U. Balls off the Table.
- It is Standard Foul if a ball leaves the
playing surface (other than being potted) and remains off the playing
surface or doesn't return by its own means.
- Definitions / Examples
- Playing Surface:
The playing surface of the table is the flat part of the table between the
cushions.
- By its own means:
- It is not a foul if a ball leaves the
playing surface, runs along the top of a cushion, drops back on to the
playing surface and comes to rest there or falls into a pocket.
- It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves
the playing surface, comes into contact with a person or object that is
not a part of the table and then returns to the playing surface.
- Off the Table: It
is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface and comes to rest
on other than the playing surface. (e.g. On the floor or on the top of a
cushion)
- Spotted : A ball is
spotted when its centre point is placed on the spot or, if this is not
possible, as near as possible to the spot in a direct line between the
spot and the centre point of the cushion that lies the greatest distance
from the Baulk Line. If any of the following balls require spotting, they
are spotted in the following order:
1. Eight Ball
2. Red Balls in any order (or balls numbered 1 to 7 in numerical order)
3. Yellow Balls in any order (or balls numbered 9 to 15 in numerical
order)
Spotted balls should be placed as close to each other and any intervening
balls as possible, without touching.
- If a ball leaves the playing surface and
remains off the playing surface, it shall be returned to the table:
- If it is a Cue Ball it is to be played
from Baulk.
- If it is an Object Ball (or Balls) it is
to be Spotted.
