This package is designed to help you enjoy your

APA EXPERIENCE

Greater Washington AreaLocal By-Laws andGeneral Information Packet

ALL PLAYERS ~ Not just Team Captainsshould read and be familiar with these contents.

!! Welcome to the New Session !!

League Operator - Lee A. TianiOffice Staff: Jane, Debbie, Dawn, Rhonda,

Couriers: Erica, Lou, John “R” & RayMarketing Manager: Lou Randall

Tier-2 & “Special Events” Tournament Director: John O’Donnell Office Hours: 9am - 5pm (Monday - Friday)

Calls accepted until 10pm, during the 1st 2 weeks of each new session.

Phone (inside Maryland): 410/439-9400Toll Free (outside Maryland): 800/803-POOL

FAX: 410/439-0069League Office7845 Flintshire CourtPasadena, Maryland 21122

Your Weekly"Common Problems

Solving Guide"-- -- -- -- -- -- -- --HAVE FUN

PLAYING POOL

www.TEAMAPA.comfor local APA event dates, Forum,

Photo Gallery and lots of other stuff!

REVISED:

SPRING

2014

Monthly 8-Ball & 9-Ball - Singles Qualifying is underway!See your Div Rep or monthly dates on TEAMAPA.com.

KEEP THIS PACKAGEIN YOUR TEAM ENVELOPE.

DO NOT REMOVE IT.

(IF YOU DO, MAKE SURE YOUBRING IT ON LEAGUE NIGHT),

YOU MAY NEED INFORMATION IN HERETO HELP YOU THROUGH A SITUATION

DURING LEAGUE PLAY.-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

A WORD TO THE WISE;

KEEP YOURGOVERNMENT, STATE OR

MILITARY ISSUEDPICTURE ID

WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES!

YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU’LL BE ASKEDTO SHOW IT!

NO ID - NO PLAY - NO EXCEPTIONS

(YOU WILL BE ASKED TO SHOW ITAT ALL APA UPPER LEVEL TOURNAMENTS)

A PERSONAL MESSAGEFROM THE LEAGUE OFFICE

TO ALL APA PLAYERS.Sometimes, I wonder if we have forgotten why we play in the APA. I know personally, when I joined over20 years ago, it was for a variety of reasons. I joined a team and played on Thursday nights at a smallbar in Beltsville, Maryland and played for about 8 years. It was my ‘night out’. I looked forward to myThursday evenings ... no phones ringing, no pressures from the boss, no deadlines to meet, instead,meeting up with teammates and other league members that I enjoyed being with, the sportsmanshipdisplayed during league play, the new friends I made simply because I was a part of the APA .. all greatreasons to play in the league. Couple all of that with the fairness the APA displays with it’s handicapsystem that allows players of all abilities to compete, and win, and their sportsmanship guidelines, it’sno wonder I was able to talk many of my co-workers and friends into joining. As time went on, I went towork for the league office and had to quit playing in the league, for obvious reasons. About 3 years later,I was able to purchase the franchise and become an APA League Operator.

Lately, it seems that so many of our players don’t play for the same reasons that I did. I don’t recall verymany arguments, fights, protests or displays of poor sportsmanship as seem to be happening thesedays. We genuinely respected the Host Locations. We were treated with respect by the owners, bar-tenders and wait staff each night - even when it wasn’t a league play night! And, we treated them withrespect as well. We certainly appreciated them having the billiards equipment on site that they pro-vided for us for league play. We didn’t sit on the tables or put a beer bottle on one of them! When everone of the ladies in our league was leaving for the night, one of us walked her to her car, just to makesure she got to it and left safe and sound.

I think it’s time we each look at the reason we play. Is it the money? Is it for the trophies? I don’t think so.Is it for the opportunity to advance to Las Vegas? The APA sanctioned league is the most excitingdevelopment in the history of the sport of pocket billiards and will provide you with year-round competi-tive thrills and excitement. All you have to do is enjoy it. Meeting up with your friends, playing a competi-tive match, having fun, without the worries and problems life presents us each with, for a few hours eachweek - is what it’s supposed to be all about.

All of our rules were assembled by a group of well traveled professional players and they use these ruleswhen they play 8B or 9B. The APA rules are the most commonly used in North America during compe-tition. Yet, some players seem to feel they just have to ‘beat the system’, argue with their opponents overevery little rule or win a point by some technicality, rather than just enjoying themselves, honestly com-peting, forgetting about lifes’ problems and letting the system take care of itself.

Your night out playing in the APA should be an evening you look forward to each week. If you constantlyargue, or threaten to fight, or are trying to ‘run up innings’ to beat the system, or bring in players fromanother area and play them as new players, etc., sooner or later you will be found out and dealt withproperly. If any of this applies to you, you can look forward to being suspended from APA league play,either temporarily or permanently. Our honest players don’t want that stuff in their league!

To help make your evening of league play enjoyable, as well as enhance the enjoyment of those aroundyou, please observe the basic guidelines of etiquette. Treat your opponent as you would like to betreated! Thank the location(s) where you play for allowing us to play there and for any ‘perks’ they mayprovide for your enjoyment and respect their location and their equipment! HAVE FUN!

1..... Fill a Bye --- $150.00 Reward2..... APA Office Staff - Contact Information3..... Follow the National Team Championships in Las Vegas4..... APA - $1,700,000.00 National Payback ---- $350,000.00 Local Payback5..... Las Vegas Prize breakdown6..... $1,700,000.00 payback, by Category7..... Prices for Patches & Pins8..... To see all available Patches & Pins go to ...9..... 8-Ball Doubles Information10... 9-Ball Doubles Information11... Local MINI-MASTERS Information12... Try NASCAR 9-Ball13... APA Local Incentive Program ... front page14... APA Local Incentive Program ... back page15... Poolplayers Etiquette16... APA Local Sportsmanship Guidelines (and Penalties)17... APA National Singles Program .... how it all works ... page 118... APA National Singles Program .... how it all works ... page 219... Sample S*P*L*A*S*H Board for Singles Qualifying20... Local MVP Awards Program ... how it all works ... MVP Tournament paybacks21... Speaking in a language other than English ... How to keep from fouling22... Push Shot - Double Hit definition and how to keep from fouling23... Slow Play Guidelines24... Notes Concerning Rule Book Changes25... Non-Smoking Guidelines26... Team Captains ... Rule 23 Explained -- Why 23?27... Team Captains Checklist28... League Starting Times - Grace Period and Extended Grace Period29... Division Rep and Assistant Rep Guidelines30... Team Responsibilities --

Captains/Co-CaptainsCommunicationsDisputesIntolerable SituationsPlaying ConditionsThe Cue BallWrite-ups Concerning Skill Levels

31... Team Registration ... FeeStart of new Session reminders Adding Players the 1st 4 weeksPlaying on Multiple Teams in an Upper Level Event (common Players)

32... Outside interference - EnvironmentWeather Emergencies (Snow in the forecast - what to do?) - Liberal Play

33... Team captains ... our Team Leaders .... Major ResponsibilityPlayers Playing a 2nd Time in a Match -- when is it allowed? -- penalties for doing it wrong

34... Calling Fouls -When can the Coach Place the Cue Ball?Resolving a “Situation”

35... Cell Phones usage during League Play and during Upper Level tournaments36... Sandbagging .... what is it? How can you stop it?37... Marking Defensive Shots

Typical situations that ARE Defensive ShotsTypical situations that ARE NOT Defensive Shots

38... Scorekeeping39... How to keep Score in 8Ball40... How to keep Score in 9Ball41... Earning and losing the Bonus Point(s)

You WILL EARN the Bonus Point(s) if...You WILL NOT EARN the Bonus Point(s) if ...Your team will receive ZERO POINTS if ...Your team will lose WILD CARD ELIGIBILITY if ...Reminder --- ALWAYS PAY BY CHECK ... League Office not responsible if paid in cash and money is lost

42... Returned Checks and ($$$) in a Players Name on the ScoresheetReturned Check Law

Table of Contents

43... Ineligible PlayersLooking up a RuleSplitting MatchesForfeits/Make-ups the 1st 4 weeks of a new sessionBye Point(s) -- How many do you get? ... When are they Awarded for a Bye in the 1st 4 weeks?

44... Make-Up Matches and Pre-PlaysTeam Envelope - Pick-Up ScheduleVerification of Team Points --- Team Captains’ responsibility

45... Members paying their APA Annual Dues -- Explained in Detail46... BALL-IN-HAND SITUATIONS47... COACHING -- Fouls -- Who can? -- Coach involved in another match (playing)48... Calling for a NON-AVAILABLE TIME-OUT .... PENALTIES49... Special Notes:

Balls hitting the Pocket MarkerCoaching limitations during a Time-OutPutting up the next player

50... LOSS OF GAME SITUATIONS8 Out of Turn8 On the FloorFailure to Mark the Pocket8 in Wrong Pocket (not marked)Shooting at the 8 and you foul the Cue BallShooting at the 8 and a ScratchShooting at the 8 and Missing it altogetherAltering the Path of the 8Ball during the Game - AccidentallyAltering the Path of the 8Ball during the Game - on PurposeBreaking Down a Cue Stick or Grabbing the Rack - when is it a foul?

