The American Poolplayers Association was founded in 1979 by professional poolplayers Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart. 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.
Today 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 San Gabriel Valley
The San Gabriel Valley APA was established in October of 2003 by Marc Ong. This was a new and undeveloped APA league area at the time. Since our humble beginning of 1 division of six 8-ball teams, the league has experienced a steady growth through the years. It is no doubt a direct result of the incredible players who play for us (the best APA league players in the country in our opinion). With continued support from all of you, we hope to make the San Gabriel Valley APA the best league area in California! SGVAPA is currently offering team 8-ball and team 9-ball formats 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 $25 annual membership fee. These teams compete in local divisions where play is held in the surrounding areas of the San Gabriel Valley including the cities of Covina, West Covina, Glendora, Monrovia, El Monte, Hacienda Heights, City of Industry, Arcadia, and more. The league year is divided into 3 sessions, with each session running between 13 and 17 weeks. We currently run various formats everyday of the week so it’s easy to include APA in your schedule. We will be adding additional formats in the near future so keep a look out. The Local San Gabriel Valley APA offers periodic money tournaments, banquets, and other activities in addition to weekly league play. Top performing teams gain eligibility to our annual regional tournament were we determine who our National Teams will be. These National Teams will win a free trip to Las Vegas in August of each year to represent the San Gabriel Valley League in the World Pool Championships. We also offer player achievement patches and trophies to our members.