Why billiards will never be in Olympics

[iusedtoberich]

...snip.... It's a huge revenue generator for any city that hosts it. .....snip.....

Revenue generator? I thought most cities went broke hosting the Olympics. 20/20 or one of those prime time network news programs had a special one year 20 some years back showing all the abandoned Olympic stadiums falling apart, and how they damaged the host city financials.

 

[smiling_Hans]

His argument is inconsistent with arguments previously made.

If pool is not a sport and there are no “feats” performed or physical challenges(his words not mine).

Then there shouldn’t be an argument that trans people have an unfair advantage.

But for the sake of clarity I have long been an advocate for protecting women’s sports. Born males should compete with born males not females.

But there’s nothing egregious with pointing out his lack of consistency.

You're just trying to sneak trans into the conversation and we don't want to hear that.

Take to NPR.

 

[Bishop]

You're just trying to sneak trans into the conversation and we don't want to hear that.

Take to NPR.

It could be midgets for all I care. The point is that your argument isn't consistent.

 

[MattPoland]

Same topic came up on Reddit. Here’s my take.

While the Olympics is a major international tradition with significant appeal, interest in the Olympic Games is trending downward. Fewer cities are bidding to host the Olympics as most host cities experience financial strain from the event. Traditional TV viewership is taking a harsh drop. While modern digital platforms for consuming the Olympics are becoming a more preferred method of consumption, the financial viability of the OIympics is under threat of reduced broadcast, advertising and sponsorship revenue. With competing forms of entertainment available they know they need to appeal to the youth today to maintain that audience as adults in the future.

The IOC does recognize cue sports as "Olympic sports" thanks to efforts from decades ago establishing world standardized rules and a structure of international governing bodies like the WCBS. But cue sports haven't been selected for inclusion in "The Olympic Games". As a consolation it is awarded participation in "The World Games". And frankly that has been a very lackluster production when you compare it to commercial pool events. Having snooker, carom, and pool joined at the hip under the WCBS also makes the logistics of the joint event awkward by constraining the use of available space and resources. You get one room with a two pool tables, single snooker table, and single carom table making it more like an exhibition than an actual tournament.

In my opinion the IOC is not likely to pick cue sports to include in the games. I can see a day where they'll start reducing their footprint of sports for economic purposes. But they are still adding games on occasion trying to appeal to the youth. The Youth Olympic Games is a trial event since 2010 to see what has strong appeal. They can test these out because some sports are more permanent and other are labeled as provisional. So provisional sports are more on a trial basis and that's why we see things like surfing, sport climbing, break dancing, 3x3 basketball, BMX, etc.

The main focus on WCBS to get cue sports into the Olympics has been to court interest from the host city. Usually the host city gets to select a couple provisional sports to be included for their year. They've made a failed attempt at Tokyo in 2020. Failed attempt at Paris in 2024. They're certainly trying to get attention from Los Angelos in 2028. But they probably have a better shot at Australia in 2032. And in any case, if successful they'll just be a provisional sport with no guarantee it won't be a one-and-done.

I'm skeptical. I have more interest in seeing the actual commercial side of the sport flourish. All my eggs are in the Matchroom WNT basket. And as we know the Olympic-affiliated governing body, WPA, doesn't play well with Matchroom because it strives to assert its Olympic-affiliated authority over the commercial operation of pool and Matchroom is showing it doesn't need Olympic-affiliation to operate successfully. So as long as the WPA and its regional members like the ACBS are actively threatening bans on WNT pros, you won't likely see the commercial operation of pool be a benefit to making a case for Olympic inclusion. "Hey look how popular pool is. Let us in the Olympics. But you won't see any of those star athletes if you do because we've banned them from our structure."

 

[smiling_Hans]

Same topic came up on Reddit. Here’s my take.

While the Olympics is a major international tradition with significant appeal, interest in the Olympic Games is trending downward. Fewer cities are bidding to host the Olympics as most host cities experience financial strain from the event. Traditional TV viewership is taking a harsh drop. While modern digital platforms for consuming the Olympics are becoming a more preferred method of consumption, the financial viability of the OIympics is under threat of reduced broadcast, advertising and sponsorship revenue. With competing forms of entertainment available they know they need to appeal to the youth today to maintain that audience as adults in the future.

