Rule of the Week - New Players Skill Levels

September 9, 2024 4:37 PM

by San Diego APA

Rule of the Week - New Players Skill Levels

September 9, 2024 4:37 PM

by San Diego APA


Situation: My new player who started as a skill level 3 but after 1 match is now a skill level 5. Is this correct?

Yes, it is not unusual for a new player's skill level to fluctuate during the first few weeks. A player’s skill level is not considered established until they have 10 actual match scores in that format on their record. Penalties may be assessed at the discretion of Local League Management for starting a player of known ability as a new player.

To add based on Bylaw and MVP rules we strongly encourage teams to start players who are better higher than the starting SL3. This is to be fair and avoid potential penalties for both the player and/or team.

Rule: Official Team Manual (OTM) page 21-22 “New Players”: https://media.poolplayers.com/TMRB/Team-Manual-English.pdf

Addition information
MVP: https://sandiego.apaleagues.com/CustomPage.aspx?q=3049 
Bylaws (under "Adding Players"): https://apa-by-laws.s3.amazonaws.com/prod/921_bylaws_2024.pdf 

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.


Singles Qualifiers at Pockets on April 18th
3/22/26 - 8:00 pm
Local Singles Qualifier Boards Saturday, April 18, 2026 1:00 PM At Pockets Billiards & Brew This is your FIRST STOP on the ROAD TO VEGAS! Qualify for the 2026 Fall Singles Regional (Oct 3-4)Before the Window Closes on June 15th! This event will use the "BEST CHANCE" Format (Double Elimination, 16 Players Seeded and 7 Winners per Board!) $65 ENTRY PER BOARD (Includes $5 Green Fee/$20 Deposit p
Continuous Play - Rule of the Week
3/16/26 - 5:00 pm
Situation: The other team stated the next player they are posting is just 5 mins out. They are saying they have 15 mins until it is a forfeit, is this true? No, once a team match begins, play must be continuous. Upon completion of each individual match, the team must have another player available to play or the remaining match(es) will be forfeited. The San Diego APA League Office deems "continuo
World Qualifier (Cities): Qualification Can Be Lost
3/12/26 - 6:00 pm
Official Team Manual (OTM) “Tournament Information and Rules”: Players Must Maintain Current Membership If your membership is not current, you are not eligible to participate in the World Championships. If any of your teammates are not available at renewal time, consider renewing for them so they do not get dropped from the roster and become ineligible. Notify your Local League Management immedia