AEBF

Australian Eight Ball Federation

History of the Australian Eight Ball Federation

by AEBF

The sport of Eight Ball (or pool, as it’s commonly called) developed in Australia, from very humble beginnings.

Whilst various forms of Pool had been played for a number of years, the catalyst for Eight Ball (pool) in Australia, was the introduction in approximately 1965, into Hotels and Clubs throughout the country, of the smaller 7’ x 3’6” billiard table.

  1. The initial popularity of this new form of sport, very quickly found converts who were looking for an alternative to the traditional Hotel/Club game of darts.
  1. Before very long, in a great many venues, clubs were formed.  Often nearby clubs had regular “challenge matches”.
  1. From there developed the formation of Leagues and/or associations, whereby club members were able to compete in regular competition matches.
  1. Nearly all of these early leagues and/or associations were manned by volunteers – as is mainly the case, to this day.
  1. By the late 1970’s, it was felt by a great many involved in the game, that two areas were of great concern and were holding back the progress of the sport.

These being:-

  • The many versions of the playing rules.
  • The public and media concept of the sport i.e. “it’s that game that is played in Public bars of hotels / mis-spent youth, etc.  Yet! Despite these two very real handicaps, the game flourished.
  1. By the early 1980’s it was estimated some 20,000 –25,000 people were participating weekly in organised competition matches, with many thousands playing the game purely as a social pastime.
  1. The big break-through came via the “Eight Ball Association of south Australia” who issued invitations to all known 8-ball (pool) leagues/associations throughout Australia, to attend a meeting – to be held in Adelaide in November, 1983 – with the proposal of the formation of an Australian body being formed and the conducting of annual Australian championships.
  • Attending that inaugural meeting in Adelaide, November, 1983 were representative from – South Australia; Queensland; Western Australia;  Victoria and Tasmania.  Northern Territory, forwarding a letter in support for the proposals.
  1. The outcome of this inaugural meeting, saw the official formation of the Australian

Eight Ball Federation Incorporated (AEBF), with the five (5) States and Northern

Territory being foundation members.

  1. New South Wales becoming members in 1987, followed by the Australian Capital

Territory in 1990.

The objects of the AEBF were/are:-

  • Creation of a higher public profile for the sport.
  • Standardisation of a set of playing rules.
  • Conducting annual Australian Eight – Ball Championships
  • Establishment of a Development Plan
  • To contact and exchange ideas, with international bodies regarding 8-Ball
  • Establishment of a Coaching Accreditation Scheme
  • Establishment of a Umpire’s accreditation Scheme
  • Investigate the possibility of this sport being granted Olympic Games status
  1. To date, all of the above have either been achieved, or are subject to on-going attention.
  • Playing rules were standardised in 1984 throughout Australia (although, taking some time, as was expected) for the majority to adopt.
  • Australian 8-Ball Championships (Nationals) were first held in Adelaide in November, 1984.  They consisted of the following three events:-
  • Open (men) – singles; Doubles and Teams.

Singles consisted – Best of 7 Frames, with a round Robin Format.

Doubles were Best of 5 Frames, with a Round Robin Format.

Teams events consisted of 8 players, Best of 3 Frames, (8 singles and 4 Doubles matches). Round Robin Format.

  • 1989 saw the introduction of a Women’s Singles event into the Nationals.

  • 1990 Women’s Doubles were introduced.

  • 1992 Women’s Teams event introduced – bringing to 6 events (Titles) at each National Championship.

  • 1993 saw the Format of Teams events alter to consist of:-Open 32 frames Round Robin; Ladies – 24 frames Round Robin.

  • 2001 saw the singles move from 1 State representative being able to play in the singles events, to an open format, where all players in a State open team could play in an Open Australian singles title, with the women also having the same option, playing for an Australian women’s singles title

  • 2002 marked the last year that Open and Women’s Doubles were to be played, to make way for a new format in the teams event

  • 2003 saw the Open and Women’s teams play a full round robin twice (Home and Away) and the frames reduced from 32 to24 for the Open and 24 to 18 for the women’s matches, with a final 3 making up the finals format at the end of the round robin

  • 2006 saw the final 3 format extended out to a final 4 where it currently remains

               

                Since, that time, states/territories, have hosted, in the following order:- “Appendix A”

 

  1. A further development was the staging of Australian Junior 8-Ball Championships. 

These have been held in the following areas:- “Appendix B”          

  • On completion of the Australian 8-Ball Championships (Nationals), an Australian

Team is selected.  From 1984 up until 1989, this consisted of 12 players from the Open events. In 1989 – a woman was also selected to represent Australia.

