This magazine reported in the July Issue that the British Isles Under 16 Billiards Championship would no longer be held. B.Q.R. is very pleased to report that this Championship will take place as usual. From David Ford, Chief Executive of the B.& S.C.C.:-
"There was a recommendation from the Competitions Committee that we combine the Under 16 and Under 19 events, but this was not acceptable to the Executive Committee. You may be aware that the Teesside Boys Billiards League organised a petition to save this event, which turned out to be unnecessary as the decision was made before their petition was launched. I did however receive some of the petition yesterday (23rd July) from Albert Hanson, and there were 294 names on the list. I pointed out to Albert that these people should make themselves responsible for at least one entry, if they were genuinely interested in the competition. However, I don't suppose that this will happen"
No David, I don't suppose it will. The important thing is that the event will take place. This magazine is helping to swell the numbers by sponsoring three boys from a local club. None of them have ever played any Billiards but they will receive free coaching, will compete and hopefully develop an interest in the game.
The B.& S.C.C. has put out an edict to the effect that Official B.& S.C.C. Sanction is required for any Tournament open to players who are not members of the club where the event is being staged unless the event is being staged by the County/Area Association or Affiliates. Conditions are that a sanction fee of £1.00.per entry must be paid by the organiser to the B.& S.C.C. The promoter/organiser must undertake to pay this fee and provide full results of the tournament to the B.& S.C.C. within fourteen days of the conclusion of the event. This will give the promoters the right to display the B.& S.C.C. Logo in its advertising of the event and some selected events will carry ranking points. Players or Referees participating in non-sanctioned tournaments will be barred from all official B.& S.C.C. Tournaments for a minimum period of one year. There are other points but the above sum up the main clauses of the edict. The Editor of B.Q.R. has been a Private Member of the B.& S.C.C. for years, is a strong supporter of that body, and hopes that the day will never dawn when the B.& S.C.C. no longer exists. But I have a feeling that this edict will be almost totally ignored. No snooker player in the land is going to pay an extra quid and it is doubtful if the promoters of Open Pro Am events will ask them. Ranking points have no longer any relevance as any player can buy his way into the professional ranks. It is no secret that the B.& S.C.C. needs money but they are not going to get it this way.
The B.& S.C.C. has, pro tem, withdrawn the proposals regarding sanction of Tournaments.