You need to understand, APA 9b is not 9b as players know it. It is simply a game of rotation using 9 balls with all balls counting 1 pt and the 9b counting 2. Often making the 9 out of rotation costs you points if you could have run out more balls before the 9 ball. No jump cues no push outs making the 9b on the break, it is a totally different game than 9b as most people other and apa know 9b as.
An accurate description but let me go into more detail for people who know nothing about the game.
Each match is worth 20 team points with 5 matches played for a total of 100 points.
The points awarded to your team is based on how well you played in your match. How the points are totaled up was posted in another thread but let me give you this scenario.
In Vegas my team was down 48-32 after 4 matches. I played the 5th match vs another 5 in a 38-38 race. I won 38-4 giving our team a 20-0 score to win 52-48. Now I only needed to win 19-1 but the other team protested to the ref to let the game continue in case their guy could mount a comeback when my inn in was over. I dont know if it was the sportsman...alcohol or ego...maybe all 3 but I agreed and went on to win 20-0.
It does not get more challenging or pressure packed than that in any game under any format in an amateur league.
The same with 8 ball. It's pretty challenging going into the last match being down 7-5. You face another 5 in a 4-4 race. The only way your team can win is to shut your opponent out 4-0. Either you win big or you go home.
Now I am not knocking bcapl as I think its a fine league with a great owner who does a lot for pool but lets compare its format to apa
In most areas 8 ball is a points based game....straight pool based on 1 point for each ball and 2 for the 8 if you prefer .
5 player play 5 matches with a total of 45 points available. Unlike apa team points required to win are based on the teams total handicap.
Did you know your team can win if they only need one point by you knocking your ball in on an illegal hit ? That is not quite as challenging is the above apa scenarios ..i dont think. Did you know you are awarded a point for every ball of your suit off the table each rack even if you did not pocket it ? And you guys want to call apa rules crazy ??