The original Billiard Congress of America (BCA) pool league was operated. CueSports International now manages the BCA Pool League. The BCA Pool League serves as an umbrella membership organization for all pool leagues around the world. The association has over 50,000 members. It also has over 500 leagues located in eight countries.
The oldest pool league sanctioning body in the world is the BCA Pool League. Originally operated by the BCA, the organization was sold to CueSports International in 2004. The organization has more than 450 local leagues in eight countries and is a major presence in Canada.
BCA Pool League rules can be used to support team play. Teams have a maximum of eight players. Each player may only play one or more games per round. All players must be members. All players must sign an official Code of Conduct and Ethics agreement. The organization also has a Hall of Fame that honors great players.
The BCA Pool League was established in 1978 to unify independent leagues throughout the world. It was established to give pool leagues economies of scale. It has grown to become a significant force in pool. The WPBA Tour is North America's most popular pool tournament. It has been a major sponsor.
BCA Pool League rules are designed to encourage fair play and good sportsmanship. Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart founded the league. They were all professional pool players. In 1981, they established the American Poolplayers Association. It has two international members, the World Pool-Billiard Association WPBA (World Pool-Billiard Association) and Japanese Poolplayers Association JPA (JPA).
The BCA Pool League is a nine-ball and eight ball league that plays on 9-foot tables. The points system is used to determine the outcome of the nine-ball matches. The player needs to score two or more points to win. To win the eight-ball, players need to be at least three levels of skill. The player who wins eight games per round is the winner. If the match has been postponed for any reason, the match must still be played within three working weeks. If the opponent is unable or unwilling to play in the scheduled time, they will lose the match.
Players must register with the BCA Pool League and pay BCA member dues. All dues must be clearly noted on score sheets. If a player does not pay all dues, his or her scores will not be counted.
BCA Pool League rules also incorporate "Applied Rulings", which are large-scale tournament administration. These rules include the lag timing rule, which states that the ball must be shot after the opponent's ball contacts the foot cushion.
The league director has full authority to make placements. He or she also has to ensure that competitive levels are similar between divisions. The league director has the responsibility of ensuring that all participants are treated equally and that no player is favored over another.
BCA Pool League rules also contain an APA handicapping method known as the "Equalizer". This system is designed to give each player a fair chance to win.