“M



“M.Y.P.L.A.Y.E.R.S.” APA Pool League

BY- LAWS

M.Y.P.L.A.Y.E.R.S. stands for Marion, Yamhill, Polk, Linn/Benton

(Counties) And You Easterners (Deschutes) aRe uS.

This is Randee Lee’s franchise area of the

American Poolplayers Association National Amateur Pool League

These By-Laws are to be used in conjunction with the Official APA Team Manual provided. Some of these rules apply ONLY to weekly league play, not the Local playoffs nor Regionals or Nationals. These rules may be updated as the need arises.

1 - League sessions run approximately 14 weeks long with 1 or 2 weeks at the end of the season for playoffs, depending on the size of the division. There are three seasons per league year; summer session runs June through September, Fall session runs October through January and Spring session runs February through May (give or take a week or two either way). There are occasionally Team Captain and New Player information meetings scheduled between seasons.

2 – League teams are made up of a minimum of five players and a maximum of

8 players per roster. These can be co-ed (except in Ladies Only divisions) or uni-sex teams. Five players will need to show for a night’s match to play. In “Double Jeopardy” where teams play both 8-ball and 9-ball simultaneously – the two rosters may be identical or completely different or a combination thereof.

3 - “Make-ups” - Weeks 1 through 4 are a formation time for many teams, so some teams may not have a complete roster yet. If teams are short-handed “Make-up” matches should be arranged to be played later by additional team members. Please play as many matches as possible with whoever does show up, then schedule make-up matches for the rest. Turn in your paperwork and fees anyway.

Any Make-ups from weeks 1 – 4 should be scheduled and completed by the end of the 6th week of the session. DO NOT USE ANY OF YOUR ALLOTTED PLAY-BACKS IN THESE FIRST 4 WEEKS. A newly added player may need to play these make-up weeks to help get their 10 weeks of scores in before playoffs. Schedule the date, time and location of the Make-up match with the opposing team captain when you first play them - then call and notify your Division Rep. of the make-up details. Also write the information on the bottom of your score sheet.

After week 4, individual or full match Make-ups may be needed due to tournament conflicts (like Chinook Winds or Nationals), holidays, vacations, illnesses or some unforeseen reasons. Team Captains should call the league office as soon as they know their team may be short players or missing altogether. Make-ups from these later weeks should be scheduled and played within two weeks of the original night of play. If any Make-ups are not played by the deadlines, the details of the non-played matches will be researched. The team responsible for the match not being completed on time will forfeit. If both teams are guilty of not getting the matches played – neither team will receive points for that week’s match. Forfeited matches will still need to be paid for by both teams involved.

When whole teams know ahead of time that they will be unavailable for weekly play due to tournament, work, or vacation conflicts, the team that will be unavailable should refer to their future schedule and contact the affected opposing team during their normal night of play, two or three weeks in advance, while both teams are assembled and make arrangements while all team members can agree on a date and time and everyone will be informed. These matches can be played before or after the scheduled night of play (preferably before). The Division Rep. needs to be informed of these arrangements and the league office called. ALWAYS use the most Current skill levels on players when playing these make-ups so contact the League Office for correct skill levels before playing.

4 - “Play-backs” are another option a team may use to get in all five matches of weekly play. A play-back is the use of a team member who has already played during that week, to play a second match. Two play-backs per week will be allowed for each team but each team may only use 7 total play-backs in a normal session. Play-backs should be used ONLY AFTER WEEK 4 of the session.

A “Blind Draw” will be used to determine which player(s) will play the “play-back” match(es). The names of all players who were originally present for that night’s match and who will not make the team violate the 23 rule will be put into the blind draw. DO NOT USE NEWLY RATED OR NON-RATED PLAYERS IN PLAY-BACKS. The blind draw should be done no later than the end of the third match or before anyone leaves. If the player drawn has left prior to the play-back match making them unavailable to play, that player’s team will forfeit the match. If a team’s missing player arrives at the location prior to the play-back matches starting, they will be permitted to play and the play-back will not take place. If both teams are short both teams can do play-backs. Any subsequent player shortages will result in forfeits, (1 point in 8-ball and 15-0 in 9-ball). If a player needed to leave prior to the blind-draw the opponent may choose to show extremely good sportsmanship by not putting that player’s name into the blind-draw, but don’t count on that. All team members present should split the cost of the play-back evenly among them, rather than making the player who was drawn pay double team fees in addition to the extra quarters for tables.

If one or both teams are short more than one player – it is a courtesy to let teams schedule a make-up for missing matches instead of taking a forfeit.

PLAYBACKS MAY NOT BE USED IN PLAY-OFFS OR TOURNAMENTS.

5 – INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY: if for any reason – either current weather or road conditions at time of league start or threat of poor conditions to occur prior to league end time – a team may choose to cancel attendance for a league match for safety reasons. A call to the league office and/or a division rep is all that is needed so that the opponents may be contacted to cancel the match for the night. These matches need to be played as soon as weather again permits (preferably prior to the next week’s scheduled match).

6 - FULL WEEKLY FEES of $35.00 NEED TO BE PAID EVERY WEEK, regardless of whether Make-ups are scheduled, Play-backs are used or Forfeits take place. ONLY in instances of new teams that are shorthanded AND THE LEAGUE OFFICE BEING CALLED, can the fees be paid when the make-ups are played, without the team incurring a penalty. The team that has their full team present should pay their full weekly fees so that if the shorthanded team does not take care of the make-ups on time their team is already covered for the forfeit points, and they do not lose any bonus points. Every week, list all players for that week and what fees they paid in the fees box provided on the score sheet.

7 - BONUS POINTS -- Each team will receive weekly bonus points for any week when these three things are followed: weekly fees are paid in full, Sportsmanship star rating is filled in and packets are dropped off in a proper drop location by next day. Bonus points given will be: One point in 8-ball and Ten points in 9-ball.

Any team that is short fees will not receive bonus points for that week or for any subsequent week while they still have an outstanding balance owed. Teams will not be able to earn back bonus points lost by paying up the fees they owe. In other words, if someone is short his or her weekly fees, the rest of the team should try to cover it or the entire team will be penalized in points. It is NOT the Captain’s responsibility to pay teams fee shortages. The team members should split the cost.

8 – Sportsmanship star rating program (implemented in 2007). To make teams more accountable for their weekly behavior and to help make league night a more enjoyable experience for everyone – the weekly sportsmanship star rating program was put into place. On the scoresheet there is a place to rate your opponents a 1 to 5 score for their night’s sportsmanship. A 1 or a 2 indicates there was one or more unreasonable problems that were not resolved and written documentation should be included with these ratings in regard to what transpired that evening. A 3 rating would mean there may have been some issues – but they were resolved. A 4 rating means that things went fairly well for the night and a 5 rating means the opponents went above the call of duty in the sportsmanship area of conduct. The sportsmanship rating should only be based on the conduct of the opposing team players – not the location, service, equipment or other issues.

9 - New Oregon Non-Smoking policy: It is now illegal to smoke inside all bars and pool playing facilities. Match play must be continuous between two players. Though quick “bathroom breaks” are sometimes necessary and taken in between games at times, there will not be “smoke breaks” allowed during a match.

10 - PREPAYMENT OF THE SESSIONS’ LAST WEEK’S FEES. All new teams and any existing teams who have ever fallen behind in their weekly fees

in a previous session MUST pay a $35 deposit by week #7 of the current session.

This deposit will be applied to the last week of the session. Teams who have always remained in good financial standing with the League may call the office

or write a note to be exempted from this requirement.

11 - ALL PLAYERS MUST BE CURRENT PAID APA MEMBERS to play in a team match. Membership applications need to be completed and turned in with the yearly membership fee PRIOR to a player’s first match in the league. There is no longer a grace period allowed. IF AN UNPAID PLAYER PLAYS A MATCH WITHOUT FIRST PAYING THEIR FEES - THEIR MATCH WILL BECOME A FORFEIT LOSS FOR THE TEAM AND THE PLAYER WILL BE DROPPED.

12 - IF ANY PERSON PLAYS IN A MATCH UNDER AN ASSSUMED NAME -THE OPPOSING TEAM WILL RECEIVE FORFEIT POINTS OF ALL THE MATCHES FOR THAT NIGHT. If the infraction happens again on the same team - the team will be removed from the league for the session and any involved players will be put on suspension for a time period determined by the Board of Governors and the League Operator. If the opposing team is found to have condoned this action, they too, will not receive any points for that night’s matches AND may also receive further penalties as deemed appropriate by the BOG.

13 - PACKET DROPS: Score sheets and all collected weekly fees, membership fees AND Applications must be included in the team “drop” packet and dropped off at one of the designated drop locations at the end of the night’s matches.

Drop locations for your area are listed on a neon green paper in your team folder.

If for some reason packets do not get dropped off on the night of play, the league office must be informed as soon as possible as to the location of the packets and when they will be dropped off. Just leave a voice message as soon as you can.

14 – Check writing policy: if a player on a team wishes to pay their league fees or collect the cash paid by other players and writes a check for the full team fee, the check needs to be made out to Randee Lee (not APA). If a check bounces for insufficient funds or other reasons – the cost of the check and the bank fee of $15 will need to be paid in cash by the offender as soon as possible. If a second check bounces from the same player, checks will no longer be accepted from that person.

15 - CASH ENVELOPES: To avoid any disappearing fees, finger pointing or mishandling of player’s league fees the following procedures should be followed. At the end of play each team should put their weekly team, annual membership, or any other fees (cash or checks – NO COINS!!!) and any allowed vouchers into the team’s small white money envelope and write the total value amount enclosed on the front of the envelope with the date and their team number. Checks need to be made out to Randee Lee (not APA).

Someone from the opposing team should then recount the fees, seal the envelope, write the amount enclosed on the outside of the envelope and sign their own initials on the seal itself verifying what they counted. If there is a discrepancy between what they counted and what the original team wrote on the envelope they need to bring this to the attention of the other team. This double check is to protect all of us.

16 - PLAYOFF SCENARIOS: Every week, teams are earning points that will be added together and give them a final place in the team standings list at the end of the session. Depending on the size of the division a variety of playoff scenarios could take place. First of all, the top ranked team from each division, before playoffs, will receive a cash award. (See Cash Back Break-Downs #18).

Then, the first place team (depending on the size of the division) is going to be given the option of “buying-in” to the TRI-CUP REGIONAL QUALIFIER TOURNAMENT. (See Tri-Cup Regional Qualifier #20)

Then also depending on the size of the division, the top team, the top 3 teams, or the top 6 teams, are guaranteed to be in the playoffs. If the top team “buys in”, they will sit out of playoffs and the next consecutive 3 or 6 teams will make it into the playoffs. In addition to the top one, top 3 or top 6 teams, a single “WILD CARD” team (or two teams in divisions of 15 – 16 teams) will be drawn at random to play in the playoffs. (Teams must be current with league fees and at least one team representative must be present at “draw” for a team to be eligible.)

17 - WILD CARD DRAW: The wild card draw takes place at the end of the session after all stats have been accounted for. The teams and all of their players must be current on all monies owed to the league (including players who play on multiple teams) and someone representing the team must be present during the Wild Card Draw procedure to be eligible for the draw. All top teams in the standings must also be current on their fees to be eligible for the playoffs. No team can use more than 7 play-backs or 5 forfeits during the session to remain eligible for the playoffs or the Wild Card Draw.

18 - CASH BACK BREAK-DOWN FOR SESSION END: In Divisions of 4 or 5 teams, only the 1st place team in the standings, prior to playoffs, will receive a cash award. In Divisions of 6 or 7 teams both 1st place and 2nd place will receive cash award. In Divisions of 8 or 9 teams 1st thru 3rd place will receive cash awards. In Divisions of 10 – 13 teams there will be cash awards for 1st – 4th place, and in Divisions with 14 or more teams the top 5 teams will receive cash awards. Teams must be current with fees to be eligible for cash back awards. Cash back amounts are based on how many teams were in the division and how many weeks the session ran. Amounts may vary depending on team roster size as well.

19 - PLAYOFF MATCH-UPS:

In 4 team divisions: 1st place team plays Wild Card team for Division Title,

1st place trophies AND Regional Qualifier Tri-Cup eligibility.

There is no “buy-in option” for the 1st place team.

In 5 - 7 team divisions: 1st place team plays the Wild Card team AND

2nd place team plays the 3rd place team in the Semi-finals. The winners of those two matches then play off for the Division Title, 1st place trophies only AND Regional Qualifier Tri-Cup eligibility. There is no “buy-in option” for 1st place.

