East Central Florida APA Players,

As all of you are about to head into the new league year, I want to communicate an important update regarding league fees.  Most importantly, I want to explain why these adjustments are necessary and how it directly supports the players.

As mentioned previously with ladies and masters divisions, we will be changing the cost per match to $12.  This change takes effect April 6, 2026.  The weekly team fee will now be $60 instead of the old $50 fee.  Ladies and Masters will be $36 per team(3 matches).

There are many factors that played a part in this decision.

• Costs to operate at the current level have gone up tremendously.  Expenses within my budget continue to grow.  Airfare, hotel rooms, patches(doubled) have all increased.  Most airlines have taken away any chance for free luggage( Southwest for example).
• When I took over, East Central Florida APA was sending 5 teams to Las Vegas(3 8ball and 2 9ball).  I am currently sending 7 teams (4 8ball and 3 9ball).
• We also are sending 7 teams this year to the Southeast Challenge.  The Southeast Challenge has leveled up and the new experience(starting in September) will mirror a Vegas-style experience.  It’s all located at one venue(hotel and competition).  This event has expanded, allowing us to send runner up ladies teams(announced at world qualifier) and possible Masters Teams.  All of this leveling up comes at a cost.  The total cost will be close to triple per team from just 2 years ago.  However, the experience will be amazing!
• New Opportunities continue to emerge.  We started with the Orlando Invitational(4 teams this year).  These spots were won via Double Qualifier tournament.  We will invest in other interleague events,  allowing more players  the opportunity to compete outside of this league.
• Technology comes at a price as well.  Think scorekeeper, electronic payments, tournament set ups.  Scorekeeper will make its debut this year in triannuals!

My commitment to You!

This adjustment does not come lightly.  Surrounding leagues are feeling the same pressures.  Others have already been at this amount.   All weekly team fees are directed back into the following:

*Tournament infrastructure

*Travel guarantees and expanded Vegas opportunities as well as the Southeast Challenge

*I will continue to guarantee airfare, hotel accommodations for Las Vegas.  Any member winning a trip to Vegas from our area will also have one piece of baggage paid for each way.  Truly, no out of pocket expense to the player

*More regional and invitational opportunities for interleague events

*Smaller size travel funds will accompany any trip won to interleague events outside of Las Vegas or Southeast Challenge events for Airbnb or hotel costs.

*All patches earned will now be free and you will still be entered into the raffle for a Vegas Experience

*New Captain Vegas experience drawing

*Completely revamped MVP annual tournament with better structure, prizes and rewards for those earning their right to the tournament

*Your annual money cup is coming back!  🏆 Check the bylaws coming out April 6th(first week of summer play) on how to qualify

*Increased contributions to fun tournament pots.  Free raffles at each tournament!

*More opportunities for singles boards in creative ways that don’t break your bank

The adjustment allows me to continue to deliver the best product available for you.  I will continue to raise the bar each year, ultimately doing everything possible to allow you avenues to play, succeed and most importantly, Have Fun!

I appreciate your commitment to the East Central Florida APA.  In only 3 years, I have managed to memorize almost all of your names(matched to your faces). 😀  This is not easy with over 1100 players in our league now.  That’s correct.   Membership has increased 35% over the last 3 years.  I am proud of the continued growth of this league and the community we are building together.  This adjustment allows us to sustain the progress we’ve made and continue raising the standard of excellence for years to come.

See you on the tables soon…or the next tourney…

Michael Carroll

League Operator

East Central Florida APA