BCA Resumes Control of Men’s Rankings and Communications

The Billiard Congress of America (BCA) today announced it will manage the men’s professional rankings system and player communications duties in its role as the North American representative to the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA).

“The tremendous international expansion of men's events in recent years has made it clear that the BCA needs to take steps to solidify the men’s professional ranking system,” said BCA Board President Ivan Lee. “We have grown from a single World 9-Ball Championship to WPA World Championships in 8-Ball, 9-Ball, 10-Ball and 14.1, and it is imperative that we maintain a ranking system that consistently allows us to send the best players North America has to offer to compete and represent our continent in these events.”

This decision was made after the BCA learned that an American pro event was conducted in direct conflict with the World 8-Ball Championship. The conflict resulted in players being required to choose between competing in the World 8-Ball event and losing ranking points or competing in the American event and sacrificing their opportunity at a world title.

“The BCA believes that the task of communicating with and assigning professional players to compete in international events is now so critical that they must have direct control of the process in order to take responsibility for it,” further stated Lee. The BCA has requested that AZBilliards, a leading source in pool and billiard news and information, assist with creating and maintaining the new ranking system. “AZBilliards, in partnership with the BCA, is helping to create a thorough, carefully planned player ranking process that will allow the BCA to provide the best possible representation from North America to the World Championship events,” concluded Lee. A follow-up announcement detailing the new ranking system will be released in the near future.

About Billiard Congress of America
Founded in 1948, the Billiard Congress of America is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to growing a united, prosperous and highly regarded billiard industry through BCA leadership. The BCA seeks to enhance the success of its members and promote the game of billiards though educational, marketing and promotional efforts, annual industry trade shows, tournaments and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody’s game. For more information, visit bca-pool.com or call 866.852.0999.