Those who love pool are probably familiar with the Valley National 8-Ball League Association (VNEA), which has nearly 100, 000 individual members and a host of weekly local leagues in over 400 different cities. It is the largest amateur pool league worldwide, with members in 36 states and 36 nations. VNEA is also an entertainment business that generates huge amounts of revenue. Apart from participating in local leagues the players are also eligible to compete in Valley National 8-Ball League Association international championships. These championships run each year from May 27, through June 5,
Players can compete in leagues based upon their skill level as a member or associate of the Valley National 8-Ball League Association. Each league has a captain. This person collects the league fees, keeps score sheets, and performs other duties. The captain coordinates the activities of the team and makes sure everyone knows the rules. The captain is responsible for collecting points and helps prepare the team for events.
The VNEA has a reputation for promoting good sportsmanship. VNEA members have voted to award the Sportsmanship Award. Players have been recognized for their efforts. The league also promotes sponsorship of local businesses. VNEA members are able to access help through the operator assistance network. LeagueSMART Conference offers software, improved table revenue, and better table control. You can also get league materials such as score sheets, table markers, envelopes and other supplies from the league.
VNEA Pool Leagues offer friendly competition and players will be playing against each other in round-robin format matches. Players must use 7 by 3,5 ft "bar boxes" coin-operated pool tables. These tables are smaller than 9 x 4.5 ft regulations tables. VNEA leagues frequently organize individual tournaments for players who are not looking to play in a team.
In the past, the VNEA honored pool league players for their contributions. These include Caela Gibson, who has been active in the league since its inception in 1999. She has won numerous titles at VNEA World Championships. She has also won numerous tournament titles, including Singles, Team events, and Women's Regular 8-Ball Singles. She has been an active promoter of the VNEA in Colorado. She has also been a top fundraiser for the Gene Pool league for the past two years. She has held many benefit tournaments to support cancer research and street children.
Shane Bloomberg, a pool player with a long, impressive history in VNEA, is another. He is the grandson of Jeanie and Gary Bloomberg. Shane was an active participant in the VNEA from the age of nine. He went on to be one of the top pool players in the country. He is a frequent contender on the Pro Tour, and is likely to be named Player Of The Decade 2020.