CueSports International manages the BCA Pool League. It was initially operated by The Billiard Congress of America. The BCA Pool League serves as an umbrella membership organization for all pool leagues around the world. The BCA Pool League has more than 50,000 members, and there are over 500 leagues across eight countries.
The oldest pool league sanctioning body in the world is the BCA Pool League. The BCA originally managed the organization. CueSports International purchased the company in 2004. The organization has more than 450 local leagues in eight countries and is a major presence in Canada.
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. Players must be members of the BCA. All players must also sign an official Code of Conduct and Ethics agreement. The organization also has a Hall of Fame that honors great players.
The BCA Pool League was formed in 1978 to unify the independent leagues all over the world. It was intended to provide pool leagues with economies of scale. With more than 450 leagues in eight countries, the organization has become a powerful force in pool. It has become a major sponsor in the WPBA Tour. This is North America's premier pool tournament.
The BCA Pool League rules were designed to allow for fair play and to promote good sportsmanship. Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart created the league. They were both professional pool players. In 1981, they established the American Poolplayers Association. It has two international associates, the World Pool-Billiard Association WPBA or the Japanese Poolplayers Association JPA.
The BCA Pool League features nine-ball, eight-ball, and regulation 9-foot table play. The points system determines the winner of the nine-ball match. To win, the player must score 2 or more points. The eight-ball requires players to have a skill level at least three. 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 with the BCA Pool League and pay BCA member dues. Score sheets must clearly indicate all dues paid. Non-payment of all dues by a player will result in his or her score not being counted.
BCA Pool League rules include "Applied Rulings" that are derived from large-scale tournament management. These rules include the lag time rule which requires that the ball be shot only after the ball of the opponent touches the foot cushion.
The league director can make placement decisions. The league director also has the responsibility of ensuring that each division is competitive. The league director is also responsible to ensure that all teams are equal and no team is considered superior.
BCA Pool League rules include the "Equalizer", an APA handicapping system. This system is intended to give all players a chance to win.