CueSports International manages the BCA Pool League. It was initially operated by The Billiard Congress of America. The BCA Pool League umbrella membership group is for pool leagues in all countries. The BCA Pool League has more than 50,000 members, and there are over 500 leagues across eight 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 is a significant presence in Canada with more than 450 leagues across eight countries.
BCA Pool League rules allow for team play. Teams have a maximum of eight players. Each team member may only play one to two games per round. Players must be members of the BCA. 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 set up in 1978 in order to unify different leagues across the globe. It was established to give pool leagues economies of scale. With more than 450 leagues in eight countries, the organization has become a powerful 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 allow for fair play, and encourage good sportsmanship. The league was founded by Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart. They were both professional pool players. In 1981, they established the American Poolplayers Association. 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 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 are awarded to the player who wins more games in a round. If the match has been postponed for any reason, the match must still be played within three working weeks. If the opponent is unable or unwilling to play in the scheduled time, they will lose the match.
Players must register with BCA Pool League to pay BCA membership dues. Score sheets must clearly indicate all dues paid. 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 a lag timing rule that states that the ball should be shot when the ball of an opponent contacts the foot cushion.
The league director has full authority to make placements. The league director also has the responsibility of ensuring that each division is competitive. The league director is responsible for making sure that all players are treated equally, and that no one team is preferred over the other.
The "Equalizer" APA handicapping system is also part of the BCA Pool League rules. This system is meant to give everyone a chance to win.