Billiards/Pool is big in other countries. Why no Olympics?
- Thread starter Johnnyt
- Start date
Simple.. There are games that people play, and there are games that people watch. Not that the two are mutually exclusive, but there are some games that people will play, that they will not watch. It is human nature.
A child will easily get bored watching another child play a video game, and wander off after a minute or two. Put the controller in that child's hand, and he might play for 4-8 hours straight.
Pool is pretty boring to watch, if you do not have a VERY high knowledge level. (Or something invested in the outcome.
)
Russ
A child will easily get bored watching another child play a video game, and wander off after a minute or two. Put the controller in that child's hand, and he might play for 4-8 hours straight.
Pool is pretty boring to watch, if you do not have a VERY high knowledge level. (Or something invested in the outcome.
)Russ
The reason why is that pool lacks organisation in the United States, our country is the reason why it is not in the Olympics. Until we have a governing body of pool, that governs all of pool in the US it is not going to happen. If Cecil (ACS) reads this, he wouls be more apt to give you better specifics on what it is going to take.
Simple.. There are games that people play, and there are games that people watch. Not that the two are mutually exclusive, but there are some games that people will play, that they will not watch. It is human nature.
A child will easily get bored watching another child play a video game, and wander off after a minute or two. Put the controller in that child's hand, and he might play for 4-8 hours straight.
Pool is pretty boring to watch, if you do not have a VERY high knowledge level. (Or something invested in the outcome.
Russ
I agree with you Russ, but let me name one current event...CURLING!!!!! I'd prefer to watch ice melt in Alaska during the winter months.
Meh. I (and I think others) have always had a fascination for curling. I think it is because it is so like that bar game (I dunno the name of it) played with the pucks and sawdust, but about TWENTY times harder!
Knowing what kind of speed control that pool requires, I have a lot of respect for the curlers and how precise they are with both speed and direction.
Russ
It's funny that Olympics call some "events" or "competition" that outcome is decided by a judge sports. Seriously, why not have orchestra competition in winter Olympics. It's same thing. Judge always making a final judgement on who wins and who loses IMO, is not sports. Judges are there only to enforce the rules, it's a foul or no foul. not 9.2/10.
Sorry, it's one of my few pet peeves.
Sorry, it's one of my few pet peeves.
Pool is pretty boring to watch, if you do not have a VERY high knowledge level. (Or something invested in the outcome.
Russ
At first I agreed with you, but I seriously believe that if the Mosconi Cup being played in England was televised big time here in the US, pool would catch on. In this case it is NOT boring.
I don't have a clue as to why pool doesn't get invited to the Olympics. Maybe one of us should ask the Olympic Committee.
Simple.. There are games that people play, and there are games that people watch. Not that the two are mutually exclusive, but there are some games that people will play, that they will not watch. It is human nature.
A child will easily get bored watching another child play a video game, and wander off after a minute or two. Put the controller in that child's hand, and he might play for 4-8 hours straight.
Pool is pretty boring to watch, if you do not have a VERY high knowledge level. (Or something invested in the outcome.
Russ
There are millions that watch pool on TV in the countries I wrote above. The US is just one country. Why should pool fans from ALL countries have to suffer because the US pool players can't get their act together and/or no one wants to watch it? Johnnyt
Check the Olympic web site and you'll see that the IOC is actually cutting back on the number of events and has been for a long time.
If Baseball can't make it in the Olympics, how can anyone expect Pocket Billiards? More people watch baseball in one week than watch Pool in 10 years.
If Baseball can't make it in the Olympics, how can anyone expect Pocket Billiards? More people watch baseball in one week than watch Pool in 10 years.
I didn't know that Tom, and I agree then. Pool has no chance. Johnnyt
Post of Feb 25,2010
A post on the above date was listed as almost the same thread starter. I am unable to link my responses. In brief,the United States has played a significant role in the achievement of the Provisional Status for pool in the Olympic's. However,due to the politics involved,Pool and Billiard Disciplines may still be decades away from admission to active participation. The World Confederation of Billiard Sports is the authorized entity to lobby the IOC. It is virtually out of our hands politically as we are only a single member,with a single vote in the process.There is a great deal more to the issue. IMHO,I have stated that the Olympics is passe',and we should focus on building the best organizations in the United States for our players. From Middle School to High School Curricula as Sport,expansion of ACUI Collegiate Competitions,to Amateur Clubs around the Country,League Development,Professional Ownership of Players as Individuals/Teams,and a National Body to Develop Rules,Standards,and Events.
A post on the above date was listed as almost the same thread starter. I am unable to link my responses. In brief,the United States has played a significant role in the achievement of the Provisional Status for pool in the Olympic's. However,due to the politics involved,Pool and Billiard Disciplines may still be decades away from admission to active participation. The World Confederation of Billiard Sports is the authorized entity to lobby the IOC. It is virtually out of our hands politically as we are only a single member,with a single vote in the process.There is a great deal more to the issue. IMHO,I have stated that the Olympics is passe',and we should focus on building the best organizations in the United States for our players. From Middle School to High School Curricula as Sport,expansion of ACUI Collegiate Competitions,to Amateur Clubs around the Country,League Development,Professional Ownership of Players as Individuals/Teams,and a National Body to Develop Rules,Standards,and Events.
Just remember, theres guys that will sit for hours and watch a fishing tournament on the tube.
I for one kind of hope pool doesn't get in the Olympics. I sorta think it would turn into some ridiculous gong show, races to 5 alternate break nine ball or something like the World Pool championships has become. Hardly a way for the sport to put it's best foot forward if you ask me.