Conflicting reports regarding BB

[Arlene]

It's strange, I've been to a hundred + pool tournaments and never heard of anyone losing a game over "not knowing the rules". I'm sure it's probably happened, but I've seen more "hole in one's" in golf in my life than pros lose games over rules violations.

I have stated many times that referees should oversee the professional matches. Maybe not every round, but certainly the Quarters, Semi's and Final Round. Even in golf there are many times they have rules called by referees and players asking about rules during the rounds.

Bonus Ball was challenging for me to keep track of the rules, the unusual ball colors and keeping score while playing. Even so, the Top Pros should master the rules and the game in a week or so under normal conditions. I'm just not sure how they're going to educate the public on the rules when it's so complicated for the aficionados.

In the night club business we have a protocol for naming clubs and the #1 Rule is Do NOT give use a name that can be made fun of. I've been thinking about what a club owner would have named a new pool game......

CJ Wiley-
As an entrepreneur myself, I know that a name is of great importance! It can either make you or break you. Branding is such an integral key to making a business very successful now a days. With name like Fire Ball, one would really spark attention!!!:thumbup:

Arlene

 

[Bob Jewett]

But wouldn't you think that for their very first airing of Bonus Ball they would have at least had a set of rules in writing? ...

Well, no. Maybe in the best of all possible worlds, but we seem to be stuck in this one. I've refereed in World Championships where there was not a written rule set -- or at least not one the TD/promoter was willing to share -- and the rules differed from the standard rules at the time (BCA).

 

[Bob Jewett]

That's their fault, though, no? Whether it's the norm or not.

I think it is not the players' fault. If the organizer/promoter of the event wants things to go smoothly, he needs to make sure the players know the rules. The primary responsibility is on the organizer, especially since the game is new. I can imagine several ways to ensure this. How about lots of practice sessions with a player who gets a rule wrong or has to ask forfeiting a match? Put up small prizes, say $200 a match, and see how fast they learn the rules.

 

[Bob Jewett]

Here's the theme song: http://youtu.be/jgT6qvywfpY?t=39s