2024-2025, 2025-2026 BYLAW CHANGES EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

Below is a synopsis of changes and/or clarifications made to our 2024-25, 2025-26 Local Bylaws. This synopsis summarizes how the new version (which will be posted online and emailed to all players shortly) is different from the previous version.

Note that all changes are effective immediately, unless otherwise noted below.

1. Coaching Time-Out Change For The Playoffs - Previously, in not only our Tri-Annuals and World Qualifier, but also in our LOCAL PLAYOFFS, coaching has been limited to only one “1” time-out per player per game, regardless of the skill level of the player. Now that we are transitioning to the APA ScoreKeeper App, and for uniformity across the network, we will be following the APA Official Team Manual (OTM) on this issue.

* * * Starting with our Summer 2024 Local Playoffs (SEMI-FINALS and FINALS) we will now be allowing SL-1, SL-2, and SL-3 players to receive “2” Official time-outs per game. SL-4 and above will still only be allowed “1” time-out per game.

For the TRI-ANNUALS and the WORLD QUALIFIER, all players will still be limited to only “1” Official Time-Out per game.

2. Changing Host Location - Once you have registered to play out of a specific Host Location (and the schedules are released for the new session), you may not switch to a different Host Location, unless you receive permission to do so from the establishment that you originally signed up to play out of. The APA ScoreKeeper App doesn’t allow teams to simply change Host Locations within the APP. All Host Location changes must be made internally by our Operation Staff. You must notify the League Office of your request (either by phone or email) and if approved, we must make the change internally in our system, and update the Divisional Schedule, accordingly.

Note: You do not need to receive permission to switch to a different Host Location for the following session, however, you must still notify the League Office (by the registration deadline) in order for us to make the change internally, prior to releasing the new session’s Divisional Schedule. Simply call our office, email us, or place a note in the COMMENT section of the ScoreKeeper App.

3. Tri-Annual and WQ Format Changes - Over the years our 9-Ball leagues have grown in popularity. More and more of our 8-Ball teams have switched over to the 9-Ball format. With team counts now similar in both formats, it’s time to adjust the numbers to balance things out. The following applies to both our 8-Ball program and our 9-Ball programs, starting with the 2024 Summer Session (2024-2025 APA League Year): In 2025, both our local 8-Ball and our local 9-Ball World Qualifiers will begin hosting sixty (60) teams each. We will use a 64 Team Chart, and four lucky teams will draw first round Byes.

Each session (starting with the Summer 2024 Session), the top sixteen teams in our 8-Ball Tier-1 Tri-Annuals and the top four teams in our 8-Ball Tier-2 Tri-Annuals advance to our annual 8-Ball World Qualifier (WQ). Sixty (60) teams will compete each year in our local 8-Ball World Qualifier with *12-13 teams advancing to the APA 8-Ball World Pool Championship. *WPC slots awarded based upon team count.

Each session (starting with the Summer 2024 Session), the top sixteen teams in our 9-Ball Tier-1 Tri-Annuals and the top four teams in our 9-Ball Tier-2 Tri-Annuals advance to our annual 9-Ball World Qualifier (WQ). Sixty (60) teams will compete each year in our local 9-Ball World Qualifier with *12-13 teams advancing to the APA 9-Ball World Pool Championship. *WPC slots awarded based upon team count.

4. Spin & Win - We are pleased to announce that we are bringing back a modified version of the Spin and Win Program for the winning teams at not only our Tier-1 and Tier-2 8-Ball and 9-Ball Tri-Annuals (starting with the 2024 Summer Session), but also for the Vegas Bound 8-Ball and 9-Ball teams in the "2025" World Qualifier. If your team spins and lands on the APA Logo, the 8-Ball Logo, or the 9-Ball Logo, your team will receive an additional $500 in cash to add to your winnings!

5. Weekly Fees - Local weekly fees for 8-Ball, 9-Ball, and Mixed Format are currently $50/team; Ladies weekly fees are currently $30/team; and Masters weekly fees are currently $36/team.

