NIPA DIARY UNTIL END OF 2024

Details on how to enter NIPA events will be posted on our Facebook Page Nipa Pool in advance of Competitions.

INTERNATIONAL QUALIFYING PROCESS 2025

DO YOU WANT THE CHANCE TO PLAY ON TEAM NI ON THE 2025 INTERNATIONAL STAGE AT THE EBA NATIONS CUP OF POOL (BRIDLINGTON IN APRIL) & OR THE EBA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS (DATE & VENUE TBC), BOTH EVENTS ARE FOR A & B TEAMS. MAYBE A MEMORABLE TRIP TO AN EVENT SOMEWHERE ON MAINLAND EUROPE, IRELAND OR THE UK !!!

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NEW NIPA RANKING EVENTS FOR MENS, LADIES, SENIORS & MASTERS !!

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THESE EVENTS ARE FOR INTERNATIONAL SELECTION PURPOSES ONLY. DO NOT ENTER IF YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO TRAVEL WITH TEAM NI TO AN INTERNATIONAL EVENT IN 2025. ONLY 30% OF ANY MONIES WON WILL BE PAID OUT PER EVENT, THE BALANCE WILL ONLY BE PAID TO PLAYERS ON ARRIVAL AT A 2025 INTERNATIONAL EVENT.

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ELIGIBILITY TO REPRESENT NI AT BLACKBALL ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE IN 2025

** IMPORTANT ** Players must play in a Minimum 4 Ranking Events or 3 Ranking Events and one other Individual Event (NI Individuals or Grand Prix) to be able to play Internationally in 2025. Player Managers, Wild cards, NI Champions or Retained players must still meet the same eligibility criteria.

RANKING EVENT DATES AND VENUES ON ATTACHED POSTER

(Best 4/6 scores at Events determine a players ranking)

Entry fee is £25 per person per event (Includes £5 registration which goes towards section fund).

Entry fees for each ranking event must be paid in advance before draw made, ie not on the day

Players can only play in ONE category of ranking event.

On selection for a Team, players will have 7 days to confirm they will attend the next International event and a further 7 days to forward on a non refundable £50 deposit which will be returned at said event.

‘A’ TEAM (IF TAKING ONE) SELECTION PER CATEGORY (5 PERSON TEAM)

Player/Manager

Northern Ireland Champion

1x Managers retention

1x Managers Wild Card

2 Players out of Top 8 in Rankings

If the Northern Ireland Individual Champion is unable to go then Manager can invite an eligible Wild Card in his/her place.

‘B’ TEAM (IF TAKING ONE) SELECTION PER CATEGORY (5 PERSON TEAM)

Player/Manager

1x Managers retention

1x Managers Wild card

3 Players from Rankings after A Team has been confirmed

‘B1’ TEAM (IF TAKING ONE) SELECTION PER CATEGORY (5 PERSON TEAM)

Player/Manager

1x Managers retention

1x Managers Wild card

3x Players from Rankings after A and B Teams have picked

GRANDMASTERS 'A' - (3 person team from 2025)

Player/Manager

Northern Ireland Champion

Wild card

Trial Winner (Trial held Saturday 31st August 2024)

GRANDMASTERS 'B'

TBC if enough interest

UNDER 15/18 Teams picked from their Tour events

AGE ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL RANKING EVENTS

In age defined sections (Seniors, Masters & Grandmasters) players can enter at under the specified category age as long as they turn 40, 50 or 60 respectively before the International event in 2025 that they aspire to play in.

TIEBREAKER IF REQUIRED AT AFTER 6/6 EVENTS

1/ Points 2/ Highest Single Event Points in decreasing order 3/ Events attended 4/ Play Off

This is a new system for us and as such will need tweaked as we go along before it becomes a finished product but a complaint by players was that they can’t get considered for a place so this gives committed players a pathway to qualify for a team.

Terms & conditions for all aspects of this selection process are subject to change if Committee deem it for the betterment of the process.

NIPA ON FACEBOOK

 

For all details on entering our Events and other information visit our Facebook Page at Nipa Pool 

COMPLAINTS/GRIEVANCE & DISCIPLINARY POLICY

 

COMPLAINTS/GRIEVANCE AND DISCIPLINARY POLICY

The Northern Ireland Pool Association (NIPA) is committed to ensuring fair treatment and equality for all its members. This procedure outlines the process for raising grievances or complaints and the steps for handling disciplinary actions.

2. Purpose

This procedure aims to:

• Provide a clear process for members to raise grievances or complaints.

• Ensure complaints are handled fairly, consistently, and promptly. - Outline the disciplinary process for addressing misconduct.

3. Scope

This procedure applies to all members, players, officials, and volunteers involved with the NIPA.

3. Definitions

• Grievance/Complaint: A concern or issue raised by a member regarding conduct, rules, or any aspect of association activities.

• Disciplinary Action: Measures taken in response to breaches of the association's rules or code of conduct

5. Grievance/Complaints Procedure

5.1. Informal Resolution

1. Initial Discussion: Members are encouraged to address their concerns directly with the involved party, if appropriate.

2. Mediation: If direct resolution is not possible, members can seek mediation with the help of a committee member.

5.2. Formal Grievance(Complaint

1. Submission : A formal grievance/complaint should be submitted in writing to the NIPA

Secretary. The submission must include:

• The nature of the grievance/complaint.

• Relevant details and evidence. - Desired outcome.

2. Acknowledgment: The Secretary will acknowledge receipt of the grievance/complaint within 7 days.

3. Investigation: The NIPA Committee will:

• Assign an investigator or a sub-committee.

• Gather relevant information and evidence.

• Conduct interviews with the involved parties.

4. Resolution Meeting: A meeting will be arranged with the complainant to discuss findings and possible resolutions.

5.0utcome: The decision will be communicated in writing within 21 days of the meeting.

Possible outcomes include:

• Dismissal of the grievance/complaint.

• Recommendations for resolution.

• Referral to the disciplinary procedure if misconduct is found.

6. Appeal: If the complainant is unsatisfied, they may appeal to the NIPA President within 14 days of receiving the outcome. The President's decision will be final.

6. Disciplinary Procedure

6.1. Grounds for Disciplinary Action

Disciplinary action may be taken for reasons including, but not limited to:

• Violations of the NIPA Code of Conduct.

• Unsportsmanlike behaviour.

• Breach of association rules or regulations.

2. Initial Steps

1. Incident Report: An incident report must be submitted to the NIPA Secretary detailing the alleged misconduct.

2. Preliminary Review: The NIPA Committee will conduct a preliminary review to determine if a formal disciplinary hearing is warranted.

6.3. Disciplinary Hearing

1. Notification: The member will be notified in writing of the hearing details, charges, and evidence at least 14 days before the hearing.

2. Hearing Panel: A panel, consisting of at least three committee members, will conduct the hearing.

3. Hearing Process:

• Presentation of charges and evidence.

• Member's opportunity to respond.

• Witnesses may be called by both parties.

4. Deliberation and Decision: The panel will deliberate in private and make a decision based on the evidence presented.

5. Outcome Notification: The member will be informed of the panel's decision and any disciplinary actions in writing within 7 days of the hearing.

6.4. Disciplinary Actions

Possible disciplinary actions include:

• Formal warning.

• Suspension from activities.

• Expulsion from the association.

• Other actions deemed appropriate by the panel.

6.5. Appeal

The member may appeal the decision to the NIPA President within 14 days of receiving the outcome. The Chairpersons decision on the appeal will be final.

7. Confidentiality

All proceedings and records related to grievances, complaints, and disciplinary actions will be treated as confidential and disclosed only to those involved in the process.

7. Review

This procedure will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective and up to date with current regulations and best practices.

DIVERSITY & EQUALITY POLICY

 

DIVERSITY AND EQUALITY POLICY

1. Introduction

The Northern Ireland Pool Association (NIPA) is committed to promoting equality and diversity within the sport of pool and ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants.

2. Policy Statement

NIPA aims to provide equal opportunities for all members, players, officials, and volunteers, irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief. We are dedicated to eliminating discrimination and promoting diversity in all our activities.

3. Objectives

- Promote Equality: Ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and with respect at all times.
- Discrimination: Take steps to prevent and address any form of discrimination, harassment, or bullying within the association.
- Inclusive Environment: Foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and able to participate fully in the sport.

4. Responsibilities

- NIPA Committee: Ensure that the principles of this policy are integrated into all aspects of the association’s activities and decision-making processes.
- Members and Participants: Abide by this policy and support NIPA in promoting equality and diversity.

5. Implementation

- Awareness: Provide information and resources to raise awareness of equality and diversity issues.
- Monitoring and Review: Regularly monitor and review practices and procedures to ensure they are free from bias and discrimination.
- Complaints and Grievances: Address any complaints or grievances related to equality and diversity promptly and effectively through our established grievance/complaints procedure.

6. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective and aligned with best practices and legal requirements.

SAFEGUARDING

 

NIPA SAFEGUARDING POLICY

The Northern Ireland Pool Association is committed to the enjoyment of pool by all. The fundamental policy of the NIPA is to respect the dignity and rights of each individual player. The NIPA will strive throughout its organisation to promote, create and maintain safe environments for all our players. It will also ensure the key values of Respect, Inclusion, Integrity, Excellence and Fun.

The NIPA expects those involved with pool to publicise, adapt and supervise the implementation of this code. The NIPA has committed itself to monitoring and enforcing this code where reasonably possible.

PRINCIPLIES

• The safety, health, general welfare and dignity of each player must be respected. Ÿ

• Committee members and Team manager should endeavour to consider the safety, health, welfare and dignity of players to be paramount and superior to all other considerations. Ÿ

• The enjoyment of pool by each player should be pursued as an objective. Ÿ

• It is the role and responsibility of every member, team managers, together with the NIPA, to ensure that the spirit of this policy are promoted, implemented and monitored successfully.

• The NIPA should review their Safeguarding Policy every 2-years and/or as legislative changes occur in Northern Ireland

PROMOTING THE SAFEGUARDING POLICY

The NIPA shall promote the interests players by:

(a) Appointing a Safeguarding Officer who shall have the primary aim of maintaining a players centred ethos.

(b) Defining the roles of officers, committees, team managers, players and parents for players.

(c) Monitoring procedures for protecting the interests of players through the association.

(d) Prominently displaying the NIPA safeguarding message and information about their plans to follow this Policy and the NI Sports Councils’ Code for easy access by Sports Leaders, Members, Employees, Players and their parents.

(e) Providing in a planned manner, training and information meetings for everyone associated with Players about this Policy.

(f) Ensuring the NIPA Safeguarding Officer liaise with the Statutory Authorities concerning allegations or suspicion about abuse of a player.

(g) Promoting contact with representatives of Statutory Authorities to contribute to and learn about child protection issues, best practices and recommended procedures.

(h) Ensuring that this Policy and the Sports Councils’ Code is adopted and followed by its organisation and members

SAFEGUARDING IN RELATION TO SAFETY

No team manager should be appointed or retained for players unless the manager: -

• Has completed the vetting process through NIPA

• Has subscribed to the NIPA’s Code of Conduct for Junior players

• Is adequately resourced and supported

• Maintains and furnishes such records and evidence as specified by the NIPA Ÿ

• Referees for matches involving players must subscribe to the rules and procedures laid down by an Association or NI Sports Council. Ÿ

• Clubs should follow safety/premises guidelines as set out by NIPA

DATA PROTECTION

All safeguarding documents will be kept according to, or each case of any amending legislation, the requirements of the UK Data Protection Act 1998; this includes requirements for the collecting, storage and requests of personal data. For general information on Data Protection consult the Data Protection on the UK Information Commissioner’s web site ico.org.uk

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A SAFEGUARDING OFFICER WILL:

