Yeah. First off - congrats Brian!
No offense though, I think it should be treated just as Valley Forge/Expo is...if you win the amateur, you can't really go back and play in it again.
3 times in the less than 20 year history is pretty big...move on to more challenging things, you're not really an amateur anymore.
This is an interesting point. Where is the line drawn between Professional and Amateur? Brian's current status fits the definition of "Amateur", as defined by the governing body of the tournament (APA).
"32. NO PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS ALLOWED
This League is intended for amateurs, and the APA reserves the
right to reject or cancel the memberships of those individuals whom
the APA deems to be professionals. The APA has a variety of criteria for determining professional or amateur status. They include a touring
(tournament) membership in any men’s or women’s professional billiards
organization, winning tour points from any of those organizations, being a
nationally known money player (a judgment call), or otherwise being recognized
as a billiards professional, billiards celebrity or entertainer (noted performers of
exhibitions, retired professionals, etc.). The APA reserves the right to rule on
the amateur/professional status of any member, and we may consider all, some,
or none of the above criteria. Just remember, if you enter a professional event,
perform exhibitions, or otherwise behave as a professional, you risk your amateur
standing in our association.
Locally, the League Operator and/or the Board of Governors has the option of
disallowing participation by an individual who has consistently demonstrated
professional characteristics. An individual who is a known money player and is
perceived by the League Operator/Board of Governors
to make a substantial
portion of his living playing pool, rather than having other employment, could
fall into this category. An individual who gives exhibitions or lessons for money
may fall into this category. A highly skilled individual who is employed as a
manager/assistant manager of a billiard room may be categorized as a house pro
and could be ineligible for amateur play.
The APA does not wish League
Operators/Boards of Governors to disallow participation based strictly on ability.
There are many skilled amateurs and they are welcome to play in the League."
For what it's worth, I feel that if you cash in a "Professional Tournament" (which Brian has on multiple occasions for several years) you are a professional level player. Making a lion's share of your income from pool should not be the differentiating factor. I've never personally met Brian or seen him play, but if you are skilled enough to consistently cash in events where Professionals are participating, I think those players are closer to your peers than Amateurs.
