Title: Smoke And Mirrors
Author: Spoondog
Source: Public Opinion

Playing in a team environment can create a culture unlike any other. You get the opportunity to meet new people, potential friends and most importantly, have lots of fun. Yes, there is really no substitute for hanging and competing with a group of your own peers.

The first time that league representative walks up to you and hands out those promises (trophies, Vegas, Cash) you get hucked to an illusion that's almost addictive. I have played in that American Pool league that most of us have grown to know and unlike many (and I do mean many) my team was fortunate enough to win and compete in the Vegas National Championships.  It took us almost 3 years and about $13,500 but we did it. And now thanks to that awesome organization I have a closet full of trophies that even my closest friends won't take off from me for free.

But to be honest, I wasn't in it for the money. I wanted to compete, to meet new people and to actually get a reward that did not come with smoke and mirrors. I wanted to be part of something special where awards could be earned regardless of skill or culture.  That did not happen. In a league division that only acknowledged first, there was no room for second and I mean that literally.

My team made it to the finals so many times with an opponent we'd battled before and the loser would always go home with nothing. It was so bad that one session we all decided to give the other team the win so they too could get a chance at the so call BIG PRIZE.
Now I am not trying to say that these leagues are not good because I think they are great in their own right. I just believe that most of their promises are based on smoke and mirrors and the dangling of the carrot effect that makes you believe you've almost got it, but in truth you weren't even close.

 Then there is that popular case of having to break up your team due to inflated handicap points. I don’t know about you but losing in a major match is nothing compared to telling a friend, who you’ve been playing with for years, that he/she can no longer participate on the only team they’ve ever known, just because their handicap points went up.

So what’s next? Well the Megabucks Amateur Pool League is a great way to go but not everyone likes the idea of competing on their own.  And even those who do cannot ignore the rewards of competing with peers on a team or within a group, which brings our discussion to the National Amateur Pool League (NAPL). 

The NAPL was established about a year after Megabucks and has since been a force to reckon with. As a matter of fact I currently participate on a team in one of their divisions and I must say, this team oriented league is unlike any I’ve ever experienced.

They offer so many attainable awards that at times I have to remind myself that this league is for real.

One of the biggest draw for me was the fact that teams playing in this league would not have to worry about expelling members due to increased handicap points. In addition, the formats for playing and scoring are almost identical to those I’m familiar with.  I have recommended and continue to recommend this league to all who favor the team aspect as opposed to competing individually.

For those of you who are not familiar with this incredible coed amateur team league. It’s currently run by one of New York City’s finest pool professionals, Tony Robles. This gentleman brings a professional atmosphere to the organization and he shares one of the many views I strongly believe in, that all players should have the right to choose where, when or the league of choice to play in.  To take it one step further, there is nothing wrong with treating amateurs like pros even if they are not able to play at that level. Besides, we all know that without the endorsements of the regular pool players, the sport of pocket billiards would be nothing.

For more information on the National Amateur Pool League, please see the information below: