📣 Dear APA San Mateo County Members,

A number of inquiries have come in regarding Skill Levels so we want to provide clarity on how your APA handicap (Skill Level) is calculated, outline the formal channels for feedback, and emphasize our ongoing commitment to fair and accurate play.

📊 How Your Handicap is Calculated

Handicaps are determined directly by the APA National Office, using a proprietary system called The Equalizer®. This algorithm factors in a player's performance, including wins/losses, match scores, innings, defensive shots, and other data. The system continually evaluates your match history and updates your skill level accordingly.

Once a player has completed 20 matches or more, their skill level is considered established — making adjustments more precise and less likely to fluctuate unless there is consistent and notable change in performance.

Read more from the APA National Office regarding this topic here. 

🛡️ Anti-Sandbagging Measures

To help protect the integrity of our league, APA has robust anti-sandbagging protocols in place. These safeguards are designed to identify and prevent manipulation of skill levels and include:

• Advanced statistical analysis
• Real-time match tracking
• League operator oversight
• Monitoring of tournament and playoff performance

You can review the APA's Anti-Sandbagging Measures document here. 

📄 Skill Level Feedback Process – Effective Immediately

Going forward, APA San Mateo County will only accept skill level review requests through the official Skill Level Evaluation Request Form.

• Emails, phone calls, or text messages regarding handicaps will no longer be reviewed.
• The form ensures all feedback is documented with specific examples, rationale, and supporting details.
• This standardized process helps maintain transparency, fairness, and data integrity.

🔗 Bookmark the Skill Level Evaluation Request Form 

📌 No exceptions will be made. Only completed forms will be reviewed and forwarded to the National Office for evaluation.