black and
then nominates the black as his colour and proceeds to snooker his
opponent behind the black. Is this a foul?
|
|
A.
|
No.
|
|
Q8
|
Player has a "free ball". Yellow is the ball "on". Player nominates the
green and strikes the yellow and green simultaneously. Has he committed
a foul?
|
|
A.
|
No.
|
|
Q9
|
Yellow is the ball "on". Striker on a "free ball" nominates the blue.
On completion of the stroke the balls are as follows: CUE-BALL-BROWN-
BLUE-YELLOW. Opponent claims a foul because the blue is between the
cue-ball and the yellow. Is this claim in order?
|
|
A.
|
No. When the ball "on" is snookered by more than one ball the effective
snookering ball is the one nearest to the cue ball.
|
|
Q10
|
With the last two reds on the table the position after a foul stroke has
been made is: RED-BROWN-CUE-BALL-GREEN-RED. Referee awards a "free
ball". Striker nominates and plays up to the BROWN. Has he committed a
foul by snookering his opponent with the nominated ball?
|
|
A.
|
No. There was another red on the table not snookered by the nominated
ball. For a foul to be awarded the nominated ball must snooker the
striker on ALL balls "on".
|
|
Q11
|
Ball "on" is yellow. Striker has a "free ball" and nominates the blue
which he hits and pockets both blue and yellow. What procedure is
followed?
|
|
A.
|
Fair stroke, yellow remains pocketed, blue is spotted and two points
scored.
|
Section 5 - Playing Again
|
|
Q1
|
When can a player be requested to play again?
|
|
A.
|
After any foul has been committed by the previous player.
|
|
Q2
|
How many times can a player be requested to play again?
|
|
A.
|
There is no limit.
|
|
Q3
|
After a foul a player requested his opponent to "play again". The
opponent objected stating that the first player could hit the ball "on".
Was the objection valid?
|
|
A.
|
No. After a foul a player can request his opponent to "play again" from
the position left irrespective of the position of the balls.
|
|
Q4
|
On being awarded a "free ball" a player prefers his opponent to "play
again". Is the opponent to "go again" entitled to a "free ball" or must
he play at the ball "on"?
|
|
A.
|
He is not entitled to a "free ball" and must play the ball "on".
|
|
Q5
|
Can a player change his mind after asking his opponent to "Go again"?
|
|
A.
|
No.
|
Section 6 - Snookering
|
|
Q1
|
When can a player snooker his opponent behind the nominated ball?
|
|
A.
|
After pocketing a red or when only the pink and black remain on the
table.
|
|
Q2
|
A Player has been awarded a "free ball" - he nominates the brown and
snookers his opponent behind the brown (the nominated ball).
What is the procedure?
|
|
A.
|
It is a foul, penalty is FOUR points and the next player is awarded a
"free ball".
|
Section 7 - Angled Ball
|
|
Q1
|
When is a ball said to be angled?
|
|
A.
|
When a direct stroke in a straight line to any part of every ball "on" is
obstructed by a corner of a cushion.
|
|
Q2
|
When should a referee declare "Angled Ball"?
|
|
A.
|
After a foul has been committed and the next player is unable to hit both
sides of a ball "on".
|
|
Q3
|
Should the referee declare "Angled Ball", what options are open to the
striker?
|
|
A.
|
Three options are open - (1) The striker can play from the position left,
(2) He can request his opponent to "play again" from the position left,
or (3) the striker can elect to play from "in-hand".
|
|
Q4
|
If the player who is angled and decides to play from "in-hand" then finds
that he is snookered on all balls "on" from any point in the "D", can he
claim a "free ball"?
|
|
A.
|
Yes.
|
|
Q5
|
Ten reds are on the table, the cue-ball is angled after a foul on nine of
the ten reds and is snookered on the remaining tenth red. Can the
striker claim "Angled Ball" or a "Free Ball"?
|
|
A.
|
As the striker was not angled on ALL balls "on" neither was he snookered
on ALL balls "on", neither the "Angled Ball" or "Free Ball" rules can
apply.
|
|
Q6
|
In an "Angled Ball" situation, should the referee immediately declare
"Angled Ball" or await the striker to claim it?
|
|
A.
|
Referee should declare immediately.
|
|
Q7
|
After a foul the cue-ball is angled and the referee has declared "Angled
Ball" the next player asks the referee "Does that mean that I can play
from in-hand"? Should the referee inform the player?
