Nomination of Jonathan Schnappfor ISA Hallof Fame
It is my great pleasure to nominate Jonathan Schnapp for induction into the ISA Hall of Fame. Jonathan has played in every ISA tournament since 2013 in St. Petersburg. He captained the 3rd place UN team at Midland in 2014, placed 4th at Brazil in 2017, 5th at Vienna in 2019 and 4th at St. Petersburg in 2024. He is an excellent player, but his playing is not the primary reason for his nomination.
Jonathan has enjoyed shuffleboard since he was young when he played at Century Village in West Palm Beach when visiting his grandparents. He knew how fun it could be.
In 2010 he came to Florida and while there he visited several shuffleboard sites to learn more about tournaments, equipment and the sport in general. One stop was Friday Night Shuffle in St.
Petersburg and from there the idea and plan began to bring shuffleboard to New York. In 2012 he spent the week at the ISA tournament in Seattle meeting shufflers from around the world and making new friends. His love for the game, the traditions, the history, and the shuffleboard community were important for this project in Brooklyn.
Three years after his first visit to St. Pete, in 2013, the Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club opened to the public. Jonathan met each guest with a welcoming smile and a friendly lesson on how to play and enjoy the game while respecting the sport and its history. The club was quickly accepted in the community and leagues were soon formed. Fun and sport, a great combination.
In 2018, the Royal Palms Chicago was opened. More people joined the shuffleboard family for fun and competition. Over the years, thousands of people have been introduced and become involved in league play. National tournaments are now held in these two locations. Two state organizations were formed, in Illinois and New York, thanks to the growing interest in shuffleboard because of the Royal Palms.
Many of these players are now competing in ISA tournaments and add such energy and enthusiasm. Last year, three Royal Palms players placed in the top eight men with Mark Malatt, from Chicago, winning the tournament.
Jonathan’s dedication to the sport, his efforts in promoting shuffleboard, and his ability to foster a community of passionate players who become shuffleboard ambassadors are some of the reasons he deserves to be inducted in the “Special Award” category. It is an honor to nominate him, and I endorse his induction into the ISA Hall of Fame.
Sincerely, Beth Allen ISA Treasurer