Pro Pool in America

[JoeyA]

Professional Pocket Billiard Code of Conduct

Please use this forum to express positive ideas for assisting the growth of professional pool in America.

One of the most important things that I think is needed is a committee to form a PROFESSIONAL BILLIARD CODE OF CONDUCT. To the best of my knowledge there has never been a policy and procedure or even a written recommended guideline for professional pool player's to read, learn and follow. If there are no written word to determine how a professional pool player should carry themselves, it is left up to the individual to determine how they present themselves to the public.

Professional pool players need to learn what is needed of them, expected of them and what must be done by them at all times while in the public's eye. The most important time is that of tournament time. I have the greatest respect for professional pool players but many do not know how to act in public, how they should treat fans, the value of providing accurate information about themselves to the media and public in general. No one has ever taught them how they should treat amateur competitors who opt to compete against professional pool players.

Certain behavior should be expected from all. No; professional behavior should be demanded of all. The players have never had a dress code that was demanded of them. It has always been a guideline. If you have been at any of the professional tournaments in recent times, you will see players using their own judgment and style of clothing. When you see some of the greatest pool players in the world wearing clothing that is designed for hanging around the house at professional events and the management turns a blind eye toward some of the players, you know you have a problem. When a professional pool player is in the public's eye there should be certain guidelines for behavior. There should be a Code of Conduct that is not ambiguous and one that demands adherence to. This point should be made perfectly clear to all professional pool players.

We don't need to have professional poolplayers, playing pool in tuxedos and wearing Prada or Martin Dingman shoes but their should be a clearly written Code of Dress demanded of them at all times while they participate in a professional pool venue.

While at this point in time I have not done research on the subject, we should look to our European brothers in snooker for research into their code of conduct for their players. In fact, we should look anywhere and everywhere for advice on this subject because without it, individuals will be allowed to sully the image of professional pool we are trying to re-create.

The gist of this is that we need a written CODE OF CONDUCT detailing how players must act at pool tournaments, in public while attending any billiard industry event (even in pool rooms and other places where the industry congregates) and especially how they must dress while attending all professional billiard events.

No player can be allowed a pass on violating the dress code or bad behavior. Effective penalties designed to modify behavior and dress should be handed out without discrimination.

This PROFESSIONAL POCKET BILLIARD CODE OF CONDUCT should be in written booklet form, available for download on the Internet and it should be concise but very clear as to what is expected of the professional players.

JoeyA (volunteering to help if needed)

 

[Fast Lenny]

Lenny, Lets talk to Kolby's about doing something on a weekend. I will give it a shot and help however I can. I can't teach though. Let me know I agree and it will feel good to do something like that .

Im all for it Mark and look forward to your next event also.I think Saturday during the daytime would be good,maybe if i can find some people willing to volunteer there time there i will make some fliers and get the ball rolling.

 

[bfdlad]

No, I don't think you're questions are dumb, I just think I'm not to your liking. You see, you just joined AZB this month and Mike and I (and 30-50 others) go back 8-10 years on these boards (AZB & RSB). I try NOT to make my posts sound like inside jokes and I 'thought' my previous post was rather self explanatory, but apparently I was mistaken.
Doug
( Btw, I doubt seriously if you will EVER get any knowledge from me.... I just don't have it in me )

So I'm the new kid?? thats why you give me a hard time? I am still willing to learn from you or anyone else. I'm sure you are a nice person just an ass to anyone who has not been here too long. I will work my way in and you will end up loving me.

 

[bfdlad]

Im all for it Mark and look forward to your next event also.I think Saturday during the daytime would be good,maybe if i can find some people willing to volunteer there time there i will make some fliers and get the ball rolling.

The flyers etc are easy. Getting a real teacher who knows how to teach kids is the thing. I agree. it is a start and we need to get some other things making awareness at the local level. I'm not sounding my own horn but I am trying with just bringing attention with the events. I met 3 people the other night who said they don't even play but have seen Johnny on TV so they wanted to see it live. Pretty cool for a start. i'm trying to think who is a good teacher that I can get to help. a young one maybe so the kids can relate more.. mmm.

 

[MikeJanis]

One of the most important things that I think is needed is a committee to form a PROFESSIONAL BILLIARD CODE OF CONDUCT. To the best of my knowledge there has never been a policy and procedure or even a written recommended guideline for professional pool player's to read, learn and follow. If there are no written word to determine how a professional pool player should carry themselves, it is left up to the individual to determine how they present themselves to the public.

Professional pool players need to learn what is needed of them, expected of them and what must be done by them at all times while in the public's eye. The most important time is that of tournament time. I have the greatest respect for professional pool players but many do not know how to act in public, how they should treat fans, the value of providing accurate information about themselves to the media and public in general. No one has ever taught them how they should treat amateur competitors who opt to compete against professional pool players.

Certain behavior should be expected from all. No; professional behavior should be demanded of all. The players have never had a dress code that was demanded of them. It has always been a guideline. If you have been at any of the professional tournaments in recent times, you will see players using their own judgment and style of clothing. When you see some of the greatest pool players in the world wearing clothing that is designed for hanging around the house at professional events and the management turns a blind eye toward some of the players, you know you have a problem. When a professional pool player is in the public's eye there should be certain guidelines for behavior. There should be a Code of Conduct that is not ambiguous and one that demands adherence to. This point should be made perfectly clear to all professional pool players.

We don't need to have professional poolplayers, playing pool in tuxedos and wearing Prada or Martin Dingman shoes but their should be a clearly written Code of Dress demanded of them at all times while they participate in a professional pool venue.

While at this point in time I have not done research on the subject, we should look to our European brothers in snooker for research into their code of conduct for their players. In fact, we should look anywhere and everywhere for advice on this subject because without it, individuals will be allowed to sully the image of professional pool we are trying to re-create.

The gist of this is that we need a written CODE OF CONDUCT detailing how players must act at pool tournaments, in public while attending any billiard industry event (even in pool rooms and other places where the industry congregates) and especially how they must dress while attending all professional billiard events.

No player can be allowed a pass on violating the dress code or bad behavior. Effective penalties designed to modify behavior and dress should be handed out without discrimination.

This PROFESSIONAL POCKET BILLIARD CODE OF CONDUCT should be in written booklet form, available for download on the Internet and it should be concise but very clear as to what is expected of the professional players.

JoeyA (volunteering to help if needed)

JoeyA, if I was in a position to delegate my authority (which I am not, according to my Wife) I would put you in charge of writing this book. It's a great idea. I really think you should and can do it. You have enough knowledge and experience to get it going on the right track. I am positive you could get suggestions from many others to help with the project.

What say you ?

 

[steveharn]

The First Step

Get the smoke out!!!! My friend and I took Friday afternoon off to play some pool. We seldom do this but the timing was right and we took off. We drove 45 miles, first to a nice eating place and had a late lunch. Sliced BarBque mutton for me and the buffet was absolutely delicious. Then on to the new pool room with Diamond tables 9' and 7'ers. We played on a 7' because it's easier for us older folks and they seem to be the most popular tables in our area. We enjoyed playing alot, only 50 cents a game, very affordable, I would have liked to stay all night. However, that old culprit, the cigarette, smoked us out, there were probably fifteen people in the room, not playing pool, we were the only two for awhile, I would guess 10 smokers, most of them sitting down drinking coffee and smoking. Our clothes were soaked from the fumes, almost like being in a gas chamber, hate to think about our lungs. I left my coat in the truck on purpose because when I saw it was a taven I suspected as much. When I got back to the truck I took my sweater off and threw it in the back of the pickup and put my coat on over my t-shirt. When I got home I changed my clothes and took the smoke filled ones outside to air and then washed them. The morale of the story is that, unfortanetly, I will not go back to play pool there again. To get more people to play and get interested in the game, kids as well as grownups, the smoke has got to go. I also think the pros should refuse to play anywhere that is not smoke-free(DO YOU HEAR ME MIKE?) We need rooms where everyone can come and have fun, that will attract the kind of attention that pool needs.

 

[SJDinPHX]

I have said this before, the sport needs characters as well as tv. Earl is a character. Please take the time and go to youtube.com in your serch type in "When Snooker Ruled The World" it will take 1 hour to watch the whole thing but it is in 6 parts. So obviously look for part one. then the rest will show up. This shows you how Snooker began and how it became popular. Did you know that when they began Pot Black the forst snooker show it was broadcast in black and white. I mean COME ON if snooker in black and white can make it we have a shot right????

Not until we organize! That hasn't happened so far. Try and get two
pool players to agree on anything......let alone 3 or 4 hundred.
Trust me it is a thankless task.

 

[bfdlad]

Get the smoke out!!!! My friend and I took Friday afternoon off to play some pool. We seldom do this but the timing was right and we took off. We drove 45 miles, first to a nice eating place and had a late lunch. Sliced BarBque mutton for me and the buffet was absolutely delicious. Then on to the new pool room with Diamond tables 9' and 7'ers. We played on a 7' because it's easier for us older folks and they seem to be the most popular tables in our area. We enjoyed playing alot, only 50 cents a game, very affordable, I would have liked to stay all night. However, that old culprit, the cigarette, smoked us out, there were probably fifteen people in the room, not playing pool, we were the only two for awhile, I would guess 10 smokers, most of them sitting down drinking coffee and smoking. Our clothes were soaked from the fumes, almost like being in a gas chamber, hate to think about our lungs. I left my coat in the truck on purpose because when I saw it was a taven I suspected as much. When I got back to the truck I took my sweater off and threw it in the back of the pickup and put my coat on over my t-shirt. When I got home I changed my clothes and took the smoke filled ones outside to air and then washed them. The morale of the story is that, unfortanetly, I will not go back to play pool there again. To get more people to play and get interested in the game, kids as well as grownups, the smoke has got to go. I also think the pros should refuse to play anywhere that is not smoke-free(DO YOU HEAR ME MIKE?) We need rooms where everyone can come and have fun, that will attract the kind of attention that pool needs.

Steve, I am a smoker and I live in Arizona. Not too long ago they passed the no smoking law in ALL bars, restaurants etc. Two things, I do not like smoke around in a bar or anywhere so even though I smoke I like it much better without it. But the bars etc say they are losing customers as a result. Not sure what to make of that, as I certainly don't want people to lose money. Maybe in your area it is different obviously, but for the youth camps they should make the exception and sau no smoking inside between this time and this time. The pro's feed their families on what they make from pool and if they see a chance to make money even though it is smokey they will and saying I am not playing unless you are smoke free is not an option for them. They may not like it but they also don't like not making $$$

 

[okinawa77]

Job Market?

Please use this forum to express positive ideas for assisting the growth of professional pool in America.

Jerry,

I think to assist the growth of professional pool in America. We need to grow on the youth and amateur level.

I think creating a larger pool job market for people may get them out of an office cubicle, and into pool halls and/or pool industry related jobs that promote the sport.

I would love to quit my job as a semiconductor equipment engineer, and find a job in the pool industry that will pay just as well.

I frequently travel to Japan for work, and it is really hard to find a pool hall. Most of the Japanese rarely play pool. I just went to an entertainment building, it was a bowling and gaming center: 3 floors of gaming (arcade); 3 floors of bowling; and 1 floor with darts, billiards, and karaoke. It seems to me that everyone was more interested in everything else, than the pool tables. And most of the people playing were young people.

In Japan, it is more evident that jobs come first, and it leaves little time for anything else. So, during weekdays (9-5), the pool halls are empty...other than a few people that may have the day off from work...or youths.

It is the same in the U.S. Pool Halls usually don't open until noon, and that is early. Business is very slow until people get out of work. How do we get people in the pool halls during normal business hours? <See idea #1>

So, if we can make a large, widespread job market for the pool industry, not just for pro players and large pool manufacturing products, that would definitely assist in the growth of professional pool.