|
|
A.
|
No. The referee must not assist the player by giving advice on the
rules.
|
Section 8 - Ball on Edge of Pocket
|
|
Q1
|
What is the ruling regarding balls falling into a pocket without being
hit by another ball?
|
|
A.
|
If the ball which falls is part of the stroke, that stroke shall be void,
the balls restored to their original positions and the stroke replayed
without penalty. If the fallen ball is not an integral part of the
stroke the stroke shall stand and only the ball which fell shall be
replaced.
|
|
Q2
|
Striker attempts to pocket a ball which stops on the edge of the pocket
and then drops in. Is this ball replaced on the edge of the pocket?
|
|
A.
|
If the ball momentarily balances on the edge of the pocket and then falls
in, the ball shall not be replaced. If, however, the ball remains on the
edge of the pocket and the striker moves away and then the ball falls in,
the said ball will be replaced.
|
Section 9 - End of Frame Or Game
|
|
Q1
|
What is the procedure when a frame ends in a tie?
|
|
A.
|
If the frame is a single frame match or a frame in a match decided on
frames won the black is spotted, the players toss to determine choice of
playing from in-hand and the first score or forfeit ends the frame. If,
however, the frame is one in a match of total aggregate score over a
number of frames, the tied frame score will be accepted unless it is the
last frame and the total aggregate scores are equal, in which case the
black will be spotted the players determine who is to play first from
in-hand and the first score or forfeit ends the match.
|
|
Q2
|
A player is seven points behind his opponent who then goes in-off, thus
bringing the scores level. As a foul stroke has been made can the player
who went in-off be requested to play the first stroke at the re-spotted
black?
|
|
A.
|
No. The ruling must be adopted. Toss for choice, black is re-spotted,
first score or forfeit ends the frame.
|
|
Q3
|
In a foursomes match a frame ends in a tie. The black is spotted the
players toss to see who will play from in-hand at the black. Does it
matter what order the players adopt?
|
|
A.
|
Once it has been determined who shall play the first stroke the order
shall be the same as operated during the frame which ended as a tie.
|
|
Q4
|
The frame ends in a tie the players toss to decide choice of stroke at
the spotted black from in-hand. Can the two players who won the toss
select which of their two opponents shall play the first stroke.
|
|
A.
|
No.
|
|
QS
|
What is the procedure when a frame is awarded to a player?
|
|
A.
|
The offending player shall lose the frame and forfeit all the points he
may have scored and the non-offender shall receive the value of ALL balls
on the table. (Each red to count as 8 points: One for the red and
seven for black).
|
Section 10 - Foursomes
|
|
Q1
|
In a foursomes match (which is over a number of frames) can the order of
play be changed at the beginning of each frame?
|
|
A.
|
Yes.
|
|
Q2
|
Should a foul be committed and a request to "play again" be made, who
plays the next stroke, the player who made the foul or his partner?
|
|
A.
|
The player who made the foul plays again and the order of play is
maintained.
|
|
Q3
|
During a foursomes match it is established that a player has gone out of
turn. What is the procedure?
|
|
A.
|
The stroke made by the player playing out of turn is a foul and the
appropriate penalty is enforced. The original order must then be adhered
to but should the next player require the opposition to "play again" the
player who went out of turn would be required to do so and then, provided
no further foul was committed in the last stroke, the original order
would be maintained.
|
|
Q4
|
If a player who has already played out of turn and is requested to "play
again" does so, is that player considered guilty of committing a
deliberate foul?
|
|
A.
|
No. It is considered that no further foul has been committed under these
circumstances.
|
|
Q5
|
The striker is about to make a stroke when his partner comes to the table
to discuss the stroke. What action should the referee take?
|
|
A.
|
He should warn the two players that conferring at the table is not
allowed. Players can confer away from the table but once one of the
players is at the table he is on his own.
|
|
Q6
|
Difficulties can arise in determining the order of play in foursomes
matches. What procedure can the referee adopt to try and avert such
happening?
|
|
A.
|
The referee can instruct his marker to record the order of play and
should any dispute arise the correct order can be established. Naturally
this order may vary from frame to frame and should thus be noted.
|
Section 11 - Referee's Decisions
|
|
Q1
|
A player informs the referee that he, the player, is colour blind.
