CSI TOURNAMENT REGULATIONS

​CueSports International is committed to providing the best billiard events. These Tournament Regulations have been developed to detail event procedures not covered in the Official Rules of CueSports International, which primarily addresses game rules. If there are differences between the game rules and these regulations, these regulations shall take precedence. For situations not specifically addressed in these Tournament Regulations or the game rules, CSI shall have final authority and judgment.

GENERAL REGULATIONS (ALL DIVISIONS)

GAME RULES
The Official Rules of CueSports International primarily govern game rules while these Tournament Regulations govern the rules and procedures of CSI tournaments. If there are differences between the two, these Tournament Regulations and/or the event's Player Guide shall take precedence.
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PLAYER IDENTIFICATION
All players must have Government-issued photo ID at all times and:
  1. Present Government-issued photo ID to staff and opponents upon request.
  2. Present their digital CSI Membership Card, which can be found in the FargoRate App, to staff and opponents upon request.
  3. Minors are excluded from these requirements but must have adult supervision possessing Government-issued photo ID.
  4. You are encouraged to, and are responsible for, checking your opponent's ID before the start of every match.
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MINIMUM AGE
There is no minimum age requirement to participate in most CSI events. However, please note the following:
  1. Those under the age of 21 may not enter a casino gaming area without an adult.
  2. An adult must supervise those under the age of 18 in the tournament area at all times.
  3. Any minors participating must demonstrate proper use of the equipment as well as good pool etiquette.
  4. This does not override the minimum age requirements for specific divisions (i.e. Senior divisions).
  5. Specific events and venues may have other minimum age requirements noted in the event's Player Guide.
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FORMATS
​The standard tournament formats are as follows. The event's Player Guide will detail the format of each division if they are different from the standard formats.

Singles & Doubles Divisions
  1. Stage 1 - Double elimination to the prize money rounds
  2. Stage 2 - Single elimination final bracket

Team Divisions
  1. Stage 1 - CSI Group Play
  2. Stage 2 - Single elimination final bracket

NOTE: CSI may, at its sole discretion, implement any format, at any time, for the overall good of the event.

FIRST BREAK & HOME/VISITOR TEAM
​The first break is determined by lagging or a coin toss. If either player or team prefers to lag, lagging is mandatory. For singles & doubles matches, the winner of the lag or coin toss has the option to break first or to require their opponent to break first. For team matches (3 players or more), the break order is defined on the score sheet and the winner of the lag or coin toss has the option to be the home or visitor team.
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RETRIEVING & SUBMITTING SCORE SHEETS
CSI uses an online tournament management system. Players can view the scheduled time(s) and table(s) of upcoming matches at www.ctsondemand.com or other location specified by CSI.
IMPORTANT!
It is your responsibility to know when and where you are scheduled to play. CSI does not verbally announce matches, player names, or tables. To eliminate any miscommunication, CSI will not verbally tell you when or where you are scheduled play.
A common cause of forfeits is incorrectly reading the tournament brackets or match list. Do not let this happen to you! Review Appendix A – Player Use of CTS carefully.

The bracket or match list will indicate the scheduled time(s) and table(s) of your upcoming matches. Shortly before the scheduled time(s), 10-15 minutes recommended, check your table assignment again and visit the score sheet pick-up area of the Tournament Desk. You will see numbered slots. Check the slot with the number(s) of your scheduled table(s). If your table(s) is available, a score sheet should be in the slot. However, please note the following:
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  1. Score Sheet Present: If there is a score sheet in the slot, check to ensure it has the correct names. If it does, immediately proceed to your assigned table(s) with the score sheet and a pencil or pen.
  2. Score Sheet Not Present: If there is no score sheet in the slot, the table(s) may not yet be available or your opponent may have already retrieved it. Immediately proceed to your assigned table(s). In most cases, your opponent will be at the table with the score sheet and you may begin. If both players are present with the score sheet before the scheduled match time, the match may begin early if both players agree. In some cases, your table may not yet be available. If this happens, you and your opponent(s) should stay at your assigned table(s) and wait for the completion of the previous match. Once complete, one or both of you should proceed to the Tournament Desk to retrieve your score sheet.​
    1. TIP! A common cause of forfeits is when no score sheet is in the slot and the player incorrectly assumes that the table is not available. Often, the player will wait for the score sheet at the Tournament Desk or walk away and come back later. Meanwhile, the opponent may have already retrieved the score sheet and is waiting at the table. This can cause you to forfeit so don't let this happen to you! Remember, you cannot be forfeited if you are at your assigned table on time and do not leave.
  3. If your table is available and neither your opponent nor the score sheet is present, immediately notify the referee in your section and follow his or her instructions.
  4. Once you retrieve your score sheet, immediately proceed to your table. If you are unable to proceed directly to your table, do not take the score sheet.
  5. Once your match is complete, the winner must circle his or her name on the score sheet and both players must sign. Both players must ensure the indicated final score is accurate and no modification of the score sheet is permitted after it is signed. The winner must proceed immediately to the Tournament Desk to submit the completed score sheet.
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RACKING DEVICES
You may use either the rack provided, a rack template, or another CSI-approved racking device under the following conditions:

Rack Template
  1. It must be the correct version for the game being played (8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball) and approved by CSI.
  2. It is not required to be used for every rack in a match.
  3. If a personally owned rack template is used in a singles or doubles match, the owner must permit the opponent(s) to use it at any time during that match.
  4. If any player on a team uses a rack template, the owner must permit any member of the opposing team to use it at any time during that match.
  5. It is a foul if a rack template not in use interferes with the game (i.e. if the template is lying on the rail and a ball touches the template).

Removal of a Rack Template
  1. A rack template may only be removed by the shooter or a referee.
  2. The CSI game rule for Disturbed Balls does NOT apply to the act of removing a rack template. Any balls disturbed during the removal of the rack template must be restored.
  3. If more than one ball interferes with the removal of the rack template, it is recommended to leave the rack template in place until the balls are moved during the course of the rack. A referee may also be summoned to assist in the removal of the rack template.
  4. At the referee’s or shooter’s option only, a maximum of two balls may be marked in order to remove a rack template (if they are not frozen to each other or any other ball). If more than two balls interfere with the removal of the rack template or if the balls are frozen to each other or another ball, the rack template must stay in place until the lay of the table allows its removal.
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SCOREKEEPING
Score sheets must be marked and reviewed by both players or teams after each rack to help prevent scoring disputes. It is also recommended to mark the player to break first on the score sheet to track the breaking order. If a referee is asked to determine the breaking order, the referee’s decision is final.

LATE MATCHES
Nothing ruins an event more than matches running late, causing the entire event to get behind schedule. It is crucial that all matches begin on time, progress at a reasonable pace, and not take more than the allotted time. To help reduce the impact of late matches, the following policies are enforced:
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  1. There is no grace period to show up for a match. Players do not have the option to allow their opponent to be late.
  2. ​If a player is not present at the table at the scheduled or otherwise designated start time, immediately summon a referee to initiate penalty procedures. Failure to notify a referee that your opponent is not present may lead to penalties for both players or a double forfeit.
  3. CSI monitors all matches for slow progress. If a match has been determined by CSI to be progressing too slowly, the race may be shortened for both players to bring the match closer to completion. A race will not be shortened if one of the players or teams would automatically win the match by doing so.
  4. If a match starts significantly behind schedule, warnings may be given to the players before or during the match.
  5. Once a match is late (at the sole judgement of CSI), emergency measures may be initiated to complete the match quickly. Those measures may include, but are not limited to, lagging for the remaining racks or points needed, or any other measure.
    1. Lagging: Once a match is deemed late or nearly late, a referee will check the score.
      1. If a rack is in progress, that rack will be completed. If that rack does not result in a match winner, the players must lag for the remaining racks or points needed.
      2. If a rack is not in progress, the referee will inform the players that they must immediately lag for the remaining racks or points needed.
      3. When using the win/loss scoring system, the winner of the lag receives one point and the opponent receives zero. When using the USA Pool League scoring system, the winner of the lag receives 14 points and the opponent receives zero.
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FORFEIT PROCEDURES
Score sheets should have the scheduled or actual match start time printed on them. This is considered the official start of the match.