So, the question is....how do we grow in the pool job market.
Here are some of my ideas:
1. Pool hall growth: Maybe with 5 star restaurant quality food-lease the kitchen to a catering company. This reduces overhead cost, and will create more jobs as more pool halls are introduced. Partnering with a catering company (or mini restaurant) may enable pool business start ups, as the initial start up investment can be too high for most prospective pool business people.
2. Higher revenue for pool instruction: At a local level, there are few instructors because the pay is low....for most this is a second job. In order to make this a primary job we need to find a way to convince players to pay more for instructions and/or get more student numbers of participation.
3. More attractions at Pro Events: How about having a super star band play music before, during intermission, and at the end of the event...to draw in more spectators? More spectators means for admissions collections and opportunities for purchases (booths that sell pool products) during the event.
4. More player interaction during Pro Events: I think the more entertaining TV events are the ones with 2 players that are friends, and talk to each other during the match. It shows that they are people with character, and creates a more friendly, relaxed atmosphere...even for the spectators. If 2 players are not talking at all, it's like watching robots. It seems dull, and non-entertaining.

These are just some ideas I had rolling around in my head.

Again, if I could replace my job with something in the pool industry, I would do it...in a heartbeat.

 

[bfdlad]

Not until we organize! That hasn't happened so far. Try and get two
pool players to agree on anything......let alone 3 or 4 hundred.
Trust me it is a thankless task.

Good point, they all do agree on making $$ though. I think you see my point and I also see yours.

 

[steveharn]

When you take that "First Step" then you start walking.

 

[bfdlad]

When you take that "First Step" then you start walking.

We got that philosopher Niechie on here. I m not smart enough to spell that stuff let alone understand it. sorry mate,

 

[SJDinPHX]

One of the most important things that I think is needed is a committee to form a PROFESSIONAL BILLIARD CODE OF CONDUCT. To the best of my knowledge there has never been a policy and procedure or even a written recommended guideline for professional pool player's to read, learn and follow. If there are no written word to determine how a professional pool player should carry themselves, it is left up to the individual to determine how they present themselves to the public.

Professional pool players need to learn what is needed of them, expected of them and what must be done by them at all times while in the public's eye. The most important time is that of tournament time. I have the greatest respect for professional pool players but many do not know how to act in public, how they should treat fans, the value of providing accurate information about themselves to the media and public in general. No one has ever taught them how they should treat amateur competitors who opt to compete against professional pool players.

Certain behavior should be expected from all. No; professional behavior should be demanded of all. The players have never had a dress code that was demanded of them. It has always been a guideline. If you have been at any of the professional tournaments in recent times, you will see players using their own judgment and style of clothing. When you see some of the greatest pool players in the world wearing clothing that is designed for hanging around the house at professional events and the management turns a blind eye toward some of the players, you know you have a problem. When a professional pool player is in the public's eye there should be certain guidelines for behavior. There should be a Code of Conduct that is not ambiguous and one that demands adherence to. This point should be made perfectly clear to all professional pool players.

We don't need to have professional poolplayers, playing pool in tuxedos and wearing Prada or Martin Dingman shoes but their should be a clearly written Code of Dress demanded of them at all times while they participate in a professional pool venue.

While at this point in time I have not done research on the subject, we should look to our European brothers in snooker for research into their code of conduct for their players. In fact, we should look anywhere and everywhere for advice on this subject because without it, individuals will be allowed to sully the image of professional pool we are trying to re-create.

The gist of this is that we need a written CODE OF CONDUCT detailing how players must act at pool tournaments, in public while attending any billiard industry event (even in pool rooms and other places where the industry congregates) and especially how they must dress while attending all professional billiard events.

No player can be allowed a pass on violating the dress code or bad behavior. Effective penalties designed to modify behavior and dress should be handed out without discrimination.

This PROFESSIONAL POCKET BILLIARD CODE OF CONDUCT should be in written booklet form, available for download on the Internet and it should be concise but very clear as to what is expected of the professional players.

JoeyA (volunteering to help if needed)

Absolutey, good thinking. But first we need a professioal player org.
to deal with these matters. So far it has not happened!!!!

 

[steveharn]

It's simple

We got that philosopher Niechie on here. I m not smart enough to spell that stuff let alone understand it. sorry mate,

If you want pool to grow provide an enviorment where it can. Right now it's being "choked out" by the smoke!