Should the referee inform that player of a colour if requested.
|
|
A.
|
Yes.
|
|
Q2
|
What is the penalty for playing with other than the cue-ball?
|
|
A.
|
Seven points.
|
|
Q3
|
Player pockets a red and after studying the position of the balls plays
at another red. What penalty should the referee impose?
|
|
A.
|
Seven points for playing at two reds in succession.
|
|
Q4
|
Yellow is the ball "on". Striker hits yellow and green simultaneously.
Is this a foul?
|
|
A.
|
Yes. Penalty 4 points.
|
|
Q5
|
Ball "on" is green. Striker miscues, hits blue and at the same time
fouls the black with his cue. What is the penalty?
|
|
A.
|
Seven points.
|
|
Q6
|
During a frame a player goes "in-off". Penalty is given and next player
in placing the cue-ball in the "D" moves a ball. Referee gives a foul
and the next player comes to the table and asks the referee if the
cue-ball can be moved to another position. What should the referee do?
|
|
A.
|
The referee is not to advise on Rules.
|
|
Q7
|
Striker has pocketed a red and walks round the table to assess the
possibilities, trails his fingers on the cushion, and inadvertently
touches a ball. What would be the referee's decision?
|
|
A.
|
Foul and penalty of 7 points. In the absence of nomination the highest
penalty must be imposed.
|
|
Q8
|
Striker has made a break and whilst in play asks the referee the
respective scores and the difference between the scores. What should the
referee reply?
|
|
A.
|
The referee should inform the striker that he, the striker, has X number
of points on the score-board and that his break amounts to whatever it
is. The referee should inform the striker of his opponent's score and
the striker would be expected to do his own arithmetic.
|
|
Q9
|
Striker plays a stroke, the cue-ball hits two reds ( red is the ball
"on" ) . One red is pocketed the other red jumps up on to the cushion and
remains there. What would be the action of the referee?
|
|
A.
|
The referee would declare "foul stroke" penalty of four points and remove
the red from the cushion and place it in a pocket. Next player has the
options.
|
|
Q10
|
A pocket is full of reds. Striker plays to pocket a red but due to the
pocket being full the red comes back on to the table. Is that red deemed
to have been pocketed?
|
|
A.
|
No. The red has come to rest on the bed of the table and not in the
pocket. The player could have requested the referee to clear that pocket
before playing his stroke, but the referee too should have noticed and
transferred some balls to other pockets.
|
|
Q11
|
Striker plays the red the ball "on". Red jumps up on to the cushion,
runs along and finished in a pocket. Is this a fair shot?
|
|
A.
|
Yes.
|
|
Q12
|
Player comes to the table assumes that his opponent has just gone
"in-off" and picks up the cue-ball. He then realises his error and
before the referee can call FOUL he drops the cue-ball back on to the
table. What action should the referee take?
|
|
A.
|
The referee declares Foul, the penalty must be to the value of the ball
"on" and the next player plays from in-hand, if snookered the Referee
would state "free ball" or player could ask his opponent to play again.
If the offender has the cue-ball in his hand and the referee calls "Foul"
the referee will impose the penalty prescribed and take the cue-ball from
the offender, place it against the bottom cushion for the next player to
play from "in-hand" or ask opponent to play again.
|
|
Q13
|
During a frame a red ball comes to rest "leaning" on a colour which is on
its spot but the spot is a bad one. When eventually the red ball is
played the colour moves and the non-striker claims a foul. Would that
claim be admissible?
|
|
A.
|
No. The striker would not be penalised for the condition of the spot.
|
|
Q14
|
A colour has been pocketed and the referee attempts to spot the colour.
Another ball is very close to the spot and due to the poor condition of
that spot the colour if placed on that spot will touch the ball close to
the spot. Should the referee place the colour as close as possible to
the spot to avoid touching the other ball?
|
|
A.
|
No. The colour to be spotted must (a) be placed on its own spot without
touching another ball, or (b) be placed on the highest available spot in
accordance with the rules. The player cannot be penalised for the
shortcomings of the table.
|
|
Q15
|
When should the referee declare "FOUL AND A MISS" and what is the
procedure?
|
|
A.
|
Should the referee be of the opinion that the striker could have made a
better attempt to hit the ball "on" the referee will declare "Foul and a
Miss". The referee will then await the decision of the next player, who
has the normal options as after any foul, plus the option of having the
cue-ball restored to its original position for the offender to play
again. The referee will ensure that the incurred penalty is recorded
whilst a decision is being made.
|
