1. Bylaws

The Long Beach Pool League (P.O. Box 20459, Long Beach, Ca. 90801) is an unincorporated social and recreational organization. This organization does not contemplate pecuniary gain or profit to the members and is organized for nonprofit purposes. Our Federal Tax ID Number is 33-0242053.

For purposes of simplicity and clarity, masculine pronouns have been utilized throughout this rulebook. Such references apply to any player or teams of players.

1.1 Teams and Sponsors

1.1.1 Sponsors

A. Each sponsor may have a maximum of two (2) teams per table.

B. Cost for sponsor is $30.00 per team.

1.1.2 Teams and Members

A. A team will consist of a minimum of four (4) members and a maximum of six (6) members.

B. Each team will have a player designated as captain.

C. A team will submit the names (first and last), addresses, and telephone numbers of its captain and players at the Registration meeting.

D. Cost is $200.00 per team.

E. Each player is responsible for BCA dues (Currently $10/year. The BCA calendar year runs from June 1 - May 31).

1.1.3 Eligibility, Forfeiture, and Withdrawal

A. Provisions in this section can be overruled by two-thirds majority of the Board of Governors due to special circumstances.

B. All members of the Long Beach Pool League are not eligible to participate in any other team or league that is affiliated with the West Coast Challenge during the current season.

C. After the third night of play from the beginning of the season, there shall be no roster changes allowed, unless first approved by the Board of Governors. Requests for roster changes must be in writing and received by the statistician one week prior to player's eligibility. A Board Member will contact the captain regarding the approval of the roster change.

D. Teams will be considered withdrawn from the league at the registration meeting if they fail to have a captain or appointed representative in attendance.

E. Teams that withdraw from the league and/or forfeit two nights of play during the season will have their scores voided. Any teams, which they have played in the current season, will have the scores for all games played against that team voided also (as if they had a bye). Any teams, which would have played that team, will receive a bye on the scheduled night.

F. Every participant of the Long Beach Pool League will be required to sign a liability release form. All forms must be turned in to the statistician by the third (3rd) week of play. Failure to sign the release form will result in a player or players being dropped from the Long Beach Pool League.

G. Acceptance of membership in the Long Beach Pool League, shall constitute membership for that member in the Billiard Congress of America (BCA), and receive the benefits accorded to BCA members, including but not limited to, qualification for participation in BCA tournaments.

1.2 Captains

1.2.1 General Duties of Captains

A. Captains, or a member of the Captain’s team, shall be present at all Captain’s/League Member’s meetings. Failure to attend will be a three (3) game loss applied to the captain.

Note: This three (3) game loss shall be applied by deducting three (3) wins from the Captain’s total score in the league stats.

B. Team captains will designate a member from his/her team in their absence.

C. Must inform the league statistician of any changes in the team roster (see rules 1.1.2 C and 1.1.3 C).

D. Approve any changes in the bylaws and rules (see rule 1.5).

E. Approve any expenditure from the general fund that is not:

1. Specifically essential to the operation of the league.

2. Previously voted upon or specifically mentioned in these bylaws.

F. Failure of a team captain or a member from his/her team, to attend at least 2 scheduled meetings during a season will result in the captain being removed from the captain’s position. The removal shall commence the beginning of the following season and be in effect for not longer than one season.

1.2.2 Captains’ Duties on Night of Play

A. Home captains will:

1. Ensure that the table is clean and the necessary supplies and table equipment are available to both teams (i.e. chalk, bridges, same size cue ball, etc.).

2. Complete the Home Team information including player line-up on the score sheet first, and ensure visiting team captain completes Visiting Team information and player line-up.

3. Keep score during the match.

4. Ensure substitute’s play is clearly indicated as specified on the score sheet, and that the substitute’s name is clearly entered in the appropriate box on the score sheet. Ensure that all table runs (see rule 5.9) are clearly noted on the score sheet.

5. Deliver or telephone in the results (or reason for delay) to the designated location selected by the statistician by 11:00 PM on the night of play. The original score sheet must be received by the statistician no later than one (1) week from the night of play.

6. Penalty for failure to follow 5 above will result in the loss of three (3) wins from the home team, charged to the captain of that team.

B. Both captains will:

1. Designate a referee for each game.

2. Strictly follow all instructions on the score sheet.

3. Resolve all disputes using the following:

a) A reasonable discussion, resulting in a decision on the call and continuation of the game.

b) If neither captain is willing to have a change of mind, a flip of a coin may decide the call and the continuation of the game.

c) If neither 3-a or 3-b is used, the game will be terminated before another shot is taken by either player and that particular game will be replayed immediately.

d) If a captain refuses options 3-a, 3-b, and 3-c, his/her player loses the game but the match continues. This loss should be noted by circling the box on the score sheet and noting in the margin: "Refusal to play game by (player's name)".

