Billiard football game

Abstract

Method and apparatus to play a football contest which is realistically simulated on a pocket billiard table surface; comprising of a plurality of billiard balls having football field, football and player indicia thereon to be placed on said supporting surface and selectively driven into pockets by a hand held device such as a cue stick. The apparatus includes a set of ten billiard balls representing field yard line balls, football/goal-line ball, a cue ball and an offensive center player ball. Each ball is associated with a specific player i.e.; field yard line balls and goal-line/football ball for the offense to pocket, and center ball and football/goal-line ball to be pocketed by the defense. Players take turns on playing on offense and defense. A winner is declared when all drives have been completed and to the player with the most points.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

This invention is more specifically related to billiard or pool games which utilize a plurality of billiard balls and a pocket billiard table playing surface onto which the billiard balls are contacted by a cue ball in which the cue ball is propelled by a cue stick to be used to pocket said object balls. More specifically still, the present invention concerns a new billiard game and billiard balls designed specifically for simulating football on a pocket billiard table.

Conventional billiard or pool games have been extremely popular and require each player to possess a high degree of skill and accuracy for pocketing a pre-selected target ball. For several hundred years that billiards/pool has been in existence there have been a multitude of games that have been played on a billiard table. A few sports have been simulated to be played on a billiard table such as golf, bowling, and baseball in which players enjoy both the game of their choosing and the challenge of billiards. Some past inventions have physically changed the table surface to again simulate a desired sport. In recent years there have been new designs to billiard balls with colors and indicia representing different sports leagues and teams to i.e. collegiate teams, MLB™ teams, NFL™ teams, NHL™ teams and NBA™ teams.

The game of the present invention is to provide a new method and new apparatus to simulate the excitement of the sport of football play on a billiard table and likewise have the players pocketing pre-selected target balls. The present invention game rules combine the fast paced action and strategy of known billiards games such as nine ball and eight ball mixed with footballs terminology and rules. The invention has two variations of game play rules for novice or rookie play to more advanced or veteran play. The scoring system offers players the ability for easy and comprehensive statistical analysis, excellent self instructional and diagnostic opportunities by playing the game.

Therefore the game will appeal to all players who are fans of football regardless of their playing ability. The present invention allows both seasoned and novice players, or for that matter anyone who can shoot billiards, to play, learn, and win the game. The game can be played on any size billiard/pool table. An apparatus of the invention, such as the offensive center ball, can be removed and substituted for other billiard balls representing the sport of football with colors and indicia displayed thereon such as a collegiate or NFL™ team billiard ball for added enjoyment and excitement to the invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention involves pocketing specially designed billiard balls that simulate playing football on a pocket billiard table. To start the game players will flip a coin to determine who will be visitors and who will be home. Visitors will start the game on offense. During the game players take turns racking when on defense and breaking the balls when on offense known as drives. Balls are racked in a diamond configuration of nine balls with the center ball at the head, football/goal line ball in middle and the seven yard line balls i.e. thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten balls in random order or sequential order. The cue ball represents the offensive/defensive players that will be used to break the rack and pocket balls. Each player has equal number of opportunities on offense to score touchdowns, field goals and two-point conversions. Defense has the opportunity for interceptions, fumbles and safeties. Both players may be penalized for fouls such as holding-scratching cue ball and off sides—a miss hit of the intended object ball. The offense will score a touchdown for seven-points when all seven yard line balls and the goal line have been pocketed. The offense may also gain additional points on a touchdown scored otherwise known as a two-point conversion if the center ball is still on the table and is also pocketed. An offensive player on the beginning of their down may score a field goal of three-points as long as a minimum of four yard line balls have been pocketed on previous downs and then the football is successfully pocketed on the attempted simulated field goal kick. The defense may score two-points for a safety if the offense fails to pocket a yard line ball before the defense can pocket the center ball and football on the same turn. Offensive drives will end if the offense scores, fumbles—when center ball and football have been pocketed by the defense, interception—offense scratches cue ball on break shot/pass play, or a defensive safety have occurred. The game may utilize a scoring sheet to track the progress and statistics of the players competing. The game can be played on any size pocket billiard table which can be played by children and adults of all ages.

