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governing bodies
Billiard Congress of America
The Billiard Congress of America was established in 1948, with early involvement by players like Willie Mosconi and Willie Hoppe. The objective was to organize the players and promote the sport through qualifying tournaments at the local, regional and national levels in Straight Pool and 3-Cushion billiards (the popular competitive disciplines of the era) and recognize those champions. Organizers were also determined to produce an official rulebook to standardize the sport and help fund the effort; and to involve billiard rooms, retailers and manufacturers in meeting these promotional goals.
During World War II, a great number of soldiers took up billiards at military camps and the industry expected a tremendous surge in peacetime popularity for the sport. But instead, soldiers generally returned home, got married, started families and built a suburban life. Despite the best efforts of the many constituents of the Billiard Congress of America, the sport fell into a depression in the late 1940s and the entire 1950s. Throughout this period, the association was anchored by its official rulebook and the official recognition of World and National Championships only through Billiard Congress of America sanctioning. In 1961 the movie "The Hustler" was released and single-handedly revived the sport for a few years. The Billiard Congress of America began promoting the US Open 14.1 Championships in 1966, the most prestigious professional event of its time.
From 1948 to 1980, the Billiard Congress of America had a board of directors and elected officers, but no physical headquarters. The National Sporting Goods Association kept the files of the Billiard Congress of America, and handled day-to-day administration. In 1980, long-time US Open director Robert Froeschle volunteered to set up a permanent Billiard Congress of America office in his hometown of Iowa City, Iowa. The Billiard Congress of America called Iowa City its home for many years, moving to bigger office space as the organization grew.
In 1982, the Billiard Congress of America board of directors created an industry trade show, at which all segments of the sport could meet. Today the BCA Summit is the industry's largest annual billiard and home recreation expo. In addition to exhibits, the events features business seminars for all sections of the billiards industry and social events designed to promote peer to peer relationships.
The Billiard Congress of America moved its headquarters to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2000. While in Colorado, the association established its mission to, "Enhance the success of our members and promote the game of billiards." Further, the Billiard Congress of America agreed that its vision is to, "Achieve a united, growing, prosperous and highly regarded billiard industry through Billiard Congress of America leadership." In the early 2000's, the Billiard Congress of America elected to sell its league operations to CueSports International.
The Billiard Congress of America also operates the Professional Billiard Instructors Association. With more than 210 members, the PBIA provides on-going certification and training for its membership. The Billiard Congress of America also launched the playbetterbilliards website in 2012, aimed at promoting the benefits of seeking out quality, PBIA-certified instructors. The association also promotes the website via a Google Adword campaign that has seen more than 35,000 searches for PBIA instructors.
Today, the Billiard Congress of America provides its members:
Exclusive discounts and savings from leading billiard and home recreation manufacturers through the Billiard Congress of America Rewards Program.Members-only access to industry research and statistics, including consumer insights, in-depth pool room operator and retailer business analytics.Free Billiard Congress of America merchandise (rule books, instructional booklets and dvd's, tournament flow charts, etc.).Promotion via the BCA's consumer website, GenerationPool.com.Member's-only access to an online Billiard Congress of America membership directory.Access to industry and business news, via an eNewsletter.Free admission for retailers and room operators to the Billiard Congress of America's industry trade show.Discounted booth space for manufacturers and distributors at the Billiard Congress of America's industry trade show.Additionally, the Billiard Congress of America has the honor of being the North American representative to the World-Pool Billiard Association. As such, the organization is responsible for selecting players for world championships, rules and specifications input and other timely topics paramount to the sport and industry. This position permits the Billiard Congress of America to publish the "Official Rules and Records Book, World-Standardized Rules." The Billiard Congress of America also oversees the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame.
During World War II, a great number of soldiers took up billiards at military camps and the industry expected a tremendous surge in peacetime popularity for the sport. But instead, soldiers generally returned home, got married, started families and built a suburban life. Despite the best efforts of the many constituents of the Billiard Congress of America, the sport fell into a depression in the late 1940s and the entire 1950s. Throughout this period, the association was anchored by its official rulebook and the official recognition of World and National Championships only through Billiard Congress of America sanctioning. In 1961 the movie "The Hustler" was released and single-handedly revived the sport for a few years. The Billiard Congress of America began promoting the US Open 14.1 Championships in 1966, the most prestigious professional event of its time.
