FAQ's - NAPA of Central Missouri Billiard League

What is the NAPA Billiards League?
The North American Poolshooters Association (NAPA) is a new billiards league system that originated in Arkansas.  NAPA was designed to bring a new aspect to competitive pool league play at the amateur level.  By implementing a unique handicapping system, NO annual membership dues to the players, cash back to the players at the local level, and a superb player qualification program for the NAPA National Championship, NAPA has seen rapid growth across the United States and Canada.  We were the first NAPA franchise in Missouri and the 30th nationwide. There has been an 800% growth over last year.  It is now in 38 states, Canada and Puerto Rico with 200+ franchises.  

What are the leagues goals?
1.   Fairness
2.   Transparency
3.   Fun Competition

We are committed to you and your enjoyment of competitive pool.  We want the league to be fun and we welcome your suggestions and feedback at any time.

What does it cost to join?
It is FREE to join NAPA!  There are no individual membership dues as in other billiard organizations who charge up to $25 per year per player.

What formats can I play?
Currently NAPA offers team play in 8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball, Scotch Doubles, Double Play, Singles, and Lagger's Choice leagues.  Divisions can be made up of 3, 4, or 5 player teams.  There can be many divisions, however, you may not play on multiple teams in the same division.  In NAPA of Central MO we currently play 8-ball, 9 ball, and no handicap Lagger's Choice with 4 player teams (no more than 7 players on a team).  Scotch Doubles has ONLY two players per team and no substitutes.

What is NAPA play?
NAPA Play is the app that allows the league to have paperless scoring!  NAPA is the FIRST and ONLY national league that is paperless!  Click here for more information on NAPA Play.

What do teams play for?
Teams play for fun and cash!  Individuals, even on the last place team, can also qualify for the NAPA Nationals Championship which is a series of tiered singles tournaments.  Our 4 person team payouts are usually higher than other league's 5 person teams.  We also pay 50% of the teams where other leagues only pay the top three teams.  What other league shows the payouts to you before you play?  I strongly endorse the 4 person format and the use of two tables to keep the nights shorter and more enjoyable.  Who wants to play until midnight and get up at 5 and to go to work?

Is there a LOCAL tournament since I cannot afford or have no interest in the NAPA National tournament?
YES!!  $1 of each players weekly playing dues goes to the tournament fund.  After one year a tournament will be held in June with NO ENTRY FEE.  In 2014 the total amount in the fund was $6,000!!  In 2015 it was $ 7,500.  In 2016 it was $9,000!

Can I play in NAPA and other leagues at the same time?
Yes, of course.  There are no rules against playing in any leagues.  Each league has its advantages.  The reason NAPA of Central MO is even in existence is to give you a choice.  We just want you to have fun and have a better chance to win money!  

What does it cost to play?
The cost to play a league match can be as low as $5 per person and up to $8 per person or more depending on what the players want.  In Columbia and Jefferson City the leagues pay $8 per player with $1 going to the tournament fund.  Therefore the payouts are based on the $7 per week weekly dues.  In fact, the players also have a say in what night and what format they would like.  After all, it is the players who help the league grow.

Note:  Forfeits can affect the prize fund.  Each team is responsible for paying the weekly dues for ALL four players on their team, even for a forfeit.  Any forfeit not paid decreases the prize fund.  The prize fund is built on every match scheduled being a paid match.  If you have a bye you do not have to pay.

How does the league work?
As soon as the number of teams playing in a division is set a league schedule is created at NAPA corporate.  Schedules will be based on a round-robin format with half of your matches at your home and half of your matches at your opponent's home.  The league follows a "race" format in which a player plays a player from the opposing team in a race based on the difference in each player's skill levels.  The handicaps are different from the usual 2-7.  The handicaps range from 0 - no upper limit.  The highest in NAPA currently is a 155!  For guidance, someone who is a 5 in APA or TAP begins as a 60 in NAPA (add 1 and then multiply by 10).  The race is determined by a "race matrix".  The "home team" chooses whether to name a player first or let the opposing team choose first.  After an opponent is chosen, the race is established on the skill levels of each player and the match is played.  A lag determines who will have the option to break first with the winner breaking in the following games.

The usual length of the season is 15 weeks but may vary within region, season, or number of teams.

Rules
The rules can be found by clicking on the main page and click "Rules" and then on the game format.  However, here are some general rules just to give you an idea of the differences from other leagues.  By the way we allow coaching.  If your handicap is 0-29 you get two timeouts per game.  30-69 you receive one timeout per game.  Over 69...no timeouts!  You can also go to www.naparules.com to check out the digital rules!

8-Ball

• NAPA 8-ball is a "call your pocket" league.  
  

• It is recommended that players call their shots vocally.  Obvious shots do not have to be called EXCEPT for the 8 ball.  ALWAYS call the 8 ball pocket.  When calling your shot it is never necessary to call any details (number of banks, cushions, combinations, kisses, etc.) on how the ball will be pocketed.  You simply call the ball you intend to pocket and the intended pocket.  You MUST call the pocket for the 8 ball!  Any shots that are not obvious must be called (banks, jumps, combinations, masse).
  

• Balls pocketed illegally (not the intended pocket) remain pocketed but it is the opponent's turn to shoot unless a legally pocketed ball was made.
  

• The opening break is not a called shot.
  

• The table is always open after the break.
  

• If the 8 ball is pocketed or knocked off the table, AND a scratch or foul is committed it is loss of game.
  

• If the 8 ball is NOT pocketed but a scratch or foul is committed it is NOT loss of game.  The incoming player has ball-in-hand.
  

9-Ball

• 9-ball is slop until you get to the 9 ball.  Players are not required to call their pocket when shooting with the exception of the 9-ball.  The 9-ball must be called, whether it is the lowest numbered ball on the table or not.
  

• If a player pockets the 9-ball in any pocket other that the designated pocket, the 9-ball is re-spotted and the incoming player has cue ball-in-hand.
  

• If the 9-ball is not called, the 9-ball is not the lowest numbered ball on the table and the 9-ball is pocketed prematurely, the 9-ball is to be re-spotted.  The incoming player is to play the table in the current position and does not have cue ball-in-hand unless the cue ball is pocketed as well.
  

10-Ball

• Players are required to call their intended ball and pocket when shooting on every shot with the exception of the break.
  

• Balls must be pocketed in ascending numerical order, just as in 9-ball.
  

• The 10 ball must always be called, whether it is the lowest numbered ball on the table or not.
  

• If the 10 ball is not called and the 10 ball is pocketed prematurely, the 10 ball is to be re-spotted.  The incoming player has the option of shooting the table in the current position or hand it back to his opponent.
  

Lagger's Choice
In this format the winner of the lag either chooses the format (8 ball, 9 ball, or 10 ball) or chooses to break.  All rules to the individual formats apply.  This is for each match and each match can be different.

Scotch Doubles
Can be either 8 Ball or 9 Ball and can be It is a Jack (male) and Jill (female) format or two players not male and female with a maximum of 179 points combined for each team and you alternate shots.  Must have at least 10 matches in NAPA to qualify.  This format is currently on hold by NAPA (7/3/17).

How do you score a match?
No more keeping track of innings or even balls.  No more trying to get someone to keep score because it is so difficult and complex.  NAPA's score sheet is simple and easy to understand.  See a NAPA scoresheet.  Now it is paperless!  The first league in the US to be entirely paperless.  See NAPAPLAY.

How do you get points?
Winning player points
20 points for a perfect win.  No losses in the player's match.
14 points if a player wins the match but with one or more games lost.
20 points if a player wins the match by forfeit (player named).
14 points per player (56 points) if entire team forfeits (players named).

Losing player points
3 points if the player lost the match but won at least one game.
1 point if the player loses their match and won no games.
0 points on a forfeit (no player named).

Bonus points
1 point for each break and run (winner or loser).  B-R B-O (Break and Run for 8 ball and Break and Out for 9 and 10 Ball)
1 point for each 8-ball on the break (winner or loser). 8B for 8 ball and 9B for 9 ball, and 10B for 10 ball.
1 point for a "rackless" match (player must win the lag and all games never touching the rack.....rackless!). RK

How do you determine the race in a match?
You will use the "comp" sheet each week.  It will give you information about the other team and each player.  You will receive this "comp" sheet each week via email plus a scratch sheet.  The scratch sheet gives you the results from last week, the schedule for this week and the schedule for next week.  You can see the comp sheet and for the scratch sheet.  Now both are online at www.napaplay.com and nothing has to be printed unless you want to.

How does the handicap system work?
NAPA uses an adapted form of the ELO Rating System, a method for calculating the relative skill levels of players in two-player games such as chess.  The ELO Rating System serves as the foundation for many games including multiplayer computer based games such as Yahoo! Games, Scrabble, Backgammon and Football.

NAPA skill levels start at 0 and do not have a ceiling.  Currently the best player in NAPA is rated 132.  There are separate handicaps for 8-ball, 9-ball, and 10-ball.  The maximum to count against the team handicap total is 110 even if you are a 132.  Handicaps may fluctuate for the first few weeks but will eventually level off.  Any player who has played 12 or fewer matches is in "provisional" status.  During this provisional time a player's skill level may jump drastically (3-5 points).  Once a player has more than 12 matches, that player's skill level will adjust, albeit slightly (one point), after every match.

Much like the US Chess Federation or US Backgammon Federation, when you win, your skill level increases and when you lose your skill level goes down.  Although NAPA's formula is different, the concept is the same.  The league operator has NO control over the handicaps other than the starting handicap.  As a player you will be able to see your handicap stats each week on your own personal page on NAPA's website.  You will also be able to see any other players stats as well.  Great for planning your matches.  There are many variables tracked so it gives you an abundance of information.  See my stats and don't be afraid of looking around to see what information is available.  There is SO MUCH information available you could spend hours going through it all!  You can research a team or individuals.  Complete history under all circumstances.

What will my handicap be if I join NAPA?
For any new player having NEVER played in NAPA or ANY organized billiard league:
Female players start with a skill level of 40
Male players start with a skill level of 50

If a player does have a skill level from APA, TAP or BCA then the player should start with a handicap in NAPA that has been converted from their respective league.  See the conversion table.

NOTE:  The league operator has the ability to alter the above starting skill levels based on their knowledge of the player's ability or consensus of the other players in the league.  This is ONLY for initial skill level.  The league operator will NEVER have the ability to change a skill level again on their own.

Who updates the handicap limit for a team?
All skill levels are administered at the NAPA main office with no input from the league operator.  Let the facts speak for themselves.

Local operators transmit team score sheets to the NAPA main office.  NAPA enters these scores into the system and handicaps are generated and reported directly to the NAPA Pool Leagues website within 48 hours (www.napaleagues.com, click on league standings, click on Missouri, and then click on the proper league).

NOTE:  A league operator is NEVER allowed to manipulate a player's skill level after they have played their first match in NAPA.  (Local league operators can assign known players with a skill level upon first submitting that player to the NAPA).

How is "sandbagging" addressed?
Although there is some level of sandbagging in every system, NAPA has devised a system that rewards players for playing their best, and lowers the level of sandbagging.  The cornerstone of prevention is bringing in the players at their "known" skill level.
1.   In the NAPA system, in order for a player to sandbag, the player must lose a match, which will have an immediate negative affect on his/her team's position in the standings.  Also, the top point player on each team, the top point male, the top point female and every player on the first place team qualify for the NAPA Nationals.  Losing an individual match can knock a player out of contention in these categories.
2.   Track innings and counting balls is one way to track a players performance, however, it leaves the opportunity for sandbagging.  Running up innings intentionally is a good example of this and a constant issue in other leagues.  NAPA has found an alternative to tracking a player's performance and has found it to be extremely accurate.
3.   Before the season begins it is desirable to have a captain's meeting to discuss the proposed handicaps of players.  This is especially important if the league operator does not know the prospective players abilities.  If this is not done there is a higher probability players will be brought into the system at a low level.
4.   NAPA has run numerous studies and has put together a number of focus groups on the issues of sandbagging and skill level fluctuations.  NAPA found that sandbagging is more common toward the end of a season when a player is trying to drop his/her handicap before attending a district or regional event.  Therefore NAPA eliminated these two events.  Players do not attend district or regional events in the NAPA.  They qualify for the NAPA Nationals directly from their home bar or pool hall.

What is the handicap limit for a team?
For a two player team (Scotch Doubles with NO subs) it is 179 skill level points.
For a three player team (max of 6 players) it is 195 skill level points.
For a four player team (max of 7 players) it is 260 skill level points.
For a five person team (max of 8 players) it is 325 skill level points.
For Lagger's Choice there is NO handicap limit.

The leagues can choose their own team handicaps to a point.  Columbia has chosen 280 instead of 260 for their team handicap in 4 person 8 ball.

As a guideline in relation to other leagues, the equivalent of two 5's and two 4's and a 6 or 7 is a good team.  If you have a high ranking player you MUST have a low ranking player to compensate for skill level.  We recommend having 6 players on the team to cover all skill level limit possibilities.  Remember that if a player has a handicap over 110 ONLY 110 is counted against the team handicap.  For example on a four person team the handicap limit is 260.  If a player has a handicap of 153 only 110 is counted against the cap.  However, the races will reflect their handicap of 153.

What happens if a team goes over the skill level limit?
The team only has to forfeit the individual match(es) that put them over the limit on league night.  So you can play up to the limit with less than the number of players required.  For example, the limit for a four player team is 260, unless changed by the league.  If three players add up to 240 then you would only forfeit the last match that puts the team over on points.

What if a team cannot field the required number of players?
The team players that are there should play and accumulate as many points as possible.  Remember that for each forfeited match the opponents receive 20 points and you receive 0.  Play as many players as you can to maximize your points even if you have to forfeit one match.

Is there a National Championship?