10 Ball Rules 2021
10 Ball Rules 2021
PROFESSIONAL POOLPLAYERS
ASSOCIATION
The Evolution of Pool™
2021 Edition
US Professional Poolplayers Association
United States Professional Poolplayers Association, at its option, may change, delete, suspend, or
discontinue parts or all of its policy at any time without prior notice. Copyright 2021. All Rights Reserved
Introduction 2021 Edition
Official UPA Rulebook for 10-Ball
Welcome to the official 10-ball rules of the UPA. The rules you are about to read and understand are the
collaboration of years of deliberation from our Touring Professionals, both foreign and domestic. Our
professionals have come together to ensure a simple yet highly effective ruling system that is sure to
challenge you as a player while evolving your level of play.
Please note that due to issues of television, timed matches, and professional match play some rules may
somewhat differ from the actual professional tour. The following rules have been slightly amended by our
Touring Pros and are intended for amateur use in pool rooms across the nation. These rules are utilized
by the UPA Amateur League of Champions™ without exception across the nation. UPA League Operators
are obligated to utilize these rules in conjunction with licensing rights.
It is our hope that your desire is to evolve your level of play and standard of sportsmanship. Going forward,
take the time to get to know and understand these rules so that you can also educate and encourage your
fellow players. Furthering the education of our professional standards will result in nationwide consistency
that will help the overall vitality of the sport of pocket billiards in the United States of America.
The United States Professional Poolplayers Association (UPA) is dedicated to the evolution of the entire
sport of pocket billiards, so you can enjoy years of game play and continue to grow personally from your
experience in the game. The official motto of the UPA brand is The Evolution of Pool™ as we are committed
to every aspect of the sport and the vitality of it.
Feel free to contact the UPA if you have any questions or comments so that we may be able to further
assist you. Also, be sure to join our League of Champions™ and watch your game rise to professional
standards.
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Table of Contents 2021 Edition
Official UPA Rulebook for 10-Ball
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Table of Contents 2021 Edition
Official UPA Rulebook for 10-Ball
8.6 Coaching Assistance ...................................................................................................................... 7
8.7 Forfeits……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
9.0 General Pool Rules ............................................................................................................................ 7
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Official UPA Rulebook for 10-Ball 2021 Edition
The object of 10-ball is to win by legally pocketing the 10-ball into the “Called Pocket.”
The cue ball must strike the lowest numbered ball first for a legal hit to occur. After the lowest ball is
struck first, either the cue ball or any numbered ball may hit the 10-ball into any pocket for the win (call
shot). If the shooting player pockets the lowest numbered ball after a legal hit, the shooting player
continues. If no ball is pocketed, either the cue ball or any numbered ball must touch a rail after the cue
ball contacts the lowest numbered ball for the shot to be legal.
NOTE: If the 10-ball is pocketed illegally or without being “called,” then it is to be spotted on the foot
spot.
NOTE: Tables may have flaws that do not allow for acceptable racks directly upon the foot spot. In these
cases, players are allowed to rack within a dime’s radius of the direct foot spot to achieve a desired rack.
Touching or positioning of balls after the rack has been removed is never permitted (exception magic
rack). Player must re-rack if this occurs (see 8.5, Ball Tapping).
NOTE: If the cue ball is touched by the cue tip and does not meet the legal break requirement, it is
considered an “illegal break.”
If the breaker makes a legal break, however, commits a foul on the legal break the game is to continue
with the opponent having ball in hand.
NOTE: A foul on a legal break counts toward the three fouls in the “Three Consecutive Fouls” loss of
game rule (see 8.2).
Only on the shot immediately following the break, may the shooting player elect to call a “Push.” On a
“Push Out,” (roll-out) the shooter is required to hit the cue ball, but the cue ball is not required to touch
another ball or a rail. The shooting player must declare their intention to push either to his opponent or to
the referee, or the shot is considered a normal shot. Any ball pocketed on a “Push” stays down except the
10-ball, which would be spotted on the foot spot immediately following the “Push.” Following a legal
“Push” shot, the incoming player has the option to take the shot from the new position(s) or to pass the
shot back to the player who “Pushed Out.” No matter who shoots next, on the shot immediately following
the “Push Out,” the normal course of play continues.
On the shot immediately following a legal break and/or a Push Out, the shooting player must contact the
lowest numbered ball on the table or it is a foul. Unlike 9-Ball, 10-Ball is a “Call Pocket” game and the
shooter is encouraged to specify all balls along with their intended pocket. However, obvious balls and
their respective pockets do not have to be specified. Any bank shot (object ball to rail), kick shot (rail(s)
to object ball), or combinations (2 or more balls) must be called to their designated pocket, or they are
considered a miss. When a player successfully pockets the designated object balls, they continue their
inning until either a miss, foul, or win occurs.
a) If the shooter pockets the called ball in an unintended pocket the opponent has the option to accept the
table in the current position, or (Pass) require the shooter to continue.
b) If the shooter legally pockets the called ball and an unintended ball is pocketed as well, the shooter
continues.
c) When the shooter does not legally pocket the called object ball, however pockets an unintended ball,
the opponent has the option to accept the table in the current position, or (Pass) require the shooter to
continue.
e) It is never necessary to specify details such as the number of banks, kisses, caroms, rails, etc.
g) A ball must hit a rail, or go into a pocket after contact with the cue ball (see 7.4, No Rail).
h) If the shooter pockets a ball after calling a "Safety" the incoming player is granted the option of
shooting or passing back to the original shooter.
a) Touching the cue ball: Hitting the cue ball and any other ball simultaneously, or previously is a foul.
Touching or causing even the slightest movement of the cue ball (other than a normal shot), even
accidentally, is a foul. A player may use the ferrule or shaft of the cue to position the cue ball when a
“cue ball in hand” is in play. Using the tip is a foul and ball in hand will be given to the other player.
b) Touching a moving object ball: Touching a moving object ball or allowing a moving ball to hit a
foreign object is a ball in hand foul. If the accidental movement of a ball(s) results in the disturbed ball(s)
being struck by any moving balls in play, it results in a ball in hand foul.
c) Touching a still object ball: Any still object ball moved can only be moved back to its original
position with the permission of the opponent. The opponent may exercise the option of keeping disturbed
ball(s) in new position if they so choose. Only after receiving consent from the opponent, the player who
has committed the error may move the disturbed object ball(s) back to original position. If the player who
has committed the infraction touches any of the disturbed balls without consent of the opponent, it will
result in a ball in hand foul to the opponent.
NOTE: If the 10-ball was pocketed by a player’s hand or cue, it is a ball in hand foul to the opponent,
and the opponent has the option of placing the 10-ball back to its original position or having it placed on
the foot spot. Opponent shall continue with ball in hand.
7.2 Scratch
Pocketing the cue ball or driving it off the table is a ball in hand foul.
7.4 No Rail
If after the cue ball strikes a legal ball and neither the cue ball nor any other ball hits a rail or is pocketed,
it is a ball in hand foul. A “Frozen” (touching) object ball to the rail does not meet this requirement by
virtue of it not “hitting” a rail.
NOTE: Players are encouraged to mutually acknowledge when the object ball is “Frozen” (touching) to
the rail.
Causing any ball to come to rest off the playing surface is a foul and any such ball(s) are pocketed. This
includes any accidental movement of a ball which results in a ball falling into a pocket. The ball
accidentally pocketed is not brought back into play, and the incoming player has cue ball in hand. If a
player knocks a ball off the table and the ball returns to the playing surface after hitting a person or an
object, it is a foul (the ball remains on surface). If no object or person was contacted, then normal rules of
play apply once the ball returns to the playing surface.
NOTE: If a player removes the 10-ball from the playing surface, it results as a foul and the 10-ball is
placed on the foot spot.
NOTE: Calling a referee to watch “the hit” is always preferable. The referee shall assume that a foul has
been committed if the 45° rule was not utilized by the shooter.
The base of the cue ball must be inside the head string on the break or it is a ball in hand foul.
To touch an object ball, in any way, while placing the cue ball is a ball in hand foul.
7.12 Interference
While the shooting player is at the table, the non-shooting player (including teammates), cannot disturb,
make noises, move around, cause distraction (sharking) in any way. All players must conduct themselves
in a respectful manner consistent with that of a professional, or it may result in an “Official Warning” by
a UPA representative or tournament official followed by the calling of a foul (ball in hand) for
interference.
NOTE: It is understood that the match is between the two players and teammates are not permitted to
instruct unless called upon by the shooting player for a Rules Clarification or Time Out (see 8.6,
Coaching Assistance).
Marking the table in any way, which could provide a player with an advantage in executing a shot, is a
foul, unless the mark is removed to the satisfaction of the opponent or referee prior to shooting.
If/when a player shoots out of turn and it is brought to the attention of the offending shooter, the rightful
player is to return to the table and continue without any penalties/fouls. It is the responsibility of both
players to assume control of the table on their proper inning.
