WPBA/BCA SENDING players to
- Thread starter Johnnyt
- Start date
Jerry Forsyth
Well-known member
I cannot speak for the WPBA as I am not educated as to their policies. But the men get no travel stipends for their travel. We invite the men according to their rankings and they are free to accept or reject the offer to play overseas. They are independent contractors (so to speak) and are responsible for their own business expenses.
AZBilliards is attempting to establish a fund to help the players with their overseas travel but it has been met thus far with tremendous indifference from the fans. We put up items for auction that get no bids or bids that are so pitifully low that we have to cancel the auction or risk insulting the craftsmen who donated the items for bidding.
We understand that the economy has everyone in a bind and are now considering just halting the efforts at establishing this Pro Player Travel Fund until the economy brightens. We are saddened that the birthplace of modern pool, America, is where the players can find no support for their efforts from either their government or from private sources. We are currently viewing a scene where the game has enjoyed a handsome growth curve overseas but not here in the USA. And take a look at where the great players are now from. They are from countries that give their players financial support or they are from countries where they receive private support from management groups that allow the players the freedom to travel without worrying about the rent and the grocery bill.
How we turn this around I am not certain, at all. But we must turn it around or the game, with the exception of a handful of events, will go away from these shores entirely.
AZBilliards is attempting to establish a fund to help the players with their overseas travel but it has been met thus far with tremendous indifference from the fans. We put up items for auction that get no bids or bids that are so pitifully low that we have to cancel the auction or risk insulting the craftsmen who donated the items for bidding.
We understand that the economy has everyone in a bind and are now considering just halting the efforts at establishing this Pro Player Travel Fund until the economy brightens. We are saddened that the birthplace of modern pool, America, is where the players can find no support for their efforts from either their government or from private sources. We are currently viewing a scene where the game has enjoyed a handsome growth curve overseas but not here in the USA. And take a look at where the great players are now from. They are from countries that give their players financial support or they are from countries where they receive private support from management groups that allow the players the freedom to travel without worrying about the rent and the grocery bill.
How we turn this around I am not certain, at all. But we must turn it around or the game, with the exception of a handful of events, will go away from these shores entirely.
Now we're talking. I like the way you think!
Jerry Forsyth said:
This is so sad. Pool can be cruel to its own, especially in the States. Those within the American pool culture -- some of them, not all -- seem to have a great disdain towards American pros.
Jerry Forsyth said:
I came to this conclusion a few years ago. The existing lot of American pros is dwindling. Soon all competitive events will be outsourced overseas, much like they are right now.
I have one Ace up my sleeve that I'm saving for later about this topic. I hope AzBilliards continues to support American pool.
Why only look here for the help. What about forming an official np group with the sole charter to raise monies for this fund? Sponsor dinners at times that are around also local major events. Talk to the other pros, try to get them on board in some way, Maybe look into offering clients for a fee and proceeds goto the fund.
Look for ways to get the younger ones involved. Sow the positive side of the sport.
Expand the dream, It is really that important, then go big or go home! There are enough pros here, that I would think that some would be willing to put on a few hour exhibition, couple that with the many who own a pool hall...
Advertise locally for these, shoe string budget, can be done..
Edit, not to mention, create an actual charity and then the time that anyone donates, is a tax write off for them, the pool hall owner, gives away "table" time, write off etc....
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OR players can do it the old fashioned way, GET A SPONSOR or BACKER to travel to tournaments. I have yet to see it fail that when a MOTIVATED player came on this forum looking for support/backing to go to ANY tournament, that funds weren't raised and usually pretty fast.
My feeling is that if a top player wants to go to any major tournament, help is available if they seek it. The problem seems to be that few American players are motivated to travel overseas and compete against the top players in the world. Only SVB among our top players seems so inclined at present for whatever reason. I am not faulting our other top players, because many have commitments like family and jobs/businesses that won't allow them to travel freely.
My point being that if a player is good enough and so motivated, help is out there. He just has to expend an effort to find it. As I recall it worked for John Schmidt once or twice before.
My feeling is that if a top player wants to go to any major tournament, help is available if they seek it. The problem seems to be that few American players are motivated to travel overseas and compete against the top players in the world. Only SVB among our top players seems so inclined at present for whatever reason. I am not faulting our other top players, because many have commitments like family and jobs/businesses that won't allow them to travel freely.
My point being that if a player is good enough and so motivated, help is out there. He just has to expend an effort to find it. As I recall it worked for John Schmidt once or twice before.
Not trying to conflict with the AZ Pro Player Travel Fund idea, because I think it's a wonderful revelation, but honestly why is it that our sports fan base is even asked for assistance in supporting the pro players in their needs?
The problem with the American pool contingent on the international scene is that our representatives shouldn't be asking fans for assistance, the billiard industry itself should be supporting our elite players and covering ALL their travel and per diem expenses while representing our country. Whip out that Brunswick credit card next time Shane, Johnny, Gabe etc. get an invite to kick the worlds butt and put 'em on a plane without the worries on whether they have to win to eat or not!
What's wrong with pool, what's wrong with pool...bla bla bla! Here it is...IT'S A "TAKERS" SPORT! Everybodies more interested in what they can get from this activity rather than what they can give to it. The industry itself is only interested in their profit margin and they don't see any profit coming from a non-marketable venture like professional pool. In other words, the billiard companies can't make money off of this activity because of it's lack of exposure through major media. Don't even get me started on why pool isn't marketable, I don't feel like writing a fricken book today! You can refer back to a comment I made in another thread where I stated a certain player was sponsored by Kleenex and I'm sure you'll get the idea. Oh yeah, Kleenex has a looooooooong list of professional pool players for sure folks! The funny thing is because of the state of pool in America I can definately see why their cryin'! It isn't over spilled milk! It's because after a lifetime commitment to the game they can't make a living doing the only thing they know how, PLAYIN' POOL!
It's a catch-22 in every aspect and it's depressing as hell! Well, IMO it all starts with the industry supporting itself. Yeah, I'm calling out every major billiards manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer, but to hell with trying to get the appreciators (the fans) to pick up the f'in tab! We're the ones who allready put our money in their pockets through our purchases! How 'bout hittin' up the big boys to estabolish a proper travel fund for our great American competitors rather than hit the bottom rung fan up for even more money?
Jerry, I hope you don't take this as an attack on you as I have utmost respect for what you and others try to do for our game. This subject just pisses me off to no end and I wish i had the finances to make it right myself!
Sorry for the rant, thank God I've still got my Kleenex contract! :thumbup: