What is your Great Idea to Create more Pool Players

[336Robin]

Educational Concepts in Pool

I liked Deadon's post. He touched on a few points that are of personal interest for me. When I described the local people in the trenches previously, it is organizations such as his that are making a positive impact.

The connection to the education community is a concept that had been presented to the BCA Board of Directors as far back as 1993, in order to build the Jr. Nationals and the Billiard Education Foundation. Short term projects were tried(Summer Cue Camp), but no long term development was authorized. This is where the "Someone in the Pool Industry" assertion will not hold water. If we are discussing this almost 20 years later, then you have your answer to Industry Commitment to player development.

In my storage box in the closet, is a concept for Military Leagues based on the old BCA League Player System from that 1993 time frame. Since I was a former Military Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Specialist, who had worked in a Recreation Center on Base where I established in house programs, I had a unique perspective. The BCA response was,"Well, if you can put this together at no cost to the BCA, we'll look at it." That's a commitment to player development. So, into the box it went. There it will stay.

You made a Bible Belt reference. I have always believed Pool has been lacking by not approaching Churches to promote a Church Based initiative. That's just me, though.

While I am grateful for my time at the BCA back then. It is not an innovative environment utilizing ideas based for the player's benefit. That is why they dumped the Pool Leagues.

It seems to me that there are ideas that are out there, that are worth discussing and doing. One of my ideas was basically a publication.....the cost of the publication of Positive Pool Propaganda is pretty darn cheap....the delivery however is not so cheap...but there are ways to possibly to work around that....Im sure the BCA had reasons for getting rid of the pool leagues but I wouldnt know what they were...but its obvious that revenue has to come in..in order to do market development...in the face of video game age...financial instability, etc etc...it becomes obvious that marketing and development have to be an ongoing issue if one is to survive...so someone has to agree to up with some cash to at least make an effort....from what I am hearing some rooms have been proactive as to how they are getting business....the days of ...if you build it they will come....are probably over...so if we want to flourish...we might have to do something.....how we do it? I think can be figured out perhaps we should first look back to the BCA and see what they do.....see what they think....they were nice to me when I called them this past year over an issue when I was considering a petition to alcohol wholesalers for tournanment money......and then see if there is something they can do to help with the problem, after all they are the governing body of pool. Does anyone know what promotional programs that they currently do?

Just another lovely day in paradise.....

336Robin :thumbup:

aimisthegameinpool.com
aimisthegameinpool@yahoo.com

 

[336Robin]

Bump up...

It seems to me that there are ideas that are out there, that are worth discussing and doing. One of my ideas was basically a publication.....the cost of the publication of Positive Pool Propaganda is pretty darn cheap....the delivery however is not so cheap...but there are ways to possibly to work around that....Im sure the BCA had reasons for getting rid of the pool leagues but I wouldnt know what they were...but its obvious that revenue has to come in..in order to do market development...in the face of video game age...financial instability, etc etc...it becomes obvious that marketing and development have to be an ongoing issue if one is to survive...so someone has to agree to up with some cash to at least make an effort....from what I am hearing some rooms have been proactive as to how they are getting business....the days of ...if you build it they will come....are probably over...so if we want to flourish...we might have to do something.....how we do it? I think can be figured out perhaps we should first look back to the BCA and see what they do.....see what they think....they were nice to me when I called them this past year over an issue when I was considering a petition to alcohol wholesalers for tournanment money......and then see if there is something they can do to help with the problem, after all they are the governing body of pool. Does anyone know what promotional programs that they currently do?

Just another lovely day in paradise.....

336Robin :thumbup:

aimisthegameinpool.com
aimisthegameinpool@yahoo.com

I am genuinely interested in finding out what the BCA does for the promotion of pool as well as anyone else for that matter.....so I will bump this thread up a few times and give folks a chance to comment on what other people including the BCA are doing....Inquiring Minds would love to know......

Just another lovely day in paradise.....

336Robin :thumbup:
aimisthegameinpool.com
aimisthegameinpool@yahoo.com

 

[336Robin]

Promotional Efforts in Pool

I am genuinely interested in finding out what the BCA does for the promotion of pool as well as anyone else for that matter.....so I will bump this thread up a few times and give folks a chance to comment on what other people including the BCA are doing....Inquiring Minds would love to know......

Just another lovely day in paradise.....

336Robin :thumbup:
aimisthegameinpool.com
aimisthegameinpool@yahoo.com

Bumping to the top.....