BRIEF DECRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a pocket billiard table with a set of billiard football balls thereon; and

FIG. 2 is a front view of the cue billiard ball; and

FIG. 3 is a back view of the cue billiard ball; and

FIG. 4 is a top view of the cue billiard ball; and

FIG. 5 is a left view of the cue billiard ball; and

FIG. 6 is a right view of the cue billiard ball; and

FIG. 7 is a front view of the ten-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 8 is a back view of the ten-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 9 is a top view of the ten-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 10 is a left view of the ten-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 11 is a right view of the ten-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 12 is a front view of the twenty-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 13 is a back view of the twenty-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 14 is a top view of the twenty-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 15 is a left view of the twenty-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 16 is a right view of the twenty-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 17 is a front view of the thirty-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 18 is a back view of the thirty-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 19 is a top view of the thirty-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 20 is a left view of the thirty-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 21 is a right view of the thirty-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 22 is a front view of the forty-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 23 is a back view of the forty-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 24 is a top view of the forty-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 25 is a left view of the forty-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 26 is a right view of the forty-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 27 is a front view of the fifty-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 28 is a back view of the fifty-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 29 is a top view of the fifty-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 30 is a left view of the fifty-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 31 is a right view of the fifty-yard line billiard ball; and

FIG. 32 is a front view of the offensive center billiard ball; and

FIG. 33 is a back view of the offensive center billiard ball; and

FIG. 34 is a top view of the offensive center billiard ball; and

FIG. 35 is a left view of the offensive center billiard ball; and

FIG. 36 is a right view of the offensive center billiard ball; and

FIG. 37 is a front view of the football/goal-line billiard ball; and

FIG. 38 is a back view of the football/goal-line billiard ball; and

FIG. 39 is a top view of the football/goal-line billiard ball; and

FIG. 40 is a left view of the football/goal-line billiard ball; and

FIG. 41 is a right view of the football/goal-line billiard ball; and

FIG. 42 is a top view of the set of billiard football balls in a diamond rack in random configuration; and

FIG. 43 is a top view of the set of billiard football balls in a diamond rack in sequential configuration; and

FIG. 44 is a top/right view of the set of billiard football balls in a diamond rack in sequential configuration;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a pocket billiard table with a rack of billiard football balls 1 set thereon in a configuration at the foot end 2 of the billiard table to start the game and or drive. The front ball in the rack, or the offensive center ball, is set on the foot spot 3 of the billiard table whereas the front ball is bisected by the middle or second diamond 4 of the foot rail 5 and the middle or second diamond on the right long rail 6. The cue ball 7 may be placed at the head of the table 8 anywhere behind the second diamonds also known as the head string 9 to break the rack.

The apparatus of the present invention comprises a set of ten billiard balls of 2¼ inches in diameter and approximately weighing six ounces and are of different colors, markings, and numbers that are selectively driven into pocket areas on a flat pocket billiard table and a specially designed cue ball adapted to be struck with a hand-held device such as a cue stick, and the apparatus consists of the following elements:

(1) In FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 a billiard cue ball represented by one half of a hemisphere of a ball in the color of white 10 and other half of hemisphere in color of green 14. The white hemisphere 10 is bisected by a green stripe 11 which is centered and along the great circle or meridian axis running to the green hemisphere with a green letter “O” 12 and below it with green wording in small lettering reading “Offense” 13 bisecting the green stripe in the center 11, and the other half hemisphere of the billiard cue ball that is in green color 14 has a white letter “X” 15 and white wording in small lettering below the “X” 15 reading “Defense” 16 centered in and on the green 14 hemisphere.

(2) In FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11 one representative ten yard line billiard ball representing a football field ten yard line with the entire billiard ball in green color 17 with a single frontal white stripe 18 on the great circle or meridian axis and two white numeral ten's 19 on both front and back of ball in which the number 110 is bisected by the white stripe 18 along the great circle or meridian axis and a white letter “X” 20 is centered in and on both the right and left hemispheres of the ball with two white hash-line marks 21 with thirty degrees of separation that are parallel and in a longitude direction above the letter “X's” 20 and with two white hash-line marks 21 with thirty degrees of separation that are parallel and in a longitude direction below the letter “X's” 20.

(3) In FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16 one representative twenty yard line billiard ball representing a football field twenty yard line with the entire billiard ball in green color 22 with a single frontal white stripe 23 on the great circle or meridian axis and two white numeral twenty's 24 on both front and back of ball in which the number 210 is bisected by the white stripe 23 along the great circle or meridian axis and a white letter “X” 25 is centered in and on both the right and left hemispheres of the ball with two white hash-line marks 26 with thirty degrees of separation that are parallel and in a longitude direction above the letter “X's” 25 and with two white hash-line marks 26 with thirty degrees of separation that are parallel and in a longitude direction below the letter “X's” 25.

(4) In FIG. 17, FIG. 18., FIG. 19, FIG. 20, and FIG. 21 two representative thirty yard line billiard balls representing a football field thirty yard line with the entire billiard ball in green color 27 with a single frontal white stripe 28 on the great circle or meridian axis and two white numeral thirty's 29 on both front and back of ball in which the number 310 is bisected by the white stripe 28 along the great circle or meridian axis and a white letter “X” 30 is centered in and on both the right and left hemispheres of the ball with two white hash-line marks 31 with thirty degrees of separation that are parallel and in a longitude direction above the letter “X's” 30 and with two white hash-line marks 31 with thirty degrees of separation that are parallel and in a longitude direction below the letter “X's” 30.

(5) In FIG. 22, FIG. 23, FIG. 24, FIG. 25, and FIG. 26 two representative forty yard line billiard balls representing a football field forty yard line with the entire billiard ball in green color 32 with a single frontal white stripe 33 on the great circle or meridian axis and two white numeral forty's 34 on both front and back of ball in which the number 410 is bisected by the white stripe 33 along the great circle or meridian axis and a white letter “X” 35 is centered in and on both the right and left hemispheres of the ball with two white hash-line marks 36 with thirty degrees of separation that are parallel and in a longitude direction above the letter “X's” 35 and with two white hash-line marks 36 with thirty degrees of separation that are parallel and in a longitude direction below the letter “X's” 35.

(6) In FIG. 27, FIG. 28, FIG. 29, FIG. 30, and FIG. 31 one representative fifty yard line billiard ball representing a football field fifty yard line with the entire billiard ball in green color 37 with a single frontal white stripe 38 on the great circle or meridian axis and two white numeral fifty's 39 on both front and back of ball in which the number 510 is bisected by the white stripe 38 along the great circle or meridian axis and a white letter “X” 40 is centered in and on both the right and left hemispheres of the ball with two white hash-line marks 41 with thirty degrees of separation that are parallel and in a longitude direction above the letter “X's” 40 and with two white hash-line marks 41 with thirty degrees of separation that are parallel and in a longitude direction below the letter “X's” 40.

(7) FIG. 32, FIG. 33, FIG. 34, FIG. 35, and FIG. 36 one representative offensive player “Center” billiard ball in an all white ball 42 with a frontal green stripe 43 along the great circle or meridian axis with a green letter “C” 44 with green wording in small lettering below the “C” reading “Center” 45 bisecting the white line on both front and back of ball.

(8) FIG. 37, FIG. 38, FIG. 39, FIG. 40, and FIG. 41 one representative billiard ball representing a football and the goal-line field yard by two hemispheres; a half of hemisphere of ball is green 46 with a white letter “G” 47 on the left and white letter “X” 48 on the right with a white stripe 49 running along half the great circle or meridian axis centered in the green hemisphere bisecting the white “G” 47 and white “X” 48, and the other half of hemisphere of the ball is brown 50 with black lines in center of hemisphere representing simulated football laces 51 with black lettering above laces reading “Official Billiard Football” 52 and in black lettering below simulated laces reading “NBFL” 53 and two semi-circle white stripes 54 on either end of ball.

(9) FIG. 42, FIG. 43, and FIG. 44 representative of billiard football yard line balls i.e. the thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten balls racked in a random configuration 55, football yard line balls i.e. the thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten balls racked in a sequential configuration 56.

Play Format and Rules Description

The object of the invention is to simulate football on a pocket billiards table by pocketing specially designed billiard balls that will award points in a drive or rack. There are three-five drives per quarter depending on number of drives per game agreed upon prior to the game starting by both teams/players. A game can consist of twelve, sixteen, or twenty drives/racks depending on what is selected by both player(s)/teams. Player(s)/team with the most points at the end of all drives will win the game. Two teams of two-eight players can compete on a pocket billiard table to score touchdowns; two point conversions, field goals, and safeties just as in a real football game during each offensive drive. Drives will always start on the twenty yard line with the offensive player needing to gain eighty total yards by pocketing the eight yard line balls i.e. thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten, and then the goal-line/football ball to score a touchdown. There are four quarters to a game i.e. 1^st quarter, 2^nd quarter, 3^rd quarter, and 4^th quarter. If necessary there may be over time drives. Players have the option to have 1) the first player/team to score in overtime wins or 2) each team be given a drive to score and if neither team scores or both teams are still tied after their drives have been completed then each team will be given another drive to attempt to out score their opponent in overtime.

