It has now been officially announced by the State Government that from 11.59pm on Friday February 25, masks will no longer be needed in most indoor settings, including at workplaces.  This includes Billiard Rooms so with the removal of the need to use QR codes recently announced, VBSA players can now play their sport unhindered after Friday.

More details can be found on the State Government webpage by clicking this LINK

All players are reminded to be conscious of good hygiene practises whilst we return (hopefully) to normal settings.

Team entries for Season 1 of 2022 closed

Monday & Wednesday night pennant team entries have now closed. 

Wednesday Season 1 will now commence 16th February.  

Monday Season 1 will now commence 21st February.

Please make sure you go on line and register, details below  

Refer VBSA Policies & Procedures page at https://www.vbsa.org.au/VBSA/vbsa_pol_proc.php for online team entry.

Refer VBSA Scores page at https://www.vbsa.org.au/VBSA_scores/scores_index_detail.php?season=S1 for teams submissions to date.

When the VBSA faced difficult times, there were four people who worked assiduously to preserve our VBSA. George Morrow became VBSA President, and Cathy Morrow was the incredibly hard-working VBSA Secretary.

Together with our Life Members George Hoy and Alan Croft, these four managed to achieve the preservation of the Victorian Billiards & Snooker Association - the State Sporting Association for our Sports.

It is with great regret that we advise that Catherine (Cathy) Morrow passed away in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on Boxing Day, after a period of severe health issues. Her funeral is being held in Belfast this Saturday.  Cathy was 67.

The VBSA will always owe an enormous debt to Cathy Morrow, and we express our sincere condolences to George Morrow, and all of Cathy’s family and friends.

Rest in Peace, Cathy.  A Great Friend of the VBSA.

Following the recent Annual General Meeting, there have been a number of changes to the Board and support roles.  These changes, and the relevant contact information, can be found by clicking on this LINK.

Congratulations Anna Lynch on becoming the first Australian Women’s Billiards Champion. Victoria was well represented in the finals with all three Victorian entrants making the Semis. Caroline Ruscitti was runner up and put up a good fight against Anna. Well done to all.

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association announces the launch of a new version of the Official Rules of Snooker and English Billiards.

Refer VBSA website Help Page for details.

Under 12, Under 15 & Under 18 Snooker & Billiards

Venue - Brunswick Club

Starts - Sat 21st Nov to 22nd Nov.

Entries close - 15th Nov.

Entry fee - $10.00.  Allows play in all age groups, both Snooker & Billiards.

To qualify as junior entrant must be under age group at 1st January 2022.

Entry form attached below.

Tournament Director - TBA

The VBSA ByLaws have been updated to clarify and simplify the playing conditions for Pennant competition.

It is strongly recommended that ALL team captains familiarise themselves with these ByLaws.

Click this LINK to be taken to the Policies & Procedures page where you can view the updated ByLaws.

Thanks to all involved in reviweing the document.

Congratulations to Kathy Howden on winning the 2019 Victorian Women’s Snooker Championship. Kathy fought it out in the grand final with Caroline Ruscitti and came out on top winning 3-2 in a very close battle. In the semi finals Caroline defeated Anna Lynch who in a terrific effort has now been in the finals for 5 consecutive years. Kathy defeated Lyndal Ellement in the other semi. It was great to see Lyndal back in the finals after just missing out the last couple of years. Unfortunately numbers were down this year, but we did have two newcomers with Kat Newman making a snooker comeback and her daughter Mia also entering the championship for the first time. Mia is just 11 years old and showed some impressive potting skills. Our other junior, Maddy Melton, showed tremendous improvement on last year’s performance winning frames against both Caroline and Theresa Whitten, as well as finishing third in her group. Well done to all the women and girls who participated in this year’s competition and we hope to see all of you again next year. I would also like to thank everyone who helped in running the event: Jon Loughron (Tournament Director) whose preparation and organisation ensured everything ran smoothly. Abe Newman (Roving referee for round robin stages). John & Kim Ivett (Finals referees). Report courtesy of Shelly Ames.

Congratulations to Anna Lynch - 2019 Victorian Women’s Billiards Champion. Yet another billiards title for the formidable Anna. Today’s Championship was played at Reventon Academy Yarraville and it was a tight battle with Anna, Caroline Ruscitti and Shelly Ames all finishing the round robin with 4 wins each. Despite having a win over Anna, Shelly lost out on percentage. Well done to Caroline on making the grand final. Although she is the current Victorian Women’s Snooker title holder this was her first ever billiards competition and she also made a 47 break. Thanks to all the women who participated, I think it’s fair to say everyone had an enjoyable day and all games were played in good spirits.

On Wednesday 5th June 2019, a Semi Final was held in C Grade Snooker between Bentleigh 2 and a team from Cue 8 Bar at Bentleigh Club.

 An attempt was made by the Cue 8 Bar team to have a superior player compete under another player’s name in this Final. Cheating is never acceptable in Snooker and Billiards. We pride ourselves on playing Sports with the highest standard of Sportsmanship.

The VBSA Board is determined that all of us should recognise our responsibility to compete with the highest possible standards.

The four Members of the Cue 8 Bar Team from that evening have been Banned from Snooker and Billiards Competitions held by the VBSA, or any VBSA Affiliates, for a period of 6 months.

The Cue 8 Bar Management have been placed on notice that they have a responsibility to ensure that their Teams are operating responsibly, in all regards of our Sports. If there is any attempt to have a player from Cue 8 Bar to play under another player’s name, then severe sanctions will be imposed on Cue 8 Bar.

The Board is saddened that such behaviour has occurred, and regrets having to provide this response. However, the Board is determined that such behaviour, and any consideration of cheating, must never occur again.

Regards

Paul Cosgriff, President

Early release tickets for the World Billiards Open (October 6-7) and the World Billiards Championship (October 8-12) at RACV Club, Melbourne, go on sale on Monday July 1.

For more information see attached Information Sheet.

For ticket sales click this LINK.

This time of the year is always extremely crowded, and the VBSA is greatly appreciative of all the efforts that are made by so many of our Members. All these events would not be successful without the support that all of you show.

The Reventon International was a terrific success, and we are confident that all who attended found it a very enjoyable experience. The promotion of our Sponsors is extremely important for the health and strength of our great Sports.

Thank you to all the Members who will compete in the Reventon Classic this coming weekend. It is vital that the Classic is successful in its own right, as well as leading in to the Billiards Events. An enormous amount of work goes in to these Events, and we obviously enjoy seeing great players from Interstate, and Internationally.

World Billiards, and especially Jason Colebrook, have created a marvelous Festival for us here in June. And, in October, we are fortunate enough to have the 2019 World Billiards Championships here at the RACV, through the superb efforts of Warwick Loton, and his cohorts, especially David Pitt.

You have all done incredibly well, supporting the VBSA over these last weeks, with Pennant Finals, and so many Tournaments. Let’s thoroughly enjoy ourselves through these days of the Festival, and Remember: The 2019 Victorian State Snooker Championship is only a fortnight after the Billiards finishes! Please make sure you enter.

George Hoy has done a magnificent job in accepting all the Entries for so many Events. Please try to assist George as much as possible, and don’t place any extra pressure on him. The VBSA could not exist without the tireless endeavours of so many people.

Please consider how you may assist the VBSA as the State Sporting Association. We have to have more people involved, and working for the good of our Sports. Please consider how you might contribute, and provide assistance when there’s always so much “work” to be done!

When the World Billiards is on especially, we will need as many of our Members as possible to contribute their own physical support, and presence. Please consider how you might contribute, and support. When our Annual General Meeting is held, in a couple of months, it would be very satisfying to find a Membership base that all want to help, and contribute, in any way possible.

Please remember that your own health, and the health and well-being of your loved ones, comes first. Second, never imperil your own work situation. However, if you then have time, and the physical capability to contribute, then please do so!

The responsibilities incumbent on the VBSA have grown exponentially in the last 5 years. Please provide support for all the Board Members, and all who work so tirelessly for our Sports in Leadership roles.

Thank you for all that you have provided up to now. We now embrace a most exciting Future, and are grateful for all that you provide.

