APA Handicap system - how does it work

[daphish1]

Scott maybe you or someone else can answer.

I don't play APA anymore but I wanted to know how the SLs are calculated not to "sandbag" but how to reach the next SL. I don't need the formula but if there's something you or somebody knows.

I started a 4 like every male player and remained a SL8 for the next 3 years. I was running out from a "open" table consistently. I don't remember my winning percentage but it was 50% or better. The only things I could figure (no idea if I was right)".

I only played APA 9 ball.

1. Safeties weren't counted (scorekeepers weren't always the most knowledgeable players).
2. I went through a spell one season on the break (not making a ball, scratching or no shot on the lowest ball).
3. The opposing player SL wasn't always the highest I might play a 7, 8, or 9 but a lot of the time I played a 3 or lower kind of treated like a throw away game for the other team.

Any advice is appreciated.

I don't know the formula but I'd guess that the difference between an 8 & 9 would come down to the number of innings. If the safeties are counted then this nullifies the inning so your total innings put into the computer are lower. I don't imagine that your opponent would factor much into the calculating of the handicap. If the safeties aren't counted correctly i'd imagine that would have a bigger impact between an 8 and a 9 then a 4 and a 5 (they normally don't play as many anyway). Just a guess but I'd imagine an 8 averages between 1-2 (closer to 1 inning) a game where as a 9 is less then 1 inning a game.

 

[Sharkey]

If they own and run an APA franchise, it better not be a spare time endevour. What do you mean the "League Operator is required to enter all the score sheets them selves"? Do you really think every APA league is a one person operation and that they are not allowed to hire people to run the league?

Don't get me wrong, I am not sticking up for them at all. All I am saying is that it is my understanding that a lot of League Operators are way behind on these. I think this is one of the biggest problems with the APA system. What I mean by them selves is that there are leagues that enter the information for the league operator so they have the time to take better care of their players.

 

[daphish1]

Don't get me wrong, I am not sticking up for them at all. All I am saying is that it is my understanding that a lot of League Operators are way behind on these. I think this is one of the biggest problems with the APA system. What I mean by them selves is that there are leagues that enter the information for the league operator so they have the time to take better care of their players.

I know this happens in my area. I've had it happen to me. Won 3 matches in a row with low innings and my skill level dropped. Then lost 2 weeks in a row and then my handicap jumped up. Makes no sense and the only thing i can figure is they didn't enter the scores promptly.

 

[accustatsfan]

I don't know the formula but I'd guess that the difference between an 8 & 9 would come down to the number of innings. If the safeties are counted then this nullifies the inning so your total innings put into the computer are lower. I don't imagine that your opponent would factor much into the calculating of the handicap. If the safeties aren't counted correctly i'd imagine that would have a bigger impact between an 8 and a 9 then a 4 and a 5 (they normally don't play as many anyway). Just a guess but I'd imagine an 8 averages between 1-2 (closer to 1 inning) a game where as a 9 is less then 1 inning a game.

Thank you for the information.

 

[ronhudson]

Scott maybe you or someone else can answer.

I don't play APA anymore but I wanted to know how the SLs are calculated not to "sandbag" but how to reach the next SL. I don't need the formula but if there's something you or somebody knows.

I started a 4 like every male player and remained a SL8 for the next 3 years. I was running out from a "open" table consistently. I don't remember my winning percentage but it was 50% or better. The only things I could figure (no idea if I was right)".

I only played APA 9 ball.

1. Safeties weren't counted (scorekeepers weren't always the most knowledgeable players).
2. I went through a spell one season on the break (not making a ball, scratching or no shot on the lowest ball).
3. The opposing player SL wasn't always the highest I might play a 7, 8, or 9 but a lot of the time I played a 3 or lower kind of treated like a throw away game for the other team.

Any advice is appreciated.

If you are interested in knowing, the APA has a new website that lets you see your stats including number of games played and your win percentage. Go here https://members.poolplayers.com/default.aspx and fill in your info to set up and account and access your playing history.

 

[ronhudson]

I know this happens in my area. I've had it happen to me. Won 3 matches in a row with low innings and my skill level dropped. Then lost 2 weeks in a row and then my handicap jumped up. Makes no sense and the only thing i can figure is they didn't enter the scores promptly.

It's easy to tell from your weekly scoresheet. The team roster lists each player's number of times played for the session. If your team's data has been entered and up to date, then this number will be correct. If you know you have played 6 times and the roster says you have played 3 times, then the data is not being entered in a timely manner.

If this is happening, someone needs to get the LO moving. It's extremely important that the team knows how many plays each player has for the session.

 

[Banks]

I don't know the formula but I'd guess that the difference between an 8 & 9 would come down to the number of innings. If the safeties are counted then this nullifies the inning so your total innings put into the computer are lower. I don't imagine that your opponent would factor much into the calculating of the handicap. If the safeties aren't counted correctly i'd imagine that would have a bigger impact between an 8 and a 9 then a 4 and a 5 (they normally don't play as many anyway). Just a guess but I'd imagine an 8 averages between 1-2 (closer to 1 inning) a game where as a 9 is less then 1 inning a game.

I'd have to agree with the innings being the big factor at that level. Dead/bad breaks would be wreaking havoc on your innings if you're running out only to end your inning early. That 9s I've seen will more likely than not end their turn on a safety, basically nullifying the inning. Even if you're getting your 65 in 15 innings, if you could have ended those 5 or 6 unfortunate breaks with run-outs or safeties that makes a huge difference.

Ignore the handicapping system. Just go to have fun and play pool. Do your best to win and don't think about how many your opponent may need. If you're playing well and the other guy beats you still, I'd find it hard to think they wouldn't go up eventually. And even so, I'd rather have my teammates make a habit of making their shots, not missing them.