Open Communication in Scotch Doubles
June 23, 2016 | Author: Mary Coffman, Ozzy Reynolds
There are some significant changes in the scotch doubles divisions at the BCAPL National Championships that will make the event more fun and competitive. The most significant change is that open communication is now allowed between teammates in the Scotch Doubles Divisions during their turn at the table.
This change was not made lightly. In our opinion, scotch doubles is the ultimate display of teamwork and preventing partners from communicating hinders the fun and excitement. We believe allowing partners to openly discuss strategy and shot selection will improve the team atmosphere, excitement, and actually speed up play. After all, shouldn't scotch doubles require teamwork and coordination rather than two individuals playing their own game in silence? We think so. And we think it will be much more fun.
Additionally, it’s no secret that partners have always found other ways to communicate. For example, it’s common for one partner to shoot and then look at a particular ball in relationship to a pocket as a signal to their partner to take that as the next shot. This is just one of many signals people have developed to secretly communicate. Sometimes, these creative communication methods even lead to arguments and controversy with opponents.
Some people have stated that this will slow down the pace of the match. We have a lot of data on many different types of tournaments and have found that open communication may actually speed things up. In many cases, a scotch doubles team has a weaker and a stronger partner. We have all seen those occasions when the weaker player stares at the table for what seems like an eternity while he or she tries to determine what to do. Being able to talk to the partner often reduces those moments of extreme confusion and slow play.
However, this change does have caveats that you should be aware of.
So, use the new rule and have fun but be mindful about how much time you spend communicating with your partner.
This change was not made lightly. In our opinion, scotch doubles is the ultimate display of teamwork and preventing partners from communicating hinders the fun and excitement. We believe allowing partners to openly discuss strategy and shot selection will improve the team atmosphere, excitement, and actually speed up play. After all, shouldn't scotch doubles require teamwork and coordination rather than two individuals playing their own game in silence? We think so. And we think it will be much more fun.
Additionally, it’s no secret that partners have always found other ways to communicate. For example, it’s common for one partner to shoot and then look at a particular ball in relationship to a pocket as a signal to their partner to take that as the next shot. This is just one of many signals people have developed to secretly communicate. Sometimes, these creative communication methods even lead to arguments and controversy with opponents.
Some people have stated that this will slow down the pace of the match. We have a lot of data on many different types of tournaments and have found that open communication may actually speed things up. In many cases, a scotch doubles team has a weaker and a stronger partner. We have all seen those occasions when the weaker player stares at the table for what seems like an eternity while he or she tries to determine what to do. Being able to talk to the partner often reduces those moments of extreme confusion and slow play.
However, this change does have caveats that you should be aware of.
- Coaching is permitted between teammates during their turn at the table. However, the non-shooting player MUST remain in or at his/her chair and may not approach the table. Rule of thumb...the non-shooting partner should not step toward the pool table.
- Communication cannot slow down the pace of play. Generally, it should take no longer than 45 seconds between each shot. If a team consistently uses more than 45 seconds between shots, the opposing team may ask a referee to monitor the match. If the referee or tournament director determines that the match is taking too long, players could be placed on a shot clock or the race may be shortened.
So, use the new rule and have fun but be mindful about how much time you spend communicating with your partner.