From 1948 to 1980, the Billiard Congress of America had a board of directors and elected officers, but no physical headquarters. The National Sporting Goods Association kept the files of the Billiard Congress of America, and handled day-to-day administration. In 1980, long-time US Open director Robert Froeschle volunteered to set up a permanent Billiard Congress of America office in his hometown of Iowa City, Iowa. The Billiard Congress of America called Iowa City its home for many years, moving to bigger office space as the organization grew.
In 1982, the Billiard Congress of America board of directors created an industry trade show, at which all segments of the sport could meet. Today the BCA Summit is the industry's largest annual billiard and home recreation expo. In addition to exhibits, the events features business seminars for all sections of the billiards industry and social events designed to promote peer to peer relationships.
The Billiard Congress of America moved its headquarters to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2000. While in Colorado, the association established its mission to, "Enhance the success of our members and promote the game of billiards." Further, the Billiard Congress of America agreed that its vision is to, "Achieve a united, growing, prosperous and highly regarded billiard industry through Billiard Congress of America leadership." In the early 2000's, the Billiard Congress of America elected to sell its league operations to CueSports International.
The Billiard Congress of America also operates the Professional Billiard Instructors Association. With more than 210 members, the PBIA provides on-going certification and training for its membership. The Billiard Congress of America also launched the playbetterbilliards website in 2012, aimed at promoting the benefits of seeking out quality, PBIA-certified instructors. The association also promotes the website via a Google Adword campaign that has seen more than 35,000 searches for PBIA instructors.
Today, the Billiard Congress of America provides its members:
Exclusive discounts and savings from leading billiard and home recreation manufacturers through the Billiard Congress of America Rewards Program.Members-only access to industry research and statistics, including consumer insights, in-depth pool room operator and retailer business analytics.Free Billiard Congress of America merchandise (rule books, instructional booklets and dvd's, tournament flow charts, etc.).Promotion via the BCA's consumer website, GenerationPool.com.Member's-only access to an online Billiard Congress of America membership directory.Access to industry and business news, via an eNewsletter.Free admission for retailers and room operators to the Billiard Congress of America's industry trade show.Discounted booth space for manufacturers and distributors at the Billiard Congress of America's industry trade show.Additionally, the Billiard Congress of America has the honor of being the North American representative to the World-Pool Billiard Association. As such, the organization is responsible for selecting players for world championships, rules and specifications input and other timely topics paramount to the sport and industry. This position permits the Billiard Congress of America to publish the "Official Rules and Records Book, World-Standardized Rules." The Billiard Congress of America also oversees the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame.
Billiard Congress of America: 2023-2024 Board of Directors
Officers/Executive Committee:
Philippe SingerChairmanThe Predator Group904-448-8748
Shane BouchardVice-ChairmanMaine Home Recreation561-736-7665
Nick KrollTreasurerQco, LLC (Viking Cues)608-271-5155
Ed LiddawiSecretarySandcastle Billiards732-632-9277
Directors:
Debbie Corvey, Boynton Billiards, 561-736-7665
Robbie Selby, R and R Outdoors, 239-594-0693
Trey Stites, Valley-Dynamo, (972) 595-5304
Jacklyn Ady, The Brunswick Billiard Group
Maria Martinez-Trent, Beyer Brown
World Pool-Billiard Association
The World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) is the international governing body for pocket billiards. The group was formed in Germany in November of 1987, as a result of the efforts of the European Pocket Billiard Federation. The Asian Pocket Billiard Union (APBU) was formed shortly after, and became the second member of the WPA. North America became the third member in 1990 and Oceania joined in 1992. The Australasian Pool Association represented Oceania in the WPA until 1999, until it was replaced by the Oceania Pocket Billiard Association (OPBA). It was also in 1999 that the Confederacion Panamerican de Billar (CPB) and the All African Pool Association (AAPA) joined the WPA and based upon this the WPA truly represents all corners of the world. The current WPA president is Ian Anderson of Australia.