1. Act at all times in the best interests of players

2. Be intimately familiar with the provisions of the Safeguarding Policy and its guidelines and with such further information and requirements as may be provided or put in place by the NIPA

3. Communicate with the committee on any matter on which the Safeguarding officer considers it necessary to do so, or any matter in relation to players on which the advice or directions of the association are required

4. Receive NI Sports Council advice, information and directions from the concerning players and act accordingly

5. Inform clubs of requirements made by the NIPA concerning players

6. Ensure that they are in a position to respond accurately and promptly to queries from the NIPA as to the welfare of players in their club generally or in relation to any specific incident which may occur

7. Be the contact person in the Association for Statutory Authorities regarding the welfare of players who are members of the association

8. Communicate with players

9. Provide advice and information to parents of players

GUIDELINE IN RELATION TO COMMITTEE / TEAM MANAGERS

(Please note the following is a non-exhaustive list, regard should be given to NI Sports Council “Code of Ethics and Good Practices for Children’s Sport). Ÿ

• Try to work with other adults present and avoid situations where you are alone with individual Players. Ÿ

• Identify aspects of necessary physical contact e.g. stance, holding of cue. Let parents know of these conditions so that behaviours cannot be misinterpreted. Ÿ

• Ensure that travel arrangements are set out in advance and known by all. Ÿ

• Where mixed teams compete away from home, endeavour that the group is accompanied by at least one male and one female adult, preferably a parent. Ÿ

• Always ensure the well-being and safety of players at all times.

AVOID: Ÿ

• Spending too much time with any one player away from others

• Taking players on journeys alone.

• Taking a player to your home or agree to meet a player individually on your own away from the club setting. Ÿ

• Taking sessions alone. This may occasionally occur due to lateness, sickness, etc. but this should not be a regular practice within the association. Ÿ

• Constant communication with one player by phone, text, email, etc.

• Avoid becoming ‘friends’ with players on social media such communication should be for the purposes of administration of club business and should not be for social / friendship purposes

NEVER: Ÿ

• Engage in rough physical or sexually provocative games including horseplay. Ÿ

• Share a room with a player alone. Ÿ

• Permit or engage in any form of inappropriate touching, keeping safety of the player as primary concern. Ÿ

• Permit players to use inappropriate language unchallenged. Ÿ

• Make sexually suggestive comments to any player. Ÿ

• Allow allegations made by any player to go unrecorded and not acted upon Ÿ

• Do things of a personal nature that a player can do for themselves. Ÿ

• Undertake any form of therapy (hypnosis, massage, etc.) while training players. Ÿ

• Exert due influence over any players in order to obtain personal benefit or reward. Ÿ

VETTING

While clubs are responsible for the recruitment of team managers, and the allocation of roles and areas of responsibility to them, the NIPA will support them through the provision of vetting checks and adherence to the recruitment process. Vetting should not be seen as a stand-alone procedure and should always be done in conjunction with signed Codes of Conduct, commitment to training and adherence to this Safeguarding Policy. Failure to comply with all aspects of club recruitment could result in a team managers not being offered position within the Association. The decision to appoint team managers is the responsibility of the association and not one individual within it. Good practice in management and supervision of team manager after appointment is as important as adherence to recruitment policies and procedures.

SUPERVISION AND SAFETY

OFFICAL/PLAYER RATIO

Staffing ratios are difficult to prescribe as they will vary according to activity, location and resources. It is important to ensure that there are enough people to be able to cope with the number of players participating in any activity and adequately respond to an emergency. As a guide, a ratio of 1:10 should be considered as a minimum requirement where players are 11 years of age or older. For younger players or players with a disability or situations involving travel, the ratio should decrease depending on the requirements of the players.

