Tengbo Series Tournament Competition Rules [Basic Version]

January 01, 2023

Tengbo Series Tournament Competition Rules [Basic Version]

1. Eligibility Requirements

1.1 All participants must meet the following criteria:

1. Be in good physical health and possess full capacity for civil conduct.
2. There are no restrictions on region, age or gender for registration. However, minors under 14 years old and seniors over 65 years old must be accompanied by family members during the competition.
3. Must not be under any suspension period imposed by official billiards associations.

2. Competition Format & Rules

2.1 Playing Rules

1. Matches shall be conducted in accordance with the 2017 General Competition Rules for Chinese Billiards issued by the Chinese Billiards Association. Triangle rack ball setup and winner’s break shall be adopted throughout all matches. To ensure tight ball packing, referees may adjust the position of the rack. Players have no right to demand tight ball placement if they request fixed-spot racking.
2. All male players aged 14 and above play on an equal basis. When male players compete against female players or minors under 14, the male players shall give one-ball handicap (back ball).
3. Shot Time Limit
   (1) Matches officiated by a single referee shall be subject to a 45-second shot time limit (including break shots). A reminder will be given when 10 seconds remain, followed by a countdown from 5 seconds. A foul will be called for any shot taken after expiration. Time counting applies continuously to ball brushing and rest cue placement. Each player is entitled to one 45-second time extension per frame. No time limit applies to deciding frames.
   (2) Matches under roaming referee supervision are generally unlimited in shot time. Nevertheless, the chief referee reserves the right to impose a temporary shot time limit on any match involving deliberate time-wasting.
4. Time-Outs
   (1) Each player is allowed one time-out per match (two time-outs for the final match). Players must inform the on-duty referee before taking a time-out, which lasts for 5 minutes. Both players may leave the venue. Any player failing to return within the time limit shall forfeit the frame.
   (2) After all allocated time-outs are used, players may request permission to use the restroom. If requested mid-frame, the application must be made while the player holds ball control. Any additional conduct (including but not limited to smoking, eating, answering calls, receiving outside instructions) shall be deemed unsportsmanlike conduct, resulting in forfeiture of the frame.
   (3) While one player is on time-out or away for restroom use, the opposing player may continue playing under referee supervision until their ball control ends, with no need to pause the match.
   (4) Any player absent from the competition venue for more than 15 minutes for any reason shall forfeit the entire match.
5. Once the chief referee announces the start of a round, any absent player shall forfeit one frame. Players who remain absent after 15 minutes shall be deemed to have forfeited the match entirely. Late players forfeit pre-match warm-up and lag rights, with the opponent choosing who breaks first.
6. Use of talcum powder is strictly prohibited.

2.2 Tournament Structure

1. Qualifying Rounds
   (1) Held in two separate sessions, adopting single-elimination format with best-of-13 frames (7 wins required). 32 players advance from each session, totaling 64 players into the first stage of the main draw.
   (2) The Organizing Committee reserves the right to adjust the number of qualifying spots according to actual conditions.
2. Main Draw
   (1) First Stage: Group double-elimination format, divided into 16 groups with 6 players per group. Matches are best-of-17 frames (9 wins required). 2 players advance from each group, totaling 32 players into the second stage.
   (2) Second Stage: Group double-elimination format, divided into 8 groups with 8 players per group. Matches are best-of-21 frames (11 wins required). 2 players advance from each group, totaling 32 players into the third stage.
   (3) Third Stage: Single-elimination format.
   Round of 32, Round of 16 and Quarter-finals: best-of-25 frames (13 wins required).
   Semi-finals and 3rd-place match: best-of-29 frames (15 wins required).
   Final match: best-of-41 frames (21 wins required).

2.3 Seeding & Draw Procedure

1. No seeded players in the qualifying rounds; all positions are decided by random draw.
2. For the first stage of the main draw, players ranked 33rd to 64th are seeded by ranking. All other players are placed via random draw.
3. For the second stage of the main draw, players ranked top 32 are seeded by ranking. All other players are placed via random draw.
4. For the third stage of the main draw, players advancing from the winner’s bracket of the second stage are seeded by win rate. Players with identical win rates are ranked by their points in the Tengbo Chinese Billiards Professional League. If rankings are tied or unavailable, seeding is decided by draw. All players advancing from the loser’s bracket are placed via random draw.
5. All draws in every stage are conducted uniformly by referees. The entire draw process is live-streamed and recorded.

2.4 Appeal Procedure

1. Appeals against on-duty referee decisions must be submitted before the next shot by either player; otherwise, the appeal will not be accepted.
2. Players may appeal to the chief referee regarding disputed calls. The decision of the chief referee shall be final.

3. Participant Requirements

3.1 Dress Code

1. All participants must wear dark long trousers and dark leather shoes, along with official Polo shirts provided by the Organizing Committee.
2. Each player is permitted to display one logo on the chest or sleeve, which must be declared in advance. The logo area shall not exceed 40 square centimetres and must not cover other official markings. Undeclared commercial logos are forbidden. Players who refuse to remove unapproved logos will be disqualified. Declared logos must not involve politics, racial discrimination, gender discrimination, terrorism, or other content against public interests, nor contain gambling, pornography, violence, tobacco or any content prohibited by laws and regulations.
3. All body tattoos must be fully covered by participants; otherwise, entry is denied.

3.2 Code of Conduct

1. All participants shall abide by tournament regulations and follow arrangements of the Organizing Committee.
2. Players must check in at the designated registration desk 20 minutes prior to their match. Tournament staff will inspect compliance with dress code and logo regulations. Players must assemble 15 minutes in advance and enter the venue together as instructed; early independent entry is not allowed.
3. Smoking is prohibited inside the venue. All mobile phones must be switched off or set to silent mode and placed under the billiard table. Violations will result in corresponding penalties.
4. Alcohol abuse, drug use, gambling in any form, illegal acts and unethical conduct are strictly forbidden. Violators will be immediately disqualified.
5. Any form of fixed match, match manipulation or indirect manipulation is strictly prohibited. Confirmed violations will be severely penalized.
6. Severe cases will be referred to judicial authorities.
7. Without prior approval from the Organizing Committee, participants shall not attend any commercial tournaments or activities during the event. The champion and runner-up are required to attend the award ceremony. The Organizing Committee reserves the right to withhold prize money for violations.
8. Disruptive, uncivilized behaviour that interferes with match progress and premature match abandonment are prohibited. Depending on the severity of violations, the Organizing Committee may issue warnings, disqualify participants, or forfeit up to 50% of prize money.

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