The WPA is also one of the three member organizations of the World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS), representing the billiard disciplines of pool, snooker and carom. The WCBS is the international umbrella organization that is a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
After having had European Championships as the highest level of competition for many years, and being aware of the fact that many events were organized in the United States, many of the European players were becoming dissatisfied with the development of the sport in Europe and yearned for competition on a higher level. With knowledge of this, the idea came about to form a world organization.
At a European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) Board meeting in Germany during November 1987, the idea again re-surfaced. In order to make this attempt possible, all Board members voluntarily donated money of their own to create a logo, proper letterheads and initiate proper communication with various parts of the world. Soon after the work began, letters were sent to all persons and/or organizations that were known.
Kazuo Fujima of Japan immediately replied that Asians are interested in founding a world body. Strengthened and encouraged by his reply, an invitation was sent out for the first General Assembly to take place in conjunction with the 1988 European Championships in Stockholm, Sweden. Mr. Fujima rapidly confirmed his attendance while no response was received from the USA. However, Mr. Paul Gerni appeared at the meeting to represent the USA. As a result of this meeting, a provisional Board consisting of Mr. Kazuo Fujima (Japan), Mr. Paul Gerni, (USA) Mr. Jorgen Sandman (Sweden) and Mr. Horst Vondenhoff (Germany) was created; each one given responsibilities to secure further development.
These efforts culminated in February 1990, when 48 players (32 men, 16 women, in separate divisions) participated in the inaugural WPA World Nine-Ball Championship in Bergheim, Germany. The event is now annual and is currently conducted in Qatar.
After the event, various federations spent countless hours in meetings establishing common grounds on which an intercontinental federation could exist. The first General Assembly was held on March 3, 1990, and it was at this assembly that the World Pool-Billiard Association was sanctioned as the international governing body for pool. The acronym WPA was chosen, so as not to conflict with the Women’s Professional Billiard Association, already known as the WPBA.
WPA tournaments have grown considerably. In addition to the World 9-Ball Championships for men, women and juniors, there is an annual World 8-Ball Championship for men, World 10-Ball Championships for both men and women, along with several World Ranking events that are conducted each year in all parts of the globe. In 2011 more than 3 million dollars in prize money will be awarded to players through these competitions.
The WPA is also one of the three member organizations of the World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS), representing the billiard disciplines of pool, snooker and carom. The WCBS is the international umbrella organization that is a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
After having had European Championships as the highest level of competition for many years, and being aware of the fact that many events were organized in the United States, many of the European players were becoming dissatisfied with the development of the sport in Europe and yearned for competition on a higher level. With knowledge of this, the idea came about to form a world organization.
At a European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) Board meeting in Germany during November 1987, the idea again re-surfaced. In order to make this attempt possible, all Board members voluntarily donated money of their own to create a logo, proper letterheads and initiate proper communication with various parts of the world. Soon after the work began, letters were sent to all persons and/or organizations that were known.
Kazuo Fujima of Japan immediately replied that Asians are interested in founding a world body. Strengthened and encouraged by his reply, an invitation was sent out for the first General Assembly to take place in conjunction with the 1988 European Championships in Stockholm, Sweden. Mr. Fujima rapidly confirmed his attendance while no response was received from the USA. However, Mr. Paul Gerni appeared at the meeting to represent the USA. As a result of this meeting, a provisional Board consisting of Mr. Kazuo Fujima (Japan), Mr. Paul Gerni, (USA) Mr. Jorgen Sandman (Sweden) and Mr. Horst Vondenhoff (Germany) was created; each one given responsibilities to secure further development.
These efforts culminated in February 1990, when 48 players (32 men, 16 women, in separate divisions) participated in the inaugural WPA World Nine-Ball Championship in Bergheim, Germany. The event is now annual and is currently conducted in Qatar.
After the event, various federations spent countless hours in meetings establishing common grounds on which an intercontinental federation could exist. The first General Assembly was held on March 3, 1990, and it was at this assembly that the World Pool-Billiard Association was sanctioned as the international governing body for pool. The acronym WPA was chosen, so as not to conflict with the Women’s Professional Billiard Association, already known as the WPBA.