CONSIDERATIONS: Ÿ

1. Age and gender of the players. Ÿ

2. Any special needs of the players. Ÿ

3. Where both genders are involved try to ensure a mix of male and female adults. Ÿ

4. Type of activity (training, traveling or social) to be undertaken. Ÿ

5. Time involved. Ÿ

6. Experience of the team manager and relevant adults involved. Ÿ

7. Previous experience with players or club and likely behaviour. Ÿ

8. Location of competition or event and type of travel involved. Ÿ

9. Suitability of the team manager and officials.

ENSURE: Ÿ

1. Junior players/ vulnerable players are not left unattended and adequate numbers of officials are available to supervise all formal activities, i.e. coaching sessions, matches, and other organised pool activities. Ÿ

2. Officials know where the players are and what they are doing. Ÿ

3. Dangerous behaviour should not be tolerated at any stage.

4. Ensure the respect for the privacy of all players, especially in changing rooms, showers and toilets. Ÿ

5. All junior / vulnerable players are informed beforehand of what behaviour will be accepted and not accepted from them, See Code of Conduct. Ÿ

6. Those who are operating in a supervisory role should have access to adequate first aid resources.

SAFETY PRACTICES:

Safe management practices will not only enable an association to run smoothly and efficiently, but it will also help to minimise opportunities for accidents or harm to happen to children. Some points to consider:

JUNIOR PLAYERS / VULNERABLE PLAYERS

• Have defined criteria for membership of the club. Ÿ

• Have a registration system for all players. Ÿ

• Keep a record on each player regarding medical details and needs as well as all contact numbers. Ÿ

• Ensure that all activities are properly supervised. Ÿ

• The NIPA insurance, which is limited in nature and extent, covers all registered players.

SPORTS LEADER:

Ensure: Ÿ

• Follow the recommended official/player supervision ratios. Ÿ

• Have completed the NIPA’s recruitment process, including signing the Team Manager Guidelines / Code of Conduct.

• Have a clear title and area of responsibility. Ÿ

• Have attended appropriate coaching courses and related safeguarding and welfare training.

TRAVELLING WITH PLAYERS:

Traveling to and from venues is part of fulfilling fixtures. In order to ensure the safety of all involved, clubs must ensure that suitable policies and procedures are in place. To put players and parents / carers at ease, organisers should ensure all arrangements are in place and communicated to all involved before the event. Parents / Carers should be informed of the mode of transport.

CONSIDERATIONS: Ÿ

Ensure all arrangements are suitable for the journey to be undertaken. Ÿ

Vehicles must be roadworthy and appropriate and the driver to understand that he/she is responsible for the vehicle during the trip, including use of booster seats if necessary. Ÿ

Ensure parental consent is obtained prior to journeys being undertaken

All journeys to take place under the supervision of the team management / officials.

BUS / COACH HIRE:

Ensure: Ÿ

When renting, make sure you deal with a reputable company. Ÿ

Make sure the vehicle is suitable and equipped with appropriate safety features according to the rules of the road.

PASSENGER CARS:

Although this is the most frequently used option it is important to ensure that the safety of all players are not jeopardised at any stage. Ÿ

Prior to the trip, parents / carers should be informed if this form of transport will be used and consent obtained for their player to travel this way. Ÿ

Vehicles must be roadworthy, safe and have appropriate insurance cover. Ÿ

Drivers must have a suitable drivers licence. Ÿ

All passengers must use seat belts and booster seats (where necessary) for the duration of the journey. Ÿ

All drivers are responsible for the safety of the passengers and must be aware of their legal responsibilities. Ÿ

One passenger per seat at all times. Ÿ

Inform parents of the time of departures as well as estimated time of arrival.

COMMUNICATION, IMAGES AND SOCIAL NETWORKS

With the increased use of technology (video or photographic) in pool it is important for clubs to adopt a policy in relation to the use of photographic images players. The use of any images on websites and publications has raised concerns about the risks posed directly and indirectly to players.

BULLYING

Bullying is repeated aggression, be it verbal, physical or psychological, by an individual or group against others, which causes significant harm to the victim(s). It is intentional, aggravating and intimidating.

