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 APA in Orange County California

The Orange County APA, once known as the APA Pool Leagues of North Orange County, was franchised in 1996. Through hard work and perseverance, the league experienced continual growth making it the largest and most successful amateur pool league in the county with 94 teams. On December 9, 2005 the Orange County APA, better known as the OCAPA was born. With an overwhelming amount of passion, extensive training, and support from the National Office, the OCAPA has grown to over 170 teams and 1200 members. With all of your support the OCAPA will continue to grow and validate that Orange County has the best pool players in the world!