Cheers

Paul

Congratulations to Victoria's Matt Curwood & Marc Fridman who won the Australian Under 21 Snooker & Billiards titles respectively over this last weekend at the Brunswick Club.  Matt had a comfortable 5/0 win over Josh Burns (Tasmania), whilst Marc prevailed 321/248 over Josh Burns.  Marc was also a semi finalist in the snooker whilst Josh deserves great credit for being runner up in both disciplines.

Mention must be also made of Teah Raeburn (18) from Victoria & the oh so young, Lilly Meldrum (11) from Queenslan who fought out the Women's Under 21 final, with Teah going on to win 3/2.  And both also played in the Open Under 21s, with Lilly taking a frame in her matches.

Fabulous effort from everyone and just for the record GO VICS!!

A few images attached.

Please note the dates for 2019 Victorian Women’s Snooker Championship has been changed to July 20 & 21. The 2019 Australian National Women’s Championship has been changed to August 9-11. There will also be the inaugural Australian National Women’s Billiards Championship held on August 8.

Congratulations to Anna Lynch on yet another Women’s Billiards State Title. Anna won all of her round robin matches and went on to win the title against Shelly Ames who won three of her four round robin matches. Anna had several breaks over 20, and a terrific 47 in the final, to which Shelly replied with a 25 on her next visit, so over 70 in two visits from the two finalists - great work ladies! The other competitors were Lyndal Element, Yvonne Mahoney and Michelle Hansen. Well done to all the ladies who participated.

We had 10 ladies participate this year including two new faces, Hope Sumner and Maddy Melton. Both are juniors and both played very well for their first ever snooker tournament. With continued practice and improvement these two youngsters will push the more experienced players in the future.

The event started with a round robin on Saturday and finals were held on Sunday. The top two players from each group went through to the semi finals. Semi final 1: Kathy Howden defeated Anna Lynch 3-0, Semi Final 2: Caroline Ruscitti defeated Theresa Whitten 3-0. Caroline went on to win the State title defeating Kathy 3-0 in the grand Final.

I would like to thank Neil Allison, who was roving referee on the Saturday and refereed the 1st Semi Final between Kathy and Anna as well as the Grand Final.

I would also like to thank Shelly Ames (VB&SA Victorian Women’s Coordinator) for contacting players to ensure that the event would go ahead.

I must say that it was a pleasure to deal with the friendship, honesty, fairness and skill that was evident over the entire weekend, thank you ladies.
I always enjoy the Victorian Women’s Snooker Tournament and look forward to next year.

Jon Loughron
Tournament Director

Stan Gorski defeated Tony Masci in the final 4-3.

Losing semi-finalists were Rod Nelson and Sam Elbelli.

Tony Masci made the high break of 73.

Unfortunately Larry Eforgan our Director of Victorian referees has tested positive for COVID on the 18th March and he would have been infectious for upto 7 days beforehand. He is now isolating.

We strongly recommend anyone who was at the Yarraville Hat Trick event or has been in contact with Larry or anyone who may have been in contact with Larry (effectively anyone in our community) gets a RAT test. If you can its best to test for a couple of days as COVID is not always detected on the first test. 

Please follow all government guidelines to help keep your friends and family safe. All information can be found at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/.

The ABSC Anti-Doping Policy has been amended and is effective 10 August 2020.

The changes bring our sport in line with the establishment of Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) which has replaced the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) as the National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) in Australia from 1 July 2020. 

The changes are:

• Replacing the words Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) with Sport Integrity Australia (SIA);
• Replacing Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) with the National Sports Tribunal (NST) as the first-instance hearing body for all athletes and the  Appeals Division of the NST for appeals for ‘non-international level’ athletes;
• Amending the definition of ‘National Level Athlete’ to introduce the Lower-Level Athlete category to allow greater flexibility in dealing with and sanctioning athletes below International or National level; and
• Removing the Anti-Doping Rule Violation Panel.

For more details on the changes, please see the attached Factsheet

The VBSA Board, all Members and Players, are extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Denis Coghlan earlier today from pneumonia (not the coronavirus).

Denis has been a magnificent stalwart for our sports, and especially our Juniors, for many years. As the host of National, International and World Billiards Championships, the VBSA has been blessed to have Denis involved, with his unbounded enthusiasm and unstinting support.