WPA tournaments have grown considerably. In addition to the World 9-Ball Championships for men, women and juniors, there is an annual World 8-Ball Championship for men, World 10-Ball Championships for both men and women, along with several World Ranking events that are conducted each year in all parts of the globe. In 2011 more than 3 million dollars in prize money will be awarded to players through these competitions.
World Confederation of Billiard Sports
We are Billiards. From our inception in 1990 to our ongoing pursuit of inclusion in the Olympic Games, our growth, authority and presence in the sporting world is uncontested.
August 30, 1990The intended creation of WCBS is discussed at the first convention, in Bristol (GBR)January 25, 1992WCBS was officially formed at the inaugural General Assembly in Yverdon-les-Bains (SUI)
1995Provisional membership of Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) granted
February 5, 1998WCBS receives Outright Recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
1998Participation in World Youth Games in Moscow (RUS) and Bangkok Asian Games (THA)Late 1998Accepted as full member of GAISFAugust 2001Participation in the Akita World GamesJuly 2022Participation in the Birmingham World Games2005-2022Ongoing participation in The World Games WCBS empowers our member federations (UMB, WPA and IBSF), which represent the major disciplines of Billiards (Carom, Pool and Snooker) to each regulate, promote and develop their respective disciplines, while respecting the aims and ideals of our sport.
From federations to players to fans and across all walks of life, WCBS aims to unite the global Billiards community. Together we strive to inspire, excite and share the passion of Billiards as a sport to a new generation of players, while solidifying our global stature with inclusion into international multi-sport events.
Founded in 1992, WCBS is a member of ARISF and GAISF and is the only authority in Billiards Sports that is recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
August 30, 1990The intended creation of WCBS is discussed at the first convention, in Bristol (GBR)January 25, 1992WCBS was officially formed at the inaugural General Assembly in Yverdon-les-Bains (SUI)
1995Provisional membership of Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) granted
February 5, 1998WCBS receives Outright Recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
1998Participation in World Youth Games in Moscow (RUS) and Bangkok Asian Games (THA)Late 1998Accepted as full member of GAISFAugust 2001Participation in the Akita World GamesJuly 2022Participation in the Birmingham World Games2005-2022Ongoing participation in The World Games WCBS empowers our member federations (UMB, WPA and IBSF), which represent the major disciplines of Billiards (Carom, Pool and Snooker) to each regulate, promote and develop their respective disciplines, while respecting the aims and ideals of our sport.
From federations to players to fans and across all walks of life, WCBS aims to unite the global Billiards community. Together we strive to inspire, excite and share the passion of Billiards as a sport to a new generation of players, while solidifying our global stature with inclusion into international multi-sport events.
Founded in 1992, WCBS is a member of ARISF and GAISF and is the only authority in Billiards Sports that is recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
USBA - Uninted States Billiards Association
The History of the United States Billiard Association is really the history of three separate organizations here in the United States: The USBA itself which was preceded by The Billiard Federation of the USA and the American Billiard Association.
THE BILLIARD FEDERATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (1966-1988)
Formed in 1966 by Robert Byrne, Edward Courtney and Dr. Virgil E. Erikson, the Billiard Federation of the USA (BFUSA) was a non-profit organization devoted to the promotion and advancement of billiards, particularly three-cushion billiards, in the United States. Organized in 1966, it was accepted the same year as the North American affiliate of the World Union of Billiards (UMB) or Union Mondiale de Billard, which continues as the governing body of world amateur billiards. The other affiliates of the UMB, with headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, the Billiard Confederation of Europe, Africa, Asia and South America which themselves are composed of numerous federations of individual countries. The creation of the BFUSA enabled players from the United States to qualify and compete in the World Championship tournaments sanctioned by UMB.
