American Poolplayers Association

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With roots dating back to the National Pool League (founded in 1979), the American Poolplayers Association (APA) was founded in 1981. The APA conducts leagues in a franchised-based system of local pool leagues. These leagues are by definition all amateur leagues, although the APA does sponsor the Women's Professional Tour.

The APA uses The Equalizer® handicap system to balance low skilled and high skilled players. In 8 ball for example, a lower skilled player may only need to win two games to a higher player's four games. In 9 ball, lower skilled played may only need to pocket 14 balls compared to 60 balls for a high skilled player.

Based on local leagues, the APA also sponsors regional and national tournaments with the local leagues feeding into the national tournament played in Las Vegas.