As others have previously pointed out, the APA system works when the scorekeepers do their work. Failing to mark proper defensive shots CRASHES the system. For example, failing to mark only 3 or 4 defensive shots will prevent a hot SL3 from being accurately ranked as a SL4.
Think about that: Missing only 4 defensive shots is all that's required to effectively sandbag (whether intentional or not) as a SL4 or lower.
I've played against MULTIPLE teams in my franchise that fail to mark ANY defensive shots. They act as if that space isn't even on the sheet. When two of these teams face each other, NOTHING gets marked for either team. All those 20 inning matches look horrible, instead of the 14 to 15 inning blowouts that they should be.
I love the 'scorekeeper clinic' idea. Ever face the team where the non-pool player girlfriend is 'keeping score?' IMO, only educated scorekeepers should be keeping score.
Couldn't agree more! Not enough take it seriously. IMO...APA has the fairest handicap system, but it takes the membership to make it work.