The Billiard Congress of America was established in 1948, with early involvement
by players like
Willie Mosconi and Willie Hoppe. The objective
was to organize the players and promote the sport through qualifying tournaments at the local, regional and national levels in
Straight Pool and 3-Cushion billiards (the popular competitive disciplines
of the era) and recognize those champions. Organizers were also determined to produce an official
rulebook to standardize the sport and help fund the effort; and to involve
billiard rooms, retailers and manufacturers in meeting these promotional
goals.
During World War II, a great number of soldiers took up billiards at military camps
and the industry expected a tremendous surge in peacetime popularity for the
sport. But instead, soldiers generally returned home, got married, started
families and built a suburban life. Despite the best efforts of the many
constituents of the BCA, the sport fell into a depression in the
late 1940s and the entire 1950s. Throughout this period, the association was
anchored by its official
rulebook and the official recognition of World and National
Championships only through BCA sanctioning.
In 1961 the movie "The Hustler" was released and single-handedly revived
the sport for a few years. The BCA began promoting the US Open 14.1
Championships in 1966, the most prestigious professional event of its time.
From 1948 to 1980, the BCA had a board of directors and elected officers, but no
physical headquarters. The National Sporting Goods Association kept the
files of the BCA, and handled day-to-day administration. In 1980, long-time US
Open director Robert Froeschle volunteered to set up a
permanent BCA office in his hometown of Iowa City, Iowa. The BCA called Iowa City its home
for many years, moving to bigger
office space as the organization grew.
|
THE BIG PROJECT: EXPO |
|
Established in 1984,
the BCA's annual trade show has a
long history
of its own. Here's a rundown of future
venues: |
|
28 |
2011 |
Las Vegas, NV |
|
27 |
2010 |
TBD |
|
26 |
2009 |
Las Vegas, NV |
|
25 |
2008 |
New Orleans, LA (TBD) |
|
24 |
2007 |
Las Vegas, NV |
|
23 |
2006 |
Houston, TX |
|
|
In 1982 the BCA board of directors decided to develop and host an industry trade
show, at which all segments of the sport could meet. Today the BCA
International Billiards & Home Recreation Expo is the largest billiard trade show in the world.
Profits from the show, along with retail sales of "Billiards: The Official
Rules & Records Book" generate substantial operating revenues, which allow the
BCA to promote the sport at many different levels.
In February of 2000, the BCA relocated once again. But rather than move
across town, the organization packed its bags and moved across the country
to Colorado Springs, Colorado, in the hope of attracting corporate sponsors and moving cue sports
toward Olympic recognition. With access to two major airports, Colorado Springs is home to the U.S. Olympic Committee, the
U.S. Olympic Training Center and numerous National Governing Bodies for
current Olympic sports.
In 2004 the BCA re-dedicated itself to achieving a united, growing, prosperous
and highly regarded billiard industry through BCA leadership. The BCA enhances
the success of its members and promotes the game of billiards through
educational programs, the International Billiard & Home Recreation Expo,
tournaments and other programs designed to make pool everybody's game.
