Referees & Rules

SBI qualified referees and official WPBSA rules of snooker

SBI Qualified Referees

International Referee

Shane Mason

WPBSA Rules Committee member. One of Ireland's most experienced international referees, officiating at World Championship and Triple Crown events.

24

Events

Dublin

Location

2008

Since

National Referee

Emma Brack

EBSA Level 3 official who referees at SBI ranked events and National Championships across Munster.

21

Events

Cork

Location

2011

Since

National Referee

Pat O Sullivan

WPBSA Rules Committee member. One of Ireland's most experienced international referees, officiating at World Championship and Triple Crown events.

18

Events

Dublin

Location

2009

Since

Regional Referee

Aoife Brennan

Regional referee officiating at club and local events throughout the West, progressing through the SBI pathway.

9

Events

Galway

Location

2015

Since

Regional Referee

Mary Quinn

WPBSA Rules Committee member. One of Ireland's most experienced international referees, officiating at World Championship and Triple Crown events.

12

Events

Limerick

Location

2010

Since

Regional Referee

Tom Curran

WPBSA Rules Committee member. One of Ireland's most experienced international referees, officiating at World Championship and Triple Crown events.

4

Events

Tipperary

Location

—

Since

Official Rules of Snooker

Based on the WPBSA Official Rules — the globally adopted version used by all referees, officials, players and coaches.

The Game of Snooker

Snooker is played on a rectangular table with 15 red balls, 6 colour balls, and 1 white cue ball. The objective is to score more points than your opponent by potting balls in the correct sequence: a red followed by a colour, alternately, until all reds are potted, then the colours in ascending order of value.

A frame is won when all balls have been potted (or conceded) and one player has more points. A match consists of an agreed number of frames. The maximum possible break in a single visit is 147 — achieved by potting all 15 reds with the black, then all 6 colours in sequence.

SBI follows the official WPBSA rules as adopted globally. The WPBSA Rules Committee is chaired by senior referee Jan Verhaas and includes Ireland’s own Brendan Moore and Paul Collier.

Read Full WPBSA Rulebook

English Billiards Rules

Read Full WPBSA Rulebook

SBI Tournament Regulations

Read Full WPBSA Rulebook

Foul & Penalty Schedule

Read Full WPBSA Rulebook

Junior Tournament Rules

Read Full WPBSA Rulebook

Become an SBI Referee

SBI is always looking for dedicated members who want to take up refereeing. Whether you're interested in officiating at local club events or aspire to referee at national and international level, we provide a clear pathway and full training.

WPBSA accredited training
Officiate at ranked SBI events
Full rulebook and training materials
Regional → National → International pathway
Travel to international tournaments
Mentored by experienced referees

Express Interest

Regional Referee

Club and local events — entry level accreditation

National Referee

SBI ranked events and National Championships

International Referee

WPBSA recognised international tournament officiating