Garo 7 said:

So, I was thinking... with all the talk lately about serious players unhappy with the APA & BCA amateur leagues, format, table size, handicap system, memberships, etc., it seems we really need a league that is for more serious players. I mean if the primary focus of the current leagues is really to have a good time playing and socialize, then you cant really fault this I think. I mean hey, it's their league and they have been enjoying it a damn long time. It just doesn't hold much value for the most serious players among us.

The solution seems simple to me: We need a league that is for the more serious top amateurs, and those that would like to grow to this level, that plays on full sized tables with a minimal handicap system. Then I realized: We already have it - the BCA.

Why not elevate this league to professions specs? Full sized tables, even the championships, and perhaps an annual membership fee that covers all league nights for the entire season/year? Anyone who doesn't like the requirements being increased can migrate down to APA for a while.

If this is too much for the current BCA membership, then we could even create a second level of BCA, 'BCA2' for this? I think people might be surprised how huge the membership might quickly grow to be.

Then we have an amateur league for those far more serious about their skills and competing, and one that is for those who are really digging it as a social outlet. Folks could evolve from the lower one to the higher one too.

I have a dream: I would like to see top amateurs competing on full sized tables someday at championships. Lets make BCA a true pool league, using the same tables, and with the same game specs as the pro leagues. WPA rules. I don't think I am the only one who feels this way.

We have embraced the social aspect of this league thing for decades now. It is great and has grown the interest in the sport a lot I think. Now, perhaps it is time we expanded things to also embrace the more serious amateurs players as well, and give them an outlet to truly expand their skills and accomplishments, and see how much further it can take us all, and the sport.

Well, just a thought...

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alphadog said:

Isn't that a turn signal? I haven't seen one used in a while.

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dr_dave said:

A shirt or hair can move a ball just like a light touch from a hand, boob, belly, or cue. So should there be a foul only if a ball gets moved a lot and not a little? That could really create arguments.

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Patrick Johnson said:

But if you leave the CB near the long rail at (or past!) the side pocket then the cut on the 6 risks a scratch in the opposite corner.

pj
chgo

View attachment 835746

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JPB2 said:

the shirt or hair fouls are just begging for arguments in leagues. It is a rules nit’s dream. I see where you are coming from, but without a ref it’s asking for disputes. Asking for a hit to be watched doesn’t come up as much so doesn’t cause the same problems, although the way people go about it can be an issue.

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JPB2 said:

Didn’t the 2023 rules of golf allow a local rule modification to stroke and distance in some situations. I admit I haven’t kept up well with the rules. And to answer your question in the other post I.e. why have cue ball only as an option— because people are going to use cue ball only rules because all ball fouls will cause more arguments in some leagues and situations. Maybe all ball fouls shouldn’t cause issues, but there is good reason to think there will be disputes.

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Bob Jewett said:

If you want an accurate carom simulator, I think you need to get something like Virtual Pool or Shooter's Pool. Chalkysticks doesn't even have pool balls the right size for the table, from what I've seen.

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tim913 said:

Whether you go one rail towards the six or two rails, either to me is fine, but I think Earl just over cooked it

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Trav D said:

Just sharing most of my collection from Clyde and Jill. I really like working with these two and value their friendship. They are super easy to work with and it is always a pleasure. They are second to no one!!! It is needless to say that I love envelope style cases! I’ll always have a few of these on order from them as long as I am able! Enjoy the photos. None are for sale! Just posting to share the work and quality that Jill Hawk cases are putting out!! They are incredible in person and built to last lifetimes!

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