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Help With Your Travel Plans

If you're traveling to a tournament this will help you get the best deals on airfare and even car rentals. Check it out...

If you are a top pro-player having a hard time affording travel expenses to international events, there may be some help available. The Billiard Congress of America has come up with a plan that a handful (so far) of billiard industry businesses are supporting (money).

Here's how it work:

"This program is an investment in the power of the professional game to help elevate the visibility of the sport and promote a healthy billiards atmosphere in the US. It is not another giveaway program. Players will be loaned funds to assist in their travel that will be paid back into the fund out of the winnings they garner at the tournament for which they accept funds. Players who accept the travel funds will be required to pay back up to 10% of their winnings in that tournament, not to exceed the amount of the loan. As an example, a player who is loaned $2000 for travel and who then wins $40,000 would only pay back 5% of his winnings into the fund as that would cover the $2000 travel loan. There is no carry-over, however. If a player who is loaned travel money fails to cash in the event for which he accepts the loan that loan is canceled and no re-payment is required. It is a pre-condition for all loans that a player’s account be current. That is, all loans that were due repayment must be repaid prior to another loan being granted." ...from AZBilliards

It is a shame when a top U.S. player isn't able to represent America at an international event because these difficult financial times has left many great players without a sponsor. Many countries routinely assist their pool players, making it possible to travel. Even during better financial times, you might be surprised which of the American world class players couldn't find a sponsor. I remember a player (a decent guy with a good rep) who couldn't find a sponsor even when he was ranked in the top ten 9-Ball players in the country. He missed many tournaments because he just couldn't afford it.

Here's a list of the companies that have contributed at what is being called the "Hero" level to this fund: