APA 8 Ball???

[Winston846]

Hopefully this helps settle the "rules of the game" argument...

The BCA is recognized as the governing body of billiard sports in the United States. Is the APA sanctioned by the BCA? If not, they can pretty much make up any rules they want. If so, they would pretty much have to follow these rules. So I'm guessing they're not.

The APA is the governing body of it's own leagues/tournaments, but it is NOT the governing body of billiard sports in America. Since the BCA IS the recognized governing body, I would have to agree that the BCA rules are the "official" rules, and whatever rules the APA has are all their own. But, as their own independent organization, they can do that. And if you don't like it, don't play. I don't.

 

[TimmyB80]

Seems like a silly argument. Different leagues are geared towards different players. I've been playing pool off and on since I was 16, and just started playing regularly in an APA league, and am an average (APA) player, but definitely seeing steady improvement in my game with practice and study. I would guess that the better APA (therefore "amateur") players would fair okay in more challenging leagues, but for whatever reason choose not to (maybe they like playing on a team with family, friends, etc. that aren't as good... but are having fun nonetheless). Someday I might outgrow the APA but for now I am having fun. One thing that I like about (any) league in general is that it brings people together. Otherwise I would be going to the bar/pool hall with the same people, playing the same people.
As far as the slop rules go, I do think they should be changed, but most decent players rarely slop things in anyways. More novice players that slop something in are playing other novices that slop something in (a wash). "Take what you make" is also silly, but a good break will keep the CB around the center, and I think it makes it a little more challenging anyway if you are forced to take balls with worse layout. Playing for money, this rule is no good.
This dispute seems analogous to picking on beer league softball players for not playing fast pitch. Either way, this is my first post (mostly out of boredom than having something eloquent to say ) and I do enjoy this forum... so much good info! Thanks to being in league, my wife is wanting to learn pool (another recruit for this fine sport!) and I get to try to teach her (which will in turn help me learn) :grin: