After reading a few comments in this thread, I believe that some people do not realize that the APA runs the US Ams. Since they run the tourney, they make the rules. Those rules are publicly posted here. https://poolplayers.com/us-amateur-championship/rules/
Here are the pertinent parts;
All players are encouraged to seek sponsorship (businesses, Host Locations, clubs, etc.) to help pay costs associated with participating in the U.S. Amateur Championship.
Not only is sponsorship allowed it is encouraged. I agree with this rule. It helps the less financially fortunate but talented players find a way to afford to attend a 3 day tourney in Tampa. I want the best to attend not the richest.
Professional players are not allowed to participate in the U.S. Amateur Championship. APA will consult with several professional tours concerning the status of any player. In addition, players who possess professional characteristics will not be allowed to participate. Professional characteristics include, but are not limited to: making the majority of one’s income giving exhibitions, giving lessons or playing pool. Please contact the APA if you think there is any possibility that you possess professional characteristics.
APA has a nationwide network of representatives and maintains a list of professional players throughout the country. APA intends to check the amateur status according to the above guidelines on every entrant into the U.S. Amateur Championship. Those entrants found to be in violation will be consulted and given an opportunity to appeal; however, APA has the final authority to make the judgment. Entry fees for those entrants found to be in violation will not be refunded.
Here's the APA's definition of Amateur. If you make your living playing pool, you need not apply. Brian does not. He's a working man that pays the bills. That fact makes his accomplishment of 5 titles incredible in my book. He achieved those skills while working a normal job. Sacrifice and hard work.
Personally, I like the APA's separation of Amateur from Pro. Working a job limits practice time. It's practice time that makes a difference. Hard work makes a winner. Actually, it's hard work that separates out the successful for the failures 99% of the time in all aspects of life.
"Sine Labore Nihil".
APA reserves the right to rule on amateur status (professional or amateur) at any time before, during, or after the event.
APA reserves the right to deny participation.
APA reserves the right to disqualify anyone entering or participating under fraudulent circumstances.
I play in this every year that I can attend. It is the best tourney that I choose to participate. There's no money on the line, just a title and the love of the game. I want to play the best, so I welcome Brian's participation. That trophy would grow meaningless if we ban players just because they won. If I wanted to play a cream puff, I would go back to league play.
Put your money up and sign up before June. This is a great time. Please come on out. The blind draw mini brackets makes winning a qualifier a possibility for someone like me. In fact, I did win a qualifier 5 years ago. I've also finished second three times. I was/am just an average APA 7 in 8 ball when I played.
Here are the pertinent parts;
All players are encouraged to seek sponsorship (businesses, Host Locations, clubs, etc.) to help pay costs associated with participating in the U.S. Amateur Championship.
Not only is sponsorship allowed it is encouraged. I agree with this rule. It helps the less financially fortunate but talented players find a way to afford to attend a 3 day tourney in Tampa. I want the best to attend not the richest.
Professional players are not allowed to participate in the U.S. Amateur Championship. APA will consult with several professional tours concerning the status of any player. In addition, players who possess professional characteristics will not be allowed to participate. Professional characteristics include, but are not limited to: making the majority of one’s income giving exhibitions, giving lessons or playing pool. Please contact the APA if you think there is any possibility that you possess professional characteristics.
APA has a nationwide network of representatives and maintains a list of professional players throughout the country. APA intends to check the amateur status according to the above guidelines on every entrant into the U.S. Amateur Championship. Those entrants found to be in violation will be consulted and given an opportunity to appeal; however, APA has the final authority to make the judgment. Entry fees for those entrants found to be in violation will not be refunded.
Here's the APA's definition of Amateur. If you make your living playing pool, you need not apply. Brian does not. He's a working man that pays the bills. That fact makes his accomplishment of 5 titles incredible in my book. He achieved those skills while working a normal job. Sacrifice and hard work.
Personally, I like the APA's separation of Amateur from Pro. Working a job limits practice time. It's practice time that makes a difference. Hard work makes a winner. Actually, it's hard work that separates out the successful for the failures 99% of the time in all aspects of life.
"Sine Labore Nihil".
APA reserves the right to rule on amateur status (professional or amateur) at any time before, during, or after the event.
APA reserves the right to deny participation.
APA reserves the right to disqualify anyone entering or participating under fraudulent circumstances.
I play in this every year that I can attend. It is the best tourney that I choose to participate. There's no money on the line, just a title and the love of the game. I want to play the best, so I welcome Brian's participation. That trophy would grow meaningless if we ban players just because they won. If I wanted to play a cream puff, I would go back to league play.
Put your money up and sign up before June. This is a great time. Please come on out. The blind draw mini brackets makes winning a qualifier a possibility for someone like me. In fact, I did win a qualifier 5 years ago. I've also finished second three times. I was/am just an average APA 7 in 8 ball when I played.
Everyone was a free agent, that means you can leave your team at the end of the year and play with any team you want, and they agree to take you. Usually there are tryouts, but not for known folks. They just make a call, or usually are called by a coach after the year is over. 
