ATTENTION- ABP News : ABP Guidelines & Format for Sanctioned Events

[JimmyWhite]

Pool Pros are not even "real" Pros. There is no real Pro tour. There are no big time sponsors outside the game. (Pepsi in the Open this year is an exception) Television coverage is in decline. Snooker on the other hand, has a pro tour, which is covered by the television. And you know what is the funny thing about it? Pool is much more viewer friendly than snooker. Powerful breaks, jump shots, beautiful shots full of spin which you won't even see in snooker. Even the TV measles cue ball of Aramith makes the game better to watch. (no kidding)

The ABP are trying to pass on some core rules and organize a pro tour. How many people make a living by playing pool in the US? 20? 30? 50? And you call this a serious professional sport? No wonder why nobody is sponsoring, let alone spend TV time for it.

Were they right to boycott the US Open? Of course they were. It is time to take things more seriously money wise. There are people who got the balls to go out there and tour the whole world to make money playing pool. It is time to help those people make a serious professional tour.

If we want to be taken seriously we should make a pro tour with unified rules, minimum entry fees and pay-outs etc. etc. If we want to make pool a truly professional sport, we should aim to create a pro tour. A pro tour which will have tournaments that their payouts alone can help several players make a living. For how long will the pros rely on gambling, trick shots or pool clinics to survive? Imagine the promotion snooker gets in England. Now put pool in its place instead. It can happen in the US today and tomorrow in China and Europe where the sport is really popular as well. Big time sponsors, big tournaments, television coverage. And finally, pros which can earn enough money from tournament pay outs and not from gambling.

ABP is willing to take pool to the next level by protecting the pros. They are not trying to steal someones money, or make things too easy for them and hard for the amateurs. They are trying to claim their right to make a living from pool tournaments. Which is not an easy task.

 

[joelpope]

Apparently the tournaments that don't conform to the above guidelines will be effectively boycotted just like the U.S. Open was.

Not sure where you got that boycott assumption from.... from reading the press release my understanding is that these are the rules for a tournament to be sanctioned as an ABP Ranking Event.

No more, no less

The word boycott was never used

 

[joelpope]

Joel,
I will probably agree with you. I get real passionate about pool - and I put my money, my mouth, and all of my energies to trying to make pool in the US better.

But it is absolutely absurd to put out a statement like ABP did - and not explain anything! They basically put out a challenge that they will not participate in any promoters event unless we seed, use ABP points and otherwise agree.

Last year, at our US Open 10ball, many of these same ABP players had a secret meeting and took a vote on whether to boycott my event. This was done 2 hours before the event started and was after the draw had been done. Seeding had NEVER even been mentioned in the previous 8 months since we announced the event. You might remember their formation meeting took place at our event. That is how 'they' started. WOW.

Yes I get vocal - and I wish a few other people would chime in here. This is the UPA all over again. I will not play that game. I can not understand everyone's apathy when announcements come from 'nowhere' and no one takes credit. Its like dealing with terrorists.

As always, I am willing to talk to any knowledgable person on the issues.
702-719-7665 office 702-835-2000 cell. I will not talk to anyone who will not identify themselves.

Mark Griffin

Mark,

Here's where I am confused, you and others have stated that this document calls for a boycott of all tournaments that don't adhere to theses rules and will cause the end of the pool world as we know it.

From what I read, the document simply outlines the rules for a tournament to be "Sanctioned as an ABP Ranking Event."

I'm pretty sure the pros will continue to play in all kinds of tournaments all over the world.

I'm pretty sure they would like to at least have consistent rules of the game and seeding in all events.

I'm also pretty sure, they won't "boycott" all non ABP sanctioned events since right now that would pretty much include every tournament in the world today and they still need to make a living.

There are some contentious issues at hand, resolution will take clear communications and a willingness to compromise on both sides. The only thing I see in common for the Pro-ABP crowd and the Anti-ABP crowd is that they consistently fail to demonstrate either quality.

Joel

 

[RShellhouse]

. Given enough time and vocal outrage, the ABP will be forced to reconsider and adjust their positions.

Why on earth would they? They successfully forced one of the longest running tournaments to "restructure their business model" to meet their "requirements"


I have to admit I am impressed. I will also be more impressed when a promoter looks at them and goes.


No

 

[Maxx]

How professional!

A faceless, anonymous directive handed down from the mountain top.
Is this the best they can do? I recommend that the ABP should designate a named spokesman with some degree of communication skills.