4. Protests will be allowed only if based on an incorrect application of the playing rules. The protested game should be circled on the score sheet with a brief explanation by both team captains on the back of the score sheet.

1.3 Board of Governors

1.3.1 Number of Governors

There shall be seven (7) elected members, each with one (1) vote, unless such member(s) is disqualified by reason of conflict of interest.

1.3.2 Election and Term of Office

An election committee composed of one Board Member and two league members (preferably Captains if possible) to be formed for collection and tabulation of votes. The committee is to coordinate its activities in connection with the bylaws of the LBPL and ensure a two-thirds vote of all regular season LBPL members to make the election valid. Otherwise, a re-vote of same will be necessary.

A. Nominations for the Board of Governors shall be open to all league members in good standing for a minimum of two (2) weeks prior to the elections.

B. Three (3) members shall be elected at the end of the fall season and four (4) members shall be elected at the end of the spring season.

C. There shall always be seven (7) Board Members in office.

D. Term of office shall be one (1) year, culminating with the West Coast Challenge.

E. The Board may temporarily fill any vacancy in the event of resignation or failure to serve. Such a temporary position will be filled with a permanent Board Member at the next regularly scheduled election of the Board.

1.3.3 Duties of the Board of Governors

A. Elect league officers by secret ballot.

B. Meet at the request of the President, or two (2) Board Members, or two (2) Captains.

C. Take necessary action essential for organization and operation of the pool league season, unless otherwise restricted herein.

D. Approve new sponsors.

E. Inspect and approve all playing facilities and pool tables prior to the beginning of each league season.

F. Review rule changes and investigate protests.

G. Schedule the regular season playoffs, authorized tournaments, and provide referees when necessary.

H. Determine the location of the league Awards Banquet, with accommodations and price as the major consideration.

I. Take appropriate action with respect to teams or individuals who violate league rules or whose conduct is deemed detrimental to the league.

J. Shall approve all agreements regarding the West Coast Challenge.

K. Shall insure that all extra league activities or agreements are in the best interest of the league before authorizing or sanctioning said agreements or activities.

L. Shall be totally responsible for accuracy of all financial statements and their supporting documentation.

M. Shall review and approve all expenditures and all committee recommendations.

N. Shall purchase and present awards as follows:

1. Top eight (8) individuals; top four (4) women, top three (3) Hi-Lo team and top four (4) teams.

2. Awards for top three (3) winners for authorized tournaments.

3. Top three (3) improved players from prior season. Improvement shall be measured by stats from prior season to current season. Players must have competed in 60% of scheduled games in current and prior season.

4. Team sportsmanship trophy. The trophy will be awarded to the team that receives the most votes from the league members. All league members will have one vote each. The last mandatory fundraiser of the season will be the day to vote for the team they think showed the best sportsmanship during the season. In the event of a tie between two team, both teams will be awarded trophies. In the event of a tie between three or more teams, a revote will be taken on the tied teams. Only league members who voted in the first vote may vote in the revote.

5. Perpetual trophies to be awarded

a) Open Individuals

b) Women Individuals

c) Team – to be awarded to the winning team’s sponsor

d) Joey Reda Memorial

6. A sportsmanship trophy for unusual dedication and/or sportsmanship to the to the league may be presented to an individual or team as voted by the Board.

O. Conduct the team registration at the start of each season, coordinating the following:

1. The collection all registration sheets.

2. The drawing for team and divisional slots at the captains meeting. (In an effort to maintain balance between the divisions, the first and fourth place teams from the past season shall automatically be placed in one division, and the second and third place teams from the previous season in the other.)

3. The season's schedule of play.

4. The organization and distribution of the packets to the captain’s well before regularly scheduled play begins.

P. Shall make policy not otherwise prohibited herein.

Q. Have the authority to create committees.

R. Failure of a Board Member to attend at least 2 scheduled meeting during a season will result in the Board Member being removed from the Board of Governors. The removal shall commence the beginning of the following season and be in effect for not longer than one season.

