Guide to Q School

Here are the key facts about the new 2012 Q School

WHAT IS IT?

The Q School is the system for qualifying for the professional World Snooker Tour which was introduced in 2011 and will be staged again in 2012. There will be 12 places available for the professional circuit and all 12 qualifiers will be given a TWO YEAR TOUR CARD which guarantees their place on the pro circuit for a minimum of 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons. These will be awarded to the four semi-finalists in each of three tournaments. Players entering the Q School can play in all three tournaments so they have three chances to qualify.

WHEN IS IT?

Q School is due to start on May 13th 2012. The full dates will be confirmed once all entries have been received.

WHERE IS IT?

The World Snooker Academy in Sheffield, England which houses eight Star tables with outstanding playing conditions will host Q School.

WHO CAN ENTER?

Any amateur player from anywhere in the world, male or female. Any professionals who drop off the Tour at the end of the 2011/12 season can enter subject to entry details.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO ENTER?

£1,000 will gain entry to all 3 Q School tournaments in 2012.

IS THERE ANY PRIZE MONEY?

No, the reward for the 12 winners is a TWO YEAR TOUR CARD. Total prize money on the tour is currently £6 million and is likely to rise to £8million. World Snooker will give £1,000 to each of the 12 qualifiers as a contribution towards their entry fee for the 2012/13 Main Tour.

HOW MANY FRAMES WILL THE MATCHES BE OVER?

Last season Q School was played over the best of 7’s and we anticipate this format for 2012.

WILL THERE BE REFEREES?

Yes, every match will have its own referee.

WHEN WILL THE DRAW BE MADE?

As soon as possible after the closing date of entries, all information will be posted on this site.

DO I HAVE TO PLAY IN ALL 3 Q SCHOOL TOURNAMENTS?

Each player’s name will be included in the draw for each of the 3 Q School tournaments but because a player can only qualify once, those players who are successful in the first and second tournaments will be withdrawn from subsequent Q School tournaments and players who they were drawn against will receive byes into the next round.

WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF EACH OF THE Q SCHOOL TOURNAMENTS?

The timescale for each of the 3 tournaments will be subject to the number of entries. As a guide, with 128 entries each event will take 4 days to complete.

HOW MANY MATCHES DO I HAVE TO WIN TO QUALIFY FOR THE 2012/2013 & 2013/2014 MAIN TOUR?

This will be subject to the number of entries, but as a guide, 128 entries will require each player to win 5 matches to reach the Semi Finals and win a tour place.

DO I HAVE TO WIN ONE OF THE 3 TOURNAMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR THE MAIN TOUR?

No. Each tournament will be played down to the semi final stages and the four semi-finalists in each of the 3 tournaments will qualify for a TWO YEAR TOUR CARD.

IS THERE HOTEL ACCOMMODATION CLOSE TO THE ACADEMY?

Yes. There is a wide selection of accommodation in Sheffield and some hotels are very close to the English Institute of Sport, Sheffield. World Snooker will supply details of local hotels and guest houses upon receipt of your entry. You will be responsible for your own costs for accommodation and expenses whilst competing in Q School.

WHEN DOES THE 2012/2013 MAIN TOUR START?

The Tour Calendar has not yet been finalised however qualification for the main tour ranking events will start in June 2012. The tour is continuously growing with more and more tournaments and increasing prize money.