Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Bureau of Learner Support Service
SCHOOL SPORTS DIVISION
PALARONG PAMBANSA
GROUND RULES
(BILLIARD SPORTS)
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PALARONG PAMBANSA TECHNICAL GUIDELINES

I. RULING:
The general ruling is anchored on the ruling set by the World Pool Association
(WPA) and Palarong Pambansa Guide Book 2017. https://wpapool.com/rule-
regulations/, https://wpapool.com/rules-of-play/

A. The ruling set by the Palarong Pambansa Technical Committee will be

followed, to wit:
1. A player must bring the necessary equipment including snacks and beverages
during the match. Extra equipment and snacks may be allowed i.e. tapper et
al. during the break.
2. If the cue tip of the players’ cue stick is accidentally broken, the player may
borrow from the venue or from his/her team mates. He is not allowed to borrow
from the opponent’s cue stick.
3. If a player unscrewed his/her cue stick while the opponent takes turn in
running the table, the player who unscrewed the cue stick automatically
LOSES THE MATCH.
4. Verbal communication between the coach and the player is strictly prohibited
during the match. Coaches shall keep distance from the playing player.
5. Each player is allowed to take one (1) time-out of FIVE MINUTES (5 minutes) in
every match in either 8-ball or 9-ball competition. It is only granted when it is
the player’s inning or turn to break.
6. COACHES and AUDIENCES are not allowed to interfere with referees’ decision.
7. If a player feels that the referee has made an error in judgment, he may ask
the referee to reconsider his call or lack of call. However, the referees’ decision
on judgment calls is final.
8. No bringing of gadgets such as cellphone, headphone and etc. during the
match.
9. A player is given 40-second shot clock and a 30-second extension per inning.
(Conditional)
10. For slow play, 1st offense warning, 2nd offense loss of rack, 3rd offense loss
of the match.
11. Winners’ break in both 8-ball and 9-ball events.

II. ELIGIBILITY:
The participants for the event shall be students in the secondary private and
public schools. They should pass the athletes eligibility based on Dep.Ed. NSAC
Guidelines.
III. COMPOSITION OF CONTINGENT:
Category Players Coaches Chaperon Total
Boys 2 1 3
Girls 2 1 1 4
Total 4 2 1 7
 IV.DISQUALIFICATION:
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
The rules and regulations give the referee and other officials considerable latitude in
penalizing unsportsmanlike conduct. Several factors should be considered in such decisions,
including previous conduct, previous warnings, how serious the offense is, and information that the
players may have been given at the Players’ Meeting at the start of the tournament.
Unsportsmanlike conduct is any intentional behavior that brings
disrepute to the sport or which disrupts or changes the game to the extent that it
cannot be played fairly. It includes
 distracting the opponent;
 changing the position of the balls in play other than by a shot
 playing a shot by intentionally miscuing;
 continuing to play after a foul has been called or play has been suspended;
 practicing during a match;
 marking the table;
 delay of the game;
 using equipment inappropriately.
 Drinking and illegal drugs are not allowed during programs regardless of
the students’ age.
 Profanity and abuse of equipment are not permitted.

In general, a sportsperson is one who can take a loss or defeat without

complaint, a victory without gloating, and who treats opponents with fairness,
generosity and courtesy. Sportsmanship is respect for oneself, teammates,
coaches, tournament officials, fellow competitors, and property. Sportsmanship
also requires maintaining self-control, and refusing to be drawn into or encourage
physical conflict not otherwise required by proper execution of the sport. All
players are obligated to represent themselves, their school, their families, and
their communities with the highest level of sportsmanship.
If an infraction of the conduct code is discovered during the course of a match,
the participant will be verbally reprimanded by tournament officials. If the
participant does not correct the behavior, the match will be forfeited. Further
expulsion from the tournament is possible.

V. SPORTS EVENTS/DISCIPLINE:

Disciplines that will be played during the Palarong Pambansa would be 9- ball
and 8- ball singles.
NINE BALL- Nine ball is played with nine object balls numbered one through
nine and the cue ball. The balls are played in ascending numerical order.
The player legally pocketing the nine ball wins the rack.
THE THREE POINT BREAK RULE
(1) On the break shot, a minimum of three object balls must either be pocketed, or
touch the head string line, or a combination of both. For example, if one object ball
is pocketed, then at least two object balls must touch the head string line; or if two
object balls are pocketed, then at least one object ball must touch the head string
line. To touch the head string line means that the edge of the object ball must reach
(break) the string line.
(2) If a player fails to meet the requirements in (1), but otherwise makes a legal
break, the incoming player has the choice to accept the tables as is, or hand the
shot back to his opponent.
(3) In accepting the table as is, the incoming player is not permitted to play a “push-
out”, he must play a legal shot to the ball on.
(4) If the table is handed back to the breaker, the breaker is permitted to play a
push-out. If so, his opponent will then have the choice to either play the shot, or
hand it back.
(5) If a player fails to meet the requirements of (1), but otherwise makes a legal break
and pockets the 9 ball, the 9 ball is reposted before the next shot is played.
The three point rule must be present on all WPA ranking 9-ball events.
 After the break, 3 object balls are required to pass the head string. This does
not include the cue ball.
 Balls are not required to come to rest the head string so a ball that strikes a
rail and returns across the head string back down table would a legal ball.
 A ball that passes the head string and subsequently pocketed count as one
ball.
 7.5 “Push out” shot may only be called after the break. A player must make
his intention known to the referee, otherwise appropriate
penalty be called.
 On a Push Out, the cue ball does not have to contact the lowest numbered
ball first, or any object ball at all; no ball has to contact a cushion.

EIGHT-BALL - Eight ball is played with fifteen numbered object balls and the
cue ball. The shooter’s group of seven balls (one through seven or nine through
fifteen) must all be off the table before he attempts to pocket the eight ball to win.
Shots are called.
 At least three (3) object balls must be driven or contracted to any rails.
 Break Shot, The following rules apply to the break shot:
(a) The cue ball begins in hand behind the head string.
(b) No ball is called, and the cue ball is not required to hit any particular object
ball first.
(c) If the breaker pockets a ball and does not foul, he continues at the table,
and the table remains open. (See 3.4 Open Table / Choosing Groups.)
(d) If no object ball is pocketed, at least four object balls must be driven to one
or more rails, or the shot results in an illegal break, and the incoming player has
the option of
(1) accepting the table in position, or
(2) re-racking and breaking, or
(3) re-racking and allowing the offending player to break again.
(e) Pocketing the eight ball on a legal break shot is not a foul. If the eight ball is
pocketed, the breaker has the option of (1) re-spotting the eight ball and
accepting the balls in position, or
(2) re-breaking.
(f) If the breaker pockets the eight ball and scratches (see definition 8.6 Scratch), the
opponent has the option of
(1) re-spotting the eight ball and shooting with cue ball in hand behind
the head string; or
(2) re-breaking.
(g) If any object ball is driven off the table on a break shot, it is a foul; such
balls remain out of play (except the eight ball which is re-spotted); and the incoming
player has the option of
(1) accepting the table in position, or
(2) taking cue ball in hand behind the head string.
(h) If the breaker fouls in any manner not listed above, the following player has
the option of
(1) accepting the balls in position, or
(2) taking cue ball in hand behind the head string.
 Shots Required to Be Called On each shot except the break, shots must be called as
explained in 1.6 Standard Call Shot. The eight ball may be called only after the shot
on which the shooter’s group has been cleared from the table.

Standard Call Shot

In games in which the shooter is required to call shots, the intended ball and pocket
must be indicated for each shot. Details of the shot, such as cushions struck
or other balls contacted or pocketed are irrelevant. Only one ball may be called
on each shot. For a called shot to count, the referee must be satisfied that the
intended shot was made, so if there is any chance of confusion, e.g. with
bank, combination and similar shots, the shooter should indicate the ball and
pocket. If the referee or opponent is unsure of the shot to be played, he may
ask for a call. In call shot games, the shooter may choose to call “safety”
instead of a ball and pocket, and then play passes to the opponent at the end
of the shot. Whether balls are being spotted after safeties depends on the rules
of the particular game.