Terms & References—note whenever mentioned, the football/goal-line ball or goal-line/football ball is the same ball. The football/goal-line reference is for the defense to pocket where as the goal-line/football reference is for the offense to pocket. A shot is when the cue ball is struck with a man made device known as a cue to pocket or attempt to pocket an object ball i.e. the thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten, offensive center ball, or the goal-line/football ball. A break shot is when the cue ball with the “X and 0” markings is used to strike and break open the rack of balls i.e. thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten, goal line/football, and offensive center ball to start the drive.

Additional Rules—Additional football plays, results, and penalties are simulated on the pocket billiard table such as; passing, running, interceptions, fumbles, punting, turn-over on downs, out-of-bounds, defensive blitz, holding and offside penalties. Depending on which version of rules are decided to be used by the competing players/teams will determine the level of difficulty of the game and order of play i.e. rookie rules—easier play and veteran rules—harder play. Rule versions are also agreed upon before the game begins: i.e. veteran rules and rookie rules.

Veteran Rules—Format

Starting the Game—An agreed upon number of drives i.e. twelve, sixteen, or twenty for the game must be decided before the game begins. When starting the game players will flip a coin (heads or tails) to see who will be the visitor's team and who will be the home team. The visitors will always start the game and the first drive on offense in the 1^st quarter and the home team will start the first drive on offense in the 3^rd quarter. Players/teams will then continually rotate on being on offense on alternate drives respectively for each half of the game.

Racking the Balls—On each and every drive, the defensive team will rack or “huddle” the balls. In veteran rules the yard line balls i.e. thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten balls are racked in a diamond configuration (FIG. 43) to start each drive with the offensive center ball at head of rack, with next row consisting of the ten yard line ball (left) and twenty yard line ball (right), with next row consisting of the thirty yard line ball (left) and the goal-line/football in (middle) and the thirty yard line ball (right), with the next row consisting of the forty yard line ball (left) and the forty yard line ball (right), with the next row consisting of the single fifty yard line ball at back of rack.

Ball Pocketing Format—Players must decide the pocketing rules when playing veteran rules of either pocketing the yard line balls in random order (FIG. 42) or in sequential order (FIG. 43) i.e. first the thirty, then forty, then fifty, then forty, then thirty, then twenty, then ten yard line ball before the goal-line/football can be pocketed for a touch down or field goal. Random order (FIG. 42) is easier versus pocketing balls in sequential order (FIG. 43) which is harder. On the break shot if any yard line balls i.e. thirty, forty, fifty, forty, thirty, twenty, or ten balls that are pocketed out of order then the next yard ball in sequence will be the selected target ball when playing by sequential rules.

Drives—Players will take turns playing on offense otherwise known as an offensive drive. The visitor team will always start the 1^st drive of the game. A drive or rack is simply where the plurality of nine balls i.e. thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten, center ball, and football/goal line ball are racked in a set order in a diamond configuration (FIG. 45) to start a player's offensive turn (See Racking the Balls) The cue ball with “X and O” markings will be used to break the rack open to start the drive.

Downs—During each drive/rack there are a total of only four downs or innings per drive. Downs are numerated 1^st down, 2^nd down, 3^rd down, and 4^th down. Downs are simply offensive players turns or innings during the offensive drive. The offensive player has only four downs, turns, or attempts to score points. A down i.e.; 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd or 4^th down may consist of pocketing: no balls, a single ball, or a plurality of balls. Ideally an offensive player will attempt to pocket the maximum number of balls i.e. thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten, football/goal-line, and center ball during the fewest downs possible during their offensive drive. Ex: if the quarterback on 1^st down breaks and pockets a ball and then continues to pocket all of the remaining yard line balls and then the goal-line/football ball on the same down then it would simulate the quarterback throwing a pass for eighty yards for a touchdown.

Sequence of Downs and Plays—

1^st down offensive pass play

2^nd down offensive run play or field goal

3^rd down offensive run play or field goal

4^th down offensive run play or field goal or punt

Gaining Yards—The offensive player's objective is to pocket yard line balls i.e. thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten, in any order or a more advanced version of pocketing the yard line balls in sequential order then pocketing the goal-line/football to simulate moving down the field and score points i.e.: touchdowns, field goals, and two point conversions during their drive. There are a total of eight yard line balls representing a football field: one—goal-line/football ball, one—ten yard line ball, one—twenty yard line ball, two—thirty yard line balls, two—forty yard line balls, and one—fifty yard line ball.

