Foul and a miss O'Sullivan-Hendry Fr. 23 2008

[Souwester]

The miss rule (correct me if I am wrong someone) is only applicable in the Professional game.

You're wrong!

The rule is in the rule book and is applicable to all games played by the rules book. Since the rules were endorsed by the IBSF, they apply to all games, amateur and professional.

Now, there are still some English leagues which refuse to apply the Miss rule, but they're doing a disservice to their players: if those players, who are not used to playing Foul and a Miss rule, then go on to play in more serious competitions, whether than be Pro Ams or EASB tournaments, the F&M rule WILL be applied.

As I've said before though, when a player is trying to escape from a snooker the rule needs to be applied with a degree of common sense. Of course it will be applied most stringently in the professional game (and just about every failure to first hit a ball on will be called F&M), there are many many amateurs who just as capable as the pros.

If I was refereeing an International match of some sort, I'd be very harsh in calling misses. At local league a lot more leniency is required, although if you can see any part of a ball on is clear cut: F&M *WILL* be called.

[rambon]

The problem in local league snooker is that a lot of the time the referees are a member of one or other of the teams, and as the rule is open to interpretation can be badly used.

It always used to be professional only, so my apologies for saying that.

[cox orange pippin]

You are almost right in your interpretation of the referee's thoughts.

The rule states that the player must try to the best of his ability to hit the ball on.

Therefore, in this situation, the referee does not "think O'Sullivan missed it on purpose" as you put it, but rather "did not try to the best of his ability to hit it".

If you think about it in these terms, you can appreciate that trying 'to the best of your ability' means hitting the ball is the main aim of the shot you are trying to play. O'Sullivan undoubtedly had safety as an aspect of his chosen shot, so by definition, having failed to hit it, he was not trying his utmost to hit the red.Yes, pretty much. A snooker would have to be a very difficult one for the Miss not to be called, in the professional game.

Ok, that makes sense. Thanks for clarifying this rule.

[T.C.]

All of the World Snooker refs agreed to call a 'miss' in any event, even if coming off 4 cushions and missing by a millimetre. However, a couple of them now seem to be breaking rank.

[The Statman]

All of the World Snooker refs agreed to call a 'miss' in any event, even if coming off 4 cushions and missing by a millimetre...

And so they should, unless the 4-cushion escape is the easiest available.

If there is a one- or two-cushion escape, or a pack of reds providing a large target, and the player chooses to try a 4-cushion escape, then by definition he is not attempting to hit the ball on, to the best of his ability.