Below is a list of Do’s and Don’ts to remind Association Members to enjoy the game, the competition, the winning, but to play fairly and respectfully.
This list is not exhaustive, but represents the spirit in which both Billiards and Snooker should be played.
DO’S
- Be on time for your match.
- Notify your opponent at the earliest opportunity if you are going to be late.
- If you are unable to play due to a holiday for instance, notify your opponent and arrange to play the game before you go.
- Always shake hands with your opponent before and after a match.
- Always shake hands with the referee and the marker before and after a match.
- Applaud your opponent if he deserves it, such as making a good break.
- If you ask the referee for something, perhaps for a rest or to have the balls cleaned, remember to say please and thank you.
- Respect the cloth, table and equipment.
- Wait for your opponent to leave the table before getting to the game.
- Play at a proper pace throughout the match (Billiards), even if you are in front in the last minute of the game.
- If the referee does not see an opponent’s cannon, yet you do, tell the referee.
- If you knowingly commit a foul shot, own up to it, even if the referee did not see it.
- If in a situation where the number of snookers required is an unrealistic target, concede the frame.
- When walking past other tables, wait until the player has played his shot.
- Call out the points when refereeing.
- Apologise when you make a fluke by simply raising your hand. It is common courtesy.
- Having lost a match, take defeat graciously.
DON’TS
- Leave your opponent waiting for you to attend without having contacted him.
- Stand or move in the line of the opponents shot.
- Make a noise or talk whilst your opponent is at the table.
- Pace up and down when your opponent is at the table.
- Whinge throughout the game about your or your opponents luck.
- Show too much emotion after getting a fluke or winning.
- Stay at the table when you miss a shot. Walk quietly away so that your opponent can get to the table.
- Rough up the cloth with your bridge hand.
- Slam the balls or rests on the table.
- Swear during a game.
- Practice your cue action on another table.
- Hit the balls hard in frustration.
- Use your mobile phone whilst your opponent is playing.
- Concede in Billiards, even if you have no hope of winning, carry on and play your best.
- Players are also reminded that as a spectator to keep noise and talking to the minimum.
- Remember, when your game is completed, there are other games still being played, again keep noise to minimum.
Kind regards
Karl Le Fevre
Tournament Secretary
