Some quick background: I've always been a great fan of billiards and used to play a lot more when I was younger. I've never joined a league/association before but figured it would be a good thing to do to meet people and get back to playing the game again.

I'm looking for something that's laid back but still competitive. The fees don't really bother me. I would like to get better and maybe play in some amateur tournaments in LV or something as I get better. I would like to play with a team or a single.

I have seen the TAP, APA, and BCA websites and was wondering what you guy's would recommend is the best association in regards to how well it is run and what is known?

I live in the DC metro area so I'm sure there will be a branch of any of the leagues in my area so that is not a concern either. Thanks.

It obviously changes from place to place, but I think it really depends on how competitive you want to get.

I have played in both the APA and the BCA leagues. Where I played, BCA was more competitive and APA was more for the social aspect.

If you can break and run an 8 ball rack more than 1 in 5 times or so, the APA may bore you. You have to sit through some lower level player matches, will be asked to coach etc...

Thanks for the info falldown. At this point I'm probably not able to run out a rack more often than that so maybe starting with the APA would be best

As a current co captain on an APA team I can assure you there is some competitiveness but it's much more laid back and fun. Sitting through a lower skill level match is not that bad when you have people to talk to and alcohol nearby!

I appreciate the help Dayo

I would ask around and join the league with the best operator. I have played different leagues and while the formats have been different, I enjoyed the competitiveness of each.

For example: We had a BCA league which was really cool because we played in different towns/pool halls each week. I enjoyed that part a lot. At the end of the season when it came time for payouts, the league operator jetted with the cash, which I did not enjoy.

In APA, during the regular season, we play at the same place most of the time. This is a deterrent for me, but one I can live with. What I really enjoy about APA is our operator isnt a crook and is even coming out of his pocket to send an extra team to Vegas in August. He is also around for questions and has people that assist him at different venues because he cant be at all the places at once.