History Of The APA

The 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.

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The APA Nationally

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.

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The APA in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill

The Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill APA boasts over 300 teams and over 2,000 active members competing weekly in Central North Carolina. We offer both amateur 8-Ball & 9-Ball Leagues using the APA's Equalizer Handicap System where everyone has an equal chance to win. In addition, we also have the largest Masters League in the Nation; so if you are a sharp shooter, come shoot with the best in this non-handicapped format.

Teams consist of 5-8 players (3-4 players for Masters) with a low weekly fee of $35 per team ($24 per team for Masters) or $7/player plus a $25 annual membership fee. These teams compete in local/in-house divisions in their preferred Pool Hall/Billiard Room that hosts APA (20 locations in the Triangle and surrounding areas). The year is divided into 3 sessions, with each session running between 14 and 16 weeks. Play is currently offered Monday through Thursday nights, so it's easy to fit the APA into your schedule. If other days/nights are desired for play, APA will be more than happy to try to build a division to accomodate.

The Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill APA offers over a $68,000.00 Local Prize Fund. This includes our Local City Tournaments held at the conclusion of every session and Doubles Events held throughout the league year. Teams compete for and win the right to represent our Local APA in Las Vegas at the APA National Team Championships. We also offer player achievement patches and trophies to our members.