BCA Pro List?

[Bob Romano]

Here is my dilemma. We have used the BCA pro list for our last tournaments and OMG have I been given grief regarding it.

Seems that there are people that are on the BCA pro list that rightfully should NOT be and more than a handful that I alone know about that should be.

This seems to be the biggest issue, but I have heard other complaints. I am interested in everyone's opinion as they all count. I listen very closely because we want our events to run a smooth as possible.

 

[Tom In Cincy]

If your intentions are to have NON-Professional players in your tournaments, you are in big trouble.

AZ Billiards 'player profile' has a more recent version of Pro players than the BCA.

And, by the way, would you say Ronnie Allen is a pro player? What about Mike Sigel? or Scott Smith?

What is your objective with the Pro Status anyway?

Would you automatically ban anyone from the UPA? or the WPBA?
What about the Canadians? They aren't listed on the BCA.. or are they?

Just some questions..

 

[Zims Rack]

I think that's where "option #2" on the poll comes in handy, IMO! What's wrong with having a "Big Dawg" list. It's only fair to the Amatuers who want a chance. Hence the name "Amatuer Tournament".
However, I have heard from about 8 people who attended the Mid West Expo as a customer/buyer and not as a player and they thought there should be some type of Pro/Semi-Pro Tournament there to draw some more people. I wasn't there, just passing on what I was told.

Zim

 

[Bob Romano]

This question is regarding an amateur tournament. (sorry I should have stated that earlier)

Yes, our question is how to have legitimate NON PROFESSIONALS in some of our events. We are working on other events that will include all players of all caliber.

I am familiar with AZbilliards player profile, as I have submitted many tournament results to Mike. That is where I come to the problem of the who should play and in what event.

As far as the players you mentioned, Mike Sigel is for sure a pro and Ronnie Allen used to be a champion but I don't know how he plays today. Scott Smith I am not familiar with, although I have heard he is quite good.

My personal objective is to have a "semi-pro ~ Big Dawg" list. I do feel that in many cases the underdog has no chance. For the more serious of players, playing the big dawgs can be rewarding in some cases because it helps them improve their game. The underdogs are what finance the dig dawgs paydays and without them there would be no tournament at all.

I am not happy with using the BCA pro list but, as I have redundantly mentioned, we need to follow guidelines and the BCA seems to be the best guideline that we know of, so until we have a different source, I have no other resource than the BCA list.

As far as the UPA and WPBA, they would be considered professionals and would need to play in pro events. The Canadian's are listed on the BCA list for the most part.... I am familiar with the big dawg Canadians..

The whole theory behind this post is to gather info to create a different method of qualification for our events. We intend to bring several tournaments a year throughout the USA. We want people to know when we hold an event, it is done in a fair method where everyone can play to their ability.

In addition, when you attend our events you know what to expect from your room, food and bar being affordably priced to the playing field being one that you can have a chance at winning. In this industry, reputation is everything and we want our events to be held in high integrity.

Regards,

Eydie

 

[manlyshot]

Categorization of pool players is something that has caught my attention as of late.

I am not familiar with the BCA's women's professional and [COLOR=deep pink] master [/COLOR] player categories, but the men's professional player category seemed inclusive, with the exception of the omission of Ronnie Allen (IMO). Even today, I believe Ronnie Allen could spot some of the names on the BCA's men's professional and master player categories.

The BCA's men's master player category, a lower level than the men's professional player category, had a couple of names that stuck out, Scott Frost and Tony Watson who are also UPA Touring Pros, but Ian Costello, also a UPA Touring Pro, isn't listed in either category on the BCA website.

Steve Lipsky, Jarrod Clowery, Eric Durbin, Tony Chochan, and Amar Kang are listed on the BCA's men's master player category, and I believe they could spot some of the players on the BCA's men's professional player category.

I can see the difficulty that faces any promoter on player accreditation. One central source for pool player rankings is sorely needed. A central registry for upcoming tournaments would be helpful, too (IMO), which would assist a promoter when planning for a future event.

ManlyShot

 

[Tom In Cincy]

The easiest way to eliminate the 'big dawgs' is to have a NON-CASH tournament. Just trophies.

OR, have payouts down to 50% of the field and keep the top Prize very low.

Either way will keep the money players from investing travel, hotel and food bills for such a low payout.

just a thought

 

[sarahrousey]

The only problem with making a "big dog" list is that you end all competition. I don't think anyone wants to go to a tournament and play only people that play their speed. I know I want a little variety and that is what you get with letting everyone in. What happens when one of the amatuers who is allowed to play in every tournament starts winning the tournaments on a regular basis....do they turn into one of the big dogs because they have won the tournaments and no one wants them to play now?

I think making a seperate list will only cause problems with people telling fantastic stories about someone being a so-called "big dog" or road player when they really aren't. No one can say that pool players don't enjoy telling stories.

A tournament is good practice and an alternative to gambling. Think about it...if you have to play someone like Jason Kirkwood first and Jeff Seargent second you just got to play a $25 set with each and probably learned alot of good shots as if you payed attention. Plus everyone has a chance to win as long as they don't get beat by the other persons name.

 

[Koop]

I have to agree with Sarah. I don't want to play in a tournament where all the good players aren't allowed. Sometimes tournaments are a cheap way to get lessons from the "Big Dogs". Hell, we have local tournaments around here with small entry fees and get to play guys like Jarrod Clowery and Tom "Shorty" D'Alfonso. Even on my best day they would destroy me on the table but it's well worth it.

Dave

 

[Bob Romano]

Good Point Sara and Dave and well taken.

Eydie

 

[Skeezicks]

The only problem with making a "big dog" list is that you end all competition. I don't think anyone wants to go to a tournament and play only people that play their speed.

Do you play in the UPA sanctioned events

 

[RunArak]

I must agree with those that say that it is about the competition. I enjoy the chance to play some big dogs and look at it as a learning tool. I am very realistic when I enter a tournament. My entry is probably "dead money" as some refer to in larger tournaments. I can be anyone if the balls are rolling and I can run some racks just like any of those guys. Granted, I am not the consistent player that they are but I play to better myself and because I love the competition.
I get no bigger thrill than pulling a Shawn Putnam or another big name early in a tourney. IF I am going to win, I would have to face them eventually anyways, why not early.
Choosing pool as my sport of choice, I realize that there are a ton of GREAT players out there, many road players and sleepers that could spot many pros some hefty weight. They will always be out there and I love to get my chances to play them in a tourney. I am sure not going to gamble my cash away but it is like getting to play a cheap set and learn something.
I personally prefer open tournaments like the Viking tour. Lots of fun and I get a chance to play some of the best.
Bob, I am sure you are doing your best. I appreciated TD's taking the time to promote the sport, God knows you are probably not getting rich from it..THANK you.

Joe Koontz......Off the soapbox