Dress code in pool

T

Tontus

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I have read many threads on the forum where people complain about the way pros dress and such....Now I just don't get why competitors should not be allowed to wear what they want, I know that this is a gentleman sport, but times change! Look at Tennis, some years ago you had to wear a collar and full white, and when some pros started doing away with that people were initially outraged, but now no one cares.

Do you not think that normal folks that are not neccesarily pool nuts can't relate when they see pros on TV dressed like with the little vest etc (I love pool but certainly cannot relate)? Would they relate more if pros were just allowed to wear what they want (within reason)? It would also allow the pros to be more personable and show their own style for people to relate to...same as poker.

I just wanna know how people feel about this subject.
 
Business casual might be a nice middle ground.

You don't have to wear vests and everybody's pants are above their ass.
 
No doubt, dress code should evolve with the times, but tennis players still, in my opinion, dress with both style and elegance. In both pool and tennis, players should be permitted to wear clothing that is comfortable, but the line needs to be drawn somewhere.

Dress code is for the fans and the sponsors and, even moreso, for would-be sponsors or investors in the sport, who need to know that association with the sport will not prove embarrassing.

I hate to pick on the product of a single company, and a very good product at that, but the fact that seemingly one in six players (including those on the TV table) at Derby City competes wearing a Hustlin' USA T-shirt does not, in my view, reflect well on our sport. If an executive of a potential corporate sponsor happened to be in attendance, they'd probably be turned off by it. Similarly, parents in attendance might be less inclined to introduce their kids to a game in which so many of the elite openly show pride in being associated with pool hustling.

Dress code can be dispensed with, but, as noted, it comes with a cost, and that cost is a reduction in image that can turn off would-be fans, would-be sponsors/investors, and would-be players.
 
Many times, you will also see the players are wired with wireless microphones and battery packs on their butts. That is something that I could not play with.

Joe
 
TX Poolnut said:
Business casual might be a nice middle ground.

You don't have to wear vests and everybody's pants are above their ass.
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I agree. Some khakis or even jeans with a collared shirt or polo should be fine. It is a courtesy to the game, the audience, and other players as well, especially for professional tournaments.
 
Systim6 said:
Yes pool is just like tennis. We should dress just like them, the women must wear tiny little skirts.
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Little skirts...hmm

I agree, so long as they look like the tennis women.

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Your comment about tennis is not entirely accurate. While the dress code has evolved over the years to make it appear to be less stuffy, one still exists. Wimbledon has very specific guidelines that include "primarily white" apparel for the court.

I don't have a problem with dress code myself as I prefer to look good. When I see people wearing clothing that I wouldn't wear to a rock fight, I'm saddened by what that says about their respect for them selves and for the game.

That's just me and I'm no judge.

Brian in VA
 
I always try to look at least presentable when playing especially for League or Tournament play. Unless there is a specific dress code I will wear, jeans, a polo and sneakers. I don't think Pool needs to go the route of snooker with collar and tie.

However some people make no effort whatsoever, last week during a League night someone was wearing an old battered t-shirt, with holes, actually I think the dirt was the only thing holding it together. He was also wearing jeans that had more crap on them than the Atlanta Sewage Works processes in a week and boots in the same state. That is just disrespectful to your team, the room and yourself!
 
I like business casual look. I makes it alittle professional.

Boots
Dress Shoes
No running shoe's (exceptions for medical reasons)
Slacks
Jeans (No Holes)
Polo's / Dress shirts
Plain T-shirts with no images or writing (unless you are sponsered)

The above is what I would consider business casual.
 
When I use to play in little Bar Tourny's in the Valley of the Sun many showed up to play shall we say not dress for success.
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My point is if Pool want to attract sponsors, and advertisers maybe a image change is due? Plus a minimum code of dress.
 
THE DRESS CODE

Pool players should appear at least sufficiently prosperous to be able to buy the products of potential sponsors.:D
 
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Dress Code in Pool

If one is playing in a local tournament on Saturday night, then I say the dress code isn't necessary. For larger and major events, there should be a dress code.

A dress code sets a standard of appearance. It has been my experience when dealing with the public that people tend to play with the "grey" areas of a dress code. For major events, then the items l listed below should be mandated as appropriate:
Dress pants
No tennis shoes
Shirt with a collar and sleeves

If you would notice, I did not mention denims or jeans. Here is a real grey area.

Just my opinion. :thumbup:
 
cleavage

As I watch ESPN, which mainly features women in competition, it would appear that maximum cleavage prevails.
 
I feel so alone

You'll have no problem spotting me in a pool room.

I'm the guy wearing bespoke clothing and an apron.

I believe everyone should dress the way they like (within reason) when playing pool, but times have changed. We're an under-dressed nation now, and I definitely look out of place whenever I enter a pool room.
 
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No tennis shoes/running shoes? If pool is a sport why not sport footwear?

Have you ever played 5 - 6 hours straight in dress shoes? Your feet will hurt like hell.
 
Golfers dress pretty Sporty

Golf gets a lot of Sponsors and Fans!
 

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I think pool legitimizes itself further when the dress code is consistent. Other sports use a uniform that is most efficient for them to play their sport but also maintains uniformity. You can spot a football player, tennis player, cyclist, etc just by their uniform. Even Olympic participants wear consistent uniforms. Despite the variety, you can also spot a golfer. The standard outfit identifies the sport. I understand the desire for comfort while shooting but I like a dress code to create an identity. I really liked the dress code for the recent Ultimate 10 Ball tournament. It doesn't have to be suits or vests but something sporty and consistent.

I don't believe a dress code is necessary for all events but definitely for a large event. Local tourneys, dress how you want.
 
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