Players Attempting to Unionize?

For what it's worth, it looks like bowling is part of the world games and therefore should be subject to the same IOC demands as pool. But the PBA hasn't banned Russian bowlers from competing from what I can tell.
 
kling&allen said:
For what it's worth, it looks like bowling is part of the world games and therefore should be subject to the same IOC demands as pool. But the PBA hasn't banned Russian bowlers from competing from what I can tell.
Click to expand...
Are there any...LOL?
 
kling&allen said:
Sorry Stu, you are totally wrong on this. The 1964 Civil Rights Act was specifically drafted to address this issue in response to the discrimination faced by Japanese during WW2. Perhaps it would be different if the US government actually imposed sanctions related to ordinary Russians in the US, but they did not.

Don't take my word for it as a lawyer, you can easily do your own search to see that this ban is unique to US pro pool and not being followed by any other industry or pro sport.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the education. You've motivated me to do a little more reading on the subject.
 
sjm said:
You seem to have assumed that the purpose of the union would be to strong arm event producers into raising prize funds. Perhaps you are privy to things I'm not.

If you're right about the primary mission of this union, I'm with you on this. At a time when total prize money available in our sport is skyrocketing, it's hardly the right time for the players to be ruffling any feathers on prize money (or even, possibly salaries) and if they do, the event producers, whose events are already oversubscribed, may even retaliate by lowering prize funds or eliminating events.

The focus needs to be on increasing demand for the professional pool product, and if that is achieved, the money will come. Far too many players tend to overlook that they must play a large role in helping to present pool as professionally as possible.
Click to expand...

Stu, you're right as usual.

Pool players who want to improve their lot, should be using social media to interact with their fans. They should want to develop relationships with potential sponsors and all fans of the sport. They should also show more consideration as to what they wear to regional, national and international pool events. I see some professionals like Niels Feijen, NOT sitting on their butts, waiting for a handout but actively utilizing social media, gaining more respect, making some money along the way, adding to their fan base every day and still competing in the growing pool events.
 
When you form an organization, you have to put good, honest and smart people in office, and then you have to trust them.

They keep missing the boat on various combinations of the above. I hope things work out better for them this time. A players' association is essential to the advancement of the sport.
 
nick serdula said:
Being in a union for decades
I can say much is needed.
An employer.
An administrator.
Contributing members.
Funny thing. I never see the last thing happening.
Or the first.
Or the second.
I was a union steward in law was a union pres.
The money to operate is stupid!
Then the lawyers.
There are always the advantages.
Many advantages.
Maybe a look at the old New Youk Musician's Union's structure would be helpful for organizers.
Good Luck,
Nick :)
Click to expand...
Speaking from both sides of the fence I can tell you that Unions are the only way to go. Management being able to do anything they want is dangerous…and this coming from an old Kentucky boy whose family has been against unions for generations. Having no union, or organization of any kind is okay if the folks in charge have integrity, but integrity seems to be in short supply these days. I won’t bore you guys with the details, but it’s crazy what I’m seeing. I can relate to what the players are going through, probably the same basic principles are in play here, good luck guys! I hope it all works out.
 
sjm said:
While my knee jerk reaction is that forming a union is a really bad idea, it boils down to what the union's mission will be, because it might just be a good idea.

The last union formed, called the ABP, had at its core, in my opinion, the goal of strong-arming event producers into paying more prize money, with a stated minimum for added money, threatening to sit out events that failed to comply. If that's the mission of this union, heaven help us all.

On the other hand, if the union will focus on playing conditions, rules, dress code, code of conduct rules and possibly even setting up a group health care plan, a union may add a lot of value.

I'll reserve judgment here, for I'm not sure what the mission of this union will be.
Click to expand...
A Union is only as good as it's members. If the members get involved, go to meetings vote in elections for officers and are invested, the Union will be whatever they want it to be. If the members don't show up, don't get involved and do nothing but complain, it won't work. Generally the people I have been around that don't like Unions are the ones that choose not to get involved and then complain that the Union is not looking out for their best interest.
 