The IOC does recognize cue sports as "Olympic sports" thanks to efforts from decades ago establishing world standardized rules and a structure of international governing bodies like the WCBS. But cue sports haven't been selected for inclusion in "The Olympic Games". As a consolation it is awarded participation in "The World Games". And frankly that has been a very lackluster production when you compare it to commercial pool events. Having snooker, carom, and pool joined at the hip under the WCBS also makes the logistics of the joint event awkward by constraining the use of available space and resources. You get one room with a two pool tables, single snooker table, and single carom table making it more like an exhibition than an actual tournament.

In my opinion the IOC is not likely to pick cue sports to include in the games. I can see a day where they'll start reducing their footprint of sports for economic purposes. But they are still adding games on occasion trying to appeal to the youth. The Youth Olympic Games is a trial event since 2010 to see what has strong appeal. They can test these out because some sports are more permanent and other are labeled as provisional. So provisional sports are more on a trial basis and that's why we see things like surfing, sport climbing, break dancing, 3x3 basketball, BMX, etc.

The main focus on WCBS to get cue sports into the Olympics has been to court interest from the host city. Usually the host city gets to select a couple provisional sports to be included for their year. They've made a failed attempt at Tokyo in 2020. Failed attempt at Paris in 2024. They're certainly trying to get attention from Los Angelos in 2028. But they probably have a better shot at Australia in 2032. And in any case, if successful they'll just be a provisional sport with no guarantee it won't be a one-and-done.

I'm skeptical. I have more interest in seeing the actual commercial side of the sport flourish. All my eggs are in the Matchroom WNT basket. And as we know the Olympic-affiliated governing body, WPA, doesn't play well with Matchroom because it strives to assert its Olympic-affiliated authority over the commercial operation of pool and Matchroom is showing it doesn't need Olympic-affiliation to operate successfully. So as long as the WPA and its regional members like the ACBS are actively threatening bans on WNT pros, you won't likely see the commercial operation of pool be a benefit to making a case for Olympic inclusion. "Hey look how popular pool is. Let us in the Olympics. But you won't see any of those star athletes if you do because we've banned them from our structure."

Based on your post then I can see it become an Olympic sport because of the declining viewership of the Olympics. At this point, it would only be a sport because the Olympics want to grab everything they can and call it an "Olympic Event" to attract new markets.

As for the pure definition of sports, it is not in my opinion.

 

[kling&allen]

Same topic came up on Reddit. Here’s my take.

While the Olympics is a major international tradition with significant appeal, interest in the Olympic Games is trending downward. Fewer cities are bidding to host the Olympics as most host cities experience financial strain from the event. Traditional TV viewership is taking a harsh drop. While modern digital platforms for consuming the Olympics are becoming a more preferred method of consumption, the financial viability of the OIympics is under threat of reduced broadcast, advertising and sponsorship revenue. With competing forms of entertainment available they know they need to appeal to the youth today to maintain that audience as adults in the future.

The IOC does recognize cue sports as "Olympic sports" thanks to efforts from decades ago establishing world standardized rules and a structure of international governing bodies like the WCBS. But cue sports haven't been selected for inclusion in "The Olympic Games". As a consolation it is awarded participation in "The World Games". And frankly that has been a very lackluster production when you compare it to commercial pool events. Having snooker, carom, and pool joined at the hip under the WCBS also makes the logistics of the joint event awkward by constraining the use of available space and resources. You get one room with a two pool tables, single snooker table, and single carom table making it more like an exhibition than an actual tournament.

In my opinion the IOC is not likely to pick cue sports to include in the games. I can see a day where they'll start reducing their footprint of sports for economic purposes. But they are still adding games on occasion trying to appeal to the youth. The Youth Olympic Games is a trial event since 2010 to see what has strong appeal. They can test these out because some sports are more permanent and other are labeled as provisional. So provisional sports are more on a trial basis and that's why we see things like surfing, sport climbing, break dancing, 3x3 basketball, BMX, etc.

The main focus on WCBS to get cue sports into the Olympics has been to court interest from the host city. Usually the host city gets to select a couple provisional sports to be included for their year. They've made a failed attempt at Tokyo in 2020. Failed attempt at Paris in 2024. They're certainly trying to get attention from Los Angelos in 2028. But they probably have a better shot at Australia in 2032. And in any case, if successful they'll just be a provisional sport with no guarantee it won't be a one-and-done.

I'm skeptical. I have more interest in seeing the actual commercial side of the sport flourish. All my eggs are in the Matchroom WNT basket. And as we know the Olympic-affiliated governing body, WPA, doesn't play well with Matchroom because it strives to assert its Olympic-affiliated authority over the commercial operation of pool and Matchroom is showing it doesn't need Olympic-affiliation to operate successfully. So as long as the WPA and its regional members like the ACBS are actively threatening bans on WNT pros, you won't likely see the commercial operation of pool be a benefit to making a case for Olympic inclusion. "Hey look how popular pool is. Let us in the Olympics. But you won't see any of those star athletes if you do because we've banned them from our structure."

I think even the WPA had said that 2036 is the earliest shot for billiards in the Olympics. I don’t think it will ever happen and think pool is better off without it.

 

[jason]

Revenue generator? I thought most cities went broke hosting the Olympics. 20/20 or one of those prime time network news programs had a special one year 20 some years back showing all the abandoned Olympic stadiums falling apart, and how they damaged the host city financials.

Yes, the city and tax payers probably go broke, but not after a lot of politicians and local business men line their pockets. In a perfect world, why would a city want to host the event and go broke? Well the answer is we don't live in a perfect world and they need an excuse to fleece the taxpayers and get their pet projects completed. It does give a lot of exposure to the city for years to come for tourism and they want to be considered a world class city. I think it is ridicules when the tax payers pay to build new stadiums for multi-million dollar sports teams too. Why don't they pay for and build their own stadiums like other small business owners? ...because they can fleece us some more.

 

[muskyed]

So there’s no physical feat or physical superiority to pool?

Is there a physical feat in shooting or archery?

Top level archery, yes, trapshooting, questionable.

 

[DeeDeeCues]

You right and its really strange that people who post here would demean the game. There are plenty of events in the Olympics that could be called less entertaining and require far less skill..., artistic swimming, break dancing, sport climbing, free style sking, curling???

I would have to believe that there are more people playing and watching Pool than those.

Which of those take less skill?

 

[justnum]

How many pool players can afford the expenses for the Olympics?

That is a concern among college athletes that are near Olympic qualification. Does the price the body and sacrifice of time worth the expenses? For sports with no media recognition or government compensation its a financial pit.

Athletes in throwing are track and field but it gets almost no coverage. Their size is big and round Mario He and Kelly Fisher match the Olympic competitive body type.

 

[gmiller]

There are several shooting events where the main athletic ability is to just stand still. There are quite a few 10m air rifle and 10m pistol events. There also skeet shooting. You won't see fat people in the 10m air rifle because resting your elbow on your hip bone allows for a huge advantage. You will see some big and older people in the air pistol and skeet events.

What makes a sport good for the Olympics is mostly profitability. If every country sent 5 pool players, that'd be over 1000 players. It'd require a long tournament at a specialized venue where it's hard for spectators to watch.

In most events, you'll have 8-10 players competing at a time and eliminate all but a couple of them in a matter of minutes.

Things like gymnastics and track and field, sometimes just have one person competing at a time in an event, but the facility allows for many different events to take place at the same time.

With pool. It'd just be a giant sea of tables where no one could see a thing.

 

[garczar]

With the Oly's becoming a sick freakshow pool should be totally included. Build a replica poolhall with bookies, pimps, dealers, deadbeats, the whole-9-yards. Hell, make that the opening ceremony.

 

[MattPoland]

Based on your post then I can see it become an Olympic sport because of the declining viewership of the Olympics. At this point, it would only be a sport because the Olympics want to grab everything they can and call it an "Olympic Event" to attract new markets.

As for the pure definition of sports, it is not in my opinion.

I don’t know. I think they’ll hit a point they cannot afford their own footprint and making it larger won’t be an option logistically. I think we’ll see a day where they drop 10 traditional sports and add 2 new ones (like eSports) out of desperation.

 

[couldnthinkof01]

Do people still watch the Olympics?

 

[MattPoland]

Barry Hearn doesn’t care for the idea of darts in the Olympics and that doesn’t surprise at all.

Barry Hearn sees no point in darts at Olympics: ''Have you ever tried to eat a medal?''

Darts is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, but the sport has not yet secured a spot at the Olympic Games. Reportedly, Darts does not yet meet all the requirements to be added to the Olym...

dartsnews.com

 

[Bob Jewett]

Barry Hearn doesn’t care for the idea of darts in the Olympics and that doesn’t surprise at all. ...