Scoring & Points—Special point values are awarded as follows:

Defensive Safety—Two points are scored for a defensive safety when the defensive player pockets both the offensive center ball and the football/goal line ball in the same down and no yard line balls have yet been pocketed i.e. thirty, forty, fifty, forty, thirty, twenty, and ten yard line balls in any of the previous downs.

Field Goal—Three points are scored for a field goal when any four random yard line balls i.e. of the thirty, forty, fifty, forty, thirty, twenty, or ten balls have been pocketed on prior downs and the goal line/football ball is pocketed separately on the beginning of the offensive players remaining down(s). When playing by sequential ball pocketing rules then the thirty, forty, fifty, and forty yard line balls must be pocketed first prior to a field goal attempt. If a player attempts a field goal they must notify the defense of their intentions prior to taking the shot on the goal-line/football. If the shot is missed on the field goal then no points are awarded for the field goal and it is considered a missed field goal which results in the drive being over and the other team gaining possession of the football and they start the next drive on offense on the twenty yard line and it will be 1^st down.

Touchdown—Seven points are scored for a touchdown when all seven of the yard line balls i.e. the thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten and the goal line/football ball have been pocketed during a player's offensive down in a drive. A touchdown can also be scored if the goal-line/football was pocketed on the 1^st down break shot also known as the pass play. The scoring touchdown player has the option to attempt to score eight points for the touchdown if the offensive center ball is still in play or on the table after the score was made and then it too is pocketed. The offensive scoring player must notify the defense if they attempt the two-point conversion. A touchdown scoring player does not have to attempt a two-point conversion.

Touchdown & Two-Point Conversion Failed—Seven points are scored for a touchdown when a two-point conversion was announced to the opponent to be attempted and then was missed due to failure of pocketing the offensive center ball when it was still in play after a touchdown was scored.

Touchdown and Two-Point Conversion Made—Eight-points are scored for a touchdown when seven yard line balls thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten and the goal line/football ball, have been pocketed during a player's offensive drive or if the goal-line/football was pocketed on the 1^st down pass play also known as the break shot and the offensive center ball has also been pocketed if still in play after the touchdown was scored. The offensive scoring player must notify the defense if they will attempt the two-point conversion prior to the shot being taken. The running back will be credited with the ten yards gained for the two-point conversion if a touchdown was from a running play and the quarterback will be credited with the ten yards if a touchdown was scored on a 1^st down pass play and a two-point conversion was then made.

Offensive Plays—During a players offensive turn or drive the player will have several plays that will be used during the course of the drive i.e. pass play, running play, play option, out-of-bounds, punt, field goal, and two point conversion.

Offensive Passing Play—The player on offense during their offensive drive will be considered the teams quarterback when they attempt to break the rack to start the drive on their 1^st down pass play. The breaking of the rack is always on 1^st down. The breaking of the rack on 1^st down is always considered the pass play. The quarterback must place the cue ball behind the head string or behind the 2^nd diamond at the head of the table opposite where the balls are racked. The quarterback must contact the offensive center ball (head/front ball in the rack) on the break to start the play and drive. It is considered the “snap”. An object ball must be pocketed or a minimum of four balls excluding the cue ball must contact a rail to be considered a legal pass play. If a quarterback does not meet the four ball minimum to a rail then see (Offensive Pass Interference rule). The quarterback may continue to shoot after the break as long as it is a legal break/pass and any ball is pocketed i.e. thirty, forty, fifty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten ball, or the offensive center ball. The offensive player breaking known as the quarterback will score a touchdown on the pass play if the goal line/football is pocketed on the break shot. The quarterback has the option if they choose to attempt a two-point conversion by pocketing the offensive center ball if it is still in play or on the table after a touchdown is scored. The quarterback must notify the defense that it is attempting the two-point conversion before the shot is attempted. All balls pocketed by the quarterback during their turn i.e. break shot and subsequent balls pocketed on the 1^st down will be credited to the quarterback as passing yards gained. The quarterback may end their turn at any time by notifying the opponent that they are going out-of-bounds (see out-of-bounds).