In 8-15 team divisions: 1st place normally buys-in to Tri-Cup so 2nd place team will play the Wild Card team and 3rd place team will play the 4th place team in the Semi-finals. The winners of these 2 matches will playoff for the Division title, 1st trophies and become eligible for the Regional Qualifier Tri-Cup.

In a 16 team division: 1st place normally buys-in so 2nd place will play one Wild Card team, 4th place will play the 6th place team, 3rd place will play a second Wild Card team, 5th place will play the 7th place team in the Semi-finals. The winners of those 4 matches then play off for 2 Division titles, 2 sets of 1st place trophies AND both 1st place winners become eligible for the Regional Qualifier Tri-Cup.

20 - TRI-CUP REGIONAL QUALIFIER TOURNAMENTS:

At the end of each of the three sessions: Summer, Fall/Winter and Spring, there will be a money tournament offered to the top finishing teams in each division. This money tournament will be a “regional qualification” single modified elimination format. A portion of the weekly team fees, along with buy-ins and added money from the host location, go to the prize fund for this tournament.

Eligibility: At the end of each season the first place team in the standings in each division will have the first option to “buy-in” to the Tri-Cup, to guarantee their team a spot. If they opt not to buy-in they will simply play in play-offs to try to earn a spot. The team that wins the Division title after playoffs will earn a free entry in the Tri-Cup (in divisions with more than 8 teams). If the 1st place team chooses not to buy-in to the Tri-Cup and plays in playoffs instead, they risk being knocked out during the playoffs and lose their chance to play in the Tri-Cup. The option of “buying-in” passes to the 2nd place team AFTER playoffs.

21 - LOCAL TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS (Regionals): The 8 highest placing teams from the Tri-Cup Regional qualifiers at the end of each season qualify for the Local Team Championship or “Team Regionals” as it is called in my area. This LTC/Regional is the tournament that determines which teams will advance to the Nationals in Las Vegas from this area, and takes place once a year at the end of Spring Session. The amount of teams that earn a trip to Nationals is determined by the total Spring team count for that format (8-ball or 9-ball or Ladies only). The LTC could be either a “double elimination” or “single modified” format.

22 - INDIVIDUAL PLAYER ELIGIBILTY FOR PLAYOFFS: For a player to be eligible to play with their team in the session end playoffs the player needs to be current with all league fees from all teams they participate on. The player needs to have participated with THIS specific team at least 4 times during this session. Though the APA Team Manual states: “A player must have played at least four times with the team” to be eligible, this is IF you already have accumulated at least 10 scores (weeks of play) in this format at some time on your record within the last 2 years.

Brand new players to the league or those with less than 10 scores total in the last 2 years must play at least 10 times in the session to establish a current skill level before playoffs.

There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule in the SPRING session. There may be some consideration for those with at least 6 to 9 scores during Summer or Fall sessions. Ask the league operator if you need special consideration.

MP (matches played) is displayed on the score sheets between the players S/L (skill level) and their 5-digit membership number so that you can keep track of the number of matches each player needs to play in. If you feel the MP total is incorrect please contact the League Office right away. Errors need to be corrected as soon as possible.

New players who do not get in at least 10 scores (20 is preferred) prior to the Local Team Regional Championships, or old players who do not get 4 weeks in with the team, will be dropped from the team roster completely and will not be allowed to participate with their team.

23 - TROPHIES AND AWARDS: A portion of the weekly team fees paid is used at session end to purchase individual awards and team trophies. Individual awards are given for personal high win percentages at and above 75%. Teams recently voted to lower the trophy budget – so only 1st place trophies will be awarded after playoffs. 1st place teams at session end that choose to Buy-in to TRI-CUP will receive High Point Awards. 1st place division winners after playoffs will also get a host location trophy for the bar they play out of. Teams that participate in Tri-Cups only earn cash awards not trophies. Top teams at Regionals do get trophies.