If a shooter commits a foul three times in a row without making an intervening legal shot, the result is a
loss of game. The three consecutive fouls must occur in the same game. After the 2nd foul has been
committed, the opponent must verbally warn the shooter that they have committed their 2nd foul. A 3rd
foul will result in a loss of game.
NOTE: If the shooter is not warned after the 2nd foul and commits a 3rd, it will not be a loss of game.
The opponent must again warn the shooter that the next foul committed will result in a loss of game.
Concession of a game or games in tournament play is never encouraged. The shooting player must finish
his/her inning, or the result shall be a loss of game(s) for the conceding player. Any concession of game,
for any reason, is considered a loss for the offending player.
Unscrewing any cues during the last game, putting on a jacket, leaving the room, or undertaking any
other actions which would indicate that the match is over, is considered a forfeiture of the match (consult
UPA representative or tournament official).
Tapping balls is not permitted. After an “Official Warning” by a UPA representative or tournament
official has been granted to the offender, the penalty for ball tapping shall be the loss of the current game.
Only tournament officials may tap in balls when warranted.
During their inning and only once per game, only the shooting player may call a “Time Out” that shall
last no more than a two (2) minute period. During this time the player may receive instruction from an
available teammate. Otherwise a player who receives advice (anytime) shall grant a ball in hand foul to
the opponent. And on the second (2nd) infraction shall grant the current game in favor of the opponent by
a forfeit.
Calling a Time Out: When the shooting player calls a “Time Out” they are to select an available team
member to immediately assist them without conferring with other parties.
8.7 Forfeits
Players are allotted fifteen (15) minutes to begin their match, or the match is considered forfeited.
NOTE: Once a match is scheduled to start and a fifteen (15) minute count is desired, the opponent is to
notify a tournament official, or UPA representative for an official count.
Shot Clock implementation is at the sole discretion of the UPA, its representatives or tournament
officials. When a shot clock is utilized it shall be used for both players competing in the following
manner:
Each shooting player is allotted one (1) minute per shot, or a “ball in hand” foul shall be granted to the
opponent. The shot clock begins when all balls come to rest. The time keeper (designated by UPA) shall
call out “Ten Seconds” once the fifty (50) second mark has been reached, unless the shooter is down on
the shot in preparation to shoot. Once one (1) minute has been reached on the shot clock, the shooter must
either be stroking or have shot. If the shooter rises (gets off the shot) without execution after the one (1)
minute mark has been reached, it shall result in a “ball in hand” foul to the opponent.
If the cue ball strikes a legal object ball and a non-legal object ball at about the same instant, and it cannot
be clearly determined which ball was hit first, the judgment will go in favor of the shooter.
Balls must remain in a pocket to count as pocketed. If a ball goes into a pocket and bounces back on to
the playing surface, it is not considered pocketed. If it is the 10-ball, it is not a win. If it is the cue ball, it
is not a scratch. Clearing pockets which are full or nearly full of balls is the responsibility of the shooting
player.
If any ball hangs in a pocket and drops within 5 seconds after coming to a complete rest, the ball is
considered to be pocketed. If a hanging ball drops in the pocket after being at rest for more than 5
seconds, the ball is returned to the original position on the edge, and the incoming player may begin. Both
players will have the opportunity to argue their case. The referee’s decision is final.
If one or more balls become suspended in a pocket beyond the edge of the slate because it is partially
supported by other pocketed balls, it is considered pocketed if the removal of the supporting ball(s) would
cause the supported/suspended ball(s) to fall into the pocket. Tournament officials are the sole judges of
whether this rule applies to any situation.
A ball may settle slightly after it appears to have stopped, possibly due to slight imperfections in the cloth
or table slate. Unless this causes a ball to fall into a pocket, it is considered a normal hazard of play, and
will not be moved back. If a ball falls into a pocket as a result of such settling, it is replaced as close as
possible to its original position on the lip of the pocket. If a ball falls into a pocket during or just prior to a
shot and it has an effect on the shot, the referee will restore the ball to its original position and the shot
will be replayed. Players are not penalized for shooting while a ball is settling.
It is legal to cause the cue ball to leave the surface of the table by elevating the butt of the cue and, with a
downward stroke, forcing the cue ball to rise off the playing surface. For the shot to be legal only the cue
tip may touch the cue ball – the shot must not be “scooped” by the ferrule or shaft. Any miscue on a jump
shot is a ball in hand foul. A legal jump cue must be at least 40 inches in length and constructed in typical
cue fashion.
NOTE: Standard jump cues are accepted including phenolic tips. However, cues that are not typical in
appearance must be accepted and approved by the UPA.
All equipment that is generally accepted throughout the industry is permitted. However, using any
equipment in a non-customary manner is never allowed and constitutes a foul. It is the responsibility of
the shooting player to know what the intended use of each piece of equipment is: the bridge, jump cues,
extensions, etc.
NOTE: The use of headphones and other devices are not permitted. The use of racks and balls not
provided by the venue must be agreed upon by both players.
It is the responsibility of each member to be aware of all rules, regulations, and schedules relating to
competition. Tournament officials will make every reasonable effort to make the information readily
available to all players; however, the ultimate responsibility rests with each individual player. There is no
recourse if a player does not obtain correct or complete information.
NOTE: Players may always call for rule clarifications during league play. This is not considered a “Time
Out.”
10.2 Referees
The League Operator (or representatives) will perform the duties of a referee in the event that referees are
busy or not utilized. If the Tournament Director, their assistants or a referee is not to be found within a
reasonable time frame, a spectator may sub as an official referee when agreed upon by both players and
accordance with UPA rules.
When a referee or tournament official is not available, the players in the match will be responsible for
racking balls, watching/calling fouls (including on themselves), and insuring adherence to UPA rules of
competition. Both players may agree on an audience member (familiar with UPA rules) to stand in and
perform any duty of a tournament official.
If there is a shot that could be a questionable hit or foul, the seated player is responsible for calling for a
tournament official or agreed upon third (3rd) party to watch the hit before the opponent shoots. Once
notified, the player at the table must then wait for an “official” to watch the shot. Likewise, if a player is
uncertain whether some rule has been broken, he/she is responsible for seeking immediate clarification
from league officials or the rulebook before play continues. After play continues, it is unlikely that a
problem can be remedied.
NOTE: If a tournament official or third (3rd) party was not utilized, “the call” shall be left to the shooter
without further discussion.
10.5 Scoring
Players are encouraged to score their own matches to ensure accuracy, however a third (3rd) party is
permitted. The scorer is charged to accurately record what actually took place on the pool table and may
clarify with the shooter what the intention was whenever needed. A player always has the right to consult
the Scorecard with the scorekeeper. Any disagreements shall be determined by a UPA representative.
NOTE: If it is believed a player is purposely calling a pocket, however actually plays a safe, then a safety
(S) shall be recorded.
The referee must never give advice nor offer an opinion on points of play. Only when asked for
clarification of a rule will the referee then explain that specific rule. Any incorrect statement made by the
referee will not protect a player from enforcement of the actual rule. When asked, the referee must tell
either player the score, whether the cue ball is frozen to an object ball or rail, etc. If the referee sees that a
foul is about to be committed by either player, he must say nothing until after the foul, since any warning
before the foul would constitute “advice” from the referee.
If either player has the opinion that the referee is failing to issue a mandatory “Official Warning,” they
may remind the referee that such a warning is necessary.
The referee will call all fouls as soon as they occur and will inform the incoming player that they have
ball in hand.
If a player believes that the referee has failed to call a foul, he must protest to the referee before their
opponent takes the next shot. If the player fails to do so, the foul is considered not to have occurred.
When it becomes necessary, the referee will restore disturbed balls to their original positions to the best
of their ability. The referee may solicit information for this purpose if he/she is not sure of original
positions. If the balls were disturbed by a player in the match, the opponent has the option of preventing
restoration. If the balls were disturbed by someone else, then it is a mandatory for the referee to restore
the balls. In this case, the referee may instruct the shooter to replay the shot after restoration, if the
outside interference had an effect on the outcome of the shot. If not, the referee will instruct the shooter to
continue play after restoration.
10.11 Verification
The referee may use any means to gather needed information to make a decision concerning a disputed
play or game situation.
Any disagreement between the two players will be resolved by the League Operator, appointed
representatives, or any administrative member of the UPA.
Any rule or situation not covered in this text shall be decided in an expedient manner by the League
Operator, appointed representatives or any administrative member of the UPA in accordance with UPA
ideals and guidelines for the purposes of league play to continue. Such expedient rulings shall then be
made known to the administration of the UPA Corporate Office and it’s Touring Professionals before
further instruction or implementation of the matter is finalized.
11.1 Bylaws
These rules are consistent nationwide and are not to be altered in any way, shape, or form. The
implementation of any “Bylaws,” or any other document, is strictly prohibited by UPA Corporate Office.
11.2 Addendum
From time to time there may be an addendum issued by the UPA to the Official UPA Rulebook, and it is
each individual player’s responsibility to keep current.