BCA Ready to Do Its Part?

[crosseyedjoe]

They talked about almost everything except the actual SENDING of players to WPA tournaments.

-------------------------

BCA Announces Formation of WPA Committee

Broomfield, Colo. ? October 8, 2007 ? In its capacity as the North American member to the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA), the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) today announced the formation of a WPA Committee. With the goal of uniting the professional player organizations and youth programs in North America to participate more effectively in the global growth of billiards as a sport and a business, the WPA Committee is comprised of the major organizations involved in pool and billiards in North America, including:

? Billiard Congress of America (BCA), Ivan Lee, President
? Billiard Education Foundation (BEF), Laura Smith, Executive Director
? Canadian Billiards & Snooker Association (CBSA), Dale Brimicombe, President
? National Wheelchair Poolplayers Association (NWPA), Jeff Dolezal, President
? United States Professional Poolplayers Association (UPA), Frank Alvarez,
President
? Women?s Professional Billiards Association (WPBA), Dawn Hopkins, Director
? BCA Delegate to WPA, Fran Crimi
? BCA Delegate to WPA, Ed Smith

?This is an historic moment for pool in North America,? said Ivan Lee, BCA Board president and WPA Committee chair. ?Our first meeting on October 2, 2007, confirmed our belief that this group is able to work together in a way that will allow the BCA to maximize its participation in the WPA to the benefit of all professional and junior players, as well as our industry.?

Members of the WPA Committee will provide input on various issues associated with WPA participation, including player selection processes for international events, rules and specifications issues, potential scenarios for hosting international events in North America and other timely topics paramount to the sport and industry.

 

[juegabillar]

I believe in what is happening....

They talked about almost everything except the actual SENDING of players to WPA tournaments.

This is a legitimate effort and extraordinary step by the BCA to effectively organize in North America.

Concerning the players that will represent North America in the upcoming WPA sanctioned World Pool Championships, the UPA has already announced the selected players for this year.

The following list is of the U.S. invites followed by their means of qualification:

Corey Deuel (Canton, OH) - Top 12 UPA Rankings
Johnny Archer (Atlanta, GA) - Top 12 UPA Rankings
Mike Davis (Fayetteville, NC) - Top 12 UPA Rankings
Rodney Morris (Houston, TX) - Top 12 UPA Rankings
Robb Saez (Springhill, FL) - Top 12 UPA Rankings
Shawn Putnam (Canton, OH) - Top 12 UPA Rankings
Ronnie Wiseman (Detroit, MI) - Top 12 UPA Rankings
Charlie Bryant (Houston, TX) - Top 12 UPA Rankings
John Schmidt (Mobile, AL) - Top 12 UPA Rankings
Charlie Williams (Orlando, FL) - Top 12 UPA Rankings
Troy Frank (Melbourne, FL) - Top 12 UPA Rankings
Shane Van Boening (Sioux Falls, SD) - Top 12 UPA Rankings
Earl Strickland (Greenville, SC) - Former World Champion
Jeremy Jones (Houston, TX) - Former U.S. Mosconi Cup
Tony Robles (Bronx, NY) - Former U.S. Mosconi Cup

 

[sjm]

They talked about almost everything except the actual SENDING of players to WPA tournaments.

Like you, I'd prefer it if the BCA financed the participation of Americans at the WPC. What I don't understand, however, is why you feel that this is one of the most pressing issues that the BCA must tackle. Why is it that you view this issue as so critical?

 

[John Barton]

Like you, I'd prefer it if the BCA financed the participation of Americans at the WPC. What I don't understand, however, is why you feel that this is one of the most pressing issues that the BCA must tackle. Why is it that you view this issue as so critical?

I for one find it incredibly sad that the current United States Open champion who is a US Player won't be attending the World Championships because of financial reasons.

If that is really the problem then that is too bad.

John

 

[Snapshot9]

Where's

Nike when you need them. I am sure John wouldn't mind a swoosh on his shirt while he was playing in the WPA.

 

[Fragged]

I for one find it incredibly sad that the current United States Open champion who is a US Player won't be attending the World Championships because of financial reasons.

If that is really the problem then that is too bad.

John

He didnt want to attend the US open that got him there either til he got a backer. That's just JS, its all about money. Pretty sad. I count 5 guys on that list that i doubt will go based on past antics.

