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Handicapped Ladder
(14.1, Rio Rancho)
-- Managing Match Time --

Created: 2021-Oct-16.
Updated: 2021-Oct-16.

Contents:

1. The Question of Managing Match Time

2. Other's Take on Time Outs, and Shot Clocks.

3. Current Proposals

4. Our Thoughts on Time Management

There are times when a match just takes a long time to play right.   No problem there (other than having to slug through it).   There are though times when a match gets to taking a long time for reasons that can kill good competition.   Slow play is usually mentioned as a culprit (especially if it's thought to be intentional).   Abusing time outs is often mentioned too.

Both of the above tend to disrupt the flow of the game as well as making it a time-wise grind.   To avoid either of these from becoming a problem we should figure out how we want to treat shot clock use and time outs.

While the Tournament Rules and Regulations section on Time Limit Warning that we use covers the use of a shot clock it seems a bit dated.   The World Standardized Rules appear to have the clearest stance on addressing time outs and the use of a shot clock.

Both the BCA and the WPA reference the World Standardized Rules when referring to time outs and using a shot clock.   Reviewing the WPA web pages on these should be useful in coming up with something appropriate for our 14.1 league.

Please look them over and let the Ladder Director know what you think about how we should manage time outs and using a shot clock.

Here are the WPA (World Pool-Billiard Association) sections for time outs and the shot clock.

1. Section 14 covers Time Outs.

2. Section 20 covers Shot Clock usage.

To use the WPA sections on TIME OUTS and SHOT CLOCK with the following adjustments.

TIME OUTS need to be recorded on the score sheet (who took them and how long each was).

1. TIME OUTS are to be taken between racks.   Not during a rack.   The person who is currently at the table should leave a stick (or something) on the table (to let others know the table is in use and not disturb the balls).

2. For matches going over an hour (most all of them) there will be an optional 10-minute break at the end of each hour.   It need not be used, but if either player wants it then both have it (at the same time).

3. One 5-minute time out per player per hour.   If both players break at the same time that will take care of both time outs.

If a SHOT CLOCK is used the following will apply.

1. It is preferred that somebody other than the players manages the shot clock.   If you've a score keeper you already have somebody to do it if it's needed (since the score keeper also acts as a referee).   If need be both players can do it.   IT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO KEEP IN MIND that the idea is to keep the match moving, not to add contention or disrupt a player's game.

2. First stroke of inning will have a 45-second clock.

3. Other strokes of inning will be on a 35-second clock.

4. There can be two 20-second extensions per inning.   They can be used together on the same shot.

5. Each player is allowed one 1-minute extension per rack.

The shot clock extensions are only good for the period they apply (i.e inning, or rack).   You can not save them to use later.   Adding a rack extension to an inning extension is allowed.

Just the proposal above so far. No feedback yet.