Union advocated for in snooker to offer players greater decision-making power in contract agreements
The Professional Snooker Players Association (PSPA) is a groundbreaking organisation, established to champion the interests and welfare of professional snooker players. With a strong focus on promoting a robust, independent players' association, the PSPA aims to act as a unified voice for players in discussions with governing bodies, tournament organisers, and other key stakeholders within the sport.
The PSPA's primary objectives are multifaceted, with a focus on promoting players' welfare, advocating for fair treatment, enhancing professional opportunities, providing support and resources, and improving communication.
- Promoting Players' Welfare: The PSPA is committed to ensuring the health, financial security, and working conditions of players are protected and improved.
- Advocating for Fair Treatment: The organisation represents player interests in disputes, contracts, and negotiations to ensure fair treatment by governing bodies and event promoters.
- Enhancing Professional Opportunities: The PSPA supports the development of the sport to create more competitive events, better prize money, and greater career opportunities for players.
- Providing Support and Resources: The association offers assistance such as advice, guidance, and support services to players throughout their professional careers.
- Improving Communication: Acting as a liaison between players and the World Snooker Tour and other official organisations, the PSPA facilitates better dialogue and decision-making.
The PSPA also seeks improved working conditions for players, offering a trusted forum for dispute resolution and collective negotiation. The organisation desires fairness, transparency, and progress for the sport of snooker, and aims to have independent representation in player welfare, tournament structures, and commercial agreements.
The PSPA is not just a new addition to the governance structures of snooker; it is a complementary entity, according to legal advisor Mark Kenkre. The association aims to work closely with the WPBSA, World Snooker, and the WPBSA Players Board, while also striving for independence in commercial negotiations and agreements.
The PSPA is chaired by four-time world champion John Higgins, with Napier Sterling, Ben Rees, and Mark Kenkre serving as directors. Notable members include Ding Junhui and Xiao Giodong, as well as several prominent players such as Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, Mark Selby, Shaun Murphy, Ali Carter, and Stuart Bingham, who form the Players Board.
In an effort to address the concerns of players and create a more sustainable and prosperous professional environment within the world of snooker, the PSPA was founded to give players a stronger voice in the commercial direction of the sport. This comes at a time when high-profile players like O'Sullivan have threatened to quit the sport over the running of the World Snooker Tour.
The PSPA's objectives do not include any advertisements and the organisation provides legal support to protect players' rights. The governance of snooker, according to the PSPA, should factor in more of the views of the players to create a more balanced and equitable sporting landscape.
- The Professional Snooker Players Association (PSPA) endeavors to give players a stronger voice in shaping the commercial direction of snooker, as highlighted by efforts addressing concerns and fostering a more sustainable environment for professional snooker players.
- In addition to promoting the interests of players, the PSPA also functions to ensure fair advertising practices, protecting players' rights within snooker by providing legal support.
