Arbroath and District Pool League
Scotch Doubles Playing Rules

Scotch Doubles has been agreed to be the playing format for the league doubles from season 2022/23.

We will now play eight singles frames, followed by four ‘Scotch’ Doubles.

Scotch Doubles are invariably different from our traditional doubles. When a team commences their visit, each player will now take one shot alternating during the visit. Rather than one visit each.

Some of the key changes to be aware of:

1. Any of the two players in each double can take the first shot of the frame. Players then alternate shots during that visit until it is complete.

2. When returning to the table for a second (or more) visit, the playing order is important. Please remember who played the last shot of the last visit of your pairing.

3. Players playing out of turn will results in a foul. If this is to happen, it will likely be mid-frame during visits. The opposing team will be awarded one free visit followed by one free shot (two shots). It is the responsibility of each double to ensure they play in the correct playing order.

4. Players are free to talk at any stage of the frame. Please be reminded that there is a one-minute shot clock that can be implemented by the referee. It would be considered good etiquette for this to be agreed with both Captains.

5. The player that presents themselves at the table for the lag and wins, subsequently opting to break, will take the break shot. The player that wins the lag can also pass over the break to their opponents if they wish. The break shot is deemed the first shot of each frame and shots alternate from this point forward.

6. Playing rules etc remain as per. i.e. Lag, Break, Selection of Colours, Fouls etc

It is inevitable that some anomalies will arise during the course of the season, please contact me directly if you require any guidance/assistance.

Regards,
Bash

An update and clarification, rule 5 has been amended to make things much more clearer.

For information, the lag is not deemed a shot - the first shot taken in each frame is the break shot. Rule 5 is merely to suggest the player that lags, and wins it, is expected to take the break shot, or pass over the opportunity to their opponents if they wish to do so.