Good morning all,

We are implementing some new policies for league play that are now in effect. Read them in our updated bylaws which are available at the following link: 2025 bylaws. If you have any questions please speak to your division rep for clarification.

Below is also a summary of the new policy additions. They are intended to help lessen the occorance of forfeits and help keep matches flowing and ending at reasonable hours. All members are expected to know these guideline and use them appropriately. Please make sure you and all your teammates have read and understand these guidelines as well as all other topics covered in the Team Manual and our local bylaws.

NEW POLICY CHANGES STARTING SUMMER SESSION

Here are two policy changes in effect 1st week of summer session. These passages will be added to the bylaws in the coming weeks.  The first is a policy our neighboring leagues use to help eliminate forfeits and makeup matches.  The second is a way that other leagues also use to shorten the overall time it takes to complete a team match.  Everyone needs to step up and help matches end by 11:30 whenever possible and these ideas will help a lot.  Faster play by slow players will do the rest.

1    Double ups (Replay rule):

Teams may use this rule four times per session and only once in a night.  It may not be used in Playoffs, Tri-Cups or Higher Level Tournaments.  If your team is short a player on a given night, you can notify the other team before the 3rd match is over that you will be utilizing the Playback Rule.  You may play a member twice in that match.  All members from your team that started the night must still be available to be chosen.  The opposing team will choose the player to play the last match. The player chosen must keep your team within the 23-Rule and the opposing team cannot choose someone to force the 23-Rule to be broken.  In addition, you must be able to prove you could have fielded 23 with one of the remaining players on your roster.  Example – you play 7-6-4-3 and use the playback.  If you don’t have another 3 (who isn’t present) on your roster to field the 23-Rule then you have broken it, even if you play your 3 again.  If both teams need to use the Playback Rule on the same night, then each team will choose their own players.   If both teams are short a player and one team chooses to use the rule and the other team declines, then the team that chose to use it will be charged with using it and will receive forfeit points for that match.

2  Time Saving Rules to End Matches Earlier

Coin Toss will be 10 minutes prior to start time and play is scheduled to begin at the start time - there is no grace period!  Only one player from each team is necessary to begin.  If there is a player available, they cannot choose to wait for the Team Captain to show to begin.  If no players are available at start time, you must call your Division Rep to receive your first forfeit.  After 15 minutes, you can call again to receive the second forfeit and after 30 minutes, your team will receive a full forfeit for the night.  Full weekly dues are collected for all scheduled matches.

When one player is on the hill in 8-Ball or one player is down to their last 10 balls in 9-Ball, both teams must put up the players for the next match.  Whichever team is supposed to put up next, please do it.  This way the players selected can put their sticks together, get a drink, use the restroom or smoke if they need and they can get on the table right when the previous match ends.  We need to make our nights shorter!

If you haven’t started your final match by your start time plus 3 hours and there is an extra table available at your location, you must start the next match on that table – it’s not a choice. If your opponent refuses, please call your Division Rep and they will award a forfeit if necessary.  Please refer to Splitting Matches in the General Rules section of your APA Official Team Manual for complete information on when and how to “split matches” when a second table is available.  Please become familiar with this rule, as it will help all of us get home at a reasonable hour.