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In today's world so many organizations define standards and levels of expertise. But that does not happen yet in the craft of cue making. So one has to look at what constitutes a master. For myself I look at the quality of final construction, I look at the issue of artistry, the issue of originality, the ability to advance to the craft by introducing new ideas of design and construction. Those factors combined help me as a consumer to determine if a given cue maker that I am looking at is a master of his craft. And in my book that limits to a very select number of cue makers.
Among modern living cue makers, for myself I would consider Ginacue, Thomas Wayne, Bill Schick, Richard Black as modern masters. Among those cue makers who have passed on I would consider Tad Kohara, Gus, and Bert Schrager as masters.
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Requirements for hall of fame members.
http://www.cuemakers.org/images/userfiles/hofinq.pdf
HALL OF FAME AWARD
The American Cuemaker's Association Hall of Fame Award is the most prestigious award in the cuemaking industry.
HALL OF FAME INDUCTION REQUIREMENTS
1. The nominee does NOT have to be a member of the ACA.
2. The nominee may be living or deceased.
3. The nominee has been involved in cuemaking for a minimum of 20 years. 4. The nominee is known for quality and innovative work.
5.The nominee has made considerable contributions to the cuemaking industry by developing or inventing new techniques materials, machinery or tools used in the manufacturing or design process.
6. The nominee has contributed significantly to the cuemaking industry other than by just making cues. This can be through any means that increases the market for American made Cues.
7.The nominee has made significant contributions towards the advancement of cuemaker's careers.
8. The nominee has made significant contributions towards the increase of the cue buying customer base.
9. There is a public perception of the cuemaker as an important member of the cuemaking industry. (i.e.: cuemaker's workmanship/ collectibility status).
10. There is a player's perception of the cuemaker's work as a fine example of function and workmanship.)
NOTE:
It should also be noted throughout history, very artistic and talented people have unfortunately had an inability to manage their businesses well. Cue makers are no exception. Just because a cue maker misses deadlines or doesn’t keep his customers appraised of progress oftheir orders shouldn’t disqualify a talented individual from HOF status. This should, be considered, however. This individual must then be even more “special” in the items listed above.
NON-CUEMAKER REQUIREMENTS
This area cannot be well defined at this time since we have not identified many potential candidates. The non-cue maker option is being documented in case someone surfaces in the future that should be considered. Non-cue makers being nominated might have made extraordinary contributions to the cue making industry by developing new materials such as plastics, adhesives, and tips. He might have opened up significant new markets for our product. He might have made a major breakthrough in the acceptance by the general public of cues as an art form or collectable. Before a non-cue maker can be seriously considered, his contributions should be truly extraordinary.
HALL OF FAME COMMITTEE MEMBERS
The Hall of Fame Committee selects the candidates for the ACA Hall of Fame.
Currently, the HOF Committee consists of Cuemakers, Collectors, Representatives of the Media, and current Hall of Fame members. Current Committee members are:
Cuemaker - Jim Buss (Chairman)
Cue Collectors - Rick Goulden, Will Prout.
Media - Conrad Burkman (retired owner of The National Billiard News). Tom Shaw (Pool and Billiard Magazine)
ACA Hall of Fame Members. Richard Black, Ernie Gutierrez, Dan Janes, Bill Schick
HALL OF FAME SELECTION PROCESS
1. The HOF award is presented in March at the Allen Hopkins Super Billiards Expo.
2. Approximately 4 months prior to the Award Presentation, the HOF committee begins a series of teleconferences.
A.previous selection process is reviewed and suggestions for improvement are considered.
B. Possible candidates are discussed.
C. The committee ultimately selects three candidates (nominees).
D. The nominees are presented to the Voting Members of the ACA.
E. The ballots are emailed to members of the HOF Committee. F. The ballots are validated by the committee.
G. An announcement of the newest member of the HOF is announced.