 

[John Barton]

He didnt want to attend the US open that got him there either til he got a backer. That's just JS, its all about money. Pretty sad. I count 5 guys on that list that i doubt will go based on past antics.

I don't know John personally but I do admire the fact that he had the courage to come on here and ask for backing.

I wouldn't want him to assume all the financial risk of going to the World Championships unless he could and that is what he wants to do.

I just find it sad that he doesn't apparently have the backing to go and that there are no organizations that have a fund set aside for such prestigious events.

Basically each professional player is entirely on their own in the USA.

I don't actually know what the problem is though. Maybe john will shed some light on this. Since Predator is so big in Asia I would think that John's new sponsor OB-1 would like to have a player get some press in front of millions of hungry consumers. I can't imagine that John Schmidt would be having a hard time raising the money to go to the Philippines.

Bummer though cuz i think he has a good shot at doing well.

 

[crosseyedjoe]

Like you, I'd prefer it if the BCA financed the participation of Americans at the WPC. What I don't understand, however, is why you feel that this is one of the most pressing issues that the BCA must tackle. Why is it that you view this issue as so critical?

That's one of the important task of a representative organization to make sure that the country always selects and sends the best the country can offer.

If BCA is not willing to put an effort to make sure that the reigning BCA's US Open Champion makes it the WPC, they probably need to give up their seat in WPA and give it to, at least, APA who is a more players oriented organization.

 

[juegabillar]

Basically each professional player is entirely on their own in the USA.

Wrong again, John....each professional USA player is subsidized to attend the WPC. Obviously players cannot expect all expenses paid. If you have any doubts of what I'm saying, just ask UPA President Frank Alvarez.

 

[juegabillar]

That's one of the important task of a representative organization to make sure that the country always selects and sends the best the country can offer.

WRONG!!! Players have to earn their spots, therefore, it is a mistake for any representative organization to just send the best player unless the organization is ruled by a dictatorship.

If BCA is not willing to put an effort to make sure that the reigning BCA's US Open Champion makes it the WPC, they probably need to give up their seat in WPA and give it to, at least, APA who is a more players oriented organization.

People always speculate without knowledge. You have to know about organizational matters to know how these things work. Many times the USA players are the ones that choose not to participate in a given event but the BCA, UPA or the WPA gets the blame.

As to the BCA giving up seat in the WPA, it's not going to happen....

 

[Blackjack]

Harold,

What do you mean by "subsidized"? I'm pretty sure they are not subsidized by the UPA. If they are, who is doing the subsidizing?

It's getting kind of cloudy on how the US players qualify for the WPC seeing that UPA has not been holding many events over the past 2 years.

The main problem that exists is organization in North America. Nobody is willing to sit down and try to construct an organizational model that is designed for the players needs, not the organization's needs. If somebody does come up with ideas that are designed to do this, they are blackballed, shut down, ridiculed, or hidden. This is why players with credentials such as John Schmidt have to choose between competing in the WPC, or staying home. That's the truth!

Frankly, on the international level, North America is the laughing stock of the pool world. As of right now, these organizations are doing very little if anything for these players and everybody notices it but the people in charge of these organizations.

 

[crosseyedjoe]

WRONG!!! Players have to earn their spots, therefore, it is a mistake for any representative organization to just send the best player unless the organization is ruled by a dictatorship.



People always speculate without knowledge. You have to know about organizational matters to know how these things work. Many times the USA players are the ones that choose not to participate in a given event but the BCA, UPA or the WPA gets the blame.

As to the BCA giving up seat in the WPA, it's not going to happen....

WOW, you contradicted yourself because "Players have to earn their spots," and also completely missed the point.

1. Why BCA is not trying hard to get John Schmidt to WPC nor even putting pressure on John to represent and let someone else of lesser caliber to get in regardless of motivation. We all know that John just doesn't want to end up in the negative side of the book specially when he is supposed to represent a country even if it is an informal event. I see no problem with that. Many champions are "dead broke."

2. BCA is not mandating(and yes, they have to mandate) UPA tournaments to be more competitive and inclusive. Many UPA tournaments have a very "shallow" talent pool relative to the US talent pool.


BCA has a very weak selection process. Heck, it seems that they don't even care how players are selected. Matchroom (a foreign organization) is doing a better job in determining the more qualified US players.

It's getting kind of cloudy on how the US players qualify for the WPC seeing that UPA has not been holding many events over the past 2 years.

The main problem that exists is organization in North America. Nobody is willing to sit down and try to construct an organizational model that is designed for the players needs, not the organization's needs. If somebody does come up with ideas that are designed to do this, they are blackballed, shut down, ridiculed, or hidden. This is why players with credentials such as John Schmidt have to choose between competing in the WPC, or staying home. That's the truth!

Frankly, on the international level, North America is the laughing stock of the pool world. As of right now, these organizations are doing very little if anything for these players and everybody notices it but the people in charge of these organizations.

This sentiment is always brought up when we hear Asian and European national pool organizations initiatives in their respected regions. Most Americans in this board specially the veteran posters will ask why it's not being duplicated here in the US, then most of the foreign posters will answer in unison, ask BCA/UPA why. This is quite telling that BCA/UPA is very much detached now from the US pool scene where they are supposed to be the LEADER.

It's time for BCA to stop being a spectator, and start acting its part as the official representative of USA to WPA.

 

[Snapshot9]

Don't forget

John is in the First Action All Around Challenge with Danny Harriman, and that is a $10,000 entry, which happens in a month or so.

 

[John Barton]

Wrong again, John....each professional USA player is subsidized to attend the WPC. Obviously players cannot expect all expenses paid. If you have any doubts of what I'm saying, just ask UPA President Frank Alvarez.

Really? This is the first I have heard that the players receive a stipend to attend the World Championships. How much is it? Who pays it? Where does the money come from?

I have doubts but no time or inclination to find out the answers to these questions so perhaps you could ask and find out for us.

John

 

[John Barton]

John is in the First Action All Around Challenge with Danny Harriman, and that is a $10,000 entry, which happens in a month or so.

Yeah that seems quite strange that he could find a backer for that but not for the Worlds. My only thought is that the backers can more easily go to to the Louisville event than the Philippine event and so can be "in" on the action.

Bummer though, as I said. I think it's really sad that the reigning US Open Champion doesn't even try to win both the majors in one year. For a guy who is looking for sponsorship it really doesn't make sense to skip the largest tournament of the year.

There is a reason that Earl Strickland is so revered - 3 World Championships and 5 US Open titles.

 

[juegabillar]

Harold,

What do you mean by "subsidized"? I'm pretty sure they are not subsidized by the UPA. If they are, who is doing the subsidizing?

It's getting kind of cloudy on how the US players qualify for the WPC seeing that UPA has not been holding many events over the past 2 years.

The main problem that exists is organization in North America. Nobody is willing to sit down and try to construct an organizational model that is designed for the players needs, not the organization's needs. If somebody does come up with ideas that are designed to do this, they are blackballed, shut down, ridiculed, or hidden. This is why players with credentials such as John Schmidt have to choose between competing in the WPC, or staying home. That's the truth!

Frankly, on the international level, North America is the laughing stock of the pool world. As of right now, these organizations are doing very little if anything for these players and everybody notices it but the people in charge of these organizations.

Blackjack:

US Players recieve a stipend or incentive of $1,000 each from the BCA most probably through the UPA. BCA has been doing this for the past 20 years. Players this year will probably recieve more.

Some countries or Confederations don't even pay any stipends to the players. The players, their Federations, or both have to come up with monies in order to get to the WPC; so in essence the stipend the US Players get is a "bundle" compared with what Central and South American Players get to attend the World Championships.

The WPA in some instances have assisted foreign players or Federation Countries with money to help players assist the WPC so that true international representation is present at the WPC. All this is of my personal knowledge as President of the Puerto Rican Billiards Federation.

You say that North America is the laughing stock of the Pool World. Next time you talk to the Latin American Players at the WPC, please ask them who assisted them to the Championships. You will be surprised with their answer.

The current state of pool from Mexico all the way down to Argentina and the Caribbean Basin is ruled in a dictatorship manner. The CPB has not done an International Pool event in about 2 years, except for the Panamerican Championships which happen to be the qualifiers for the WPC. You know what is the prize these players receive for their efforts to qualify for the WPC? A trophy, a medal and probably around $600 US dollars if they are lucky. Some may receive only $200 USD. Now tell me how the Latin American Players are suppose to show up at the WPC if what they receive wont even cover travel expenses like air fare, room/board or meals. I have given more money to our players from my own pocket than what I have recieved in stipends for the players.

