jjinfla said:
Jake, the way I read it, UPA touring pros are prohibited from gambling. A pool player who engages in a game of stakes could is in direct violation of the UPA's Code of Ethics and Rules.
When IP recently published an article about U.S. Open action, this topic was debated vigorously. There were quite a few UPA Touring Pros who engaged in a game of stakes and, according to the UPA, are in direct violation of the UPA rules.
A very well-known member of the UPA Executive Board and Rules Committee engaged in a game of stakes in full view during a Las Vegas UPA-sanctioned tournament several months ago for $3,000 a match and played all night long.
According to the UPA, the UPA Executive Board member is: Subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth...agrees to abide by its Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics, Operating Policies...acknowledges receipt and understanding of the current Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics, and Dress Code...agrees that in the event of a breach...the UPA may obtain from any court having jurisdiction, such equitable relief as may be appropriate, including an injunction prohibiting any further breach...in addition to any other remedies which may be available...understands that such relief includes, but is not limited to, the obtaining of an injunction prohibiting Player from participating in any billiards event.
This particular UPA Executive Board Member is in direct violation of the UPA rules. Will he be part of the decision-making body to rule on another UPA member's fate if they get caught gambling in full view? Will he be taken to court? I doubt it. But any pool player who agrees to the above-referenced is in direct violation if they engage in a game of stakes, and when they sign a legally binding contract prohibiting gambling, they subject themselves to having the UPA obtain an injunction prohibiting them from participating in any billiards event. This end result would harm the pool player who signed the UPA contract.
As an aside, currently one member of the UPA is working diligently to help the Five Banned Players. I don't know if this would have even happened if it weren't for this thread on this forum. As of this morning, I read the newly revised Proposed Code of Conduct, and there are some changes, good changes. Maybe, just maybe, a new UPA is emerging into a membership organization dedicated "to promote the sport of pocket billiards for men and to arrange for sponsors and/or co-sponsors for professional tournaments and tour events."
ManlyShot