Last edited:
sparkdr220 said:
A Union is only as good as it's members. If the members get involved, go to meetings vote in elections for officers and are invested, the Union will be whatever they want it to be. If the members don't show up, don't get involved and do nothing but complain, it won't work. Generally the people I have been around that don't like Unions are the ones that choose not to get involved and then complain that the Union is not looking out for their best interest.
Click to expand...
Well said.
 
I find it funny this thread has gone on so long, it it only concerns the Pro Players.

If they indeed the Pros have a problem, it is theirs to fix.

We have no skin in the game, it not our problem.

Plus if the Pro Players get their problem resolved.

I wonder how long the fix will be honored?😂
 
I think I’ve read all the posts in this thread but I hope I’m not repeating a thought that has already been discussed.

I’m 61 and have been a pool fan/player for 50+ years. We are experiencing an incredible advancement in professional pool, like I have never seen. Matchroom, CSI with Predator, WPA and a handful of streaming promoters are organizing and shaping the professional pool world now. If the players want a say in how that develops, they have to organize now. Admittedly, professional pool players have struggled to organize, in the past, and they have a difficult path in front of them but it has to start somewhere and sometime. Now is a good time. It’s a lot like that old saying about planting a tree; “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time to plant a tree is today.” Same can be said for professional pool players organizing.

I wish them the best.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I got a ton of respect for Emily Frazer listening to her interview on Pool Player Podcast. She recognizes that these Pool players are the experts and is willing to listen to their concerns but she/Matchroom will make the final decisions on what they feel is the best for their events. She did say also that she will let the Pool players know why the requests that were found to be unworkable for Matchroom were rejected. This is the way to go and I fully expect CSI/Predator will adopt this approach also.

Emily is not too keen on the "Union/Association" idea, but I believe having an Association is a good thing because the experts could finalize their "wants" between themselves before approaching the producers. Having JJ as a leader in the Association is a humongous benefit because I think many people realize that JJ is a very deep thinker if not a genius in the sport.

I really believe they need to standardize the rules and work on getting "neutral racks" ... big issues for SVB also. Format (which has nothing to do with the rules) should ultimately be the producers decisions because like Emily said, Pool players are the experts in the game, but the producers are the experts in selling the game to the public.

I saw Karim did an interview on Pool Player Podcast and can't wait to listen to it. The guys at PPP are doing a great service for pool.
 
KAP1976 said:
Show me a situation where management has been.
Click to expand...
I watched the Karim interview and he said he will help the Association financially. I don't think the pool players are forming an Association to have players go on strike etc. There are too many players waiting in the wings to give them that kind of powers.

Anyway, the pool players are not on some kind paid contract so I don’t see a "worker/management" relationship.
 
kling&allen said:
True enough. But Fedor is not an Olympic athlete and the WPA is applying the IOC ban outside the.Olympics.
Click to expand...
Reminds me of WADA, completely out of control, power drink and zero oversight to put them in check

Am I missing something?

Kindest regards
Fatboy
 
VVP said:
Anyway, the pool players are not on some kind paid contract so I don’t see a "worker/management" relationship.
Click to expand...


They are like Freelance Sport players. Or those freelancer who follow, and ride Rodeo hoping for big score.

if they earn more than $599.00/ year from single event, or combination of events by same event promoter I believe they I believe they need to be given 1099’s.

If promoter, bar or pool hall doesn’t repot the payout IRS can do bad things.
 
Having to give someone a 1099 doesn't necessarily make you an employer. I got a 1099 from a farmer that rents some of my land.
 
  • Like
Reactions: VVP
Fatboy said:
Reminds me of WADA, completely out of control, power drink and zero oversight to put them in check

Am I missing something?

Kindest regards
Fatboy
Click to expand...

Not from my perspective. WPA/BCA are awful for professional pool in my opinion.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top