Illiana APA LOCAL BYLAWS Johnny and Gloria Maricich League Operators CALL / TEXT: (708) 745-8244 E-mail: Web: Facebook: IllianaAPA@comcast.net IllianaAPA.com Illiana APA Join our TEXT CLUB: Text PlayAPA to 36000 For League Year 2018/2019 Revised 05/19/2018 Introduction
Thank you for playing with Illiana APA, LLC, a franchise of the American Poolplayers Association. In order for us to enhance your enjoyment and for the service of the League, these Local Bylaws (Bylaws), which are designed to allow for a smooth operation of the League, will be enforced. All players should become familiar with these Bylaws and keep them, along with your Official Team Manual (Manual), in your team envelope at all times. Breaking these rules could cost you a playoff spot or a chance to advance to other tournaments, such as Tri-Cup Tournament, Citywide Tournament/World Qualifier or World Pool Championships. These Bylaws have been read and approved by the National Office of the American Poolplayers Association. These Bylaws are a secondary source of information created in accordance with and/or in addition to the Official Team Manual. Please read your Manual under Local Bylaws. TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction... 1-2 -
The League Structure General Information 1.11 Official Team Manual... 6 1.21 Office Hours 6 1.31 Refusal to Do Business With.... 6 Team Information / Scheduled Matches 2.11 Team Envelope Pick up / Drop off... 6 2.12 Team Fees... 7 2.21 Rescheduled Matches... 7 Schedule Conflicts during Other APA Tournament.. 8 Severe Weather... 8 APA Holidays... 8 Awards 3.11 Team Awards... 9 3.21 MVP Award... 9 3.31 Masters Division Awards... 9 3.41 Patches... 9 3.42 Patch Program... 10 General Rules Getting Started 4.11 Age Requirements... 11 4.21 BYES... 11 4.31 Official League Start Time... 11-3 -
4.41 Forfeits... 11 4.42 No-Show Fee. 12 4.51 Splitting Matches.. 12 4.61 Coaches/Time Outs & Earphone Restriction... 12 Weekly League Play 5.11 Adding or Dropping Players... 13 5.21 Summer Double Play... 14 5.31 Skill Levels... 14 5.32 Skill Level Complaints... 14 5.41 Scorekeeping... 15 5.51 The 23-Rule... 15 5.61 Bonus Points... 15 Playoffs & Tournaments The Next Level 6.11 MVP Tournament... 16 6.21 Big Dawg Team... 16 6.22 Runner-Up in the Citywide Tournament/World Qualifier... 17 6.31 Teams Already Qualified for the Citywide Tournament/World Qualifier... 17 6.32 Cash Cup Tournament... 18 6.41 Wild Card Draw... 18 6.51 Session Playoffs for 8-BALL and 9-BALL Divisions... 18 For Divisions with 15-16 teams eligible for playoffs (non-citywide Qualified teams). 19 For Divisions with 12-14 teams eligible for playoffs (non-citywide Qualified teams).. 19 For Divisions with 5-11 teams eligible for playoffs (non-citywide Qualified teams) 19 For Divisions with 3-4 teams eligible for playoffs (non-citywide Qualified teams).. 19-4 -
6.61 Best of the Rest... 19 6.71 Tri-Cup Tournament... 20 6.81 Citywide Tournament (World Qualifier)... 20 6.91 World Pool Championship Travel Assistance Program... 21 Conduct During League Play 7.11 Rules of Conduct... 21 7.21 Suspended Players... 22 7.31 Sportsmanship... 22 7.32 Sportsmanship Guide... 22 THE LEAGUE STRUCTURE GENERAL INFORMATION - 5 -
1.11 Official Team Manual (Manual) - All players should become familiar with the rules of the APA. Every team envelope has a Manual and that team will be assessed a $2 replacement fee if it needs to be replaced. A copy of the Manual is available for download on our web site. 1.21 Office Hours - Monday-Friday, 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Sunday, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. We will have extended hours the last week of play and during playoffs. 1.31 Refusal to Do Business With - At any time, at the sole discretion of the League Operator, Illiana APA can refuse to do business with any individual regardless of whether the individual s APA membership is in good standing. Most often, players who are unwelcome in the League will be those who are disruptive to the League, repeatedly complain about handicaps or who otherwise deride the League in public. TEAM INFORMATION / SCHEDULED MATCHES 2.11 Team Envelope Pick up / Drop off At the start of each session, each team will designate which of our approved locations they will pick up their team envelope each week. The envelope will generally be available the day before their scheduled match. After the match has been played, the envelope must be returned to any of our approved locations, no later than 7:00 PM the day after the match was played. 2.12 Team Fees Team fees are $40.00 per week for all scheduled matches including Division Playoffs ($45 for Masters Division), regardless of the number of matches played or forfeited. For Double Jeopardy Divisions (teams playing in both an 8-BALL Division and a 9-BALL Division on the same night, in the same location, with the same team), the team fees for each format are $35 per team, per week. To qualify as a Double Jeopardy team, the Double Jeopardy team must consist of at least 5 common members in both 8-BALL and 9-BALL. We recommend that your weekly fees be paid by check. - 6 -