To help launch the BFUSA, the UMB authorized a special World Invitational Tournament and authorized six of the finest three-cushion billiard players in the world to compete in San Francisco in October, 1966. Two players each from the European, Asian and South American confederations and three players from the United States rounded out the field which was one of the finest ever assembled and witnessed in the US up to that time. The great skill, courtesy and sportsmanship of the foreigh players was a pleasure for all to see and was marvelled by spectators and contestants alike. The players and conduct of the tournament itself set a fine example which the BFUSA aspired to emulate.
During the latter part of 1967 the BFUSA, according to plans to rejuvenate billiards in this country, sanctioned sectional tournaments throughout the USA, the first effort of its kind in more than fifteen years. Those efforts culminated on February 6-10, 1968, when the BFUSA held its first USA National Championship Three-Cushion Billiard Tournament in San Jose, California. Allen Gilbert, the BFUSA Champion, subsequently went on to compete in the World Championship tournament held in Duren, Germany April 24-28, 1968
The BFUSA continued to sanction sectional tournaments on an annual basis followed by National Championship Tournaments in order to determine the Champions who had throughout those years represented the USA in World Championship Tournaments in many foreign countries. The BFUSA would last for twenty years along side another organization dedicated to promoting the sport.
THE AMERICAN BILLIARD ASSOCIATION (1968-1988)
The American Billiard Association (ABA) was founded in 1968 by Robert Byrne, Don Tozer, Merhl Smith, Harold Schmidt and others to provide regular 3-cushion billiard tournaments throughout the Midwest. The ABA soon spread to the entire country and was divided into three divisions: East, Central and West.
THE UNITED STATES BILLIARD ASSOCIATION (1988 - PRESENT)
In 1988, the BFUSA and ABA merged to form the United States Billiard Association. And so the USBA was born.
THE BILLIARD FEDERATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (1966-1988)
Formed in 1966 by Robert Byrne, Edward Courtney and Dr. Virgil E. Erikson, the Billiard Federation of the USA (BFUSA) was a non-profit organization devoted to the promotion and advancement of billiards, particularly three-cushion billiards, in the United States. Organized in 1966, it was accepted the same year as the North American affiliate of the World Union of Billiards (UMB) or Union Mondiale de Billard, which continues as the governing body of world amateur billiards. The other affiliates of the UMB, with headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, the Billiard Confederation of Europe, Africa, Asia and South America which themselves are composed of numerous federations of individual countries. The creation of the BFUSA enabled players from the United States to qualify and compete in the World Championship tournaments sanctioned by UMB.
To help launch the BFUSA, the UMB authorized a special World Invitational Tournament and authorized six of the finest three-cushion billiard players in the world to compete in San Francisco in October, 1966. Two players each from the European, Asian and South American confederations and three players from the United States rounded out the field which was one of the finest ever assembled and witnessed in the US up to that time. The great skill, courtesy and sportsmanship of the foreigh players was a pleasure for all to see and was marvelled by spectators and contestants alike. The players and conduct of the tournament itself set a fine example which the BFUSA aspired to emulate.
During the latter part of 1967 the BFUSA, according to plans to rejuvenate billiards in this country, sanctioned sectional tournaments throughout the USA, the first effort of its kind in more than fifteen years. Those efforts culminated on February 6-10, 1968, when the BFUSA held its first USA National Championship Three-Cushion Billiard Tournament in San Jose, California. Allen Gilbert, the BFUSA Champion, subsequently went on to compete in the World Championship tournament held in Duren, Germany April 24-28, 1968
The BFUSA continued to sanction sectional tournaments on an annual basis followed by National Championship Tournaments in order to determine the Champions who had throughout those years represented the USA in World Championship Tournaments in many foreign countries. The BFUSA would last for twenty years along side another organization dedicated to promoting the sport.
THE AMERICAN BILLIARD ASSOCIATION (1968-1988)
The American Billiard Association (ABA) was founded in 1968 by Robert Byrne, Don Tozer, Merhl Smith, Harold Schmidt and others to provide regular 3-cushion billiard tournaments throughout the Midwest. The ABA soon spread to the entire country and was divided into three divisions: East, Central and West.
THE UNITED STATES BILLIARD ASSOCIATION (1988 - PRESENT)
In 1988, the BFUSA and ABA merged to form the United States Billiard Association. And so the USBA was born.
