The League Office has received many calls since the introduction of the Double Hit rule in the 2012/2013 & 2013/2014 Official Team Manual. It seems that there is some confusion on the difference between a "Double Hit" and a "Push Shot."
Double Hit (Official Team Manual page 97)
"A double hit is an illegal shot involving the tip of the cue stick coming into contact with the cue ball twice during the execution of a single shot. This foul may occur through double clutching the cue ball, or in situations where the cue ball is nearly frozen to the object ball or rail. In the latter example, the double hit often occurs due to the difficulty in moving the stick away from the shot quickly enough to avoid the cue ball rebounding back into the stick. In general, you can lessen your chances of committing this type of foul by hitting the cue ball into the object ball or rail at an angle, or by elevating the butt of your cue about 30 degrees. This automatically cuts down the length of the follow through which is the principal cause of a double hit."
Key Phrase In This Rule: THE CUE BALL IS NEARLY FROZEN* TO THE OBJECT BALL
*The League Office recognizes a ball "nearly frozen" by being less than a chalks length apart.
If a player double hits the cue ball, it will be a ball in hand foul.
In the case of a double hit, a third party needs to be called to referee the shot. It is recommended the third party be a knowledgeable player not on either team. The non-shooting player must stop the shooting player prior to the shot and ask for a third party. Once the third party has judged, the decision is final. If a third party has not been called, the call will go to the shooter. (OCAPA Bylaws page 13)
Push Shot (Official Team Manual page 101)
"A push shot involves a situation where the cue ball is frozen to the object ball. The problem faced by the shooter is to keep from pushing or keeping the tip of the cue on the cue ball. It looks bad and generally thought of as illegal. Push shots are controversial. Push shots will not be called in this amateur League. Even the professional players cannot agree about what is and isn't a push shot. In general, you can lessen your chances of being accused of shooting a push shot by hitting the cue ball into the object ball at an angle, or by elevating the butt of your cue about 30 degrees. This automatically cuts down the length of the follow through which is the principal cause of a push shot. Players who repeatedly guide the cue ball with force through object balls that are frozen to the cue ball, using a level cue and long follow through, may be subject to a sportsmanship penalty."
Key Phrase In This Rule: THE CUE BALL IS FROZEN TO THE OBJECT BALL
If a player pushes the cue ball, it will be a sportsmanship violation.