1. HOW APA 8-BALL HANDICAPS ARE DETERMINED – Your Local League Office calculates and reports skill levels to the teams on a regular basis. Your skill level determines how many games you have to earn to win your match. APA 8-Ball Skill levels are maintained, calculated and updated by the Local League Office. The process includes a number of factors including the application of specific mathematical formulas to the data on the weekly scoresheets, win/loss records, Higher Level Tournament performance, qualitative judgment by Handicap Advisory Committees, and other considerations. You are asked to refrain from attempting to keep your own records as it is generally a disruptive practice. The APA appreciates your cooperation with this policy.

2. HOW TO GET STARTED – New players do not have a skill level established, so a standard starting method has been devised for new players. Statistics show that 69% of male players are SL4s and higher while 78% of ladies are SL3s and below. Gentleman will play their first match as a skill level 4 (SL4) and ladies will begin as a SL3. A League Operator is authorized to assign special skill levels and lowest attainables to new players who are known to be highly skilled players or to players who have previously established a skill level in another format.

As a result of your first match, a skill level is established and reported for you. It is against the rules for a player who has an established skill level to attempt to reestablish his skill level at a later time. For example, you can't quit for awhile and then rejoin the League or transfer to another League area as a nonrated player. You are obligated to disclose the fact that you are a former or current member in another League area with an established skill level.

3. ONCE APA 8-BALL SKILL LEVELS ARE ESTABLISHED – Now you can look at how your skill level and the skill levels of the other players interact to create the highly competitive atmosphere that has made this League so successful. Remember you are going to give or get games in 8-Ball. During regular weekly League play, simply refer to the 'Games Must Win' chart shown below. This chart is printed on the scoresheets for your convenience.

1. HOW APA 9-BALL HANDICAPS ARE DETERMINED – Your Local League Office calculates and reports skill levels to the teams on a regular basis. Your skill level determines how many games you have to earn to win your match. Skill levels are maintained, calculated and updated by the Local League Office. The process includes a number of factors including the application of specific mathematical formulas to the data on the weekly scoresheets, win/loss records, Higher Level Tournament performance, qualitative judgment by Handicap Advisory Committees, and other considerations. You are asked to refrain from attempting to keep your own records as it is generally a disruptive practice. The APA appreciates your cooperation with this policy.

2. HOW TO GET STARTED – New players do not have a skill level established, so a standard starting method has been devised for new players. Statistics show that 69% of male players are SL4s and higher while 78% of ladies are SL3s and below. Gentleman will play their first match as a skill level 4 (SL4) and ladies will begin as a SL2. Those who compete in 8-Ball will begin with their current 8-Ball rating. A League Operator is authorized to assign special skill levels and lowest attainables to new players who are known to be highly skilled players or to players who have previously established a skill level in another format.

As a result of your first match, a skill level is established and reported for you. It is against the rules for a player who has an established skill level to attempt to reestablish his skill level at a later time. For example, you can't quit for awhile and then rejoin the League or transfer to another League area as a nonrated player. You are obligated to disclose the fact that you are a former or current member in another League area with an established skill level.

3. ONCE APA 9-BALL SKILL LEVELS ARE ESTABLISHED – Now you can look at how your skill level and the skill levels of the other players interact to create the highly competitive atmosphere that has made this League so successful. Remember you are going to give or get points in 9-Ball. During regular weekly League play, simply refer to the 'Points Required to Win' chart shown below. This chart is printed on the scoresheets for your convenience.