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.
The APA NationallyToday the APA has grown to over 260,000 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 of Northern NJ, LLCThe APA of Northern NJ, has been in business since May of 2000 and serves its members as well as Host Locations located within its franchise area of Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren counties. The franchise was begun by Harry and Helen Anderson. In January of 2008 the franchise was sold to Al Pfersch who was a player in the league since it's inception. Al is your full-time league operator in this franchise area. This franchise offers both amateur 8-Ball & 9-Ball Leagues using the APA's Equalizer Handicap System where everyone has an equal chance to win. Other formats will become available as interested grows, including your personal chance to be a National Singles Champion in 8-Ball or 9-Ball within your handicapped Skill Level tier. The APA crowns 3 National Singles Champions in both 8-Ball and 9-Ball every April in Las Vegas at the National Singles Championships. You could be one of those, no matter what your level of amateur ability - beginner to expert.
Teams consist of 5-8 players with a low weekly team fee of $35 per team. A $20 annual APA membership fee provides each member with an association membership card and kit and a subscription to the most widely read billiards publication in the world, our magazine, TAP, The American Poolplayer. These teams compete in local divisions where the APA Hosting Taverns and Billiard Parlors are grouped geographically to minimize traveling distance. The league year is divided into 3 sessions, with each session running between 12 and 18 weeks. When sufficient interest is present teams may be organized to play any day, Sunday through Saturday, so it's easy to fit the APA into your schedule.
The APA of Northern NJ, offers local cash prizes for qualifying teams at the session Tri-Cups held at the conclusion of every session. Qualified teams compete annually also for the right to represent the area in Las Vegas at the APA National Team Championships. Player achievement patches and trophies and other awards are also presented to our members during each session. Visit the E-Store to cash in your accumulated reward points for our wide variety of billiard related products.