Just a tip from one anonymous poster to another.
What a joke, especially for a group that wants to be treated as professionals!

 

[PoolSharkAllen]

Not sure where you got that boycott assumption from.... from reading the press release my understanding is that these are the rules for a tournament to be sanctioned as an ABP Ranking Event.

No more, no less

The word boycott was never used

Perhaps the following statement from the ABP regarding the U.S. Open should serve as a reminder on how the ABP operates. Or you could read Mark Griffin's comment on the extortion that the ABP was planning at the US Open 10-ball tournament: "Last year, at our US Open 10ball, many of these same ABP players had a secret meeting and took a vote on whether to boycott my event."

ABP Pro Players Attending the 2011 US Open 9-Ball Championship
As everyone knows, the boycott of the US Open was lifted earlier this month after many days of negotiation between Barry Behrman, Shannon Behrman Paschall and representatives of the Association of Billiards Professionals. The ABP was going to issue a press release shortly after Barry’s but after looking at Barry’s release and the subsequent release of the actual agreement itself, The ABP did not see a need to issue yet another press release reiterating the agreement and the negotiations. In retrospect, this may have been an error and the ABP apologizes for not having released its own statement as to the ending of the boycott.

The ABP would like to take this opportunity to thank both Barry and Shannon for the civility and professionalism that they both showed throughout the process. The players regretted having to take the dispute as far as they did, but as Barry noted in his press release, the player’s needs were justified. After several years of late payments, they were again trying to get Barry to make sure the funds would be in place so that the players would be paid as promised. Until such time as the boycott was brought up, the ABP could not get an adequate response to their concerns. Because of the steps that were taken by the ABP, Barry and Shannon took a closer look at their operation, and, as they said in their press release, decided to restructure their methods of receiving payments in an effort to protect all parties.

Since Barry and Shannon have restructured their business model, we feel confident that the problems of the past are behind us and that moving forward, we can all expect greater things from Barry and Shannon in cooperation with the ABP.​

It's pretty clear that the ABP considers extortion and boycotts to be the "best way" to making reforms in 2012.

 

[JAM]

How professional!

A faceless, anonymous directive handed down from the mountain top.
Is this the best they can do? I recommend that the ABP should designate a named spokesman with some degree of communication skills.

Just a tip from one anonymous poster to another.
What a joke, especially for a group that wants to be treated as professionals!

It would be interesting if one could ascertain what IP address "ABPpros" is posting from. :thumbup:

 

[joelpope]

Perhaps the following statement from the ABP regarding the U.S. Open should serve as a reminder on how the ABP operates. Or you could read Mark Griffin's comment on the extortion that the ABP was planning at the US Open 10-ball tournament: "Last year, at our US Open 10ball, many of these same ABP players had a secret meeting and took a vote on whether to boycott my event."

ABP Pro Players Attending the 2011 US Open 9-Ball Championship
As everyone knows, the boycott of the US Open was lifted earlier this month after many days of negotiation between Barry Behrman, Shannon Behrman Paschall and representatives of the Association of Billiards Professionals. The ABP was going to issue a press release shortly after Barry’s but after looking at Barry’s release and the subsequent release of the actual agreement itself, The ABP did not see a need to issue yet another press release reiterating the agreement and the negotiations. In retrospect, this may have been an error and the ABP apologizes for not having released its own statement as to the ending of the boycott.

The ABP would like to take this opportunity to thank both Barry and Shannon for the civility and professionalism that they both showed throughout the process. The players regretted having to take the dispute as far as they did, but as Barry noted in his press release, the player’s needs were justified. After several years of late payments, they were again trying to get Barry to make sure the funds would be in place so that the players would be paid as promised. Until such time as the boycott was brought up, the ABP could not get an adequate response to their concerns. Because of the steps that were taken by the ABP, Barry and Shannon took a closer look at their operation, and, as they said in their press release, decided to restructure their methods of receiving payments in an effort to protect all parties.

Since Barry and Shannon have restructured their business model, we feel confident that the problems of the past are behind us and that moving forward, we can all expect greater things from Barry and Shannon in cooperation with the ABP.​

It's pretty clear that the ABP considers extortion and boycotts to be the "best way" to making reforms in 2012.

