From the LO
This page of information is from the League Operator.
Sometimes there needs to be clarification of rules or, when rules do not cover situations, guidance must be given. That is what this page is for.
TOPIC
I am moving to Collinsville IL to be closer to family. My new address is 3 Kensington, Collinsville, IL 622345. Each area that NAPA of Central Missouri operates leagues is overseen by a Division Representative. In Columbia it is Matt Sommer. In Jefferson City it is Melody Holsten. In Troy it is Ted Wilkinson. In Moberly it is Brian Powell. They are the go-to guys if you have any questions. I will also be available for any questions or concerns.
Late Arrival. Matches are to begin at the designated time set by the local NAPA league operator. At least one (1) player on a team's roster must be present at the playing venue no later than fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled start time. For example: If your matches are to begin at 7:00pm, a minimum of one player on the roster must be present by 7:15pm". So now there is a grace period of 15 minutes.
Scotch Doubles. The rules for Scotch Doubles have changed. Now you do not have to have 12 matches in the format you are playing. Anyone can play. It can be Jack and Jill or it can be two the same. The 179 skill level limt remains.
Make Up Matches. There WILL be times when a team will not have four players at league to play the four matches. What are each teams options? The team with less than 4 players is at a disadvantage. One reason we can now have up to 7 players on a team is to try and avoid make up matches and forfeits. The team with less than four players now must talk with the captain of the team that does have 4 players ready to play.
The team captain that has the four players ready to play has two choices:
1. Arrange for a make up match BEFORE the next league night.
2. Take the forfeit that match. Be sure to enter it on www.napaplay.com. How?? Click HERE.
All forfeited matches are the LAST match to be played. Each team must play all players present before the forfeited match. Both teams still owe for the make up or forfeit whichever choice is made. On a related note the next match must begin when the previous match is complete. There should be no more than 5 minutes between matches.
Adding new players. NAPA allows teams to add players up till and including the fifth week of league (later with extenuating circumstances). However, one requirement they have is that a player CANNOT change teams once they have earned points for the team they are on. Just keep that in mind. You can also delete players anytime or change captains anytime.
Handicaps. Just a reminder that if you play someone, or somone on your team, has a handicap of above 110, the maximum their handicap can count against the team limit of 260 is 110 (not for scotch doubles). For example if you play someone with 122 handicap, their handicap is 110 against the 260 team limit.
New Requirements to qualify for NAPA Nationals. Effective today there is a NEW requirement for players to qualify for NAPA Nationals in 2014. In addition to being the first place team, the MVP, a captain, or the high scorer on your team, you now must also have 10 matches played in NAPA in the last 365 days. So keep that in mind when you put your team together. Playing two seasons should ensure you having that requirement met. Playing only one season may make it difficult. Also, playing only one season will NOT qualify you for the local tournament.
Paypal. Is now available. The email to use is missouri.napa@gmail.com (note the period between missouri and napa). There is no charge for using Paypal if you "Send to a Friend". It is voluntary. Is it worth it? How much is your time worth? How much gas do you use to take the dues to D&D or use stamps and take to the post office? Only you can determine that but here are the dues so that when you take money and send it through paypal this the amount you should send:
Change in handicap policy for non-league players. NAPA is restricting how league operators can bring in players with no league experience into NAPA. Previously we had the latitude to bring in someone at what we thought their handicap should be. To a point, that has now changed.
To maintain the integrity of the system and to be most fair to ALL players, they want us to stick with the initial handicap of 50 for men and 40 for women if they have no league experience. We have the same latitude for players we think should be above 50, for example Ivan Sweezer should not come in as a 50. However, they are restricting our input for players below 50 for men and 40 for women. They don't want us to go more than 5 points below from now on. The only exception is for players under 21 (youth). We can start them no lower than 20.
So, from now on, my hands are somewhat tied when we bring in new players with no league experience. We got the ones this season in for mostly what we wanted but from now own don't expect any lower handicaps to start non-league players
ELECTRONIC SCORING (WITH SMART PHONE). This solves the problem of turning in your score sheets late and not being able to see the results of your match, or anyone else's match, in a timely manner. Comp sheets, rules, scratch sheets, etc will be available online. No more printing. However, each team MUST agree on who does the scorekeeper input. I would like the HOME team to do the input. You MUST keep track of bonus points. The system will do everything else. It will not let you play to few or to many games. It will correct mistakes like not marking rackless matches. It will compute the races for you. In the future you will be able to post pics or videos with your input. ALL teams in a division must participate or we do paper score sheets. The only requirement is for ONE person on either team have a smart phone to enter the data AS IT HAPPENS.
TIES
What about ties for teams and MVPs? NAPA has an answer. Must be in this exact order:
1. Most team matches won during the regular season. ie your record.
2. The team that won the most head-to-head matches between the teams that are tied.
3. The top point shooter for each team that has the most points.
For MVPs, there is no tie breaker. Both (or all) that tied receive MVP status.
DETERMINE RACES
When a new player comes in they should be rated fairly. If you do not know their handicap they must come in as a 50 for a male and a 40 for a female. Then you must determine the race on league night. You should have a race matrix in your captains folder, but if you don't, and have access to the internet on your phone, you can go here to determine the race. www.naparaces.com.
SANDBAGGING
NAPA takes a hard line on sandbagging. If you suspect someone is sandbagging, bring it to the attention of the League Operator. If they deem it plausible they are sandbagging they will forward it on to NAPA. NAPA then, will make a ruling. Usually it is increse your handicap by 30 points or be banned from NAPA for life.
FORFEITS
When a team forfeits the team is still on the hook for the weekly dues. It is up to the captain on how they want to handle this. For example Columbia and Jefferson City pay dues of $8 a week per person for a 4 person team. If there is one forfeit then you can designate someone to pay it or split it up among the team. If there is a team forfeit, $32, it is NOT the team captains responsibility to pay the forfeits but it IS his responsiblity to make sure it is paid. I think the team should split the $32 and not have the captain pay for it.
ACCURACY OF SCORE SHEETS
Each team captain should check the score sheet for accuracy before signing the form. If there are mistakes NAPA will NOT correct them after one week. Avoid mistakes by reviewing the score sheet before you sign it.
Lagger's Choice at Nationals. Determining your handicap
You still only have to have one match to be qualified in a format, however, you will not be able to use the skill level in that format until you have SIX (6) plays in that format. you will have to use your HIGHEST skill level in another format. Here is what NAPA says: "Just a very important clarification pertaining to the 8-Ball Tour, Nationals, and Playoffs. This also is associated with Lagger's Choice. I just want to make it clear, that players who DO NOT HAVE 6 plays in a particular format, their highest skill will be used from another format. For instance. If a shooter has a 9-ball qualification with 16 lifetime 9-ball scores, has 4 8-ball matches lifetime and qualified for 8-ball through a qualifier, their 9-ball skill will be used in the 8-Ball Nationals, Lagger's Choice Nationals, and Team Captains Nationals."