Consequent upon the EASB decision to accept the IBSF decision which opened the amateur game up to professional Players, the Billiards Committee resigned, "en bloc."
The following is the text of the letter of resignation sent from the secretary, Albert Hanson, expressing the feelings of the resigning members.
It is with deep regret that I tender my resignation as secretary of the Billiards Committee.
The decision taken on Monday to accept the IBSF ruling to allow professionals into the National (Amateur) event is one I fundamentally cannot accept.
I believe that the decision taken will prove to be a retrograde step for both Billiards and Snooker with the "amateurs" refusing to enter the national events. The options following Monday's decision were:
At the end of the day I am at heart an amateur administrator and not prepared to administer for professional billiards.
The EABA could never be anything other than a tournament-organising body incapable of providing coaching, refereeing, rule input, etc.
Therefore whilst it did a sterling job in its limited time of operation, it is not the answer to billiards problems.
I will now concentrate on my Teesside Boys Billiards activities, this being the best way I can serve amateur billiards.
I will continue to be able to serve you with any advice and information you may require.
I would like to thank you personally for your assistance, guidance, patience and friendship in our many dealings.
I look forward to meeting you again in the future and I hope never to have to say, "I told you so."
Good luck and many thanks.
No one is indispensable, the coordinator of the EASB (Freya Broad) is a very capable young lady, well able to organise a championship. The new English National Billiards Championship will doubtless go ahead as planned.
At the same time there is also little doubt that Hanson's enthusiasm, organisational skills, experience, and wide network of connections throughout the country will be badly missed.