Basics
OVERVIEW
NOVA BCA was established to serve the finest poolplayers in Northern Virginia. We define “finest” as more than just a reputation or track record for excellence shooting balls. We expect character and sportsmanship from our players. There is no drama in our format. We do everything in our power to make the experience lean and mean, so that a working professional can be serious about his or her game and not spend all night or weekend struggling to survive a cumbersome format. We seek players who want to improve the individual skills necessary to advance their overall performance. We believe that the best way to do this is by adopting the most professional set of in-game rules (ie. to attempt to play the game as a pro would) and to push yourself to compete with players who may currently be better than you. Through a friendly “trial by fire,” you will become stronger. Just ask one of our members who chose BCA and either still plays other formats or left them behind. He or she will know exactly what was gained through the choice to enter our league or tournaments.
In keeping with this spirit, NOVA BCA encourages a mix of poolplayers to join us — professionals, semi-pro players and amateurs from APA, TAP and “in-house” leagues. When the BCA brand is associated with a professional event, it’s because the pros understand and support our mission. We’re capable of springing the next pro forward from our leagues, should the commitment, drive and results be there. This isn’t about hanging a promotional banner at a televised event, fetching coffee for the pros, advertising on the commercial breaks, but mostly having the best in the game cringe and snicker because the respect isn’t there. If you’re a serious or “getting serious” amateur, we are the league for you. Straight talk here.
FORMATS
There are many unique aspects to our poolplaying experience — starting with the fact that you can compete in team-based (league) and/or singles tournament formats. You will sometimes find us playing both on the same night. While our league plays 8ball exclusively, we have also staged 9ball singles events and scotch doubles tournaments. BCA supports other variations as well — 10ball, one pocket, bank, 14.1 continuous, and wheelchair. Whether you’re new to the game or someone coming over from another poolplaying league, you’ll want to review these items — Why NOVA BCA? / Join Us
VENUES
Currently, team-based play takes place at Fast Eddies (Fairfax VA, map pushpin #2 below) and the newly-added Bungalows (Chantilly VA, pushpin #5 below). Players join a team that’s based out of one of these venues. 60 to 70% of matches are then played at home, with the remainder at the alternate venue. Singles tournaments have been held at Whetzels (Manassas VA, pushpin #3), Champions (Arlington VA, pushpin #4) and First Break (Sterling VA, pushpin #1). Additional venues slated for Washington DC, as well as Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, and Prince William counties in 2011-2012.
TEAM-BASED PLAY
Team-based play (league) initiated in January 2010 and is scheduled for every Wednesday evening. Exceptions include major holidays and any bye a team might have in its schedule due to an uneven number of teams. Warmups begin at 7:30pm. Matches run from 8:30 to 10:30pm on the norm. Each match consists of two teams, each playing three to five players (five being a “full squad”), with one rack being played between all competing players. Since we don’t feature “races” to a number of wins and just a single rack between players, and because we play on two tables for each team match, our matches move forward efficiently. It’s the ultimate sudden death format! Enjoy dinner beforehand and avoid the worst of rush hour traffic. Leave earlier than other leagues and get some sleep or make a little extra time for loved ones.
Scoring is recorded at the end of each rack — winner gets 10 points, loser gets the number of balls pocketed (scale of 0 to 7). Players maintain “Averages” that communicate the number of balls he or she pockets in a typical game. These individual averages are added up for a team handicap that’s layered against how the players perform each night. Teams compete over the course of 8 to 16 week sessions — varies across three sessions total each year. A championship team is rewarded upon completion of each session, with a “grand champion” tournament deciding which of the year’s three teams is advanced to the annual BCA national tournament in Las Vegas NV.
SINGLES & DOUBLES TOURNAMENTS
Singles tournaments launched October 2009 and are scheduled sporadically across Wednesday and Friday evenings as well as selected weekends (as promoted). Doubles tournaments were launched in 2011. Singles tourneys that are held on league night extend from 10:30pm to 1:30 am (after team-based play and where there’s enough interest). Warmups begin at 7:30pm and extend through team-based matches and the practice table(s) until 10:30pm. Format is double elimination with a race to 3 in 9Ball on the winners’ side and a single rack in 8Ball on the losers’ side.
Scoring includes individual racks won/lost and finishing position upon elimination. Points awarded to the top six finishers, with a slight adjustment made for winning percentage on the individual racks (not simply who won the races). Tournament players are ranked by total points earned, also branded as “The Century Club” — the top poolplayers in Northern Virginia.
FEES
There are three costs to consider when you join us — 1) membership dues (currently on special for $25 per year, moving up to $40 year late 2011), 2) greens fees ($10 each time you compete in team-based play) and tournament entries (if interested in tourneys; $10 to $55 per event depending upon the number of entrants and format). We extend a “first night free” courtesy whereby you can compete risk-free — no greens fees for your first match; membership dues deferred to your second night of play with us.
Annual dues will be handled as follows —
• Sign up during sanctioning period in 2010-2011 (the time where we’re recruiting our first 10 teams playing in 5×5 matches each week) and pay $25 annually ($15 of which goes to BCA national), recognized with charter status and special privileges (TBD);
• Sign up post-sanction and pay $40 annually;
• Sign up as a professional and your membership dues are waived;
• Sign up as “ambassador” (where you recruit 4 or more players to the league) and play “damn near free” your first session (membership dues deferred until post-sanction sessions and beyond, $5 greens fees (50% off) until post-sanction sessions). $25 membership dues each successive year.
• Concessions, merchandise and more will be offered at selected venues (TBD).
READY TO JOIN?
When you become a NOVA BCA member, one of three paths is taken — 1) you join a team that consists of five to 10 players; 2) you pass on joining a team and only compete in our singles tournaments, or 3) you join a team and compete in our singles tournaments. Individuals, captain with players and companies — you’ll want to review this page — Join Us
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Venues/Ambassadors: Download our NOVA BCA Starter Kit (early 2011 edition).
Captains: Visit the Support tab for all rulebooks and all necessary paperwork.
