Good Sportsmanship and League Play

The Edmonton Pool Players Association strongly encourages and promotes Good Sportsmanship. Why?
Because coming out to League Play is supposed to be fun, not a hard time. For nearly everyone, pool is a hobby or entertainment; not a job or a career.

As strange as it sounds,
You can win the game and still be a LOSER
You can lose the game and still be a WINNER
In the game of life, it’s the sportsmanship that you display that makes all the difference.

WHAT IS GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP?
According to the dictionary, it’s:
…… “to treat with courtesy and respect”
…… “a reputation for being just, good, fair, etc.”

1.KNOW THE RULES
It’s to your advantage and your opponent does have the right for the game to be played by all the rules, regardless of whether you know them or like them.

2. ALWAYS GIVE YOUR BEST GAME
You may be… way better or way worse than your opponent,
You may be… on your game or totally off,
You may be…way ahead or way behind in the game or the match,
....but always give it your best shot!

3. NO “SHARKING” – WIN ON MERIT, NOT GAMESMANSHIP
What’s Sharking? Any unsportsmanlike act that serves to upset your opponent anytime during the game or their concentration while shooting. Here are a few examples you may have experienced yourself:

Acting Aggressive

Using excessive profanity
Making rude or sarcastic comments (e.g. "Don’t Miss!")
Smashing or throwing your cue or balls around, slamming chalk down, etc.
Stroking while your opponent is racking and / or breaking one second later.
Refusing to acknowledge an obvious foul or allowing a shot to be refereed.

Acting Annoying

Insisting on unnecessary repeated re-racks.
Deliberately and excessively slowing the pace of the game.
Making reference to a likely loss of game.
Making your opponent hunt for the chalk or the patch.
Seeing whether your opponent’s shot is makeable even when there is little likelihood of a foul.
Asking your opponent their shot when it’s obvious or before they’ve decided.
Complaints about (you name it) – the playing equipment, the playing conditions, the pool gods……….

Creating Distraction

Standing close to the table in your opponent’s vision.
Standing over the shoulder of the player when he or she is shooting.
Causing a sudden or distracting movement or sound….just as they’re shooting.
Continuing to talk to your opponent while they’re executing a shot.
Tallking loudly to others about the game or their opponent…

4. HANDLE DISPUTES THE RIGHT WAY
Disputes will occur and almost all involve a foul stemming from lack of rules knowledge or a judgement call. If the dispute is about rules: a member of the Board of Governors can be contacted if need be. If it’s a judgement call on a shot; take note that it will always go in favour of the shooter unless the opponent has exercised the right of having it refereed.

Getting disputes settled out should be a straight forward matter:
STEP 1. The two players involved in a dispute “agree to disagree”.
STEP 2. The two players involved explain the dispute to their captains only!… and then the players are no longer involved. At no time is any other teammate or spectator to be involved.
STEP 3. The two Captains attempt to reach a reasonable agreement which will then be considered final.
STEP 4. If the two Captains “agree to disagree”, then the game automatically carries on in favor of the shooter.
STEP 5. A written Protest may be filed with the Board of Governors whose decision will be final including any impact it may have on Individual and Team standings. Their Ruling will take into account the display of any poor Sportsmanship.

5. IT’S ALL ABOUT COURTESY AND RESPECT

Do shake hands before and after a game….without having to chase you down.
Do pay attention to the game….(no one else can call a foul).
Do give your best game.. without gloating when you win or complaining when you lose.
Do acknowledge a well played shot or game or match…..

6. THE HOST CLUB AND THEIR EQUIPMENT
They sponsor and provide exclusive use of their facilities and equipment. Whether at home or away.. you represent your home/host club or bar. And just as your patronage is important to them, so is the display of good sportsmanship on your part and on the part of your teammates.

As always, Good Luck, Good Shooting and Good Sportsmanship!