Our end of season event was a great success. This is the first season in a very long time where every single team had at least one representative attend. 2 new rules were voted in, and a rule clarification will be added to our current rules:
First, an 8 ball break no longer counts as a win. The breaker still earns $5 for a successful 8 ball on the break without a scratch, however, now the breaker has the option to spot the 8 ball and play the table as it lies, or re-rack and break again (without the option to earn another 8 ball break or table run.). Additionally, if the breaker fails to make a legal break on their second break and the opponent takes the break, they do so without the ability to earn an 8 ball break or table run. A secondary table run is also not available to either player in this situation. Lastly, making the 8 ball on the break and scratching is no longer a loss of game. Instead, the opposing player can choose to spot the 8 ball and play the rack, or re-break WITH the opportunity for a table run or 8 ball break as with any re-break due to an illegal break.
Next, a tie breaker has been added to our rules. In the event that 2 teams tie for the same place, their record against each other for the matches they played during the season will be used as a tie breaker. In the event that more than 2 teams are tied for a place, all the wins for each team will be added up for the matches played against the other teams who are part of the tie, and the tie will be broken in order of whoever has the most wins.
The rule clarification is that it is always up to the team being inconvenienced to allow a player to show up late and still play their games. No player should expect to always be allowed to show up late, nor give grief to anyone who calls for a forfeit in cases where one is due. If a player does not arrive in time to play their game, it is within their opponents right to call a forfeit. That said, if a player makes every effort to notify the opposing team in advance, it is good sportsmanship to give some leeway to a player who knows they are going to be late or need to leave early. Remember that this is a recreational league. We aren’t playing for huge amounts of money, and nobody is scouting any of us to be professional pool players. The goal is to play pool and have fun.
Angela Aquino is our new league president, and James Crist is now the Vice President. Mike Schwartz remains secretary/treasurer/webmaster. We sincerely thank Pete Savino for his many years of service as the president of our league, and are glad that he will remain a team captain. He has also committed to being available to help with the transition. The grievance committee remains comprised of Michael Lauta, Lawrence Weisdorn, Oswald Colunga and Matt Weitzman. The Vice President James Crist is now the tie-breaker vote in cases where necessary.
Our goal is to start the 2024-2025 season a bit earlier to help people qualify for BCA. Additionally, we are working with BCA to get them to update our players’ FARGO scores.
A scotch doubles tournament was held with the following results: