Fair Play Policy

Preamble:

 

The OHM Pool Championship Series is built on a foundation of integrity, sportsmanship, and respect for the game of pool. This Fair Play Policy outlines the standards of competitive conduct expected from all participants. Winning is a goal, but winning with integrity is a requirement.

 

1. The Spirit of the Game

 

The primary objective of this policy is to preserve the “Spirit of the Game,” which values honesty, respect, and fair competition above the final result. A player’s conduct should reflect well on the sport, the competition, and themselves.

 

2. Principles of Fair Play

 

• Honesty & Integrity: A player’s word is their bond. Players are expected to be honest in all situations, including calling their own fouls, even if unnoticed by the opponent or official.
• Respect for Opponents: Your opponent is not an enemy; they are a partner in creating a great match. Trash-talking, gloating, or intentional distraction is prohibited.
• Respect for Officials & Decisions: All rulings by the tournament director or venue official are final. Players may ask for clarification respectfully, but prolonged argument or disrespect will not be tolerated.
• Play on Skill Alone: The outcome of a game must be determined solely by the skill of the players.

 

3. Specific Prohibited Conduct

 

The following actions are considered violations of fair play and will result in disciplinary action:

 

• Cheating: Any deliberate attempt to gain an unfair advantage. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Intentionally failing to declare a foul.
• “Soft-playing” or intentionally losing a game/match (sandbagging).
• Colluding with others to determine match outcomes.
  • External Influence: Seeking or receiving advice from spectators or electronic devices during a match. (Coaching is only permitted during designated timeouts, if the tournament format allows them).
  • Sharking (Intentional Distraction): Any action intended to disrupt an opponent’s concentration. This includes:
• Making unnecessary noise or movement during an opponent’s shot.
• Standing in an opponent’s direct line of sight.
• Placing or retrieving a cue from a rack while an opponent is at the table.
• Excessive or deliberate delay of the game.
  • Equipment Tampering: Intentionally altering or damaging equipment (cues, balls, tables) to gain an advantage or disadvantage an opponent.

 

4. The “Self-Call” Ethic

 

In the spirit of integrity, players are strongly encouraged to call fouls on themselves. If a player is unsure if a foul occurred, they should err on the side of honesty and give the opponent the benefit of the doubt. If a foul is discovered after the fact, the opponent should be compensated appropriately, even if play has continued.

 

 

 

 

5. Reporting Violations

 

Players who witness a violation of this policy are encouraged to report it discreetly to the tournament director at an appropriate time (e.g., between games, not during an opponent’s shot). Provide as much specific detail as possible.

 

6. Enforcement & Disciplinary Action

 

The tournament director will investigate all reported violations. Depending on the severity and nature of the infraction, the following actions may be taken:

 

• Verbal Warning: For minor, first-time offenses.
• Game Forfeiture: For serious fouls or repeated minor offenses.
• Match Forfeiture: For severe violations or cheating.
• Tournament Disqualification: For the most serious breaches, including any form of collusion or aggression.
• Suspension or Ban: From future OHM events.

 

Acknowledgment:

 

By participating in an OHM Pool Championship Series event, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agreed to abide by this Fair Play Policy. I understand that violations may result in penalties, including disqualification and suspension.