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The Gentle Help: When Co-Players Stepped In
As my friends and fellow players started to understand my colorblindness in snooker , something beautiful happened: they began stepping in before I made a mistake. Rather than wait for me to misidentify a ball, they started pointing out which ball I should be aiming for.
“That’s the brown – not a red ,” someone would say softly, even before I had a chance to line up the shot. Or, if I was about to pot the wrong color, one of them would casually position themselves near the table and give a polite nod toward the correct ball.
One of the most touching habits my co-players developed was a little move I’ll never forget. Whenever there was a tricky shot involving several colors close together (red, brown, and green being my nemesis), they would quietly stand behind the ball I needed to pot.
It became a kind of code. Instead of saying anything outright, they’d position themselves near the right ball, giving me a gentle, silent hint. That little nod or glance was all I needed to refocus and take my shot without the fear of a mix-up.
Understanding and Respect: Beyond the Game
Over time, this routine became second nature to my co-players. They never made a big deal of it, never patronized me or made me feel less capable. Instead, they turned my colorblindness into a subtle, unspoken part of the game. It was as if they were saying, “We’re in this together.”
For me, this was a powerful reminder of the respect and camaraderie that exists in snooker, a sport that prides itself on its gentlemanly conduct. Rather than seeing my condition as a weakness, they treated it as just another aspect of the game—like handling pressure, angles, or tricky shots. They adapted to my needs without hesitation.
It’s not just about helping me avoid mistakes. It’s about the respect and fairness that make snooker such a special game. It’s about the bond between players, even when they’re competing against each other. My co-players didn’t have to go out of their way to point out balls or prevent errors, but they did—because that’s what good sportsmanship looks like. Infect many of these gentleman have lost matches after pointing out the balls to me , had they not they could have gathered my fouls and scored and won…
Now, whenever I step up to the table, I know that if I hesitate, one of my friends will be there to guide me with a quiet point or a simple nod. And in those moments, I realize: this isn’t just a game of snooker—it’s a game of mutual respect.
It wasn’t just about avoiding penalties or keeping the game moving—it was their way of supporting me while keeping the integrity of the game intact. They could have easily watched me fumble through my shots and taken advantage of my mistakes, but instead, they chose to look out for me. That’s true sportsmanship.
Love you guys and totally appreciate your Gentleman’s approach !!
FAQ
How does colorblindness affect snooker players in tournaments?
Snooker relies heavily on accurately identifying ball colors, which can be challenging for colorblind players, especially when distinguishing between colors like red, brown, and green. Misidentifying a ball can lead to penalties, so tournaments have started adapting regulations to support colorblind players.
Are there any special accommodations for colorblind players in snooker tournaments?
Yes, some tournaments offer adapted snooker balls with distinctive markings or varying shades, enabling colorblind players to distinguish balls more easily. Additionally, referees may assist by verbally confirming ball colors upon request, and certain tournaments even allow discreet markers for ball identification.
Do colorblind players need to notify officials before the tournament?
Yes, players are encouraged to declare colorblindness prior to the event so that organizers can provide necessary adjustments, such as special balls, additional visual aids, or even allowing referee assistance to confirm colors during gameplay.
Can a colorblind player appeal a penalty if they misidentify a ball?
Many tournaments allow for a certain level of leniency if colorblindness is declared in advance. Referees may apply discretion when assessing penalties for accidental ball misidentification, especially if it’s a first-time or genuine error. However, rules on appeals vary by tournament.
What visual aids or technologies are used to help colorblind snooker players?
Some tournaments use digital displays to indicate the ball colors clearly, and practice sessions may be offered with adapted balls. Technologies like augmented reality glasses are being explored in some places to help colorblind players distinguish colors more effectively during matches.
Joydeep Majumder is a dedicated snooker enthusiast with over 3 years of play time and a deep love for the sport. His passion and love for the sport shines through in his writing as he shares insights, personal stories, and a genuine appreciation for the mental and physical challenges of snooker. Off the table, he enjoys sharing his knowledge with fellow players, aiming to inspire a new generation of snooker aficionados.