Sportsmanship is our #1 Priority.
How it Works:In most APA leagues, on most nights, teams have a great time playing APA pool. However, we realize that occasionally there may be a player or even a team in the League whose inappropriate remarks or conduct, constant complaining or bickering, banging balls around to intentionally skew handicaps and standings, or just plain unsportsmanlike attitudes can ruin an ordinarily fun night out. In the past unsportsmanlike conduct has gone on way too long before we became aware of the problem, much less were able to take appropriate action. Most of our members (the ones we want to keep) simply don't like to complain until a problem is already out of control. We wouldn't blame anyone for not wanting to play under those circumstances & we're committed to making sure Triad APA members don't have to!
With this in mind, the same Pool League that brings you fair competition & the Equalizer Handicap System has developed a 5-Star Sportsmanship program designed to improve your league night experience in the APA. The new APA "Fun Factor" System gives us more immediate feedback from all our teams about their experiences and helps us promote sportsmanship in two important ways: (1) allows us to reward teams that are "Great" teams to play week after week; and (2) quickly identifies teams that are a consistent "pain in the butt". Those who are continuously causing problems may only need to remove a few offensive players or choose new leadership. Some, however, will simply need to find some other league in which to play.
The "Fun Factor" System is easy to use - just write a number from 1 to 5 on the scoresheet (in the section which reads, "Team XXXXX receives a ___- Star Rating for this match"). This section is one of the things that must be filled out in order for your team to receive bonus point(s) for the week! You will rate each team you play, but only after all matches are over and both Captains have signed the scoresheet. The rating you give will be 100% confidential and you will be helping us reward those who are making your APA league night fun. If you do have a negative experience, there is no need to confront the opposing team or give them any reason to rate your team poorly "to get even". Smile and circle their rating in complete privacy any time before turning in your team envelope.
Every session we will be able to run tracking reports that help us identify those teams that you think are "Great" teams to compete against. Teams with consistently high ratings will be recognized on the website and will be eligible for special awards, certificates, patches and more! Teams with poor ratings will be placed on probation and given instructions on how to fix the problem. Team members will be notified that continued poor ratings will result in suspension from the League. Chronic problem players will also be suspended and/or asked to leave.
For now, our goal is to provide a 4-Star experience. Over time, with your input, we are confident that the APA "Fun Factor" System will result in a 5-Star experience for all your APA play.
APA Fun Factor Rating System:Good Sportsmanship Starts Here...1.Showing up on time & having 5 players available to play
2.Making an effort to be a good host to visiting teams
3.Cheering "good shot" or "good try" for players on both teams
4.Staying back from the pool table & out of the shooter's line of sight
5.Not delaying games (ie. washroom, drinks, cell phones, putting up next player, etc.)
6.Shaking hands with opponents after winning or losing
7.Using the rule book &/or compromise to resolve disagreements instead of arguing
8.Using a neutral party to watch close hits instead of arguing after the shot
How to Rate Your Experience...The following are suggested guidelines ~ please feel free to use your own judgement ~ we're interested in YOUR experience at league playing each opposing team you encounter ~ We will be instituting new rewards for those teams who make our league fun!
5 Stars: This is our top of the line"A" rating! A 5 Star Rating is not given away, it should be earned! Team is one of the nicest in the League - They not only cause no problems but are a pleasure to play - They go beyond the call of duty to show Good Sportsmanship & make your night out feel special - Your team (win or lose) had a "Superior" night out ~ Please let us know why this team deserves 5 Stars!
New Online Form Available!example: A new player commits a foul that would not be obvious to someone who never played in the League - your opponent forgives this & politely informs the player of the rule. Your opponent reminds a new player to mark the pocket. Your opponent reminds a new Captain not to break the "23 rule" or allows a newly formed team to reschedule a match for a missing player.
4 Stars: This is our target "B" rating. Team causes absolutely NO problems & is a pleasure to play ~ Your team had a "Great" night out.
3 Stars: This is our average "C" rating. No major problems ~ There may have been a minor problem or disagreement but the opposing team/Captain got their players in line, apologized for the infraction, & the night continued without further incident ~ Your team had a "Good" night out.
2 Stars: This is a poor "D" rating. Team members caused multiple problems ~ Team/Captain did nothing to get their players under control ~ There may have been "smart" or degrading remarks made to or about your players (ie. accusations of CHEATging) ~ Maybe there was attempted manipulation of the handicapping system ~ or maybe they were just rude or unfriendly ~ Your players were not threatened or intimidated in any way but Your team (win or lose) DID NOT have a fun night out.
1 Star: This is a totally unacceptable "F" rating! Multiple major problems ~ This includes ANY threats or intimidating behavior ~ Opposing team/Captain did nothing to get their players under control ~ Your team (win or lose) had a "Terrible" night out ~ A
write-up MUST accompany this rating!
Help Us Keep League Night Safe, Fair & Fun!
