WPA<------>Asleep At The Wheel!
- Thread starter itsfroze
- Start date
Not Entirely WPA's Fault
The reason there is no American Participation is because there is no governing organization in the U.S. to represent American Professional Players to the WPA. Such an organization acts as a clearinghouse for planning event participation with International Confederations. If players are given an invite last minute,as may be the case with Mr. Dechaine,it is done as a courtesy.
If a player has the means to adjust plans and make plans to attend on short notice,fine. The event gets a couple of American Players and the rest of the slots are filled by the host country. The Chinese don't really care if a lot of our players attend. Their players are national sports celebrities and they will draw spectators.
Because we don't have our act together,we will not get the respect of World Wide Organizations. That's the official version.
The reality is, the WPA sucks money out of the koffers of the Organization's Member Countries for sanctioning fees of tournaments. Even after all these years,they don't have a better way to do business than the American Pro Players have.
The rare exception is Matchroom Sports. The question is,why hasn't the WPA,WCBS,et al formed a cooperative effort with Matchroom for Worldwide Pool? Could it be about the MONEY?
To answer you question,No! Team America doesn' get an Invite.
cajunfats
A Rebel
The reason there is no American Participation is because there is no governing organization in the U.S. to represent American Professional Players to the WPA. Such an organization acts as a clearinghouse for planning event participation with International Confederations. If players are given an invite last minute,as may be the case with Mr. Dechaine,it is done as a courtesy.
If a player has the means to adjust plans and make plans to attend on short notice,fine. The event gets a couple of American Players and the rest of the slots are filled by the host country. The Chinese don't really care if a lot of our players attend. Their players are national sports celebrities and they will draw spectators.
Because we don't have our act together,we will not get the respect of World Wide Organizations. That's the official version.
The reality is, the WPA sucks money out of the koffers of the Organization's Member Countries for sanctioning fees of tournaments. Even after all these years,they don't have a better way to do business than the American Pro Players have.
The rare exception is Matchroom Sports. The question is,why hasn't the WPA,WCBS,et al formed a cooperative effort with Matchroom for Worldwide Pool? Could it be about the MONEY?
To answer you question,No! Team America doesn' get an Invite.
cajunfats
A Rebel
Jerry Forsyth
Well-known member
The WPA DID invite a team from America to participate and no one wished to attend. The WPA cannot force players to attend their events. This team event requires one woman per team and that was problematic for many players. As far as invitation timing it has been a problem for a long time. Many of the promoters that the WPA works through do not work on the details of their events like the host hotel and airport transportation and even the number of entrants until the last minute. The WPA has applied constant pressure in this regard to little avail.
Thanks!
The timing issue is extremely important, if an organization expects positive results. Logistics for Events is about 75% of the work and 25% is used running the thing. The WPA isn't the only goup with a timing problem.
Thanks Again,
Carl
I Stand Corrected! Thanks for explaining that Jerry. I was unaware the invite was offered and the format for teams listed. I appreciate you having the correct info at hand.
The timing issue is extremely important, if an organization expects positive results. Logistics for Events is about 75% of the work and 25% is used running the thing. The WPA isn't the only goup with a timing problem.
Thanks Again,
Carl
Why didn't I hear one thing about this. Not one. I get in invite to the World 9 but don't hear about this team event?
is there a live stream, or TV coverage for this event?
Bca?
Jerry:
Understanding that the WPA host countries are not always prepared as well as you would like, isn't the real problem here, at least for the USA, that the BCA doesn't really do much to get these things organized? The WPA does publish its calendar of events a year in advance, so it's not like you only get a week's notice to fly to the other side of the world. All of the other major countries that have serious cue sports have a national or regional organization, that works throughout the year to encourage competition and get players ready for the WPA events. The WPA invitation should have gone to the BCA, as the US's representative on the WPA. What happened after that? What did the BCA do to get a team chosen and there to compete?
Point being that if the USA isn't there, it's not just because the WPA forgot to send the invitations; it's also that the USA has no effective governing body that enables and facilitates players from the US going to WPA events. The chinese and japanese teams have roadies, managers and coaches all along to help the players get there, and compete without a lot of distraction. Most of the other national organizations financially support their teams and players, at least to get them there and home again.
What does the BCA do as the USA's rep on the WPA to get the US's top player into competition?
Jerry:
Understanding that the WPA host countries are not always prepared as well as you would like, isn't the real problem here, at least for the USA, that the BCA doesn't really do much to get these things organized? The WPA does publish its calendar of events a year in advance, so it's not like you only get a week's notice to fly to the other side of the world. All of the other major countries that have serious cue sports have a national or regional organization, that works throughout the year to encourage competition and get players ready for the WPA events. The WPA invitation should have gone to the BCA, as the US's representative on the WPA. What happened after that? What did the BCA do to get a team chosen and there to compete?
