Why Is Pool Considered A Sport?

This article was written by Games Tables 4 U

The status of pool as a sport has been the source of ongoing debate for many years. For many observers, it is merely a pastime undertaken by unfit competitors slamming balls around a table. Such observers have overlooked the finer points of the game of pool that make it an entertaining spectator sport.

Firstly, the development of a good cue action takes many hours of practice to perfect, in order to strike the cue ball accurately. Additionally, superb hand-eye co-ordination is required to propel the cue ball towards the coloured object ball, thus potting the latter. Another critical skill required to be successful at pool is fine control of the cue ball. Striking the cue ball in the appropriate position to play stun shots, screw shots, run-through shots and to apply side (English) in order to gain position on the next ball is another fundamental of the game that takes years to master.

The most skilled pool players boast an impressive armoury of shot types, which they make look so effortless in execution that the time taken for their perfection is overlooked by the majority of spectators. Also overlooked by many is the impeccable discipline and application required to practice frequently for long periods. Furthermore, pool is an immensely tactical game, with every shot on a pool table calculated on a risk / reward basis.

The selection of the "correct" shot is another vital element of the game, as one poorly assessed shot or judgemental error can have disastrous results. Casual observers also fail to recognise the sequence which needs to be followed in potting the balls, viewing the game as very much a "crash, bang, wallop" event. Following the necessary sequence allows a player to pot his or her allocation of balls at the first opportunity, denying the opponent any chance. This facet is probably unique to cue sports as nowhere else can a game be won without an adversary being given at least some opportunity. Along with the discipline required for practice, the game needs a calm, vigilant approach in competition, in order to produce the best possible performance. These facets combine to make pool a very interesting game, well worthy of its "sport" status.

The World Confederation of Billiard Sports (WCBS), founded in 1992, is a relatively new international organisation representing all major cue sports, including pool. Its initial goal was to be recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and join the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF). Following unsuccessful applications in late 1993 and 1994, the WCBS became a provisional member of the GAISF in 1995. Granted provisional recognition by the IOC in mid-1996, the WCBS became a member of the Association of Recognised IOC International Sports Federations (ARISF) in the September and joined the International World Games Association (IWGA) in early 1998. It was subsequently granted full status by the IOC, clarifying pool as a true sport.

Billiards sports were incorporated into the Asian Games of 1998, 2002 and 2006, along with the 2001 Akita World Games. Amongst 15 applications for the 2004 Olympic Games, of which 2 were selected, billiard sports finished 3rd and with worldwide popularity, it seems only a matter of time before pool becomes an Olympic event.