336Robin :thumbup:

 

[cajunfats]

On the phone

Looking forward to talking with you later. This Project and Jim Murnak's Internet Program just might be interesting enough for me to come out of my self imposed pool retirement. Both sound like they have some lofty, but attainable goals. I like a challenge. Especially ones that challenge the status quo of pool.

Maybe the timing is right, and they've whet my appetite for active participation again.

Thanks Robin,

Carl

 

[336Robin]

Status Quo of Pool

Looking forward to talking with you later. This Project and Jim Murnak's Internet Program just might be interesting enough for me to come out of my self imposed pool retirement. Both sound like they have some lofty, but attainable goals. I like a challenge. Especially ones that challenge the status quo of pool.

Maybe the timing is right, and they've whet my appetite for active participation again.

Thanks Robin,

Carl

Extremely interesting conversation Carl, lots of food for thought , thankyou for your time, I will be back to you soon, count on it.

336Robin
Robin Kelly :thumbup:

 

[CreeDo]

Almost everyone will try pool at some point. If our goal is to keep the numbers from declining, we should figure out why some people try it once and then never again (or rarely, just when their buddies choose to go).

I knew a few who see it as slumming. They see it as a bar activity but would rather do those in an actual bar... a nice one, not a dive. I see CJ's point about kids getting a thrill out of going places they're not supposed to, but it's the adults who have the money and they no longer get a thrill out of doing something 'illicit' or whatever.

It's funny, to pool players a lot of halls are not 'real pool halls' and make most of their money from the bar, and the pool is an afterthought. I guess to some bar regulars, these same places aren't real bars, and their bar experience is being diluted.

People say focus on leagues, but leagues can be a chore because you're committing a night to pool instead of going their of your own free will... and leagues may have a competitive atmosphere instead of a relaxed one. I know someone who was a little into pool, we signed her up for league, she got drilled, felt lousy and quit. You won't often get people to come back after an experience like that.

Mostly I think it's on room owners to keep people into it. You can't force them to fall in love with rolling balls on felt. But you can make the pool hall a welcoming, relaxed place where nobody feels like they might get stabbed.

 

[336Robin]

Keeping Pool Players Playing

Almost everyone will try pool at some point. If our goal is to keep the numbers from declining, we should figure out why some people try it once and then never again (or rarely, just when their buddies choose to go).

I knew a few who see it as slumming. They see it as a bar activity but would rather do those in an actual bar... a nice one, not a dive. I see CJ's point about kids getting a thrill out of going places they're not supposed to, but it's the adults who have the money and they no longer get a thrill out of doing something 'illicit' or whatever.

It's funny, to pool players a lot of halls are not 'real pool halls' and make most of their money from the bar, and the pool is an afterthought. I guess to some bar regulars, these same places aren't real bars, and their bar experience is being diluted.

People say focus on leagues, but leagues can be a chore because you're committing a night to pool instead of going their of your own free will... and leagues may have a competitive atmosphere instead of a relaxed one. I know someone who was a little into pool, we signed her up for league, she got drilled, felt lousy and quit. You won't often get people to come back after an experience like that.

Mostly I think it's on room owners to keep people into it. You can't force them to fall in love with rolling balls on felt. But you can make the pool hall a welcoming, relaxed place where nobody feels like they might get stabbed.

Creedo,
I agree with what u said about keeping players playing, thats a pretty important piece of the whole pie....very important....

Just another lovely day in paradise.....

336Robin :thumbup:

aimisthegameinpool.com
aimisthegameinpool@yahoo.com

 

[fan-tum]

In reference to the 30's when the pool halls were packed (with jobless men), I'd say Washington is doing its best to accomplish the OP's wish.

 

[ddadams]

I don't care how many disagree with it, I just don't see any league able to get new players like the APA does it.


The rules are made for beginners and attract them after they realize they can learn AND win at the same time.

 

[wontonny]

• 
  Broadcast 8 ball on TV, a game everyone knows how to play and can easily recognize professional caliber play.

• 
  Go over the advantages of BIH rules.

• 
  As in golf, there should be camera shots breaking down the form and strokes of various players in order for players to model after and improve their game.

• 
  Room owners need to make their establishments classy, well lit, and upscale environments that will shift the image away from the dark, smoky, and seedy pool hall image that plagues our sport.

 

[336Robin]

Recruitment is a key

I don't care how many disagree with it, I just don't see any league able to get new players like the APA does it.