 

[JB Cases]

No, I don't think you're questions are dumb, I just think I'm not to your liking. You see, you just joined AZB this month and Mike and I (and 30-50 others) go back 8-10 years on these boards (AZB & RSB). I try NOT to make my posts sound like inside jokes and I 'thought' my previous post was rather self explanatory, but apparently I was mistaken.
Doug
( Btw, I doubt seriously if you will EVER get any knowledge from me.... I just don't have it in me )

"it ain't no fun if you have to 'splain em"

DW - circa 1998

 

[bfdlad]

If you want pool to grow provide an enviorment where it can. Right now it's being "choked out" by the smoke!

Steve i understand but rember for every action there is a reaction ( I just looked that one up) I' am not saying I disagree but there is a price to pay for the pool rooms that have either the laws or stop smoking in their bar themselves. If it's the law the custmers get past it but still have a problem with it. If they do it independantly the room down the street will get all the smoker business ya know what I mean? I think that the kids are a part of the big plan but not all of it. the other moving parts have to come together also to make the youger end get involved I agree but the current adults need Pool Schools too and want to play. So we are back to TV again and charecters. This is a very tough task that takes alot of time, and energy. Believe me I know, and the problem is getting a just a few people in each town willing to focus their time on this. Now they lose $$ because it will affect their business or their job. I lose money every month on trying to do good things for the biz. I know eventually I may get paid but not everyone can afford to take that hit. I am not trying to be negative I think that this thread could be on the right track, just very hard to get done in all aspects.

 

[mnorwood]

1. Start high school pool programs.
2. Make pool an NCAA sport.

Got to build your base.

 

[SJDinPHX]

Get the smoke out!!!! My friend and I took Friday afternoon off to play some pool. We seldom do this but the timing was right and we took off. We drove 45 miles, first to a nice eating place and had a late lunch. Sliced BarBque mutton for me and the buffet was absolutely delicious. Then on to the new pool room with Diamond tables 9' and 7'ers. We played on a 7' because it's easier for us older folks and they seem to be the most popular tables in our area. We enjoyed playing alot, only 50 cents a game, very affordable, I would have liked to stay all night. However, that old culprit, the cigarette, smoked us out, there were probably fifteen people in the room, not playing pool, we were the only two for awhile, I would guess 10 smokers, most of them sitting down drinking coffee and smoking. Our clothes were soaked from the fumes, almost like being in a gas chamber, hate to think about our lungs. I left my coat in the truck on purpose because when I saw it was a taven I suspected as much. When I got back to the truck I took my sweater off and threw it in the back of the pickup and put my coat on over my t-shirt. When I got home I changed my clothes and took the smoke filled ones outside to air and then washed them. The morale of the story is that, unfortanetly, I will not go back to play pool there again. To get more people to play and get interested in the game, kids as well as grownups, the smoke has got to go. I also think the pros should refuse to play anywhere that is not smoke-free(DO YOU HEAR ME MIKE?) We need rooms where everyone can come and have fun, that will attract the kind of attention that pool needs.

I am NOT defending smoking...(however its the only thing I do real well)
Did you know that if you worked in any big downtown city, and walked
outside to go to lunch, you would inhale enough cancer causing
carcinogens to equal smoking a carton of cigarettes? But thats allright,
I'll keep paying the "sin tax" so all you non smokers can breath clean air.
If the taxes levied on smoking and drinking ceased today,our economy
would be in shambles (in other words,down the tubes) Why don't all the
tree huggers and clean air freaks realize this fact. All we want to do is
co-exist.

 

[SJDinPHX]

Well said,easier said than done, but well said.

 

[bfdlad]

I am NOT defending smoking...(however its the only thing I do real well)
Did you know that if you worked in any big downtown city, and walked
outside to go to lunch, you would inhale enough cancer causing
carcinogens to equal smoking a carton of cigarettes? But thats allright,
I'll keep paying the "sin tax" so all you non smokers can breath clean air.
If the taxes levied on smoking and drinking ceased today,our economy
would be in shambles (in other words,down the tubes) Why don't all the
tree huggers and clean air freaks realize this fact. All we want to do is
co-exist.

Here here, I have said that before. Do you know how many people would be out of work and the billions in advertising, taex on the tobacco company's, taxes on the emplyeees, the taxes to buy them etc if they go away, it will cost $1,000 per hour to play pool and your pinto would coat $100k