1.4 League Officers’ Duties

1.4.1 The President Shall:

A. Coordinate the activities of the Board of Governors, its officers and all committees.

B. Be a cosignatory on all bank accounts.

C. Call, provide agenda for, and preside over regularly scheduled Board meetings.

D. Schedule, provide agenda for, and preside over all Captains/League Members meetings.

E. Preside over the WCC when hosted by Long Beach, including the following

1. Solicit bids for the facility to host the tournament.

2. Appoint a local WCC committee to coordinate activities.

F. Coordinate travel arrangements for Board Members and players whenever the WCC is not in Long Beach.

G. Appoint a person to coordinate all BCA activities.

H. Procure a voluntary Webmaster.

I. Maintain all league records, and pass those records to the next president.

J. Comply with all bylaws not covered in these duties.

1.4.2 The Vice President Shall:

A. Act in behalf of the league president when requested or when the president is out of town.

B. Be a cosignatory on all bank accounts.

C. Serve as liaison to the Billiards Congress of America.

D. Preside over all elections.

E. Maintain records for members’ terms in office.

F. Create referee committees.

G. Comply with all bylaws not covered in these duties.

1.4.3 The Secretary Shall:

A. Record the minutes of the Board of Governors and Captains’/League Members’ meetings.

B. Present in a timely manner, a written copy of the minutes of all Board and Captains’/League Members’ meetings to all Board Members and all team captains.

C. Handle general correspondence, as necessary, with the Board Members, league members, WCC cities and other organizations.

D. Send written notification of all events to all sponsors at the start of each season.

E. Send additional written notification of events scheduled after the start of the season to the affected sponsor in a prompt manner.

F. Send thank-you notes to persons, sponsors or organizations as deemed necessary by the Board.

G. Comply with all bylaws not covered in these duties.

1.4.4 The Treasurer Shall:

A. Keep accurate financial records of income and expenditures in an acceptable accounting procedure.

B. Be cosignatory on all bank accounts.

C. Deposit all moneys collected within three (3) working days of receipt and furnish documentation upon request.

D. Report all moneys collected to the Statistician.

E. Be responsible for notifying sponsors and/or players of overdue fees, and collection of checks returned unpaid. (See also, 1.4.5 D)

F. Write checks paying league obligations in a timely manner for the following:

1. Seasonal banquet

2. Trophies

3. West Coast Challenge

4. All other expenditures as directed by the Board unless otherwise restricted by these bylaws.

G. Prepare the following:

1. A financial statement for all Board Members and Captains at all scheduled Captains’/League Members’ Meetings.

2. A financial report for each scheduled Board meeting.

3. A financial statement upon proper request from any league member or governmental entity. A proper request must be submitted, in writing, to the league President one (1) week in advance.

4. All necessary documents for annual reporting of the league's non-profit status.

H. Comply with all bylaws not covered in these duties.

1.4.5 The Statistician Shall:

A. Collect all scores at the designated drop-off point on the nights of regularly scheduled play.

B. Report, in a timely manner, all protests to the Board.

C. Report all moneys collected to the Treasurer.

D. Notify Treasurer of fees due (i.e. league fees, sponsor fees, BCA dues, etc.)

E. Produce and distribute the league's weekly standings consisting of team and individual scores on a cumulative basis.

F. Keep an accurate record of all personnel and address changes of each team.

G. Present each Board Member the names, addresses, emails and telephone numbers of all players and captains.

H. Supply the Board of Governors any information needed for the playoffs.

I. Comply with all bylaws not covered in these duties.

1.4.6 The Co-Chairpersons Shall:

A. Conduct all fund-raisers and authorized tournaments, or make appropriate arrangements if unable to attend.

B. Contact sponsor (owner and/or manager) at least one (1) week prior to each event to confirm the schedule of the event.

C. Supply all paraphernalia necessary for the activity.

D. Oversee the activities from beginning to end to ensure smooth operation.

E. Design, publish and organize the distribution of all publicity for fund-raising activities, when required.

F. Solicit donations for all raffles.

G. Solicit voluntary help for each activity, when required.

H. Assume responsibility for all moneys collected until such moneys can be surrendered to the league Treasurer.

I. Provide the league Statistician with accurate records of participants from each mandatory fund-raiser.

J. Comply with all bylaws not covered in these duties.

1.4.7 The Rulebook Committee Shall:

A. Consist of a minimum of three (3) league members, one of which must be a Board Member.

B. Review the rulebook for errors (clarification, spelling, typographical, etc.).

C. Insert all new or revised rules as approved by the captains into the rulebook. Any rules rewritten for grammatical reasons shall be presented to the captains in writing for verification prior to inserting in the rulebook.

1.5 Amendments

Only the league captains may amend bylaws and playing rules as follows:

A. “By 2/3 majority of Captain’s vote at a Captains’ Meeting.

Note: A minimum of 60% of captains must be present at meeting in order for voting to take place. If a quorum of 60% is met, a 2/3 majority of captains present must vote in favor of proposal in order for it to pass.