World Snooker Federation
In October 2017 the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) announced its involvement in a new era of sports governance for snooker and billiards with the official launch of the World Snooker Federation (WSF).
The WSF brings together both amateur and professional snooker and is a key organisation as snooker looks to take its place on the Olympic and Paralympic programme. The WSF is a not for profit International Sports Federation (IF) based in Lausanne, Switzerland, home to many influential international sports organisations, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
WSF COMPETITIONSA key role of the WSF is to provide direct access to the World Snooker Tour through the staging of major international competitions. The inaugural WSF Championships staged in March 2018 were headlined by an all-new mixed gender competition which ultimately facilitated both champion Luo Honghao and runner-up Adam Stefanow turning professional for the first time.
This was subsequently followed by the 2020 WSF Open and WSF Junior Open tournaments, which both carried a WST tour card and were won by England’s Ashley Hugill and China’s Gao Yang respectively. For the first time these tournaments were staged as entirely open events, with players of any gender or nationality welcomed to compete. Open to players aged under-18 the junior competition in particular was a unique opportunity for the world’s best young players to compete against each other for the ultimate prize of a professional tour card.
REGIONAL & NATIONAL FEDERATIONSThe WSF is open to accepting membership from federations across the world that share its vision to grow the sport at all levels. With the support of these federations the WSF represents a key element of an international structure for snooker and billiards through which new opportunities can be developed. Since 2010 the WPBSA and World Snooker Tour (WST), working together with national federations, have established many new events such as the Indian Open, Riga Open, 6-Red World Championship in Thailand and various ranking events in China.
The growth of the sport through these relationships and the increased commercialisation of the tour through WST has enabled the WPBSA to make significant investments in grassroots development projects including women’s, disability and junior snooker, all critical areas for the future success of our sport and inclusion within multi-sports Games.
GOVERNANCEThe WSF is run by a Board of Directors who are responsible for ensuring that appropriate governance and accounting practices are in place. Its current board members are:
Jason Ferguson – PresidentNigel Mawer QPM – Vice PresidentMaxime Cassis – General SecretaryMike Peachey – Treasurer
The WSF brings together both amateur and professional snooker and is a key organisation as snooker looks to take its place on the Olympic and Paralympic programme. The WSF is a not for profit International Sports Federation (IF) based in Lausanne, Switzerland, home to many influential international sports organisations, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
WSF COMPETITIONSA key role of the WSF is to provide direct access to the World Snooker Tour through the staging of major international competitions. The inaugural WSF Championships staged in March 2018 were headlined by an all-new mixed gender competition which ultimately facilitated both champion Luo Honghao and runner-up Adam Stefanow turning professional for the first time.
This was subsequently followed by the 2020 WSF Open and WSF Junior Open tournaments, which both carried a WST tour card and were won by England’s Ashley Hugill and China’s Gao Yang respectively. For the first time these tournaments were staged as entirely open events, with players of any gender or nationality welcomed to compete. Open to players aged under-18 the junior competition in particular was a unique opportunity for the world’s best young players to compete against each other for the ultimate prize of a professional tour card.
REGIONAL & NATIONAL FEDERATIONSThe WSF is open to accepting membership from federations across the world that share its vision to grow the sport at all levels. With the support of these federations the WSF represents a key element of an international structure for snooker and billiards through which new opportunities can be developed. Since 2010 the WPBSA and World Snooker Tour (WST), working together with national federations, have established many new events such as the Indian Open, Riga Open, 6-Red World Championship in Thailand and various ranking events in China.
The growth of the sport through these relationships and the increased commercialisation of the tour through WST has enabled the WPBSA to make significant investments in grassroots development projects including women’s, disability and junior snooker, all critical areas for the future success of our sport and inclusion within multi-sports Games.
GOVERNANCEThe WSF is run by a Board of Directors who are responsible for ensuring that appropriate governance and accounting practices are in place. Its current board members are:
Jason Ferguson – PresidentNigel Mawer QPM – Vice PresidentMaxime Cassis – General SecretaryMike Peachey – Treasurer