The APA has established the following conduct rules for Higher Level Tournament play.  They will be strictly enforced.

1. No loud, abusive or profane language will be tolerated at this tournament. The APA knows most of you are in the League to have a good time and to enjoy some friendly competition.  If there is a problem, simply bring it to one of the tournament officials, and the official will handle it.  Remember, in each situation the ruling must go for one side and against the other side, and it is required each team be able to accept being ruled against without causing a scene.
2. Unsportsmanlike conduct toward the opposing team or tournament official is not allowed.
3. Any team or player involved in an incident that includes either physical abuse or the throwing of an item at the opponent or tournament official will be disqualified immediately and required to leave the tournament premises.
4. Any player caught hitting a cue against the table, wall, floor, etc., or recklessly swinging a cue will be disqualified immediately and required to leave the tournament premises.
5. Abusive behavior towards the Tournament Director or any of his/her designates will not be tolerated.
6. Excessively slow play will not be tolerated.  You will be warned before any penalty occurs.

The penalties for violating any of the six categories detailed above are as follows:

*A warning may or may not be given, depending upon the severity of the situation.

Penalty Level 1 - Your opponent will be given ball-in-hand.  If the player is still shooting, or already has ball-in-hand, then that player will be allowed to shoot until missing, and then be given ball-in-hand again.

Penalty Level 2 - Your opponent will be granted the game.

Penalty Level 3 - Your opponent will be granted the match.

Penalty Level 4 - Disqualification.

If the violation or disturbance that caused the initial penalty level to be levied does not cease, the Tournament Director and/or his or her designated assistants have the right to go from one penalty level to the next penalty level immediately.