The original Billiard Congress of America (BCA) pool league was operated. CueSports International now manages the BCA Pool League. The BCA Pool League umbrella membership group is for pool leagues in all countries. 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. CueSports International bought the BCA Pool League in 2004. It is a significant presence in Canada with more than 450 leagues across eight countries.
BCA Pool League rules were designed to allow for team play. There can only be eight players in a team. Each player may only play one or more games per round. Players must be members. All players must sign an official Code of Conduct and Ethics agreement. A Hall of Fame is also available to honor great players.
The BCA Pool League was established in 1978 to unify independent leagues throughout the world. It was created to bring pool leagues together with economies of size. The organization is a strong force in pool with over 450 leagues across eight countries. It has become a major sponsor in the WPBA Tour. This is North America's premier pool tournament.
BCA Pool League rules allow for fair play, and encourage good sportsmanship. Terry Bell founded the league with Larry Hubbart. They were pool professionals. They founded the American Poolplayers Association in 1981. 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 offers nine-ball as well as eight-ball play on regulation 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 the most games for the round scores eight points. Matches must be played within 3 weeks of being postponed. If the player is unavailable for three weeks or more, the match is forfeited.
Players must register with the BCA Pool League and pay BCA member dues. All dues paid must be clearly indicated on score sheets. A player who fails to pay all dues will have his scores removed.
BCA Pool League rules also include "Applied Rulings" from 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 is also responsible to ensure that the competitive levels of all divisions are comparable. The league director also has to ensure that all players are treated equally.
BCA Pool League rules also contain an APA handicapping method known as the "Equalizer". This system is intended to give all players a chance to win.