Offensive Pass Interference—will result if:

1) The quarterback fails to contact the offensive center ball first on the 1^st down pass play. All the balls i.e. thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten, offensive center ball, and the goal-line/football will be re-racked and the quarterback will be given another attempt to break/pass on 1st down. If the goal-line/football is pocketed on the pass play re-break due to the previous illegal break/pass on 1^st down then the goal-line/football will be re-spotted on the foot spot on the surface of the pocket billiard table and the defensive player will shoot from the position wherever the cue ball lies on the table surface and it will be considered to start the 2^nd down. If there are any balls pocketed on the re-break on 1^st down by the quarterback i.e. the thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten, or offensive center ball or goal-line/football the quarterbacks turn or down will still end and they will not be allowed to continue shooting. The defensive player will shoot from the position wherever the cue ball lies on the table surface and it will be considered to start the 2^nd down. The quarterback will not be credited with any balls or yards gained. All yards gained will be credited to the running back.

2) If the quarterback fails to pocket at least one ball i.e. any one of the thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten, offensive center ball, or goal-line/football balls then a minimum of four balls i.e. any of the thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten, offensive center ball, or goal-line/football balls must be driven to a rail. If the quarterback fails to drive four balls to a rail then all the balls i.e. thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten, offensive center ball, and the goal-line/football will be re-racked and the quarterback will be given another attempt to break/pass on 1st down. If the goal-line/football is pocketed on the pass play re-break on 1^st down then the goal-line/football will be re-spotted on the foot spot on the surface of the pocket billiard table and the defensive player will shoot from the position wherever the cue ball lies on the table surface and it will be considered to start the 2^nd down. If there are any balls pocketed on the re-break on 1st down by the quarterback i.e. the thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten, or offensive center ball or goal-line/football the quarterbacks turn or down will still end and they will not be allowed to continue shooting. The defensive player will shoot from the position wherever the cue ball lies on the billiard table surface and it will be considered to start the 2^nd down. The quarterback will not be credited with any balls or yards gained. All yards gained will be credited to the running back.

Pass Interception—When the quarterback scratches/pockets the cue ball in any pocket during the break shot or the cue ball leaves the table on the break shot then the player quarterback will have thrown an interception during the pass play. The offensive drive will be over and the opponent will then have the next offensive drive.

Offensive Running Play—The player on offense during 2^nd, 3^rd, or 4^th down plays is considered the running back if they attempt to score a touchdown by pocketing all remaining yard line balls and the goal-line/football. If playing by random ball pocketing rules then the running back may pocket any yard line ball to continue their turn or down. If the running back is playing by the sequential ball pocketing rules then the running back must pocket the balls in sequential order i.e. the thirty, then forty, then fifty, then forty, then thirty, then twenty, then ten, and then the goal-line/football to score. The running back has the option if they choose to attempt a two-point conversion by pocketing the offensive center ball if it is still in play or on the table after a touchdown is scored. The running back must notify the defense that it is attempting the two-point conversion before the two-point conversion shot is attempted. All balls pocketed by the running back during their running downs will be credited as yards gained i.e. the ten yards gained on a successful two-point conversion play for a total of ninety yards possibly gained. The running back may end their turn at any time by notifying the opponent that they are going out-of-bounds (see out-of-bounds).

Play Option—The offense will have a play option whenever the defense has committed a penalty. The offensive player will have cue ball in hand and the option to place the cue ball anywhere on the pocket billiard table surface as long as it does not contact another ball.

Fumble—Any time the offensive center ball has been pocketed and then the defense pocket the football/goal-line ball during an opponent's offensive drive then a fumble will occur. The offense will lose possession and the drive will be over with the defense starting the next drive on offense starting on the twenty yard line.

Out-of-Bounds—The quarterback or running back may elect to end their down at any time by notifying their intentions to the defense prior to going out-of bounds i.e. “I am going out of bounds”. Once the offensive player has announced their intentions they then can attempt to pocket or pocket a legal yard line ball i.e. the thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten balls and their turn or down will end. Even if any ball was pocketed their down will still end. It simulates the offensive player running out of bounds. An offensive player may also simulate causing the football to go out-of-bounds to end the down by contacting first any yard line ball i.e. thirty; forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten ball and then causing any yard line ball to contact and pocket the football/goal-line ball. The football/goal-line ball will be re-spotted on the table on the foot spot position for the next down with defense having the next turn at the table with the cue ball position wherever it lies.

