FOCUS on the Rules is a monthly article published by Fred A. Johnson that discusses a particular Rule or Situation which involves an interpretation of the Rules.  The official National Rules may be discussed or the local rules as adopted by the Air Cap Valley Pool League. 

MAY 2009's Article:

FOCUS on the Rules
by Fred A. Johnson

FOCUS on the Rules continues with the antics of Snooki and Carom, two old dogs at the pool game, who play a lot with each other and against each other, but simply can never agree on the Rules.

SITUATION: Three object balls are sitting very close to each other, approximately 1" apart, with the first ball about 1" from the rail, all in a row coming from the rail toward the middle of the table. The cue is very close to the middle ball (which happens to be the 6-ball). Snooki is shooting over the 6 ball trying to make another ball at the opposite end of the table. After striking the cue ball, Snooki’s cue stick accidentally drags over the top of the 6-ball moving the 6-ball approximately 6 inches down the table and towards the rail. The shot is missed, but in the process, the travel of the cue makes contact with three rails and rolls directly over the spot where the 6 ball had been. There is no doubt that except for the 6-ball being accidentally moved, the cue would have had contact with the 6-ball and the movement of the cue would have been effected. The cue ball and 6-ball never touched each other. Carom calls a foul; however, the Snooki does not acknowledge that a foul has occurred. Snooki simply says that Carom can replace the 6-ball to it’s original position or leave it where it lies. You are called as the Referee to the table. You make the Call!!!! Rarely, but Snooki is correct on this one. The correct call is "no foul", and Carom has the option of leaving the 6-ball where it is, or Carom can move it back to it’s original position.