History Of The APAThe American Poolplayers Association was founded in 1979 by professional poolplayers Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart (pictured left). The two men realized the popularity of the sport and knew that, unlike other sports, there was no existing recreational league system. Back then the league was called the National Pool League. The name was changed to American Poolplayers Association (APA) in 1981.
Over the years, the APA Pool League has gone by many names, including The American Pool League, Busch Pool League, and Bud Light Pool League. Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart maintain positions on the APA's Board of Directors, and strive to create continued interest and growth in the sport of pool.
Renee Poehlman, (pictured right), has held the position of APA President since April of 1995. As President, she has total responsibility for overseeing the daily operations and future growth of the League. She was appointed to her position by former APA President Terry Bell, when he stepped down to assume a position on the Board Of Directors.
ider range of skill levels. Players are ranked from SL-1 to SL-9. This wider range allows for greater accuracy when determining a player's ability, and creates a more competitive environment where all players have an equal chance of winning.
Every week 100 points are up for grabs (20 points per match). The players in each match compete to earn as many of those 20 points as possible. Even in a loss, a player may earns points for their team. The more balls a player makes, the more of the 20 points they earn. This keeps the match competitive.
Teams try to win as many weekly points as possible. At the end of the session, those teams with the most points advance to our 2-Tier Playoffs.
The APA NationallyToday the APA has grown to over 250,000 members. The league boasts more members than all other "national" leagues combined. APA Pool Leagues are administered locally by a network of Franchise Operators. These League Operators conduct weekly leagues in both 8-Ball and 9-Ball team formats. The APA currently has franchise opportunities available in other states for those who wish to be their own boss, and promote the sport of pool.
APA leagues play across the United States and in Canada. Teams compete weekly in 8-Ball and 9-Ball leagues with all teams having the opportunity to advance to the APA's National Team Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada.
At the national level, the APA guarantees more than $1 Million in national tournament prize money. This consists of the APA National Team Championship, the $200,000 APA 8-Ball Classic, the $100,000 APA 9-Ball Shootout, and finally the MiniMania Tournaments, that paid out over $200,000 during the 2005 National Team Championships.
The APA also conducts the U.S. Amateur Championship, the world's most prestigious amateur tournament. It is the only tournament conducted by the APA that is open to members and non-members alike.
The APA in RiversideGary Gallemore and Kimberly Pankonin have been league operators for the past six years. Kimberly and Gary are driven to create satisfied and loyal members, teams, and host locations, which recommend us to others.
We offer both amateur 8-Ball & 9-Ball Leagues, Ladies 8-ball & 9-Ball Leagues all using the APA's Equalizer Handicap System where everyone has an equal chance to win.
Teams consist of 5-8 players with a low weekly fee of $30 per team or $6/player plus a $20 annual membership fee. These teams compete in local divisions where the APA Hosting Bars are grouped geographically to minimize traveling distance. The year is divided into 3 sessions, with each session running between 13 and 17 weeks. Teams may play any day, Sunday through Saturday in most areas, so it's easy to fit the APA into your schedule.
The Local Riverside APA offers a Local Prize Fund. This includes Blast Tournaments held at the conclusion of every session and the annual Riverside League Team Championships (LTC's) which is our National Qualifier tournament. Winning teams compete for the right to represent Riverside in Las Vegas at the APA National Team Championships. We also offer patches and trophies to our members.