Checks will be accepted if it is: 1) for the full amount of that league match, 2) written from an APA member on that team, and 3) made payable to Illiana APA. Illiana APA will charge $38.00 for any checks not honored by the bank, for which the team is responsible for, plus loss of the Bonus Point (see Bonus Points section 5.61). We may choose not to accept checks from any player after a second returned check. If you decide to pay with cash, your team will be responsible for any/all missing monies and it must be replaced prior to next week s play. Any team that falls two weeks behind in paying their team fees will be notified. Any team that does not become current upon receipt of the notice may be dropped from the League for nonpayment. Any team that is past due at the end of the session may lose eligibility for the WILD CARD draw or for Division Playoffs. For scheduled matches where the opposing team is a no-show, the team present will pay a reduced team fee and the opponent will be charged a No-Show fee. See section 4.42 Team No-Show Fee in these bylaws. 2.21 Rescheduled Matches You may request a make-up match with your opponent through the Team Captain or acting Team Captain before a scheduled match (24 hours notice is advised). Although the opposing team is not obligated to, if they grant the request, it must be made up within 2 WEEKS of the original match unless otherwise approved by the League Office. It is up to the Team Captains to reschedule the match with each other. The time and date of the match must be approved by the League Office and scored on a current preprinted scoresheet. IMPORTANT NOTE: Unless approved by this League Office, no makeup matches will be allowed during the last two weeks of regularly scheduled play. Schedule Conflicts During Other APA Tournaments Teams participating in other APA events, such as Tri-Cup, Citywide/World Qualifier, or Championship Tournaments, that conflict with their regularly scheduled weekly match MUST CONTACT THEIR OPPONENT GIVING AT LEAST 24 HOURS NOTICE OF YOUR INTENT TO RE- SCHEDULE, OTHERWISE THE MATCH MAY RESULT IN A FORFEIT. It is preferred that the match is pre-played before the originally scheduled match. Severe Weather In addition to being posted on the web and Facebook, Team Captains will be notified via text message if that day s matches are postponed due to dangerous weather conditions. - 7 -
Team Captains will be expected to contact each other to schedule a make-up match. Generally, those postponed matches are expected to be played within the next two weeks, unless a later date is approved by the League Office. APA Holidays Since teams are competing for the Big Dawg award and individuals are also competing to qualify for the MVP Tournament, it is only fair that they all have an opportunity to play the same number of matches. For this reason, we do not schedule around holidays. Therefore, below is a list of holidays that this League Office will consider APA Holidays. You may either play your scheduled match on these days or reschedule the match. If a team chooses to reschedule the match, simply call the Team Captain of the opposing team and schedule a make-up match. These matches should be rescheduled BEFORE the original date of the match but no later than two weeks after, unless approved by the League Operator. Remember, we generally do not allow make up matches in the last two weeks of the session. The opposing team cannot refuse to reschedule these matches. The League Office must be notified if you are rescheduling the match so we can provide the teams with scoresheets and current player skill levels. Note: we will not schedule matches during the week of July 4 th and Christmas. New Year s Eve New Year s Day Super Bowl Sunday Easter Sunday Mother s Day Memorial Day Father s Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Illiana APA Holidays AWARDS 3.11 Team Awards The Division Champion is the team that wins the most points at the end of the regular session (before playoffs) in the 8-BALL and 9-BALL formats. For players that have played the minimum required 6 matches with their team, the 1 st place team in - 8 -
each division will receive individual 1 st place trophies, as well as a plaque for the Host Location. 3.21 MVP Award At the end of each session, and for players that have at least six scored matched with that team in that division, each division will have one MVP winner. The MVP calculation is an average of Points Per Match (PPM) as determined by calculating the number of Points Earned during all matches played divided by the number of Points Available (PA). At the end of regular session play, the player with the highest average PPM, regardless of skill level, will receive the MVP Award for that division. Ties will be broken in the following order using regular session play data: 1) total number of matches played; 2) win percentage; 3) performance points (skill levels of all the opponents you defeated in this division); 4) Lifetime Win Percentage. See section 6.11 for MVP Tournament information. 