I play on another league (other than the APA), where it isn't necessary to indicate the eight ball pocket. Usually, it is pretty obvious to everyone where the shooter is aiming, and the shooter would not risk his or her reputation by cheating. I believe it is called honor. Many players will indicate the intended pocket by nodding or pointing in the general direction. It is, of course, a requirement of the rules. But we prefer the honor system, and have unofficially waived that requirement. If it a shot isn't obvious, the shooter will call it, as a courtesy. The opposition always has the option to ask. It is important to players at the Obelisk to be respected. This "honor system" allows a player to concentrate on the balls and not the rules. I don't know of any player at the Obelisk who would claim a pocket that wasn't intended. I don't want to know.
Of course there are fouls, and every player tries to force them on their opponent. But forcing a ball-in-hand foul requires skillful shooting, and is a critical part of the game. However, calling a foul when a player skillfully sinks the intended ball in the intended pocket, is petty. When I win, I want to know I have beaten the man shooting pool, not because I "stole" the game by any device, other than skillful shooting. When I am running the balls, a requirement to break my focus, in order to pick up a marker and place it near a pocket, is a nuisance that has nothing to do with shooting.
