Pocket Billiards Ladder

2nd Edition
Joe Waldron
Pocket Billiards Review
June 2008

The ladder is designed for individual competitive play with any of the popular games. The ladder can be used in any place that players gather on a regular basis. Players get a match with an opponent of similar skill at a mutually convenient time. Better players are further up the ladder and can only be challenged by players on the same rung or one rung below them.

To run a ladder the following materials are included:

  • A list of ladder rules and regulations in a three ring notebook;
  • A Ladder Secretary;
  • A chart of players’ location on the ladder;
  • A player score card (make as many cards as needed);
  • A table reservation sheet.

This file can be read and printed in MS Word and printed as needed

Rules and Regulations

This is a (name of game here) Ladder

  • A Match is a race to ____ games
  • Rules for the game are filed under the RULES Tab in this notebook.
  • The Ladder Secretary is  ______________________________.
  • This Ladder begins on ___/___/20__
  • This Ladder ends on ___/___/20__
  • New players can be accepted until ___/___/2-__
  • The fee to join the ladder is $_____.00
  • Player score cards are stored alphabetically and are stored under the PLAYERS Tab in this notebook. Cards are not to be removed except by the secretary.
  • Lower slot numbers are held by players who have won matches against players with higher number slots.
  • New players are entered on the bottom (highest numbered) rung. If more than one player signs up, assignments are randomly made to the highest numbered positions on the ladder. Players previously on the ladder move to the next lower positions to make room for new players. When the ladder is full no new players are accepted until a player drops off the ladder.
  • A player can challenge on the same rung or one rung to the right as shown in the chart. The player who wins moves their name to the lower numbered slot. The loser’s name goes to the higher number slot.
  • Player Cards contain the best times to telephone for a match. Challengers use these time periods to arrange a match with an opponent.
  • Player cards contain a list of the three best times to play a match with most preferred time listed first.
  • Players arrange their own matches and play at times that are mutually convenient.
  • The secretary can force a match as needed. Forced matches are usually played on Saturday at 3:00 PM.
  • All matches are open to the public and may be advertized.
  • The challenger reserves the table with the management.
  • Any associated costs for table time are split between the players.
  • The player must wait 15 minutes for the opponent before declaring the opponent to be in default. If the lower ranked player defaults the players exchange positions on the ladder.
  • At the end of the Match each player enters the result of the match on their opponent’s score card and signs the card.
  • The winner of the Match (or the Ladder Secretary) makes the appropriate changes to the ladder diagram.
  • A referee for a shot, game or match can be determined by agreement of both players.
  • The Ladder Secretary can dismiss any referee.
  • The Ladder Secretary can assign a referee as determined solely by the Secretary.
  • No coaching from the sidelines is allowed while the player is at the table. The player is “at the table” from the time an opponent misses until the player misses or the game is completed. It is the player’s responsibility to stop others from offering advice.
  • Players are expected to play in a timely consistent manner. No more than two minutes can elapse between shots. Exceeding this limit is a foul the first time and loss of game for a second offense.
  • Intermissions must be agreed to by both players. An intermission could be five minutes to a few days as mutually agreed. If an agreement cannot be reached the player who leaves is in default and loses the match.
  • Players cannot be required to play more than two matches per week.
  • Players are not required to play more than one match per day.
  • Players who decline three consecutive challenges are dropped from the ladder.
  • The Ladder Secretary can schedule a match between two players for any reason. Matches may be scheduled for the public interest or to encourage players to continue on the ladder.
  • The official spokesperson for the Ladder is the Secretary.
  • The Secretary (or their designee) receives all fees as needed.
  • The Secretary is the final authority for all disagreements and can remove anyone for any good reason. There is no appeal.

Game Rules

Except as noted below the game rules are as stated in the BCA Official Rules and Record book.

Player’s Card

Name _______________________________________Phone _________________

 Best time to telephone ________________________________________________

 Best times to play ____________________________________________________

Opponent NameLPDateTimeScoreW/LSigned by opponent

LP opponent’ numerical Ladder position

Table Reservations ___________________________ Ladder

Time/DayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
10:00
11:00
12:00
1:00
2:00
3:00
4:00
5:00
6:00
7:00
8:00
9:00
10:00
11:00
12:00
1:00 AM

The figure below should be placed in an MS Word File and printed in Landscape Mode