Pros getting it together finally? Uniting w/Archer's Group ABP

[PoolGrapevine]

I saw this ironically on a european site. no mentioning of it in USA sites yet.

http://www.pro9.co.uk/html/article.php?sid=1584&mode=thread&order=0


Association of Billiard Professionals (ABP) Announces Members & Goals

The ABP represents the world’s best billiard players that are uniting together for a common goal. Over the years, players have endured many hardships and has found it necessary to try to reach common ground between the promoters of events, international associations, and the professional players.

Without a voice, players have not been able to adequately communicate and work with promoters and other industry entities. Promoters and associations likewise have been lacking in instruction and guidance from the pro players.

Some events and associations have not been able to sometimes protect the players from issues ranging from prize money payments, equipment issues and conditions, and rules/format. As the saying goes, “there is strength in numbers”, and this has led to the formation of the ABP.

The ABP led by some notable names such as Johnny Archer, Mika Immonen, Rodney Morris and many others in a committee of top players unified under a common purpose: To elevate the sport of pocket billiards and protect and assist in the well being of every player.



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The ABP is an association for the players and by the players. The players now have a united voice to help bring resolutions to seemingly never ending issues we face in the industry. The ABP, with your help, can bring about a positive change in a fair and appropriate manner. From standardizing equipment, rules, and creating systems to insure the payment of prize money so the players can get paid and in a timely fashion.

The ABP is for unification. The ABP is for change. Please join, support us, and see your name stand next to the world's greatest.

Below is a list of confirmed players who share in the ABP ideals and want to make a change now in our sport.






Association of Billiard Professionals (ABP)
Board of Directors
* Johnny Archer- Atlanta, GA
* Mika Immonen- Helsinki, FIN
* Rodney Morris- Honolulu, HI
* Shane Van Boening- S. Falls, SD
* Thorsten Hohmann- Fulda, GER
* Mike Davis - Tampa, FL * Stevie Moore - Columbia, SC
* Oscar Dominguez - Los Angeles, CA
* Shawn Putnam- Atlanta, GA
* Charlie Williams - Orlando, FL
* John Schmidt - Wheeling, WV
*








Association of Billiard Professionals (ABP)
Player Membership
* Shane Van Boening USA
* Mika Immonen FIN
* Johnny Archer USA
* Shawn Putnam USA
* Rodney Morris USA
* Mike Davis USA
* Thorsten Hohmann GER
* John Schmidt USA
* Corey Deuel USA
* Stevie Moore USA
* Oscar Dominguez USA
* Charlie Williams USA
* Dennis Hatch USA
* Jeremy Jones USA
* Allen Hopkins USA
* Scott Frost USA
* Ernesto Dominguez MEX
* Tony Robles USA
* Ronnie Wiseman CAN
* Kim Davenport USA
* Jeremy Sossei USA * Tommy Kennedy USA
* John Morra CAN
* Rob Saez USA
* Ben Zimmer USA
* Larry Phlegar USA
* Chris Szuter USA
* Art Wiggins USA
* Brian White USA
* Jeff Crawford USA
* Bill Mccollum USA
* Jeff Beckley USA
* Bill Incardona USA
* Stefano Palinga ITA
* Tommy Najar USA
* Corey Harper USA
* Ron Park USA
* James Barraks USA
* Justin Daniels USA
* Dan Wallace USA
* James Roberts USA
*







Annual membership is $100 to join the ABP. This membership is separated into a fund that will be used to pay all the expenses acquired for creating and maintaining a players association. The ABP is a non-profit group where the ABP’s 11 board members are volunteering their time and effort to help change the sport for the better.

 

[Nostroke]

Their #1 goal as stated was to make sure the players got paid what and when they were supposed to. The very first time there was a problem with that and BB couldn't pay at the US Open, the President (JA) wrote a letter of support for Barry. They didnt insure players were paid and then when they weren't they ok'd it. i think we need to see something other than BS coming from them soon.

 

[CrisDeLaGarza]

Their #1 goal as stated was to make sure the players got paid what and when they were supposed to. The very first time there was a problem with that and BB couldn't pay at the US Open, the President (JA) wrote a letter of support for Barry. They didnt insure players were paid and then when they weren't they ok'd it. i think we need to see something other than BS coming from them soon.

Yeah, unfortunately for the men, no one has instituted a means of guaranteeing the money for them in any tournaments. It's a catch 22 because the people that DO pay out money (like Matchroom) are now basing their invitations on ranking points for events that don't always pay on time, if ever at all. But at the same time, the players continue to support the events that don't support them so at some point they have to do something.

 

[jalapus logan]

Best of luck ABP!

Well, I guess it's a start. Just 41 members strong according to the press release. They also need someone to proofread their press announcements (several errors - also, its ensure, not insure) - no big deal, but a press release should be of professional quality and not look like a hack wrote it. They must present themselves as professionals in order to be treated like professionals. Otherwise, they're just a group of really good pool players.

I'm in total support of their efforts and hope that they get good results. Also, if they intend on promoting standarized "playing conditions", equipment, etc, do they intend on sanctioning events? If so, that sounds like the role of the WPA, in which case the APB could just supplant it. To me, that would be a good thing!

 

[Black-Balled]

We gonna be rrrrich!

 

[M HOUSE]

Good luck

I hope they have better luck than CJ and his group had when they went down this road back in the day. Maybe this group can get our sport to the "next level". I'm just glad someone is trying.