Stonewall Raleigh Billiards Rules
Stonewall Raleigh Billiards (SRB) is a member-organization of Stonewall Sports in Raleigh. SRB is committed to promoting enjoyable pool competition among the LGBTQ and Allied citizens of the greater Raleigh area. SRB welcomes all individuals that are 21+ years old , without regard to race, sex, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, socio-economic status, physical handicap, skill level, political affiliation, or place of residence.
General Description
SRB is an 8-Ball league with a doubles team format. 8-Ball is played with a cue ball and normal rack of 15 object balls. The purpose of 8 ball is for a team to pocket the solid balls numbered 1 to 7 or the striped balls numbered 9 to 15, and then call and pocket the 8 ball before their opponents. Every game is played with two members of one team versus two players of the opposing team. You and your partner alternate taking turns during the game. Unlike the scotch doubles format, one of the two team's players continues their turn until they miss or foul in which case the other team's turn begins. When they miss or foul, the other team's turn begins with the player who did not shoot in the previous turn.
1. Joining a Team
A. At the beginning of each season, and at the time of registration, new and/or returning players may: (a) join any team with the approval of that team's captain; (b) captain can form their own team; or (c) register as an unaffiliated player (free agent).
B. Players who register as free agents will be assigned to teams by the Director in a manner that serves the best interests of the league as a whole. The free agent team assignment process will be overseen solely by and at the discretion of the Director. The Director does not guarantee free agent placement on any specific team, but all free agents will be placed on a team within the League.
C. All players must play exclusively for one registered team in the league for the duration of the season. One member will serve as Team Captain and another may be appointed acting captain for cases when the Team Captain is unavailable.
D. If there are multiple divisions in a season, returning teams will be placed in divisions based on a combination of the previous season rankings and playoff results. All new teams will be assigned to divisions by a random draw.
2. Official Teams
An official team must have a minimum of 7 players and no more than 10 players. Teams that do not meet the minimum threshold shall be assigned free agents by the Director before the season begins, or players will be distributed as free agents to other teams. All players who join the league are expected to play in the league. All captains shall inform each team member of this league expectation.
3. Team Colors
Each season team colors are chosen for your shirts. Your team may choose a color once your team reaches official team status via registration.
Returning teams may retain the same color shirts as the previous season if those colors are part of the selection for the upcoming season. If the returning team opts for a new color then they shall provide the Director a list of their top three choices of available colors. Once all returning teams have selected their official colors for the season then new teams will be allowed to select their team colors by providing the Director a list of their top three choices of available colors. New teams will be allowed to select a color based on when they reached official team status.
4. Knowledge of Policy and Rules
It is the responsibility of each member to familiarize themselves with SRB policies and rules of play. Current documentation is available on the league website and upon request.
5. Team Captain Responsibilities
The Team Captain serves a vital function in SRB. It is the Team Captain who ensures that:
A. Players are knowledgeable about the rules.
B. Any unusual events, which may occur during a match or during a league event, are reported as soon as possible to the Director, if during a match, or any board member if during a league event.
C. Completing a line-up sheet prior to meeting with the opposing captain to fill in the team line-ups on the weekly score sheet.
D. The weekly score sheet is filled out completely and legibly. The first and last name of each player will be entered for the specific game(s) played. The weekly score sheet will be signed by both captains (or the captain's designee) at the end of the match.
E. The weekly score sheet is submitted promptly upon conclusion of a match to the Director.
F. At least one member of your team must attend the captain's meeting.
G. To the best of your ability, ensure each member of your team is eligible to participate in the playoffs.
H. Forward league emails and other league communications to your team.
6. Team Line-Ups and Score sheets
A. Each captain will be provided with a line-up sheet prior to each nights match with table assignment. The line-up sheets will be shared with the opposing captain and be used to enter that nights team compositions onto the score sheet.
B. It is the duty of Team Captains to turn in their weekly score sheet to the Director in a timely manner.
C. The weekly score sheet will be used to record team standings and allow the Director to verify player attendance for playoff purposes.
D. Do not list players who you know will be absent on the weekly score sheet.
E. If your team forfeits a game enter "Forfeit" in both player name blocks on the weekly score sheet
F. If your team is awarded a win via a forfeited game, you must still enter two player names, who must be present and eligible, in the player name blocks. This ensures your team has players available to play the forfeited game. If your team does not have the players available to play the game in question then your team will also be forced to forfeit the same game and you should write "Forfeit" in both player name blocks. In this scenario no points will be awarded for this game since both teams had to forfeit.
