| Anti-Sandbagging Measures |
|
|
|
|
Every league member should know how to keep score properly, especially when it comes to marking defensive & non-performance shots! Having scorekeepers work together helps promote accuracy, but remember we're looking for BOTH sides of the story. Note on the scoresheet if you believe someone is intentionally (missing, shooting wrong ball, or purposely scratching) or unintentionally (too drunk, not trying, taking it easy on a new player, swiping balls off the table in anger, etc.) manipulating their handicap. |
|
|
|
|
|
Do not let inappropriate skill levels go unreported, but when you do report a skill level or sandbagging issue, make sure you provide RELEVANT details. "This player is no 5 " or "I'm going to quit if you don't do what I want" doesn't tell us anything about WHY a player might or might not be ranked accurately. List specific skills the player has demonstrated or describe what happened during the match that makes it unusual. Note: We are frequently asked to review a match only to find that the accused player didn't do anything special, but the complaining team's player just didn't perform well. |
|
|
|
|
|
If you believe a player may be missing on purpose, simply ask the player, "Was that a defensive shot?" or "Did you mean for that to be a defensive shot?" Say it loud & clear for everyone to hear. Cheaters are much less likely to run up innings if they know someone is paying attention. Bullies may get rude if cornered, but are usually not so bold if you're calling attention to what they are doing. As always, make sure you are calm & courteous no matter what so that it's obvious who the bad sport really is! |
|
|
|
|
|
Do not put up with sandbagging talk or behavior on your own team. Most of the talk about sandbagging is just that...talk. It becomes an intimidating situation if everyone thinks they are the only ones NOT doing it. Cheaters should be the ones who have to worry about fitting in. If you eliminate doubt about your own motives, you will soon get a reputation for being honest. More players will want to play for your teams & serious cheaters will start avoiding you instead of boldly making you uncomfortable. |
|
|
|
|
|
Encourage all players to have fun & do their best. Most people who have a good night are not cheaters. Cheaters are in the minority, but new players are often made to feel that cheating is a "normal" part of league play. Players who are not inclined to cheat will naturally gravitate toward teams who don't make them feel bad for shooting well. |
|
|
|
|
|
Bench or remove players who refuse to win or those who frequently argue about rules & handicaps. Do not allow your team to be held hostage by a player who is unpleasant or dishonest. Problem players don't care if your team has to pay the penalty for their actions, so don't put them in charge of your recreational time with friends. |
|
|
|
|
|
Remember that in order for sandbagging to take place, BOTH players must fail to follow the rules. One player must try to cheat and his/her opponent must fail to mark it.
|
|
| System Safeguards |
|
|
|
|
Handicaps are based on mathmatical formulas that include many factors. Sophisticated computer programs assist League Operators with statistical data collection, skill level calculations, & evaluation. The more you play, the more statistical information is generated & the more feedback we get from other teams in your division. These resources are used by League Operators to ensure skill levels are as accurate as possible. |
|
|
|
|
|
Deliberate misses don't count if you mark them as a defensive shot. If all deliberate misses were properly marked, there could be no successful sandbagging. |
|
|
|
|
|
League Operators can't watch every player & every match personally. But they do review player scores every week. Scoresheets, statistical reports, & local player feedback are some of the other tools used by professionally trained League Operators to help keep local divisions fair for everyone. |
|
|
|
|
| Rule Safeguards |
|
|
|
|
APA rules have been carefully designed to help prevent sandbagging & protect amateur players from cheaters. They work well when used consistently. For example, a player is not allowed to refuse a request for a third party to watch a hit. However, if the sitting player doesn't request a third party to watch the hit, or doesn't stop the match to make their request known, they must accept the shooter's judgement about whether the shot was good or not. Not being familiar with the rules, or worse yet, not following them makes it much easier for a cheater to take advantage of an honest player. |
|
|
|
|
| Judgmental Safeguards |
|
|
|
|
League Operators have been given the authority to assign skill levels to "known" players, even if they have never played in the APA. If you know a player is playing at a lower skill level than he/she is capable of, you should notify the league office immediately. The best run league can not handle situations they have not been made aware of. Remember that responsible League Operators have policies in place that they must follow, so the earlier the information is recieved, the sooner the situation will be resolved. |
|
|
|
|
|
League Operators have been given the authority to raise skill levels of players who are playing at a skill level below their true ability. League Operators are also expected to raise the skill levels of one or all team members if a team is determined to be cheating. |
|
|
|
|
|
No matter how ingenious & complex anti-cheating systems are, there will always be cheaters waiting for an opportunity. A properly run "jury system", (Board of Governors, Handicap Review Committee, etc.), may assist the League Operator as needed. |
|
