League Policies - Summary

League Control

Your league is just that...your league.  The BCA Pool League is a sanctioning organization and does not assume control over the operation of your league.  While we do suggest policies and procedures for a well-organized league, the League Operator is free to determine the structure and format that best suits his or her players.

League Format

Unlike many other organizations, the League Operator is free to choose nearly any format they desire.  The BCA Pool League will sanction team and singles leagues playing virtually any game (i.e. 8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball, one pocket, straight pool, american rotation, etc.). Players in singles and doubles leagues will not be eligible to form teams for BCA Pool League state, regional, or national team events. However, players in scotch doubles divisions may act as "substitutes" for a team from a team division of the same league.

League Frequency

Standard league play is once per week per division for a session length determined by the League Operator.  Any frequency other than once per week must be approved by the BCA Pool League in advance.

Sanctioning Guidelines

To be a legitimate BCA Pool League, every player in the league must be sanctioned.  For example, a league consisting of 10 teams (50 players) cannot sanction just 6 teams (30 players).

Sanctioning Cost

Unlike many league organizations, there are no huge franchise or license fees.  The only cost to become part of the BCA Pool League system is a $15/player sanction fee for USA and Canada leagues or a $25/player sanction fee for all other international leagues.  This entitles your league and its players to all of the benefits for the entire league year (June 1 through May 31).  Also unlike many organizations, the BCA Pool League does not receive any league weekly fees.

Protection of Night Policy

The BCA Pool League is a membership-based organization and does not sell or offer geographic regions.  Therefore, League Operators should not expect to be the only BCA Pool League in their regions.  However, the BCA Pool League does reserve the right to protect nights of play in certain situations.  Below are some of the factors that we consider when leagues request protection.
  • Number of consecutive years sanctioning with the BCA Pool League
  • Does the league sanction all divisions or just some?
  • Does the league use the FargoRate League Management System (LMS)?
  • Population of the area vs number of players in the league
  • Has the size of the league increased or decreased over time?
  • Payment history of the league
  • Other competing leagues in the area
  • ​​Other...​

Dual Sanctioning

The BCA Pool League operates on a philosophy of inclusion rather than exclusion.  Therefore, we will generally accept sanction requests from leagues affiliated or sanctioned by other organizations as long as it does not create a conflict of interest.

Right of Refusal

The BCA Pool League reserves the right to refuse the sanction of any league for any reason or no reason at all.