The rules are made for beginners and attract them after they realize they can learn AND win at the same time.

ddadams,
I have to agree with you the APA does a good job of recruitment. Its ranking system helps the lesser skilled players and the team point system makes it advantageous for the team to contain lesser skilled players which are entry level players. Its a very social environment there is something to be said for that. Asking someone to come out to the poolroom and teaching them how to get started isnt a bad thing to do. The pool league system has tapped into the social aspect of pool and that seems to have worked for them, perhaps we need to take a look at that and make pool....for non pool league people....more social than it currently is.....

Just another lovely day in paradise....

336Robin :thumbup:
aimisthegameinpool.com
aimisthegameinpool@yahoo.com

 

[jimM]

simple

Make pros millionaires.all problems will be solved naturally.

 

[336Robin]

Growing Players

Make pros millionaires.all problems will be solved naturally.

Jim,
I sure think you are right in a lot aspects. Im going to spend some time looking at what you have going on....it sounds like youve really put some thought into it. I hope youre right and I hope it works. Im wrapping my mind around how to make Billiard Clubs work aside from being located in bars. I learned to play in a Recreation Center not a bar. I think there is a way to have clubs/rec centers make sense again kids need to have a way to socialize after school, young players make for lifelong players and that lifts and sustains the industry. It sure doesnt hurt if they see the sport as something they could do professionally now does it?

Just another lovely day in paradise....

336Robin....:thumbup:

aimisthegameinpool.com
aimisthegameinpool@yahoo.com

 

[jimM]

true

Jim,
I sure think you are right in a lot aspects. Im going to spend some time looking at what you have going on....it sounds like youve really put some thought into it. I hope youre right and I hope it works. Im wrapping my mind around how to make Billiard Clubs work aside from being located in bars. I learned to play in a Recreation Center not a bar. I think there is a way to have clubs/rec centers make sense again kids need to have a way to socialize after school, young players make for lifelong players and that lifts and sustains the industry. It sure doesnt hurt if they see the sport as something they could do professionally now does it?

Just another lovely day in paradise....

336Robin....:thumbup:

aimisthegameinpool.com
aimisthegameinpool@yahoo.com

I think that that is probably the best thing that could happen to kids. I did over 20 interviews of pro players over the last few years and the one thing I kept seeing over and over was that pool was something that either took them off the streets or took their minds off of doing harmful things to themselves as far as where their life was going. Pool always had a bad rap because of the way it was fairly and unfairly portrayed, but the hold that pool gets on you really can change you from someone who does nothing to someone who is obsessed with excellence. The only reason it is looked down on now is that it is a dead end. If it wasn't, everyone would be trying to play. It isn't exactly a game where you can break your arm or leg or pull a muscle that can ruin your career.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[336Robin]

Growing New Players

I think that that is probably the best thing that could happen to kids. I did over 20 interviews of pro players over the last few years and the one thing I kept seeing over and over was that pool was something that either took them off the streets or took their minds off of doing harmful things to themselves as far as where their life was going. Pool always had a bad rap because of the way it was fairly and unfairly portrayed, but the hold that pool gets on you really can change you from someone who does nothing to someone who is obsessed with excellence. The only reason it is looked down on now is that it is a dead end. If it wasn't, everyone would be trying to play. It isn't exactly a game where you can break your arm or leg or pull a muscle that can ruin your career.

Thanks,
Jim

Jim,
Exactly, I have been aware for a long time that pool needs a face lift and I had a plan in place to run a tour with a different format that I spent a lot of time working on and had to write several large documents to be able to understand how to handle it, Modified Round Robin. I saw this as a way to get players interested in playing. Then I started talking to players about it and doing research into how to seek the Alcohol Industry into providing added money for it. What I got from players was enough to make me want to take a second look and consider doing something else..enough said. So I did. I decided that developing the players that were out there was not much help to pool at least not at this time. I was using the format as the carrot because of the fact that there were so many matches involved in the format. I had plans to introduce dress code and conduct codes and do a yearly event that was higher brow than a regular event and a plan to get participating rooms involved to provide the added money for the year final. What I found with the existing players was that they felt so inclined to play for money and really wouldnt enter a tournament unless there were enough money for them and that it really wasnt ok if I made any. So not wanting to become a servant I decided to box it all up for another day. All of this told me that yes its about the money in a large sense so I hope you are able to address that for existing players. I wasn't so I decided I would focus my efforts elsewhere.
Right now I am feeling my feet but am leaning towards Billiard Education and grassroots kind of things. That does not mean I will not support what you are doing and what others are doing because I see that it may take several different mechanisms to be able to lift the industry. I see Youth Development and Education, Demographic Selection of a Target Audience, Making it Possible to Earn Money as being 3 pretty important things that need to be in the pie. All of the pieces of the puzzle are here, as they have been for a long time but changing times makes some of the pieces more important than ever and having something new and promising adds to that. Add to all of this that financial assistance is extremely important to get anything going and you have a pretty complicated puzzle indeed. I will be in touch. Thankyou for your post, your thoughts and your efforts. Im beginning to think its time for me to think about selling some cues and buying a new pool case sometime. I havent had that thought in a long time. There is a riddle in my statement.

