There was an incident with Earl Stickland and Jeremy Jones in their Bonus Ball match that's all over the internet. I respect both these professional players and understand what it's like to compete and be stressed and upset about the many negative things we have to deal with in the "pool world". I think it's about time to become "Solution Oriented" as a sport/game and stop blaming the players for the flaws in the current system of professional tournaments and special events. Let's do what's normally done in sports and that's have rules, regulations and clear, concise, consequences for negative behavior.
My position on these incidents will always be the same. Where in the Professional Pool'Code of Conduct' does it say what is acceptable behavior and what is not? The answer is there's no Code of Conduct Manual in the US/World Open, the Steaming Matches, Bonus Ball or any other tournament in these modern times.
All Professionals deserve the consideration of understanding what's expected of them and then given the responsibility to follow these guidelines knowing what the consequences of breaking them are.This is a common management practice from McDonalds to Microsoft and is also common in the NBA, PGA, NFL and other sports.
A written Code of Conduct is something that exists in grade school, high school, college and then in our professional business careers. Why is pool different, we can't expect someone that's competing for their livelihood to simply "do the right thing," in competition the only "right thing" is the rules and regulations, and yes there is sportsmanship obligations too, however there MUST be a written set of guidelines, we can't simply place everything under "sportsmanship etiquette".
When we had the Professional Cue Sports Association in 1996 there was a written Code of Conduct manual that outlined SPECIFIC behavior guideline for dealing with press, the public and tournament matches. Each player was required to sign this contract and it was binding, we also specifically stated the punishment for not abiding by our rules and regulations concerning behavior.
The Code of Conduct is not an unusual document, it's a Common Document in professional settings, whether it's professional sports, business or entertainment......why is pool the exception?
"If we're not planning for success, we are, in effect, planning for failure".....my questions is simple "why are we planning for failure at every tournament and special event, so we can blame the players? I believe this is a "management issue" and to continue to blame the players is like blaming the the child for breaking the rules when there are no rules.
I'm 100% IN FAVOR of demonstrating professional behavior to the press, the fans, and each other, however, the promoters/managers of the events must make it their responsibility to communicate the Code of Conduct in writing and make sure the players sign this contract, then enforce it as needed. This is a common practice done in businesses that include PHD's, Medical Degrees, Law Degrees, and other Professionals.....it's time for the "pool world" to stop trying to be the exception and follow normal business procedures.
Let's be solution oriented instead of continuing these business practices that are proven not to work properly at the expense of the game, it's players and it's fans." 'The Game is the Teacher'.com
) tv and not just what it is. Its almost like they are zombies of the public view and not visionaries. Sad to say the least!! If you really think this is the way professional pool needs to be you have a child like view of the world.