Procedure if your opponent is not present
  1. Table Available at Scheduled Match Time: If your table is available at the scheduled start time and your opponent is not present, immediately summon a referee. The referee will confirm that your opponent is not present and mark your score sheet appropriately. If your opponent arrives within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time, summon a referee again and he or she will mark the score sheet with the appropriate penalty based on the times below. A penalty for your opponent reduces your race.
    1. 0:00-4:59 minutes late: warning
    2. 5:00-9:59 minutes late: 1-rack penalty
    3. 10:00-14:59 minutes late: 2-rack penalty
    4. 15:00 minutes late: loss of match
  2. Table Not Available at Scheduled Match Time: If your table is not available due to a previous match still in progress, you must wait for that match to end unless otherwise directed by the Tournament Director. If your opponent is not present when the previous match ends, summon a referee. The referee will confirm that your opponent is not present and mark your score sheet appropriately. If your opponent arrives within 15 minutes of the actual start time, summon a referee again and he or she will mark the score sheet with the appropriate penalty based on the times below. A penalty for your opponent reduces your race.
    1. 0:00-4:59 minutes late: warning
    2. 5:00-9:59 minutes late: 1-rack penalty
    3. 10:00-14:59 minutes late: 2-rack penalty
    4. 15:00 minutes late: loss of match
  3. Players do not have the option to wait for their opponent and decline late penalties. Failure to notify a referee that your opponent is not present may lead to penalties for both players or a double forfeit.
  4. At least three (3) members of 5-player teams and two (2) members of 3-player teams must be present to start a match, or the procedures above apply. There also may be no delay in the start of subsequent racks.
  5. Once a referee has issued a forfeit, the match may not be played unless authorized by the Tournament Director.
  6. Double Forfeit Procedures:
    1. Double Forfeit on the Winners’ Side: With or without the players present, the Tournament Director will conduct a coin toss to determine the placement of the forfeited players. The winner of the coin toss will advance to the next winners’ side match and be forfeited from that next match to move into the appropriate place on the one-loss side of the bracket. The loser of the coin toss moves to the appropriate spot in the one-loss side of the bracket.
    2. Double Forfeit on the One-Loss Side: Both players (or teams) will be eliminated from the event. If one of the players (or teams) has a previous forfeit in the division, that player (or team) will be forfeited first and the other player (or team) will advance and be forfeited in the next position. If neither player (or team) has a previous forfeit in the division, a coin toss will determine the forfeit positions.
    3. ​Scotch Doubles: Both members of each team must be present for the coin toss or lag. If only one person is present, it will be considered a no-show.
    4. Teams: At least three (3) members of 5-player teams and two (2) members of 3-player teams must be present for the coin toss or lag. If fewer are present, it will be considered a no-show. See the RACK FORFEITS section for more information regarding forfeiting individual racks during team play.
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PROTEST PROCEDURES
To help ensure fairness, players may protest the application of the rules, eligibility of a player or team, or the rating of a player or team using the following procedures:

Application of the Rules Protest
Application of the rules may be protested but referee judgment may not. If you believe a referee has improperly applied the rules or regulations, you may file a protest before the next shot occurs. To protest a ruling, follow these steps:
  1. Notify your opponent and a referee of your intention to protest the ruling.
  2. The referee will request a second referee to provide an assessment of the situation. If the referees agree, the protest will be deemed invalid. If the referees disagree, a Head Referee will provide a final ruling.

Player or Team Eligibility Protest (protest deposit required)
Although CSI makes every attempt to ensure all teams are eligible and have legal rosters, it is ultimately the opponent's responsibility to verify the eligibility of an opposing team before the match begins. Once the match begins, roster protests will not be considered and there will be no refund, or any other consideration given. If you wish to challenge the eligibility of a player or team, follow these steps:
  1. Notify the opposing player or Team Captain and a referee of your intention to protest.
  2. Immediately proceed to the Tournament Desk and complete a protest form. This will require a $100 protest deposit. If your protest is deemed valid by CSI, the deposit will be refunded. If your protest is deemed invalid, the deposit will not be refunded.