B. Proposed changes must be submitted in writing to all league captains at least two (2) weeks prior to voting.

2. Playoffs

2.1 Order of Play

A. Team Playoffs must be played before all other playoffs.

B. Open Individuals and Women’s Individuals must follow the team playoffs, but need not be played in any particular order. (Women may not participate in both the Open Individuals and Women’s Individuals, and must notify the Board in which playoffs they will participate before the semi-final play begins.)

C. Hi-Low Playoffs must be played after all other playoffs have been completed.

2.2 Eligibility

2.2.1 Team Playoffs

A. Eligibility will be determined by each team’s total winning percentage.

B. The top four (4) teams from each division are eligible.

C. All players must have attended at least two (2) mandatory fund-raisers during the course of the season. If an individual was unable to attend (i.e. work or emergency), then a donation of $10.00 for each missed fundraiser, not to exceed $20.00, will be asked of that individual.

NOTE: Individuals must pay any donation required at the last league meeting. Failure to pay will make that player ineligible to participate in the playoffs.

D. A team is disqualified if no member is present at the designated starting time, and predetermined location, as indicated on the team regular season playoff schedule.

E. The bracket shall be seeded 1-8 and the team with the best record will maintain visitor designation throughout the tournament.

F. If a tie of 8-8 occurs, teams will be given a 5 minute time out after game 16 before tiebreak play resumes. A lag determines the break on the 17^th game.

2.2.2 Semi Finals Open Individuals

A. Open Individuals are open to both male and female players; therefore, sex need not be questioned or verified.

B. Eligibility will be determined by total winning percentage.

C. The top 12 individuals automatically qualify for the Open Individuals Final Round. Players in positions 13 - 20 compete in the Open Individuals Semi-final Round for the additional four (4) positions in the Open Individuals Final Round.

D. Individuals must have played a minimum of 60% of the scheduled games (games awarded at fund-raisers are not included).

E. All players must have attended at least two (2) mandatory fund-raisers during the course of the season. If an individual was unable to attend (i.e. work or emergency), then a donation of $10.00 for each missed fundraiser, not to exceed $20.00, will be asked of that individual.

NOTE: Individuals must pay any donation required at the last league meeting. Failure to pay will make that player ineligible to participate in the playoffs.

F. No members of the first place team and/or the WCC team may participate in the Semi Finals or Open Individual Playoffs.

G. Players not present at the designated starting time will be disqualified. There is no grace period.

H. Players advanced based on the winner of matches consisting of 2 out of 3 games.

I. Semi finals lag for break.

J. The 4 highest players that did not advance to the finals will be ranked as alternates to open individuals finals, based on finish at semi finals. Ties will be determined by a one game playoff.

2.2.3 Semi Finals Women’s Individuals

A. Women’s Individuals are open to female players only, and proof of sex may be required if questions arise.

B. Eligibility will be determined by total winning percentage.

D. Individuals must have played a minimum of 60% of the scheduled games (games awarded at fund-raisers are not included).

A) NOTE: Individuals must pay any donation required at the last league meeting. Failure to pay will make that player ineligible to participate in the playoffs.

F. No members of the first place team and/or the WCC team may participate in the Semi Finals or Women’s Individual Playoffs.

G. Players not present at the designated starting time will be disqualified. There is no grace period.

H. Players advanced based on the winner of matches consisting of 2 out of 3 games.

I. Semi finals lag for break.

J. The 4 highest players that did not advance to the finals will be ranked as alternates to women’s individuals finals, based on finish at semi finals. Ties will be determined by a one game playoff.

2.2.4 Open Individual Playoffs

A. Open Individuals are open to both male and female players; therefore, sex need not be questioned or verified.

B. Eligibility will be determined by total winning percentage.

D. Individuals must have played a minimum of 60% of the scheduled games (games awarded at fund-raisers are not included).

NOTE: Individuals must pay any donation required at the last league meeting. Failure to pay will make that player ineligible to participate in the playoffs.

F. No members of the first place team and/or the WCC team may participate in the Open Individual Playoffs.

G. Players not present at the designated starting time will be disqualified. There is no grace period.

H. If the field is not filled at the designated start time, the bye will go to the highest ranked seed.

I. If a player is not present at the beginning of a match during the tournament, the match is forfeited. There is not grace period.

J. There is a 1 hour time limit for all matches. If the time limit is exceeded, a one-minute time limit per shot will be enforced until the match ends. A foul will be called on the offending player if the one-minute time limit is exceeded.