3.31 Masters Division Awards - The awards offered will be announced at the start of the division. Masters Divisions are not eligible for the Patch Program. 3.41 Patches Patches can be earned during League play unless the team is carrying a past due amount. For 8-BALL divisions, patches are earned for each BREAK & RUN, 8-ON-BREAK, RACKLESS NIGHT, and MINI-SLAM (Break-&-Run and 8-on-Break in the same match). In 9-BALL divisions, patches are earned for each BREAK & RUN, 9- ON-BREAK, 20-0 SHUTOUT, and MINI-SLAM. To receive the patch and an entry for the drawing to win a trip to Las Vegas, each patch awarded requires a $1 contribution to the Patch Program. Other patches are also awarded for Division Champions, MVP, Masters Divisions, and more. More info on patches offered can be found at IllianaAPA.com under Patch Program. 3.42 Patch Program If the player chooses to participate, the program will consist of the following: - 9 -
The player contributes $1 for each patch that he earned at league play during Session 1, 2, and 3 of that league year (Summer, Fall, and Spring Sessions). In addition to receiving the earned patch, the player will receive an entry into a drawing for a chance to win a trip to Las Vegas for the APA Championships either in August or in April the following year. This will allow each winner to enjoy the APA experience Las Vegas style! Any winner who does not travel to either of these two events during the timeframe listed above will forfeit all winnings and that money will be rolled into the next league year s Patch Program. The amount that is contributed into the Patch Program will determine how many winners will receive a trip to Las Vegas, during the timeframe indicated above, with paid airfare and hotel for three nights/four days. There will be 100% payback for this program. We will draw the winners at our Citywide Tournament/World Qualifier in June. Although the winners need not be present, that player must be on an active team with Illiana APA in Session 1 (Summer Session) at the time of the drawing. If we do not receive a $1 for each patch earned that week, no patch will be awarded and there will be no entry into the drawing. More details on the patch program can be found at IllianaAPA.com under Patch Program. GENERAL RULES GETTING STARTED 4.11 Age Requirements Players must be at least 21 years old to participate with Illiana APA. - 10 -
4.21 BYES BYE points will be distributed as follows: 8-BALL: 8 points, 9- BALL: 60 points, Masters: 15 points. In addition, Bonus Points will be awarded for teams that are not past due. If the BYE is filled, makeup games may be required. 4.31 Official League Start Time Official start time is 7:00 PM and play is expected to start on time, providing at least one player from each team is present. Refusing to start will be a forfeit for the entire night. Forfeit match #1 at 7:15 PM if no one is present from the opposing team. Forfeit match #2 at 7:30 PM if no one is available to play. Forfeit match #3, #4 and #5 at 7:45 PM. See Manual regarding Continuous Play. Note: Any divisions with different start times will follow the same guidelines for forfeit times. 4.41 Forfeits - If a team fails to show for a match, the opposing team (providing at least 3 players are present and are properly listed on the scoresheet), will receive: for 8-BALL - 8 points; for 9-BALL 60 points; for Masters - 15 points. Bonus Points will also be given to teams if Bonus Point requirements are met. If at least one match is played, you will be awarded forfeit points for the remaining matches providing you have players present and they are properly listed on the scoresheet. Points for individual forfeited matches are as indicated in Manual. Teams that do not show up for 2 consecutive weeks will be considered dropped from the League and a new schedule will be issued. Refer to the Manual for more information. 4.42 Team No-Show Fee For teams that do not show up for a scheduled match, the team present will get a $20 discount from their weekly team fee and their opponent will be charged a $20 No-Show Fee. 4.51 Splitting Matches It will be considered proper scorekeeping when splitting matches on 2 tables as described in the Manual that each player is required to score that match on the Split Table Scoresheet provided in your team envelope. - 11 -
4.61 Coaches/Time Outs & Earphone Restriction Skill Level 3 and under, and non-rated players are entitled to two (2) Time out Periods per game. (A non-rated player is one who has never played an APA match anywhere and has no assigned skill level.) If you want a Time out Period or Coach for the shooter, announce it so the other team hears you. The Time Out of one minute starts when Time Out is called and ends when the coach leaves the table. The coach must COMPLETELY LEAVE THE TABLE making it clear to the opposing team that the Time Out Period is over BEFORE the player shoots the shot. You may NOT ask the shooter if they want a Time Out. Doing so will be considered a Time Out whether the Time Out is taken or not. The coach calling for a Time Out counts as a Time Out, whether the Time Out occurs or not. If the shooter asks for a Time Out, it must be given unless the shooter has used up their Time Out(s). No earphones allowed during a player s match due to technology advancements now giving the ability for remote communication with the player. NOTE: VIOLATING ANY OF THESE TIME OUT RULES IS A Level - 1 Sportsmanship Violation. Note: During Playoffs, Tri-Cups, or the Citywide/World Qualifier Tournament, all players are allowed only one Time Out per game regardless of skill level. WEEKLY LEAGUE PLAY 5.11 Adding or Dropping Players Teams may make roster changes as indicated: - 12 -
In Session 3 (Spring Session), teams that are qualified for the Citywide/World Qualifier Tournament cannot make any roster changes after the 4 th week of the session. Refer to the Manual for more information. All other teams have six (6) weeks to make roster changes. Any of these teams needing to add players after week 6 must get approval from the League Office, but that added player may not be eligible to play in any playoff matches or any higher level tournaments with that team. In addition, any of these teams that add 3 or more players after week 6, the team may not be eligible to compete in playoff matches or any other higher level tournaments. Note: Exceptions will be made for teams that are added late for the purpose of filling a BYE. Any player added to the roster after the cut-off period without the approval of this League Office, will result in the forfeit of that player s match and that player will be dropped from the roster. 5.21 Summer Double Play THIS RULE IS INTENDED TO HELP TEAMS AVOID FORFEITING MATCHES. For a team to avoid forfeiting a match during Session 1 (Summer Session) only, any player may play up to two matches during League play. (Example: Two players can play 2 matches each and a third player can play 1 match for a total of 5 matches for the night.) All other rules apply including team fees and the 23-Rule. (See Manual). Summer Double Play is not allowed in Playoffs, Tri-Cups and Cash Cup. 5.31 Skill Levels - The APA has established a standard skill level for men and women to play their first match in the APA; these ratings are printed on your scoresheets. These skill levels are for those men and women with no prior League play, tournament play, or other competitive pool experience. It is the responsibility of the Team Captain to make sure the skill levels of all team members, nonrated and rated, reflect their true ability. If a team knowingly plays a player at a Skill Level that is lower than their actual skill level, the team will forfeit that individual match to their opponent. If a player participates in another APA League area or is a former Illiana APA player and - 13 -
comes back to the League after any amount of absence, the Team Captain must contact the League Office to obtain his/her most current skill level. If a returning member plays at a lower rating, his/her match will be considered a forfeit. It is also your responsibility to notify this League Office if, at any time, your skill level in any other APA league exceeds your current skill level with this League. Failure to do so could result in loss of points or other penalties. 5.32 Skill Level Complaints Although we recognize that anyone can play a great match or make some great shots, or in contrast have an off night, we realize that some players do not achieve their correct skill level in a timely manner. This may be due to incorrect scorekeeping, or players trying to manipulate their skill level or the skill level of someone on their team. Players input is an essential tool in minimizing manipulation of the Equalizer Handicap System. If you feel a player s APA skill level does not correctly reflect their ability, please complete the Skill Level Evaluation Request Form in your team envelope or on our web site and submit it to our League Office. Bringing to our attention potentially underrated players helps us ensure fairness of League play for all. 5.41 Scorekeeping Proper scorekeeping is expected by all teams during matches. See pages 34-36 in your Official Team Manual. To protect the integrity of the scoresheets, only players actually on the team are allowed to keep score. Scorekeeping should be done as accurately as possible. Your scoresheet should reflect what has happened during each game. Teams should keep their own score and don t worry if innings or defensive shots marked do not match the opponent s scoresheet. In addition, teams that constantly compare scoresheets, such as asking the opponent how many innings they have after each game, could be interpreted as a form of scoresheet manipulation. Penalties may be imposed against teams that do not properly keep score. All players are encouraged to view videos on scorekeeping at IllianaAPA.com under Videos. - 14 -