6. Memberships - All NEW and all returning NON-PAID members must now pay their membership online on Member Services or on the APA Scorekeeper App before they can be added to a team. (Page 4) – Effective Week # 6 of the Fall 2024 Session or when a team first goes FULLY ELECTRONIC!

7. Flagged Players - Players who owe money will be flagged with “$$$” signs beside their name. At the time the player is flagged, they will be sent an invoice for the amount they owe. They may shoot, however, if the money they owe is not submitted electronically to our office before their matches are processed, their match will be forfeited to the opposing team.

8. The APA goes FULLY ELECTRONIC on Week # 6 of the Fall 2024 Session - There will be a special Q & A section (devoted to the APA Scorekeeper App) in your updated 2024-2025 APA Local Bylaws. It will include YouTube links to videos that will help you with any problems that you might encounter, while using the app.

1. “HOW TO USE THE APA 8-BALL SCOREKEEPING APP”, and “HOW TO USE THE APA 9-BALL SCOREKEEPING APP” … https://help.poolplayers.com/hc/en-us/articles/4412875828116-How-to-Use-the-APA-Scorekeeping-App
2. “HOW TO EDIT A ROSTER” … https://youtu.be/-cufCBkDgLo?si=QEmJJDAFORyGk6Zn
3. “HOW TO TAKE OVER SCORING FROM ANOTHER TEAMMEMBER” … https://youtu.be/MfgEzW2l1BQ
4. “HOW TO EDIT A MATCH” … https://youtu.be/uYy7T0fkQ1U?si=cQHjosft8b3gUT4t
5. “HOW TO EDIT A COMPLETED MATCH” … https://youtu.be/SMFvUGJvaOY?si=A2xv4yF3-ippVZ2J
6. “HOW TO RESET A MATCH” … https://youtu.be/lmOaI13-dQk
7. “WHAT TO DO IF YOU PICK A WRONG PLAYER” ... The National Office is working on adding a "Change Player" feature so that you won't have to reset the entire match after accidentally choosing the wrong player. In the meantime, you can use this video to reset the match if needed … https://youtu.be/lmOaI13-dQk
8. “WHAT IF I MARK A WRONG PLAYER AS WINNING THE LAG” … https://youtu.be/lmOaI13-dQk
9. “WHAT TO DO IF I’M MISSING INNINGS” … https://youtu.be/SMFvUGJvaOY?si=A2xv4yF3-ippVZ2J
10. “WHAT DO I DO IF I’M MISSING BALLS IN 9-BALL” … https://youtu.be/SMFvUGJvaOY?si=h__8bRENAgq1z2zz

9. Tri-Annual Travel Fund Changes - We are increasing Travel Assistance to both the 8-Ball and 9-Ball Tier-1 and Tier-2 Tri-Annuals, beginning with the 2024 Summer Tri-Annuals. Last place Prize Money (Travel Assistance) will increase 33%, from $150/team to $200/team in both Tier-1 and Tier-2 8-Ball and 9-Ball. We will also be increasing the top payout in both the 8-Ball and 9-Ball Tier-2 Tri-Annuals 33%, from $750/team to $1,000/team.

10. Vegas Travel Fund Changes - Inflation has also affected the airline industry. Ticket prices to Vegas have gone up, along with room rates, etc. so with the additional revenue generated over the 2024-25 League Year, we will also be increasing our 2025 Vegas Travel Funds. The travel funds for the 8-Ball and 9-Ball teams heading to the "2025" World Championship will be increased (18%) from $5,500/team to $6,500/team.

11. Masters Travel Fund Changes - starting with the 2024 Summer Session, weekly fees will increase to $36/team. The Tri-Annual structure will remain the same for the 2024-2025 League Year, except that the winning/advancing teams from The Tier-1 Tri-Annuals will receive a 50% increase (from $500/team to $750/team) and advance to the 2025 APA Local Team Championship. Also with the additional revenue, we will be able to increase your Vegas Travel Fund from $2,500 per team to $3,500 (40%) starting with the teams who will be advancing to Vegas to compete in the 2025 World Championship.

12. Mixed Format Travel Fund Changes - starting with the 2024 Summer Session, weekly fees will increase to $50/team. The Tri-Annual Travel Assistance for the 2024-2025 League Year will increase 33% for the 9th - Last place teams (from $150/team to $200/team), and the top two teams will receive a 20% increase (from $500/team to $600/team) and advance to the 2025 APA Local Team Championship. With the additional revenue, we will be able to increase your Vegas Travel Fund from $4,000 per team to $5,000 (25%) starting with the teams who will be advancing to Vegas to compete in the 2025 World Championship.

13. Ladies Travel Fund Changes - starting with the 2024 Summer Session, weekly fees will increase to $30/team. The Tri-Annual Travel Assistance same for the 2024-2025 League Year will increase 50% for the 5th - Last place teams (from $100/team to $150/team) and the top two teams will receive a 33% increase (from $300/team to $400/team) and advance to the 2025 APA Local Team Championship. With the additional revenue, we will be able to increase your Vegas Travel Fund from $3,000 per team to $3,500 (16.7%) starting with the teams who will be advancing to Vegas to compete in the 2025 World Championship.

14. Survival Rule - The APA Survival Rule can be invoked anytime during the regular session, but not during the playoffs or other HLT play. If you’re having problems, and need help with the Survival Rule, YOU MUST FIRST CONTACT THE LEAGUE OFFICE. Call or email your Division Manager, or our Operations Manager. The APA ScoreKeeper App does not permit you to add or drop players from your roster after week # 4. Roster changes can only be made by our local APA office staff and all changes requested must comply with the following guidelines.

In our standard 8-Player team formats, your team roster must be down to six (6) or less players. Unreliable players still listed on your team roster must be removed, and replacement players must first pay their membership fees online to be able to be added to your team. You may then add enough players to bring your team roster up to a maximum of seven (7) total members ... no more! Added players must get in the required matches needed to be eligible to participate in the playoffs.

15. Team No-Shows - Verify that the other team is not there before declaring a no-show. Check around the bar to see if any of the patrons are there from the opposing team, before assuming that no one is present. Remember, the opposing team only needs one member present to avoid forfeiting. If no one from the opposing team is present, notify one of the tavern staff that the other team is not present. Then, place a note in the COMMENTS section in the SK App, as to who you spoke to, the time of the forfeit (forfeit time is official starting time plus 15 minutes), and state that the opposing team was not there 15 minutes past the Official Starting Time. Be sure to use standard time, not bar-time.

16. Ball Count Discrepancy in 9-Ball - If at the end of a given rack, the two teams show a discrepancy in ball count, please take a moment to try and determine which player made which ball in that given game. If you can’t solve the discrepancy, then treat the ball that you can’t agree upon as a “dead” ball and the Scorekeeper App will adjust your scores accordingly.

17. Official Protests - If you need to stop your matches and file an Official Protest, please download the OFFICIAL PROTEST FORM from our website (apapool.com); then complete and email the form to our Operations Manager (kathym@apapool.com). Describe the problem and list the members involved. Include the names and membership numbers of all NEUTRAL WITNESSES (including bar staff) and the phone numbers where they can best be contacted.

18. Sportsmanship Complaints - Should you need to file a SPORTSMANSHIP VIOLATION COMPLAINT, please note that all Sportsmanship Violation Complaints must be submitted through our local website (apapool.com) … under the Contact & Feedback tab, located towards the top right of the screen. Describe the problem (in detail) and list the members involved. Include the names and membership numbers of all NEUTRAL WITNESSES (including bar staff) and the phone numbers where they can best be contacted.

19. Skill Level Evaluation Requests - If you feel a player on your team is over-rated, or a player on the other team is under-rated, and choose to file a Skill Level Evaluation Request, please note that all Skill Level Evaluation Requests must be submitted through our local website (apapool.com) … under the Contact & Feedback tab, located towards the top right of the screen. If you feel a player is Under-Rated, please describe (in detail) why you feel that way. Are they losing on purpose? Missing shots intentionally to add innings, etc. ... Please remember, players have good nights and bad nights, good streaks and bad streaks.

