Each infringement of the present rules will be treated according to the statutory regulations relating to disciplinary proceedings.

1. The presented regulation is established by the UMB committee on the basis of the statutory regulations taking effect. It is applicable since January 1st 1989 and since that day it annuls all previous and contrary regulations.
2. The affiliated federations, the recognized confederations, the associated members, as well as the contractuals partners of the UMB are committed to respect them and cause them to be respected.

The match starts as soon as the referee has placed the balls for the execution of the starting stroke.

1. The referee places the two white balls on the starting line, on both sides of the line of the three starting spots approximately 30 cm from each long cushion and the red ball on the top spot. As far as the cushion draw is concerned the referee places the spot or yellow ball on the left side and the other white ball on the right side. If the two players insist on playing with the same ball the referee will draw lots.
2. The players draw the beginning at the top cushion. The two white balls must be in motion before one of them reaches the top cushion. If this is not the case the draw will be repeated. The player who causes two times such a repetition loses the choice to begin. It is not admitted to effect the cushion draw by a stand-in.
3. If the balls have touched each other on their way the faulty player (outside his half of the billiard) will lose the choice to begin.
4. If the white balls have touched each other on their way and if it is impossible to determine the faulty player or if the balls are at rest at the same distance from the bottom cushion the referee arranges that the cushion draw will be repeated.
5. If the ball of a player touches the red ball the faulty player will lose the choice to begin.
6. The player whose ball stops nearest to the bottom cushion has the choice to start the match.