I think the main sticking point is that darts would need an independent international governing body. Barry has not had good luck with those. In his autobiography he had some strong words about the people who were making decisions in London about their recent (2012) Summer Games.

 

[smiling_Hans]

There are several shooting events where the main athletic ability is to just stand still. There are quite a few 10m air rifle and 10m pistol events. There also skeet shooting. You won't see fat people in the 10m air rifle because resting your elbow on your hip bone allows for a huge advantage. You will see some big and older people in the air pistol and skeet events.

What makes a sport good for the Olympics is mostly profitability. If every country sent 5 pool players, that'd be over 1000 players. It'd require a long tournament at a specialized venue where it's hard for spectators to watch.

In most events, you'll have 8-10 players competing at a time and eliminate all but a couple of them in a matter of minutes.

Things like gymnastics and track and field, sometimes just have one person competing at a time in an event, but the facility allows for many different events to take place at the same time.

With pool. It'd just be a giant sea of tables where no one could see a thing.

Yes logistically it would be horrible.

 

[Coos Cues]

You could but you won't see much of that in archery. In 3D events you might see a few guts hanging out, but for the most part the top archers are in very good shape.
Wife and I have shot a lot of archery and competition, all the way to national level.
Much more physical than pool, especially at the top level.
I really think the problem with pool is most really don't understand it, or what is involved to be at the top level.
Some say it's too long, yet they will watch sports like golf or biking.

For the most part top pool players are also fit these days. Next level down not so much but the very best.

 

[Badpenguin]

Top level archery, yes, trapshooting, questionable.

This guy won gold in team archery. Not calling him obese or anything, but he isn't your classic athletic build.

 

[skogstokig]

Same topic came up on Reddit. Here’s my take.

While the Olympics is a major international tradition with significant appeal, interest in the Olympic Games is trending downward. Fewer cities are bidding to host the Olympics as most host cities experience financial strain from the event. Traditional TV viewership is taking a harsh drop. While modern digital platforms for consuming the Olympics are becoming a more preferred method of consumption, the financial viability of the OIympics is under threat of reduced broadcast, advertising and sponsorship revenue. With competing forms of entertainment available they know they need to appeal to the youth today to maintain that audience as adults in the future.

The IOC does recognize cue sports as "Olympic sports" thanks to efforts from decades ago establishing world standardized rules and a structure of international governing bodies like the WCBS. But cue sports haven't been selected for inclusion in "The Olympic Games". As a consolation it is awarded participation in "The World Games". And frankly that has been a very lackluster production when you compare it to commercial pool events. Having snooker, carom, and pool joined at the hip under the WCBS also makes the logistics of the joint event awkward by constraining the use of available space and resources. You get one room with a two pool tables, single snooker table, and single carom table making it more like an exhibition than an actual tournament.

In my opinion the IOC is not likely to pick cue sports to include in the games. I can see a day where they'll start reducing their footprint of sports for economic purposes. But they are still adding games on occasion trying to appeal to the youth. The Youth Olympic Games is a trial event since 2010 to see what has strong appeal. They can test these out because some sports are more permanent and other are labeled as provisional. So provisional sports are more on a trial basis and that's why we see things like surfing, sport climbing, break dancing, 3x3 basketball, BMX, etc.

The main focus on WCBS to get cue sports into the Olympics has been to court interest from the host city. Usually the host city gets to select a couple provisional sports to be included for their year. They've made a failed attempt at Tokyo in 2020. Failed attempt at Paris in 2024. They're certainly trying to get attention from Los Angelos in 2028. But they probably have a better shot at Australia in 2032. And in any case, if successful they'll just be a provisional sport with no guarantee it won't be a one-and-done.

I'm skeptical. I have more interest in seeing the actual commercial side of the sport flourish. All my eggs are in the Matchroom WNT basket. And as we know the Olympic-affiliated governing body, WPA, doesn't play well with Matchroom because it strives to assert its Olympic-affiliated authority over the commercial operation of pool and Matchroom is showing it doesn't need Olympic-affiliation to operate successfully. So as long as the WPA and its regional members like the ACBS are actively threatening bans on WNT pros, you won't likely see the commercial operation of pool be a benefit to making a case for Olympic inclusion. "Hey look how popular pool is. Let us in the Olympics. But you won't see any of those star athletes if you do because we've banned them from our structure."

well, WNT also has no women tour and hence very few women under their organization. that's probably a deal breaker for the olympics.