Master the Game

Code of Ethics for Pool Instructors

Upholding excellence, integrity, and professionalism in billiards instruction

ACS Instructors are leaders and role models in the billiards community. By upholding the highest standards of personal and professional conduct, instructors safeguard the dignity of the sport, ensure student safety, and promote excellence in teaching.

In Relation to Students

• Provide instruction in a non-discriminatory and respectful manner to all students, regardless of age, gender, race, background, or playing ability.
• Maintain a safe, professional environment at all times; do not instruct under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any condition that impairs judgment.
• Strive to protect the health, safety, and emotional well-being of students.
• Communicate concepts clearly and positively, breaking down complex mechanics into understandable steps.
• Avoid using professional authority for personal advantage.
• Refrain from embarrassment, disparagement, or demeaning behavior toward students.

In Relation to the Profession

• Arrive timely and prepared for lessons, clinics, and events.
• Exemplify conduct that reflects the dignity and integrity of the profession.
• Treat all fellow instructors and billiards professionals with respect and fairness.
• Do not make false or malicious statements about students, colleagues, or other organizations.
• Accept only those responsibilities consistent with one's training, certification, and experience.
• Avoid conflicts of interest, gratuities, or favors that might impair professional judgment.
• Represent ACS and the instructional profession in a professional, positive, and ethical manner at all times.
• Instructors shall conduct themselves on all social media platforms in a professional, respectful manner. Posts, comments, photos, and videos that are disparaging, discriminatory, profane, or offensive are prohibited.

Professional Standards & Practices

• Maintain sobriety, clarity, and professionalism during all instructional activities.
• Ensure professional presentation: appropriate attire, good lighting, clean teaching environment, and clear audio/video if teaching online.
• Strive for continuous improvement in teaching techniques, training materials, and instructional knowledge.
• Respect intellectual property, logos, and organizational branding, using them only with permission.

Enforcement

Any instructor who violates this Code of Ethics may be subject to disciplinary action, including the revocation of teaching rights by the ACS Instructor's Committee.

Declaration

I understand the standards for personal and professional conduct expected of ACS instructors. I certify that I have read, understand, and agree to uphold this Code of Ethics as a condition of my role as a certified ACS Instructor.

Signature

Printed Name

Date

ACS Authorized Training Center Program

Program Overview & Implementation Guide

The ACS Authorized Training Center designation recognizes pool halls and billiard venues that partner with certified ACS instructors to provide quality instruction in a welcoming environment. This program connects qualified venues with certified instructors, similar to how golf courses have teaching pros.

Qualification Requirements

Instructor Requirement: Training Center must have at least one designated ACS Certified
Instructor (any level) who regularly teaches at the venue. Instructor contact information must be
publicly posted. It is the responsibility of the instructor to select high-quality establishments for
their teachings.

Facility Standards

• Minimum of 1 regulation-size table in playable condition
• Adequate space around tables for instruction
• Ability to reserve at least one table for lessons
• Reasonable noise levels during typical lesson hours
• Non-smoking in teaching area
• Well-lit parking and entrance areas
• Professional atmosphere during lesson hours, including:
  • Appropriate language and conduct standards
  • Teaching areas separated from bar service when possible

Equipment

• House cues available for students
• Tables must be level and have responsive cushions
• Cloth without tears or burns
• Basic accessories (chalk, bridge, balls without cracks or chips)

Visibility / Marketing

• Display ACS Training Center designation at entrance
• Dedicated space for program information (bulletin board or display area)
• Instructor schedule/contact info prominently posted

Program Structure

Implementation

• Simple Application: Venue OR instructor submits basic online form.
• Upload 2-3 photos of facility.
• Approval within 30 days.
• Receive digital and physical Training Center materials.

Revenue Model

• Instructors typically pay table time to venue.
• Venue benefits from additional traffic, food/beverage sales.
• Some venues may negotiate a percentage of lesson fees.
• The arrangement between the instructor and the venue is flexible.

