Free Ball rule change

[dazjwil7]

Guys

I play in a amateur league in the north west of England. We have been advised that the rule regarding a free ball has been changed throughout the amateur level.

A free ball now only applies if we cannot hit the ball on full in the face. We no longer have to be able to hit both sides.

Can anyone shed any more light on this?

Thanks

[DeanH]

Free Ball rule change

incorrect, the definition of a free ball is still able to hit both extreme edges of a ball on.
I think they have confused the Miss rule which applies when a player can see a ball on full ball contact.
should say that this for pro matches but I am sure this hast not changed for amateur matches as well.

[SnkrRef]

The definition of a free ball has not changed in probably 25 years or more! You still have to be able to hit both extreme edges from the position left (ie the two sides if you're some distance from the object ball, or just play to skim the left and right edges if you're very close).

Hitting full in the face, is only relevant in the Foul and a Miss rule, in determining whether a warning shall be given after two consecutive misses and a frame awarded after a third miss when central full ball contact is available.

[dazjwil7]

Guys, I couldn't agree more with what you are saying; hence why I'm totally baffled by the committee's change in rule here.

That's why I thought I'd put it out on here to see if any other amateur leagues had word of this.

Any other thoughts from the TSF community?

Cheers

[MikeTheBigMonster]

i usually play free ball and re-spot rule in event or tournaments... normal match play we don't play with the rules on because there is no marker (referee) and always ended up in unhappy argument. so if let say i am not happy with the shot left for me over a foul, i can still force my opponent to continue to take the shot... work out pretty well, at least with some win-win situation... haha

[dieselman147]

Just had this in my league too! I haven't heard of it and have told them it is wrong. Whats going on!

[Byrom]

committees - they know best

[dcrackers147]

i usually play free ball and re-spot rule in event or tournaments... normal match play we don't play with the rules on because there is no marker (referee) and always ended up in unhappy argument. so if let say i am not happy with the shot left for me over a foul, i can still force my opponent to continue to take the shot... work out pretty well, at least with some win-win situation... haha

Strange so you dont really play proper snooker then!? You should play all the rules in the game all the time so when you play in comps you are used to it. I personally play every rule in practice including the miss rule and a miss is always called unless impossible snooker.