Boundary County Pool League

Fun, affordable and open to all levels of talent.

For as long as anyone can remember there has been an 8-Ball pool league in Boundary County. Sure, the league has gone through various changes over the years, but you can always find someone playing pool in one form or another. Currently, the league is under the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) sanction and plays on Wednesday nights here in Boundary County. The league starts each year in October and finishes around the middle of March.

BCA rules are a bit different than the typical “bar room rules” found in many areas of North Idaho and elsewhere across America. The rules used for the league give a penalty for not hitting your ball first, touching the cue ball (the white ball) accidentally, and when you do not hit a rail after contacting your object ball. In other words, the league uses standard rules found in most large tournaments around Idaho and throughout the U.S. This rule-set allows the opponent to have “ball-in-hand” anywhere on the table when a foul is committed. This can really give your opponent the upper hand when they can place the cue ball anywhere.

Up until last year there were two different leagues operating in Boundary County. One featured the older rules, and the other the newer BCA-style rules. Unfortunately, this season the older style league did not put together anything viable and so the only league going is the BCA group. This year four teams of four players each entered the league. League play costs $6 per night per player and, depending on how many games you win, determines how much money you get back at the end of the season. This is not a money making proposition even if you win most of your games, but at least you can generally break even.

The league is not geared towards making money; it is, however, geared towards having lots of fun and getting to know people. Whenever 16 players gather to play, they may bring friends and family to watch and cheer them on. The group of people can grow to well over 30 when spouses and friends gather. This makes for a really fun night out whether you play pool or not, as you can root for your favorite players and teams. Currently three of the four teams are playing for AJ's Lanes, and the other is playing for the Northwoods Tavern in Naples. Teams rotate where they play, but all locations offer great food and an assortment of drinks and other activities to keep you busy.

The league is always looking to expand. You may have played pool at one time in your life and think you are not good enough to play on a league. Nothing could be further from the truth. Everyone can play, as this league features a handicapping system that gives weaker players an even chance at winning. Better players have a higher handicap and give away more points per game making the playing field even. The league is always looking for more teams to join in and every provision is made to include any tavern, store or any place that has a pool table! AJ's Lanes is always looking for more players to fill out teams, and you can inquire with Alan at the Bowling Alley directly by calling 208.267.1506. If you are from another tavern or store, you can call the league director, Trisha Standley, at 208.290.8963. If you are the owner of a tavern or store (and in some cases private residences), you should give Trisha a call and get involved.

The next question is about joining the BCA organization. This costs $30 per player and can generally be subsidized by the place you play for. Usually players split the cost with the host group making your cost for the year only $15. The tavern or store usually picks up the other half in appreciation for the amount of business they derive from the Wednesday night traffic. The $30 per player fee then gives the player the opportunity to go to regional and national tournaments that are BCA sanctioned. These larger tournaments generally have registration fees ranging from $35-$150 depending on the level of play and the region, but the winnings can be in the thousands of dollars.

The bottom line for playing pool is that you have fun! When I moved here from a big city, I used the pool league to meet people, relax and enjoy myself. Now some of my best friends are pool players, and we have lots of fun every week right here in Boundary County, Idaho.

#local