So I kind of have been on a rant in another thread, and it got me thinking about what I did in, around, and for pool in the last year or so. I think we all have our own thoughts on what helps pool grow, and what is "good" for pool, but what have you done about it? That being said,
I want to hear what you did for pool in 2013!
I'm not trying to boast, but I attempt to do as much as I can for the game I love. This is supposed to be a feel-good thread of sorts, so try to keep it positive!
I’m sure I missed a bit, but this is what I did in the last year to help support, and spend time and money, in and on the game.
I spent a lot with my table guy/mechanic. I bought a valley table from my mechanic, then bought Championship cloth and rails from ridgeback rails. 8 months later changed to a Gold Crown 2 with the same kind of cloth. The logic being it was better for a weekly ring game, or golf. (hasn’t been weekly, but have had a TON of people put in some table time at my place this year.)
I donated what I could to the Billiard Education Foundation. I implore you to do the same here:
http://billiardeducation.org/support-bef/donate/
I've bought every stream that I could actually watch, and even 1 to 2 that I never got to.
I bought some different apparel, and gear. Gloves, chalk, bridge heads, cue claws, tip tools, table brush, you know all the little stuff that you can spend money one.
I try to go out of my way to help every person I can with their game. I picked up two guys in league. Both like pool and are fairly new to the game and the area. They needed a team, and I found some space for them. I've done my best to help them learn the basics, stuff like tangent lines, aiming, stroke, stance, etc. They are coming along very well. I also gave the one guy a decent player, J/B cue, and case in exchange for diner. Gave the other guy an old Dufferin and case I had laying around. Even helped him get her tuned up with new tip, taper, and ferrule, also helped find a cheap J/B.
Me and another local guy are trying to put together a couple different events here locally. One we might even take regional if we can get some traction. Payout would be $1000+ for an 8 man tournament, maybe more than double that if we can get the right sponsorship.
I helped run and participated in 3 different charity pool tournaments. All of them turned out great. One even helped raise $15k plus for a family that lost there home!!!
I bought a new case and cue set. These were my major purchases for 2013.
I played in everything that I could, and tried to put my dough in action when I had the chance. Anything to help move money around in the sport of pool. My opinion is that the best thing you can do for pool is be active, and helpful. Teach people to love the game the same way we do. I got a few people playing by doing this.
All in all, it was a good year for me in pool. I spent what money I could to put money in the game. Spent time where I could, to help grow the game. I am even taking my time to slowly help my 2 year old develop his love for the game. He likes to watch me play, and he has even more fun standing on the chair pushing the balls around. His stroke and stance need a little work yet, but it won't be long he'll be spotting me the 8!
I feel pretty good about what I've done for the game this year. This is the most I’ve been able to give back to the game so far. I've thoroughly enjoyed myself in and around the game, so I feel like I got way more back than I put in!!! I hope to do more this year, but not holding my breath. I have my son, and I will now have a daughter in in May, so I'm guessing this will be a down year, but who knows!?!?
Anyway, I hope to read some similar responses. I feel if we all did what we could when we could, as a community, we can heal pool, and bring it to new levels!
All the best to 2014!!!
P.S. > I really hope this doesn't just come off as bragging. There seems to be a lot of pessimism about our game, and my intent for this thread was to get all of us thinking about the large and small things we do for the game. Maybe even give idea's to others as to how they can contribute.
J/K! 
