Pocket8 League & Match Engine Documentation

1. The 45-Second Shot Clock Protocol

Pocket8 implements professional cue sports shot clock timing compliant with International and EPA tournament standards. The timer begins the moment all balls from the previous shot come to a complete rest.

• Standard Timing: 45 seconds countdown per shot with audible warning tone at 10 seconds.
• Final Countdown: Distinct frequency beeps at 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, followed by a continuous buzzer on zero.
• Extension Allowance: 1 extension of +15 seconds per frame for each player/doubles pair.
• Referee Timeout: Scorekeeper can pause the clock immediately during rule disputes, table cleaning, or ball inspection.

2. Keyboard & Tablet Shortcuts for Referees

Referees using a laptop or physical keyboard at the score table can control all match events without touching a trackpad or mouse.

3. Ball In Hand & Two Visit Protocol

Depending on the active ruleset selected for the division, foul attribution triggers visual table states. Under International Rules, ball-in-hand is automatically flagged across all synchronized viewers.

1. Hierarchical Divisions & Formats

Leagues can support unlimited tiered divisions (e.g. Premier Division, Division 1, Championship). Each division can have unique rulesets, match length configurations, and points weighting.

• Singles Match Format: e.g. 5 singles frames, race-to-7, or race-to-9.
• Team Match Format: Multiple sets combining singles and doubles with aggregate frame tallies.
• Handicap Brackets: Assign individual or team handicap spots that automatically calculate into frame starts.

2. Blind Lineup Lock Technology

To eliminate tactical counter-picking, Pocket8 features encrypted blind roster locks. Captains enter their frame player order independently via mobile before the deadline.

3. Standings Points Formula

The platform supports standard sports points allocation models as well as cue-sports specific bonus frame metrics.

1. Ruleset Comparison Matrix

Pocket8 lets league organizers select a standardized ruleset per division, or create a hybrid custom rule preset.

2. Automatic Legal Shot Determination

The referee console guides match officials with a visual indicator of open table status, group selection (solids/stripes or red/yellow), and cue ball in-hand requirements.

1. Advanced Performance Metrics Defined

Standard stats don't tell the whole story in cue sports. Pocket8 captures the nuanced metrics that matter to pool players and captains.

• Break & Dish (B&D): A clean clearance of all assigned group balls plus the 8-ball in a single visit immediately following the break.
• Reverse Dish (R-Dish): When the breaker fails to pot on the break or commits a foul, and the incoming opponent clears the entire table in their opening visit.
• Frame Efficiency Index (FEI): Average balls pocketed per visit, gauging scoring rhythm and match control.
• Clutch Rating: Win percentage in deciding hill-hill frames.

2. Divisional MVP Leaderboards

Each division generates an automated MVP Ladder rewarding frame win percentage, number of clearances, and consistency across both home and away fixtures.

1. Dedicated TV Viewport (`/tv/:matchId`)

Every live match generates a distraction-free, high-contrast viewport designed for 1080p and 4K displays mounted above pool tables.

• Ultra-high visibility typography legible from 20+ feet away.
• Full-screen shot clock with pulsed amber and red warning alerts.
• Real-time sponsor logo rotating banners in the footer for venue monetization.
• Ultra-low bandwidth (<10KB per frame) running smoothly on FireStick, Apple TV, or Smart TV browsers.

2. Live Match Ticker & OBS Streaming Overlays

Broadcast your feature table on Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook Live. Pocket8 provides transparent browser source URLs ready to paste into OBS or vMix with zero lag.