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Leagues Leagues & Governing Bodies
American Poolplayers Association (APA)
Active
The world's largest amateur pool league, with roughly 250,000 members in the US, Canada, and Japan. Home of the APA World Pool Championships in Las Vegas each August. Find a local league, check player stats, and download the Team Manual at poolplayers.com.
poolplayers.com
TAP
Active
The second major US handicapped amateur pool league, offering 8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball, and Scotch Doubles under a 25-point team skill cap. 2026 Nationals in Atlantic City. Read our TAP rules guide →
tapleague.com
Billiard Congress of America (BCA)
Governing Body
The governing body of pool in North America and the US representative to the WPA. Publishes the official BCA rules book, oversees the Hall of Fame, and operates the PBIA instructor certification program. Note: the BCA sold its league operations (BCAPL) to CueSports International in 2004; BCAPL is now separate.
bca-pool.com
BCA Pool League (BCAPL)
Active
An umbrella league program run by CueSports International (not the BCA), giving independent local leagues access to national championship events. Roughly 75,000 members across 600 leagues in 8 countries, with annual World Championships in Las Vegas. Any league can join regardless of other affiliations.
playcsipool.com/bcapl
VNEA — Valley National 8-Ball League Association
Active
Nearly 100,000 members in 36 US states and several countries, playing exclusively on Valley coin-operated bar tables. Annual International Championships in Las Vegas and an active junior program for ages 7–20.
vnea.com
American CueSports Alliance (ACS)
Active
Non-profit sanctioning body founded 2004, using WPA world-standardized rules. No operator join fee; $15 per-player sanction. Has a Canadian affiliate (CCS) and annual Nationals in May 2026.
americancuesports.org
UPA — United States Professional Poolplayers Association
Active
Founded 2002 by professional players and recognized by the BCA as the governing body for men's professional pool in the US. Runs a pro tour and an amateur league program that lets league players qualify for professional events based on their singles records.
upatour.com
Canadian Poolplayers Association (CPA)
Active
The APA's Canadian subsidiary, operating under the same Equalizer handicap system and rules. CPA teams qualify for and compete at the APA World Pool Championships in Las Vegas.
poolplayers.com/canada
Canadian Cue Sport Association (CCS)
Active
The ACS's Canadian affiliate, sanctioning WPA-rules leagues and tournaments across Canada. Runs the annual Canadian National Championships and tracks player rankings. Affiliated with the Canadian Billiards and Snooker Association (CBSA).
cdnqsport.com
Japanese Poolplayers Association (JPA)
Active
The APA's Japanese subsidiary, running APA-format 8-ball and 9-ball leagues in major Japanese cities since 2007 using the Equalizer handicap system. Teams compete toward the APA World Pool Championships in Las Vegas. Site is in Japanese.
poolplayers.jp
International Pool Tour (IPT)
Defunct 2008
A professional tour (2005–2008) that offered the largest prize funds in pool history, including a $2 million event at the Venetian in Las Vegas. Collapsed after funding failed. Historically significant as the sport's most ambitious push toward mainstream audiences. No active website.
Wikipedia article
National Pool League (NPL)
Historical
The original name of the American Poolplayers Association. Founded 1979 in St. Louis by Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart and renamed APA in 1981, it is not a separate organization; the same handicap system and rules have run continuously since day one.
APA History
NAPA — North American Poolshooters Association
Active
Founded 2009 in Arkansas using the ELO-based CueSpeed handicap system. Players pay nightly dues rather than an annual membership fee. Over 79,000 players in the US and Canada compete in 8-ball, 9-ball, and Scotch Doubles, with annual International Championships each Memorial Day weekend.
poolshooters.com
USA Pool League (USAPL)
Active
CSI's FargoRate-powered team league for 8-ball, 9-ball, and 10-ball. Handicaps adjust automatically with every match result, eliminating sandbagging. No entry fee to join; can be dual-sanctioned alongside the BCAPL. Annual Nationals in Las Vegas.
playcsipool.com/usapl
CueSports International (CSI)
Active
The parent company behind the BCAPL, USAPL, FargoRate, and major professional events including the Predator Pro Billiard Series. CSI operates league, events, and media divisions covering amateur through professional competition.
playcsipool.com
Playing in APA or TAP? LineUp Magic calculates every legal lineup combination for your roster, sorted strongest first, with the 23 or 25 Rule applied automatically, free for all captains.