Player or Team Ratings Protest (protest deposit required)
If you believe that a player or team is significantly underrated, you may protest their rating by following these steps:
  1. Notify the opposing player or Team Captain and a referee of your intention to protest.
  2. Immediately proceed to the Tournament Desk and complete a protest form. This will require a $100 protest deposit per player that is being protested. If a protest is deemed valid by CSI, the deposit for that protest will be refunded. If your protest is deemed invalid, the deposit will not be refunded.
  3. If a match against the player or team being protested is in progress, the match must continue. Matches may not be halted to await the results of a protest.
    1. If a protest is deemed valid, the results of the match, or individual racks, may be overturned only if the protest was filed before the match ended.
  4. CSI is the final authority on all protests.
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DISQUALIFICATION
Players may be disqualified for many reasons, including but not limited to, being deemed significantly underrated, being ineligible for a division, failure to show ID, unacceptable behavior, etc.

Underrated Players
Players who consistently and significantly performing above their ratings, at the sole judgment of CSI, may be disqualified and removed from all divisions of that event with no refund of any kind. If CSI believes that a player is underrated due to data manipulation (i.e. sandbagging), he or she may also be banned from all future CSI leagues and events with no refund of any kind.
Avoid putting yourself or your team at risk. Carefully examine your rating and inform CSI immediately if you think it is too low.
  1. The results of prior matches won by a player who is later disqualified are never overturned unless a protest was filed before that match concluded. 

Forfeiture of Prize Money
Players who are disqualified, for any reason, forfeit any prize money that may have been due. ​Any prize money withheld from a disqualified player will be donated to one or more charities chosen by CSI. ​
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PLAYER BREAKS
​While player breaks are sometimes necessary, they must be restricted to not delay the match, subsequent matches, and the entire event. All players should understand the below restrictions and plan accordingly (i.e., use the restroom before the match, get a beverage before the match, etc.). 
 
Matches scheduled for 90 minutes or less
Breaks are not permitted during matches with a scheduled duration of 90 minutes or less. If a player in such a match chooses to take a break, a 1-game penalty is immediately assessed. If the player does not return within 10 minutes of the break start time, another 1-game penalty is assessed. If the player does not return with 15 minutes of the break start time, it is automatic loss of match.
  • Procedure: If a player in a match with a scheduled duration of 90 minutes or less takes a break, immediately summon a referee. The referee will confirm that your opponent is not present and mark the score sheet with the time and penalty. If your opponent does not return within 10 minutes of the break start time, summon a referee again and he or she will mark the score sheet with the appropriate penalty. If your opponent does not return within 15 minutes of the break start time, summon a referee again and he or she will mark the score sheet to indicate an automatic loss of the match.
 
Matches scheduled for more than 90 minutes
One (1) break of five (5) minutes or less is permitted in matches with a scheduled duration greater than 90 minutes.
  1. Only one break is permitted for the entire match. Both players are not entitled to separate breaks. If one player chooses to take a break, the other player must also take a break at that time.
  2. Breaks may not begin within 30 minutes of the actual start time of the match.
  3. Breaks are not permitted in team events of 3-player teams or greater. See the TEAMS section below for more information.

Procedure: If a player in a match scheduled for more than 90 minutes takes a break, immediately summon a referee. The referee will confirm that your opponent is not present and mark the score sheet with the time. You may also take a break of five (5) minutes or less at this time. If your opponent does not return within five (5) minutes of the break start time, summon a referee again and he or she will mark the score sheet with the time and penalty. If your opponent does not return with 15 minutes of the break start time, summon a referee again and he or she will mark the score sheet to indicate an automatic loss of the match.
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COACHING
Open communication/coaching is only permitted between doubles teammates under the following restrictions:
  1. Communication between teammates must occur during their turn at the table and can be initiated by either player.
  2. Communication/coaching cannot result in slower than normal play. As a general guide, there should be no more than 45 seconds between each shot. If a team consistently uses more than 45 seconds between shots, the opposing team may summon a referee to monitor the match and the referee may institute delayed progress rulings at any time.
  3. The non-shooting player may not touch the table with their cue, their hand, etc. in an attempt to provide information for the upcoming shot. He or she can only offer verbal advice.