TYPES OF BULLYING (THIS LIST IS NON EXHAUSTIVE AND SERVES ONLY AS A GUIDE): Ÿ

1. Name calling. Ÿ

2. Spreading harmful rumours about others. Ÿ

3. Exclusion from activities Ÿ

4. Intentionally isolating another person from conversation or during activity. Ÿ

5. Threatening or intimidating behaviour. Ÿ

6. Taking or damaging property or belongings. Ÿ

7. Physical assault or causing physical harm Ÿ

8. Making a person do things they don’t want to. Ÿ

9. Threatening or abusive text messaging.

DEALING WITH BULLYING?

Bullying should always be considered in conjunction with the Codes of Conduct referred to in this Safeguarding Policy. Poor practice should always be tackled early, warnings should be given and in the case players especially, there should be an opportunity to correct the poor behaviour. Persistent poor practice may escalate into bullying if allowed to go unchecked. More extreme forms of bullying would be regarded as physical or emotional abuse and are reportable to Health Social Care Trust or the PSNI. It is the responsibility of the association to deal with bullying that may take place.

SMOKING, ALCOHOL, SUPPLEMENTATION AND JUNIOR / VULNERABLE PLAYERS’ WELFARE

As part of the NIPA’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of players and to ensuring players thrive within a safe and fun environment. Functions and facilities of whatever kind attended by junior players must be managed in a manner which recognises the potential detrimental effect of drugs / alcohol. It is a priority to ensure that the culture and practices on premises associated with pool and to which junior players are exposed will prevent and discourage drug /alcohol abuse.

DRUGS

NIPA officials / team managers must not promote or condone drugs and adhere to the NIPA Drugs policy.Ÿ

NIPA officials / team managers participate in the education of themselves and others about the detrimental effects of using drugs.

SMOKING Ÿ

Smoking should be avoided by the junior players. Smoking is a serious health risk. It should play no part in a player’s lifestyle. Ÿ The NIPA must enforce statutory requirements in relation to smoking on the premises.

ALCOHOL

Alcohol and alcohol advertising is part of everyday life. Young people are not only influenced by trends and peer pressures but are also exposed to constant alcohol advertising. These advertisements seek to make the consumption of alcohol acceptable and trendy and therefore making the awareness of the pitfalls of alcohol consumption more difficult. Officials should ensure junior/ vulnerable adult players are aware of the dangers of alcohol abuse.

POSITVIE MENTAL HEALTH

Sport can contribute positively to the player’s mental health, helping them to feel good about themselves and cope with everyday pressures in their lives. Sport can make a positive contribution if the player’s experience of sport reflects sport’s positive values, such as fun, inclusion and fair play.

Officials / Team Managers can help players by encouraging them: Ÿ

To have control over their emotions and their behaviours both on and off the baize. Ÿ

To be aware of their thoughts and feelings towards themselves and others Ÿ

To manage their thoughts and feelings rather than becoming overwhelmed

WELCOME ON BOARD MARY

A big welcome on board the NIPA Committee to Newry's Mary Cunningham. Mary takes on the role of Vice Chairperson after Wayne Lewis stood down at our AGM yesterday due a new job with more commitments and an increased role on the Board of Ballyclare Comrades FC. We would like to thank Wayne for his time with us, it was much appreciated.

2023 NIPA AGM

The 2023 NIPA AGM will take place in Antrim Sports Club on Sunday 11th June at 12.00 noon.

2022 NORTHERN IRELAND SPECIAL POOL LADIES TEAM & INDIVIDUALS

On Tuesday 22^nd November it was the turn of our lady players to take centre stage as they competed in the 2022 NI Ladies Individual and Team Championships. In the team event old rivals Maghera and Mountfern contested the final with Maghera emerging winners by 5 frames to 4 after a truly epic match. In the Team Plate event Greystone were out gunned in the final by an impressive select team of Joanne Kerr, Brenda Delargy and Natash Thursby.