5.51 23-Rule A violation of the 23-Rule has officially occurred when the balls are broken in the individual match that causes the violation If your opponent violates the 23-Rule, notify the opposing Team Captain, and then note the violation on your scoresheet. If the notation (protest) is not on the scoresheet when received by the League Office, the League Office will note it for you. Get into the habit of checking. If the 23-Rule is broken, the individual match that caused the violation, as well as any subsequent matches, will be scored as a forfeit. 5.61 Bonus Points Bonus Points will be distributed as follows: 8-BALL: 2 Bonus Points, 9-BALL: 15 Bonus Points, Masters: 5 Bonus Points. These Bonus Points will be awarded each week for teams that: 1) return their team envelope to any drop off location by 7:00 PM the next day, and 2) have all weekly League dues paid, and 3) have completely and correctly filled out the scoresheet. Fees and dues must be up to date. If your team, or players on your team, owes any type of fees or dues, including any previous past due balances (signified by $$$$ next to the players name) the team may lose their Bonus Points. Playoffs & Tournaments The Next Level 6.11 MVP Tournament MVP is a program that recognizes players for their performance during weekly play each session through their MVP average Points Per Match (PPM). To learn how MVP averages are calculated, refer to section 3.21 in these Bylaws. At the end of each session, the MVP average for all players in all divisions of 8-BALL are merged together and the same is done for all divisions of 9-BALL. Each list is separated by skill levels and will be posted following the final week of the session. The players finishing high enough in the standings are invited to compete in the MVP Tournament following the - 15 -
end of the session. To be eligible, players must: 1) have played a minimum of 6 matches with that team, 2) by the date of the tournament, have a skill level based on at least 10 matches in the last 2 years, and 3) be currently on an active team roster in the format in which they are competing. Winners from each skill bracket are awarded a trophy and cash. In addition, each player is entered on a SINGLES LOCAL QUALIFIER BOARD and from there, have a chance to advance to the SINGLES REGIONAL TOURNAMENT. Learn more about the MVP Program at IllianaAPA.com under MVP Program. 6.21 Big Dawg Team At the end of each session for 8-BALL & 9-BALL Divisions, the team with the most points earned in each format league-wide will receive the Big Dawg Award. In the event of a tie, the team that was ahead in the previous week s standings would be declared the winner, and if still tied, then whoever was ahead the previous week, and so on. Those teammates that have played the 6 minimum matches required with that team would receive a Big Dawg award and a Big Dawg team shirt. Also, a plaque will be presented to the Host Location and the Big Dawg Team receives an automatic bid into the Citywide/World Qualifier Tournament. The Big Dawg team does not need to participate in Playoffs or Tri-Cups. The team must place in the top half of their division in subsequent sessions or the team is subject to lose its eligibility. If the team chooses to play in the session playoffs the team forfeits their automatic entry into the Citywide/World Qualifier Tournament. Note: To be eligible for the Big Dawg award, teams must be part of a division of at least 6 teams and the team must consist of at least 5 players with each player having played a minimum of 10 matches prior to the start of the session (established team). More info on the Big Dawg team can be found at IllianaAPA.com under Big Dawg Award. 6.22 Runner-Up in the Citywide/World Qualifier Tournament For 8-Ball format only, the team that is runner-up in the Citywide/World Qualifier Tournament gains an automatic entry into the upcoming Indiana State Invitational team event. The team must maintain four original members from their Citywide/World Qualifier team in subsequent sessions but may lose eligibility, if in subsequent sessions, the team does not finish in the top half of their division. This event is generally held the first weekend in December in Indianapolis, - 16 -
Indiana. All players must meet the tournament criteria. Illiana APA will cover hotel accommodations and the entry fee into the event. 6.31 Teams already Qualified for the Citywide/World Qualifier Tournament Any team that is already qualified for the next Citywide/World Qualifier Tournament has no need to compete in a session playoff match or a Tri-Cup Tournament since they are already a Qualified Team. Instead, any Citywide/World Qualified Team that places in a playoff slot in their division at the end of regular weekly play, will not play in the playoff match, but instead will advance to the CASH CUP Tournament held at the end of that session. 