CueSports International manages the BCA Pool League. It was initially operated by The Billiard Congress of America. The BCA Pool League serves as an umbrella membership organization for all pool leagues around the world. The association has over 50,000 members. It also has over 500 leagues located in eight countries.
The BCA Pool League is the oldest pool league sanctioning organization in the world. CueSports International bought the BCA Pool League in 2004. The organization has more than 450 local leagues in eight countries and is a major presence in Canada.
BCA Pool League rules are designed to accommodate team play. Teams have a maximum of eight players. Each team member may only play one to two games per round. The BCA must have all players. All players must agree to a Code of Conduct and Ethics. A Hall of Fame has been established to recognize great players.
The BCA Pool League was set up in 1978 in order to unify different leagues across the globe. It was created to help pool leagues achieve economies of scale. It has grown to become a significant force in pool. It is also a major sponsor for the WPBA Tour which is the most prestigious pool tournament in North America.
BCA Pool League rules allow for fair play, and encourage good sportsmanship. The league was founded by Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart. They were pool professionals. They founded the American Poolplayers Association in 1981. It 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 is used to determine the outcome of the nine-ball matches. To win, the player must score at least two points. To win the eight-ball, players need to be at least three levels of skill. Eight points will be awarded to the player with the highest number of games won. If the match is postponed, the match must be played within three weeks. The match is forfeited if the player cannot play within the three-week deadline.
All players must register with the BCA Pool League, and pay BCA member fees. All dues paid must clearly be indicated on score sheets. If a player does not pay all dues, his or her scores will not be counted.
BCA Pool League rules also include "Applied Rulings" from large-scale tournament administration. These rules include the "lag timing rule", which stipulates that the ball must not be fired until the opponent's ball touches 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 has the responsibility of ensuring that all participants are treated equally and that no player is favored over another.
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.