The original Billiard Congress of America (BCA) pool league was operated. CueSports International now manages the BCA Pool League. The BCA Pool League is an umbrella membership organisation for pool leagues across the globe. The BCA Pool League has more than 50,000 members, and there are over 500 leagues across eight countries.
The oldest pool league sanctioning body in the world is the BCA Pool League. The BCA originally managed the organization. CueSports International purchased the company in 2004. It has over 450 leagues throughout eight countries, and is a prominent presence in Canada.
BCA Pool League rules have been designed to facilitate team play. There can only be eight players in a team. Each player on the team may play only one or two games per round. Players must be members. All players must agree to a Code of Conduct and Ethics. The Hall of Fame honors great players.
The BCA Pool League was established in 1978 to unify independent leagues throughout the world. It was intended to provide pool leagues with economies of scale. With more than 450 leagues in eight countries, the organization has become a powerful 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 were created to ensure fair play and promote sportsmanship. Terry Bell founded the league with Larry Hubbart. They were also professional pool players. 1981 saw the founding of the American Poolplayers Association. It also has two international affiliates: the World Pool-Billiard Association, (WPBA), and the Japanese Poolplayers Association, (JPA).
The BCA Pool League plays nine-ball and eight-ball on regulation 9-foot tables. Points are the basis of nine-ball matches. To win, the player must score 2 or more points. The eight-ball requires players to have a skill level at least three. The round's winner is the one who has won the most games. This earns the player eight points. Matches must be played within 3 weeks of being postponed. If the player is not able to play within three week, the match will be forfeited.
Players must register for the BCA Pool League. All dues paid must be clearly 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 incorporate "Applied Rulings", which are 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 can make placement decisions. The league director is responsible for ensuring that all divisions are competitive. The league director is also responsible for ensuring that all players are treated equally and that no team is favored over another.
The "Equalizer" APA handicapping system is also part of the BCA Pool League rules. This system is intended to give all players a chance to win.