Billiard Congress of America Referee Program Officially Expanding The ever-increasing popularity of billiards and the tremendous growth of tournaments at all levels have created a demand for knowledgeable, fair, ethical and impartial referees. The Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Referee Program was started over twenty years ago and has grown to impressive numbers in 2001. The program’s entry level, Referee, currently has 107 members, up 234% from 32 in August 2000. The next level, National Referee, has 76 members, up 55% from 49 members in 2000. National Senior Referee has increased by one since last year from 20 to 21 members and National Head Referee has held steady at five. The program is run by the BCA Director of Referees, Mr. Cecil Messer, and coordinated at the BCA national office by Ms. Betty Harris, BCA Referee Program Administrator. To enter the BCA Referee Program, a person must pass a multiple-choice written exam and pay annual dues, currently $35. There is no charge to take the test and a current edition of Billiards: The Official Rules and Records Book is provided to all applicants. Progression through the various program levels is based on years of service, classroom training, floor training and periodic reviews. All referees receive an official BCA Referee patch, certificate of recognition, I.D. card, web site link and player membership status. Additional information on the referee program can be found in the Play section of the BCA web site (www.bca-pool.com) or by requesting the BCA Referee Training Program booklet published by the BCA. Those interested in receiving the booklet or taking the referee test may contact Ms. Harris at ref@bca-pool.com or 719.264.8300.