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. It has more than 50,000 members and over 500 leagues in eight different countries.
The BCA Pool League was founded in 1897 and is the oldest sanctioning pool league organization in the entire world. The original organization was operated by the BCA. It was sold to CueSports International, in 2004. It is a significant presence in Canada with more than 450 leagues across eight countries.
BCA Pool League rules have been designed to facilitate team play. Each team may have up to eight players. Each member of the team can only play one or two rounds. 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.
In 1978, the BCA Pool League was founded to unify all independent leagues in the world. It was designed to offer pool leagues economies-of-scale. With more than 450 leagues in eight countries, the organization has become a powerful force in pool. The WPBA Tour is North America's most popular pool tournament. It has been a major sponsor.
BCA Pool League rules were created to ensure fair play and promote sportsmanship. The league was founded by Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart. They were pool professionals. They established the American Poolplayers Association (APA) in 1981. It has two international affiliates, The World Pool-Billiard Association WPBA and the Japanese Poolplayers Association JPA.
The BCA Pool League has nine-ball or eight-ball matches on regulation 9-foot tables. The nine-ball matches are based on points. To win, the player must score 2 or more points. Players must play eight-ball at a skill level three or higher. The player who wins eight games per round is the winner. The match must be played within the next three weeks if it is postponed. If the opponent is unable or unwilling to play in the scheduled time, they will lose the match.
Players must register for the BCA Pool League. All dues paid must be clearly indicated on score sheets. Scores will be canceled if a player fails to pay all dues.
BCA Pool League rules also incorporate "Applied Rulings", which are large-scale tournament administration. These rules include a lag timing rule that states that the ball should be shot when the ball of an opponent contacts the foot cushion.
The league director has full authority to make placements. 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 BCA Pool League rules also include an APA handicapping system known as the "Equalizer". This system is designed to give each player a fair chance to win.