Sun City Lincoln Hills Billiards Groups Welcome Package
Welcome to the Billiards Group! We have many subgroups for all skill levels. Mentor Training, Rookies, Breakers, and Upstarts Groups are for beginners and mid-level players who haven’t played in a while. They help to introduce players to the way the other groups operate. The Co-ed and Players groups are for mid-level players with the Challengers, Cue-Masters, Rack-N-Roll, and Ladies tournaments being for mid-level and advanced players. Most groups have timed games.
We encourage advanced signup for tournament play but frequently standby and walk-in players can play. The signup binders are located on the Billiards Room (KS) Fireplace Mantle. The groups have differing advance signup procedures.
All tournaments are played at Kilaga. Orchard Creek is always available for open play.
Some groups will share tournament winners with an email message weekly. Other groups will reward winners in other ways. Photos of some of the winners are posted on the website and in the Compass magazine. The Billiards Group has social functions a couple times a year.
We have regularly scheduled tournaments with Co-ed, Upstarts, Breakers, Players, Challengers, Rookies, and Ladies being free. The Cue-Masters and Rack-N-Roll tournaments require an entry fee of $2 to play that day. All monies collected are paid out as prizes.
We play by the American Pool Players Association Rules that can be viewed by selecting the “APA Rules” link which is listed on the [ABOUT] pull down menu. Or you can downloaded the rules from www.poolplayers.com website. We suggest you review the rules for the individual tournaments that you plan to play in or currently play in. They are listed under the [Tournaments Rules] pull down menu.
Rules for Tournaments:
1. Only Sun City Lincoln Hills residents can play in tournaments. An individual will be allowed to play in one tournament, then must join and pay dues to play in future tournaments. Individual dues are currently $10 a year.
2. It is expected that players stay for the entire tournament.
3. If there is a question about a rule, ask the Tournament Leader. If the Leader is playing, please wait until he or she finishes shooting to ask your question.
4. Upon arrival, go to the Tournament Leader and get your player number.
5. Children under the age of 16 are not permitted in the billiards rooms.
6. Food or drink can harm the table felt and carpet and is not permitted.
7. In all tournaments, a player needs to “verbally” call the final pocket to win.
8. The Tournament Leader is responsible for administering play and tournament rules.
Billiards Tournament and Room Etiquette
1. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the tournament.
2. Talcum powder or any powder is not allowed on your hands or cues. Gloves can be purchased from local stores or online vendors.
3. Please do not sit on the tables as this damage the rails.
4. Loud, profane or inappropriate language is not permitted.
5. Perfumes, after shave, and colognes are discouraged as they may cause allergic reactions to other participants.
6. Be aware of players at the nearby tables and move to the room perimeter after you make your shot, so you don’t bump into someone and ruin their shot. During tournaments, once your game is completed, we ask that you not practice if the table(s) next to you are still playing as you may delay their game or distract them. Open tables during a tournament are for use of Lincoln Hills Residents, not tournament players.
7. In timed games, try not to have excessive discussions with your partner, ask for help on every shot or ponder your shots for too long. Also, don’t assume everyone wants or needs your advice unless asked.
8. It is recommended to turn off your cellphone or put it on vibrate. Some tournaments allow cellphones to remain on.
9. Return the balls to the activities desk when not in use.
10. Please don’t sit on the credenza as it breaks the top lock.
11. Return the breaking sticks to the stands provided when you are through using them. Please don’t lean sticks against the walls or paintings as this leaves chalk marks there.
12. During tournaments, attempts by opponents to distract a shooter at the table are prohibited, e.g., heckling, approaching the table and moving balls to other pockets, calling “Time” in error, etc. While some of this may be for fun or to be helpful somehow, it can be very distracting to a shooter and may even result in loss of game, fouls, etc. Likewise, please avoid loud conversations while players are at the table shooting.
13. It is always a good practice for both teams at the table to make sure the balls are racked correctly prior to the break. Sometimes balls can be misplaced in the rack. If unsure of proper ball placement in the rack, ask the Tournament Leader.
14. When unloading the balls from the tray, please place them gently on the table. The felt sits on a slate base and can be damaged by balls repeatedly being slammed or dropped on the tabletop. Also, please refrain from tapping the head ball when setting up the rack as this too damages the felt and causes a depression in the felt over time.
15. Please chalk your cue stick and/or shake the excess chalk off the cue tip away from the table, so the excess chalk doesn’t fall on the table felt.
16. The billiards room and tables are for the community and our group’s use and care. Some residents who are new and begin to play here may not be aware of table care or the rules of play, etc. It is important that we ensure that our tables and equipment are well cared for and enjoyed by all.
Many members are asked or volunteer to help clean the balls and tables, run tournaments, help with social functions, compile player rosters, etc. Please let your Tournament Leaders know how you can assist them and the Billiards Group.
We hope you enjoy your billiards rooms, your games, and new friends!