Code of Conduct

The Amersham District Pool League (ADPL) exists to promote competitive English 8-Ball pool in a fair, friendly, and respectful environment. This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected from all participants and explains how complaints and disciplinary matters are handled by the league committee.

All players, captains, officials, and venues are required to comply with this Code as a condition of participation in the league.

This Code applies to all participants, including:

• Registered players
• Team captains
• League officials and committee members
• Spectators, supporters, and guests associated with a team or venue

Behaviour before, during, and immediately after league matches is covered by this Code.

All participants must:

• Treat opponents, teammates, officials, venue staff, and spectators with respect and courtesy.
• Play within the spirit and letter of league and playing rules.
• Accept decisions without abuse, intimidation, or persistent dissent.
• Conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the league.

Players must:

• Be ready to play when called and avoid unnecessary delays.
• Refrain from abusive, aggressive, or intimidating behaviour.
• Avoid excessive celebration, taunting, or unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Not distract or interfere with an opponent while a shot is being played.
• Respect tables, balls, cues, and all venue property.

Offensive or threatening language directed at others will not be tolerated.

Team captains are responsible for:

• The conduct of their players and associated spectators on match nights.
• Ensuring matches are played according to league rules.
• Managing disputes calmly and fairly at the table where possible.
• Submitting results and player information accurately and on time.

Captains are expected to act as the first point of control for minor issues on the night.

The Amersham District Pool League recognises that all matches are played in licensed premises and that alcohol consumption is a normal and accepted part of pub pool.

However, all participants and spectators are expected to remain in control of their behaviour at all times.

• Behaviour affected by excessive intoxication that disrupts a match, causes offence, or leads to unsportsmanlike conduct is not acceptable.
• Captains are expected to manage such situations calmly and responsibly.
• In serious cases, individuals may be asked to step away from the match, be removed from the playing area, or leave the venue in line with venue policies.

The league’s focus is on behaviour, not alcohol consumption itself.

The ADPL operates a zero-tolerance policy toward:

• Discrimination or harassment based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, disability, or age.
• Bullying, intimidation, or personal threats.

Any proven incident may result in serious disciplinary action.

The ADPL operates a zero-tolerance policy toward violence or the threat of violence.

This applies to all participants and spectators, including supporters and guests.

Prohibited behaviour includes:

• Physical violence of any kind
• Threats of violence, whether verbal, written, or implied
• Aggressive physical intimidation or confrontation
• Inciting or encouraging others to commit violence
• Entering the playing area in a confrontational or aggressive manner

Immediate Action

• Any incident involving violence or credible threats may result in the immediate suspension or abandonment of the match.
• Captains are expected to assist venue staff in de-escalating situations.
• Venue staff may remove individuals from the premises or involve authorities where necessary.

The safety of all individuals will always take priority over the continuation of a fixture.

• Teams are responsible for the behaviour of their spectators and supporters.
• Disciplinary action may be taken against a team where misconduct is committed by individuals associated with that team, even if they are not registered players.

Where an issue cannot be resolved on the night:

• Complaints must be submitted by a team captain.
• Complaints must be made in writing (email or league system).
• Complaints must be submitted within 72 hours of the fixture.
• Complaints should include:
  • Date and fixture details
  • Teams and individuals involved
  • A clear factual description of the incident
  • Any supporting evidence or witnesses (where available)

Frivolous or malicious complaints may themselves result in disciplinary action.

Upon receipt of a complaint, the committee will:

1. Acknowledge receipt of the complaint.
2. Review the complaint for relevance and validity.
3. Request statements from captains, players, or witnesses where required.
4. Consider the matter at a committee meeting or agreed process.

All matters will be handled fairly, consistently, and confidentially.

Following investigation, the committee may:

• Take no further action
• Issue a formal warning
• Impose a match or season suspension
• Deduct league points from a team
• Expel a player or team from the league

Decisions are final for the season in which they are made. Persistent or serious offenders may face longer-term bans.