Next Level SPL
OFFICIAL RULES

League Rules

Official rules for all Next Level SPL competitions. Know the game, play it right.

Next Level SPL 8 Ball matches are played under the World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF) International Rules. These are the most widely used rules in Scottish pub and club pool.

  1. 1

    Matches are played on a standard 6ft or 7ft pool table with a set of 15 object balls (7 reds, 7 yellows, 1 black) and a white cue ball.

  2. 2

    The balls are racked in a triangle with the black on the middle spot, a red in one corner and a yellow in the other corner of the base.

  3. 3

    The cue ball is placed anywhere behind the baulk line for the break shot.

  1. 1

    The opening player must strike the pack with the cue ball. A legal break requires at least two object balls to reach a cushion, or a ball to be potted.

  2. 2

    If the black is potted on the break, it is re-spotted and the breaker continues from baulk.

  3. 3

    If the cue ball is potted on the break (in-off), the incoming player may place the cue ball anywhere in baulk.

  1. 1

    Groups (reds or yellows) are not assigned until a player legally pots a ball after the break. The first ball potted determines that player's group.

  2. 2

    If balls from both groups are potted on the same shot, the striking player chooses their group.

  3. 3

    Once groups are assigned, each player must pot all balls of their own group before attempting to pot the black.

  1. 1

    A foul is committed when: the cue ball is potted; the cue ball does not first contact the striker's own group ball (or the black when on it); a ball is knocked off the table; the cue ball is played before all balls have come to rest; or the player plays out of turn.

  2. 2

    After a foul, the incoming player receives two visits (two shots). The first visit may be used to play from where the cue ball rests, or to take ball-in-hand behind the baulk line.

  3. 3

    If a foul is committed while potting the last group ball, the incoming player receives two visits with ball-in-hand anywhere on the table.

  1. 1

    A player wins by legally potting the black after all balls of their own group have been cleared.

  2. 2

    A player loses if they pot the black before clearing their group; pot the black and the cue ball in the same shot; pot the black when it is not their shot to do so; or knock the black off the table at any time.

  3. 3

    If the black is potted as a result of a foul by the opponent, the non-offending player wins the frame.

Code of Conduct

All players are expected to uphold the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship at all times.

  1. 1

    Treat opponents, referees, and venue staff with respect at all times.

  2. 2

    Disputes must be raised calmly and immediately — not after the frame has concluded.

  3. 3

    Deliberate distraction or unsportsmanlike behaviour may result in a forfeit or disqualification.

  4. 4

    Mobile phones must be silenced during active play.

  5. 5

    Players must be ready to play within 5 minutes of being called. Failure to appear may result in a walkover.

Rules are reviewed and updated at the start of each season. For clarifications, contact your league coordinator.