With the introduction in 1992 of Women’s Teams event into the Nationals, two Australian Teams are selected – 1 being 12 players from the Open events and 1 being 6 players from the Women’s events.

  1. Contact with overseas organizations i.e. England, America and New Zealand had been made during 1989.     
  • This in turn in 1990 led to the first International match for Australian Team players.
  • This event was held in Hamilton, New Zealand against a New Zealand Chartered

Clubs 8-Ball Council Team.  These international matches were also a first for

New Zealand Team members.  The Team consisted of 12 male players with 1 female player from each country competing for the Ladies Title.

                                *     The series of five (5) Test Matches, which consisted of both Open and Women’s Singles, plus Open Doubles and Open Teams events, were extremely successful and have become a annual event.  In 1991 New Zealand travelled to the Gold Coast Queensland to contest the event.  The event being known as the Trans

                                       Tasman 8-Ball Series competing for the Clancy Cup.

                                                At the time (1990) there was no international set of playing rules for 8-ball.

                                                2 matches were conducted under Australian Rules, 2 under New Zealand

                                                Rules with the 5th match finally being held under New Zealand Rules. 

                                                Australia having already clinched the  series having won the first 4 matches.

  • Following on from this inaugural international series between Australia and New Zealand, correspondence between ruling bodies of various countries, increased dramatically.
  • Most bodies looking forward to the day when an international set of playing Rules would be adopted by all.
  • International (World) titles being held on an annual basis.
  • In 1992, Australia issued an invitation to England to attend a challenge match in Perth,

Western Australia (1 week prior to Australian Nationals)  As Australia was also due in 1992 to travel to New Zealand for the now annual Trans Tasman Series, we were fortunate to be able to convince New Zealand to return to Australia (twice in 2 years), to enable the event to become a Tri-International Series (during which Australia would compete against New Zealand for the Clancy Cup)

  • This was later to prove, as an historic moment in the sport of 8-Ball, world –wide.
  • To ensure the acceptance by the English Pool Association, both Australia and New Zealand offered to compete under the current playing rules of England (which at the time neither country had played – only read – the English rules).
  1. August 16,1993 – Manchester, England, saw the first day of competition in the inaugural World Eight Ball Pool Federation’s World Championships.

        Countries involved in this great event were:-

        England:  Australia:  New Zealand: France:  Ireland:  Belgium:  Hungary: 

        Hong Kong:  Scotland and Wales.  The inaugural championships consisted of the

        Following events:-

  • Open Singles (maximum of 4 players per country)
  • Open Teams (9 players per country.
  • Ladies Singles (1 representative only, per country).
  • Teams format, 9 players, single frame against 3 different opponents.
  1. 1994 saw the event increased by 1 additional female representative per country (now 2).
  • Introduction of a World Junior 8-Ball Championship (maximum 2 representatives per country – under 18 years).
  • Further 5 countries participating in 1994 i.e. Channel Islands:  Netherlands:  Spain:  West Indies and Ireland.
  • 1994 Open Singles format, altered slightly to enable a maximum of 9 players

from each country to participate (using up all Team Members).

Note:  Following on from the first World Championships, England was granted

Host for the next 3 years (until after 1995), owing to sponsorship agreements.

  1. 1993 – Playing rules of the World Eight Ball Pool Federation used in Australia for the first time.
  1. 1993 – Structure of the AEBF Nationals Teams event, adapted to fit into the WEPF’S method of conducting events, with the exception we use 8 players, single frame, against 4 different opponents.
  • The AEBF adopts the WEPF playing rules for Australia.
  1. The AEBF stages the 1994 Australian 8-Ball Championships (Nationals) under the Paying rules of the WEPF.
  1. 1995 – Mathew Franceschini of Western Australia wins the World Junior Singles Championships.
  1. South Africa joins the WEPF.
  1. Teams Event won by the AEBF at the 1996 World Championships.

