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.
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.
The Hudson Valley APA
The Hudson Valley APA is the largest amateur pool league in New York and one of the largest in the country with about 400 teams and over 3,000 active members competing weekly in the Hudson Valley region and is in it's 20th year of play. We offer both amateur 8-Ball & 9-Ball leagues using the APA's Equalizer Handicap System where everyone has an equal chance to win.
Teams consist of 5-8 players who play in prizefund divisions with a low weekly team fee of $50 divided by team members plus a $25 annual membership fee. Non prizefund divisions (trophy divisions) would be $30 weekly with no prizefund, only trophies would be awarded. These teams compete in local divisions where the APA Hosting Taverns are grouped geographically to minimize traveling distance. The year is divided into 3 sessions, with each session being 15 or 16 weeks. Teams are in divisions which play on their given night, Sunday through Thursday in most areas, so it's easy to fit the APA into your schedule.
The Hudson Valley APA offers more than $450,000 in local prize funds. This includes the end of session playoffs held at the conclusion of every session and the annual Hudson Valley Vegas Playoffs. Winning teams at the end of the sessions compete for the right to be one of our local 10 teams that we qualify to represent the Hudson Valley in Las Vegas at the APA National Team Championships. We also offer player achievement awards, trophies, and MVP awards to the top male and top female player in each division every session.
"Forget the rest, play pool with the best"
