About Us

Formed in 1975 by a small group of U.K Pool Table Operators both to promote and to standardise the rules of the game using 2" object balls and 17/8" cue ball.

B.A.P.T.O member compriseng of large National, Regional And Family owned businesses in the U.K and also in Eire, France and Spain. But in addition to the commercial sector members also have players represented through:

Welsh Pool Association (WPA)

England Pool Counties Federation (EPCF). (Each with their own referee bodies)

There are also Irish, French and Spanish player associations

Plus there are also manufactures of Pool Tables (both U.K 8 ball and American Pool) together with suppliers to the industry e.g. cue makers.

The B.A.P.T.O GRAND FINALS are recognised as the PREMIUM EVENT in the calendar of U.K Pool. First launched in 1977 with the 7 Person Team event, 1981 saw the introduction of the Men's Singles and 3 Person Team events. In 1982 the Ladies event was added and in 1990 the Professionals event was brought in. The latest introduction was in 1996 when the U.K fours was introduced outside of the GRAND FINALS.Also during 1996 B.A.P.T.O teamed up with the Macmillan Cancer Relief for a charity fund raising 'fun' pool weekend.

Over many years B.A.P.T.O has grown into an organisation that truly represents the commercial and non-commercial sectors of the sport. Our aim is simple: -

"To develop the potential of the sport of 8 ball pool and ensure its recognition in all its forms as one of the leading leisure and sports activates."

Key Aims:

• To promote and develop the sport
• To gain greater sponsorship
• To develop new competitions for competitive players
• To develop greater interaction between the U.K and Europe
• To provide the amateur player with quality events

B.A.P.T.O through its members will continue to be the "Investors in Pool"

B.A.P.T.O. Chairmen
1975 to 1980	A. Charles Buck
1980 to 1983	George s. Muncaster, Marlmoss
1984 to 1986	Bob Blakeborough, R Blakeborough & Co.
1987 to 1988	Jim Murphy, Bell Fruit Services
1989 to 1993	Malc Ferris, Associated Leisure
1994 to 2000	Tim Drew
2001 to 2007	Bob Blakeborough
2008 -	Alan Boswell

 

Join Us

We are now accepting Pool Leagues as Associate Members.

If you want to meet and play against the best, develop your skills, seek an additional Championship to participate in and want your voice to be heard and views understood in your sport, join us..

Contact Details

Alan Boswell - Chairman
Mike Dicks - Deputy Chairman
Bob Blakeborough - Treasurer