General Rules
Core league operations and procedures
Table Choice
Home team has table choice unless tables are assigned by the Host Location. Table size must be selected in the SKA at the start of the match. Once a match starts on a table size, that entire team match must finish on that same table size.
Members Barred from Host Locations
If a team member is barred from a Host Location, that member may only play with permission of the Host Location Owner or manager. This is beyond APA's control.
Scorekeeping
All scores kept on the SKA (Score Keeper APP) and submitted electronically at match end. If SKA is unavailable, use paper and text a photo to (336) 542-6866. All teams and host locations should keep paper scoresheets available.
Forfeits
Teams forfeiting 6 or more matches during regular session are not eligible for the wild card draw. The replay (ghost) rule must be allowed in the first 4 weeks; after that it's the opposing team's choice. Full team forfeit points = Bye week points.
Simultaneous Play
No simultaneous play allowed. Players may only participate in one match at a time. If caught playing in more than one match, the player must forfeit one to continue in the other.
Severe Weather
Team Captains must contact each other prior to the match and reschedule as soon as possible. Notify the League Office with the rescheduled date. Contact the office if you don't have the opposing captain's info.
Holidays
Matches scheduled on holidays may be rescheduled — played before the original date or up to two weeks after. Pre-playing is recommended. Notify the League Office if rescheduling.
Cell Phones
Be courteous — do not use your cell phone while playing a match. Repeated use is a sportsmanship violation and can lead to loss of game. Respect your opponent.
Changing / Breaking Down Sticks
A player may change sticks during a game — not a loss of game. However, a cue cannot be broken down to jump balls.
Complaints
Sportsmanship and handicap complaints must be submitted in writing, the night of play via the "Comments to League Operator" box in SKA after submitting scores, or via email. Text message complaints are not accepted.
Fees & Payments
Team fees, memberships, and financial policies
Team Fees
All matches paid in full on the original night of play. Full fees due regardless of how many players play (even forfeits). Full fees due during session playoffs. League office will not manage team credits.
Annual Membership Fees
Paid online via the Member Services APP. Must be paid the first time a player plays or by Week 4 of the session — whichever comes first. Playing an unpaid member may result in loss of earned points. Penalty points once assessed will not be returned.
Weekly Scoresheets & New Members
Captains collect league fees from players. Scoresheets submitted electronically via SKA. Weekly fees placed in team envelope and turned in to the host location. New members complete online membership via the APP by clicking JOIN NOW.
Past Due Balances
Teams owing past due money will not be eligible for Wild Card Draw, playoffs, or Higher-Level Tournaments until paid. Past due fees don't carry forward — all must be paid before the first week of the new session. Players must also clear balances before any APA events.
Check Policy
Checks accepted for weekly league play and memberships. NSF returned check = original amount + $30 fee. More than 2 NSF checks = cash or money order only. Make checks payable to: Triad APA.
Bonus Points
Points are lost for incorrect or missing scoresheets, unpaid fees, or past due balances — continually until resolved.
Roster & Members
Player eligibility, roster changes, and jeopardy rules
Roster Changes
- May add players any time except the last 4 weeks of the session
- Added in first 6 weeks + minimum 6 matches played = eligible for playoffs & Tri-Annual
- Added after week 6 = ineligible for playoffs & Tri-Annual (unless approved by office)
- No captain changes after Week 6 (except if captain quits or is suspended)
- Changes only in first 4 weeks — must be prior to Week 5 sheets release
- No exceptions — system advances with current week, not makeup/bye weeks
- Players added to Spring rosters for WQ/WPE must have at least 20 scores (or get office approval)
- No captain changes after Week 4
Jeopardy
After Week 6, if a team declares "Jeopardy" due to a drop in members requiring adding players: adding 3 or more players makes the team ineligible for playoffs or higher-level tournaments. Any player added after week 6 (summer/fall) is ineligible. No roster changes after Week 4 of spring.
Matches Required for Eligibility
⚠ Forfeits do NOT count as a match played!
Replay (Ghost) Rule
Allows a team short a player to play one player twice in the same match.
Playoffs & Tournaments
Session playoffs, Tri-Annuals, and World Qualifier structure
Session Playoff Structure
| Teams in Division | Structure | Tri-Annual Qualifiers |
|---|---|---|
| 4–5 Teams | 1st vs Wildcard → winner advances | 1 team |
| 6–7 Teams | 1st advances directly; 2nd vs Wildcard | 2 teams |
| 8–11 Teams | 1st advances; 2nd vs WC; 3rd vs 4th | 3 teams |
| 12–16 Teams | 1st advances; 2nd vs WC; 3rd vs 6th; 4th vs 5th | 4 teams |
Top Point Finisher receives 1st Place Session trophies. If 1st place team is already WQ qualified, eligibility can pass to 2nd place. Highest-ranking team is home team for travel division playoffs.
Bye Week Points
Points differ from Official Team Manual values due to the local Bonus Point System. Higher value keeps teams competitive during bye weeks and in the Big Dawg race.
Teams Failing to Appear
Any team failing to appear is considered dropped from the League unless the office is notified by the next day. Opponent receives 10 pts (8-Ball) or 75 pts (9-Ball). Second no-show = dropped from division. All remaining session fees are still due.
Big Dawg Award
Awarded to the 8-Ball and 9-Ball teams with the most points earned in a League year across all divisions. Tiebreaker: most wins, then individual match wins. Award: Big Dawg plaque for each member + team trophy. No longer includes automatic World Qualifier bid.
