Behind the Black Ball 

Paul Gardner tells the story of his transition from one rule book to another

Known to be knowledgeable on the rules in the UGLE Book of Constitutions (139 pages) I convinced myself it would be a walk in the park to tackle the Rule Book for Snooker (81 pages).

Great mistake, as those rules cover about three fifths of the amount of pages in the BoC, but include a large section on ‘how’ they are to be applied, and the myriad of circumstances that may ensue; e.g. Sect 3 .11. (d)(v):

However, spurred on by an inquiring mind I took the plunge into Google and found the World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association (WPBSA).

Easy, or so it seemed from their blurb, but this was four years ago when first researched. Find a qualified referee and get under his wing.

Thankfully, a link to those who might be suitable was available and I was on my way, the challenge was on!

A willing trainer referee was found in the East Midlands, albeit some distance away and provisional plans were laid for a small group of trainees to attend at a club in Boston, Lincolnshire.

Sadly, it never happened, and subsequent attempts were destined for failure as the trainer became unwell and later was committed to being abroad for a billiards event.

Almost two years had passed and no movement even for the enthusiastic, and then…

To their credit, as with other organisations, even UGLE, the time was to be used to upgrade and re-look at many of the administrative procedures.

This was the case for a new institution, the English Partnership for Snooker & Billiards (EPSB), who would be an overarching body taking account of the many world-wide snooker organisations.

Under its wing would also fall a more rigorous training regime for coaches and referees, with higher standards and formal accredited training. Good news, and a way forward!

For referees, a new on-line course was established at a reasonable fee with three 4-hour online ‘Zooms’, covering Child Protection, and a two-part interrogation of the elusive rule book together with some major updates and explanations since the book’s last imprint.

Thereafter, each candidate was appointed a Mentor, and guess what, I landed Jan Verhaas, the busiest world-famous referee, living in the Netherlands, and known to be on point and a hard taskmaster.

Two more Zooms followed with Jan, after which I then felt sufficient knowledge was gained to go forward and get hands-on experience.

The qualification now required refereeing and returning a minimum of six match sheets of six or seven frames, duly validated, and of ‘League’ standard.

Although my local club was helpful, basically most snooker clubs do not compete in (National) leagues, and although accommodating for practise their matches were not of the required level.

The reality being that in the South and South Midlands such clubs are few and far between. Snooker is predominantly a Northern (plus Wales/NI) club sport.

So, thus, was revealed the Catch 22.

So, more than one way of gaining said experience had to be found and it was.

By dint of circumstance I had purchased on eBay a professional triangle, but later found a second one of a preferred make and bought it, thus relisting the first one back on eBay.

The buyer turned out to be a trainee referee in the same situation and needed it for a Nation event.

“How did you get onto that?” was the question and it was happily revealed that he knew a Tournament Director who may be willing to assist beginners by offering to allow attendance at National events as a ‘volunteer helper’.

At a minimum this would achieve some experience of table craft and knowledge of etiquette.

Great news, and with some trepidation I attended the Regional Disability weekend in Northampton, where although only as a ‘roaming referee’ (assisting those who asked) due to shortages, found myself refereeing ten matches over two days with the necessary Match Reports tightly in my hand.

Such success the following weekend found me invited to the Regional Juniors event, and as well as roaming, also refereed another two matches

Thus, all paperwork submitted to Jan Verhass, and regardless of a minor delay – his being at the Crucible for the World Championships – a short Zoom was arranged from Sheffield and I was ‘signed-off’ as a Class 3 Snooker Referee with the EPSB.

So, in April 2022, after some four years of toil, I finally qualified to referee on the UK circuit and now proudly bear the badge and tie of EPSB officiating at National events and competitions.

Throughout and after the COVID crisis I found myself drawn towards disability snooker and juniors, with ongoing bookings for UK Tournaments being ever more encouraged by their tenacity with restricted abilities and the keenness of younger players to compete. They are to be heartedly applauded.

For me, the challenge of rule book(s) remains daunting, but I now console myself with the thought that in my twilight years, my brain and to some degree my memory still has some ‘life’ in it.

But with some amusement I remember the Masonic fire somewhat akin to snooker: