WPA Recognizes Blackball as Official Discipline
The World Pool Association (WPA), the international governing body for pool, is delighted to announce that Blackball has been officially recognized as a discipline directly governed by the WPA. This milestone marks a significant progression in the journey of Blackball, a discipline rooted in the WPA’s long-standing commitment to unifying the global pool community. The […]
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The World Pool Association (WPA), the international governing body for pool, is delighted to announce that Blackball has been officially recognized as a discipline directly governed by the WPA. This milestone marks a significant progression in the journey of Blackball, a discipline rooted in the WPA’s long-standing commitment to unifying the global pool community.
The WPA’s involvement with Blackball dates back nearly 20 years. In 2004, the WPA convened a landmark meeting in London to address the fragmentation caused by differing rule sets in small- table pool games. This pivotal gathering brought together key stakeholders from Europe and Africa, leading to the establishment of Blackball as a modern and standardized version of the game.
The WPA played a crucial role in uniting national organizations under a single set of rules and governance, ensuring the sport’s growth and integrity. In 2005, Blackball rules were officially ratified at the WPA General Assembly in Austria, marking the beginning of a new era for small- table pool. The WPA’s early vision and support laid the foundation for Blackball’s development into a globally recognized discipline.
Ishaun Singh, President of the WPA, shared, “Blackball has been an integral part of the WPA’s mission to promote unity and growth within the pool community. The recognition of Blackball as a WPA discipline celebrates two decades of collaboration and progress. We are proud to formally welcome Blackball into the WPA’s fold and look forward to supporting its continued success.” The President of the Blackball International (BI), Mr. Vincent Pillay, stated, “The decision to apply to WPA to be adopted as a discipline was unanimous by the council of the BI. It is the obvious next step in the progression of the sport, and we will embrace it for all the positive impacts it will have in Blackball going forward.”
This decision underscores the WPA’s dedication to fostering diversity within the pool sports ecosystem. By providing Blackball with direct governance, players worldwide will benefit from unified rules, global recognition, and access to prestigious WPA-sanctioned tournaments.
The modern Blackball game, played on small tables with standardized rules, embodies the principles of accessibility and inclusivity. Its dynamic and strategic gameplay has captivated players across Europe, Africa, and beyond, making it a vital part of the international pool scene. The WPA remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting and developing all disciplines of pool, ensuring the sport thrives in all its diverse and exciting forms
About World Pool Association
The World Pool Association (WPA) is the international governing body for pool (pocket billiards), dedicated to promoting and regulating the sport of pool worldwide. Formed in 1987, the WPA is headed by a board of directors consisting of representatives from Oceania, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America with a commitment to fostering fair play, sportsmanship, and excellence for all pool players. The WPA is an associate member of the World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS), which is the international umbrella organization, recognized by the IOC, and that encompasses all major cue sports.