G. Captains have the option to list two (2) substitutes who may play for an unavailable player, who is otherwise listed on the roster, but who cannot play due to unforeseen circumstances. The substitutes must play in order. This is strongly encouraged each week. This person must be listed on the score sheet before play begins for the nights match.
7. Equipment
While many players use their own cues, our host venues provide pool cues and chalk to use for free.
8. Uniform/League Shirt
For regular season play, team playoffs, and league tournaments each player is required to wear their SRB shirt. If a player does not wear their SRB shirt, they will not be eligible to play.
Each player should make every attempt to bring and wear their team shirt while participating in official SRB activities.
9. Director on Duty
Each week, the director of Billiards will be the go-to person to handle rule and policy questions for that week. If they are not available, the director will designate one member as the go-to person to handle rule and policy questions for that week. If the Director or designated member is involved in a match and it is their turn, please wait until they complete their turn before approaching them to ask your question(s).
10. Protests:
If a disagreement occurs during the course of a match game, play shall be stopped immediately and the captains shall confer to resolve the dispute. If no resolution is reached, the captains will seek out the director of Billiards for any clarification of rules or policy. In the event that this officer is involved in the dispute, the Athletic Director shall resolve it. Before approaching any member, please check to see if they are playing in a game and getting ready to take a shot. Please wait until they have completed their turn (missed a shot or have won the game) before approaching them.
11. Sportsmanship
While there is definitely a competitive mindset, SRB games are for fun. Players should participate to enjoy themselves. The aim of SRB is an enjoyable positive social atmosphere and camaraderie. All players are strongly encouraged to present themselves in such a manner.
Upon completion of a game, the players for the next game should be nearby and ready to begin their game.
Please do not interrupt a player during their turn.
Since pool tables in most venues are generally in close proximity to each other, please be aware of your surroundings. Be mindful of other players and avoid interfering with their shot. Take a look around before moving around the table and setting up your shot to avoid inadvertently making contact with another player that is in the act of shooting. No one likes it when someone bumps into them while shooting.
12. Team Play
A. A match consists of five (5) doubles games. All players on a team who are present during a match must play in at least one game of that match.
B. During the regular season, the number of players necessary to play without triggering the penalty provisions mentioned in these rules is five (5) players.
C. During the playoffs, the number of players necessary to play without triggering the penalty provisions mentioned in these rules is five (5) players.
D. All lineups must be shared between opposing captains and the weekly score sheets line-up portion completed by 7:00pm or before the start of the first game each Thursday before beginning of play. The lineup cannot be modified after the match begins except to replace an unavailable player with the substitute already listed on the score sheet. If updating the score sheet to indicate a substitute player played in place of someone, simply draw one line through the absent players name on the score sheet, write "SUB1" next to their name, and circle "SUB1".
E. Matches shall begin promptly at 7:00pm at the designated host location(s). If a team cannot field a game within five (5) minutes of start of play, said team forfeits one game. If a team cannot field a game within 15 minutes of start of play, said team forfeits two games. These times may be changed with a mutual agreement by the opposing captains.
F. In the event that a team fails to appear at a scheduled match and/or cannot field a team by 7:30 pm, the opposing team will be credited with five (5) game wins. The forfeiting team will be charged with five (5) game losses.
G. All players will be allowed to practice prior to match start time on game night. Each venue has the right to define what time players can practice free of charge. This information will be communicated during each season. If you want to practice prior to the time free play begins you will be responsible for renting the table at the venue.
H. Players at the table, or their Team Captains, may request a rule interpretation or application from the opposing Team Captain at any time during the game. Requests or protests must be made immediately, before any subsequent shot has been taken, or they cannot be considered. The shooter must honor an opponent's request that play be halted while a dispute is being considered.
I. Playoff Eligibility: In order for a team member to be eligible to participate with their team for playoffs, the player must participate in at least one game in the regular season.
J. Minimum Players Per Match - Regular Season
The Minimum number of players to show up for your team and play a match without a penalty is five (5) players. The penalties are:
5 players = forfeit 0 of 5 games
4 players = forfeit 1 of 5 games (Game 5)
3 players = forfeit 2 of 5 games (Games 4 and 5)
2 Players = forfeit 4 of 5 games (Games 2 thru 5)
K. Minimum Players Per Match - Playoffs
The Minimum number of players to show up for your team and play a match without a penalty is five(5) players. The penalties are:
5 players = forfeit 0 of 5 games
4 players = forfeit 1 of 5 games (Game 3)
3 players = forfeit 2 of 5 games (Games 3 and 4)
2 players or less = forfeit the match.
13. Pairings - Regular Season
A. Captains should make all efforts to rotate the pairings of team members throughout the season.
B. Captains should make all efforts to give all team members equal opportunity to play throughout the season. This includes rotating players who may play twice each week, i.e., not playing the same player(s) twice each week.
C. All players present for the nights match must play at least one game.
D. A player may play twice so long as they don't have the same partner. No player may play more than two games in a match under any circumstances. If a player plays more than two games in a single match the result will be an automatic loss of each game said player participates in after two games.
14. Pairings - Playoffs
A. All players present for a nights matches must play at least one game; however:
1. if your opposing team has less players than yours, you have the option of only using the same number of players as your opponent has (i.e. opting not to play all players on your team). For example, if Team A has eight (8) players and Team B has six (6) players, Team A may choose to sit two of their players for the match.
B. A player may play twice so long as they do not have the same partner. No player may play more than two games in a match under any circumstances. If a player plays more than two games in a single match, the result will be an automatic loss of each game said player participates in after two games.
C. For the playoffs, all participating (see 14. A. above) team members must play at least one game in a match before any team member plays twice in that match.
15. Standings
Standings will be kept according to a win-loss record of matches. If multiple teams have the same number of wins and matches, then a tie will be broken by:
A. Whichever team has the highest total of games won.
B. If teams are still tied, whichever team won the head-to-head match, if applicable.
C. If teams are still tied, a coin flip will determine the standings.
16. Playoffs
All teams (and team members meeting the playoff participation requirement) may participate in playoffs. Playoff brackets shall be determined in the manner the Director selects, subject to the approval of the Athletic Director.
17. Ringers
Ringers are players who show up for the sole purpose of convenience for a team; they are either listed as official members of a team and play very few matches during the season or show up to play under the identity of another team member. Ringers are strictly forbidden by the league and, if discovered, will result in consequences for the violating team with sanctions imposed after a collective determination is made by the Director and the Team Captains. The Team Captain from the team accused of using a ringer will have the opportunity to defend such allegations before the Director and Team Captains.
18. P.I.N.O.
PINO stands for "player in name only." This means that a team has someone register as a team member who does not plan on playing, but helps toward the overall count of getting a team to reach the minimum number of players to reach official team status. PINOs are strictly forbidden from the league. Teams using this method of recruitment may be subject to the same disciplinary action mentioned above in the "ringer" section.
Note: People unable to commit to playing in the league regularly, but who are interested in the league are encouraged to come and play before or after weekly scheduled matches and participate in games that are not part of weekly scheduled matches (at their cost).
19. Terminology
Term Description
Ball-in-Hand: When a player commits a ball-in-hand foul, they must relinquish their turn at the table. The incoming player may now place the cue ball anywhere on the table to start their inning. If a player commits more than one foul on one shot, only one foul will be called. A player must make sure they have ball-in-hand before touching the cue ball.
Foot Spot: The foot spot is located in the center of the table and two diamonds from the foot rail (end where the balls are racked).
Head Spot: The head spot is located in the center of the table and two diamonds from the head rail.
Head String: The head string is a line that passes between the second diamonds on the long rails and through the head spot.
Open Table: The state of the table in which no category has been assigned to any team yet because no balls (or both categories of balls) have been pocketed. When there is an open table, the choice of group has not yet been decided, and shooting players may shoot for any category they desire.
Push: Any shot where the cue ball is frozen to the object ball. The balls remain in contact slightly longer due to friction.
Scratch: Pocketing the cue ball during a game. A table scratch is when the cue ball does not come into contact with a player's category ball first.
Slop: A player does not have to call any of their shots where regular rules may otherwise require. Any shot on the 8 ball must be a called shot!
20. Match
A match shall consist of five games of 8-ball. The team who wins the majority of the five games is the winner of the match which counts as a "win" for the week. Even if one team wins the first 3 games of a match every remaining game must still be played because tie-breaking for team standings is determined by the number of games won and lost.
21. Coaching
Coaching is permitted during the regular season and the playoffs. The playing team may only be coached by their playing teammate and ONE other selected member of their team (the "Third-Party Coach"). The selected coach will remain the only coach for the entire game and is the only non-playing teammate that may approach the table.
Other than the player shooting, no person, including but not limited to coaches and playing partners, may touch any object on the playing surface, the shooter's cue, or the bridge. Violation of this rule will result in loss of turn and ball-in-hand for the opposing team. For example, it is acceptable to assist a player in locating or retrieving a bridge, but you may not place the bridge on the table.
During the doubles tournament, coaching is only allowed between both players on the doubles team. During the singles tournament, no coaching is allowed.
SRB does not impose time limits on shot taking, teammate discussions, or coaching discussions. However, as in most games and sports, it is good sportsmanship to keep the game moving. The league recommends that shot taking be completed within 2 minutes and teammate/coaching discussions be also kept under 2 minutes. In the event of excessive delays in shot making and/or coaching, the captain of the opposing team or their designee may enforce a mandatory 2-minute time clock. All teams should endeavor to complete all matches by 9:00 pm (2 hours after start of play).
22. Coin Toss/Who Breaks
A coin toss is used to determine which team has the option to break for the first game. Both captains, or their designees, shall be present for the coin toss. The winner of the coin toss can choose whether their team or their opponent breaks in the first game. The order in which each team of two players shoots is up to each individual team. After the first game, the winning team of each match shall choose whether their team or their opponent breaks the following game. This will continue until all five games are complete.
23. The Rack and Breaking
The breaking team has the choice of racking themselves or having the opposing team rack. The lead ball of the rack must be placed on the foot spot; this may be any ball except the 8 ball. The 8 ball must be in the center of the rack. The two outer corner balls (sitting on the edges of the last row of the rack) must be of different categories. The placement of the other 11 balls of the rack is up to the person racking.
To be a legal break, a player must:
A. Place and strike the cue ball from behind the head string.
B. The lead ball of the rack or the second row of balls must be struck first.
C. The cue ball may not hit a rail before making contact with the rack.
D. At least four balls (this may include the cue ball) must hit a rail after the rack is struck or at least one object ball is pocketed.
If the cue ball does make contact with the rack, but the break does not qualify as legal, the balls are racked and the same player breaks. If after a second attempt a legal break does not occur the balls are racked and the opposing team breaks.
If the cue ball does NOT make contact with the rack then the same player breaks until the cue ball makes contact with the rack. THE RACK MUST BE STRUCK BEFORE A FOUL CAN OCCUR. For example, if the cue ball leaves the table during the break and does not make contact with the rack, then there is no foul and the same player breaks.
If the cue ball leaves the table on a legal break it is a foul and results in ball-in-hand (anywhere on the table) for the opposing team.
24. The Break
During a legal break:
A. If the cue ball is pocketed on the break and the 8 ball remains on the table then the opposing team's turn begins and the cue ball may be placed anywhere behind the head string ("in the kitchen") of the table. It remains OPEN TABLE regardless of what object balls were pocketed on the break. During the next shot from behind the head string, if the first ball struck by the cue ball is located behind the head string, it is a foul resulting in ball-in-hand for the opponent and remains OPEN TABLE.
B. If the cue ball leaves the table and the 8 ball is not pocketed and remains on the playing surface then the opposing team receives ball-in-hand (anywhere on the table) and it remains OPEN TABLE.
C. The 8 ball is pocketed. This is a win unless the cue ball is pocketed or leaves the playing surface in which case it is a loss.
D. If no balls are pocketed then it is the opposing team's turn and it remains OPEN TABLE.
E. If one or more balls are pocketed, it remains the breaking player's turn and remains OPEN TABLE.
25. Open Table After the Break
IT IS ALWAYS OPEN TABLE AFTER THE BREAK. The process for the next shot is the same regardless of whether it is still the breaking team's or the non-breaking team's turn. Therefore, this section will only refer to the shooting player and not the breaking player.
A. The 8 ball is NEVER neutral - even during an open table.
B. The results of the shooting player's shot are:
1. No balls are pocketed: It is the other team's turn and it remains OPEN TABLE. This process repeats until one or more ball(s) are pocketed.
2. One or more balls of each category are pocketed. For example, the 6 ball (solid) and the 12 ball (stripe) are pocketed and there is no foul: It is still the shooting player's turn; however, unlike during the break, the shooting team must choose their category of balls before their next shot. They maintain that category of balls for the remainder of the game. It is no longer open table.