 Using Jump Cue is not allowed.

 Losing the Rack
The shooter loses if he
(a) fouls when pocketing the eight ball;
(b) pockets the eight ball before his group is cleared;
(c) pockets the eight ball in an uncalled pocket; or
(d) drives the eight ball off the table. These do not apply to the break
shot.
Proposed additional event- Mix Doubles.
Mixed Doubles – Composed of a boy player and a girl player of every delegation taken
from the four player of each delegation

VI. CATEGORIES

SECONDARY BOYS and SECONDARY GIRLS

VII. PLAYING AREAS AND EQUIPMENT

https://wpapool.com/equipment-specifications/

4.5 ft.

9 ft.
 PLAYERS REQUIREMENTS
A. Each player shall be required to bring at least one of the following equipment
during the event. Lending or borrowing of such equipment is strictly prohibited.
1. Break Cue
2. Cue Sticks
3. Jump Cue
4. Chalk/Gloves
5. Tapper

C. Players Dress Code

BOYS
- Delegation Uniform/Collared Polo (in the absence of delegation
uniform)
- Long Pants
- Black shoes/shoes with rubber soles/delegation shoes
-
GIRLS
- Delegation Uniform/Collared Polo (in the absence of delegation
uniform)
- Long Pants
- Black shoes/shoes with rubber soles/delegation shoes

VIII. OFFICIALS:
Officiating Officials in the Palarong Pambansa must be a Deped National
Accredited passer, and one selected NSA representative.
Officiating Officials in the Regional Meet down to the lower meet must be a
regular Deped employee.
25 Officiating Officials needed for six (6) Billiard tables and three (3) for each
table in 136 Games and a minimum of seven (7) racks per game.
Function of 3 Referee for each table
1. Referee
2. Scorer
3. 2nd Referee

Officiating Officials for Palarong Pambansa

Officiating Officials Number
Tournament Manager 1
Asst. Tournament Manager 1
Tournament Secretary 1
Head Referee 1
Game Controller/Pairing Director 1
Recorder 1
Tournament Documentation 1
Referee 18
Total 25
 IX. OORGANIZATIONAL STUCTURE

Tournament Manager

Game Controller/Pairing Asst. Tournament Tournament Secretary

Director Manager

Recorder Head Referee Tournament

Documentation

Referee

Scorer

Medical Coaches/Chaperon Peace Officer Child Protection

Athletes

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Tournament Manager – The role of the Tournament Manager is to ensure that rules
are strictly observed. Supervise the progress of the tournament. Enforce any decisions
made to resolve disputes. Conduct refresher course and solidarity to Officials and Coaches.
Asst. Tournament Manager – Secure all equipment ready for the event. Help TM facilitate
the event.
Tournament Secretary- Process all documents needed by all officials.
Head Referee – Manages and assist referee. Help referee settle disputes.
Referee – Conduct and Manage the games.
Game Controller/Pairing Director – Assign referee to designated match. Prepare schedule
of match.
Scorer – Assist to the referee by recording all the balls pocketed, fouls committed by players,
shot clock operator, and take video if necessary.
Recorder – Records all winners and losers player with signature. Post the game results.
Tournament Documentation – Write narrative report of each day. Take photograph and
video. In-charge of the opening and closing program.
Coaches/Chaperon – Assist players needs for the events. Instruct players about the proper
conduct during the game.
Athletes – Know the rules and Regulations of the game.
Medical – Must be present in every events, Take action in case there are players needs
medical help and advice.
Child Protection – Present in all events.
Peace Officer – Present in all events.

X. PROTEST, PENALTIES AND SANCTIONS

 Protest Ruling ( WPA)
If a player needs a decision to be taken, the first person to be contacted is the referee.
The
referee will form his decision by all means that seem suitable to him. If the player wants to
protest against that ruling, he may contact the head referee and after that the tournament
director. In any regular tournament, the tournament director’s decision is binding and final.

XI. CONDUCT OF COMPETITION

Disciplines that will be played during the Palarong Pambansa would be 9- ball
and 8- ball singles. Single elimination or knock-out system is being applied. The
match will be race to four (4) for the elimination round, race to five, (5) for semi-final
and race to six (6) for the championship round.
SINGLE ELIMINATION 34 PLAYERS DOUBLE BRACKET
A 8 BALL BOYS B

1 2
17 33 18
25 26
CHAMPIONSHIP
3 4

29 30

5 6
19 20
7 8
31 32
9
10
21
22
11
12
27
28
13
14
23 34 24
15 BRONZE MEDAL 16

SINGLE ELIMINATION 34 PLAYERS DOUBLE BRACKET

A 8 BALL GIRLS B

1 2
17 33 18
25 26
CHAMPIONSHIP
3 4

29 30

5 6
19 20
7 8
31 32

9
10
21
22
 11
12
27
28
13
14
23 34 24
15 BRONZE MEDAL 16

SINGLE ELIMINATION 34 PLAYERS DOUBLE BRACKET

A 9 BALL BOYS B

1 2
17 33 18
25 26
CHAMPIONSHIP
3 4

29 30

5 6
19 20
7 8
31 32
9
10
21
22
11
12
27
28
13
14
23 34 24
15 BRONZE MEDAL 16

SINGLE ELIMINATION 34 PLAYERS DOUBLE BRACKET

A 9 BALL GIRLS B

1 2
17 33 18
25 26
CHAMPIONSHIP
3 4

29 30

5 6
19 20
7 8
31 32
9
10
21
22
11
12
27 28
 13
14
23 34 24
15 BRONZE MEDAL 16

XII. DETERMINATION OF WINNERS

The championship for Group A will play against the champion of Group
B to determine the gold and silver medalists respectively. While the 1st Runner-Up of
Group A will play against 1st Runner-Up of Group B to determine the bronze
medalist in a race to three (3) match for 9 balls. The Palarong Panbansa Technical
Committee reserves the right to increase the number of race depending on the
number of participating area. Furthermore, the following are the mode of play to wit:
a) The players will be group into two (2) – Group A and Group B
b) Drawing of lots shall be done to determine the groupings; and
c) A single elimination or knock-out system shall applied in the competition.

Note: For Regional Meet down to lower Meet

Players - In case of tie in which both players have the same medal
standing, and only one of them will represents the delegation, they will play 9 ball in
a race to 3 match. Winner will represent the delegation.
Coach - In case of tie in which both Coach have the same medal
standing, and only one of them will represents the delegation, their player will play 9
ball in a race to 3 match. Winner will represent the delegation.

XIII. MEDALS TO BE CONTESTED

Medal 8 Ball boys 8 Ball Girls 9 Ball boys 9 Ball Girls Total
Gold 1 1 1 1 4
Silver 1 1 1 1 4
Bronze 1 1 1 1 4
Total 3 3 3 3 12

XIV. NUMBER OF MEDALS TO BE AWARDED

medal Number of pcs.

Gold 4
Silver 4
Bronze 4
Total 12

XV. SCHEDULE OF GAMES

Day 1
 8:00 AM - Short Program
Game proper (8 Balls Boys and Girls)
-4:30 PM Game 1 – Game 36

Day 2
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Game 37 – Game 64

Day 3
8:00 AM – 10: AM Game 65 – Game 68 (Championship Games in 8
Ball Boys and Girls)
1:00 PM – 4:30PM (9 Balls Boys and Girls)
Game 1- Game 36

Day 4
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Game 37- Game 64
Day 5
8:00 AM – 12:00 NOON Game 65 - Game 68 (Championship Games in 9 Balls)

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM Awarding of Medals

PREPARED BY: HERMES C. DELA CRUZ

TOURNAMENT MANAGER