TEAM REGULATIONS

TEAM ROSTERS
Teams will check in prior to the start of the division and receive an official team roster. This roster must be present at all matches. There is a fee to reprint lost team rosters. Please note the following:
  1. Players may only be listed on one team roster per discipline (8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball, etc.). For example, a player may be listed on one 8-Ball Team and one 9-Ball Team but not on more than one 8-Ball team. 
  2. Team Captains are responsible for having their official team roster at all matches and present it along with Government-issued picture IDs of all players to the opposing Team Captain or event staff upon request. Failure to have the official team roster and IDs may result in a forfeit and there is no grace period to retrieve them.
  3. If you wish to challenge the eligibility or rating of a player on your opponent’s roster, you must follow the procedures outlined in the PROTEST PROCEDURES section.
  4. Each division has specific eligibility and roster criteria that must be met. Refer to the specific Player Guide of that event for that information.
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ROSTER CHANGES
​A team must have at least as many players present to achieve a winning score.

Compassion Clause: Typically, no roster changes are allowed after the change request deadline. However, CSI may allow one or more players to be added as substitutes if they have an established Fargo rating (robustness of 200 or greater). The core roster may not be modified after the change request deadline. The roster must still meet all team and individual eligibility requirements. CSI reserves the right to approve or deny roster addition requests at its sole discretion.

TEAM SCORE SHEETS
There is only one official score sheet for each match and the home team is responsible for keeping the official score sheet. The visiting team should frequently verify the official score sheet.

Completing a Score Sheet
Team score sheets may be completed in advance or one round at a time. One round at a time is best if substitutions are anticipated.
  1. Once the first break occurs in any round, no changes or substitutions may be made in that round (exception: see #5 & #6 below)
  2. 5-player teams must have at least three players present at the match start time to begin a match without forfeiting any racks. Other teams must have at least two players present at the match start time to begin a match without forfeiting any racks. Late players may only be added to future rounds if the round has not started.
  3. If a team is missing one or more players, the word “FORFEIT” must be entered on the score sheet in place of the players' names and those racks are recorded as wins for the opponent.
  4. You must notify the opposing Team Captain of any substitutions and he or she must initial the official score sheet. If a substitution is made without notifying the opposing Team Captain before the beginning of the round, that rack is forfeited.
  5. If a substitution error causes two people to play each other twice, the team that made the improper substitution will forfeit that rack (exception: see #6 & #7 below).
  6. If a clerical error causes the names in a round to be entered out of order (as opposed to an incorrect substitution), the order of the names will be corrected without penalty and the names will be re-entered in the proper places for that round. Any racks in progress in the round will be stopped and the proper racks started. Any racks completed in that round will not count.
  7. No single improper substitution may cause the loss of more than one rack. If a substitution error is made in conjunction with a clerical error as referenced in #6, the names other than the substitution will be re-entered as provided for above.
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SUBSTITUTIONS
​​The following substitution rules apply for the duration of each match.
  1. Core players are the players on the team roster whose ratings constitute the team rating.
  2. Players designated as substitutes may play in any round, including round #1, but may not have a higher rating than the core player they are replacing, as this would increase the team rating.
  3. If a substitute plays in round #1, the score sheet must indicate which core player is being replaced.
  4. Core players must play in the same numbered position throughout the match.
  5. Substitutes may play in any position as long as they do not play the same opponent twice.
  6. In the event that both Team Captains desire to make substitutions but those combined substitutions would cause two people to play twice, the home Team Captain has the right to make the substitution and the visiting Team Captain must adjust their line-up accordingly.

