Following the 2025 8-Ball World Qualifier, the outcome of one of the finals matches could not be confirmed immediately due to an active review by the APA Corporate Office. This review was triggered automatically based on tournament data, specifically due to excessive skill level movement exhibited by the team that won the match. This is standard APA procedure in such cases, intended to safeguard fairness and skill level integrity at the championship level.

We are disappointed to share that the National Office has chosen not to disqualify the team in question. While we respect their authority, we disagree with this decision and want to be transparent about our position—and why it matters to our players.

The decision of the National Handicap Review Committee is based on data limited to the team's performance within the World Qualifier. However, our concern is based on broader patterns of behavior—specifically long-term trends in skill level movement, scorekeeping inconsistencies, disregarded warnings, and a general lack of accountability that suggest an ongoing strategy to effectively avoid appropriate skill levels or otherwise manipulate league outcomes.

While we do not have authority to reverse the APA Corporate Office’s decision related to their participation in the APA World Pool Championship, we have decided this team will no longer be permitted to participate in the Jacksonville APA. We do not take this decision lightly—but we also will not ignore clear patterns that compromise the integrity of our league.

Understanding Skill Level Integrity & Player Responsibility

Excessive skill level movement during a tournament—particularly involving multiple players—is a known red flag within APA and can lead to post-event review. That movement often reflects a breakdown in scorekeeping accuracy, especially the failure to consistently mark defensive shots.

Skill levels rely on honest data—every inning, every defensive shot, every match. When that data is incomplete or manipulated, it creates artificial advantages and undermines fairness.

This is why all players share the responsibility to accurately represent their skill level—not only through honest play, but through proper scorekeeping. And it's why tools like the Team Certification Statement exist: to give players the opportunity to declare themselves higher if they feel their assigned level is still too low, despite honest data.

When teams skip this opportunity and are later flagged for unusual movement, the consequences—up to and including disqualification—can follow. Even if not enforced in this case, it remains an essential standard in APA policy.

Our Commitment to Fair Play – Now and Always

To the many teams who do it right: thank you.

The overwhelming majority of teams in the Jacksonville APA do things the right way. You compete hard, follow the rules, and take pride in playing with integrity. You are the reason this league thrives.

We will always stand behind the players who show up, play fair, and win with honor—and we’ll continue to take action when that standard is violated.