Punt—The offense will have to end their drive by punting if they have failed to pocket a minimum of four yard line balls i.e. any of the yard line balls thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten if playing in random ball pocketing order or failure to pocket the thirty, forty, fifty, and forty yard line balls if playing in sequential ball pocketing order after 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd downs have been completed. The punt is not returnable. The opponent will play offense on the next drive and the ball will start once again on the twenty yard line.

Turn-Over-On-Downs—If the offense chooses not to kick a field goal and to instead use a running play on 4^th down to attempt to score a touchdown and then fails to score a touchdown than the drive will be over and considered turn-over-on-downs. The opponent will start the next drive on offense on the twenty yard line.

Offensive Holding Penalty—When the offense pockets the cue ball in any pocket or causes the cue ball to leave the table than it will be considered an offensive holding penalty. Exception—on the 1^st down pass play if the quarterback scratches or causes the cue ball to leave the table on the break shot then it is considered an interception. On the holding penalty the defense will receive cue ball in hand anywhere on the billiard table surface and it will be considered a “Blitz” for the defense.

Defensive Holding Penalty—When the defense pockets the cue ball in any pocket or causes the cue ball to leave the table than it will be considered a defensive holding penalty. The offense will receive cue ball in hand anywhere on the billiard table surface and it will be considered a “Play Option” for the offense.

Offensive Off-Sides Penalty—An offensive off-sides penalty will be called if the offense:

1) Fails to have any ball i.e. the thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten, offensive center ball, goal-line/football or cue ball to contact a rail after a selected target ball i.e. any of the thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten, offensive center ball or goal-line/football balls has been contacted first. When a targeted ball i.e. thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten, offensive center ball or goal-line/football has been pocketed then no balls need to contact a rail.

2) First contacts the offensive center ball at any time. Exception—On the break/pass shot the offense must contact the offensive center ball first. On a two-point conversion the offense may contact first and pocket the offensive center ball.

3) First contacts the goal-line/football and there are line balls i.e. thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten still on the table surface. Exception—The offensive player may contact the goal-line/football first on a field goal attempt as long as a minimum of four yard line balls have been pocketed prior to the attempt. The defense will receive cue ball in hand anywhere on the billiard table surface and it will be considered a “Blitz” for the defense on any offensive off-sides penalty.

Defensive Off-Sides Penalty—A defensive off-sides penalty will be called if the defense:

1) Fails to have any ball i.e. the thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten; offensive center ball, goal-line/football or cue ball to contact a rail after a selected target ball i.e. offensive center ball or goal-line/football has been contacted first. When a targeted ball i.e. offensive center ball or goal-line/football has been pocketed then no balls need to contact a rail.

2) First contacts any of the yard line balls i.e. thirty, forty, fifty, forty, thirty, twenty, or ten balls at any time.

3) First contacts the goal-line/football when the offensive center ball is still on the table surface. The offense will receive cue ball in hand anywhere on the billiard table surface and it will be considered a “Play Option” for the offense on any defensive off-sides penalty.

Rookie Rules—Format

Note—All rules from veteran play are still in effect with the exception of the below rules and formats.

Tracking the Drives—There is only twelve drives per game. Players can track the twelve drives on the billiard table by using the diamonds on the rails. There are three diamonds per rail. Four rails represent the four quarters i.e. 1^st quarter, 2^nd quarter, 3^rd quarter, and 4^th quarter. Each rail has three diamonds representing three offensive drives. A coin can be placed under the cushion on each respective drive to track the progress of the game.

Racking the Balls—On every drive, the defensive team will rack or “huddle” the balls. In rookie rules the yard line balls i.e. thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten balls and the offensive center ball and goal-line/football are racked in a diamond configuration (FIG. 42) for each drive with the offensive center ball at head of rack, with the goal-line/football in the middle and the yard line balls racked in random order.

Ball Pocketing Format—The offensive player's objective in rookie rules is to pocket any yard line balls i.e. thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten, in any order then pocket the goal-line/football to simulate moving down the field and score points i.e.: touchdowns, field goals, and two point conversions during the offensive drive.

Downs—In rookie rules there are no downs tracked. Players will continue to play the drive until either the offense scores a touchdown or field goal or the defense scores a safety or cause a turn-over i.e. fumble or the offense throws an interception on a 1^st down pass play.