In the top half of the individuals draw the much improved Natasha Thursby made her way to the semi-final with a notable win over multiple World Champion Valeria Taggart in the quarter final. Things didn’t get any easier for Natasha in the semi final as she came up against former N.Ireland champion Susan O’Kane which proved to be just one step too far for her to overcome. In the bottom half of the draw past winner Briege McFaul overcame Francis McCann and Patricia McTasney as she progressed to the semi final but unfortunately had to withdraw from the event at this stage. This handed her semi-final opponent Branda Healy a walk over to the final. Brenda had reached the semi-final with comfortable wins over Leona Harrison and Catherine McDonald. In the final Susan played immaculate pool to be crowned the 2002 Ladies Individual Champion.

In the plate event Jacqueline Gault competing in her first N.Ireland Championship had 3 good wins to make the final where she came up against the vastly experienced Francis McCann. In the evenly contested final Francis’s experience proved to be the difference as she came out on top with a two frames to one win.

With a record 22 lady players entering the individuals all players should be proud of their achievements on the day.

The committee and players would once again like to thanks the staff of Antrim Sports Club for hosting the event.

 

RATHMOYLE 'A' WIN NI SPECIALS TITLE

NORTHERN IRELAND SPECIAL POOL

MENS 2022 TEAM EVENT REPORT

Eight teams made their way to the Antrim Sports Club to take part in the 2022 Men’s Team Event. The pick of the 1st Round matches was the clash of the Independents 2 (Clifford Healy, Kevin Walsh, John Henderson, Johnny McAuley) and Independents 1 (John Brown, Phillip Haveron, Sammy Johnston). In a high standard match the Independents 1 ran out the winners 5 frames to 3 with Sammy Johnston winning all of his 3 frames. The other notable result in Round one was a creditable win for the George Sloan team from Ballymena who overcame Mountfern A by 5 frames to 4. In the Semi-Finals Ballycastle’s Rathmoyle A made their way to the Final with a win over George Sloan where they were joined by the Independents 1 who defeated the Independents 3 team in the other Semi-Final. In the Final itself the Rathmoyle team of Paddy Reid, Clifford McKendry and Eammon McKillop played exceptional high standard of pool with the Player of the Tournament Eammon taking out a fantastic finish to secure a 5 frames to 2 win.

The Final of the Plate competition which was for all 1st Round losers was contested by Mountfern A and the Independents 2 who ran out comfortable winners.

The Committee and players would once again like to thank the Antrim Sports Club, notably Kyle and Rab, for the hospitality shown to everyone who attended.

Photo 1 - Rathmoyle A - Team Winners

Photo 2 - Independents 1 - Team Runners Up

Photo 3 - Independents 2 - Plate Winners

Photo 4 - Mountfern A - Plate Runners Up

Trophies presented by John Clarke, the Northern Ireland Specials 'A' Team Manager 

NORTHERN IRELAND SPECIAL POOL 2022 MENS INDVIDUAL

PADDY IS CHAMPION AGAIN

A total of 20 players travelled to the Antrim Sport Club to compete in NISP’s NI 2022 Men’s Individual Championships. While the field of 20 included all of our top international players it was encouraging to see some new players attending.. The standout match of the 1st round was between Alan Bell and Clifford Healy with Clifford winning 3 frames to 1. Clifford continued his winning ways until he came up against his old rival Paddy Reid in the semi-finals. Paddy could not have had a harder route to the semi-final and had to be playing his best pool to defeat John McKillop, John Brown and John Henderson to get there. In what was the match of the tournament Paddy triumphed by 4 frames to 3.

In the bottom half of the draw Sammy Johnston progressed to the semi final with a comfortable win over Johnny McAuley and a hard-earned win against Eammon McKillop. In the semi final Sammy meet the surprise player of the day, Alan Mills, who was competing at his first NISP event. On his way to the semi final Alan beat Bobby McAllister and Johnny McClurg both of whom are international players. In the semi final it was apparent that the occasion got to Alan and Sammy ran out a comfortable 4 frames to 1 winner.

When it came to final the experienced head of Paddy stood him in good stead and despite Sammy playing pool of a high standard Paddy was crowned the NI champion for the 6th time.