24 - SPORTSMANSHIP ISSUES: There are some sportsmanship rules listed in the APA Team Manual. A sportsmanship violation does not result in a Ball-in-hand foul or loss of game unless previously specified. Sportsmanship issues should be brought immediately to the attention of your Division Rep. and/or the League Office. Make every effort to handle the issue on the night it occurs, as quickly, quietly and as fairly as you can. The league office may, after review of the situation, and based on the severity of the infraction assess penalties. Repeat violators will be asked to leave the league on either a temporary or a permanent basis. Verbal or written warnings may be issued depending on the severity of the problem and will accumulate on a lifetime basis for an entire team or for an individual. Sportsmanship complaints need to be submitted in written form.

All protests and disputes really need to be addressed and resolved at the time of the incident. If you let the situation pass and then try to get a resolution after the fact, it makes it much harder to resolve in a fair and equitable manner. Always attempt to contact your Division Rep. first at any sign of a problem and let them help with the rule book or common sense answers to resolve the situation. Realize that the league operator is not always available or able to make an immediate response. Many situations may need to be presented to the Board of Governors before a decision can be made. Players and teams will need to comply with the BOG’s rulings or they will be removed from the league.

NEW 2010 – THERE WILL BE A CASH AWARD FOR THE TEAM THAT PLACES THE HIGHEST IN THE SPORTSMANSHIP STAR RATING PROGRAM in each division.

25 – To clarify Coaching situations:

The way it is stated in the rule book: a coach may get a group consensus from other players on his team and pass it on to the shooter, but only the designated coach may pass it on.

At one point – here locally we were allowing the coach to ask someone for

a second opinion by letting them approach the table to look at the situation – while asking the shooter to step away – then the original coach only talked to the player after the second individual sat back down.

Both for time purposes and because of how the coaching works at the National level: we locally changed our ruling back to only allow one coach to approach the table and talk to the shooter at a time. If the coach wishes - they may go back to the sitting team members and get additional advice – leaving the shooter at the table – and return to the shooter to pass on the advice.

There is no foul involved in whatever maneuvers the coach uses or misuses – only sportsmanship violations if the coaching situation is abused. At any time you feel the coaching is questionable – I would just have your Captain (or you) talk to their Captain and make sure both teams are comfortable with whatever guidelines you both are coaching by.

26 - Match start times: On occasion a team does not show up at the scheduled start time. League Policy dictates that the team who is present is to wait at least 15 minutes (regular time – not bar time) past the posted start time to see if anyone from the missing team shows up or calls. If after 15 minutes, there is still no one present, ONE match forfeit may be taken. Write down the player you would have put up in that match on the score sheet and write Forfeit on the line for the opposing teams’ player name. Call the league office to inform the League Operator of the problem. Then wait an additional 15 minutes (half an hour after posted start time), if at that time the missing team has still not arrived or called, the team that is present may have the rest of the number of forfeits for the matches they have players present for. The names must be written in on your score sheet to indicate which players were present. If the league office finds out some unusual circumstances prevented the missing team from showing up on the normally scheduled night, a make-up match may need to be scheduled and played at a later date. A full match forfeit is 5 points in 8-ball and 75 in 9-ball. Normal weekly fees still need to be paid by both teams. (no Bonus points will be added)

26 – Player incentives: Some host locations offer their teams incentives to play for their location. These can include things like team t-shirts, drink rounds during league play, drink rounds after matches are over when a team returns to their home bar after playing away that evening, discounts on food purchases, opening the pool tables for free play during league and/or during team practice times. These benefits are not required, requested or advised by the APA league National office. Each host location has the right to offer what incentives they want as long as all teams are treated equally. There is NO obligation for host locations to do any of these things.

Please show courtesy and acceptance of any and all policies of host locations. If you are asked to pay for tables or not receive any benefits that is the way it is.

27 – League Growth Incentives: the incentive program that has been in place for a few years now has proven to be hard to track and hard to administer. If you have any incentive points from the past – I will be giving you a cash award equivalent to what you have earned so far. The incentive program is now being discontinued until further notice. I will continue to award players with unnamed benefits for doing a good job in helping the league to grow and to manage league activity.

28 – Phones, Head phones and blue tooth devices: Respectfully - During league play it will be required that at least one ear is left unencumbered by listening devices so that players can hear their opponents calling fouls or Captains calling for time-outs. Phones should be turned off or on vibrate and calls should not be taken while players are involved in matches.