Claims

1. Apparatus for a billiard football game comprising a plurality of game balls to be played on a pocket billiard table playing surface;

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a game billiard ball consists of a green yard line ball with white indicia thereon representing the ten yard line.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a game billiard ball consists of a green yard line ball with white indicia thereon representing the twenty yard line.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein two game billiard balls consists of a green yard line ball with white indicia thereon representing the thirty yard lines.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein two game billiard balls consists of a green yard line ball with white indicia thereon representing the forty yard lines.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a game billiard ball consists of a green yard line ball with white indicia thereon representing the fifty yard line.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a game billiard ball consists of a white offensive center ball with green indicia thereon representing an offensive center football player.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a game billiard ball consists of half of ball with football indicia thereon and the other half of ball in green with white indicia thereon representing the goal-line yard line.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a game billiard ball consists of half of ball in green with white indicia thereon representing the cue ball defense X and the other half of ball in white with green indicia thereon representing the cue ball offense O.

10. A method of playing a game on a pocket billiard table, comprising the steps of (A) placing a plurality of billiard balls in a diamond configuration on a supporting pocket billiard table surface to start a game or drive; (B) striking said balls with a billiard cue stick; (C) allowing players to choose rules and format for difficulty of play; (D) starting the game with players flipping a coin to determine who will be visitors team and who will be the home team; (E) having visitors start the first drive and the game on offense and starting on the twenty yard line; (F) having visitor and home players/teams alternate drives on offense and rack the balls when on defense; (G) having the cue ball represents the offensive/defensive players that will be used to break the rack and pocket balls during the game; (H) giving each player an equal number of opportunities during the game on offense; (I) allowing offensive players during their drive to score a touchdown, a field goal, a two-point conversion, or they can punt, turn the ball over on downs, throw an interception, fumble, or be charged with a penalty; (J) allowing defensive players opportunities to cause a turn-over such as a fumble, or a safety, or be charged with a penalty; (K) allowing any player to be penalized for fouls such as holding—anytime the cue ball is pocketed or is propelled and stays off the table surface after a shot has been made with exception to break shot or; (L) having an off sides foul occur—where a failure to contact a required object ball first or failure to drive any ball to a cushion after contact has been made with a required object ball; (M) allowing offensive drives to end if the offense scores a touchdown or field goal, a field goal attempt is missed, a fumble occurs, the quarterback throws an interception, offense must punt, a turn-over-on downs, or a defensive safety has occurred; (N) having player with the most points at the end of all drives to win the game; (O) allowing the game to utilize a scoring sheet to track the progress and statistics of the players competing.

11. The method of claim 10, whereas balls are racked in a diamond configuration of nine balls with the offensive center ball at the head of rack, football/goal line ball in middle of rack and the seven yard line balls i.e. thirty, forty, thirty, forty, thirty, twenty, ten balls in random order or if players decide sequential order with offensive center ball at head of rack, with next row consisting of the ten yard line ball (left) and twenty yard line ball (right), with next row consisting of the thirty yard line ball (left) and the goal-line/football in (middle) and the thirty yard line ball (right), with the next row consisting of the forty yard line ball (left) and the forty yard line ball (right), with the last row consisting of the single fifty yard line ball at back of rack.

12. The method of claim 10, whereas the offense will score a touchdown for seven-points when all seven yard line balls and the goal-line/football ball have been pocketed.

13. The method of claim 10, whereas the offense will score eight-points on a touchdown otherwise known as a two-point conversion if the offensive center ball is still on the table surface after the touchdown is scored and it is then also pocketed.

14. The method of claim 10, whereas the offense will score six-points on a touchdown otherwise known as a two-point conversion miss if the offensive center ball is still on the table surface after the touchdown is scored and it is then missed on the pocketed attempt.

15. The method of claim 10, whereas an offensive player on the beginning of a down will score a field goal of three-points as long as a minimum of four yard line balls have been pocketed on previous downs, the defense has been notified of the attempt, and then the football/goal-line ball is successfully pocketed.

16. The method of claim 10, whereas the defense will score two-points for a safety if the offense fails to pocket a yard line ball before the defense can pocket the offensive center ball and the football/goal-line ball on the same turn.

17. The method of claim 10, whereas an offensive interception will occur whenever the offensive player known as the quarterback on the 1st down break/pass shot pockets the cue ball or causes cue ball to be propelled and stay off the billiard table surface after the break shot/pass has been completed.

18. The method of claim 10, whereas a fumble will occur and the offense will end their drive whenever the offensive center ball has been pocketed and the football/goal-line ball have been pocketed by a defensive player.

19. The method of claim 10, whereas a punt will occur if the offensive player/team has failed to pocket a minimum of four yard line balls after three downs have been played.