Dress Code For Participation

You are competing in one of the most prestigious amateur tournaments in the sport of pool. Please be aware that this event attracts local and national media attention. Radio and television media, as well as local newspaper and national sports magazine reporters, are becoming increasingly interested in the sport of pool and some of these people may only appear to be spectators in the crowd.

Expect that you will be recorded for televised segments of sports news, amateur tournament and social media videos, or you may be professionally photographed at any time during the event. Be prepared by dressing appropriately.

Please do your part to enhance the image of our sport by adhering to this dress code.

The APA expects a participant’s appearance to be neat, clean and of good taste so that each individual may share in promoting a positive, healthy and safe atmosphere within the Tournament.

Participant dress, grooming and good hygiene will be the responsibility of the individual and parents/guardians, within the following guidelines: 

1. Dress and grooming will be clean and in keeping with health, sanitary and safety requirements.

2. Proper footwear must be worn.

3. Items of clothing or jewelry associated with a controlled substance are not permitted.

4. Dress and grooming will not disrupt the Tournament or cause undue attention to an individual participant.

5. The following items are not allowed:

a. house shoes or slippers

b. muscle shirts, non-billiard related jerseys (baseball, basketball, football, soccer, etc.), halter tops, midriffs, backless or racerback apparel, gym shorts, sweat pants, short shorts above mid-thigh, sagging pants (undergarments cannot be exposed including boxers and bra straps)

c. clothing, stickers, insignias, colors, visible tattoos that indicate membership in, affiliation with, or support of any gang or similar organization associated with violence, drugs, intimidation or other criminal activity

d. clothing with profanity, sexually-suggestive messages, messages that promote the occult, or messages of vulgar nature

e. the wearing of any logo other than that of the American Poolplayers Association, the APA’s official sponsors or your personal sponsor for the event

When, in the sole judgment of the Tournament Director, a participant’s appearance, hygiene or mode of dress disrupts play or does not comply with the above criteria, the participant may be required to make modifications and/or forfeit their match. No match will be delayed due to a dress code violation. Do not take a chance on forfeiting a match due to a dress code violation.

Semifinal & Final Matches

The attire for the semifinal and final matches is business casual. Appropriate dress includes slacks or khakis (no cargos), dress shirt, open-collar shirt, polo shirt or matching team shirts. Conservative athletic or walking shoes, loafers, clogs, sneakers, flats, dress heels, dress sandals, open-toe shoes and leather deck-type shoes are acceptable.