I will start this thread with the acknowledgement that I am neither a professional pool player nor a world-renowned tournament promoter. Beyond that it is a shame the way major US tournaments have been handled. The US Open continuously doesn’t pay out on time; promoters pad their pockets while cutting “added” monies. Schedules are often forgotten and rules overlooked.
I write this now because this debacle with the Open is the final straw before I must say something. I have considered for some time what it would take to make a legitimate National Champion and actually reward players for their abilities while keeping the novice interested. I would appreciate some feedback on the outline I have below. I do not wish to hear that I am not the person for this job or just that it would never work. Please give legitimate feedback as to items to consider and examples of why this would not work.
1. Each state would be required to have at least four satellite tournaments. Ideally, monthly tournaments would be held across the state.
a. 50% of the tournament entries would be used to fund state and national tournaments.
b. The top finisher in each tournament would qualify for entry into the state play-off.
c. Every player who enters will be awarded points inversely proportionate to their finish in the tournament. An equal number of point earners to tournament winners will be qualified for the state tournament.
d. Those players who qualify and attend the state play-off will receive a room and modest financial compensation.
e. The state play-off would be run as a round robin event. The winning player would advance to the National Championship. The runner-up will receive an invitation to play at their own cost.
2. Those players who qualify and attend the National Championship will receive a room and modest financial compensation.
a. Players who attend the National Championship will be seeded by points earned throughout the year or by region (depends on the success of the qualification system).
b. Each group will play round robin and the two top finishers from each region will move on to the final grouping.
c. The final group of eight will play round robin long races.
At the end, a true National Champion will emerge. The top eight will earn a sizable sum. Considerations have to be made:
1. Someone would be willing to manage the tournament results in each state with zero to moderate compensation.
2. Each tournament will pay out only 50%. Players will have to deal with it as a means to develop our sport.
3. This system is not based on sponsorship and will pay out at every event.
4. Once the system is initiated and proven, sponsorship is much more viable.
I write this now because this debacle with the Open is the final straw before I must say something. I have considered for some time what it would take to make a legitimate National Champion and actually reward players for their abilities while keeping the novice interested. I would appreciate some feedback on the outline I have below. I do not wish to hear that I am not the person for this job or just that it would never work. Please give legitimate feedback as to items to consider and examples of why this would not work.
1. Each state would be required to have at least four satellite tournaments. Ideally, monthly tournaments would be held across the state.
a. 50% of the tournament entries would be used to fund state and national tournaments.
b. The top finisher in each tournament would qualify for entry into the state play-off.
c. Every player who enters will be awarded points inversely proportionate to their finish in the tournament. An equal number of point earners to tournament winners will be qualified for the state tournament.
d. Those players who qualify and attend the state play-off will receive a room and modest financial compensation.
e. The state play-off would be run as a round robin event. The winning player would advance to the National Championship. The runner-up will receive an invitation to play at their own cost.
2. Those players who qualify and attend the National Championship will receive a room and modest financial compensation.
a. Players who attend the National Championship will be seeded by points earned throughout the year or by region (depends on the success of the qualification system).
b. Each group will play round robin and the two top finishers from each region will move on to the final grouping.
c. The final group of eight will play round robin long races.
At the end, a true National Champion will emerge. The top eight will earn a sizable sum. Considerations have to be made:
1. Someone would be willing to manage the tournament results in each state with zero to moderate compensation.
2. Each tournament will pay out only 50%. Players will have to deal with it as a means to develop our sport.
3. This system is not based on sponsorship and will pay out at every event.
4. Once the system is initiated and proven, sponsorship is much more viable.