Two different issues

1) most recent release defines requirements for ABP Sanctioned Events

2) US Open issue unrelated and to my understanding was caused by Barry airbarreling the pros a couple of years running, and, US Open boycott was resolved when payment structure was agreed to... nothing changed on rules or seeding

I am generally opposed to boycotts, strikes and other heavy handed measures. Fair negotiations and if needed economic pressure should resolve just about anything

 

[JAM]

Pool Pros are not even "real" Pros. There is no real Pro tour. There are no big time sponsors outside the game. (Pepsi in the Open this year is an exception) Television coverage is in decline. Snooker on the other hand, has a pro tour, which is covered by the television. And you know what is the funny thing about it? Pool is much more viewer friendly than snooker. Powerful breaks, jump shots, beautiful shots full of spin which you won't even see in snooker. Even the TV measles cue ball of Aramith makes the game better to watch. (no kidding)

The ABP are trying to pass on some core rules and organize a pro tour. How many people make a living by playing pool in the US? 20? 30? 50? And you call this a serious professional sport? No wonder why nobody is sponsoring, let alone spend TV time for it.

Were they right to boycott the US Open? Of course they were. It is time to take things more seriously money wise. There are people who got the balls to go out there and tour the whole world to make money playing pool. It is time to help those people make a serious professional tour.

If we want to be taken seriously we should make a pro tour with unified rules, minimum entry fees and pay-outs etc. etc. If we want to make pool a truly professional sport, we should aim to create a pro tour. A pro tour which will have tournaments that their payouts alone can help several players make a living. For how long will the pros rely on gambling, trick shots or pool clinics to survive? Imagine the promotion snooker gets in England. Now put pool in its place instead. It can happen in the US today and tomorrow in China and Europe where the sport is really popular as well. Big time sponsors, big tournaments, television coverage. And finally, pros which can earn enough money from tournament pay outs and not from gambling.

ABP is willing to take pool to the next level by protecting the pros. They are not trying to steal someones money, or make things too easy for them and hard for the amateurs. They are trying to claim their right to make a living from pool tournaments. Which is not an easy task.

Hmm, how come I haven't noticed you before? Your post is not only well written, but it's probably the best post in this thread. :smile:

BTW, love your avatar choice!

 

[brandoncook26]

ABP is willing to take pool to the next level by protecting the pros. They are not trying to steal someones money, or make things too easy for them and hard for the amateurs. They are trying to claim their right to make a living from pool tournaments. Which is not an easy task.

I have a few issues here:

I have no problem with trying to "protect the pro's", but it should not be at the detriment of promotors. Don't you think if there was big dollar sponsors available that guys like Griffin, Sullivan, etc would be having huge $100,000 first place tournaments? It has almost nothing to do with pro vs amateur (seeding is only one aspect). Is strong-arming promotors with your fleet of players really better than sitting down with them and discussing issues? One of the traits of a mature adult is the ability to compromise. Holding your breath like a 5 year old doesn't seem to be the proper stance of a "professional" organization.

Secondly, who ever said that they have a "right" to earn a living from professional pool? It's not a right to be claimed, it is something that has to be earned; and just because you have the skills to do the job doesn't mean you have earned the right to do it. When is the last time you heard a pool player try to get on the radio and promote a pool tournament? When is the last time you have heard of them doing anything other than showing up and playing? Earning a living involves more than showing up. If you want the sport to be bigger, get your ass out there and do something about it.

I understand that in the most recent press release at the beginning of this thread, the ABP stated they are willing to promote or do charity for a tournament that meets their obligations. Yet, up to this point, I don't know of any effort that has been put toward that end. As far as I understand, the "employees" are making demands to the "boss" without having anything to offer in return. If professional pool goes away today, the people that take the biggest hit are the players. In my opinion, if you have the most to lose, you shouldn't be trying to impose your will on others. You should bring the only chip you have, your ability to play, to the bargaining table and stop making demands until you have more chips.

 

[Island Drive]

Pool Pros are not even "real" Pros. There is no real Pro tour. There are no big time sponsors outside the game. (Pepsi in the Open this year is an exception) Television coverage is in decline. Snooker on the other hand, has a pro tour, which is covered by the television. And you know what is the funny thing about it? Pool is much more viewer friendly than snooker. Powerful breaks, jump shots, beautiful shots full of spin which you won't even see in snooker. Even the TV measles cue ball of Aramith makes the game better to watch. (no kidding)

The ABP are trying to pass on some core rules and organize a pro tour. How many people make a living by playing pool in the US? 20? 30? 50? And you call this a serious professional sport? No wonder why nobody is sponsoring, let alone spend TV time for it.

Were they right to boycott the US Open? Of course they were. It is time to take things more seriously money wise. There are people who got the balls to go out there and tour the whole world to make money playing pool. It is time to help those people make a serious professional tour.

If we want to be taken seriously we should make a pro tour with unified rules, minimum entry fees and pay-outs etc. etc. If we want to make pool a truly professional sport, we should aim to create a pro tour. A pro tour which will have tournaments that their payouts alone can help several players make a living. For how long will the pros rely on gambling, trick shots or pool clinics to survive? Imagine the promotion snooker gets in England. Now put pool in its place instead. It can happen in the US today and tomorrow in China and Europe where the sport is really popular as well. Big time sponsors, big tournaments, television coverage. And finally, pros which can earn enough money from tournament pay outs and not from gambling.

ABP is willing to take pool to the next level by protecting the pros. They are not trying to steal someones money, or make things too easy for them and hard for the amateurs. They are trying to claim their right to make a living from pool tournaments. Which is not an easy task.

I agree with many of your above thoughts, but pool players are pool players, business people are business people, marketing people are too in their own class. Pool players are not able to run a business alone....period. This aspect, and a comparative, the WPBA and their core group of players running the show, are they ALLOT better off professionally/finacially than they were since the ninties? Yeah, you need money, you need to start somewhere, but you also need a business plan, marketing plan, and a working staff that shows up to work, not practice on a nine footer.

 

[Mickey Qualls]

I think this thread needs to disappear at least past the first few pages of the Main Forum.

Seems that us members of AZB are the only ones that are showing any interest in what the ABP trolls decide to occasionally post.
Which is exactly why they start these "smash and grab" threads. You can bet your sweet bippy that core members of the ABP come back multiple times during the day to see what the general consensus is regarding thier latest "press release".
And a screen name with multiple user access gives all of them plausible deniability. That's why we've been told that "multiple members of the ABP will have access to this account". No one has to take responsibility for anything posted under the ABPpros screem name.

If they really want to be taken seriously, they should stop with the attempted bullying, get off thier collective a$$e$ and get some real buy-in from the promoters as to what's really possible when it comes to thier suggested "rules and guidelines".

 

[Island Drive]

I think this thread needs to disappear at least past the first few pages of the Main Forum.

Seems that us members of AZB are the only ones that are showing any interest in what the ABP trolls decide to occasionally post.
Which is exactly why they start these "smash and grab" threads. You can bet your sweet bippy that core members of the ABP come back multiple times during the day to see what the general consensus is regarding thier latest "press release".
And a screen name with multiple user access gives all of them plausible deniability. That's why we've been told that "multiple members of the ABP will have access to this account". No one has to take responsibility for anything posted under the ABPpros screem name.

If they really want to be taken seriously, they should stop with the attempted bullying, get off thier collective a$$e$ and get some real buy-in from the promoters as to what's really possible when it comes to thier suggested "rules and guidelines".

Mickey, this maybe their way to help figure it out, without having to pay someone for advice.

 

[Mickey Qualls]

What happened between then...

Johnny Archer Announces the Association of Billiard Professionals - Riviera in Las Vegas 2010

... and now ?

The press releases are a joke compared to what Archer talks about in the video.

 

[purpdrag]

The ABP should be commended for attempting to define guidelines for conducting their business in the future, but, once again, have shown themselves an organization intent on exertion of great pressure on promoters. They no longer see event promoters as their partners unless those partners cave in to unreasonable demands, and that is why they are not including existing promoters in their decision loop.

The requirement "all new promoters must have the added prize money and entries sent in advance before the tournament dates" seems a bit ridiculous. In the real business world, new clients/partners (or, in this case, new promoters) meet with inducements, not additional restrictions, when they first conduct business. This requirement is certain to dissuade promoters from doing business with the ABP.

Finally, does the ABP really consist of the top players in the world or just some of them? Will these events be for ABP members only? If not, seeding, which I fundamentally believe serves the fans well, cannot logically be based on ABP ranking alone. It might cause non-members that don't believe in the ABP's mission or method to feel pressure to join, and anyone that joins under such pressure will become a potential source of future unrest in the ABP. Is this an organization representing the very best or just a club having many top players carving out a niche for themsleves that may or may not offer the most elite type of competition?

I'm still struggling with the question of what exactly the ABP is and whether its mission extends beyond assurance of payments upon completion of tournaments. Supposedly,

"The Association of Billiard Professionals was formed in March of 2010 with the goal of uniting the world’s greatest players. The ABP is harnessing the power of all professional players for a common goal: to improve the sport of billiards so that associations, promoters, sponsors and players alike may work in conjunction to advance the game."

..... but failing to solicit the input of the associations, promoters, and sponsors in the establishment of guidelines for conducting future business is clearly at odds with this supposed mission.

This is a great post. I second everything in it, except I am against seeding, even as a fan. I'd rather watch a tournament knowing every player played by the same rules than to have a greater chance of having the more well known players reach the later "TV" stages. Besides, it especially doesn't make sense to rig the tournament (with seeding) so the top ranked players make it to the "TV" rounds when it isn't even on TV!

 

[Island Drive]

What happened between then...

Johnny Archer Announces the Association of Billiard Professionals - Riviera in Las Vegas 2010

... and now ?

The press releases are a joke compared to what Archer talks about in the video.

Listening to johnny, and I truly care for him and whats he's trying to do, but again, this is a business, and these are pool players. If someone came to me for tax advice, knowing that all I can do is the 1040 short form, they should expect to not get that good of advice, or for me to Even get it right. I understand, the players want to get paid, but, there is sooooooooooo much more needed to make a business run properly, and with a profit. It reminds me of the UPA meeting I went to yrs ago at the Bike in La, sounded good, BUT. It really makes me sad seeing this happening over and over again, this road needs new pavement, not new players, they are trying to do whats best for them, but what do they really have to offer. They may increase the gate numbers of pool players, but will they create affinity groups outside the billiard industry that will also attend like the US Open, and that has taken yrs. to form, and its East coast demographics.

Now that I think about it, just being concerned about getting paid as their #1 issue, is Not Right. It would be like saying, the most important thing when I raise my kids is THIS, and the other stuff will come. Nope....thats now how life works. Like a farmer, they are NOT just concerned about the apples, the are concerned about the pickers, the soil, the rain, the bugs, what if it doesn't rain, the seeds they plant, the backup crops if there were to be hail, or a hard freeze, then they might have to purchace warming pots, and on and on.
I think if this orgainization would bend its ASS over backwards to do whatever it takes with the promoter, the media, the local schools, whatever, then, by building relationships, trust and great communication, you've got at START, and only a START. Then the real work comes, you even will have to lay your cue down and NOT play, and DO IT FOR THE GAME. That's what its truly going to take, look at the big picture, don't just pick the apples and not tend to the fields. It's what the BCA has ironically been doing for YEARS, and it's only because of all the prior ground work being laid down by their predecessors that the trade group is still in existince.

 

[stuckart]

Why wouldn't every sponsor come back with a list of demands as well:

We will honor all your requests as long as you meet all of ours.

- Top 16 will be Seeded
- The ABP will field a minimum of 50 ABP Rated Players
- Seedings will only happen after a minimum of 6 other events have established the Seeding
- Top 24 players will arrive a minimum of 4 days prior to the event.
- Top 24 players will play in numerous Pro-Am tournaments throughout the hosting location on days leading up the event.
- 16 of the Top 32 Players will each provide a free 60 minute lesson to small groups of 4 local players on each of the days leading up to the tournament at various pool rooms.
- All ABP Players will be required to stay at the Venue specified by the Event for the duration of their time.
- Seeded Players will pay $600 Entry Fee, All other ABP players will pay $500, all other players will pay a $300 Entry Fee
- ABP Spokepersons will contact Local League Operators, Local Tournament Directors and Local Pool Rooms a few weeks prior to the event to advertise the event. And will also give out signed autographed items to these organizations that will help promote the branding of these top players and the ABP as a whole.

(*more rules will be added later, these are the ABP Rule basics)

 

[JimmyWhite]

Secondly, who ever said that they have a "right" to earn a living from professional pool? It's not a right to be claimed, it is something that has to be earned; and just because you have the skills to do the job doesn't mean you have earned the right to do it. When is the last time you heard a pool player try to get on the radio and promote a pool tournament? When is the last time you have heard of them doing anything other than showing up and playing? Earning a living involves more than showing up. If you want the sport to be bigger, get your ass out there and do something about it.

I can honestly say that the best way to promote the sport, is by creating a serious Pro tour which in the long run, can provide big payouts. Consider this scenario: You are watching a pool game final on the TV with your wife for example, who doesn't know anything about the game. Your wife asks: "How much money does the winner get?" I am sure that if you have said 100.000$, she would sit and watch it just out of curiosity and/or interest. People want to feel the thrill of the player and relate to them. They can't relate to someone who bangs balls for a couple of thousand bucks. No wonder why pool is only being watched by pool players.When Stephen Hendry was winning world championships back to back, he was one of the best paid players of any sport in the world. Golf is being watched (golf? come on! pool is much more beautiful, fast and thrilling than that!) because there is money, and where there is money there is TV coverage. I know Tiger Woods and I have never held a golf club in my life. (well, maybe I know him more because he couldn't keep his snake in his pants ) Every day you turn on the TV and you watch shows where a random guy just answers questions and he may win 500 grand. Hell, you may even watch someone guess numbers or boxes or stuff like that and win these amounts.

In mass entertainment, the everyday person "sees" so much money being won and lost in an instant, that the current pool payouts will seem like the money a 10 year old keeps inside his piggy bank.

Hmm, how come I haven't noticed you before? Your post is not only well written, but it's probably the best post in this thread. :smile:

BTW, love your avatar choice!

I don't post that often. My post was well written? English is not even my native language ^^.Cheers.

Evgeny is a lost talent!
>link<

 

[joelpope]

Why wouldn't every sponsor come back with a list of demands as well:

We will honor all your requests as long as you meet all of ours.

- Top 16 will be Seeded
- The ABP will field a minimum of 50 ABP Rated Players
- Seedings will only happen after a minimum of 6 other events have established the Seeding
- Top 24 players will arrive a minimum of 4 days prior to the event.
- Top 24 players will play in numerous Pro-Am tournaments throughout the hosting location on days leading up the event.
- 16 of the Top 32 Players will each provide a free 60 minute lesson to small groups of 4 local players on each of the days leading up to the tournament at various pool rooms.
- All ABP Players will be required to stay at the Venue specified by the Event for the duration of their time.
- Seeded Players will pay $600 Entry Fee, All other ABP players will pay $500, all other players will pay a $300 Entry Fee
- ABP Spokepersons will contact Local League Operators, Local Tournament Directors and Local Pool Rooms a few weeks prior to the event to advertise the event. And will also give out signed autographed items to these organizations that will help promote the branding of these top players and the ABP as a whole.

(*more rules will be added later, these are the ABP Rule basics)

I agree with the points you made about the Pros supporting the events...

- Pros being available before or after the rules meeting for a meet & greet with attendees
- some form of Pro-Am event for fun or a local charity
- Pros being available for some sort of clinic or something similar at some point in the event
- some scheduled autograph time

Even though, with the exception of availability for autographs and Golf Pro-Ams, these items do not happen in any other professional sport I can think of today, (PGA, NASCAR, Bowling, Rodeo, Tennis, Basketball, Golf, or whatever), I believe that type of accessibility would help promote the game.

As far as the punitive points like making the Pros get there 4 days early, pay more for entry and the like, I can't agree

 

[sjm]

Why wouldn't every sponsor come back with a list of demands as well:

We will honor all your requests as long as you meet all of ours.

- Top 16 will be Seeded
- The ABP will field a minimum of 50 ABP Rated Players
- Seedings will only happen after a minimum of 6 other events have established the Seeding
- Top 24 players will arrive a minimum of 4 days prior to the event.
- Top 24 players will play in numerous Pro-Am tournaments throughout the hosting location on days leading up the event.
- 16 of the Top 32 Players will each provide a free 60 minute lesson to small groups of 4 local players on each of the days leading up to the tournament at various pool rooms.
- All ABP Players will be required to stay at the Venue specified by the Event for the duration of their time.
- Seeded Players will pay $600 Entry Fee, All other ABP players will pay $500, all other players will pay a $300 Entry Fee
- ABP Spokepersons will contact Local League Operators, Local Tournament Directors and Local Pool Rooms a few weeks prior to the event to advertise the event. And will also give out signed autographed items to these organizations that will help promote the branding of these top players and the ABP as a whole.

(*more rules will be added later, these are the ABP Rule basics)

Why wouldn't every sponsor/promoter come back with a list of demands as well?

Because they aren't stupid enough to mandate guidelines without first communicating with the players. They are not so naive to think that they can unilaterally impose such rules and restrictions and they are not so arrogant as to think that theirs is the only input required to arrive at a reasonable set of organizational and competitive guidelines.

If the sponsors/promoters actually did this, they would prove themselves as foolish as the players. Still, the sponsors/promoters are businessmen who are accustomed to looking at the bigger picture, and are unlikely to make the mistakes that ABP has already made.

Still, your post is a good one because it demonstrates skillfully that unilateral decision making by any of the parties to pro pool is a recipe for bad times in our sport.