Talking about APA 8-ball here, but I suppose my thoughts apply to any rated league. It seems to me the term "sandbagging" is thrown around a bit too liberally. Anybody who is percieved to play higher than their rating is accused of sandbagging. A couple thoughts:
1) A player's rating reflects their *average* play. On some days I play like a 7, on others I play like a 5. So my rightful rating should be a 6. Being able to play like a 7 at my *best* doesn't mean that I should have a 7 rating all the time.
2) A player who takes the game seriously should be improving constantly. Therefore they will always be playing slightly above their rating. Over time their rating will increase to reflect the improvement... until they reach a 7 that is. 7s are the only players immune from being accused of sandbagging, only because their rating can't go any higher!
I think a lot of people will accuse you of sandbagging because they need an excuse for losing. I know sandbagging does happen, but people are too quick to suspect it, IMO.
~steps down from soapbox~
1) A player's rating reflects their *average* play. On some days I play like a 7, on others I play like a 5. So my rightful rating should be a 6. Being able to play like a 7 at my *best* doesn't mean that I should have a 7 rating all the time.
2) A player who takes the game seriously should be improving constantly. Therefore they will always be playing slightly above their rating. Over time their rating will increase to reflect the improvement... until they reach a 7 that is. 7s are the only players immune from being accused of sandbagging, only because their rating can't go any higher!
I think a lot of people will accuse you of sandbagging because they need an excuse for losing. I know sandbagging does happen, but people are too quick to suspect it, IMO.
~steps down from soapbox~