Situation: My opponent has added a new player to their roster for tonight. It is clear that new player is much better than a skill level 3. What can we do?

Your captain should highlight to the other captain the bylaw regarding penalities that could occur if a player moves up 2 or more skill levels (SL). That captain can continue with that player as a skill level 3* but is subject to penalities. Captains that continue and the player moves up 2 or more SLs will be noted in their record, if repeated they could be subject to harsher penalities in the future.

Per the bylaws: Teams are responsible for making sure that any players added to the team are added at a skill level that reflects their true ability. Teams that add players that go up two (2) or more skill levels in a session, and also win at that higher skill level, may face penalties and/or disciplinary action including, but not limited to, forfeiture of points, awards and tournament eligibility.

The bylaws go on to suggest ways to avoid this when a team is not familiar with that player's ability. In the end if you are not sure its best to not play that player until you have tried to properly assess their skill level.

To use scorekeeper in the case where you believe a player should start higher but it is past the time the League Office can adjust their SL for that night there are 2 options.

1) Use another players name/number who is the SL you believe is more accurate in place of that new player and send the League Office a note (comments section, email or text) with what match person X played but was really person Y.

2) Play the match up until the point scorekeeper can't continue and score the rest on paper, then send in the rest of that match to the League Office (email only please).

FYI - new players CANNOT start lower than a SL3. Doing this will likely result in loss of any points earned in that match and could also trigger the 23 rule.

*new players will show up as SL0, scorekeeper will adjust once they are posted and play them as a SL3.

Rule: Bylaws page 3 section “Adding Players”: https://apa-by-laws.s3.amazonaws.com/prod/921_bylaws_2024.pdf 

Also review MVP eligibility regarding going up 2 skill levels: https://sandiego.apaleagues.com/CustomPage.aspx?q=3049 

You can submit a "Rule of the Week" to the league office:

• Email to sandiego@apaleagues.com.
• Email Subject Line must read “SDAPA Rule of the Week”
• Clearly state the rule/situation and if you know where the answer is found please provide those details.