CueSports International has taken over the operation of the Billiard Congress of America's Pool League. The BCA Pool League serves as an umbrella membership organization for all pool leagues around the world. The organization has over 50,000 members and has over 500 leagues in eight countries.
The BCA Pool League, the oldest pool league sanctioning organisation in the globe, is still being operated by the BCA. Originally operated by the BCA, the organization was sold to CueSports International in 2004. The organization is active in Canada and has over 450 leagues in eight different countries.
BCA Pool League rules were designed to allow for team play. There can only be eight players in a team. Each player can play one to two rounds per round. The BCA must have all players. All players must sign the official Code of Conduct and Ethics. A Hall of Fame has been established to recognize great players.
The BCA Pool League was established in 1978 to unify independent leagues throughout the world. It was designed to offer pool leagues economies-of-scale. The organization boasts more than 450 leagues and eight countries. It is now a formidable 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 were created to ensure fair play and promote sportsmanship. The league was founded by Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart. They were also professional pool players. 1981 saw the founding of the American Poolplayers Association. It also has two international affiliates: the World Pool-Billiard Association, (WPBA), and the Japanese Poolplayers Association, (JPA).
The BCA Pool League plays nine-ball and eight-ball on regulation 9-foot tables. The points system determines the winner of the nine-ball match. To win, the player must score 2 or more points. The eight-ball requires players to have a skill level at least three. Eight points will be awarded to the player with the highest number of games won. The match must be played within three week if the match is delayed. If the opponent is unable or unwilling to play in the scheduled time, they will lose the match.
Players must register and pay dues to the BCA Pool League. All dues paid must clearly be indicated on score sheets. A player who fails to pay all dues will have his scores removed.
BCA Pool League rules also incorporate "Applied Rulings", which are large-scale tournament administration. These rules include the lag time rule which requires that the ball be shot only after the ball of the opponent touches the foot cushion.
The league director has the authority to place players. He or she is also responsible to ensure that the competitive levels of all divisions are comparable. 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 is designed to give each player a fair chance to win.