CueSports International has taken over the operation of the Billiard Congress of America's Pool League. The BCA Pool League, an umbrella membership organization that supports pool leagues all over the world, is operated by CueSports International. The BCA Pool League has more than 50,000 members, and there are over 500 leagues across eight countries.
The oldest pool league sanctioning body in the world is the BCA Pool League. The organization was originally operated by the BCA. In 2004, CueSports International purchased it. It has over 450 leagues throughout eight countries, and is a prominent presence in Canada.
BCA Pool League rules have been designed to facilitate team play. Each team may have up to eight players. Each player can play one to two rounds per round. Players must be members. All players must sign the official Code of Conduct and Ethics. A Hall of Fame is also available to honor great players.
In 1978, the BCA Pool League was founded to unify all independent leagues in the world. It was created to help pool leagues achieve economies of scale. With more than 450 leagues in eight countries, the organization has become a powerful force in pool. It has become a major sponsor in the WPBA Tour. This is North America's premier pool tournament.
BCA Pool League rules are designed to encourage fair play and good sportsmanship. Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart founded the league. They were pool professionals. They established the American Poolplayers Association (APA) in 1981. It also has two international affiliates: the World Pool-Billiard Association, (WPBA), and the Japanese Poolplayers Association, (JPA).
The BCA Pool League is a nine-ball and eight ball league that plays on 9-foot tables. The nine-ball matches are based on points. To win, each player must score two points or more. Players must have a minimum skill level of 3 or more to play in the eight-ball. Eight points are awarded to the player who wins more games in a round. If the match has been postponed for any reason, the match must still be played within three working weeks. The match is forfeited if the player cannot play within the three-week deadline.
All players must register with the BCA Pool League, and pay BCA member fees. All dues paid must be clearly indicated on score sheets. If a player does not pay all dues, his or her scores will not be counted.
BCA Pool League rules also contain "Applied Rulings" from large tournament administration. These rules include the "lag timing rule", which stipulates that the ball must not be fired until the opponent's ball touches the foot cushion.
The league director is able to make placement decisions. 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 BCA Pool League rules also include an APA handicapping system known as the "Equalizer". This system is meant to give everyone a chance to win.