Frequently Asked Questions

Player names are provided to the NSL, which randomly assigns them into groups of 5, depending on the league size:

• 20-player league: 4 groups (A, B, C, D) of 5 players each.

• 15-player league: 3 groups (A, B, C) of 5 players each.

• 10-player league: 2 groups (A, B) of 5 players each.

• 5-player league: 1 group (A) of 5 players.

Each group is placed into its own WhatsApp or Messenger group for communication.

Group Stage Play

• Within each group of 5 players, each player plays other players in their group twice over 8-10 weeks. This means each player plays 8 matches in total if group of 5.

• Players arrange matches at mutually agreed times.

• Matches must be played at the club the player represents.

• • Matches can be played at any time or date from March 9th to Judgement Day (date TBD).

• If two players cannot agree on a match schedule, both players will be counted as losing.

  • In case of dispute, the club owner decides if a player made valid attempts to play.

Reporting Results

• Complete the score sheet with any 50+ breaks with both players signing it.

• The winner sends a picture of the scoresheet to their club manager/owner.

• The club owner/manager emails it to NSLSCORES@gmail.com.

League Ranking Criteria

• Tie Breakers and Advancement is determined in this order as follows:

• Most matches won

• Frame Differential (Plus/Minus)

• Head-to-head

• High break (over 50)

• High break cumulative (Example you made 3 breaks over 50. “51+75+75” = 201)

• One-frame black ball is arranged and played to determine the winner.

  • If either or both players are not available to play a coin toss will be conducted by the league manager and the winner will advance.

After all group matches are concluded, the top 2 players from each group advance to Judgment Day:

• 20-player league: 8 players advance (top 2 from each of 4 groups).

• 15-player league: 6 players advance (top 2 from each of 3 groups).

• 10-player league: 4 players advance (top 2 from each of 2 groups).

• 5-player league: 2 players advance (top 2 from the single group).

Judgment Day is a straight best-of-5 (3/5) knockout tournament with fixed pairings and no redraw:

• 20-player league (8 players → 4): A1 vs B2 | B1 vs A2 | C1 vs D2 | D1 vs C2

• 15-player league (6 players → 3): A1 vs C2 | A2 vs B1 | B2 vs C1

• 10-player league (4 players → 2): A1 vs B2 | B1 vs A2

• 5-player league (2 players → 1): A1 vs A2

Players who reach certain stages earn entry to the NSL Championship (plus prize money where applicable):

• 20-player league: Top 4 qualify

• 15-player league: Top 3 qualify

• 10-player league: Top 2 qualify

• 5-player league: Top 1 qualifies

• RUNNERS UP WILL BE OFFERED THE CHANCE TO REBUY AT $350 TO SECURE THEIR SPOT FOR THE NSL CHAMPIONSHIP.

  • If they do not wish to accept invitation, the next highest ranked player from the club will be invited and so on until all 64 spots at the NSL Championships are filled.

WPBSA rules apply to all matches, with the following stipulations:

Miss rule:

• LEAGUE & JUDGEMENT DAY

  • Maximum of 3 put-backs.

• NSL CHAMPIONSHIP

  • Standard WPBSA unlimited miss rule applies.

Mercy rule (ALL MATCHES):

• Once all reds are potted, if the incoming player requires 4 or more snookers; the frame is considered over.

Dress Code (ALL MATCHES):

• NSL Polo Shirt

• Dress Shoes (no trainers)

• Dress Pants (no jeans)

• No headwear (hats and casual head coverings)

• Religious headwear is permitted (i.e. turban, yamaka)

100% of player fees will be paid out as prize money without deduction.

The overall top 16 performers from the group stages will be seeded.