League Book
About Freedom Fargo League
The Freedom Fargo League was founded to create an exciting, competitive, and inclusive environment for amateur pool players. Our league is built on the principles of integrity, fair play, and rewarding effort—not just performance. Using the FargoRate system, players of all skill levels can compete on a level playing field, grow their game, and enjoy meaningful league experiences.
League Structure & Fees
Annual Dues: $20 per player to FargoRate (due January 1 each year).
Weekly Play Fee: $11 per match.
Divisions and Team Caps
| Division | Team Size | Shooters/Match | Fargo Cap | Match Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-Ball | 8 players | 4 | 1900 | 7:00 or 7:30 PM pending location |
| 9-Ball | 8 players | 5 | 2300 | 7:00 or 7:30 PM pending location |
General League Rules
New Players
New players without a Fargo rating will receive a provisional starter rating from league management based on skill history and peer input.
Match Format
Matches use a race format (R3-R4) determined by the FargoRate app.
All games begin with a lag for the break. Coin flips are not permitted.
Rack your own (RYO) format is used in all divisions.
Alternating break format applies in all divisions.
Scorekeeping
Scores must be tracked in the BCAPL Scorer app by both teams.
Scores should be reconciled after each match to avoid discrepancies.
All scores must be submitted with complete race definitions.
Game Rules
8-Ball
Open table after the break. First successful called shot determines groups (high/low balls-stripes/solids).
8-ball on the break is spotted—cannot win or lose on the break.
All shots must be called. “Safe in” is allowed.
Jump cues allowed unless restricted by the host venue.
8-ball is never neutral. Touching it early results in ball-in-hand.
Loss of game if 8-ball is made early, scratched, or in the wrong pocket.
9-Ball
Legal break: 1-ball must be struck first; four balls must hit a rail.
9-ball made on break is spotted—cannot win or lose on break.
Push shot allowed only on first shot after the break.
Slopped balls result in choice for incoming player: take or return shot.
Jump cues allowed unless restricted by host venue.
Three-foul rule in effect. Player must be told they are on 2 fouls when coming back to the table for their next shot.
Player Conduct & Etiquette
Respect opponents, teammates, and host venues.
No sharking, loud talking, or interfering during shots.
No drinks on rails or tables.
Timeouts:
Players rated 400 or below get 2 timeouts per rack.
Players rated 401 or higher get 1 timeout per rack.
Players must be present and ready by match start time.
Forfeits & Makeups
Matches forfeited due to absence are scored accordingly in the app.
Forfeits DO NOT count against playoff eligibility (5-match minimum still required). There are exceptions pending circumstances.
Makeup matches must be agreed upon and approved by league management. No makeups in the last 2 weeks of a session.
Playoffs & Tournaments
End-of-session tournaments structured by division size.
Players must have played 5 matches in a session to qualify.
Year-End event eligibility requires consistent participation.
Tie-breaker matches and point rules apply for seeding.
Equipment & Venue Rules
Legal equipment includes cues, extensions, gloves, and chalk.
No template racks or external rack devices allowed.
House balls and racks must be used.
Jump cues are allowed unless prohibited at venue.
Payments
All payments must be made through the official Freedom Fargo League website.
Weekly dues are due by noon the day after play.
Late payments may result in point forfeitures and disqualification.
Disciplinary Policy
Minor infractions: Poor etiquette, payment delays, coaching violations.
Major infractions: Threats, cheating, illegal participation, misconduct.
Violations may result in warnings, suspension, or expulsion.
Final Notes
The Freedom Fargo League reserves the right to adjust rules to maintain fairness.
Players will be notified of any changes via official communication.
Let’s grow the game together—with competition, integrity, and community at the heart of it all.