🎱 Calculate My Lineups FreeGoverning Bodies International Governing Bodies
These organizations govern the sport at the international and regional level, setting rules, selecting national teams for world championships, and working toward Olympic inclusion. They are not amateur leagues; they are the regulatory structure above the leagues.
WPA — World Pool-Billiard Association
Active
The international governing body for pool (pocket billiards), formed in Germany in 1987. The WPA sets world-standardized rules for 8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball, and other disciplines, and sanctions the annual World Championship series.
wpapool.com
WCBS — World Confederation of Billiards Sports
Active
The IOC-recognized umbrella body for all cue sports, formed in 1992. WCBS coordinates the WPA (pool), IBSF (snooker/English billiards), and UMB (carom) in their shared pursuit of Olympic inclusion. Competition stays with each member federation.
wcbs.sport
EPBF — European Pocket Billiard Federation
Active
The WPA's European regional affiliate, founded 1978. Runs the annual European Pool Championships across multiple disciplines (men's, women's, wheelchair, under-23) and the Predator Euro Tour series, active since 1992. Headquartered in Brunssum, Netherlands.
epbf.com
IBSF — International Billiards & Snooker Federation
Active
The world governing body for non-professional snooker and English billiards, governing 73 national federations. Runs the IBSF World Snooker Championship, World Billiards Championship, and other major world-level events annually. The snooker/billiards arm of WCBS.
ibsf.info
CBSA — Canadian Billiards & Snooker Association
Active
The governing body for cue sports in Canada, recognized by Sport Canada and affiliated with the WPA, IBSF, and World Snooker Federation. Gives Canada representation at World Pool, World Snooker, and World Billiards Championships. Not to be confused with the CPA (APA league play) or CCS (ACS league play).
cbsa.ca
EBPF — English Blackball Pool Federation
Active
The national federation governing English blackball (pub pool) in England, organizing county-level leagues and the annual National Finals. England competes internationally through the European Blackball Association and at the WPA World Blackball Championship. This is amateur county-level governance; Ultimate Pool is the separate professional organization.
ebpf.uk
Pro Tours Professional Tours & Tours Worth Watching
These organizations run the premier professional competitions in pool. Whether you follow the game or are helping players understand the professional landscape, this is where the top players compete for ranking points and prize money.
World Nineball Tour (WNT) — Matchroom Pool
Active
The premier global professional 9-ball tour, run by Matchroom Multi Sports. Features Matchroom Majors and ranking events across four continents. Live coverage via WNT TV and the Matchroom Pool YouTube channel.
matchroompool.com
WPBA — Women's Professional Billiard Association
Active
The premier women's professional pool organization in the US, founded 1976. Runs multiple ranked events annually, including the WPA Women's 8-Ball World Championship, and a regional tour program for players developing toward the pro level.
wpba.com
Ultimate Pool
Active
The leading professional English blackball organization, founded 2020. Runs a Pro Series, Women's Pro Series, Challenger Series (amateur pathway), NxtGen (juniors), and Disability Pool Series. Broadcast on TNT Sports in the UK and live-streamed globally via ultimatepool.tv.
ultimatepoolgroup.com
Retailers Online Billiards Retailers
Both stores below carry the full range of cues, cases, balls, chalk, tips, cloth, and accessories, with free shipping thresholds on most orders.
PoolDawg
Retailer
The official online retailer of the APA, carrying 3,000+ products including all major cue brands, cases, balls, chalk, and accessories. APA members get 5% off with code APARULES. 60-day satisfaction guarantee including chalked cues.
pooldawg.com
Seybert's Billiard Supply
Retailer
One of the largest online billiards retailers in the US, operating since 1979. Authorized dealer for Predator, McDermott, Brunswick, Diamond, Olhausen, Viking, Meucci, and more. Same-day shipping on most in-stock items; free shipping over $49.
seyberts.com
Tables Pool Table Manufacturers
Tables are sold through authorized dealer networks; the manufacturers' sites link to dealer locators. Diamond is the exception and sells direct.
