News from the Editor's Chair
The recent appointment of Chris Smith as chief executive to oversee the E.A.S.B. and the W.B.A. heralds yet another chapter in the saga of who controls the amateur game. The W.P.B.S.A. will continue to fund the amateurs for a further three years, after which time financial support will be withdrawn. This also applies to the W.B.A. The new body will then, presumably, be left to its own devices regarding the attraction of sponsorship and all other marketing matters. The organisational structure of accountability will have to be settled. There may be some difficulties administrating professional and amateur codes under one umbrella.
It is to be hoped that the door will now be opened for recognition by Sport England, and the long overdue opportunity to apply for National sporting grants and other benefits available to amateur bodies. The English Amateur Billiards Association has demonstrated its competence to organise the game of amateur billiards, and has proved that with a modest amount of financial support it can continue to do so. A prudent approach to fiscal matters, and an abundant knowledge of the game and its organisation, will facilitate an easy transition to the new scheme. A meeting of the E.A.B.A. committee is scheduled to take place at 'The Reardon', Stoke-on-Trent, at which Chris Smith will declare his views and intentions. The E.A.B.A. committee welcomes this opportunity to outline its expectations and share in the decisions for the future of the amateur game. We wish Chris every success in his new task and as an association we will endeavour to give a constructive lead in the progress of his undertaking.
We will wait with bated breath to see the outcome of the 2000 IBSF World Billiards Championship. The championship cannot be taken as a serious attempt to find the World's best billiards player, more a lottery, or more aptly, a free for all. The only serious thing about it is the entry fee, at £50, and coupled with a restricted entry, it possibly precludes the only players who could afford to enter, the amateurs. How will the competitors practise for this event? Are there any special rules? Possibly pot the red once off each spot, cross the balk line after ten points, play with the rest! The options are endless. We wish the IBSF and the players success in the championship. If nothing else it stretches the imagination.
Finally, the July meeting of the E.A.B.A. considered various changes in it's competition rules in an effort to improve the timing of events, particularly in the final stages of the annual championships. Disciplinary aspects of the games were also discussed at some length, and it was agreed to tighten up on matters of lateness, and some aspects of dress. A different allocation of ranking points was agreed for the English Championship. Instead of, as previously, a doubling of A.B.C. points for championship wins, a revised system of allocating points was agreed and these will appear on the 2001 championship entry forms. The E.A.B.A. committee is constantly reviewing the rules and standing conditions of all competitions to ensure that players and officials enjoy a smooth running service, and receive value for money In return for supporting the national championships.
Be lucky!