What is the UPA?
The United States Professional Poolplayers Association (UPA) is an association of Professional Poolplayers in the U.S. The UPA has existed since 2002 and is one of the most widely known Associations in the sport. The UPA enjoys the cleanest and most professional brand in the sport of Pocket Billiards today. We have worked to further the sport of Pocket Billiards in the U.S. by the production of Professional Tournaments across the nation (televised and non-televised). Only recently have we launched the first pool league created by professionals, The League of Champions, for both men and women.
What is the League of Champions?
The UPA’s premier League of Champions is our answer to meet the needs of Amateur Poolplayers across the nation. After thorough research throughout our entire industry we have discovered the two largest concerns;
- Lack of Prize Fund (cash).
- “Sandbagging,” when players manipulate handicapping systems to give themselves unfair advantages against lower rated players.
Not only has the UPA directly addressed these concerns but we have also added many other features and benefits to our League in keeping with the quality of our brand.
What do players play for?
In a direct answer to the wishes of the players, the largest portion of all dues goes straight to player prize fund. Our League of Champions is the highest cash paying league in the nation. Players also have chances to win monthly prizes just for playing in our pool leagues.
Are there any trips to Vegas or finals?
Not currently. Our research has found that less than 5% of league participants actually make it end of years events and this has been a source of frustration for league players across the nation. For this reason, and several others, the UPA is primarily a cash paying league. We have found that amateur players in the U.S. more interested in playing in a cash leagues and we have created the highest cash paying league in the nation. This aspect is also good for our League Operators who now do not have to worry about “forcing” new members to choose between leagues due to national finals. Players are free to give our leagues a try without worrying about their current league commitments. Our cash can help them get there!
*The UPA does plan to hold a nationwide event once we reach the 5,000 player mark. Also, our League Operators are free to hold local events.
What rules do you use?
Our rules have been created and tested by the best players in the world and insure fair play that also hones and develops your skill. Click Here for your free copy of Official Rules.
How does the UPA eliminate “Sandbagging?”
The first thing we have done is take away any all incentives for “Sandbagging” in the first place. Our players play on teams in single match play for points, and team points lead to cash. So simply put, if players don’t play well they don’t win. If they don’t win, their teams suffer and the end result is no cash. There is no incentive to play worse than your actual ability (Speed). However, even if a player attempted to “Sandbag” (and lose cash) our Systematic Speed Ratio (SSR) program would catch them immediately.
What is the Systematic Speed Ratio (SSR)?
Our SSR program is the only program in existence created and developed by professional players. The SSR program looks at more than 36 aspects of a player’s game from a completely objective viewpoint. The SSR program then simply reports how well an individual plays. This not only completely eliminates any aspect of “Sandbagging” but also provides players with invaluable information about their game. Simply put, “It tells you who you are on the pool table.”
Example: A player joins the UPA league and convinces the local operator that they are only a “4 Speed” on a scale of 1-10. With objective data the SSR comes back and tells you how well the player actually plays. In this example, if the player was a high caliber player they would have to literally play like a beginner in regards to Shot Making, Break percentage, Fouls committed, Misses, and overall Strategy (to name a few). Now once the player realized that they do not benefit from playing like a “beginner” or “Sandbagging,” they will start playing their “true Speed.” At that time the SSR will immediately catch them and *raise their Speed accordingly.
*In UPA Leagues once a person demonstrates what their Actual Speed is, they can never be lowered. In short we, as a professional organization expect players to play at their true potential.
Do you play both 8-ball and 9-ball?
Yes, we offer 8-ball (Masters/Handicapped) divisions utilizing our SSR program. We also currently offer 9-ball Masters Divisions as our SSR program for 9-ball is still in development and testing stages.
What size tables do you play on?
Our Leagues are designed for all table sizes, and our SSR program understands the subtle changes in table sizes and views a player’s performance accordingly. This provides completely accurate Speeds and information.
What are the payouts to players at the end of the season?
Prize funds vary from division to division based on active teams and any special deals League Operators have with pool room owners. Each of our League Operators have the flexibility to determine prize fund as long as they keep within our specified arrangement. It’s the prize fund that helps keep the players coming back.
Do you have team handicaps?
Yes, currently our Team Handicaps are an accumulative score of your night five person team of 28 points. Keep in mind that our Speeds our typically lower than other leagues as our system views individuals from a professional perspective.
Is the scoring for each SSR Match card difficult?
No. When designing the program we knew that it would be important to keep it simple for league players. In example, an “X” is marked for each stripped ball pocketed, an “O” for each solid ball pocketed, an “M” for a miss, an “F” for a foul, and an “S” for safety play. Only 1 symbol (X, O, M, F, S, I) is marked per shot and there are only 6 options; X, O, M, F, S, or an “I” for an “Intentional foul.”
Are there any prizes besides cash for players?
Yes, our sponsors graciously provide cues, cases, and other accessories and we randomly give them away each month to active members. As we continue to grow we intend to greatly increase this aspect of our league.
Can you have traveling leagues?
Yes! Our League Operators System (LOS) allows for Traveling Leagues.
How many teams are in a division?
There are 4-10 teams per division; 5 players with 3 subs per team (total 8 people).
How much does membership cost?
We offer 3 types of membership; Touring Professional ($155), Platinum ($55), and Gold ($25). All of them allow for league play and grant the basics of our League of Champions.
What are the nightly dues?
Our nightly dues are $10 per session, or $50 per team.
Other leagues dues are less, why are yours so much?
The UPA is a premier league with very different features and benefits to its members. Not only does our league provide an excellent structure and format for players to enjoy their league nights with friends and family, but also we have completely eliminated the aspect of “Sandbagging.” Our leagues are for both the serious player as well as those who just want to have fun. Players of course, love the fact that we are the largest cash paying league in the nation and our Systematic Sped Ratio (SSR) program provides players with individual date from a professional perspective; while granting players an official U.S. ranking.
What are some of the future plans of the Association?
The UPA has a great future ahead. We intend to produce more televised events, create tournaments for League players, and start annual conventions for our League Operators. Once our League of Champions reaches the 5,000 member milestone our growth will be exponential!
How do player rankings compare to other leagues?
Our SSR looks at player performance through an objective professional perspective. Typically your Speed will be lower with us because of this fact. However, if you have been “Sandbagging” in the other leagues it could actually be higher with us. You will usually find that an APA 7 would have a Speed of 5 or 6 with us.
Why do you use the term “Speed” instead of “Ranking” or “Handicap?”
The term “Speed” is used on the Pro Tour, i.e. “Does that new player have any Speed?” one pro would ask another. This being a league developed by professionals we decided to utilize this term to differentiate us from all other existing leagues. We do not use the terms “Handicaps” or “Ratings,” however it essentially still a reference to someone’s ability.
How do you determine a players Speed when they first join the league?
Our League Operators are trained to ask certain questions and also get a background of the players history in other leagues. We use this information to start the person off with an “Official Speed” for league play. However, after our SSR program has real data and provides “Actual Speeds” the league operator will adjust the new player’s “Official Speed” accordingly.
Do UPA Leagues differ from state to state?
No. One of the many great features of our program is that leagues are run the same across the U.S. This means that a player with a 5 Speed in Wyoming is the exact same skill level as a player with a 5 Speed in New York.
Do League Operators determine player Speeds?
In the beginning our League Operators our trained to grant you a fair “Official Speed.” After our SSR has real data on your ability League Operators simply follow the program’s directives decided by the UPA. So League Operators only have “say” in the beginning for new players.
Do you play “Slop” pool?
No. We believe that this actually hurts a player’s overall game and hampers their ability to increase their level of play to professional standards.
Why do you use an alternating break format?
After years of testing on the Pro Tour we have found that this is the only fair way of playing the actual game of pool. It allows each player to demonstrate their skill in the each match.
Why do players rack their own balls before the break?
We have also found this to be the best way to play when a referee is not present. Not only does this eliminate any arguments that may arise, but also allows each breaking player to be completely responsible for their break percentages.
Is there an Amateur league and Pro League?
No. Our Amateur League Program does allow professionals to play, but there is only one actual league. Keep in mind that pro’s are considered 10 Speeds in our leagues and this grants the opposing players a very good handicap spot.
How can I join the UPA?
You can join the UPA online by Clicking Here or go to your local League Operator. Please see our League Locator to find a nearby League of Champions.
What happens if I join the UPA before there are leagues in my area?
We will still grant you a year’s memberships when you begin to actually play in our League of Champions so don’t hesitate to join today.
What if I want to start my own League of Champions in my area?
Click Here to see our League Operators FAQ’s.
What can I do if my questions are not answered here?
Just give us a call at (877) 788-7227 or send us an email.
We look forward to hearing from you!