Sandbagging in league play?

Question

Anybody got any ideas on how to make the current handycap system for apa beter / more difficult to sandbag. I understand that for a real good player that has never played league before,with a good coach that knows the system sandgagging is not that hard . stay at or below fifty percent and watch your innings. and you can cheat!

Answer 1

Mark defensive shots.  Don't let new players take score.  They don't know what a defensive shot looks like.  I play and if I miss one my team tells me.

Answer 2

Beat me again  . Hey Straight.

Answer 3

I think that not everybody realizes what the defensive shot section is for on the scoresheet.  It should be widely known that each shot that is not intended for a pocket should be marked as defense...most people just mark safeties, not the sandbagging misses.  And of course they don't have to match what the other team has.  I actually think the handicaps work quite well (in 9-ball, not as well for 8-ball), we just need to let everybody know what they can do to keep sandbagging to a minimum.  And go ahead and report sandbaggers to the league operator so he or she can get someone to keep an eye on the offenders.

Answer 4

Having several friends involved with APA leagues, I'm familiar with how some people play on the lemon.  Frankly this is why I've never been a very big APA supporter.  I like that they're out there getting people involved in pool in a friendly, social setting, but there are definitely some flaws with the rules and ranking system.  I could suggest that the APA take a few cues from the BCA.  I'm not suggesting the BCA is flawless, but the whole setup just seems more fair and rewarding of skilled play.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.