6.32 CASH CUP Tournament This tournament is held at the end of each session of the league year for those teams who have either: 1) just qualified for the Citywide/World Qualifier Tournament, OR 2) who are already qualified for the Citywide/World Qualifier Tournament from a previous session and who ended the current session in a playoff position. So, as an added benefit for these teams, they will instead advance to this CASH CUP Tournament. The payout for the 8-BALL format is $2,000. For the 9-BALL format, the payout is $1,000. To be eligible to participate, players must have at least 6 scored matches with that team. More information can be found at IllianaAPA.com under Tournaments. 6.41 Wild Card Draw Teams will earn entries to the draw based on where they placed at the end of the regular session. The last place team will get 1 entry, 2 nd to last place gets 2 entries, etc. Teams that forfeit any points the last night of play may lose eligibility for the WILD CARD draw or Playoffs. Also, as stated in the Manual, teams that forfeit more than 5 matches during the session may be ineligible; however, an exception to this rule is when a team forfeits a match due to their skill levels forcing them to utilize the 19- Rule. - 17 -
6.51 Session Playoffs for 8-BALL and 9-BALL Divisions - All playoff matches will be played on 7 tables. For teams within each division that are not already qualified for the Citywide/World Qualifier Tournament, Session Playoffs will be held for each division to determine which teams advance to the Tri-Cup Tournament. In the event of a tie, refer to pages 40-41 in the Manual for Tie-Breaking procedures. The highest placing team in the playoffs will be the home team. The location for the Double Jeopardy Division Playoffs may vary from session to session, and will be chosen at the League Office s discretion. Players competing in Playoffs must have at least 6 scored matches with that team during that session. If after winning a playoff match a team drops out of the League, their opponent will advance to the Tri-Cup Tournament in their place. The teams that are eligible for session playoffs are described in the following guidelines: For Divisions of 15 or more teams - During regular session play, unless already a Citywide/World Qualified Team, the team placing first automatically advances to the session ending Tri-Cup Tournament. Of the remaining teams eligible for playoffs, the top 5 placing eligible teams and a WILD CARD will compete in one round of Playoffs. The winners of the playoff matches also advance to the session ending Tri-Cup Tournament. For Divisions with 12-14 teams - During regular session play, unless already a Citywide/World Qualified Team, the team placing first automatically advances to the session ending Tri-Cup Tournament. Of the remaining teams eligible for playoffs, the top three (3) eligible teams and a WILD CARD will compete in playoffs. There will be one week of playoffs and two teams will advance to the session ending Tri-Cup Tournament. For Divisions with 5-11 teams eligible for playoffs (non- Citywide/World Qualified teams) - The top three (3) eligible teams and a WILD CARD will compete in playoffs. There will be one week of playoffs and two teams will advance to the session ending Tri-Cup Tournament. For Divisions with 3-4 teams eligible for playoffs (non- Citywide/World Qualified teams) - The top eligible team and a - 18 -
WILD CARD will compete in playoffs. There will be one week of playoffs and the winning team will advance to the session ending Tri-Cup Tournament. 6.61 Best of the Rest Tournament This Tournament is open to Session 1, 2, and 3 (Summer, Fall, and Spring) teams that lost in the playoffs against a Wild Card team. If the team gains entry in a playoff match in subsequent sessions, they are no longer eligible for this event. This is an additional opportunity to qualify for the Session 3 Tri-Cup Tournament. The team must have 4 original members and place in the top half of their division in subsequent sessions or the team is subject to lose its eligibility. The players of the Session 3 roster that has played a minimum of 6 scored matches with that team during that session are eligible to play. The Best of the Rest tournament will take place following the end of the playoffs in Session 3. More info can be found at IllianaAPA.com under Tournaments. 6.71 Tri-Cup Tournament For 8-BALL and 9-BALL Divisions, this Tri- Cup Tournament is the next level of play after playoffs and will be held after each session. Teams gain entry into this weekend tournament depending on how they performed during their weekly matches, playoff matches, and Best of the Rest Tournament. The tournament will be held after the session playoff matches usually in week three of the next session. Players competing in Tri-Cup must have at least 6 scored matches with that team during that session. All teams attending this tournament must be participating in an active division at the time of this tournament or will forfeit their eligibility to compete in the Tri-Cup Tournament. The top finishing teams from each session ending Tri-Cup Tournament are eligible to play in the Cash Cup Tournament and will also advance to the Citywide/World Qualifier Tournament. The number of teams advancing to the Citywide/World Qualifier Tournament will be announced at the Tri-Cup Tournament and may differ from one Tri-Cup to another. More info can be found at IllianaAPA.com under Tournaments. 6.81 Citywide Tournament (World Qualifier) The Citywide/World Qualifier Tournament is generally held in the beginning of June and - 19 -