Substitution Errors
If a substitution error occurs:
  1. If the rack is not complete, play will stop immediately, and the correct players will proceed to the table to play a new rack.
  2. If the rack is complete, it will be scored in the future round where it would have occurred if the players had played at the proper time. The results of the rack will not count toward the teams' scores until the match reaches that point. If one team wins the required number of racks to win the match before the out-of-order rack is reached, the rack is of no consequence. If the player who would have been the breaker in the rack if it had been played in the proper place did not break the actual rack played, there is no consequence and the outcome of the rack stands.
  3. The result of an out-of-order rack that has been recorded in a future round may not be replaced by a change in the line-up for the round in which it is recorded.
  4. This does not apply to CSI Group Play - Stage 1 matches. If both teams make a substitution error in a rack, if the errors cannot be clearly determined to have been caused by one team, the following procedure will be followed:
    1. No score will be recorded for the rack in which the errors exist.
    2. Play will continue for all other racks not affected. If at the end of the scheduled racks, one team has not won the number of racks required, the team that has won the most racks will be the winner.
    3. Should the score at the end of the scheduled racks be tied, the following procedure will apply. Note that if the schedule end of the match is less than 15 minutes away, a lag will replace a rack in the below steps.
      1. A single rack/lag will be conducted to decide the match. The break in that rack will be determined by lagging or a coin toss. If either player prefers to lag, lagging will be mandatory. 
      2. Each team may select any player on their roster to play/lag. Any two players may play/lag, regardless of whether or not they have previously played in the match.
      3. The team whose player wins that rack/lag, shall win the match.
  5. If both teams are missing a player or players, games that have “FORFEITS” for both teams will not be scored. If, at the end of the scheduled racks, neither team has won the number of racks required, the team with the most racks won will be the winner.
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PLAY ON MULTIPLE TABLES
Play must continue on all assigned tables until the match is complete. The only time play may occur on fewer tables is if both teams need only one rack win to reach the winning score.
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TEAM COACHING
Coaching is not allowed in team divisions.
  1. During a player's inning, he or she may not communicate with anyone on the team and the team may not assist the player in any way. Whether a coaching foul has occurred is at the sole judgment of the referee.
  2. Except as prohibited below, during your opponent's inning, you may quietly discuss the match with your team. All discussion and communication must stop immediately when your opponent's inning ends.
  3. At any time, regardless of which player is at the table, it is a foul for any team member not playing in the rack to:
    1. Suggest to a player at the table or in the chair that they call a referee;
    2. Alert another player that their opponent has fouled or that coaching has occurred. EXCEPTION: see #4 below.
  4. It is not a foul for any player involved in a match, playing in a rack or not, to:
    1. Call a practice foul on any member of the opponent’s team at any time, regardless of whether they are involved in a rack or listed on the score sheet.
    2. Alert their team that the wrong player(s) are at the table, summon a referee for a matter not directly related to the rack at the table, such as score sheet problems.
    3. Offer encouragement or emotional support to a player at the table.
  5. A coaching foul may only be called by a player involved in the rack or a referee. If a coaching foul occurs and any player on the offended team who is not involved in the rack alerts their player to the coaching foul or calls the coaching foul: both the coaching foul and any other foul on the table related to the coaching foul are offset and play will proceed with no penalty.
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TIMEOUTS
​Timeouts are not permitted in team play. If you must leave the playing area to attend to personal needs, ensure you are not scheduled to start a rack before you can return.

RACK FORFEITS
​It is the Team Captain and player's responsibility to ensure players are present for their rack. The player who racks and breaks is not responsible for their opponent’s presence. If a player begins a rack when their opponent is not present, there is no consequence for the breaker. Exception: if your opponent is not present because they are playing another rack on a different table, in the same match, your rack must be skipped, and the next available rack must be started. Your rack will be played as soon as your opponent finishes their previous rack.
 
Regardless of which player is to break, you may call a referee if your opponent is not present when your rack is scheduled. Once the referee has verified that your opponent is not present, he or she will immediately start a two-minute clock. If your opponent is not present at the end of the period, you win the rack by forfeit. If a player forfeits a game under this regulation in one round, it does not affect their participation in subsequent rounds.