WHAT'S INSIDE
Contents
01
Tournament Overview
FORMAT
02
Attendance & Match Readiness
BE ON TIME
03
Scoring System
POINTS
04
Match Rules
WPA 8-BALL
05
Fouls & Penalties
PLAY CLEAN
06
Referee Enforcement
FINAL SAY
07
Timing & Play Flow
KEEP PACE
08
Conduct & Sportsmanship
RESPECT
09
Late Arrival Policy
DON'T BE LATE
10
Equipment & Safety
GEAR
11
Media Coverage
ON CAMERA
12
Awards & Recognition
THE CROWN
01
SECTION 01
Tournament Overview
8 BALL × DOMINATION is Optimum Altice Jamaica Ltd.'s official internal pool tournament — a celebration of skill, focus, and camaraderie. The competition promotes friendly rivalry, teamwork, and sportsmanship, while determining the Optimum Pool Champion. Although the format follows structured rules, the tone remains respectful, inclusive, and fun.
DURATION · 5 WEEKS
TUE/WED · THU · FRI · 5:15–8:00 PM
OPTIMUM GAMING LOUNGE
Competition Format
The tournament will follow a Hybrid Swiss Format, progressing into a Knockout Finals stage.
STAGE 1 · WEEKS 1 & 2
Swiss Rounds
- All 20 registered players participate.
- Each player competes in three Swiss rounds, best of 3 racks per match.
- Pairings are based on win records — players with similar records face each other.
- Every match must produce a winner.
- Players earn 1 point for a win, 0 points for a loss.
STAGE 2 · WEEK 3
Knockout Finals
- The TOP 8 players advance based on total points and tiebreakers.
- Quarterfinals & Semifinals: Best of 5 racks.
- Finals: Best of 7 racks.
- 3rd Place Match: Best of 5 racks.
02
SECTION 02
Attendance & Match Readiness
- Players must arrive 5–10 minutes before session start.
- Matches will begin promptly at 5:15 PM, 5:45 PM, 6:15 PM, 6:45 PM and 7:15 PM.
- Players who are more than 15 minutes late will forfeit that match.
- No substitutions are allowed once the tournament begins.
- Players are expected to stay ready for their next match during each session.
03
SECTION 03
Scoring System
3.1 Swiss Stage
- Win: 1 point
- Loss: 0 points
- There are no draws — all matches must produce a winner.
3.3 Knockout Stage
In the knockout rounds, the result is determined solely by match wins. No points are carried over from the Swiss stage.
3.2 Tiebreakers
If players finish with the same total points, the following will determine rankings:
- Rack Difference (Racks Won − Racks Lost)
- Total Racks Won
- Head-to-Head Result (if applicable)
- Random Draw (if still tied)
04
SECTION 04
Match Rules
All matches follow World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) 8-Ball Rules, adapted for friendly internal competition.
4.1 Starting Play
- Players lag to determine who breaks first.
- Breaks then alternate for each rack.
- A legal break must pocket a ball or drive at least four balls to a cushion.
4.2 Open Table & Assigning Groups
- The table remains open after the break until a player legally pockets a called ball.
- Once a player pockets a called ball, groups (solids or stripes) are assigned.
4.3 Legal Shots
- The cue ball must first strike a ball from the player's assigned group.
- After contact, at least one ball must be pocketed or any ball must hit a cushion.
4.4 Winning the Rack
- Legally pocket all group balls, then call and pocket the 8-ball.
- Pocketing the 8-ball in an uncalled pocket or prematurely results in loss of rack.
- 8-ball on the break: a win if the cue ball stays on the table; a loss if it scratches or jumps off.
BALL-IN-HAND RULE
For any foul, the incoming player receives ball-in-hand anywhere on the table.
05
SECTION 05
Fouls & Penalties
5.1 Common Fouls
- Scratch (cue ball pocketed or off the table).
- Failing to contact a ball from the correct group first.
- No ball hitting a cushion after contact.
- Double-hit or push shot.
- Playing while balls are still in motion.
- Moving balls with body, cue, or clothing.
- Playing out of turn.
5.2 8-Ball Specific Fouls
- Pocketing the 8-ball before clearing all object balls.
- Pocketing the 8-ball in the wrong pocket.
- Fouling on the shot that pockets the 8-ball.
IN ALL CASES
→ Loss of rack.
06
SECTION 06
Referee Enforcement
- The tournament will be overseen by an independent referee.
- The referee ensures the rules are followed, manages fair play, and resolves disputes.
- All players must respect and accept the referee's decisions.
- The referee's call on any dispute or foul is final.
- The referee will also monitor match pacing, safety, and table assignments.
07
SECTION 07
Timing & Play Flow
- Each match should generally finish within the session time.
- The recommended pace is around 30 minutes per match — a guideline, not a hard limit.
- Players are expected to keep a steady rhythm — roughly 30–45 seconds per shot.
- If a player is consistently slow, the referee may give a gentle reminder to maintain flow.
08
SECTION 08
Conduct & Sportsmanship
This is a friendly internal competition, designed for positive engagement and team spirit.
9.1 Expectations
- Always show respect to opponents and spectators.
- Avoid taunting, shouting, or arguments.
- Refrain from coaching or giving advice during matches.
- Do not disturb players while they are taking a shot.
- Maintain control of equipment — no cue slamming or table abuse.
9.2 Consequences
- First offence: Verbal warning.
- Second offence: Loss of current rack.
- Third offence: Match forfeit (at referee's discretion).
09
SECTION 09
Late Arrival Policy
UP TO 10 MIN
Opponent takes the first break.
10–15 MIN
Opponent wins the first rack automatically.
OVER 15 MIN
The match may be awarded to the opponent.
Repeated lateness may result in disqualification.
10
SECTION 10
Equipment & Safety
- Venue-provided cues, chalk, and tables are the official standard.
- Personal cues are allowed if in good condition.
- Jump cues may be used if performed safely and without table damage.
- No laser guides or external aids are permitted.
- Players must keep personal belongings away from play areas.
11
SECTION 11
Media Coverage
- Photos and short video clips may be taken during matches for internal highlights and social media features.
- Participation in the tournament implies consent for the use of such material.
- Players are encouraged to bring enthusiasm and energy — this is both a contest and a celebration of Optimum culture.
12
SECTION 12
Awards & Recognition
CHAMPION
8 BALL × DOMINATION Trophy + Champion's Prizes
RUNNER-UP
Medal + Tournament Prizes
3RD PLACE
Medal + Prizes
OTHER SECTIONAL PRIZES AND SURPRIZES!