Australian Juniors: Ben Crawley of Northern Territory wins the World Junior Singles Championship with Mark Warry of South Australia taking second place.

With some 33,000 – 35,000 (2015) 8-Ball pool players registered and some estimated 2 million non-registered players, within Australia. Registered players numbering 90 million, in all pool games, throughout the world – this sport of Eight Ball  – is indeed headed for a great future.

    

Lauri Sheen 2023

Lauri Sheen 2002

by aebfcomau Life Members

Lauri Sheen AEBF Life Member (inducted 2002)

R.I.P Lauri Sheen 17-04-2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Lauri Sheen, Life Member of the Australian Eight Ball Federation. Lauri passed away peacefully on April 17th, 2023.

Our deepest condolences go out to the Sheen family, friends, the eight-ball community, and all those that were touched by her kindness.

Lauri was instrumental in building the framework for the Australian Eight Ball Umpire’s pathway in Australia and its eight states and territories.

Mentor, Assessor, Presenter, and friend, Lauri’s number one priority was always supporting Players, Umpires, Administrators, and Family at the Australian National Eight Ball Championships, plus being readily available for a chat at all times throughout the eight ball year.

R.I.P Lauri Sheen 17-04-2023

On behalf of the Australian Eight Ball Federation Inc committee and members.

Lauri Sheen ~ Funeral Service
Friday 12th May 2023 @1pm

Heritage & Heritage Funerals
733 Boronia Rd, Wantirna VIC 3152
https://heritagefunerals.com.au/

Lauri Sheen AEBF Life Member

🎱 AUSTRALIAN EIGHT-BALL FEDERATION

1984 Assisted in setting up the administrative side of this body.

1989 Unofficial treasurer for 2 years.

1990 Also got the first Australian Team to New Zealand (bookings, uniforms, finances etc)

1991 Elected Treasurer of the AEBF.

1994 Elected Secretary of the AEBF.

Delegate (with Terry Green WA) for the AEBF at World Eight-ball Pool Federation meeting in Manchester, England.

1995 Put together the AEBF’s Constitution and By-laws and presented to each state/territory and the executive committee and portfolio holders a folder containing all information relevant to the AEBF.

1998 Umpired at World Championships.

2000 Achieved “A” grade Umpire status with the AEBF.

2002 Elected Director of Rules & Umpiring for the AEBF.

2002 Induced as an “AEBF Life Member” by the Australian Eight Ball Federation.

2003 to 2012 Member of the World Eightball Pool Federation Rules & Umpire Committee.

2012 October, Lauri retired from the AEBF

Courtesy – Eastern Districts Pool League.

~ R.I.P LAURI SHEEN ~

We are very sad to announce that Lauri Sheen passed away last night, after battling ill health for the past couple of years.

EDPL founding member – EDPL Rego #2

Lauri Sheen played 659 Winter Games, and 119 Summer Games.

She last played EDPL in Winter 2015, but has still been involved with our League over the past few years, continuing to attend annual Tournaments, including the “Lauri Sheen Perpetual Tournament”, & League Presentation Nights.

Lauri was one of a kind, a beautiful lady, who loved a chat and a joke, and was very well known & loved within the Pool playing community.

Lauri’s involvement in EDPL & Pool over the years is immense..

Here is just some of Lauri’s history…

🎱 EASTERN DISTRICTS POOL LEAGUE (EDPL)

1973 Inception of the Eastern District Pool League [EDPL].

Lauri commenced as an unofficial ‘helping hand’ to her husband Lance who had been elected Treasurer and Statistician of the league.

Within 2 years of ‘just helping out’, Lauri took on all the work involved in the position of EDPL Treasurer.

She also ‘took over’ the keeping of all statistical records of matches, players etc, a big job in itself.

Lauri was responsible for a great many inventive and cost saving ideas and formats, which were resisted for some time, that have proved extremely beneficial to our organization and some are still in place to this day.

1974 Lauri was responsible for the drafting of our EDPL Constitution and By-laws and the Incorporation of our organization with the relevant government body (together with one other).

Although not holding any position in the EDPL at the time, Lauri also carried out the duties of Secretary (other than that of taking Minutes at meetings).

