The Miss Rule
As we are now one league, I’ve been asked by a few people to clarify the league’s position on the miss rule.
Given that the miss rule is an integral part of the game, we play it in our league. However, there is a wide range of refereeing experience amongst us, and so it is the responsibility of the home team captain to ensure that the rule is implemented consistently over the course of the five frames.
The definition in the WPBSA rules is –
A miss is when the cue ball fails to first contact a ball on, and the referee considers that the striker has not made a good enough attempt to hit a ball on.
We are a social league, but we all want to play in a fair way and so the following criteria has generally been used over the past few years and can be applied to the judging of a miss rule.
A miss is to be called when –
The striker can see the ball on.
The striker fails to reach the object ball.
The striker has a pack of reds to hit.
The striker can hit the object ball using one cushion.
The striker chooses a more difficult ball to hit or chooses a more difficult route than necessary.
It is also worth noting that a miss CANNOT be called when a snooker is needed either before or after the shot.
Also, a recent addition to the rules is that a miss CANNOT be called if the points available on the table are equal to the points difference, e.g. if the striker is 31 behind with 35 left on the table and they give away a 4 point foul.
If you follow the above advice, and apply a reasonable amount of common sense, then we will have a consistent approach to what can be a difficult issue. However, please remember that the referee’s opinion is final and absolute, and we ask that all players show respect to those officiating.
Problem with the miss rule it will never ever be consistent! After playing in the league for a few seasons it varies from week to week. Some players are weaker than others. Week in week out you see some terrible calls which I’ve seen on a number of occasions which has really decided the outcome of frame an match. SCRAP IT. NO ONE QUALIFIED TO CALL THE MISS RULE. Just sharing my view.