Diamond Billiard Products
Manufacturer
The official table of the APA and APA Championships. Diamond has manufactured pool tables in the US since 1987 and is the standard for professional tournament play worldwide, known for exceptional flatness, tight pockets, and tournament-spec cushions. Available in 7', 8', and 9' sizes.
diamondbilliards.com
Brunswick Billiards
Manufacturer
The oldest name in pool tables, with roots going back to 1845. Brunswick's range spans entry-level residential tables to the professional Gold Crown series used in major tournaments. Sold through an authorized dealer network.
brunswickbilliards.com
Olhausen Billiards
Manufacturer
American-made pool tables built in Portland, Tennessee since 1972. Olhausen tables feature solid hardwood construction, patented Accu-Fast cushion rubber, and a lifetime structural warranty. A popular choice for serious home rooms and commercial venues. Sold through an authorized dealer network.
olhausenbilliards.com
Balls & Cloth Billiard Balls & Table Cloth
Aramith Billiard Balls
Manufacturer
The official ball of the APA and the standard for professional tournament play worldwide. Made in Belgium by Saluc using proprietary phenolic resin that is harder, rounder, and more durable than polyester alternatives. Aramith balls last significantly longer and cause less cloth wear than standard sets.
aramith.com
Simonis Billiard Cloth
Manufacturer
The industry standard for tournament pool cloth, manufactured in Verviers, Belgium. Simonis worsted wool cloth is napless, producing a truer ball roll and longer cloth life. The 860 is the most common choice for league and tournament play; the faster 760 is used at top professional events.
simoniscloth.com
Cues Pool Cue Brands
Predator Cues
Manufacturer
The largest cue manufacturer in the world, founded 1994. Predator's original 314 low-deflection shaft changed modern pool, and the brand remains the most widely used among professional players. Current lineup includes the carbon fiber REVO shaft, the 314-3 and Z-series wood shafts, and playing cues from the entry-level Sport series to the high-end P3 line.
predatorcues.com
McDermott Cue
Manufacturer
Handcrafted American pool cues made in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin since 1975. McDermott cues are recognized for ornate inlays, flawless finishes, and a lifetime warranty. The range spans affordable entry-level cues to elaborate collector pieces, with the G-Core and i-Shaft as their performance shaft lines.
mcdermottcue.com
Chalk & Tips Chalk, Tips & Accessories
Kamui Brand
Manufacturer
Japanese brand that has become the premium standard for pool chalk and cue tips. Kamui chalk's finer particle structure increases grip and reduces miscues, especially when applying spin. Available in .98 (maximum friction) and 1.21 (durability) formulations; multi-layer pigskin tips are used by top professionals worldwide.
kamuibrand.com
Standard Master chalk is widely available at any pool room or billiard retailer and remains the most common option for casual and league play. Kamui is the premium upgrade for players wanting more consistency with spin and English.
Instruction Training & Instruction
PBIA Instructor Search
Find an Instructor
Search tool for finding a PBIA-certified billiard instructor in your area. The Professional Billiard Instructors Association, operated under the BCA, is the largest certified instructor organization in the world, with four levels: Recognized, Certified, Advanced, and Master.
playbetterbilliards.com/search
Dr. Dave Pool Info
Free Resource
The most comprehensive free pool instruction site available. Built by Dr. Dave Alciatore, a retired Colorado State engineering professor and PBIA Master Instructor. Covers aiming, cue ball control, shot mechanics, and rules with high-speed video, physics explanations, and printable reference sheets. No ads, no paywall.
drdavepoolinfo.com
Dr. Dave Billiards (Instructional Videos)
Paid Resource
Dr. Dave Alciatore's companion site for paid instructional video content: the Video Encyclopedia series, How to Aim Pool Shots, and other structured courses using the same physics-based approach as the free site. Also the place to book private lessons at his pool school in Fort Collins, Colorado.
drdavebilliards.com
The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards
Assessment & Training
Master one of the world’s most popular games with the help of a mechanical engineering professor who has a passion for pool. More than 80 principles of the game, presented with 250-plus precisely scaled illustrations and photographs, offer players of all levels a thorough overview of the fundamentals of 8-ball and 9-ball, including grip and stance, basic shots, position play and strategy, bank and kick shots, and advanced techniques such as carom and jump shots.
Illustrated Principles of Pool
FargoRate
Player Rating System
The most widely adopted global pool player rating system, using an ELO-style algorithm that updates daily. Ratings range from roughly 50 (beginner) to 800+ (world-class). Used natively by the USAPL, BCAPL, and many independent leagues. Free app on iOS and Android; $12.99/year for full match history.
fargorate.com
BEF — Billiard Education Foundation
Youth & Education
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit developing youth participation in billiards through competitive programs and academic scholarships. Runs the annual BEF Junior National Championships, state qualifier series, and supports US juniors at WPA Junior World Championships. All programs serve players 18 and under.
billiardeducation.org
News & Media News, Media & Community
AZBilliards.com
News & Media
The leading billiards news and media site in North America, covering professional and amateur pool since 1998. Real-time tournament brackets, live scoring, match coverage, and player profiles. Also home to the largest active billiards forum on the web.
azbilliards.com
AZBilliards Forums
Community
The largest active billiards forum in the world, running since 2000. Covers equipment reviews, rules questions, skill level discussions, drills, and cue maker Q&As. A deep archive of knowledge from serious players, instructors, and industry professionals.
forums.azbilliards.com
Billiards Digest Magazine
Magazine
The longest-running billiards magazine in the US, published monthly since 1978. Covers professional and amateur tournaments, player profiles, industry news, and instructional columns. Available in print and digital editions.
billiardsdigest.com
Billiards Forum
Community
A long-running billiards Q&A site focused on cue identification, table identification, rules clarification, and equipment valuation. Useful if you need help identifying an unmarked cue or vintage table; the identification thread archive goes back years and covers a lot of ground.
billiardsforum.com
USBMA — United States Billiard Media Association
Media Organization
A non-profit professional association for media credentialed to cover cue sports, including print, radio, TV, PR, and online journalists. One of the USBMA's primary roles is electing media members to the BCA Hall of Fame Board, which nominates and votes on inductees.
usbma.com
The Billiard Archive
Historical Archive
A Pennsylvania nonprofit preserving the history of pool, billiards, and snooker. The collection spans over 100,000 items including 2,100+ books, 1,700+ prints, and tens of thousands of artifacts cataloged in 40 languages. One of the largest billiard libraries in the world, fully accessible online.
billiardarchive.org
Florian "Venom" Kohler
Content Creator
13-time WPA World Artistic Pool Discipline Champion, 12-time Guinness World Record holder, and the most-watched pool content creator in history with over one billion views. Originally from France, now based in Las Vegas where he also operates an APA league. His YouTube channel is many players' introduction to the sport.
venomtrickshots.com
Dr. Dave on YouTube
Instructional Video
Dr. Dave Alciatore's YouTube channel with 170,000+ subscribers and 40+ million views. Videos use graphics, slow-motion footage, and physics-based explanations to cover aiming, cue ball control, and shot mechanics. A practical free companion to DrDavePoolInfo.com for players who learn better from video.
youtube.com/@DrDaveBilliards
Our Guides LineUp Magic Reference Guides
APA Skill Levels Explained
Guide
What SL1 through SL7 mean in 8-ball and SL1 through SL9 in 9-ball, the full Games Must Win charts, how skill levels are calculated and change, and how they connect to the 23-point lineup cap.
apa-skill-levels.html
APA 23 Rule Guide
Guide
Exact penalties, when violations trigger, fallback rules for teams permanently over the cap, legal lineup examples, and playoff differences.
apa-23-rule.html
TAP League Rules Guide
Guide
The 25 Rule, call-pocket play, coaching and shot clock, Scotch Doubles, scoresheet categories, and a side-by-side TAP vs APA comparison.
tap-league-rules.html
APA Captain's Rules Guide
Guide
Six procedural rules every captain must know: player declaration, the Senior Skill Level limit, forfeit timing and order, coaching, splitting matches, and protests.
apa-captain-rules.html
Team Captain Tips
Guide
Official captain duties, roster management, lineup strategy, and ten practical tips for running a pool league team without losing your mind.
apa-team-captain-guide.html
8-Ball vs Bar Rules
Guide
A side-by-side comparison of APA league rules and bar rules: shot calling, ball-in-hand, safeties, the break, and fouls. What changes when you join a league.
apa-8ball-vs-bar-rules.html
Links on this page were verified in March 2026. LineUp Magic is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or receiving compensation from any of the companies listed. This is an independent reference compiled for the benefit of pool league players and captains. Brand descriptions are based on publicly available information.