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Pressure is on for Uganda’s pool venues as Pool Association of Uganda (PAU) Competitions Committee begins a three day inspection today as the association tightens preparations for the National League.
From today through Sunday, venues will be put under the microscope as PAU seeks to identify the facilities capable of hosting Men’s National League matches.
Only four to eight venues will make the final cut. The inspections will focus on everything from playing tables and space to security, sanitation and match-day operations.
Venues must have valid PAU registration, designated home-venue status and formal consent from their owners or managers. They must also provide easy access, parking and safe entry for players, officials and spectators.
The tables will be a major point of focus. They must meet PAU Blackball standards, with level surfaces, properly aligned cushions, good rubber pockets and speed cloth. Each table must have at least 1.8 metres of playing space on all sides.
But it will not stop at the tables. PAU will inspect cleanliness, ventilation, seating, team areas, scorekeeping and space for match officials and administrators. Media and broadcast readiness will also count, with venues expected to accommodate photographers and live-streaming operations where required.
Toilets, water supply, emergency access and fire and safety measures will also come under scrutiny.
In a circular signed by PAU General Secretary Rogers Ssemanda, the association warned that passing the minimum requirements will not automatically earn a venue a place on the National League list.
If more than eight venues qualify, the committee will select those offering the best combination of standards, accessibility, safety and operational readiness.
Venue owners, by Sunday September 6th will know either they made the cut or missed out.
The three-day inspection could shape the stage on which Uganda’s top pool clubs fight for National League glory.