20. Slow Play - If, during regular weekly play, your opponent seems to be taking way too long between shots, and the match is really dragging out … you may politely ask them to speed it up a little so that the teams can get home at a reasonable hour. If they refuse or give you a hard time, let it go and write the player up for slow play. Send us an email with the player’s name and member number and the team they are on and the week number in question. We now have the means to look at their previous match times (in the ScoreKeeper App) to see and address any problems. Our office will take action as needed.

21. Marking the Table - It is NOT permissible according to our Local Bylaws to “mark” the table in any way or to set ANY OBJECT (including a piece of chalk) on the rail, cushion, or bed of the table, to be used as a visual aid.

22. Team Sportsmanship Ratings - Every week you will rate the opposing team. If you do not take the time to rate your opponent, they will automatically receive a “4” rating. Simply rate them before SUBMITTING your match on the Scorekeeper App. Please note that if you have major problems with your opponents and choose to give them a “1” rating, you will need to complete and email a Sportsmanship Complaint Form to the League Office.

23. Patches - If during weekly play, you qualify for one of the FREE APA patches, you must TYPE A NOTE in the COMMENTS BOX on the SCOREKEEPER APP. Your first 8-On-The-Break, 8-Break & Run, 9-On The Snap, and 9-Break & Run are free (EACH SESSION). If you earn additional patches, you may order them on the APA Patch Store for $1.50 each. Patches purchased, along with all patches earned (during the session and in the playoffs) will be recorded in your player record and mailed out weekly.

24. Submitting Masters Scoresheets Back to the League Office - The APA does not currently have a Scorekeeping App for the Masters program, however (ready to print) Masters scoresheets are available on Member Services for downloading. When the APA goes Fully Electronic on week # 6 of the 2024 Fall Session, Masters teams will need to start printing out a copy of “their” team’s scoresheet before heading to league play. Once your matches are finished for the night, open up the “FREE” CamScanner App on your phone (you DO NOT need to purchase the upgraded version); snap a picture of your scoresheet (select photo to pdf), then email the pdf (of your completed scoresheet) to masters@apapool.com. Next, go to Member Services and submit your weekly fees, then head home for the night. No more picking up and dropping off team envelopes, writing checks, etc. Note that all APA Memberships must now be paid online. Make sure all of your team members go online and CLAIM THEIR ACCOUNT on Member Services, and that any New or returning Non-Paid players, GO ONLINE to join.poolplayers.com and submit their Membership Dues, before they shoot.

25. Submitting Mixed Format Scoresheets Back to the League Office - Mixed Format is a “local” program designed only for our local players. It is not endorsed or supported by the APA, thus the APA does not have a Scorekeeping App available for it, nor are there printable scoresheets available on Member Services. When the APA goes Fully Electronic on week # 6 of the 2024 Fall Session, (ready to print) Mixed Format scoresheets (along with 8-Ball Rosters) will be posted on our website (apapool.com) for you to download and print.

1. Captains, simply print out a copy of “your” team’s scoresheet, and the 8-Ball Roster, and head to league play. Please be sure to write in your 5-digit 9-Ball Team Number on the back of the Scoresheet.

2. Once your matches are finished for the night, open up the “FREE” CamScanner App on your phone (you DO NOT need to purchase the upgraded version); snap a picture of the back/completed side of the scoresheet (select photo to pdf).

3. Then email the pdf (of the back side of your completed scoresheet) to mixedformat@apapool.com.

4. Next, go to Member Services and submit your weekly fees, then head home for the night. No more picking up and dropping off team envelopes, writing checks, etc.

Once your matches are finished for the night, open up the “FREE” CamScanner App on your phone (you DO NOT need to purchase the upgraded version); snap a picture of your scoresheet (select photo to pdf), then email the pdf (of your completed scoresheet) to mixedformat@apapool.com.