Point being that if the USA isn't there, it's not just because the WPA forgot to send the invitations; it's also that the USA has no effective governing body that enables and facilitates players from the US going to WPA events. The chinese and japanese teams have roadies, managers and coaches all along to help the players get there, and compete without a lot of distraction. Most of the other national organizations financially support their teams and players, at least to get them there and home again.
What does the BCA do as the USA's rep on the WPA to get the US's top player into competition?
I'm sure Jerry will respond but I have a little bit of experience here. Other countries are government funded, so they can pay people to coach players and to pay for travel expenses and training camps. Pool in the U.S. is not government funded and will never be government funded. We are also not funded by our U.S. Olympic Committee, while other countries are. So that's two strikes against us.
Perhaps we can convince organized crime to take over pool in the U.S. Maybe we'll get funded then.
In case you haven't noticed, we have been in a recession. The last thing on people's minds these days is ponying up money to support pool. The only thing on their minds these days is survival until hopefully, this will all pass.
I remember when Jennifer Chen came here to play from Taiwan. She was a celebrity there. She was ordered to lose more weight. If you know Jennifer, you would know that she looked great and didn't need to lose weight. Yet, they gave her a ridiculous deadline, and she fainted a few times at a WPBA tournament.
That's the trade-off folks for having your expenses paid by the government. Everything has it's price.
Perhaps we can convince organized crime to take over pool in the U.S. Maybe we'll get funded then.
In case you haven't noticed, we have been in a recession. The last thing on people's minds these days is ponying up money to support pool. The only thing on their minds these days is survival until hopefully, this will all pass.
I remember when Jennifer Chen came here to play from Taiwan. She was a celebrity there. She was ordered to lose more weight. If you know Jennifer, you would know that she looked great and didn't need to lose weight. Yet, they gave her a ridiculous deadline, and she fainted a few times at a WPBA tournament.
That's the trade-off folks for having your expenses paid by the government. Everything has it's price.
Just sad-- just of a few more things american players should think about. The organisation of letting poolplayers know about informations seem to be a bit *funny*.
Hope you re doin good Mike
lg from overseas,
Ingo
WPA & BCA - world events
I am reading this thread with interest:
Originally Posted by Jerry Forsyth
The WPA DID invite a team from America to participate and no one wished to attend. The WPA cannot force players to attend their events. This team event requires one woman per team and that was problematic for many players. As far as invitation timing it has been a problem for a long time. Many of the promoters that the WPA works through do not work on the details of their events like the host hotel and airport transportation and even the number of entrants until the last minute. The WPA has applied constant pressure in this regard to little avail.
I agree with what Jerry said about the foreign events giving short notices.
BUT - I would like to know who was contacted and by whom (to play for the USA). I think a team could have been put together.
The BCA must get more involved on acting on the players behalf on WPA events. Or the US will just be shut out.
It is the BCA and US that is out of sync with the pool world. As stated, most countries support their national champions and assist in travel expenses etc.
Mark Griffin
I am reading this thread with interest:
Originally Posted by Jerry Forsyth
The WPA DID invite a team from America to participate and no one wished to attend. The WPA cannot force players to attend their events. This team event requires one woman per team and that was problematic for many players. As far as invitation timing it has been a problem for a long time. Many of the promoters that the WPA works through do not work on the details of their events like the host hotel and airport transportation and even the number of entrants until the last minute. The WPA has applied constant pressure in this regard to little avail.
I agree with what Jerry said about the foreign events giving short notices.
BUT - I would like to know who was contacted and by whom (to play for the USA). I think a team could have been put together.
The BCA must get more involved on acting on the players behalf on WPA events. Or the US will just be shut out.
It is the BCA and US that is out of sync with the pool world. As stated, most countries support their national champions and assist in travel expenses etc.
Mark Griffin
WPA quarterly report
This is from the WPA website. It seems to make clear that there's no secrets or last minute scrambles to find out when or where events take place.
The BCA is one of six regional organizations that supervise participation in WPA events [BCA for North America]; who at the BCA runs the program to keep north American players in the loop as to the WPA?
Fran, you are certainly correct about the recession, but it doesn't seem to have stopped any other country except.... the richest one in the world?
hmmmm.....
Friday, 23 March 2012
2012's Quarterly Report from WPA President, Ian Anderson
Dear All
I am pleased to send you all this update report on the latest happeningsof the WPA.