will be a modified single elimination event unless otherwise noted. Teams are eligible to compete in this tournament via the session Tri- Cups or automatic eligibility via the Big Dawg team. To be eligible for this event, players must have at least 6 scored matches with their team in Session 3 (Spring). These teams will compete for the chance to advance to the World Pool Championships in Las Vegas. To remain eligible to participate in this tournament, teams must be active, with at least 4 original members, in the current session (Summer) or the team will forfeit their eligibility to compete in the Citywide/World Qualifier Tournament. More information can be found at IllianaAPA.com under Tournaments. 6.91 World Pool Championship Travel Assistance Program - Teams that advance from our Citywide/World Qualifier Tournament to the World Pool Championship Tournament will receive travel assistance. Travel assistance will be given ONLY to the players on the team that are eligible to advance to the World Pool Championship Tournament and who actually attend the Championship event. Any player that does not attend the World Pool Championship must return all travel assistance money to the League. CONDUCT DURING LEAGUE PLAY 7.11 Rules of Conduct - First and foremost, everyone is playing pool to have a GOOD TIME. Good Sportsmanship and cooperation between teams are the two most important considerations of your weekly league play. As you will see, our sportsmanship program is designed to identify and remove problem players and/or teams from the League. As a general rule, all communication within and between teams shall be filtered through the Captain or acting Captain. The Division Rep, or anyone other than the League Operators, is not authorized to make any rulings on behalf of the League Office. They will simply try to help you locate answers to your questions in the - 20 -
Bylaws or the Manual. It is imperative that each Captain/Co-Captain inform their members about the proper way to handle questions, concerns, and rulings since this can eliminate or greatly lessen the potential for problems between teams. If there is a rule disagreement, play must be stopped. Only the two Captains, or acting Captains, can resolve the matter. The only way to prove that a rule violation has occurred is by locating it in either the Bylaws or the Manual. Once the dispute has been resolved, it is over. No further discussion should be necessary. If the Captains are unable to resolve the dispute, finish the game and then follow the protest procedures in the Manual. 7.21 Suspended Players - Any suspended player will forfeit all benefits, awards, trophies, and prize money. 7.31 Sportsmanship - Any player or team receiving more than 2 sportsmanship violations will go under review by the Board of Governors. DURING LEAGUE MATCHES, TEAMS SHOULD REFER TO THE SPORTSMANSHIP VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES GUIDELINES (see separate red card in team envelope). 7.32 Sportsmanship Guide - In addition, this League Office has set the following guidelines to handle verbal abuse, language (profanity), physical contact, and other sportsmanship problems (for example: breaking cue sticks, throwing objects, or sharking your opponent). Note: These guidelines are minimum suggested penalties and are not limited to these recommendations. Based upon the specific circumstance, this League Office has the option to impose an even stronger penalty. It is important that those ladies and gentlemen, who cannot act as such, adjust their behavior appropriately or risk being removed from the League. Verbal abuse consists of name calling, threats, profanity, or any other language that could be considered as harassment, or that could cause embarrassment to other League members or non-members. Physical contact is the hostile physical contact between two players or player and non- - 21 -
member(s). This contact can be in the form of bumping, shoving, pushing, or hitting. Infraction First Offense Repeat Offenses Profanity Warning Letter 30 Day Suspension Arguing Rules/ Policies Verbal Abuse Threatening Remarks Threatening Behavior Throwing Objects Breaking Objects Physical Fighting All Other Physical Contact Warning Letter Warning Letter to a 30-60 Day Suspension Warning Letter to a 1 year Suspension 60-90 Day Suspension 30 Day Suspension 60-90 Day Suspension 30 Day Suspension to Permanent Suspension 1 Year Suspension to Permanent Suspension Suspension (length to be determined by due process with the Board of Governors) to a Termination of Membership by the American Poolplayers Association Suspension (length to be determined by due process with the Board of Governors) to a Termination of Membership by the American Poolplayers Association NOTES - 22 -
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Have Fun. Meet People. Play Pool. - 24 -