Founded in 1987 the World Pool Association (WPA) represents the interests of international associations and federations devoted to cue sports.
The WPA are tournament organisors and administer the widely televised World 9ball Championship.
The WPA are responsible for the standardisation of 8ball, 9ball and blackball rules.

Billiard sports, including pool, are recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The IOC monitor activities of its 'International Federations' to ensure conformation with the Olympic Charter and specifically recognise the World Confederation of Billiard Sports (WCBS) as the sole organisation responsible for administering billiards at world level.

The WCBS govern the sport at world level and ensure its promotion and development. Their statutes, practices and activities conform with the Olympic Charter.
The WCBS were recognised as an umbrella organization for billiard sports following the first World Pool Association (WPA) 9Ball Championships in 1990.
The WCBS is striving to have billiard sports become a medal discipline in as many established multiple-sports events as possible.
The goal is that pool and snooker should receive world-wide acceptance as Olympic sports.