Etiquette - Where did it go?

MikeMaaen said:
Lots of valid points on other sports in decline, polite behavior and the downfall of "real" pool rooms. I learned etiquette very early on and am happy to report that I just completed a 14.1 match. Low volume 70's music, good competition, only two of us, little conversation during the match and a purely enjoyable experience, tI occured in my basement on my table which is one of the remaining bastions of civility. Thank goodness I am fortunate enough to have the space and an understanding wife who does not mind being a pool widow. I've been around the game since the early 60's and just love it when it's played with quite dignity.
Click to expand...

I wish I was your neighbor. I have the same circumstance you describe except no one to play with.
 
MikeMaaen said:
It used to be that "serious" pool had a set of unwritten etiquette that players followed. Tournament and action games are generally as friendly as a knife fight but, mutual respect demanded that the incomming player was silent, seated and still while the shooter commanded the table. A occassional "nice shot" or "tap,tap,tap" was about all the commuication necessary or desired. The players chair was for the players, not the rail birds or other team members and friends..

It seems that much of this has been lost. In a recient APA event the music (if you could call it that) was turned up to deafing volume, players yelling over the sound of the racket added to the distraction. Teams gathered around the match table leaving nowhere for the players to sit down. Opponents standing in the line of a shot (used to be called "sharking"), shooters complaining loudly about a missed shot or position.

Should there be some discussion on this phenom? I thnk the game sounds of tip on cue, cue on ball and ball in pocket have simply become overshadowed. Here's a vote for more "mum pool".
Click to expand...

And you blame the APA for that............... ?????


Kim
 
I have no problem instructing people
on any kind of etiquette, common courtesy,
or socially acceptable behavior. Usually their
immediate response is defensive but eventually
they realize they really don't want to appear as
an ignorant ass.

Joe
 
Something has been going on with the group I play with daily. First it's strictly for fun no money involved. We usually play partners 8 ball, recently quite a few of the players
have started to shoot balls on the table next to the game if it's open. Just seems to me
to indicate they don't care what's happen in the game, I just think it's not right.
Am I making too big a thing out of it?
 
To the OP; I'll go one further and ask you this question. Have you ever noticed that noisy people tend to learn less and stay stuck at their current skill level?

I remember back when the pool hall that I frequented was a true pool hall. I could go in and strike up a game with someone and have a nice civil, intelligent game. With money on the line. I learned so much more from the minimalist aspect. I was able to focus better and maintain my emotions better....and I played WAY better as a result.

Today is fast, loud and rude in most cases. It's a shame really because some of the newer players will never really get to experience what I am talking about.

I miss the old days.
 
jaetee said:
While the number of "real" pool rooms are diminishing, I can't entirely agree with your comment.

I play in an APA league at a very popular pool hall in Palm Harbor, FL every Thursday night. They have pool, darts, poker and a nice, well-stocked bar. The league night is extremely busy and the OP's comments sound exactly like I'd describe my Thursday night experiences of late. Luckily, my team captain is smart enough, and early enough to secure one of the tables where the people traffic is to a minimum and we can play with less distractions. To contrast that, I was there this past Monday night to get in some practice and walked into a much more-serious in-house 8-ball tournament (not handicapped) and the experience was very different. Not nearly as many people (read "bangers") and mostly very serious play, and there were even two pro players in action games at two of the tables. There may have been more action going on, but I had an inside track on what was going on at those tables.... Also, the music was even at a refreshingly acceptable level for a change...

It was a very gratifying pool experience...
Click to expand...

I get what you're saying... I used to have a pool room near that didn't have a jukebox, didn't have a bar, had a soda machine, a chips and candy bar machine with lights taken out. Big nice leather chairs that were worn down, and 15 very good tables. I just miss a pool room. Now a days, everything is Jillians-esgue.
 
rikdee said:
I wish I was your neighbor. I have the same circumstance you describe except no one to play with.
Click to expand...

I have the same problem as you, getting people over who really want to play. I am starting to get some of the league guys over, they all love the equipment and its really nice to be able to shoot pool without having to listen to other peoples idea of music. Table and stuff is nice but basement still looks like Turkish Prison but we will be working on improving that soon. I would host people 5 or 6 nights a week if I had that many who were serious about playing.
 
I don't necessarily think that "serious" pool and APA go hand in hand. Obviously some of them/us are serious and know the rules but the 2 APA leagues (23 & masters) I play in are filled with probably 80% of people who don't know proper etiquette. But, the BCA league I play in is nearly as bad regarding etiquette.

People don't know what they don't know. Some will try to learn and others will continue to try and shark. Know that this is what you get with leagues and either deal with it or move on.

Good Luck
 
dude if there was a patch for making excuses for apa players you would have a trunk full.


CreeDo said:
I see guys gamble the way you describe all the time... quiet, no extra comments, no moving around,
but not ice cold either. They will pay compliments and handle disputes without raising voices.

APA players are used to being on teams, where the team can cheer for the shooter
and the shooter can cry at his team after bad rolls. The atmosphere is social and not so dead-nuts serious.

When the music is over the top, find the right person and complain. You'd be surprised.
Everyone just suffers through it and assumes the management will ignore their gripes.
So you get a roomful of people who are unhappy about it but the management never hears a complaint.
Just one is often enough.
Click to expand...
 
Refreshing to hear so many others who recognize and also suffer from this type of behavior. Pool, in all its forms, is something to be cherished. I thought I might be alone in my opinion and would get hammered for bringing it up. Some agree and some disagree but, hope all of us will do just a little to educate the newer players, protect the dignity of the green felt and appreciate those who share our passion. I know a few young guns that have developed the etiquette to play anywhere, with anyone and be able to walk away proud of what they did. Thanks to all who responded.
 
Pool table etiquette is a must that you have to practice as always. It is very important that you learn to value and respect other players. Don't disturb and don't distract the player who is currently shooting the ball. Be a sportsman.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top