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. The group has over 50,000 member and more than 500 leagues in 8 countries.
The BCA Pool League is one of the oldest sanctioning organizations for pool leagues in the world. CueSports International bought the BCA Pool League in 2004. The organization operates in Canada through more than 450 leagues and is well-known in other countries.
BCA Pool League rules were designed to allow for team play. There can only be eight players in a team. Each team member may only play one to two games per round. The BCA must have all players. All players must agree to a Code of Conduct and Ethics. A Hall of Fame has been established to recognize great players.
The BCA Pool League was set up in 1978 in order to unify different leagues across the globe. It was designed to offer pool leagues economies-of-scale. It has grown to become a significant force in pool. It is also a major sponsor of WPBA Tour, the top pool tournament in North America.
BCA Pool League rules allow for fair play, and encourage good sportsmanship. Terry Bell founded the league with Larry Hubbart. They were also professional pool players. 1981 saw the founding of the American Poolplayers Association. It has two international affiliates, the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPBA) and the Japanese Poolplayers Association (JPA).
The BCA Pool League has nine-ball or eight-ball matches on regulation 9-foot tables. Points are the basis of nine-ball matches. To win, the player must score 2 or more points. Players must have a minimum skill level of 3 or more to play in the eight-ball. The round's winner is the one who has won the most games. This earns the player eight points. Matches must be played within 3 weeks of being postponed. 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 must be clearly indicated on scoresheets. Scores will be canceled if a player fails to pay all dues.
BCA Pool League rules contain "Applied Rules" from large-scale tournament admin. 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 the right to make placement decisions. He or she also has to ensure that competitive levels are similar between divisions. The league director is also responsible for ensuring that all players are treated equally and that no team is favored over another.
BCA Pool League rules also contain an APA handicapping method known as the "Equalizer". This system gives each player an equal chance of winning.