Ipod During Play

[akaTrigger]

i agree

well..if by your definition then there would be nothing wrong with a person listening on an ipod to a instructional mp3 on banking when he is getting ready to make a bank shot...that is a mental aid..but there is no one on this forum who would allow that during play... All i am saying is that an ipod takes out part of the game that some people practice over and over which is to maintain their mental focus through what ever.. maybe i am off the mark but i just cant believe that i am the only on that thinks that ipods present an unfair advantage when used during play..if a person isnt shooting and is listening to an ipod then cool but not while shooting..just my personal prefrence

Hi quitecoolguy,

You're not the only one. I think it's unfair, also. However, I try not to let it bother me and I even came up with a possible solution: if my opponents can use it, then I should wear one also if I really feel that passionate about it. But... (couldn't resist the ellipses), I think it's a disadvantage if I use them because if I get used to them it could hurt me in the tournaments where they aren't allowed, which for me is the majority of my tournaments. I just don't want to risk that.

Melinda

 

[Merlinium]

I am not bothered about an Ipod but I have considered using earplugs as a lot of times when I am playing competition matches I seem to have to play some idiot who has 2 of his mates there just for the sole purpose of talking to me when I am down on shots.

What do you think of earplugs? What if I was willing to agree to forfeit any game were I did not hear a foul called?

 

[cuechick]

I am not bothered about an Ipod but I have considered using earplugs as a lot of times when I am playing competition matches I seem to have to play some idiot who has 2 of his mates there just for the sole purpose of talking to me when I am down on shots.

What do you think of earplugs? What if I was willing to agree to forfeit any game were I did not hear a foul called?

If your in a tournament situation you have the right to tell your opponant his firends can not sit at the the table while you play, if they don't want to comply ask the tournament director. Most tournaments I play in don't even allow non players on the floor.

 

[Banks]

This is a very grey area. Where do you draw the line on what you can't do within your own personal space? If it does not affect the table (ie- laser pointer or something equally odd), then who cares. Would a lucky rabbit's foot be crossing the line? Or maybe lucky socks? Without it/them, maybe one wouldn't shoot as well. Maybe I'd wear an ipod if I had one, but alas I don't.. I'll just start singing horribly to myself..

 

[X Breaker]

I tried to wear an earplug before, but it really bothered me because I could not hear the sound the cue made with the ball.

I am not sure if I am the only one who feels this way, no one else has mentioned it, but to me it is important that I can hear the sound the tip makes with the ball.

Richard

 

[Dhakala]

but what do you think about the laser in the tip device in comparison to the ipod..are thy both not devices to aid in you playing better, would you consider them on the same level explain why or why not

A laser is substituting for natural skill.

An iPod merely allows the player's natural skills to exercise undisturbed. It does not replace or enhance any of them.

 

[Dhakala]

I am not bothered about an Ipod but I have considered using earplugs as a lot of times when I am playing competition matches I seem to have to play some idiot who has 2 of his mates there just for the sole purpose of talking to me when I am down on shots.

Have them ejected.

What do you think of earplugs? What if I was willing to agree to forfeit any game were I did not hear a foul called?

I carry disposable earplugs in my case and wear them whenever the music gets too loud. 100 pairs will run you about $13 delivered.

They don't eliminate sound, they shave about 30 decibels off its volume. I can carry on conversations with anyone who's speaking loud enough to be heard over the music. You'll easily be able to hear a ref who's calling a foul the way it should be called: in a clear, sharp voice.

 

[orhe]

i think it should depend... if its a gambling match then listen to the IPOD though keep it to yourself... if its a tournament that exudes professionalism then... try to concentrate on the table

 

[shir]

We've had this problem during an official tournament here in the Netherlands.
There was a girl playing with her Ipod in/on.
Some other players came up to me (I was the tournament leader) to complain about it.
I went up to the girl to tell her that I couldn't find anything in the WPA rules, but that I kindly requested her to take them out! She refused...
Here in Holland, the tournament leader has the final call. She could have objected but had to go through a lot of trouble with the Federation first..
In my opinion MP3 -players shouldn't be allowed.
Pool is not only a physical game but also a mental one.
MP3 players are therefore(do you spell it this way?) a mechanical helping device. They help you concentrate better by blocking sounds you might not want to hear or concentrate by hearing the same sounds you hear during practice for example...
I also think it's shows a lack of respect towards the game and/or the opponent.
Hope I made it a bit clear... ?

 

[PROG8R]

i am all for the MP3 playas. I started using one at a tourney a few months back and I can tell you that it really helps to block out the (intentional or unintentional sharking), and the attitudes and comments that cant take me out of focus (like, um.. he missed an easy out then sits on the sides saying good game, I cant believe I missed it and the constant downplaying).
I am available the entrie match for conversation if needed ( I am not going to take my eyes off the table,) so if you wanted to tell me I was on two just point to the cluster and hold up 2 fingers and lip it.

 

[Billiard Architect]

Our weekly tournament allows them I believe (you can correct me if I am wrong Rick). I have seen players with them and I have even bought noise cancelling headphones myself although I have not used them yet. The reason is around 9:00 (about an hour into the tournament.) they kick on a karioke machine. People down the block can hear this thing it is so loud. Seriously it is so loud that I can be standing beside somone @ the table yelling and they will still ask me to repeat what I said. Even after numorous complaints to the bar tenders nothing happens (I swear they turn it up louder). Screaming out between songs "TURN IT DOWN!" does nothing.

I think in this situation where there is no control and it really would not matter if someone called foul because you could not hear them anyway over the karioke then anything to drown out the sound should be allowed. Even in pro tournaments when loud players cheat with their banter I could see how h/p would be appropriate.

JV