Frequently Asked Questions – General
Below you'll find general questions and answers pertaining to the APA.
For questions about specific game rules, click here.
For questions about specific game rules, click here.
What is the APA?
The American Poolplayers Association, Inc. is the governing body of amateur pool. With more than 250,000 members, it is the largest amateur pool league in the United States and Canada. The APA pool league sanctions league play in most American states and is sometimes referred to as Camel Pool League, Bud Light Pool League, Busch Pool League, or American Pool League.
How does league play work?
Teams are formed with five to eight players. Each week, teams meet and play five of their players against each other. Each team is provided with a score sheet to maintain during the matches and turn in to the league office with their weekly fees. The score sheets are used by the league office to track the wins and losses as well as the handicaps of each player.
Why do players have a handicap?
One of the keys to the success of the APA league is The Equalizer® handicap system, which allows players of different abilities to compete on an equal level, much like they would with golf or bowling handicaps. Handicapping ensures that players of all skill levels will have an equal opportunity to win!
Are there prizes?
Yes! There are trophies and prize funds at the end of each session (approximately 14 weeks each, 3 sessions per year) as well as the opportunity for teams and individuals to win a chance to compete in Local and Regional Championships, and National Championships held in Las Vegas each year!
How much does it cost?
APA membership is $20.00 annually, plus weekly fees due each time your team plays. Currently the weekly fee is $7.00 for each player who participates in a match ($35.00 per team).
What is the National Team Championship?
Each year the APA hosts National Team Championship events in three formats: Open 8-Ball, Ladies 8-Ball and Open 9-Ball. Currently the tournaments are held in Las Vegas, Nevada. In order to qualify, your team must first qualify for the Local Team Championship. Winners of Local Team Championships move on to play at the national level where they compete for up to $25,000.00 in prize money. For more information about the National Team Championships, visit poolplayers.com.
Does the APA offer any competition for single players?
Absolutely! Throughout the year your local league holds singles qualifiers in both 8-ball and 9-ball, where players compete for a slot to compete in a Regional Singles Tournament. Winners of Regional Singles Tournaments move on to compete for up to $15,000 in cash and prizes in the annual National Singles Championship, currently held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Players compete against other players at or near their skill levels, so everyone has an equal chance of winning! For more information about the National Singles Championship, visit poolplayers.com
How do I join the APA of Pinellas County?
The APA of Pinellas County welcomes all new players, whether you are the neighborhood "pool shark" or have never picked up a cue stick in your life. Contact league operators Mike and Carol Konak for information about joining the largest amateur pool league in the United States and Canada. They will gladly furnish you with any additional information you need and they can even assist in finding the right team for you!
Who is Renée Poehlman?
APA President Renée Poehlman has been at the helm since 1995 and has worked non-stop since then to make your league experience an enjoyable one.
Her "hands-on" approach in overseeing all daily operations of the league has been a key ingredient in the APA's phenomenal success and its growth to a membership of more than 250,000.
Her "hands-on" approach in overseeing all daily operations of the league has been a key ingredient in the APA's phenomenal success and its growth to a membership of more than 250,000.
More FAQs
Find out the solutions to some real-life situations that occasionally occur during weekly league play by clicking here.