3. One or more balls of only one category are pocketed and there is no foul: It is no longer open table and the shooting team maintains that category of balls for the remainder of the game. It remains the shooting player's turn.
C. Although it is sportsmanlike for the opposing players to remind the shooting player that they are about to foul by shooting the wrong category of balls, it is not a requirement for them to do so. Once the shooting player has hit the wrong category of balls the foul has occurred whether any ball is pocketed or not (with the exception of the 8 ball). The shooting player may ask their opponent to clarify which category of balls they have, i.e., solids or stripes, and the opponent must answer truthfully to the best of their ability. A shooting player hitting the wrong category of balls first results in a foul regardless of what information you may or may not receive from your opponent. It is the shooting player's responsibility to know what category of balls they have in the game
26. Slop
You are not required to call your shot except when on the 8 ball. Non-call-shot games refer to this as "slop" and therefore you will not lose your turn if one of your team's balls sinks in an unintended pocket. However, the cue ball must hit one of your balls first on EVERY shot. Otherwise, this will be a foul.
27. Combination Shots
Combination shots are allowed, but striking the correct category of ball first is required except in cases when it is open table in which case any ball except the 8 ball may be struck first. When a player does not pocket at least one ball of their category they lose their turn. No pocketed ball is ever spotted.
28. Balls Leaving the Playing Surface
If the cue ball leaves the playing surface then it is a foul and results in ball-in-hand for the opposing team. If the 8 ball leaves the playing surface at any time then it is a loss of game. Any other object ball leaving the playing surface does not result in a foul. Object balls that leave the playing surface will be spotted on the foot spot. If the foot spot is taken then the ball(s) will be placed on a line directly behind the foot spot as close to the foot spot as possible. If two or more object balls leave the playing surface then they are placed in numerical order with the lowest numbered ball closest to the foot spot; the placed balls will be frozen to one another. It might occur that a player legally pockets a ball while simultaneously causing other object ball(s) to leave the playing surface. In this situation, it is still that player's turn and the ball(s) will be spotted by the opposing team prior to the shooting player's next shot.
29. Pocketed Balls
Balls must remain in a pocket to be legal. If a ball goes in a pocket and bounces out then it is not considered pocketed. If it is the 8 ball, it is not considered either a win or loss. If it is the cue ball, it is not considered a scratch.
30. One Foot on the Floor
At least one foot must be on the floor at all times while shooting. If the shooting player strikes the cue ball without having at least one foot on the floor then it results in a foul and the opposing team receives ball-in-hand.
31. Marking the Table
"Marking the table" refers to a physical alteration in the appearance of the cloth on the table. No one may mark the cloth, e.g.using chalk to draw a line, or wetting your finger to dampen the cloth. It is permissible to set a piece of chalk on the hard surface of the rail.
To assist in making a shot, an inanimate object may be placed on the rail to assist with shot making, but said object should not touch the felt.
32. Fouls/Ball-in-Hand
If any of the following fouls are committed, the penalty is ball-in-hand for the opponent. Make certain you have ball-in-hand before you touch the cue ball. Confirm it with your opponent before touching the cue ball. Ball-in-hand might be new for many players and therefore warrants further explanation. It is permissible for the shooting player to intentionally give the opponent ball-in-hand if they do not wish to take a shot.
Ball-in-hand means the shooting player gets to place the cue ball anywhere on the table and take the shot. The cue ball may be moved as many times as needed by hand, cue stick or any other reasonable piece of equipment by the shooting player prior to taking the shot. Only the shooting player may touch the cue ball.
A foul can only occur after the cue strikes the cue ball. The ball-in-hand rule penalizes a player for an error. ONLY THE PLAYER, GAME PARTNER, OR THE TEAM CAPTAIN MAY OFFICIALLY CALL A FOUL, although anyone may suggest to the players or the Team Captain that a foul occurred. All fouls result in ball-in-hand unless otherwise specified.
Double-Hit: A shot involving the tip of the cue stick coming into contact with the cue ball twice during the execution of a single shot. This foul may occur through double clutching the cue ball, or in situations where the cue ball is nearly frozen to the object ball or rail. In the latter case, the double-hit often occurs due to the difficulty in moving the stick away from the shot quickly enough to avoid the cue ball rebounding back into the stick. In general, the shooter can lessen the likelihood of committing this type of foul by hitting the cue ball into the object ball or rail at an angle, or by elevating the butt of the cue about 30 degrees. This does not guarantee that a foul will be avoided; however, it cuts down the length of the follow through, which is the principal cause of a double-hit.
Push Shots: A shot in which the cue ball is frozen to the object ball, and the shooter keeps the tip of the cue on the cue ball while pushing through the shot. An unintentional push is not a foul in this league. In general, you can lessen the chance of being accused of shooting a push shot by hitting the cue ball into
the object ball at an angle, or by elevating the butt of your cue about 30 degrees.
No one other than the player shooting (including coaches, other players, and spectators) may touch anything on the table during the game. That includes the cue ball, the cue, and the bridge. Violation of this rule results in a foul and ball-in-hand for the other team.
The ball-in-hand fouls are as follows:
A. The cue ball is pocketed or leaves the playing surface.
B. Failure for the cue ball to contact the shooting team's category of balls first, i.e., a player who is shooting stripes must hit a striped ball first. The 8 ball is never neutral.
C. Failure to pocket the shooting team's category of balls or for any ball to hit a rail after the cue ball makes contact with an object ball. A sentence that should answer many questions is: ANY ball must go to a rail AFTER LEGAL contact.
D. Causing even the slightest movement or altering the course of the cue ball, even accidentally, is a foul, e.g., dropping the chalk on the cue ball is a foul. It is not a foul to accidentally move any numbered ball (including the 8 ball) unless an accidentally moved ball comes in contact with the cue ball. Any balls moved accidentally during a shot must be replaced by the opponent after the shot is over and all balls have stopped moving. If the displacement occurs before the shot then the displaced ball(s) must be replaced by the opponent before the shot is taken.
E. Failure for the cue ball to come in contact with an object ball.
F. Only the shooting player may place the cue ball in a ball-in-hand situation. The shooting player's teammate or coach may advise on where to place the cue ball, but they may not place or touch the cue ball.
G. Unless otherwise specified, any gameplay rule that is broken will result in ball-in-hand for the opposing team.
33. There are various ways to lose:
A. Your opponent legally pockets the 8 ball after all of their category of balls are pocketed.
B. You pocket the 8 ball out of turn (early 8).
C. When shooting the 8 ball, you pocket the 8 ball in the wrong pocket or fail to mark the pocket where the 8 ball was pocketed.
D. The 8 ball is pocketed and a foul occurs.
E. The 8 ball is pocketed and you scratch. You lose whether or not the 8 ball is pocketed.
Note: If you are shooting the 8 ball and the cue ball (1) does not make contact with it and (2) you do not scratch , the shot results in a foul and your opponent receives the ball-in-hand, but you don't lose because of this foul.
34. Trick Shots and Jump Shots
A. Masse': A shot in which a player curves the cue ball around another ball in order to strike an intended ball. A masse' is accomplished by raising the butt end of the cue and using either right or left English. The more the cue is raised, the more the cue ball will curve. Extreme masse' shots, improperly executed, can cause damage to pool tables and billiard equipment. Masse' shots are not allowed in SRB league play or tournaments.
B. Jump Shot: The striking of the cue ball with the cue tip, in a downward fashion, for the purpose of elevating or jumping the cue ball over an impeding object ball to achieve a legal hit. Jump shots are not allowed in SBR league play or tournaments. If a player uses a jump shot, the player shall lose their turn and the other team has the option to place one of the balls hit during the jump shot (hit by any ball) on the foot spot on the table.
35. Winning the Game
You have won the game when all the balls of your category have been pocketed and you legally pocket the 8 ball in the called pocket without scratching.
36. The 8 ball
A. You may only legally shoot the 8 ball after all balls of your category have been pocketed. You may not shoot the 8 ball while simultaneously shooting the last ball of your category. The 8 ball must be a separate shot.
B. When attempting to pocket the 8 ball the cue ball must contact the 8 ball first. The 8 ball may then contact one or more ball(s) without penalty.
C. When attempting to pocket the 8 ball one or more ball(s) may be pocketed before or after the 8 ball.
37. Calling the 8 Ball
When the 8 ball is the final ball left for a team on the table, the player must "call the shot" and properly identify the pocket in which they are trying to sink the 8 ball. The shooter, playing partner, or coach must call the pocket before shooting on the 8 ball by placing an inanimate object on the rail (not on the felt or hanging over the table). The chalk square by itself may not be used to mark the pocket since there could be multiple pieces of chalk on the table, but it is permissible to use a chalk holder ("chalker") as long as it is the only object of its type on the table.