51... LOSS OF GAME SITUATIONS (continued)LOSS OF MATCH SITUATIONS - ID and False ID

52... LOSS OF MATCH SITUATIONS (continued)False ID PenaltiesContinuous Play Guidelines

53... Forfeits the Last 4 Weeks of a Session -- Details54... AFTERNOON LEAGUES FORMING55... Division Playoffs -

Player Eligibility - New PlayersPlayer Eligibility - Established Players - with LESS THAN 50 Lifetime MatchesPlayer Eligibility - Established Players - with MORE THAN 50 Lifetime MatchesWhat to do if you feel a player is NOT ELIGIBLE and is PUT UP?Credit Given for a Match not Played During the Session

56... Division Playoffs -4 & 5 Team Divisions6 & 7 Team Divisions8, or more Team DivisionsGold Cup Awards ProgramTeams that Qualify in a Tier-1 Tri-Annual - MUST remain CompetitiveTeams that Qualify in a Tier-1 Tri-Annual - CANNOT Play in a Future Tier-2 Tri-Annual - Why?

57... Division Playoffs - 8Ball Playoff Rules58... Division Playoffs - 9Ball Playoff Rules59... 4-Team Division - Playoff Format Chart60... 5-Team Division - Playoff Format Chart61... 6 & 7 Team Division - Playoff Format Charts62... 8-Team Division - Playoff Format Chart63... 9-Team Division - Playoff Format Chart64... 10-Team Division - Playoff Format Chart65... 11+-Team Division - Playoff Format Chart66... What to do with your Team Envelope During the Division Playoffs?67... Player Eligibility to compete in the Las Vegas Qualifier68... Touching a moving Cue Ball --- Once it leaves the Playing Surface (How to do it legally -- when is it a foul?)69... WHY APA? .... WHY NOT APA?70... If ya just gotta cheat ... go somewhere else!

(Only valid after week #3 and only when a bye is still needed to even out the division)1

$150.00REWARD

There’s a BYE in your Division!We know you want to play every week,

so we need your help to put in a new team!

Call Jane, Debbie, Dawn or Rhondaat the League Office

with a team to fill the Bye.

The New Team will receive:$100.00 Team Credit

Your Team will receive:$50.00 Team Credit

(To use as you wish: pay APA Dues; or Weekly Team Fees ... it’s up to the teams!)

(410) 439-9400

APA OFFICE STAFFCONTACT INFORMATION

Phone: 410-439-9400 Toll Free: 1-800-803-POOL Fax: 410-439-0069

League Operator Lee Tiani tianiAPA@aol.com

Office Manager Jane Tiani lilymae99@aol.com

Area Manager Debbie Davis debbieAPA@aol.com(Anne Arundel County, Partial Montgomery Countyand Mail-ins)

Area Manager Dawn Parker dawnAPA@aol.com(Washington DC, Virginia, Southern PG County, &Charles, Calvert & St. Marys Counties)

Area Manager Rhonda Aisquith rhondaAPA@aol.com(Prince Georges County, Partial Montgomery County& Bank Shot Bar & Grill)

Tournament Director Lee Tiani

Tier 2 Tri - Annuals John O’Donnell bigelf913@yahoo.com

Marketing Manager Lou Randall louisdirandall@verizon.net

Visit our Website www.TEAMAPA.com often for the link to the national site forplayer stats, our member’s forum, playoff and Tri-Annual Tournament information,

our Calendar of Events, and other important news and updates.

APA League Office7845 Flintshire CourtPasadena, MD 21122

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm 2

3

If you have friends going to

~Las Vegas~ to participate in the

APANational Team Championships

and you would like to

track their progressas the tournament develops,

the APA has an easy solution for you:

Log on to the APA Web Site

www.poolplayers.comyou will be provided with up-to-date information

for each team on a round-by-round basis.

"just another reason why"the APA is the

BEST DAMN POOL LEAGUE IN TOWN!

4

APAAmerican Poolplayers Association

The WORLDS LARGEST AMATEUR POOL LEAGUE

A NATIONWIDE $1,700,000.00+ AMATEUR POOL LEAGUEFeaturing:

Open 8-Ball Leagues --- 8-Ball Team and Singles ChampionshipsLadies Only 8-Ball Leagues - Ladies Team Championships

Open 9-Ball Leagues --- 9-Ball Team and Singles Championships8B & 9B Doubles Leagues and The Masters! ....

with an Annual Payback in the Las VegasNational Championships of

$1,700,000.00and an Annual Local Payback of

$350,000.00

A "Pure Amateur" League** NO CALL SHOTS -or- CALL POCKETS **

Designed for the beginners & the better skilled players

*** Featuring ***The "EQUALIZER" Handicapping System

which allows players of all abilities to compete(and be competitive) ....IN THE SAME MATCH

~~ where ~~

"Shooting Stars"Appear Nightly

"The BEST DAMN POOL LEAGUE in town,"

LEAGUE OFFICE: 1-410-439-9400 (M-F)(9-5)www.TEAMAPA.com

5

When comparingAmateur Pool Leagues ....

Consider these figures:

$862

,850

6

APA National Prize Payoutin Las Vegas

’11 8-Ball (Singles) Classic: ......................................................................................... $287,400*

’11 9-Ball (Singles) Shootout: ..................................................................................... $154,600*

’11 MiniMania @ National Singles Championships: ............................................ $ 59,267

‘11 Jack & Jill Doubles: ............................................................................................... $ 25,600

’11 8-Ball Team Championship: ................................................................................. $595,450

’11 9-Ball Team Championship: ................................................................................. $223,900

’11 8-Ball Ladies Team Championship: ................................................................... $ 43,500

’11 8-Ball Doubles: ........................................................................................................ $ 38,400

’11 9-Ball Doubles: ........................................................................................................ $ 19,200

’11 Masters Championship: ......................................................................................... $ 38,400

’11 Wheelchair Challenge: .......................................................................................... $ 5,400

’11 MiniMania @ National Team Championships:................................................... $242,471

2011 Total Event Payouts:

$1,733,588* All cash, except these 2, which are a combination of Cash and Prizes

2011 Total Paid Memberships: 268,774 v

410-439-9400

TEAMAPA.COM

PRICES for PATCHES and PINS:Your 1st one of each of: (1, 2, 4 or 5) listed below are free, after that, if you wish to

add more to your collection, or replace lost ones, the costs are:

(1) 8 on the Break ...................................................... (Patch or Pin): $1.00(2) 8 Break and Run ................................................... (Patch or Pin): $1.00(3) 8 Ball Mini-Slam......................... (both of the above - Patch only): $2.00(4) 9 on the Break ...................................................... (Patch or Pin): $1.00(5) 9 Break and Run ................................................... (Patch or Pin): $1.00(6) 9 Ball Mini-Slam .........................(both of the above - Patch only): $2.00(7) Masters 8 on the Break..............................................(Patch only): $1.00(8) Masters 8 Break & Run..............................................(Patch only): $1.00(9) Masters 9 on the Snap...............................................(Patch only): $1.00(10) Masters 9 Break & Run..............................................(Patch only): $1.00(11) Masters - I won 7-0 ...................................................(Patch only): $2.00

9Ball - Skunk - 20-0 Patch ......................................... $2.009Ball - Team Sweep - We won 5-0 ............................ $1.008Ball - Clean Sweep - We won 5-0 ........................... $1.00

Rackless Night Patch: .............................................. $2.00Rackless Night Pin: .................................................. $3.00

APA Lapel Pin (only): .................................................. $3.00APA Team Captain Patch ............................................ $1.00APA Team Co-Captain Patch ...................................... $1.00APA Division Rep Patch (free at Div/Rep Tournament) $1.00

Grand Slam Patch (for earning 1, 2, 4, & 5 above)..... $5.00

8B - I BEAT A 6 .......................................................... $1.008B - I BEAT A 7 .......................................................... $1.009B - I BEAT AN 8 ....................................................... $1.009B - I BEAT A 9 .......................................................... $1.00

Replacement APA Membership Cards: Put a note in the lower left corner of your score sheet,along with $1.00 and we will forward your request to St. Louis.

For all of the above, a note in the lower left corner of your score sheet will let usknow if you want a Patch or a Pin (if available)

if not noted, or if Pins not available, you will receive a Patch.7

8

To see all the patches and pins that are available

~or~

to view pictures of each of them

~go to~

www.TEAMAPA.comand click on

PATCHES

on the left (purple) side bar

NOW FORMING 4 Players per team - Games Must Win Chart will be used. (See Back).

3 Doubles matches per night, with any combination of 2 of your playersper match. Players CAN play twice per night, but NOT 3 times!

Total team starting Skill Level cannot exceed 18for the 4 players.

Only 1 match per night can be SL 10 total,other 2 must be any combo lower than 10.

NO match can be higher than 10.

All players must be on an active APA roster.

Each Division will have a ‘Substitute List’ to be used when an activeplayer cannot make it to a scheduled match. This list will bemaintained by the Division Rep. Subs must be on an active APA8Ball roster! Once the session has started, if you would like to be aSub, contact the Office and we will provide you with that Div Rep’snumber. Subs can only play for 1 team per night.

NO SUBSTITUTES the last 4 weeks of a session or during playoffs orupper level play.

Each player must play at least 6 matches during the sessionto be eligible for playoffs.

Divisions of 6, or more, teams will have playoffs ~and~ High PointAwards (Trophies, patches and $100.00 + $2.00 per point won,including Bonus Points).

Each Doubles Match will be worth 1 point, plus 1 Bonus point.Your team can win up to 4 points per match.

$24.00 per team / per week, including playoffs.

We will compensate your efforts, if you would like to start8-Ball Doubles in your area. Please call the APA League Office

410-439-9400

8-Ball Doubles Leagues

9

NOW FORMING 4 Players per team - Points Must Win Chart will be used. (See Back).

3 Doubles matches per night, with any combination of 2 of your playersper match. Players CAN play twice per night, but NOT 3 times!

Total team starting Skill Level cannot exceed 18for the 4 players.

Only 1 match per night can be SL 10 total,other 2 must be any combo lower than 10.

NO match can be higher than 10.

All players must be on an active APA 9Ball roster.

Each Division will have a ‘Substitute List’ to be used when an activeplayer cannot make it to a scheduled match. This list will bemaintained by the Division Rep. Subs must be on an active APA9Ball roster! Once the session has started, if you would like to be aSub, contact the Office and we will provide you with that Div Rep’snumber. Subs can only play for 1 team per night.

NO SUBSTITUTES the last 4 weeks of a session or during playoffs orupper level play.

Each player must play at least 6 matches during the sessionto be eligible for playoffs.

Divisions of 6, or more, teams will have playoffs ~and~ High PointAwards (Trophies, patches and $100.00 + $2.00 per point won,including Bonus Points).

Each Doubles Match will be worth 1 point, plus 1 Bonus point.Your team can win up to 4 points per match.

$24.00 per team / per week, including playoffs.

We will compensate your efforts, if you would like to start9-Ball Doubles in your area. Please call the APA League Office

410-439-9400

9-Ball Doubles Leagues

10

11

??? Got Game Yet ???

UP TO:

3 Games o

f

APA 8-BALL

UP TO:

6 Games of

PRO 9-BALL~ MINI ~

MASTERS(for SL’s 5 and below ONLY!)

League Office: (410) 439-9400

*

*

MINI

For SL’s 5 & Below Only

Players who have once reached the SL of 6 in 8B and are currentlycalculating as a SL5 will be reviewed on a case by case basis to

determine if they can play in this division

Any day of the week you choose

Put your best team togetherSTACK YOUR LINE-UP

NO: HANDICAP LIMITNO: SCOREKEEPING

4 Players per team ~ 3 play per nightEach team must have at least 1 SL4 and 1 SL3 -

or replace either of them with a SL2

Contact Lou for an APA Mini-MastersTeam Registration Form

(Lou): 443-306-0598

STARTS WITH (4) SIGNED UP TEAMS

12

!! TRY NASCAR 9-BALL !!

APA 9BALL RULES

ALL TEAMS MUST BE NAMED AFTER A NASCAR DRIVER

IF YOUR DRIVER WINS THE RACE ONSUNDAY (OR SATURDAY, IF A SATURDAYRACE), YOUR TEAM PLAYS FREE THATWEEK (PROVIDED YOUR TEAM ISSCHEDULED TO PLAY THAT WEEK)

INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL ~NEW DIVISIONS PAY $4.00 PERPLAYER THE 1ST SESSION

NEW DIVISIONS CAN START WITH ONLY 4 TEAMS!

CALL TODAY AND LETS GET ITSTARTED IN YOUR AREA.

(410) 439-9400(M-F)~(9-5)

13

APA Local Incentive ProgramSPRING 2012

?? DO YOU QUALIFY FOR AN AWARD ??

DID YOU -- Captain a team with 2 New APA Players? IF SO, you win: ... (1/2 off a Singles Board entry)

DID YOU -- Captain a team with 3 New APA Players? IF SO, you win: ... (Free Singles Board entry)

DID YOU -- Captain a team with 4 New APA Players? IF SO, you win: ... (Pool Cue & Case and # 2 above)

DID YOU -- Captain a team with 5 New APA Players? IF SO, ... you will be entered into a local drawing for 1 year of FREE PLAY in your choice of a Division! Also you win # 3 above

DID YOU -- Captain a team with 6 New APA Players? IF SO, you and your Co-Captain will receive a new Cue & Case, and you both will receive: # 3 above. Plus the “Free Play” drawing entry for the Captain!

DID YOU -- Captain a 2nd team with at least 4 New APA Players? IF SO, you win: ... (An embroidered APA Jacket)

DID YOU -- FIND - INITIATE - ASSIST AND START a new four-team division (or add 4 teams to an existing division)? IF SO, you win: ... ($250.00)

DID YOU -- FIND - INITIATE - ASSIST AND START a new six-team division? IF SO, you win: ... (TRIP FOR 1 TO LAS VEGAS) (Air Fare - 4 nights lodging!)

DID YOU -- FIND - INITIATE - ASSIST AND START a new eight-team division? IF SO, you win: ... (TRIP FOR 2 TO LAS VEGAS) (Air Fare - 4 nights lodging!)

DID YOU -- Start 8B Doubles -- 9B Doubles -- or Masters Teams? How many?____ IF SO, you win: ... ($50 per team)

All Incentive awards listed above, will become ‘Official’ once the Team / Division hasplayed 4 weeks and all associated fees are current..........

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Lee

SAMPLE

SPRING 2012 Incentive Award Program

MY NAME: _____________________________________________________________

MY APA PLAYER NUMBER:_________________________________________________

MY DIVISION NUMBER: _______________________ TEAM NUMBER:______________

MY TEAMS’ HOST LOCATION: ______________________________________________

MY CO-CAPTAINS NAME: __________________________________________________

MY CO-CAPTAINS PLAYER NUMBER:________________________________________

MY JACKET SIZE (If I won one): _____________________________________________

TELL US WHAT YOU DID TO WIN THE AWARD(S):(Be sure to check all that apply to you on the front of this paper):

If you won a Cue & Case: Circle 1 of each:COLOR: Red Black & (new) Pink --- WEIGHT: 19oz 20oz 21oz

_________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

You have until to return this form in your Team Payment Envelope. Once they areall in, and verified, all applicable awards will be ordered and arrangements made to deliverthem to you as soon as possible (definately before the end of this session). THANK YOU and CONGRATULATIONS!~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~IF YOU DO NOT FILL IN THIS FORM AND RETURN IT TOTHE LEAGUE OFFICE IN YOUR TEAM PAYMENT ENVE-LOPE BY THE DATE LISTED ABOVE, YOU WILL NOT BEAWARDED THE INCENTIVE THAT YOU EARNED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MAR 2nd

SAMPLE

14

15

16

THE FOLLOWING ARE EXCERPTS FROM THEOFFICIAL LEAGUE MANUAL.

ALL PLAYERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO READ4 PAGES IN YOUR TEAM MANUAL:

SECTION 8; PAGES 77 - 80

VERBAL ABUSE: CONSISTS OF ANY NAME CALLING, THREATS OR ANY OTHER LANGUAGE THAT COULD BECONSIDERED TO BE HARASSMENT OR THAT COULD CAUSE EMBARRASSMENT TO ANOTHER LEAGUEMEMBER. THIS INCLUDES ACCUSING A PLAYER OF SANDBAGGING OR CHEATING.

PHYSICAL CONTACT: THE HOSTILE PHYSICAL CONTACT BETWEEN TWO PLAYERS. THIS CONTACT COULD BEIN THE FORM OF BUMPING, SHOVING, PUSHING OR HITTING, AND INCLUDES VERBAL STATEMENTS SUCH AS:WE'LL SETTLE THIS IN THE PARKING LOT AFTER THE MATCH, ETC.

YOUR BOARD OF GOVERNORS, CONSISTING OF MORE THAN 80 DIVISION REPS, HAVE SET FORTH THE FOL-LOWING GUIDELINES TO DEAL WITH VERBAL ABUSE, LANGUAGE, PROFANITY, PHYSICAL CONTACT AND OTHERSPORTSMANSHIP PROBLEMS SUCH AS: BREAKING CUE STICKS, THROWING OBJECTS AND SHARKING YOUROPPONENT. PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE GUIDELINES ARE "MINIMUM SUGGESTED PENALTIES". BASED ONSPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, THE BOARD, DIVISION REVIEW COMMITTEE OR LEAGUE OPERATOR MAY IMPOSESTRONGER PENALTIES! IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THOSE LADIES AND GENTLEMEN WHO CANNOT ACT LIKELADIES AND GENTLEMEN ADJUST THEIR DEMEANOR OR BE REMOVED FROM OUR LEAGUE.

SPORTSMANSHIP INCIDENTS:PROFANITY, BREAKING DOWN CUE STICKS,SHARKING OPPONENTS, ETC.

VERBAL ABUSE:NAME CALLING, HARASSMENT, ATTITUDES,CHEATING/SANDBAGGING ACCUSATIONS

VERBAL ABUSE (WITH PROFANITY):

THROWING/BREAKING OBJECTS:

THREATENING REMARKS / BEHAVIOR:

PHYSICAL CONTACT:FIGHTING

ALL OTHER PHYSICAL CONTACT:

WARNING LETTER TO30 DAY SUSPENSION

WARNING LETTER TO30-DAY SUSPENSION TO60 DAY SUSPENSION

WARNING LETTER TO60 DAY SUSPENSION TO90 DAY SUSPENSION

60 DAY SUSPENSION TO90 DAY SUSPENSION TO1 YEAR SUSPENSION

WARNING LETTER TO30 DAY SUSPENSION TO1 YEAR SUSPENSION

1 YEAR TO PERMANENTSUSPENSION FOR THEINITIATOR AND A MINIMUM30 DAY SUSPENSION FOR ALLOTHERS PHYSICALLY INVOLVED

30 DAYS TOPERMANENT SUSPENSION

30 DAY SUSPENSION

60 DAY SUSPENSION

90 DAY SUSPENSION

1 YEAR SUSPENSION TOPERMANENT SUSPENSION

PERMANENT SUSPENSION

1st OFFENSE REPEAT OFFENSES

PERMANENT SUSPENSION

PERMANENT SUSPENSION

APA POOL LEAGUESPORTSMANSHIP GUIDELINES

17

APA NATIONAL SINGLES PROGRAMFor those of you who know nothing about it, let’s start at the end ... which is a $300,000.00+ NationalSingles Championship (NSC) event, where (7) Champions are crowned, held each year inMay at the Riviera Hotel & Casino, in Las Vegas.

How’s that for an introduction!!

Now, you ask, how do I get there?

To put it as simply as possible .. you win a “Board” and you advance to a “Regional”. There are (2)Regionals each year, so you have (2) “Windows” of Opportunity to advance to Las Vegas.

What is a “BOARD”?

There are a couple of ways that a “Board” is run.

Play on a Board is the same as League Play ... meaning the Games Must Win Chart is used, just likeLeague Play. If a 6 plays a 5 (8B) the race is 5-4. In 9B, it’s a race to your ball count.

(1) 8 Players get together and play (3) rounds, Single Elimination, down to a winner. Each player putsup $15.00 to play on the Board and the actual Board and the score sheets are turned in to the LeagueOffice, along with the $120.00 collected. (The score sheets, the Board and the money goes directly toSt. Louis, by the way). One player advances to a Regional from this Board.

(2) 16 players get together and play a full Double Elimination event and (5) players get qualified onthis type of Board. Each player puts up $32.00 to play on this Board, which is called a “Splash Board”.The (5) actual Boards and all the score sheets are turned in to the League Office, along with the$512.00 collected. (The League Office adds $88.00 to this amount and forwards the $600.00 to St.Louis.) Five players advance to a Regional from this Board.

What is a Regional?

A Regional event is where all players in the Region that have won a Board get together and play forthe right to advance to Las Vegas. You will be put on a Board at the Regional, along with 15 otherplayers .. the winner of that Board advances to Las Vegas. Your Board of 16 players will contain onlyplayers with (as close as is possible) the same Internal Skill Level as yours. A Skill Level goes from.99 - .01 internally. There are (2) Windows of Opportunity to advance to Las Vegas.

What is a Window?

Window One is from January 1st to June 15th each year.

Window Two is from June 16th to November 30th each year.

There is no Qualifying in December.

If you win a Board any time from Jan. 1 - June 15 ... you advance to the FALL Regional, in October.

If you win a Board any time from June 16 - Nov.30 ... you advance to the SPRING Regional, in March.

All winners from the October (or Fall) Regional and all winners from the March (or Spring) Regionaladvance to Las Vegas in May for the NSC!

As you can see ... each player has (2) opportunities a year to play in a Regional and advance to LasVegas. If you participate in the Fall Regional, held in October and fail to advance to Las Vegas, youstill have until November 30th, to win another Board and advance to the Spring Regional.

18

Travel to Las Vegas is (almost) free. You find and pay for your own trip there and back. The APA paysfor your room at the Riviera. When you get there, and register for the NSC, you will be paid $300.00for your travel expenses, no questions asked as to your exact cost. If you found travel for (let’s say)$250.00, you actually made $50.00, however, if your travel cost you (for example) $350.00, you lost$50.00 on the deal.

The APA’s National Singles Championships are for both 8Ball and 9Ball and are held at the sametime. Just like at our Regionals, there are 8Ball only rounds and 9Ball only rounds, so you cancompete in both events without worrying about a ‘table conflict’.

There are (7) National Champions crowned:

8B 2-3; 8B 4 only; 8B 5 only; 8B 6-7; ~and~ 9B 1-3; 9B 4-5; and 9B 6-9.

Each 8B National Champion wins $15,000, and each 9B National Champion wins $10,000 ...however ... everyone that participates in the NSC in Las Vegas is paid cash at the event - even lastplace! (The cash difference is because of the number of participating 8B teams vs. the number ofparticipating 9B teams competing each week in League play, around the APA). As you can see, a 2or a 3 can win as much as a 6 or a 7 and only play players within their own Skill Level!

Each month, we schedule Singles Qualifiers at Bank Shot Bar & Grill, in Laurel, Maryland. The type ofBoards that are run depend on the number of players that attend and asked what they want to do ...Splash or Regular. There is no limit as to the number of Boards you play on each year, attempting toQualify. Once you get qualified, there would be no reason to try again (unless it’s in the ‘other’ format),because each player can only hold one place on a Board (in each format - 8B or 9B) at the Regional.

A couple of times a year, we hold a “Special Qualifying Day”. It’s called our $100.00 Guarantee Day.We will put you on a Board with only (4) other players. Win twice on that Board and you are qualified!Sign the Board and give the Tournament Director $100.00 Lose and we put you on another (4) playerBoard. This continues all day until either you get qualified ~or~ it costs you nothing to try!

To play on an 8B Board, you must ... be on an active 8B Team ..... and have a minimum of 10 actualLeague Play scores in that format.

To play on a 9B Board, you must ... .. be on an active 9B Team ..... and have a minimum of 10 actualLeague Play scores in that format.

In either case, you MUST PRESENT a State, Government or Military Issued Picture ID to participate.

In addition to our monthly scheduled qualifiers, several of our players hold qualifiers at their HomeLocation. If you would like to run a singles qualifier, call the League Office (410) 439-9400 and we willsend you the Board(s) and the score sheets that you need for the event, along with instructions. Aqualifier board can be run in virtually any manner you want to run it. For example: All 8B Skill Level 4’s;or 8B 2’s, 3’s and 4’s only; or Ladies Only; or 9B 6’s and above only; or all Skill Levels or .. or .. youget the point. However, when you attend a Regional, or the National event, they are Skill Leveldependent, as shown above in the list of National Champions.

We have had (2) National Champions! In 1997, William (Jackie Robinson) Morton won and in 2007,Jada Monroe won! Will you be our next National Singles Champion?

Now, go find a Board and get yourself qualified and join the fun!

So, there you have it .. the APA’s National Singles Program!

LOCATION:

DATE:

TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR:

19

A2

A3

A4

A5

A6

A7

A8

A1

B2

B3

B4

B1

C2

C1

S*P*L*A*S*H

L-A1

L-A2

L-A5

L-A6

L-A7

L-A3

L-A8

L-B1

L-B2

L-B3

L-B4

L-C1

L-A4

16 PLAYERS -- $32.00 EACHMust be a FULL FIELD (NO BYES)

5 Players QualifyALL 16 PLAYERS MUST SIGN ON A BOARD

BEFORE PLAY BEGINS.Randomly draw from 2's on the top (A1)..

down to the 7's on the bottom (A8)

APA 8-BALL CLASSICSingles Qualifier

QualifiedSIGNATURE IS ON

BOARD NUMBER:____________

QualifiedSIGNATURE IS ON

BOARD NUMBER:____________

QualifiedSIGNATURE IS ON

BOARD NUMBER:____________

QualifiedSIGNATURE IS ON

BOARD NUMBER:____________

QualifiedSIGNATURE IS ON

BOARD NUMBER:____________

L-C2

~~ SAMPLE ~~

of 16 Player

Singles Qualifier B

oard

See your Div Rep to

participate

20

DIVISION MVP AWARDS:Each Session, the League Office will recognize (4) Most Valuable Players per Division.

(1) Highest Session Winning Percentage - Skill Level 5 and up(2) Highest Session Winning Percentage - Skill Level 4 and Below(3) Most Performance Points Earned ------- Skill Level 5 and up(4) Most Performance Points Earned ------- Skill Level 4 and Below

Winning percentage is calculated by: taking the number of League Matches you actuallyplayed in the session divided into the number of matches you won during the session. Whereties occur, the player with the most matches played among those tied will be declared thewinner. For example, if you play 11 matches during the session and win 9 of them, your per-centage for that session would be 81.8%.

Performance Points are earned by: defeating an opponent. Beat a Skill Level 3 - earn 3Performance Points, beat a Skill Level 7 - earn 7 Points, etc.. No Performance Points areearned for losing, you must defeat your opponent to earn the points.

No player can win both awards in a session. If a player qualifies for 1st place in bothcategories, the Performance Points award will be presented to the 2nd place player in theSkill Level bracket.

Each of the 4 Divisional MVP’S will be awarded a special APA MVP PATCH or PIN (theycannot be bought, they must be earned).................... and;

All winners will be invited to a FREE$2,000.00 MVP Tournament!

There will be (4) $2,000.00 MVP Tournaments each session:9B: (1-4) - 9B: (5-9) -- 8B: (2-4) - 8B: (5-7)

Each tournament winner will receive:$500.00 - Cash!

Champion TrophyAPA Embroidered Jacket

Each Tournament Runner-up will receive:$300.00 - Cash!

Runner-Up TrophyFree Singles Qualifier Entry

The award will be presented ASAP (time allowed) in the beginning of the next session.

Each Tournament 3/4th will receive:$200.00 - Cash!

3rd Place TrophyEach Tournament 5/8th will receive:

$100.00 - Cash!5th Place Trophy

21

Speaking in a languageother than English ....

Please feel free to speak among yourteam mates in whatever

language you wish,

~~ HOWEVER ~~If your team mates are speaking in a

foreign language and are loudenough for the opponent player to hear

them....

WE WILL CONSIDER IT COACHING andWILL RESULT IN A BALL-IN-HAND FOUL

BEING CALLED.

Team Captains: Remind your team players to speak quietly if speak-ing in a language other than English and have your shooter standaway from your team ... this will help prevent any confusion about

Illegal Coaching and help make the night of playing poolmore enjoyable for everyone

... thank you for your cooperation!

any questions ... please call410-439-9400 ~ 800-803-POOL

23

~~~ SLOW PLAY & GUIDELINES ~~~*Is upsetting to your opponent.....

*Does NOT improve your game.....

*Makes the matches last longer into the night....

*Will no longer be tolerated!!

The League Office heard that one of our local matches consisting of 40 balls pocketed,lasted 95 minutes! That’s an almost incredible 2 1/2 minutes per ball!

The APA has established guidelines to limit match play time an effort to provide an eveningof pool that adheres to a schedule that is productive and enjoyable for all participants.

Each evening, there is a full schedule of 5 individual matches that must be played in a timelymanner. We strive to offer the best environment and playing rules for our players

while fulfilling our obligations to our Host Locations.

The guidelines that have been set are more than adequate for League Play,and in most cases, actual match play will take less than the time allowed.

Please be courteous; long matches are exhausting to all players(even for the players on your team).

We ask for good sportsmanship in keeping to the schedule.Your cooperation will help make each evening fun and exciting for everyone.

Time Guidelines for Individual matches:Games must win (total for both players):

4-6 (45 minutes)...7 -10 (1 hour)

Additional Time Guidelines:Each players’ practice period: 2 minutes

Average shot: 30 seconds (National: 20 seconds)Difficult shot (special situations): 60 seconds (National :45 seconds)

Time outs: 2 minutes: (National: 1 minute)

PLAYERS THAT CONTINUOUSLY PLAY WAAAAY TO SLOWNEED TO BE WRITTEN UP .... ENOUGH WRITE-UPS WILL

CAUSE DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

IN SOME CASES, WHERE THE LEAGUE OFFICE FEELS NECESSARY,THE DIVISION REP WILL BE AUTHORIZED TO PURCHASE A TIMER ...

IF IN USE - IT WILL BE SET ACCORDING TO THE GUIDELINES NOTED ABOVE ....FAILURE TO EXECUTE A SHOT WITHIN THE TIMES OUTLINED WILL BE ....

BALL-IN-HAND TO THE OPPONENT PLAYER.

24

NOTES CONCERNINGRULE BOOKCHANGES

(1) CHANGING COACHING: ...... this has been added: and a different Coach can bedesignated for each time-out. We see no problem with this new rule, except in thesituation where a Player calls for a time out and the Coach can refuse the time out. Toavoid confusion, if there have been several (at least more than one) different Coach(es)for this player ... the only Coach that can refuse this time out is the MOST RECENTCOACH.

(2) USING CHALK TO MARK THE POCKET IN 8B:

IN OUR FRANCHISE AREAWE WILL NOT ALLOW THE USE OF CHALK

AS AN 8-BALL POCKET MARKER

MODIFIED RULE:A STAND-ALONE PIECE OF CHALK WILL NOT BE RECOGNIZED OR ALLOWED.

HOWEVER, A PERSONAL ITEM THAT CONTAINS CHALK,SUCH AS A PERSONAL CHALK HOLDER, WILL BE ALLOWED

AS IT CAN NOT BE CONFUSED WITH OTHER ITEMS ON THE TABLE,AND CLEARLY MARKS THE INTENDED POCKET.

When you or your team advances to Las Vegasto compete in the National Singles Championships

or the National Team Championships,you may or may not be allowed

to use chalk as a marker ..you will be given instructions

there at that event.(3) If, while reading the new rule book, you come across any new rules that may causeconfusion, please contact the League Office immediately -- by phone or a note in yourteam payment envelope.

Lee A. TianiAPA League Operator

Greater Washington DC Area(410) 439-9400 ~or~ (800) 803-POOL

25

Md, DC, & Va.

NON-SMOKING LAWS

As we all know, our entire area has adopted no-smoking lawsthat do not allow smoking in public places, such as BARS,RESTAURANTS, POOL ROOMS, etc.

The official APA stanceon this ban during league play is:

Any Members wanting to take a smoke break outside, mustdo it before their match begins or after their match isfinished. All play must be continuous, from the start of playto the end. If one of the players takes a smoke break afterthe match has started, the match point(s) will be forfeitedto the opponent team. In the event that both players agreeto hold up the match and take a smoke break together, thematch will be considered forfeited and neither team will getthe point(s) for that specific match.

Any and all remaining matches

are to be played out in their entirety Lee

26

23RULE

Recently, we have noticed an increasing large number ofscore sheets being turned in where one (or both) teamsviolated the 23 Rule and the opponent team failed to makea note of it on the score sheet before it was turned in tothe League Office. Either the opponent team wasn’t awareof the violation, or they just didn’t care and let it happen.THIS IS NOT FAIR to all the teams who are responsibleenough to make sure they comply with the rule and thattheir opponent does, as well.

Therefore, beginning immediately, any team that violatesthe 23 Rule (noted on the score sheet or not) will be penal-ized according to the instructions in the APA Official TeamManual: Rule 29; Bottom of Page 33. When we are in theprocess of keying in the matches, the computer programautomatically notifies us if there has been a violation ofthe 23 Rule and we will immediately take the appropriateaction. Please - don’t let this happen to your team!

TEAM CAPTAINS

27

TEAM CAPTAINS CHECKLIST1. Whenever you contact the league office, make sure that you know your division/team

number and the membership numbers of the players that you are inquiring about.This will allow the office to give you the most efficient service possible. On matters involvingthe skill levels of your players or matters involving rosters, scoresheets, finances, patches, rulebooks and other team materials, your contact will be your Office Area Manager. Their nameshould be listed in the front of this book. For other skill level and sportsmanship complaints,write a note and place it in your “payment” envelope or use the website under electronicforms.

2. Check the spelling of the names of your team members. A slight difference in spellingcould allow your member’s scores to be assigned to an incorrect membership number, or toanother member’s scoring record. Call your Area Manager with any concerns.

3. Check the membership numbers of your team members. If they play on more than oneteam, their membership number should be the same for all teams, so please remind them toverify that. If they are not new APA members their numbers should be quite a bit lower than theones assigned to brand new members. Again, call your Area Manager if you feel something’swrong.

4. Gather the addresses, telephone numbers & e-mail addresses of your teammembers. If any information changes during the session, please call your Area Manager atthe office so our records can be updated. Remember your players cannot join the website if acurrent email address is not on file.

5. Make sure that you understand the Divisional Playoff eligibility requirements of eachand every member of your team, particularly the number of matches that they must play for“your” team during the current session, as well as the National Qualifier eligibility requirementsfor your team as a whole. You may have matches forfeited to your team late in the session,preventing some of your team members from becoming eligible for the playoffs. Have yourmembers get their matches in ... as soon as possible. If you have questions, or need to verifyeligibility requirements, please call your Area Manager.

6. Our Team Information Packet overrides the National APA Team Manual for all localplay. Your team should have a copy of the most recent Team Information Packet and shouldhave it at all of your matches. This will eliminate any possible disputes over rules or leaguepolicies related to your match play. Also, contact your Division Reps if you need helpresolving a problem. They are not permitted to quote rules or policy, but can help you findanswers to your questions in the Team Information Packet.

7. If you have members on your team who have played in the APA, anywhere, or at anytime in the past, make sure that their membership numbers and name spellings are correct.If they have played on an APA team in another APA league area, let us know. The APA nationaloffice must be contacted by us in order to have that member’s scores transferred into ourdatabase. This is extremely important since match points could be forfeited as the result ofhaving played that member at a lower shill level then allowed. Obviously, this could also affectyour division standings and your playoff opportunities.

8. If the member is playing a specific game format (8-Ball or 9-Ball) for the first time, buthas an “established skill level” (10 or more lifetime matches played in another gameformat), they must start the new game format at their previously established skill level. If theyare not an “established” player they must start as a “new player”.

28

9. If you have new APA members on your team (members who have never played in theAPA), make sure membership applications are completed and sent in the night they first shoot;that their names are spelled correctly; and that they were assigned “new” membership num-bers (numbers that are higher than most numbers in the Division). Please note that theymust play at least six (6) matches (seven (7) in the Spring) for “your” team during thesession to gain eligibility for the Playoffs and Tri-Annuals.

NOTE: If they join the APA after Week 2, they MUST PAY THEIR APA DUES the 1st Night they Play!

10. As captain, you are responsible for who plays on the team, when they play, how theyhandle themselves, and any problems that may occur during their matches; alongwith collecting and sending in league fees; and picking up and turning in paperwork.Remind all of your players that your team will be playing according to this Team InformationPacket, and that any problems that they may encounter during their matches will be handled by“you”, or the co-captain, or the acting-captain, each evening that you play. This prevents yourplayers from getting into trouble by trying to take care of things on their own. Carry this TeamInformation Packet to each of your matches or just leave it in your team envelope. No memberis expected to memorize all of the rules, however your Information Packet should be used as areference during your matches to help settle rules questions. Feel free to contact yourDivision Reps for help during your matches.

11. Monitor your paperwork each week to ensure that points, fees, names, membershipnumbers, matches played and skill levels are correct.

12. Playing a very competitive team. You may find yourselves playing against a very competitiveteam that follows the letter of the law as far as the Bylaws and APA Team Manual areconcerned. This is not their problem. This is their right. So please prepare your team to knowand follow the rules, and to cooperate whenever a rule is broken.

LEAGUE STARTING TIME (Grace Period and Extended Grace Period)

1. Starting Time (Real Time -- Not Bar Time. The starting time for the first match may vary withthe division, but will not be earlier than 7:00 pm or any later than 7:30 pm weekdays. The actualstarting time for each Division is clearly printed at the top of each scoresheet. Both teams arerequired to play any available members, even if only one player is present on each team atthe scheduled match start time. If either team refused to do so, the result is loss-of-match,which will be scored as: 5-0 in 8 ball, 15-0 in Masters, or 75-0 in 9 ball. Regular League feesare still due by both teams.

NOTE: Some Saturday or Sunday Divisions may have earlier start times, however, they too will be printed on the scoresheet.

2. Grace Period. Teams have a fifteen (15) minute grace period, after the official division startingtime, in order to start the first match, but after the grace period is over, if play has not begun, allmatches are forfeited for the evening by the offending team. Regular League fees are still dueby both teams.

3. Extended Grace Period. In Travel Divisions only, if EITHER team is going to be slightly latefor the match, the Team Captain must call the Host Location (phone number is on yourschedule) before the end of the fifteen minute grace period, to notify the opponent Captain thatthey are on their way and will be there soon. They will then be extended an additional fifteenminutes grace period before any forfeits can be called.

29

Teams that fail to contact the Home Team Host Location or arrive past the extended graceperiod after calling, will forfeit all points; must still pay their weekly fees and have no protestrights in this situation.

4. Team. Each team gets to use one half hour, of the hour prior to the division starting time, forpractice. The visiting team must get the half hour just prior to the division starting time andmust be allowed to practice on the same table that will be used for the team match. If the hometeam does not provide the time or the table, the visiting team is not required to play anymatches, and will receive three (3) match points plus the Bonus for that evening. The hometeam gets zero (0) points and a letter of warning. Both teams, however, are still required tosubmit their weekly team fee.

Where multiple tables are present, a member of the home team must be there and designatethe table to be used that evening and make necessary arrangements for the visiting team topractice. If no player of the home team is at the match site 1/2 hour prior to the scheduledmatch, the visiting team may practice on any available table (for their 1/2 hour practice time)and that table will be the one used for the competition that evening.

Individual Player Match. Once league play has begun, each player put up in a match will beallowed about 1 minute (but no more than 2) of practice time. Teams/players who abuse thispractice time rules should be written up. The League Office will contact them and fix theproblem.

DIVISION REPRESENTATIVE AND ASSISTANTREPRESENTATIVE1. Division Representatives (Div Reps) are elected by the Team Captains in your division,

these members are responsible for interfacing with the League Office on matters concerningnew events, higher-level tournaments, skill levels, rulings, etc. The Div Reps, once elected, canappoint an Assistant Division Rep. All players in good standing with the APA that are playingmembers of the Division are eligible to be appointed EXCEPT anyone currently playing on thesame team as the current Division Rep. The name of your Division Rep is listed at the top ofevery scoresheet along with their team number. Use your division schedule to locate theDivision Rep if you need help during your night of play.

2. Attendance at Division Finals. Division Reps should make every attempt possible to be atthe match site for the Division Championship finals to make ruling and pass out the trophies. Ifunable to attend, the Assistant Div Rep, or designated Rep should be there.

3. Run Singles Qualifiers. Division Reps are responsible for running/coordinating SinglesQualifiers for their Division. If there is an interest in a qualifier, please contact the LeagueOffice and we’ll make sure a Singles Board (Singles Elimination, Double Elimination, orSplash Board) is delivered to you or the match site in advance of your Qualifier.

4. Referee Higher Level Tournaments. All Division Reps will be asked to referee at all localHigher Level Tournaments.

30

TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES1. Captains, Co-Captains (the player listed 2nd on the Team Roster), and team members have

a responsibility to their league, as well as to their teammates. While the League Officeunderstands that teams will try to protect all APA members from what may seem to be, or is,unfair, or even hostile behavior from another team or team member, you must also understandthat we have methods in place to address these problems. If you find yourselves in any of thesituations described throughout this chapter, please handle them as outlined. No other form ofresponse to these problems is acceptable.

Teams that do not comply with the rules and policies of the League Office, or otherwise createproblems for their Division, will be identified and will receive a notice describing the violationand the penalty.

2. Communications. As a general rule, all communications within, and between, teams shall befiltered thru the Captain or Co-Captain. If more help is needed, then the DivisionRepresentative should be contacted. It is imperative that each Captain/Co-Captain informstheir members of the proper “Chain of Command” to follow in handling questions, concernsand rulings, since this can eliminate or great lessen the potential for problems between teams.

3. Disputes. The best way to handle a dispute during a game situation is to have the two playersinvolved attempt to reach a solution within League rules. If they cannot, then proceed as in “2”above. When the two (2) players involved in the match reach a solution agreeable to bothparties, their decision is final.

4. Intolerable Situations. If your team should ever face an intolerable situation created by theother team, and no amount of reading the rules and polite requests have any effect, rememberthat the official protest, where allowed, is your only defense in these situations. Captains andCo-Captains have control over the match being played, and have the right to stop it, tell theother Captain or Co-Captain that the next match will be started immediately with new players,and that an official protest will be made to the League Office concerning the conduct of theoffending team. The League Office will aggressively pursue the issue, and suspension and/orloss of match points will most likely result. See protesting a player match in the Official TeamManual.

5. Playing Conditions. Teams must accept the normal condition of the equipment at hostlocations. The League Office will not interfere in the business practice of those locations.However, teams are not allowed to temporarily doctor tables, or introduce a cue ball that is notnormally used in the tables of the establishment, in order to try to gain an advantage. Bothteams must agree to either of the above or match points could be lost.

Cue Ball. If a host location has a mix of normal weight, magnetic, and oversized cue ball, thatare normally shared by all of the tables, the Visiting team must accept whichever type that theHome team makes available. You cannot change the normally available cue ball, unless bothteams agree.

6. Write-Ups Concerning Skill Levels. If you feel that a player in your Division, or on yourTeam, is underrated, or overrated, send in the Orange Review Flyer that is in your TeamEnvelope describing your concern. All skill level complaints received by the League Office areevaluated and may be presented to the Division Handicap review committed for further review.Please be aware that the simple act of writing up a player will not cause any immediate action

31

to be taken on their skill level. After all, what if someone wrote you up?Should we raise you next week?Keep in mind that players at every skill level can have ‘one of those nights’ where shots fall andposition happens! (Haven’t you had a night like that?) If a lower skill level player has a goodnight, it does not mean that player should be raised any more than if a higher skill level playerthat has a bad night should be lowered.

TEAM REGISTRATION1. Registration Fee. The fee is $10.00 for each new session. This is a refundable credit that can

be used two ways. If your team plays in continuous session, the $10.00 covers your teamregistration for the following session, if carried forward as a credit and is not used by yourteam throughout the session. Or if your team decides to drop out for a session, you can applythe $10.00 credit towards and weekly fee in the current session.

2. Pre Registration Form. Approximately one month before the end of each session, a TeamPre Registration Form will be in each Team envelope. Fill it in, including any changes to yourroster for the next session (or check the SAME TEAM box in the player name area) and putthe form in your Team Payment envelope along with the $10.00 Registration fee or note to use$10.00 of the team credit for this purpose. Once the Pre Registration forms have been in yourTeam envelope for one week, each team that has a minimum team credit of $10.00 willautomatically be Pre-Registered for the next session. The League Office will deduct the$10.00 fee from your team balance. The $10.00 Pre Registration fee will be refunded to yourteam the 1st week of play the next session and will appear as a team credit.

START OF SESSION REMINDERS1. Starting a New Session. Organizing a new session is always a hectic time of the League

Office and members alike. Since teams are allowed to adjust their rosters during the first four(4) weeks of every session, errors can be made that could complicate matters quite a bit. Inorder to help things run smooth every week, please do the following.

2. Adding Players the 1st 4 Weeks (Notifying your Opponent). Ask, and inform, the other teamabout any possible changes to the current roster before the first player match of the evening.Players added to a roster are not allowed to play unless the other team was informed prior tothe first match.

The League Office is asking for both Team Captains to be congenial during the first couple ofweeks of play of a new session. Teams that have less than five (5) players on their roster onthe scoresheet are obviously going to need to add a player or two. Quite possible, at thebeginning of he night, your opponent may not even know who is going to be added to theirteam roster, thy may be searching around the bar or asking anyone who comes in the door ifthey are interested in joining their team. If this is your particular situation, please notify youropponent Captain that you may be adding players and you will let them know when someonehas agreed to play on your team.

PLAYING ON MULTIPLE TEAMS (COMMON PLAYERS)You are allowed to qualify with and play for, more than one team in the Tri-Annual and theLas Vegas Qualifier tournaments. However, anytime two teams with common players compete against one another, the common players are not allowed to participate in any fashion,

32

not even coaching. If the number of common players is large, the League Operator canrequire and alternative such as a best two-out-of-three team match to be played or,possible, a race -to-one match if the two players are the only ones different on the tworosters.

OUTSIDE INTERFERENCE - ENVIRONMENT1. Should individuals, who are not members of either team, interfere with your players, ask the

“Home Team” captain to inform the owner of the establishment, the employees, or both. If theproblem is not resolved, and your team does not wish to deal with it, your only option is todocument the problem, forfeit your remaining matches, and leave the premises. If you decideto continue playing and the positions of the balls on the table are destroyed as a result of thisinterference, that game must be replayed. The same hold true for any problems concerning theenvironment in the location where the matches are being played.

There is nothing else that you can or should do, so please make the best of it. However, if anymember of your team is threatened with violent behavior, you are always free to leave theestablishment without penalty. The remaining matches will be rescheduled for play at the samelocation, at 2 pm on the Saturday following your regular night of play unless both teams agreeto play the remainder of the team match within two weeks of the regularly scheduled date.Teams cannot agree to anywhere other than the officially scheduled location, unless theestablishment owner involved, and the League Office, allows the change.

Spectators attending any league matches are not allowed to coach, make calls, stop matches,or otherwise interfere in those matches.

2. The Home Team Captain is responsible for the actions of all non-league players as describedabove.

3. It is the general policy of the League Office not to become involved in the business practicesof the establishments, and teams are not allowed to change their “Home” locations withoutLeague Office approval, once a session has started, unless the establishment is agreeable orhas become unable to host league play, or the location owner has come into conflict with therules and policies of the League Office and/or the APA.

Players who are barred, if a player from an APA site, the APA does not protect him to play. Thismeans they cannot enter the establishment to play in an APA match.

Players that have been suspended or removed from APA League Play but not barred from thehost location, are not allowed in APA match areas.

WEATHER EMERGENCIES - LIBERAL PLAY1. If a weather emergency has been declared in your playing area, and you are unable to play,

contact the League Office, leaving a message if necessary, and give your name, division andteam number. Hold onto your scoresheet but try to return your team envelope to a drop-offlocation. Also indicate the make-up date that both teams have agreed to (must be within two(2) weeks of the regularly scheduled match). Otherwise, the matches will be re-schedule forplay at the same location, at 2 pm on the Saturday immediately following your regular night ofplay, weather permitting, of course. If a PHASE II SNOW EMERGENCY has been issued by

33

your local radio or TV news, league play is automatically cancelled for the evening and must berescheduled, as above, unless both Team Captains agree to play that evening.

2. Please use good judgment and common sense on these occasions. If the roads are, or become, too dangerous to travel, please do not attempt to make it to your match site. No forfeitswill be allowed for inclement weather.

“YOUR SAFETY IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN A POOL GAME!”

TEAM CAPTAINS - Our team Leaders!The most important responsibility of each Team Captain

is to rid their team and the league of any players with hostile attitudes.

You and every other league member deserve to be treatedwith respect and dignity and in a sportsmanlike manner.

Good sportsmanship is essential in any sport!

It’s time for those players who constantly argue and disagree with league rules, rulings, and policies(and in general make league play miserable for the members of our league)

to grow up or find a different league, or sport to compete in!

Juvenile behavior will no longer be tolerated!

Additional Team Captain responsibilities can be found in the APA Team Manual

PLAYERS PLAYING a 2nd TIME DURING A MATCH:There are situations where it is necessary for a player to play a 2nd time during a match.

This is Only ALLOWED when a new team has joined the APA and/or an established team hashad players drop out and it is too late in the session to add new players,

AND IT MUST HAVE PRIOR PERMISSION FROM THE LEAGUE OFFICE!When this occurs, the player playing for the 2nd time in a match:

CANNOT PLAY IF THEIR SKILL LEVEL CAUSES THE TEAM TO GO OVER 23(19 in the LADIES DIVISION); AND

MUST PLAY AT THEIR SKILL LEVEL and USE THEIR OWN NAME and PLAYER NUMBER!

If the player plays a 2nd time and uses the Name, Player Number and/or Skill Level of another player on their team, and the League Office is made aware of this happening:

The TEAM CAPTAIN WILL BE IMMEDIATELY SUSPENDEDand any/all points won by that player will be awarded to the opponent team!

It’s time to start playing fairor go find another form of recreational activity!

!! CAPTAINS !!GET PLAYERS WITH BAD ATTITUDES

OFF YOUR TEAM ~~ and ~~ OUT OF OUR LEAGUE!!! WE ALL THANK YOU FOR THAT !!

34

CALLING FOULS:It is the responsibility of the shooters and their coaches to pay attention to the match so that if a foul

occurs, they can spot it and make the call properly.

Know the rules before calling a foul.

It is the responsibility of the team calling the foul to show the opposing Team Captainin writing (using either this package or the APA Team Manual)

where it states that a “ball-in-hand” or “loss-of-game” foul has occurred.

It is the responsibility of the two Team Captainsto resolve all disputes in a calm professional manner.

In the event that the two Captains can not agree how a written rule should be interpreted,either Captain has the right to file an Official APA Protest.

Refer to: PROTESTS and DISPUTES in your Team Manual

If verbal abuse in any form is displayed by the other Team Captainor any of the team members, those individuals involved

will face sportsmanship violation actionby their local Review Board and / or the League Office.

IN A BALL-IN-HAND / TIME-OUTSITUATION (Only)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It is permissible for the Coach to place the Cue ball for the playerand/or to mark the 8B pocket!

The player does not have to retouch it, reposition it,OR be the last person to touch it

(although they may do any of those if they desire.)

ALL FOULS relative to the player placing the cue ballare also in effect if the Coach is placing the ball.

(This is a rule that was adopted by the APAin an effort to “Speed up” the individual player matches)

APA NATIONAL RULE:

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --ALWAYS REMEMBER:

A FOUL CANNOT OCCURUNTIL THE RACK IS BROKEN!

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

35

CELL PHONES DURING LEAGUE PLAY~ and ~

LOCAL UPPER LEVEL TOURNAMENTSIt is no longer permissible to answer your cell phone

while you are participating in an APA match.

ALSO - ANY OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICE CONNECTED TO YOUR EARCANNOT BE USED DURING LEAGUE or UPPER LEVEL PLAY!

NOTE: This is the same rule as in Las Vegas ~ ~ no electronic devices allowed in the playing area - period.

Once the balls have been broken,at the very beginning of your personal match,

you CANNOT answer your cell phone!

You must either:(A) Turn it off, ....or

(B) Leave it with one of your friends / teammatesto answer for you during your match.

The penalty for answering your phone while your personal match is underwayis ball-in-hand to your opponent.

IF YOUR OPPONENT IS SHOOTINGWHEN THE FOUL OCCURS:

they continue to shoot until they miss,then they pick up the cue ball, place it anywhere they wish on the table,

and continue to shoot again until they miss again.

IF YOU ANSWER THE PHONE WHILEIT’S YOUR TURN AT THE TABLE:

your turn is over immediatelyand your opponent is awarded ball-in-hand.

IF YOU ARE EXPECTING AN IMPORTANT CALL:Let your opponent know that a call may be coming

and have one of your friends answer it for you, then, when your phone rings,and it’s the call you’ve been waiting for, please let your opponent know

that the call has come and feel free to answer it. Keep it as short as possible, please.

Personal cell phone usage has become increasingly more popular, and has come to the point that itdisrupts the flow of a match and can leave the perception that the player is being coached

by a person on the other end of the phone.

36

“SANDBAGGING”Ever heard that term used?

I asked these questions at a Tri-Annual Team Captains / Players meeting:

“Have you ever heard to term SANDBAGGING?”The response was - YES.

“What does a SANDBAGGER do to SANDBAG?”The response was - he/she misses shots on purpose.

“Why would a player miss a shot on purpose?”The response was - to hold down their Skill Level.

“Do you know another term for a SANDBAGGER?My response - “A CHEATER!”

“Who does a CHEATER CHEAT?”My response -”YOU!”

(They certainly don’t cheat ME - they cheat each of YOU!)

“If you knew how to stop a SANDBAGGER from CHEATING, would you do it?”The OVERWHELMING response was - YES!

Here’s the deal - when you are the scorekeeper (at any APA event) and in your opinion, there was noattempt to make a ball, mark a defensive shot on your scoresheet! You have the pen in your hand at thetime the missed shot occurred. You can stop the cheating right there and then! What happens when youmark a defensive shot on the scoresheet? What good does it do? When the computer system is calcu-lating a player Skill Level for the match, one inning is subtracted from the player’s total innings for thematch for each defensive shot marked on the scoresheet! If a player misses a shot on purpose (trying to‘run-up-innings’) and you mark the defensive shot on the scoresheet, you have just removed their effortto sandbag! In other words, you have just stopped the cheater! Because, if a player misses a shot onpurpose, and the defensive shot is marked on the scoresheet, the extra inning the player was trying to“run-up” is credited to their opponent - not to them -- (it was subtracted)!

If the shooter knows you are marking all intentional misses on the scoresheet, why would they miss ashot on purpose - just to have their opponent’s Skill Level go down? Would you?

Think of it this way:

FAILURE TO MARK DEFENSIVE SHOTSON YOUR SCORE SHEET

ALLOWS CHEATERS TO CHEATGiving an intentional ball-in-hand IS considered a defensive shot and

must be marked as such on the scoresheet.

37

MARKING DEFENSIVE (SAFETY) SHOTS:Over the years, there have been many questions and misinterpretations concerning the Defensive Shotsblock on the scoresheet. Marking Defensive Shots both consistently and correctly ensure the effective-ness of the Equalizer scoring and handicap system, so it’s very important!

Failure to correctly mark Defensive Shots when scoring matches is an irregularity. Penalties may beimposed by the Local Management, Handicap Review Committees, and/or the American PoolplayersAssociation (APA), on teams or players who are not conscientious of this issue.

Some players do not have a clear understanding of what constitutes a Defensive Shot. A DefensiveShot (also called a safety) is a where there is no INTENT to pocket a ball. Intent is the key word andcertainly leaves room for judgement. This is one reason why both teams have a scoresheet. It isn’tnecessary for both scoresheets to agree on the number of Defensive Shots marked. If you feel youropponent did not intend to pocket a ball, you should mark a Defensive Shot. Likewise, if your own playerdid not intend to pocket a ball, mark a Defensive Shot.

Here are some typical situations that ARE considered Defensive Shots:

* A player does not have what he feels is a makable shot and decides to leave his opponent in a difficultsituation rather than attempt a bad shot.

*A player shoots one of his objects balls softly up near a corner to block his opponent, therefore notintending to make a ball.

*A player is well ahead in a game or a match and decides to purposely miss a few shots. This isunethical and is a form of cheating, called Sandbagging, that could disqualify a player or team. The wayto prevent sandbagging is to mark these Defensive shots. If every scorekeeper did so, no one wouldbother to sandbag. It would be pointless.

Here are some examples that are NOT Defensive Shots:

*A beginning / weak player misses shots while trying to make them.

*A player is left with a virtually impossible shot but does his best to try to make it anyway.

*A player is left “hooked” (or snookered) - hidden in such a manner that he is unable to shoot directly atone of his object balls. He kicks as best as he can, but doesn’t make contact with one of his balls. Thescorekeeper must then decide the player’s INTENT. Did he shoot hard enough to make the ball if hehad made contact, (which would NOT be considered a Defensive Shot) or did he shoot just hard enoughto get the ball to go to a rail to avoid giving up ball-in hand (which IS a Defensive Shot)? This is ajudgment call.

Whether or not the object ball goes in the pocket should not be the deciding factor. Whether or not theplayer INTENDED to pass his turn to the other player on purpose is the deciding factor. Missing onpurpose can be ethical or unethical, but is not the issue.

IF IN THE SCOREKEEPER’S OPINION,A PLAYER DID NOT INTEND TO POCKET A BALL,

MARK IT AS A DEFENSIVE SHOT!!

38

SCOREKEEPINGUSE A VETERAN PLAYER TO KEEP SCORE

and TEACH THE NEW PLAYERS THE PROPER WAY!

It is suggested (but not required) that the scorekeepers for each team sit together. This will not onlyhelp the teams avoid disagreements as to how many games, or points have been won; how manytime-outs have been taken; how many innings and defensive shots were played, but it will help pro-

mote a friendly non-arguing atmosphere for both teams. TRY IT! - IT WORKS!

Scorekeepers should be taught how to spot defensive shots.

A very important function of each Team Captainis to make sure the scorekeeper recognizes when a safety has been played,

meaning: there was no intent to pocket a ball,and that they mark it accordingly on the scoresheet.

Accurately recording defensive shots at the time they are played,is the most effective means to deter sandbagging (CHEATING).

Failure to record defensive shots on the scoresheetallows cheating to happen in your League!

Play pool by the rules and spirit of the rules,but keep score by the book!

EVEN IF THE SCOREKEEPERS SIT TOGETHERTHEY DO NOT NEED TO AGREE ON DEFENSIVE SHOTS.

ANY CONSPIRACY AMONG THE SCOREKEEPERS TO ADD INNINGSOR TO FALSIFY A SCORE SHEET IN ANY WAY

WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION FROM THE LEAGUE!!!

BOTH THE 23 & THE 19 RULES PREVENT TEAMS FROM ‘STACKING’THEIR LINEUPS WITH A BUNCH OF STRONG PLAYERS. WHO WOULDWANT TO PLAY AGAINST A TEAM OF SUPER SEVENS? THE 23 / 19RULE NOT ONLY PREVENTS THIS FROM HAPPENING, BUT ALSODISCOURAGES IT BY AWARDING ZERO POINTS TO ANY TEAM THATEXCEEDS EITHER RULE ON LEAGUE NIGHT OR UPPER LEVEL PLAY.

39