Originally operated by the Billiard Congress of America (BCA), the BCA Pool League is now operated by CueSports International. The BCA Pool League is an umbrella membership organisation for pool leagues across the globe. It has more than 50,000 members and over 500 leagues in eight different 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. It has over 450 leagues throughout eight countries, and is a prominent presence in Canada.
BCA Pool League rules are designed to accommodate team play. There can only be eight players in a team. Each player can play one to two rounds per round. Players must be members. All players must sign an official Code of Conduct and Ethics agreement. A Hall of Fame has been established to recognize great players.
In 1978, the BCA Pool League was founded to unify all independent leagues in the world. It was intended to provide pool leagues with economies of scale. With more than 450 leagues in eight countries, the organization has become a powerful force in pool. It is also a major sponsor for the WPBA Tour which is the most prestigious pool tournament in North America.
The BCA Pool League rules were designed to allow for fair play and to promote good sportsmanship. Terry Bell founded the league with Larry Hubbart. They were also professional pool players. In 1981, they established 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 plays nine-ball and eight-ball on regulation 9-foot tables. The nine-ball matches are based on points. 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. 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.
Players must register with the BCA Pool League and pay BCA member dues. All dues must be clearly indicated on scoresheets. 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 time rule which requires that the ball be shot only after the ball of the opponent touches the foot cushion.
The league director can make placement decisions. The league director also has the responsibility of ensuring that each division is competitive. The league director has the responsibility of ensuring that all participants are treated equally and that no player 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.