Just another lovely day in paradise......

336Robin :thumbup:

aimisthegameinpool.com
aimisthegameinpool@yahoo.com

 

[336Robin]

Making Pool Make Sense

I think that that is probably the best thing that could happen to kids. I did over 20 interviews of pro players over the last few years and the one thing I kept seeing over and over was that pool was something that either took them off the streets or took their minds off of doing harmful things to themselves as far as where their life was going. Pool always had a bad rap because of the way it was fairly and unfairly portrayed, but the hold that pool gets on you really can change you from someone who does nothing to someone who is obsessed with excellence. The only reason it is looked down on now is that it is a dead end. If it wasn't, everyone would be trying to play. It isn't exactly a game where you can break your arm or leg or pull a muscle that can ruin your career.

Thanks,
Jim

Jim,
Ive watched your You Tubes......AWESOME IDEA....in fact count me in....Of course I got back into pool because I wanted to play. I want to play at a level higher than pool league play and this gives people a chance to do that and get paid....oh god how dare you make it possible for pool to make sense.....If this is a way for Pool Players to become the Sponsors of the thing they love....hey guys this is your chance to matter in the world of pool....an idea like this doesnt come around but once maybe twice in a lifetime....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ju48ysC68

I think what you are doing is great....let me know what I need to do. I will spread the word.

Just another lovely day in paradise......

336Robin :thumbup:

aimisthegameinpool.com
aimisthegameinpool@yahoo.com

 

[duckie]

I'm one of those that learned about pool in the towns rec centers. This was where I fell in love with pool. This was back in th late 60's.

I returned to playing about 5 years ago, I'm currently 58. This returning,older player needs to be included in growing pool. Or even getting more players my age playing.

Pool is one of the few sports where you can have a 12 year old play a 70 year old and both have equal chance of winning.

I do enjoy winning against people 1/2 my age.

NASCAR is a good example of how to grow a sport with questionable history, bootleggers.

They took the approach of making the sport family friendly. Also, track owners played a major role too. They provide the place to race and for the family to come watch.

This is where room owners and the city come into the picture of pool. There has to be a place to play and that is spectator friendly. The local tourney here I play in starts so late and end so late, none of my family wants to come and watch, plus there isn't much places for them to sit because all the players are using all the seats.

Where I play, I see so much potential in bringing in new players, but the owners aren't into growing the sport. They are good owners but are not really into pool is a sport, just as a business, which is not a bad thing.

They could offer Saturday pool camps for kids as well as seniors or anyone really. Have some tables set aside to teach kids pool, let them have tourneys and so on. Have family team tourneys. Day time tourneys for the kids and seniors.

Basically, pool has the get out of the old age of pool where the focus is mostly on the road player, hustling, bad behavior as the norm, gambling, sharing and so on.

Anyway, room owners and the city government are the key to getting new people into the sport.

What is not really mentioned is the character building aspect of pool. Pool can and does build charater like any other sport.

Like hard works pays off.

Like life, not everything goes your way.

Like life, pool takes planning, goal sitting to accomplish a shot.

Pool will test how honest you are. I've lost games and matches because I called a foul on myself that the other player didn't even see. I can live with myself. I have a growing respect for my play because of this.

Way back when, I was playing a 8 ball game and went into a little rambling speech while shooting. I pointed out how the break in 8 ball was like the beginning of a new day.

You do the break and the balls spread out, but never the same way. Some layouts offer up a easy run, others you have to work more, not evrything you do works, but you keep going to get through the rank.

Same as a day in life. You wake up, but it's not the same day as before. Not everything will go your way. There gonna be up and downs, but what really matters is your efforts.