Online Billiards Instructor Endorsement

An Essential Non-Negotiables Checklist

Instructor Competencies

• Level 3 or Level 4 with Deep Billiards Knowledge – Must demonstrate mastery of
  fundamentals, advanced systems (e.g., aiming, cue ball control, position play), and mental
  game strategies.
• Teaching Experience – Minimum of 3 years teaching/coaching experience.
• Clear Communication – Can break down complex mechanics into simple, repeatable steps for
  students of all levels.
• Instruction without Demonstration – Must be comfortable providing instruction without cue in
  hand unless needed.

Technology & Delivery Skills

• Equipment – Possess appropriate equipment for high-quality video and audio (streaming
  device, wireless earbuds/mic, lighting, tripod).
• Video Conferencing Proficiency – Must be proficient in Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams,
  WhatsApp, and/or Messenger for live lessons.
• Camera Setup – Required ability to show multiple angles of the pool table (side, front and
  rear).
• Recording Capability – Must provide students with recorded sessions or pre-produced
  instructional videos.
• OBS / Screen Share Skills – Ability to share diagrams, shot charts, or slow-motion analysis
  during lessons.
• LMS Proficiency (Blackboard, Google Classroom, Schoology etc.): Used to structure a long-term
  plan.
• Knowledge of Online Assessment Software – Easy Test Maker or Google Quiz.

Teaching Tools & Resources

• Curriculum Plan – A structured outline with clear objectives (Fundamentals -> Aiming ->
  Position -> Strategy -> Mental Game).
• Practice Materials – Must supply students with printable drills, diagrams, or video drills.
• Feedback System – Must offer live online instruction and/or accept video submissions and
  return personalized feedback within 24 hours.
• Progress Tracking – Must use a method to log and measure student improvement over time.

Troubleshooting / Diagnostics

• Parallax – Must be able to use diamonds and table geometry to identify real angles versus
  screen appearance.
• Perspective – Ability to use background for reference points when identifying mechanical
  flaws.
• Video Analysis – Ability to screen record and markup video for analysis and review.
• Common Equipment – Use of striped balls and other common items instead of
  specialized/unique training devices that the average player will be able to use at home.
• Sound – Ability to use sound as additional feedback for shot speed, stroke quality, and ball
  pocketing.

Professional Standards

• Consistency – Must respond to student submissions and questions promptly (24–48 hours).
• Professional Presentation – Good lighting, clear audio, and professional demeanor on video.
• Professional Environment – Clean, professional environment for instructor to be visible in (private area of home may be acceptable if background distractions are controlled).

Other Requirements

• Payments – Must be able to receive payments electronically.
• Measurement Conversion – Fluent in both metric and Imperial measurement systems.
• Time Conversion – Understand time zone conversion.

Certification Requirements

To receive the Level 1 Online Associates Billiards Instruction Endorsement, instructors must:

• Take and pass endorsement class from one Master Instructor endorsed to teach online.
• Submit a sample recorded lesson uploaded to YouTube demonstrating teaching ability and
  video setup.
• Provide a written course outline with lessons using a Learning Management System (LMS) for at
  least a 2-week course.
• Pass an evaluation by one Master Instructor Endorsed to Teach Online.
• This level is not qualified to certify or upgrade other online endorsements regardless of
  standard instruction certification level.

To receive the Level 2 – Online Bachelor's Billiards Instruction Endorsement, instructors must:

• Take and pass endorsement upgrade class from a Master Instructor endorsed to teach online.
• Have at least 2 years of experience with a Level 1 Online Endorsement and be in good standing
  as at least a Level 2 certified instructor.
• This level is not qualified to certify or upgrade other online endorsements regardless of
  standard instruction certification level.

To receive the Level 3 – Online Master's Billiards Instruction Endorsement, instructors must:

• Take and pass endorsement upgrade class from one Master Instructor endorsed to teach
  online.
• Have at least 2 years of experience with a Level 2 Online Endorsement and be in good standing
  as at least a Level 3 certified instructor.
• This level is qualified to certify Level 1 and 2 online endorsements and upgrades only.

To receive the Level 4 – Online Doctor of Billiards Instruction Endorsement, instructors must:

• Take and pass endorsement upgrade class from one Master Instructor endorsed to teach
  online.
• Have at least 2 years of experience with a Level 3 Online Endorsement and be in good standing
  as at least a Level 4 certified instructor.
• Pass an evaluation by two Master Instructors Endorsed to Teach Online.
• This level is qualified to certify all levels of online endorsements.