Is there a place where I can find the "official" rules to 8 ball?

Go to the BCA website. The BCA (Billiards Congress of America) is the North American representative of the WPA (World Pool and Billiards Association). These are the world standardized rules. Also, you may want to pick up a copy of the BCA's official rules and records book. Happy shooting. M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.

You aren't making clear if the cue ball hit the striped ball first and then the '8' was pocketed, or, after hitting the '8' first and the '8' glanced off the stripe and went into the pocket. Either way: Depends on where you are playing (house rules) or which league you are associated with. Each league has their own rules. Some leagues state... as long as you "call the pocket" and make a "good hit", it doesn't matter how the '8' ball gets there. It can go four rails and six caroms... but you win if it gets into the pocket. Some say you have to call every minute detail. However, if the cue ball first hit the striped ball, and the '8' went in... you lose.

The official rules are the rules of the establishment , tournament or league in which you are playing. Or the rules decided upon between you and your opponent if you are playing for money or just for fun.There is no one set of rules that cover every game of 8 ball.For example you have bca rules , apa rules , house rules , tournament rules etc. etc........The main thing is just to know the rules before you play.

Yep, just go to the Billiard Congress of America web site, and you will find the official rules for 8-Ball:

http://www.bca-pool.com/play/tournaments/rules/rls...

Check here http://www.8ball.org/rules_8ball.htm

on the internet