This simple little philosophy of mine I realized playing a game of 8 ball some 40 years ago has helped me through some rough days.

 

[GrandTourPromo]

https://sites.google.com/site/grandtourpromotions/

Sometime early next year, Grand Tour Promotions (see link above) will be holding it's first event, GTP 1.

GTP 1 will be an eight player tournament, paying out all eight places. What makes it unique is it's NOT going to have an entry fee. The entire prize pool will have been generated by the sale of raffle tickets to sponsoring venues, tournament directors, league operators, and others who will then distribute their tickets to deserving players as a way to reward them for their participation in the sport, whatever that may be.

For a whole month, players of every variety and skill level will be given a chance to earn as many tickets as they can, ensuring themselves a great chance of being drawn for GTP 1, the first of many events on The GRAND Tour.

For more details, please visit the website (link below.). There you will find a complete description of our vision for The GRAND Tour, a FAQs page, and contact information.

https://sites.google.com/site/grandtourpromotions/

Robert Bowman
President, Grand Tour Promotions
Jacksonville, FL

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Nostroke]

There are plenty of people playing pool. But 90% of them are just socializing not even caring if they make a ball. They perceive it as just too damn hard to ever get good at. TIGHT Pockets make it way worse. All pool rooms should have a number of tables-Bucket style where anyone without their own stick is sent. Let them make a few balls. The houseman should try to give quick pointers to these types and get them interested in the game more than the beer. I know it isnt the complete answer but it would help.

 

[cajunfats]

I'm one of those that learned about pool in the towns rec centers. This was where I fell in love with pool. This was back in th late 60's.

I returned to playing about 5 years ago, I'm currently 58. This returning,older player needs to be included in growing pool. Or even getting more players my age playing.

Pool is one of the few sports where you can have a 12 year old play a 70 year old and both have equal chance of winning.

I do enjoy winning against people 1/2 my age.

NASCAR is a good example of how to grow a sport with questionable history, bootleggers.

They took the approach of making the sport family friendly. Also, track owners played a major role too. They provide the place to race and for the family to come watch.

This is where room owners and the city come into the picture of pool. There has to be a place to play and that is spectator friendly. The local tourney here I play in starts so late and end so late, none of my family wants to come and watch, plus there isn't much places for them to sit because all the players are using all the seats.

Where I play, I see so much potential in bringing in new players, but the owners aren't into growing the sport. They are good owners but are not really into pool is a sport, just as a business, which is not a bad thing.

They could offer Saturday pool camps for kids as well as seniors or anyone really. Have some tables set aside to teach kids pool, let them have tourneys and so on. Have family team tourneys. Day time tourneys for the kids and seniors.

Basically, pool has the get out of the old age of pool where the focus is mostly on the road player, hustling, bad behavior as the norm, gambling, sharing and so on.

Anyway, room owners and the city government are the key to getting new people into the sport.

What is not really mentioned is the character building aspect of pool. Pool can and does build charater like any other sport.

Like hard works pays off.

Like life, not everything goes your way.

Like life, pool takes planning, goal sitting to accomplish a shot.

Pool will test how honest you are. I've lost games and matches because I called a foul on myself that the other player didn't even see. I can live with myself. I have a growing respect for my play because of this.

Way back when, I was playing a 8 ball game and went into a little rambling speech while shooting. I pointed out how the break in 8 ball was like the beginning of a new day.

You do the break and the balls spread out, but never the same way. Some layouts offer up a easy run, others you have to work more, not evrything you do works, but you keep going to get through the rank.

Same as a day in life. You wake up, but it's not the same day as before. Not everything will go your way. There gonna be up and downs, but what really matters is your efforts.

This simple little philosophy of mine I realized playing a game of 8 ball some 40 years ago has helped me through some rough days.

One of the things I have encouraged in forming clubs is to have a spectator friendly area. Without the observance from the uninitiated, you won't expand beyond the realm of the player.

I have only one area which I would minimize importance, based upon my experiences, is that City Governments and Pool Rooms are not the best avenues to achieve new players. Neither of these entities have a "purpose" in the actual development of pool players. Billiard Clubs will. The concept is founded on the principle of approaching young people, schools, and institutions that would welcome the activity.

We are the same age demographic, and it appears we have traveled similar paths in pool. A great deal of what you are saying is spot on. You recognize the individual happiness that pool can bring to someone. It is our obligation to spread that message. There are many ways to do it.

Please keep postng your thoughts and experiences.

Carl