Although we are three months into 2012, we have held only one event so far, the men’s World 8-Ball Championship. But the rest of the year looks set to be a very busy time. I have an event calendar following that will demonstrate just how busy we expect to be.
As you’re aware, last year was a very successful year for the WPA, as we held a record number of events and payed out a record amount of prize money. We thought that it would be hard to see that being improved by much, especially considering the tough global financial situation. I am, however, very pleased to say that this year we are on course to easily surpass 2011’s efforts.
Growth in China continues. While we first thought that Beijing may not have an event this year, I am delighted to report that Beijing will indeed host an event and it will be the World Teams. Details are being finalised, but it is expected to feature four person teams, each team comprised of three men and one woman
China will also host another new ranking event in Harbin. In addition to these major events, China will have four other events for both men and women, 32 players in each division, with each division offering $50,000 prize money. In 2013 we hope to be able to co-ordinate these events to be played in either the week prior or the week after their major event. Also in Asia we will have four events in Manila, the men’s 10-Ball World Championship, the women’s 10-Ball World Championship, the Philippine Open and the World Summit. The Amway 9-Ball Open is once again scheduled, and hopefully we will see our first ever ranking event in Korea
Our relationship with Matchroom continues, this is our fourteenth year, and they have confirmed their three events, the World Pool Masters, the World Cup and the very successful and popular Mosconi Cup.
Interest in the Middle East is also increasing, and more WPA events in that region are likely in the future. The increase in popularity is due to the fact that two of our world championships (men’s 8-Ball & 9-Ball) are played there, and the good work being done throughout the region by the West Asian federation. The skill level of Middle Eastern players has increased significantly, which is a result of the opportunities their players now have to compete against the world’s leading players.
In addition, I am able to announce that this year we will have two ranking events in continents for the first time ever. It seems extraordinary that so far we haven’t had a ranking event in Europe, but that is about to change when the Oslo (Norway) Open will be played in August.
The other exciting bit of news is that we will have our first ranking event in South America, in Nicaragua. We very much appreciate the great work and dedication of the CPB President Carlos Rivera who has made this possible. Mr. Rivera hosted the world championship for juniors back in 2008, and from there he started an open professional tournament, the Nicaragua Open, which many of the leading players have competed in. He has now upped the ante to enable this event to have ranking status.
We are currently in discussions for a possible three more events, but a potential problem could be in acquiring suitable dates as our calendar is rather heavily booked. If we could add these events it would take the prize money offered this year to more than $4,000,000.
Of course all of this will only happen if the schedule remains intact. But whatever changes may occur during the year, at this stage it all looks very promising indeed.
We have also had continued success with one of our more popular initiatives, and that is the expanded media coverage of major WPA events. Pool journalist Ted Lerner has taken on the role of Press Officer, and the expansive coverage from these tournaments has allowed tens of thousands of fans around the world the chance to actively follow and enjoy our events.
What we’ve done media-wise so far is just the tip of the iceberg. We are currently exploring ideas to upgrade our media offerings so that we can greatly expand our fan base and better serve the millions of fans around the globe.
As usual, the WPA is open to ideas and comments regarding our activities. It is surely with an active and vibrant community all contributing that pool can continue to grow into the major sport that we all know it can be. I wish all of you, and your players all the very best success for the remainder of the season.
Ian Anderson
President
February World 8-Ball Championship (men) 160,000
March Amway Cup(women) 90,000
World Artistic Championship 8,000
April CBSA International (men 50,000 – women 50,000) 100,000
May World 10-Ball Championship (men) 175,000
CBSA International (men 50,000 – women 50,000) 100,000
June World 9-Ball Championship (women) 160,000
CBSA International (men 50,000 – women 50,000) 100,000
World 9-Ball Championship (men) 250,000
July Korean Open 180,000
World Teams (men & women) 300,000
Nicaragua Open 50,000
August Oslo Open 180,000
September World 9-Ball Championship (juniors)
World 9-Ball Championship (wheelchair athletes)
World Cup of Pool 250,000
China Open (men & women) 270,000
CBSA International (men 50,000 – women 50,000) 100,000
October Philippine Open (men & women) 160,000
World 10-Ball Championship (women) 80,000
International Challenge of Champions 50,000
US Open 9-Ball 200,000
November World Pool Masters 66,000
World Pool Summit 150,000
December Harbin International (men & women) 300,000
Mosconi Cup 112,000
Total 3,591,000
This is from the WPA website. It seems to make clear that there's no secrets or last minute scrambles to find out when or where events take place.
The BCA is one of six regional organizations that supervise participation in WPA events [BCA for North America]; who at the BCA runs the program to keep north American players in the loop as to the WPA?
Fran, you are certainly correct about the recession, but it doesn't seem to have stopped any other country except.... the richest one in the world?
hmmmm.....
