Was you aware that the page that this links to doesn't actually mention which rules these events will be played to?

I think if you look at what I said in another post, you will see that real players from all over the World will try and qualify for this event.

Not players saying that they play in this country or that country, players WHO DO play in those countries will be asked to qualify from their governing bodies, not made up to fool sponsors.

One other thing BB rules as they stand are easy to learn, easy to watch and are not as negative as WRs.

That is my opinion way On Q Promotions have selected BB and also it is the future of the game.

Edited by user 04 April 2012 21:11:08(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

A few things I'd like to put as my opinion on things. I'm not going to suggest these as complete truths, but it's my opinion and you can see the logic behind it.

Why have ON-Q requested that this be played to BB rules?

To me it could be a number of reasons, possibly because they are a World Snooker Centre, and as The WPBSA comes under the WPA umberella, they may have thought it more sensible to play by the rules as set out by them. Or it might just be that they are a promotions company, and World Rules are so alien to the vast majority of people that trying to explain them to a viewers that do not know them would be a complete nightmare. However it might be easy enough to make a 2 minute clip going through the BB Rules, or even just explaining them as they go along is far easier than trying to explain why a game has landed itself in stalemate at WR. Oh and the fact that they are more exciting and they want people to watch.

Why call it On-Q when the IPA are behind it?

This is something of a sticky issue here... you guys might well claim this to be the case, but there are legalities involved that make it nigh on impossible for the EPA to ban people because of their involvement in a Profit based Company's tournament. They would need a very good legal team to convince that this particular restraint on trade was just, in my opinion. Much easier for them to ban something that is run by the IPA. You miss the point here that the IPA have simply made it clear that they are more than welcome to attend this championships as professionals, the WEPF do not hold a World Professional Championships, neither do they recognise On-Q as a Governing Body and so they have no legal grounds on which they could restrict their players from going into this event.

Will the EPA ban Players because this is being played to Blackball Rules?

No. The rules don't matter. EPA have Blackball leagues affiliated to them, Keith Brewer plays on a blackball tour that is run privately. If it was by EBPF then yes, sure, they would be banned.

Will the likes of Kendall, Brewer, Tomms, Burgess etc be allowed to play in this tournament?

Yes, they would be welcomed with open arms, as this tournament is avertised as unrelated to any body / politics free. Nobody would be refused entry, but looking at it they would need to be professionals, and seeing as though non of them are they would have to qualify by winning a qualifier. I would suggest that perhaps you can be a nominated club professional if you win that particular clubs qualifier.

Again, just my thoughts

:-D

I do understand that Dan but I just dont think the 'legalities' of it will make any difference. If you join the EPA you agree to not participate in any event that is in direct competition with them, if they choose to see this event as in direct competition (as a WC and the EPA as part of the WEPF) then I dont think whether it is a governing body or not will make any difference. Your not banned as such, just not allowed to be a member of the EPA as you dont agree to their rules.

The EPA may say if you want to enter you are no longer a member of our association, and whilst they may be taken to court and found that this is something they are unable to do, will you convince amateurs who want to play interleague etc to enter when they may be 'banned' and IF this ban is overturned because its illegal it could take years to sort out?

Lancs wrote...... neither do they recognise On-Q as a Governing Body and so they have no legal grounds on which they could restrict their players from going into this event.

Makes no difference as far as George is concerned!

Not so long ago,Me and Ross alongside Bron and The Bushman,ran some guaranteed 10 grand events, we were running them off our own backs as private promoters, George told his IPA players Mick Hill, Ronan and Rob Chilton to name a few, that they were not allowed to enter and if they did they would prob incur a ban.

I don't think it is scare tactics but some are scared of retrospective action.
Instead of speculating perhaps someone should contact the EPA and get an official
stance.

Good to see another event and a company that has an interest in progress. Good luck
to everyone involved.

OK Andy yeah, but on that point about Pat's previous scenarios, might that be referring back to the infamous £3k a man self imposed ban... he did say it was George.

The difference there being that there are specifics within that particular rule (imposed upon themselves for the sake of self preservation), which are clearly defined.

People say that the EPA rule is vague, but I don't particularly think it is.

I understand that should I play in or administer a pool event organised in direct competition with the English Pool Association (EPA), then this registration may be suspended. Events to which this condition has already been determined to apply are ones not organised by the EPA, or a County Association affiliated to it where the players purport to represent England or an English county.

Nobody from On-Q is purporting to represent England or a County within England. I don't believe it to be in Direct Competition to the WEPF World Championships... in fact I'm sure that there will be people who will attend both.

The EPA stand to benefit massively if the IPA do manage to get to a level where they are regularly on our screens as more casual players look to emulate them... Much like the BDO has benefited massively from the success if the PDC. Inevitably the first steps toward this will be playing county / interleague. I just would really like to see the EPA do the right thing and start a genuine amateur tour in clubs up and down the country. Giving some much needed business to the Clubs that have supported them over the years.

Shy of all the politics... This has the potential to be a huge huge event. I'd love to see the ON-Q speak to local hotels and arrange some REAL special rates for this event so that before qualifiers start, players will know what extra expense there will be should they be successful and qualify.

Maybe speak to some local caterers and get some great food done at the venue to keep people there as opposed to them all going out. Indian restaurants will give you a special menu which will include a comission for the venue and still give discount. Just maximise the business potential behind each opportunity whilst ensuring the customer (players) are feeling the benefit of the economies of scale.

Just a thought if English players play in this new "world championships" which country will they be said to be representing ?

I doubt the EPA will ignore the input of Moray / IPA/ CCI and the fact that its claiming to be a World Championships.

I'll be representing Cape Verde (Leicester Branch).