What happened to me at the All-Around

BigCat said:
I actually know the guy you are talking about and I remember hearing this as I was playing on the table next to you when it happened.

While I will not defend his actions (as I also think it is just poor sportsmanship), he is not a bad guy, he just let's his emotions get the best of him. And this, of course, can lead to impolite and tactless behavior, especially in pool where there seem to be so many unwritten rules.

However, I am probably more on your side of the issue when it comes to acting a certain way after a match is over, regardless of whether I've won or lost. We act in a manner that we believe is proper and polite and expect others to do the same. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. It will vary on a player by player basis. Not everyone acts the way we want them to. And that's ok because becoming a truly good player means blocking ALL of that out and rising above it (which you did).

There will always be players like this. This is for certain and that will never change. But what can change is you and your attitude towards it. Learn to play at the same emotional level no matter who you are playing. Insure that you are playing the table and not the player. And if you lose to a guy like this again, take it with the same grace and class that you already do. Trust me, you are the one who people will notice acted with class.

Chances are you will probably play this guy again. And next time you play this guy, take the high road again and be polite. Remember, every dog has his day, even the ones who don't deserve it. But you will also have yours. It just takes patience and hard work.
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I think you were on that table during both my matches - You had your girlfriend/wife with you right. If that is you - I have seen you at the tourneys before. You shoot really well. Your played Susan Williams right? Anyways, one of the main reasons I didn't say anything to him about it after the match and just said good match is because of what you said. Chances are I will be playing him again whether it is the All-Around or at Alexander's or wherever. I will get my chance to beat him and I will always have respect for myself win or lose.
I have tried really hard to keep my emotions level. Sometimes I find it very difficult but the only way you can tell the difference is in my facial expressions. I don't blow up or anything like that - especially at the table.

Thanks for posting - I enjoyed reading it.

BVal
 
chilli66 said:
You did the right thing BV. You showed your class, he showed his a**!

I can understand what BigCat is saying about the guy letting his emotions get the better of him but in my book you just don't do what he did. Who knows? Maybe after a few wins he'll chill a little.
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I have only seen this guy play one other time at Alexander's and he acted pretty much the same way. He was playing one of my friends Brandon Butler. I remember commenting then how disrespectful it was along with a couple other people that were there. Now that the two times I have seen him play - he acted the same way - it wasn't a fluke. It's a habit. I will play him again in the future and I will act the same way and I don't expect him to act any different.

BVal
 
There was a tournament this weekend? ;)


I don't know who you're talking about but that crap irritates me too. One of the many reasons that I can't stand league play, where that type of behavior seems to be standard.
 
BVal you showed a lot of class and I'm sure a lot of people would have reacted differently. We respect you for your your actions. Yor are truly a gentelman for not lowering yourself to his level.

There seems to be some people on this forum that know this guy. Someone should have a private talk to him about what is proper behavior for these situations. Maybe the poor guy just doesn't know. If he does know and still does these things then there is no helping him. Then we just shake it off and move on. There will always be people like this.
 
My thirteen year old son played in his first tournament about six months ago and he cheered his opponent scratching on an 8-ball.

I took him aside in a hurry and explained that you don't do that and made sure that he apologized to his opponent.

If players aren't taught how to behave in a tournament when they are young, then you can't expect them to behave when they get older.

Mike
 
guidelines of etiquette

I am not sure if the BCA rule book covers a situation such as cheering against your opponent. but fortunately the APA provides the guidelines below. There have been several times when I had to get out the Rule Book and politely point out this section to the team captain. Many people are just not aware that this is poor etiquette and a common response was, "Sorry, I didn't realize".

Steve


http://www.poolplayers.com/tmanual.pdf
Scroll to page 3.

To help make your evening of League play enjoyable, as well as
enhance the enjoyment of those around you, please observe
basic guidelines of etiquette. Treat your opponent as you
would like to be treated. Pay attention to your match; be ready to
shoot when it is your turn so you don?t slow down the match. If you
are expected to play the next match, have your cue ready, have
enough quarters for the table, if needed, and begin your match as
soon as the previous match is over. Limit coaching to one minute.
Cheering for your teammate is part of the fun, but don?t cheer against
your opponent. A fun and competitive evening of League play is a
goal that can be achieved by observing these guidelines and
displaying good sportsmanship.
 
AzHousePro said:
My thirteen year old son played in his first tournament about six months ago and he cheered his opponent scratching on an 8-ball.

I took him aside in a hurry and explained that you don't do that and made sure that he apologized to his opponent.

If players aren't taught how to behave in a tournament when they are young, then you can't expect them to behave when they get older.

Mike
Click to expand...

Good for you, Mike. A very quick & easy lesson to give & one that is priceless!
 
sde said:
I am not sure if the BCA rule book covers a situation such as cheering against your opponent. but fortunately the APA provides the guidelines below. There have been several times when I had to get out the Rule Book and politely point out this section to the team captain. Many people are just not aware that this is poor etiquette and a common response was, "Sorry, I didn't realize".

Steve


http://www.poolplayers.com/tmanual.pdf
Scroll to page 3.

To help make your evening of League play enjoyable, as well as
enhance the enjoyment of those around you, please observe
basic guidelines of etiquette. Treat your opponent as you
would like to be treated. Pay attention to your match; be ready to
shoot when it is your turn so you don?t slow down the match. If you
are expected to play the next match, have your cue ready, have
enough quarters for the table, if needed, and begin your match as
soon as the previous match is over. Limit coaching to one minute.
Cheering for your teammate is part of the fun, but don?t cheer against
your opponent. A fun and competitive evening of League play is a
goal that can be achieved by observing these guidelines and
displaying good sportsmanship.
Click to expand...

I think it's a shame they even have to put that in writing. To me it just comes down to basic manners & sportsmanship. That's pretty sad.
 
The only thing

that will keep Pool a gentleman's game is to be a gentleman when you play it.
 
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