Her knowledge of the rules of our game was immense, as too was her knowledge of the structure, history, ideals and growth of this sport.

1979 Lauri holds the distinction of being the first person to be granted “Life Membership” of the EDPL in October 1979, which back then had a rule of no female members, so speaks for itself of the esteem in which her work was held.

All during this time, she was a non-competitor in this sport, (her great love being netball – another sport in which she was highly regarded for her leadership qualities).

1988 She decided she might as well become a competitor too, going to play for the then new Manhattan Hotel Pool Club. She has achieved several trophies in her career to date.

1988 mid to late year, undertook the massive job of getting the EDPL computerized and the loading of all previous statistical records (14 years worth), this together with learning computers herself for the first time.

1990 Lauri officially became an employee of the Eastern Districts Pool League Inc. on 22nd January 1990.

1994 December, Lauri saw the league grow from a mere 120 players back in 1974 to a figure of 939 in 1994, at which time she resigned from her employment position in the office.

All of this at the same time, holding down a full-time working position, together with being a mother to 3 young children and supportive wife to her husband.

1995 Commenced to compete for the Burvale Hotel Pool Club, going on to become President and Treasurer before returning to her ‘home’ in pool, the Manhattan Pool Club in 2002.

2003 Some problems at Manhattan saw her take on a challenging task as the ‘stand-in’ Treasurer, before becoming the elected Treasurer at the Club’s annual general meeting.

2005 Lauri was inducted into the EDPL inaugural “Hall Of Fame”, along with her husband Lance Sheen the same year.

A prestigious recognition of all their hard work, dedication, & commitment to EDPL over many years, and for their continued involvement with the league, and encouragement to all EDPL members.

🎱 VICTORIAN EIGHT-BALL ASSOCIATION (State Body) (VEBA)

1983-1984 A founding member (1 of 3 people)

Was the VEBA Secretary and Treasurer and the Office Administrator until she resigned those positions in 1995.

1987 Became one of 6 people that formed an umpire’s examination (via the EDPL) that went on to become a division of VEBA.

From late 1987 it’s a position she held single-handedly (no one else could be bothered) for a few years until Garry Welsh commenced assisting in 1994.

Was the Victorian nominee for the position of Rules & Umpire Director to the Australian Eight Ball Federation’s (AEBF) development plan of Australian Rules & Umpire Committee.

1984–1994 Was an integral part of all State Championships within Victoria.

1985–2005 Attended all AEBF National Championships (exception being the first in 1985).

1988, 1994 and 1999 Working member of 3 Senior National Championships for Victoria. Providing enough accredited umpires for all of these Championships, as well as Juniors.

1991 Received Life Membership of VEBA.

1996 Holds the most number of accredited umpires within Australia.

2000 Founding member of POOL VICTORIA.

Lauri Sheen

Lauri has received more awards, recognition, and grateful thanks, than any other person (except her husband Lance), involved in this sport, not just within the EDPL, but throughout Victoria, Australia, and overseas, for her unselfish dedication and the enormous workload she has carried out for a great many years.

It is because of Lance and Lauri Sheen, that the EDPL name is known, not just throughout the EDPL but Victoria, Australia, and onto the world scene. Where they have always promoted the EDPL and its ideals, some of which have been adopted by various cue codes throughout the world.

Lauri Sheen AEBF Life Member (inducted 2002)

Lance Sheen AEBF Life Member 1996

Lance Sheen 1996

by aebfcomau Life Members

Lance Sheen AEBF Life Member (inducted 1996)

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of one of our original founders and pioneers of Eight Ball in Australia – Lance Sheen who passed away after a long battle with ill health on Sunday morning 13th September 2020.

Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Lauri Sheen and family of Australian Eight Ball Federation Life Member, who was instrumental in shaping eight ball in Australia as it is today. Being involved on so many levels of administration over the years, he was truly a shining light in Australian Eight Ball, and worked on the National and State committees for many years.

Over the coming days, the AEBF will honour this amazing, dedicated and passionate man, and we invite the community to share their stories and memories of Lance.

R.I.P Lance Sheen 13-09-2020

Travis Crawley
President
On Behalf of the Australian Eight Ball Federation Inc.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/461234844/

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