CueSports International operates the BCA Pool League, which was originally operated by the Billiard Congress of America. The BCA Pool League is an umbrella membership organisation for pool leagues across the globe. The BCA Pool League has more than 50,000 members, and there are over 500 leagues across eight countries.
The oldest pool league sanctioning body in the world is the BCA Pool League. CueSports International bought the BCA Pool League in 2004. The organization is active in Canada and has over 450 leagues in eight different countries.
BCA Pool League rules are designed to accommodate team play. Each team can have no more than eight members. Each member of the team can only play one or two rounds. All players must be members. All players must also sign an official Code of Conduct and Ethics agreement. The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding players.
The BCA Pool League was established in 1978 to unify independent leagues throughout the world. It was intended to provide pool leagues with economies of scale. The organization boasts more than 450 leagues and eight countries. It is now a formidable force in pool. The WPBA Tour is North America's most popular pool tournament. It has been a major sponsor.
BCA Pool League rules promote fair play and sportsmanship. Terry Bell, Larry Hubbart and others founded the league. They were both professional pool players. They founded the American Poolplayers Association in 1981. It also 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. The points system determines the winner of the nine-ball match. To win, a player must score two or more points. In the eight-ball, players must play at a skill level of three or higher. 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. The match is forfeited if the player cannot play within the three-week deadline.
Players must register for the BCA Pool League. All dues must be clearly noted on score sheets. In order to count a player's scores, he or she must pay all the dues.
BCA Pool League rules contain "Applied Rules" from large-scale tournament admin. These rules include "Applied Rulings" from large-scale tournament administration.
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 has the responsibility of ensuring that all participants are treated equally and that no player is favored over another.
The BCA Pool League rules contain an APA handicapping program called the "Equalizer". This system gives each player an equal chance of winning.