Referees are not active participants in the match. This means that referees will not presume that a particular shot might result in a "bad hit" or any other condition that could produce a foul, and will not make calls or rulings, unless officially requested to do so. Referees are typically assigned to more than one table at any given time, but even in those cases when only one table is involved, the following procedures must be followed:

1.) Referees in most cases will not enter the playing area unless the match has been temporarily halted by a TEAM CAPTAIN, COACH, OR CURRENT MATCH PLAYER. You halt the match by calling a "REFEREE TIME-OUT", which allows time for the referee to get into position to view the upcoming shot. No coaching is allowed during this period. The referees decision is final. Do not simply look over at the referee, or ask the referee to "watch the hit", expecting some action to be taken. You must first halt the match and request the referee to make a call or ruling.

Teams are not allowed to use the "REFEREE TIME-OUT" in an untimely manner, or in situations that are obviously non-essential. Teams that abuse the use of the referees are subject to loss of time outs.

For example:
a) You ask the referee to "just watch what happens next".
b) Your opponent is shooting at a loose ball and no potential foul is obvious.
c) You do not wait until the last possible second to call the "REFEREE TIME-OUT". If the player strokes the shot, the call automatically goes to the shooter.
Using the "REFEREE TIME-OUT" as a means to "SHARK" opponents will not be tolerated.

Please remember that it is the responsibility of the TEAM, not the referee, to be aware of potential infractions. Study the table situation and call a "REFEREE TIME-OUT" if you feel that an infraction is likely to occur. The referees are there to help you.

2.) Contested plays will be handled by calling a "REFEREE TIME-OUT" and asking the referee if he or she was watching the table at that time, and was in a good enough position to make a call or ruling. If yes, the referee will make a binding call.

3.) Situations involving potential rules violations are also handled by calling a "REFEREE TIME-OUT". If necessary, the National Rules will be checked. The Floor Manager and/or Tournament Director may also be called, in order to render a decision.

4.) Situations not requiring calls or rulings may be brought to the attention of the referee by TEAM CAPTAINS ONLY. No other member of the team is allowed to ask for referee assistance in these "non-playing" situations. If the request is reasonable, the referee will monitor the situation and take appropriate action. If the problem cannot be solved to everyone's satisfaction, the match will be temporarily halted, the Floor Manager and/or Tournament Director will be called and the parties involved will discuss the issue.

Please treat the referees with courtesy and respect. These APA League members have volunteered for this duty in order to make your competition more enjoyable. Players or teams treating referees in a disrespectful, demeaning or uncooperative manner are subject to disqualification by the Tournament Director.