We really need to give the BCA a chance to prove that they are willing to form a committee to resolve some of the past issues. No organization is perfect but they are trying. Obviously no organization is going to fully fund a large group of players to any World Pool Event. It is too costly and the income recieved by many Federations (including the one I preside) dont even cover the yearly administrative expenses.

Believe me, the North American players are in "Richy-Rich Land" compared with the South American and Caribbean Players. I am convinced that the other 150 or so recognized Billiards Federations of the World are most probably going through the same agony we are.

Therefore, lets lighten up on accusations and comments about how organizations are run by the different Executive Boards of the World. The task is not easy, and the negative comments do not help one bit.

 

[Blackjack]

Therefore, lets lighten up on accusations and comments about how organizations are run by the different Executive Boards of the World. The task is not easy, and the negative comments do not help one bit.

Harold,
I lightened up for the first 35 years ... now I call it the way I see it. The BCA serves no purpose at all. Until the WPA and other organizations realize this, we will continue to run in circles. Sorry if that comes across as harsh, but that is reality.

 

[juegabillar]

Harold,
I lightened up for the first 35 years ... now I call it the way I see it. The BCA serves no purpose at all. Until the WPA and other organizations realize this, we will continue to run in circles. Sorry if that comes across as harsh, but that is reality.

Ok, so what do you suggest? A new organization? A new World Pool Association? Who would subsidize the Players from now on? How would the selection of players to the WPC be made?

We have to work with what we got. The new BCA committee gives a glimmer of hope. We cannot just close shop and go home.

 

[unknownpro]

Harold,
I lightened up for the first 35 years ... now I call it the way I see it. The BCA serves no purpose at all. Until the WPA and other organizations realize this, we will continue to run in circles. Sorry if that comes across as harsh, but that is reality.

I agree completely. And that's before I knew they owed me a thousand dollars. Payup you no playing $%@#$@.

unknownpro

 

[Blackjack]

Ok, so what do you suggest? A new organization? A new World Pool Association? Who would subsidize the Players from now on? How would the selection of players to the WPC be made?

We have to work with what we got. The new BCA committee gives a glimmer of hope. We cannot just close shop and go home.

Of course we need a new organization. The BCA promotes themselves and they do it to collect membership fees from businesses within the industry. The monies collected go where? It definitely isn't going back to players in any way, shape or form. Just ask unknownpro. The BCA plans there Trade Show which is now closed to the public. It didn't used to be like that. The Billiard Education Fund is a great thing - so is the tournament in Vegas every year. However, it's not enough.

When the IPT went belly up, nobody was there to assist the players. There was nothing set up to protect them. There was nothing set up to represent them. There were no options. They were just left on their own to fend for themselves. Did the BCA step up to the plate to do anything? I can't recall that they did anything.

It's the same way with the WPC. The players need to either have a major sponsor to assist with the costs of attending this event, or they have to stay home. They certainly can't win a hell of a lot of money with only 2 or 3 events on the UPA calendar, so they are forced to either compete on the regional tours or get regular 9-5 jobs - sometimes they have to do both. Others just go back to gambling on the road, start playing poker instead of pool, or they quit. All the while the BCA sits back planning their Trade Show that nobody cares about anymore.

So yes, a new organization is needed. An organization that will take a proactive approach to providing the players with events, opportunites, benefits, and respect. The BCA can keep its position within the WCBS/WPA umbrella, however to assist the players a new organization needs to be formed outside the realm of politics, power, and greed. This organization will be set up to provide benefits and services that the other organizations have been unable/ or refused to provide for the players. I am speaking of legal representation, health benefits, assistance with sponsorship, and setting up a retirement plan.

This organization could also be responsible for implementing a National Billiard Training Center - we have a great school in Dallas right now. What's the hold up? As an instructor, I would jump at the chance of teaching at the national training center - I would relocate in a heartbeat. Everything that I have mentioned is already there, its just that when you bring these issues up, they all say that it costs too much. The money is already there, and its not going where its needed the most. Its going where they want it to go, not where it needs to go. That's the reality of the situation.