Score Keeping and
Handicap Issues - Letter From Your League Operator
From observation, I am certain that there exist
skill level disparities among the APA leagues across
the nation. This is a product of overall level of
play, varying styles of play, and of course
resources from which players within a league draw
from. That being said, I do believe that the
differences however, should be minor. In recent
tournaments, the gap has never been more evident.
Our level of play is just so much stronger at every
level than surrounding areas.
I must assume some responsibility for this dissimilarity. From its inception till now, we have unfortunately taken a very passive approach to how teams score their matches. Even though teams are made aware that their accuracy in score keeping is a major factor in how skill levels are moved, we have not done much in the area of error checking. As you all know, innings, defensive shots, E-8s, S-8s, and time outs all play a part in how the system manages a player's skill level. It has become evident that many of the teams are either not concerned with accurate score keeping or are actively trying to manipulate the system with false entries. I understand that any team's main goal is to do well and in order for success, advantages must be taken. Teams have become savvy enough to realize what scoring red flags are, how to manage their player's skill level, and at times how to sabotage their opposing team or players on their score sheet.
The process of cleaning up flawed
skill levels in this league will not happen over
night but it will start immediately. I know that if
we collectively worked on scoring accuracy, we will
have a positive impact and move closer to what the
Equalizer® was intended to accomplish. The only way
for this process to start is with every team, every
member, and every score keeper. Per our bylaws, the
weekly bonus points are awarded for timely return of
score sheets as well as accuracy. Beginning this
week, the league office will start looking at
differences in the match scores on both teams and
error checking as well. Incomplete, inaccurate, or
late returns will all result in forfeiture of the
ever important bonus point or points.
Some common issues with score sheets are as
follows.
Wrong IDs with players (we score with IDs not names)
Wrong order of players (winner of the lag should be
listed first)
Missing "Fees Section" at bottom left
(amount enclosed with initials, itemize if other
fees apply.
Total innings, scores, W-L, team #, and match total
points
Start time/End time and sportsmanship rating.
DEFENSIVE SHOTS - defined by any shot a player takes
without intent to pocket a ball.
Some suggestions that will
help increase accuracy.
How to score keep literature is available on line as
well as in the info magazine and team manual. Please
review it.
Don't make the lowest skill level player keep score
without assistance. He or she is usually the least
knowledgeable person on the team to spot defensive
shots.
Confirm inning counts with opposing team after each
game.
Confirm defensive shots if you are not absolutely
sure. This area will rarely ever match up between
score sheets but if one returns with a 40 total and
the other sheet with 0, something is definitely
going on.
Finish or close out the score sheet when the match
is over. We know you want to go home but take an
extra moment to do this. Double check everything and
get both team captains' signature before closing it
out.
Any evidence of blatant score manipulation including
padding innings, omitting defensive shots, padding
defensive shots, scoring phantom matches, will be
dealt with either loss of eligibility or suspension
from league.
This is a decision that was not easily made but I
have no interest in seeing any more people or teams
disqualified in the future of this league. Too much
negative feedback has been brought to my attention
regarding skill levels. As always, please remember
that the skill level of every player in this league
is essentially determined by you and those you
choose to score your matches. The league staff
cannot be at every match and cannot watch every
player.
I trust that if this attempt to elevate the level or
accuracy in our scoring is accepted, overall league
play will be much more enjoyable and problem free.
As a group, I ask for your assistance and together
we can build a better and more enjoyable league and
at the same time, hopefully filter out those bent on
manipulating the system.
I thank you for your attention in this matter.
Sincerely,
Marc Ong
San Gabriel Valley APA
Newsletters and Announcements.
We have not had too much success with announcements
and newsletters going out in the weekly score sheet
envelopes. Currently, all announcements and
newsletters will be going out via email to the
active player subscriber's list. We do regret that
many of the players will not be receiving these
notices but there have been too many problems with
the traditional paper distribution methods. Returned
flyers in your league envelopes, trash at host
locations, and flyers being discarded without team
awareness are the main reasons. If you have an email
account and not currently receiving our newsletter,
please request to be added by registering on our
main page. If you do not have an account, we advise
you to connect with someone on your team who will be
able to print a hard copy for you. Important league
information is being distributed upon availability
so don't miss another tournament, event, deadline,
etc.
If you are not receiving our notices via email and
have registered an email with us. Your email account
may be blocking our notices. Please check your
settings and spam folder and allow for future
mailings.
APA Rules & Regulations.
Changes have been made to both the national official team manual and the local bylaws.
Please see the following links for reference.
2008 Official Team Manual
Spanish Version of Team Manual
Local By Laws.
Etc.
New formats are forming. If anyone is interested in playing Women's 8 Ball League, Triple Play Masters Cash League, or Double Jeopardy, please email apa@onthesnap.com for details.