Make-Up Matches
Make-ups allowed in the first 10 weeks only, submitted to office within 2 weeks of original date. All make-ups must be in by end of Week 12. Captain must be contacted within 24 hours. Office must be notified via text or email. Failure to notify = possible double forfeit.
Tri-Annuals
Held at end of each Summer, Fall, and Spring session for both 8-Ball & 9-Ball. Teams must maintain 4 original members on a Triad APA team in the corresponding format from point of qualification. Qualifying teams must play in the following session or forfeit eligibility.
Summer Showdown Cash Cup
Annual tournament after Tri-Annuals for teams that participated in a Summer, Fall, or Spring Tri-Annual but are not currently qualified for the World Qualifier. Must have maintained 4 original players, played subsequent sessions, and be active during the Summer Session.
World Qualifier
Qualifying teams must continue playing in upcoming sessions to maintain eligibility. Summer qualifiers must play Fall, Spring & Summer. Fall qualifiers must play Spring & Summer. Spring qualifiers must play Summer.
World Qualifier Prize Money
Winning teams receive travel assistance per person for the Vegas World Pool Championships + team World Qualifier Trophy + individual awards. Players electing not to attend forfeit all awards and travel money. Money already received must be repaid to the APA travel fund, or membership suspension applies.
Ladies League
Special bylaws for the Ladies Division
Format & Fees
Teams play double matches. Team fee: $30/team per match. Matches scheduled for the Fourth Saturday of every month.
Match Requirements
- 6 matches with Triad APA Ladies team during session to participate in Ladies League World Qualifier (if also on a standard 8-Ball team)
- 10 matches during Ladies session to be eligible for the final tournament (if NOT on a standard 8-Ball team)
- 10 minimum 8-Ball matches within the last 2 years by March 3 entry deadline for Showdown Series in Las Vegas
- 6 matches minimum to participate in playoffs
Byes & Forfeits
Teams cannot forfeit more than 6 matches per year (one month). Make-up matches are a must. Forfeit fees are same as regular play, due the following week.
Make-Ups & Replays
Make-ups only for APA-affected events. Must be turned in within 2 weeks from original date — otherwise scored as forfeit with both teams still owing fees. No replays in the last 4 weeks (2 months) of session. Teams using replay must be able to field a roster under 13 without it.
Roster Changes
Roster changes must be made prior to Week 8 (4th month). Changes after that require Local League Office approval — only one change permitted. Changes must be in writing on scoresheet.
Masters League
Special bylaws for the Masters Division
Format & Fees
Monthly fee: $30/team per match. Teams play two matches, once per month on the Fourth Saturday. Bye: 15 points awarded.
Forfeits & Replays
Teams allowed max 1-month forfeit (6 matches) to remain playoff-eligible. No replays allowed in the Masters Division.
Match Requirements
- Minimum 6 matches with Masters team during session
- Minimum 6 matches with Triad APA standard format team during session
- At least 10 matches within one year of entry due date (any combination of 8-Ball, 9-Ball, or Masters)
- Must remain on an active 8-Ball or 9-Ball team for the full Masters session
Roster Changes
Changes must be made in the first 8 weeks (4th month). For nationally qualified Masters teams: players must be on an active Spring Session APA roster in standard 8-Ball or 9-Ball (or Masters), and on a Triad APA 8-ball or 9-ball roster in the summer session.
Make-Up Matches
Only for APA events. Must be turned in within 2 weeks. Late = forfeit; both teams still owe fees. Teams dropping during session owe remaining match fees — doubled if it causes a bye. Players dropped from standard format teams until paid.
Doubles League
8-Ball Doubles (Scotch Doubles) bylaws
Team Fees
Doubles Division fees: $30/team. Location "green fees" are charged separately by the location and should not be included in the envelope. Full fees due regardless of how many play, even if a full team forfeits.
Scoring Format
Weekly play: 2 singles matches + 1 Doubles match. Doubles uses Alternate Shot. Singles scored with 3-point system (3-0, 2-1, or 2-0). Doubles points are doubled. 1 bonus point for timely fees and signed paperwork. Byes = 8 points. Max possible: 12 points per match.
Forfeits
Maximum 2 team forfeits (two months) per session. Exceeding may disqualify from playoffs. Full team fees still due for all forfeits from both teams. Scoresheets must still be submitted with fees.
Team Eligibility
- Minimum 2 players per team; player can only play in one division
- Must have 10 8-Ball scores played in past 2 years to enter
- Teams must meet Skill Level 10 max combined at start of session
- Max increase during session: SL 12 combined; beyond that = split or replace
- Non-established players (fewer than 10 matches) may join but risk playoff disqualification if combined SL exceeds 10
National Eligibility
- 20 lifetime singles matches in 8-Ball required for National Championship in Las Vegas
- Must stay on active 8-ball roster through the session in which National event is held
- Must play at least 4 times during Spring session in any 8-ball handicapped format
- Players qualified for 8-Ball Doubles Championship cannot also participate in 9-Ball Shootout in Las Vegas
- No Male Skill Level 2 allowed to compete in National Championship 8-ball Doubles
Playoffs
Local playoff tournament follows end of each session. Top 5 teams + 1 wildcard make division playoffs. Only the Scotch Doubles portion played at playoffs. Number of Vegas slots depends on league team count.