Denis has been the first person to make himself available for any Refereeing or Official responsibilities to support the VBSA. As the President, and often Tournament Director, for VBSA Events, I have always been delighted to have Denis attending at Tournaments.

Denis also attended as many events for the Juniors as possible, and his keen eye was able to identify talent, and potential, for all our Australian Juniors.

Camberwell Cuesports (ex-St Mary’s) and Burwood RSL have been extremely fortunate to have Denis acting as “the heart and soul” of both those Clubs. Denis displayed magnificent professionalism in Office Bearer positions for both Clubs, as well as the Over 55's Association, and he will be sorely missed.

All of us who have had Denis in our lives as a fellow Team-Member, Club-Member, Association Supporter, Referee and great Friend, will sorely miss his presence in our lives, and his professionalism, cheerfulness and enthusiastic cooperation.

Paul Cosgriff, VBSA President

I am proud to announce the Victorian state team for the 2020 Australian Junior Championships in Albury NSW.

Congatulations to

• Jack Green, U18 snooker
• Sean Dempsey, U18 billiards
• Mia Newman, U15 snooker
• Ciaran Dempsey, U15 billiards
• Mia Macheda, U12 snooker

Also representing Victoria in the singles events are Zackery Kidgell U12 and Noah Newman U12/15.

We wish you all the very best  in your competitions and enjoy your games representing the Victorian Billiards and Snooker Association.  News & updates will be posted.

Marc Fridman has turned 18 will be there as an official referee for the event and support for the Vic juniors.

Tony Fridman
Victorian Junior Co-ordinator & Team Manager

Changes have been made to Sections 2 & 10 of the VBSA ByLaws governing Pennant competition.  An e-mail will be sent to all registered VBSA players detailing the changes and a summary is attached here.

Go to this webpage to see current ByLaws.

Melbourne’s Anna Lynch has become Victoria’s fourth World Billiards Champion by winning the 2019 Sylex Ergonomics World Women’s Billiards Championship at the RACV Club in Melbourne. Anna defeated Judy Dangerfield of Adelaide 244-204 in the 90-minute final to join Victoria’s roll of honour:

Walter Lindrum    1933 World Professional Billiards Championship

                            1934 World Professional Billiards Championship

Tom Cleary          1954 World Amateur Billiards Championship

Robby Foldvari    1986 World Professional Billiards Championship

                            1997 World Matchplay Billiards Championship

                            1998 IBSF World Billiards Championship

Anna Lynch         2019 World Women’s Billiards Championship

Congratulations Anna on joining such an illustrious group, long may your star continue to shine.

The VBSA Board is pleased to announce that Ms Kim Ivett has been chosen to take the role of Board Director on the ABSC Board and will represent the state of Victoria. Ms Ivett has performed many valuable actions on behalf of the sport both in Victoria and beyond to the benefit of all participants in cue sports. Ms Ivett brings good communication and strength in media representation to the national body. Our president, Mr Paul Cosgriff has further roles to take on and said he is most grateful to Ms (Kim) Ivett for stepping up to this role. He will be available for any assistance she needs

Excitement builds as players and visitors arrive in Melbourne for the Reed Furniture World Open Billiards, Endeavour Life Care World Billiards Championship, and Sylex Ergonomics World Women’s Billiards Championship at the RACV City Club from October 6-12.

The world’s leading billiards players compete for the oldest World Championship trophy, the John Roberts Trophy, which dates from 1870. The World Billiards Championship was last held in Melbourne in 1934 when Australia’s legendary Walter Lindrum successfully defended his title against English great Joe Davis.

The Reed Furniture World Open Billiards, a warm-up event, runs on Sunday 6th and Monday 7th October.

The Endeavour Life Care World Billiards Championship starts on Tuesday 8th October and culminates in the final on Saturday 12th October. 

The World Women’s Billiards Championship, being held for the first time in Australia, runs on Friday 11th October.

