CueSports International manages the BCA Pool League. It was initially operated by The Billiard Congress of America. The BCA Pool League is an umbrella membership organisation for pool leagues across the globe. The organization has over 50,000 members and has over 500 leagues in eight countries.
The oldest pool league sanctioning body in the world is the BCA Pool League. The original organization was operated by the BCA. It was sold to CueSports International, in 2004. It has over 450 leagues throughout eight countries, and is a prominent presence in Canada.
BCA Pool League rules were designed to allow for team play. Teams have a maximum of eight players. Each player may only play one or more games per round. All players must be members. All players must agree to a Code of Conduct and Ethics. The organization also has a Hall of Fame that honors great players.
The BCA Pool League was set up in 1978 in order to unify different leagues across the globe. It was created to bring pool leagues together with economies of size. 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 professional pool players. They founded the American Poolplayers Association in 1981. 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 has nine-ball or eight-ball matches on regulation 9-foot tables. Points are the basis of nine-ball matches. The player needs to score two or more points to win. Players must play eight-ball at a skill level three or higher. Eight points will be awarded to the player with the highest number of games won. The match must be played within the next three weeks if it is postponed. If the player is not able to play within three week, the match will be forfeited.
Players must register with the BCA Pool League and pay BCA member dues. Score sheets must clearly indicate all dues paid. Scores will be canceled if a player fails to pay all dues.
BCA Pool League rules include "Applied Rulings" that are derived from large-scale tournament management. These rules include the lag time rule which requires that the ball be shot only after the ball of the opponent touches the foot cushion.
The league director has full authority to make placements. He or she is also responsible for ensuring that divisions have comparable competitive levels. The league director is also responsible for ensuring that all players are treated equally and that no team is favored over another.
BCA Pool League rules also contain an APA handicapping method known as the "Equalizer". This system was created to give every player a fair chance at winning.