Friday, 23 March 2012
2012's Quarterly Report from WPA President, Ian Anderson
Dear All
I am pleased to send you all this update report on the latest happeningsof the WPA.
Although we are three months into 2012, we have held only one event so far, the men’s World 8-Ball Championship. But the rest of the year looks set to be a very busy time. I have an event calendar following that will demonstrate just how busy we expect to be.
As you’re aware, last year was a very successful year for the WPA, as we held a record number of events and payed out a record amount of prize money. We thought that it would be hard to see that being improved by much, especially considering the tough global financial situation. I am, however, very pleased to say that this year we are on course to easily surpass 2011’s efforts.
Growth in China continues. While we first thought that Beijing may not have an event this year, I am delighted to report that Beijing will indeed host an event and it will be the World Teams. Details are being finalised, but it is expected to feature four person teams, each team comprised of three men and one woman
China will also host another new ranking event in Harbin. In addition to these major events, China will have four other events for both men and women, 32 players in each division, with each division offering $50,000 prize money. In 2013 we hope to be able to co-ordinate these events to be played in either the week prior or the week after their major event. Also in Asia we will have four events in Manila, the men’s 10-Ball World Championship, the women’s 10-Ball World Championship, the Philippine Open and the World Summit. The Amway 9-Ball Open is once again scheduled, and hopefully we will see our first ever ranking event in Korea
Our relationship with Matchroom continues, this is our fourteenth year, and they have confirmed their three events, the World Pool Masters, the World Cup and the very successful and popular Mosconi Cup.
Interest in the Middle East is also increasing, and more WPA events in that region are likely in the future. The increase in popularity is due to the fact that two of our world championships (men’s 8-Ball & 9-Ball) are played there, and the good work being done throughout the region by the West Asian federation. The skill level of Middle Eastern players has increased significantly, which is a result of the opportunities their players now have to compete against the world’s leading players.
In addition, I am able to announce that this year we will have two ranking events in continents for the first time ever. It seems extraordinary that so far we haven’t had a ranking event in Europe, but that is about to change when the Oslo (Norway) Open will be played in August.
The other exciting bit of news is that we will have our first ranking event in South America, in Nicaragua. We very much appreciate the great work and dedication of the CPB President Carlos Rivera who has made this possible. Mr. Rivera hosted the world championship for juniors back in 2008, and from there he started an open professional tournament, the Nicaragua Open, which many of the leading players have competed in. He has now upped the ante to enable this event to have ranking status.
We are currently in discussions for a possible three more events, but a potential problem could be in acquiring suitable dates as our calendar is rather heavily booked. If we could add these events it would take the prize money offered this year to more than $4,000,000.
Of course all of this will only happen if the schedule remains intact. But whatever changes may occur during the year, at this stage it all looks very promising indeed.
We have also had continued success with one of our more popular initiatives, and that is the expanded media coverage of major WPA events. Pool journalist Ted Lerner has taken on the role of Press Officer, and the expansive coverage from these tournaments has allowed tens of thousands of fans around the world the chance to actively follow and enjoy our events.
What we’ve done media-wise so far is just the tip of the iceberg. We are currently exploring ideas to upgrade our media offerings so that we can greatly expand our fan base and better serve the millions of fans around the globe.
As usual, the WPA is open to ideas and comments regarding our activities. It is surely with an active and vibrant community all contributing that pool can continue to grow into the major sport that we all know it can be. I wish all of you, and your players all the very best success for the remainder of the season.
Ian Anderson
President
February World 8-Ball Championship (men) 160,000
March Amway Cup(women) 90,000
World Artistic Championship 8,000
April CBSA International (men 50,000 – women 50,000) 100,000
May World 10-Ball Championship (men) 175,000
CBSA International (men 50,000 – women 50,000) 100,000
June World 9-Ball Championship (women) 160,000
CBSA International (men 50,000 – women 50,000) 100,000
World 9-Ball Championship (men) 250,000
July Korean Open 180,000
World Teams (men & women) 300,000
Nicaragua Open 50,000
August Oslo Open 180,000
September World 9-Ball Championship (juniors)
World 9-Ball Championship (wheelchair athletes)
World Cup of Pool 250,000
China Open (men & women) 270,000
CBSA International (men 50,000 – women 50,000) 100,000
October Philippine Open (men & women) 160,000
World 10-Ball Championship (women) 80,000
International Challenge of Champions 50,000
US Open 9-Ball 200,000
November World Pool Masters 66,000
World Pool Summit 150,000
December Harbin International (men & women) 300,000
Mosconi Cup 112,000
Total 3,591,000