Volunteers are always needed for the positions of Team Captain, Division Representative and/or a Board of Governors members as well as Referees. Your participation in this capacity would be greatly appreciated. To become involved in one or more of these manners, or to be more a part of the operations side of this league, make an effort to become familiar with the APA pool league rules and policies and “spirit of the league”, then call your League Operator and attend a “referee class”. (Incentive and/or cash awards can be earned for some of the positions and assistance offered.)

M.Y.P.L.A.Y.E.R.S. (Marion, Yamhill, Polk, Linn/and You Easterners aRe uS)

APA Pool League Owner/Operator: Randee D. Lee

Office hours: Noon to 8:00pm daily 503-362-0133

CALLS AFTER 8PM need to go to your division rep listed on scoresheet

Email: rlee973@ Out of Area calls: 1-800-859-3913

APA Pool League National Website: poolplayers.corn

LOCAL League Website:

The AMERICAN POOLPLAYERS ASSOCIATION; A National amateur pool league offering 8-ball and 9-ball formats using a copy written handicap “Equalizer” system, offers more than just local weekly league play.

The local League Operators may run many tournaments of different types throughout the year for their members. Nationally, the APA, in addition to the normal weekly team competition that culminates in Local (Regional) and National Team Championships, also has a wonderful Singles program.

APA Singles program: Those players, who have obtained at least 10 weeks of scores on their records in one format or another (in the last 2 year period), may compete in qualifiers. The APA Singles Regional and National events are run in “tiers” of specified skill levels. There are 4 different breakdowns for skill levels in the 8-ball format and 3 in the 9-ball format. The tiers are set up so that players are only competing against other players close to their same skill level for Regional and National competition. This allows for 7 different National Singles Champions. The 8-ball tiers are: skill levels 2 & 3, skill levels 4, skill levels 5 and skill levels 6 & 7. The 9-ball tiers are: skill levels 1, 2 & 3, skill levels 4 & 5 and skill levels 6, 7, 8 & 9. Next time you see a flier about Singles Qualifiers, come out and try.

Everyone can play - Any one can win!!!!

PREREGISTERED NATIONAL EVENTS: The APA also offers 5 other National tournament events. Your League Operator may run qualifiers for these or may simply sell “slots” to enter them.

A “Jack and Jill 8-Ball Doubles” is offered in Spring at the same time that the National Singles Championships takes place. The Skill Level Cap is a 10 total with one female and one male partner.

An “Open Doubles for 8-Ball” and an “Open Doubles for 9-Ball” is offered during the National Team tournament time period in Summer. Couples can be co-ed or unisex with a skill level cap of 10.

A “Triple Play” 3 person team ( no skill level cap) Masters tournament is also offered in Summer. Usually there is a league session run to generate money to go to the winning team or teams to cover entry fee, travel and lodging for this event.

There is also a Wheelchair Championship is also offered in summer.

All of these pre-registered events must be filled through your League Office and

all take place at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas in August during the National team championships. The entry fee for these events is $50 per person ($100 for the wheelchair opening) with travel and lodging costs left up to the individuals to cover, unless your League Operator has set up a fund to do so.

LOCAL MONEY TOURNAMENTS:

The Oregon League Operators run 2 major (non-qualifying) tournament events each year. These are currently held at Chinook Winds Casino in Lincoln City, Oregon. We run a Scotch Doubles 8-ball and a 3-Person team 8-ball event in the Spring of each year and a Scotch Doubles 9-ball and a 3-Person team 9-ball event in the Fall. We often have a Pro exhibition and other entertainment at these money tournament events.

The Women’s Pro Tour (WPBA) has also graced our state with Championship tournament play during the Fall months (scheduled around the dates of the 9-ball APA event) also at Chinook Winds. Come see the ladies play!

We also have a yearly “Civil War” 8-ball Singles tournament that pits “North” (Portland and Vancouver) players against the “South” (Salem and surrounding M.Y.P.L.A.Y.E.R.S. players as well as Southern Oregon franchise) players. This tournament has cash payouts, trophies, annual commemorative T-shirt and little surprise gifts.

Newly added “NW 9-ball Knockout” to be hosted by Jake’s and Sharky’s in the Fall of each year with guaranteed added money. Players must be paid members active on a team to participate.

JOIN US - TO PLAY, COMPETE AND HAVE SOME FUN!!!

LAST UPDATE – JANUARY 2010

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