League Policies - Summary

League Control

Your league is just that...your league.  The BCAPL is a league-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 BCAPL 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 BCAPL 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 BCAPL in advance.

Sanctioning Guidelines

To be a legitimate BCAPL sanctioned 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 BCAPL 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 BCAPL benefits for the entire league year (June 1 through May 31).  Also unlike many organizations, the BCAPL does not receive any league weekly fees.

Protection of Night Policy

The BCAPL does not offer geographical protections.  However, we do protect the night of play within the locations that a League Operator serves.  For example, if a BCAPL League Operator has a Monday night traveling league and is adequately serving the market, a competing BCAPL League Operator cannot offer travel league play on the same night in the same area. The new BCAPL league must play on a different night.
  • In some special situations, two or more BCAPL leagues may play on the same night in the same area if they are a different style of play, in a different portion of the market, or if two competing leagues are amusement operators who are required to play only in their own locations. Each situation will be reviewed and the existing BCAPL League Operator would be part of the decision making process.
  • Serving the market: All relevant factors are taken into consideration including but not limited to the size of the area, competing similar leagues, history as a League Operator, whether a league is sanctioned by another national league organization, etc.
  • Separate “in house” leagues should also begin on a different night from existing leagues in the area.  Any exceptions to this rule must be approved by the BCAPL prior to advertising the new in-house league.
  • A League Operator is expected to observe the intent of this rule.  Giving current BCAPL players and locations a league option on another night can be beneficial, but competing for the same players and locations on the same night is prohibited.
  • Important: Before starting a new league, it is the responsibility of each League Operator to first determine which nights and locations already host BCAPL-sanctioned leagues.  The "Find a League" page is a great starting point.  If you still have questions, contact the existing League Operator or the BCAPL national office.
  • In order to enforce this policy, the existing League Operator must contact the national office immediately when a competitor begins to contact locations and teams.  Once a league is established, this protection is very difficult to enforce.

Dual Sanctioning

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