Billiards Digest writes about changes within the WPA

mjantti said:
Mike Panozzo has an interesting word or two to say about the changes within the WPA from the last few months. I think the situation within the WPA looks a bit grim after a few working individuals have left the association. Any input on this subject? Crucial moments for the WPA at hand now...

http://www.billiardsdigest.com/showblogentry.php?id=102
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The situation with Ian Anderson could have been taken care of by adopting term limits. That suggestion has been ignored, and here they are dealing with the consequences. Instead of staying on and participating in the political games and infighting (which does nothing to help the game of pool) - Gre and Thomas decided to move on. Classy move, however I hope they both return once the smoke clears.
 
Sounds to me like SOP (standard operating procedure), for a sport full of backstabbing and moneygrubbing individuals (and I'm not just talking about the players! :rolleyes:). It's obvious to anyone who looks, that Ian Anderson and Yen Makabenta must be "in cahoots" for what has gone on in the PI (and continues to). Once again (for the millionth time)...it's all about the $$$. Sad commentary on the state of our sport, even at the world level. Small wonder it is where it is. Fortunately there are a few...very few mind you...bright lights that stand up to scrutiny and integrity! This is, of course, jmo.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
 
WPA Problem

In the early 1990's I was at a meeting in Reno with Horst Vondenhoff,Jorgen Sandman,Ian Anderson,and John Lewis while they were discussing upcoming events and development of the WPA. The gentleman from Taiwan,I think his name was Mr. Tu,wasn't present.At that time the WPA was being supported by membership from the BCA(Representing the US)and the other Federations. As always,in a growing organization,one of the biggest worries,is money. The second biggest worry,is how to use the money wisely. Over time,the WPA was able to stabilize itself and pursue developing events worldwide as a secondary priority,the first being membership in an organization called the WCBS. The WCBS was the lobbying body for Olympic Recognition. Panozzo stated,accurately IMHO,that that isn't happening. It appears that over the past 10 years or so,with a minimal number of events,misdirection of funds,inability to provide clear leadership,and personality conflict,the atrophy of the WPA has reached terminal state. Perhaps it is time to "Reinvent" the WPA. Let it go for a while and the United States work on it's own issues. These Gentlemen mentioned above are great people who have contributed much towards developing cuesports around the World. Like all good organizations,when that leadership suffers,change is neccessary.
 
Outside of a few free trips for the "officers" why is the WPA needed? Could anyone quantify what they have done for me, the little old pool player here in the states? Other than the ego stroke one gets for being a "very important person" in an association, what exactly do they accomplish?
 
doitforthegame...Very astute questions! I wish someone had the answers, but I'm afraid they are buried under two tons of bureaucratic BS...and it's getting pretty smelly!

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

doitforthegame said:
Outside of a few free trips for the "officers" why is the WPA needed? Could anyone quantify what they have done for me, the little old pool player here in the states? Other than the ego stroke one gets for being a "very important person" in an association, what exactly do they accomplish?
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