K. The 4 highest ranked players that did not advance to the WCC Open Individuals will be ranked as alternates to the WCC Open individuals, based on finish at Open Individual playoffs. Ties will be determined by a one game playoff.

L. At the discretion of the tournament director and with the approval of more than 50% of participating players, time outs may be allowed during playoffs. Each player will be allowed one five-minute time out per match. A player is only allowed to take a time out between sets or games. During a time out, a sign should be placed on the table by the referee or tournament official, and no practice will be allowed on that table.

2.2.5 Women’s Individual Playoffs

A. Women’s Individuals are open to female players only, and proof of sex may be required if questions arise.

B. Eligibility will be determined by total winning percentage.

C. The top 12 women automatically qualify for the Women’s Individuals Final Round. Players in positions 13 - 20 compete in the Women’s Individuals Semi-final Round for the additional four (4) positions in the Women’s Individuals Final Round.

D. Individuals must have played a minimum of 60% of the scheduled games (games awarded at fund-raisers are not included).

NOTE: Individuals must pay any donation required at the last league meeting. Failure to pay will make that player ineligible to participate in the playoffs.

F. No members of the first place team and/or the WCC team may participate in the Women’s Individual Playoffs.

G. Players not present at the designated starting time will be disqualified. There is no grace period.

H. If the field is not filled at the designated start time, the bye will go to the highest ranked seed.

I. If a player is not present at the beginning of a match during the tournament, the match is forfeited. There is not grace period.

K. The 4 highest ranked players that did not advance to the WCC Women’s Individuals will be ranked as alternates to the WCC Women’s Individuals, based on finish at Women’s Individuals playoffs. Ties will be determined by a one game playoff.

2.2.6 Hi-Low Playoffs

A. Individuals must have played a minimum of 60% of the scheduled games (games awarded at fund-raisers are not included).

B. All players must have attended at least two (2) mandatory fund-raisers during the course of the season. If an individual was unable to attend (i.e. work or emergency), then a donation of $10.00 for each missed fundraiser, not to exceed $20.00, will be asked of that individual.

A) NOTE: Individuals must pay any donation required at the last league meeting. Failure to pay will make that player ineligible to participate in the playoffs.

C. No members of the first place team and/or the WCC team may participate in the Hi-Low Playoffs.

D. No player finishing in the top eight (8) from the Open Individual Playoffs or scheduled to go to the WCC from the Open Individual Playoffs may participate in the Hi-Low Playoffs.

E. No player finishing in the top four (4) from the Women’s Individual Playoffs or scheduled to go to the WCC from the Women’s Individual Playoffs may participate in the Hi-Low Playoffs.

F. Teams not present at the designated starting time will be disqualified. There is no grace period.

G. Team seeding will be determined by random draw, therefore byes are also random.

H. There is a 1 hour time limit for all matches. If the time limit is exceeded, a one-minute time limit per shot will be enforced until the match ends. A foul will be called on the offending player if the one-minute time limit is exceeded.

I. The highest ranked team will advance to the WCC.

J. The players act as one player, each able to handle and place the cue ball for the other.

K. They will alternate shots including rotation into the next game, i.e. the player who shoots the eight ball must have his partner shoot the break shot on the next game, if applicable.

L. Each team will be allowed one five-minute time out per match. A team is only allowed to take a time out between sets or games. During a time out, a sign should be placed on the table by the referee or tournament official, and no practice will be allowed on that table.

2.3 Eligibility Tie Breakers (in order of priority)

2.3.1 Team Playoffs

A. If all teams have played each other during the regular season, then the winner of the regular season match (es) qualify.

B. For teams in the same division, total wins within that division.

C. For team’s assured of a playoff berth, a coin toss.

D. A tiebreaker playoff.

2.3.2 Open Individual Playoffs

A. If all individuals have played each other during the regular season, then the winner of the regular season match (es) qualify.

B. For individuals in the same division, total wins within that division.

C. For individuals assured of a playoff berth, a coin toss.

D. A tiebreaker playoff.

2.3.3 Women’s Individual Playoffs

A. If all individuals have played each other during the regular season, then the winner of the regular season match (es) qualify.

B. For individuals in the same division, total wins within that division.

C. For individuals assured of a playoff berth, a coin toss.

D. A tiebreaker playoff.

2.3.4 Hi-Low Playoffs

A. If all individuals have played each other during the regular season, then the winner of the regular season match (es) determine ranking.

B. For individuals in the same division, total wins within that division.

C. A coin toss.