In the plate competition the favourite was undoubtedly Alan Bell and he lived up to this tag as he progressed to the final with wins over Johnny McAuley and Eddie Huey. His opponent in the final was international Phillip Haveron who had very impressive wins against Adrian Loga, Sean Fleming and Jason McAfee in the previous rounds. With two international players in the final the expectation of a high standard final was meet by both players with Phillip winning by 3 frames to 1.

Finally the players and NISP committee would like to thank Clarie and Rab Fee not only for hosting the event but also for the support and encouragement given to all the players. who attended.

Next up the NISP calendar is the NSPA 2022 NI Senior team event which will be played in the Antrim Sports Club on Tuesday 22nd November.

NIPA UNDER 15/18 EVENTS

Enter via our Facebook Page @ Nipa Pool

THE 2022 -2023 NORTHERN IRELAND INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Please note a couple of date changes from original poster.

 

NIPA DIARY OF EVENTS 2022 - 2023 SEASON

 

THE 2023 EBA NATIONS CUP OF POOL

Please note date changes for the 2023 European Blackball Association Nations Cup of Pool. Great to be going back to the fantastic Spa Arena in Bridlington to meet friends old and new. Hard to believe it's 2019 since we were last there.

2022 WORLD BLACKBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS PROGRAMME

Fantastic Programme for the 2022 World Blackball Championships in Albi. watch this for space for the upcoming detailed day to day schedule.

OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES

The NIPA Committee are devastated to learn of the passing of our long time member Gary Johnston early this morning on Sunday 19th June. We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Gary's brother Stephen and the whole family circle at this very sad time. 

Gary who represented Northern Ireland at Men's and Seniors level had just turned 50 and was looking forward to playing in our Masters section. 

He will be sadly missed. RIP Gary

NEW TEAM NI SPONSORSHIP DEAL

We are absolutely delighted to announce a fantastic new sponsorship deal for Team NI shirts for the upcoming 2022 World Blackball Championships in Albi, France.

"JUST MIST" Vaping Products will provide every player in every section with new Team polo shirts supplied by Onboard Sportswear. Robert also donated £500 to our Under 15 Team & Under 23 Team costs for France. We really cannot thank owner Robert Clarke enough, thank you, thank you, thank you Rab.

EBA 2023 UK SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Northern Ireland Pool Association have been allocated spaces for the 2023 EBA UK Singles Championships on 3rd - 5th February. It will take place in the splendid Grand Hotel in Blackpool on 20 Blackball Tables with Hainsworth Match Cloth and Aramith Pro Cup Balls. There will be a qualified referee on duty at all times.

Spaces are limited so we are asking players who are interested in going to let us know by Friday 10th June 2022. If we get more interest than spaces allocated in any of the four sections (Mens, Ladies, Seniors & Masters) then we may have to run qualifiers. Cost of entry is £100 (Limited to one event per player).

The event will start on Friday 3rd February and finish on Sunday 5th February. There is also an 11 person team event taking place on Thursday 2nd February in memory of the former Scotland legend Gavin Phillips who won the World Blackball Individual Championship at the age of 51 in 2012. What a fantastic player and ambassador for Scottish Pool Gavin was. If we get at least 11 players travelling TEAM NI will be able to enter that too.

Players must stay minimum two night (Friday & Saturday) based on £60 per person sharing or £95 per person single room. Both rates include bed & breakfast.

Each event scheduled to a Double Elimination format, Races to 8 in Winners section and 5 in Losers section.

EVENTS

THURSDAY EVENING

- The Gavin Phillips Memorial 11 Person Team Event

FRIDAY AFTERNOON

- The Trevor Harte Mens UK EBA Singles

- The Jenny Leavens EBA UK Ladies Singles

- The Alan Marshall EBA UK Seniors Singles

- The Gavin Phillips EBA UK Masters Singles

Please contact an NIPA Committee Member if you would like to go

Further details to follow when we get them.

OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES

The Committee of the NIPA would like to pass on our sincere condolences to the family circle and friends of Anton Arthurs who sadly passed away last night at the young age of 34.

Anton represented Northern Ireland at 'B' Level and was a regular player in the Newtownards League.

RIP Anton