Matches will be streamed on the World Billiards YouTube channel 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwan1g_8gB4c4gL0o8xVl1Q

Reed Furniture World Open Billiards match information and scores are at 

http://www.wbeventsonline.com/?page_id=57&TID=319

Endeavour Life Care World Billiards Championship match information & scores are at

http://www.wbeventsonline.com/?page_id=57&TID=318

Sylex Ergonomics World Women’s Billiards Championship match information and scores are at

http://www.wbeventsonline.com/?page_id=117&TID=321

The RACV City Club at 501 Bourke Street Melbourne https://www.racv.com.au/travel-leisure/racv-club/city-club.html welcomes spectators to the event but reminds them that visitors to the Club are required to comply with the RACV Club dress code of smart casual including a collared shirt or polo shirt for men.

See https://www.racv.com.au/travel-leisure/racv-club/footer/etiquette.html for details. Matches on most days will run from 10:00AM to 9:00PM AEST. Tickets including reserved seats are available at the door.

Follow the tournament progress on the World Billiards, Australian Billiards & Snooker Council, Victorian Billiards & Snooker Association, and 2019 World Billiards Championship websites and Facebook pages.

billiardschampionship.com

The VBSA is the State Sporting Association (SSA) for Billiards and Snooker in Victoria. The State Government requires that all SSA's have a Quota of 40% Women on their Board. This requirement became effective on 1st July 2019.

After discussions with the State Government, we provided an undertaking to have our Rules (Constitution) amended at this year’s AGM, to come into line with their requirements.

A notice of Special Resolution was posted to the VBSA website 21 days ahead of the AGM allowing all members to view it in a public domain prior to casting their vote.   A vote was held passing the Special Resolution almost unanimously with only one voter abstaining.  The revised Rules can be viewed here http://www.vbsa.org.au/VBSA/vbsa_pol_proc.php

Prior to the 2019 AGM, we have targeted a number of women to join our Board adding appropriate qualifications and talent to enhance the performance of our Board.  Voters successfully installed four women to the Board.

The VBSA Board for 2019 consists of the following members:
Mr Paul Cosgriff             President
Dr Shelly Ames              Vice President
Mrs Sue Chigwidden      Treasurer
Mr David Chigwidden     Secretary
Ms Kathy Howden          Board Member
Ms Kim Ivett                   Board Member
Mr Manny Stefanou        Board Member

Assistants to the Board:
Mr Larry Eforgan              Director of Referees
Mr Mark Dunn                  Score Registrar
Mr Alec Spyrou                 Tournament Convener/Webmaster

There are a number of other willing participants:
Simon Fortune                  Pennant Fixturing
Kane Chigwidden              Assistant to the Board
David Pitt                           City Clubs delegate and game historian
Jason Colebrook               Billiards tournaments
Tony Fridman                    Junior Development
Rohan Liston                     I.T. 

The Board would like to thank the outgoing members of the last Board for their dedication and hard work throughout their time on the Board and all contributions made over their time involved.

Kind regards

David Chigwidden
Secretary

The 2019 AGM is scheduled for Thursday 15th August at 7:15pm at Yarraville Club, 135 Stephen Street, Yarraville (NOT Reventon Academy)

Please see attached documents

• Notice of Meeting
• Agenda
• Board Nomination Form
• Notice of Special Resolution

Please note that you must be a financial member of the VBSA to vote at the AGM.  A member is defined as

• a Life Member, or
• an "Active" referee, or
• played at least one VBSA match in the current year, or
• paid a $20 membership fee in the current year, AND
• submitted & had accepted a Membership Form. 

Greetings All

Thank you to everybody who assisted with our Pennant Competitions, dealing with the loss of the STAR and Dunya venues. Mark Dunn and Simon Fortune were superb in dealing with a very complex issue, but they really needed a great deal of cooperation from all of you, and for that we are extremely grateful.

This is a very busy time of the year for all of us, however, I would like to highlight some Tournaments that are in addition to our Pennant Finals responsibilities.

The Reventon International (24/5 to 26/5) is the most money that’s ever been provided for one of the VBSA/ABSC Events. As such, I would exhort all of you to make every possible effort to be an Entrant or attend as a spectator. We’re very fortunate to have Reventon providing so much support, and we need to show our support for all their Events.

The Entry Fee will enable you to play in the Tournament, as well as the Consolation Plate (worth $8000 alone), and attend the Saturday night Dinner, and Calcutta. Great value!

If you examine the Website you’ll see that a very attractive offer has been made for Accommodation, and it would be ideal to be able to take advantage of the offer.

Two weeks after the Reventon International, we will hold the Reventon Classic, utilising the old City of Melbourne format. This is an opportunity to be allotted a Group, on the Saturday 8/6, where you will have the experience of playing against some of the best players in the world. Don’t miss being one of the first Entrants for the Field of 96.

The Reventon Classic is followed immediately by the Pacific International Australian Open Billiards, and the Australian National Billiards. These Events have the VBSA “front and centre” on the World stage and need every possible support that you may provide. Please submit your Entries as soon as possible.

If you’re not a player of Billiards, please consider how you may support the VBSA in these Events. Perhaps you could assist with collecting International players on their arrival at the airport, or even in assisting them to be at the Snooker venues on the Saturday, or at Yarraville on the following days?

Our Association is only as strong as all the Members who make the effort for our sports.

Thank you for your support and interest.

Paul Cosgriff
President VBSA
10 May 2019

The Board of the VBSA strongly recommends that affiliate clubs, and members, support this initiative by the ABSC to support Australia's players at the IBSF World Championships.  Please click on this LINK to be taken to the ABSC website to learn more. 

Please see the attached entry form for this very exciting tournament.  Note there are only 32 paid spots.

Enquiries re entries to be directed to George Hoy on 0403 047 840.  

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

All VBSA Members, and Members of our Affiliates, would be aware of the manner in which the Reventon Group, and the CEO and Founder, Chris Christofi, have been so supportive of our sports.

The VBSA wishes to recognise the Reventon Group, and provide an opportunity for our Members.

There will be a Presentation of “Make the most of the money you earn” by Chris Christofi, in April. Having attended previous presentations, I am relieved to report that there is no “hard sell”, and that it could be quite beneficial to some of our Members, Families, Friends and Staff.

The Presentation is at the Yarraville Club, 135 Stephen Street, Yarraville 3015 on Tuesday April 16th. Food & Drinks are served on arrival at 6pm. The Presentation should commence at 6:45pm.

This opportunity is for anybody who is a home owner, with a mortgage. Couples should have a combined income of $120,000 or more, and singles $80,000 or more.

The Reventon Group are offering $2000 towards your investment, for any Member or Associate of the  Australian Snooker Community, and a $2000 VISA Card for anyone providing a Referral.

Any VBSA Members, or their families and friends, who would like to attend the Presentation, to see & hear how they might benefit, should click on this LINK to register.

The VBSA would never wish anybody to place themselves under financial pressure. The Reventon Group is providing advice for those people, who are able to freely utilise an investment opportunity, without any pressure from anybody.

Thank you for your time and attention.

PAUL COSGRIFF
PRESIDENT, VBSA

Entry closing date extended to Friday 18th May at 12PM. Reventon have did it over 106 entries great effort from everyone who entered in supporting our great game

Australian Snooker's largest ever cash prize is coming to the Commercial Club in Albury...

The REVENTON/COMMERCIAL CLUB INTERNATIONAL SNOOKER CHAMPIONSHIP boasts a $50,000 prize pool including an amazing $8,000 Consolation Plate.

Come and be a part of Snooker's biggest event and this year's first REVENTON TRIPLE CROWN event on May 24-26.

Get your entry in today via the VBSA Shop or from the entry form below.

UPDATE.  See the attached document regarding a terrific accommodation offer at the COMMODORE MOTOR INN.

Sunday December 10th, at the Reventon Academy, commencing at 10.00 am.

Round robin format - only $20 to enter.

The 2017 Bob Hawke AC Australian Open Snooker Championship (13 to 15th October) & Open Women’s Snooker Championship (7th to 10th October) will be staged at Mounties, Mt Pritchard Community Club.


The Opens are very prestigious Tournaments, and the VBSA strongly recommends all Victorian players consider entering.  Refer attached Entry Forms or click on the below links to be taken to the ABSC Calendar Event.
 

All members should have read, understood and agree to abide by the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy, effective from 1 January 2021, and found on the Sport Integrity Australia website being the anti-doping policy adopted by The Australian Billiards & Snooker Council and applicable to all members, participants and non-participants.