Turn your Passion Into Your Profession!

Everyone wants to enjoy their work, but few actually reach that goal. But if POOL is your PASSION, there is a way to turn it into your PROFESSION.

The American Poolplayers Association (APA), which has been listed in Entrepreneur Magazine's Annual Franchise 500 since 1993, has been running organized pool leagues since 1979. That is more than 25 years experience in operating and growing a successful business to more than 240 franchises in 46 states.

By joining the APA as a Franchisee, you will be in charge of running and operating APA Pool Leagues in an exclusive, protected franchise territory. Instead of competing against other APA League Operators, you will receive support from our growing national network of more than 250 people.

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Running an APA Pool League requires time and effort, and offers personal and financial rewards. It is a job, but it's a job APA League Operators love to do, promoting the sport and serving as leaders in their pool community.

Do you have the Passion
to be an APA Professional?

It's Your System

THE FRANCHISING ADVANTAGE
Franchising takes the guesswork out of starting a business. As an APA Franchisee, you'll benefit from an established method of conducting business, effective marketing procedures and professional guidance with operating systems and procedures. You will also benefit from the reputation, trademarks and track record of success that have made the APA the largest and most respected amateur pool league organization. The strength and security of an established national network reduces the risk, and lets you make the most of a great opportunity.

THE APA ADVANTAGE
APA Franchisees receive complete and ongoing training, marketing and advertising strategies, and a custom software package that takes the guesswork out of league and handicap administration. In addition, each Franchisee is assigned an APA Support Representative who provides ongoing guidance and assistance. We do everything we can to make your job easier, and we are right there with you, every step of the way.

THE APA NETWORK
It's been said that there is strength in numbers. At the APA we believe that is true. One of your strongest resources is the Franchise Network. Our annual Regional Meetings, National Convention and the League Operator Extranet are designed to encourage communication. We believe that through sharing of ideas and the development of relationships, individual markets and the entire franchise system will grow even stronger.

A PLACE IN CYBERSPACE
Not only does the APA ensure that you are working with the most functional and efficient software programs to calculate handicaps and report data pertaining to players, teams and results, we also connect you with the online world of current and potential players. At www.poolplayers.com, the APA hosts the billiards industry's most comprehensive Web site. We provide the latest APA news on our Web site for our League Operators and our players. The APA builds, updates, and hosts a Web page individualized for each Franchisee. Potential players can look up their local League Operator quickly and easily. All you have to do is supply us with the information you want on your page. We also offer a Web site strictly for our League Operators-the Extranet. Through the Extranet you can order APA marketing materials, get promotional ideas, and contact information. The Extranet makes communication and the transfer of documentation easy for everyone.

Everyone Can Play...

A SPORT PEOPLE LOVE
According to the Billiard and Bowling Institute of America's most recent National Billiards Participation Study, close to 40 million Americans over the age of six played pool once or more during the last year and 9 million played 25 days or more. The number of core players (those who play at least 52 days per year) is nearly 5 million participants. Over the past decade, while the U.S. population has grown, the number of pool "aficionados" (those who consider Billiards/Pool as their favorite activity) has grown to 26.9% of the poolplaying enthusiasts nationwide.

A SYSTEM ALLOWING ANYONE TO PLAY
With the APA's Equalizer® handicap system, you don't have to be a terrific player to participate and play competitively. Our motto, "Everyone can play - anyone can win!®" describes what our system is all about. In fact, it is the less skilled players who form the heart of our league system, with some seasoned veterans thrown in for good measure. APA Franchisees can tap into a vast marketplace that includes over 40 million participants without having to worry about poolplaying ability.

A VARIETY THAT IS UNMATCHED
From Juniors to Ladies Division Leagues, to Co-ed and Corporate Leagues, we have formats that can be adapted to suit any need. We also offer the Equalizer® handicap system for both 8-Ball and 9-Ball. Our other national programs include two national Singles Championships and two national Team Championships, which are culminating events of each league year, awarding more than $1 Million in cash and prizes to APA members. The APA also conducts the U.S. Amateur Championship-the sport's most prestigious amateur competition.

Control Your Destiny...

SAY GOODBYE TO LAYOFFS, CUTBACKS
AND SALARY FREEZES
In this age of corporate downsizing, an American Poolplayers Association franchise offers you the chance to take control of your future. We provide complete training and ongoing support- all the tools you need to start and develop your business. You provide the effort. You determine your success. You are in control of your own destiny!

FUN IS EASY TO SELL
At the start of the new millennium, we set our sights on the future. We saw that recreation and family time have become more important than ever. Take advantage of this social trend and get involved in a business that's fun! We support you as a Franchisee in a wide variety of formats and programs, so our leagues can accommodate a diverse group of people. Our target market is fairly broad because our programs can be adapted and tailored to suit any personal preference. Basically, we are selling organized, recreational fun!

BUSINESS IS BOOMNG
In an industry comprised mostly of local and/or regional leagues, the APA is the market leader with more members than all the other national leagues combined. Our growing membership can be attributed directly to our network of Franchisees implementing quality programs in markets throughout the nation, making membership easy, fun and rewarding. It's hard to beat the strength of the APA's system, and that's why business is booming.

It Is Your Organization...

AFFORDABILITY - QUALITY - SERVICE
That's what consumers want. That's what the APA delivers. The cost to participate in APA leagues is less than half the cost of other forms of organized recreation, including bowling. Over 25 years of experience has helped us perfect our formats and handicap systems, ensuring consistency, quality and fairness for all participants.

APA COMMUNICATION THROUGH PUBLICATIONS
Our members, Franchisees, and Host Locations enjoy the game of pool-and that is what we deliver, right to their mailbox. The APA produces three different publications each year. The American Poolplayer is the APA magazine produced and direct-mailed to our members three times a year; in addition, we produce our magazine in two souvenir program formats for participants and spectators at our national championship events. The American Poolplayer is the pocket billiards industry's most widely read publication. SCORE is our newsletter for Franchisees, and include articles about sponsor relations, reminders, and news from the National Office. We strive to keep the APA name in the homes of our members and Host Locations, so when people think of pool leagues, they think of the American Poolplayers Association-the APA.

AN EMERGING SPORT
With almost 40 million participants nationwide, pool is one of the top ranked recreational sports in terms of participation-surpassing golf, tennis and adult softball. Billiards ranks first as the most frequently played non-fitness activity in the U.S. according to the Billiards and Bowling Institute of America in their most recent survey. The appeal of pool is obvious, as major advertisers use it to sell everything from insurance to blue jeans to beer! It is truly a sport whose time has come. Take advantage of the billiards boom!

MINIMAL EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
Our opportunity is unique. It's unusual to find someone who has had previous experience in running amateur pool leagues. For APA Franchisees, knowledge and enjoyment of the sport can be a big help, but are not necessarily required. Our Franchisees come from a variety of backgrounds. Those who are willing to work hard, make sales calls, and simply enjoy being around a sports atmosphere, usually attain the greatest satisfaction and success.

YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE
This is the smart way to be your own boss. We provide a proven concept and operating system for your business. The initial investment is low-the return can be exceptional. Your success is dependent on the amount of effort you put into it. Your income is directly related to the number of teams your franchise area develops and retains.

We Are Right Behind You...

APA SUPPORT SERVICES
We have a commitment to you and we back up our commitment to you with our Franchisee Support Center. You will be teamed up with an APA Support Representative to contact for any reason. League Operators are encouraged to contact their Support Representatives at any time. Your personal Support Representative will also keep in close contact with you on a consistent basis. Your success is very important to us, and any problems or concerns you may have are equally important.

Through support and encouragement, your Support Representative will help you monitor the phases of your League activity and guide you in the direction of a well-run League. He or she will also pass along ideas and suggestions for team growth and successful operating procedures. Together you will develop a franchise development plan and he or she will make recommendations to help you grow your business.

Another service available to you is the APA Marketing Team. Through the League Operators Extranet we offer a variety of fliers that can be customized for you. We also offer our complete line of logos for your use if you wish to design your own fliers. From fliers to posters, the Marketing Team generates ideas and materials to help you grow your business. Our team is ready to assist you with radio commercials, fliers, print ads, or wherever your marketing endeavors may take you.

NETWORK SUPPORT
The APA Extranet, exclusively for our League Operators, allows you to download important APA documents. We offer a variety of fliers, press releases and promotions to hype up business in your area, all free of charge. You can also communicate with other League Operators around the nation through this site. You can find out about promotions that have worked for other League Operators, and you can post questions, concerns and messages on our message boards. Our network of League Operators is always willing to help each other. You will receive on-going training from the National Office and other League Operators.

From the Franchisee Support Center to Marketing you have a support team behind you every step of the way!

Learning Your Future...

APA EDUCATION AND TRAINING
When you decide to become a part of TEAM APA we will help you through the entire training process and provide continued education after you have become a seasoned League Operator. New Franchisees attend an initial training seminar at the APA National Office in Lake Saint Louis, Missouri. The training session is a 5-day course, Monday through Friday, designed to familiarize you with the APA system and the National Office staff. During training sessions new franchisees are educated on a multitude of APA rules, policies, and procedures.

You will . . .
Meet and speak with our President, Renee' Poehlman, who will talk with you about APA history, sponsors and franchise development.

• Receive extensive computer training from our Training Director, including computer set-up, custom software installation, match input, and database setup.
• Learn about APA structure-such as the League calendar, formats, the Official Team Manual, and local bylaws-and how to establish local sponsor relations.
• Meet the national support staff and your personal APA Support Representative who will assist you in every aspect of your business.
• Become familiar with the APA financial procedures, fee structure and funds.
• Learn how The Equalizer® handicap system works, and learn handicap review procedures.
• Learn about our national championships, including the U.S. Amateur, National Team Championships, and National Singles Championships.
• Learn what marketing materials are available, and get advice from our Marketing staff about team building, image building, networking, and league promotions.
• Meet with APA Founder Terry Bell who will give you insight about proven sales techniques, how to establish relationships and set goals to build your business.

We present you with a lot of information during a week's training session. To help you prepare for your training seminar we provide you with our comprehensive Operations Manual prior to your training. To help you remember everything you learned during your stay with us, you can use the Operations Manual for easy reference on everything you were taught during the course. Additionally, we will dedicate ourselves to your success by offering Refresher Courses periodically throughout the year. You will be required to attend one course 3 to 9 months after your initial seminar training. After completing your initial session and one refresher course, additional courses are optional, touching on a wide range of topics, from cell development and sales to marketing techniques, to improve business procedures.

You do not need to be a pool playing expert to become an APA League Operator. All you need is the determination and desire to run your own successful business. We will help you with the education, training and follow-up support needed to help you succeed!