FAQ Section
Q. I don’t understand, he went 9-1 this session and didn’t move up, or I lost 6 in a row and how come I haven’t moved down?
A . Actually these are good questions and I'm not going to give you the typical answer and say “ ask the computer”. TAP has the most complex handicap system available for any and all leagues. You as the player don’t have access to all the information that computes your handicap, but you have to remember, your win to loss ratio isn’t a big factor in your handicap. Look at it this way, if you’re a 5 and you keep playing 2 and 3 handicap players, just because you went 9-1 for the session, do you honestly believe you should be moved up to a 6 handicap? Or if you’re a 5 handicap and you keep playing 6 and 7 handicaps and lose 6 in a row, should you move down to a 4 handicap? Your handicap’s are based on all 80 variables for each match, and the win to loss ratio is only a small fraction that creates your handicap.
Q. Well if that’s the case, how come our rosters show both the game and match records for wins and losses, if it’s not that important?
A. Those records are like a baseball players stats. They’re there for statistical purposes only. Some teams like to use them for matching up their players against the opposing teams players.
Q. I went 9-3 as a 5 handicap and in the last week I moved to a 6 handicap. Can I get the MVP for the 6-7 skill level?
A. The answer here is no. If you haven’t played at least 30% of your matches at the next level, it’s not fair to the players that have, but you would still be eligible to win in the 4-5 skill level.
Q. What is Open Stats and what does it mean?
A. Every team has an “open stats” line. Players that quit and get dropped from the roster, their numbers go here. Score sheets that are filled out improperly with no id# or name will go here, along with any forfeit points you have given or received.
Q. How do I score when an 8 gets made on the break.
A. First count to see if any balls other than the 8 was made. If just the 8-ball went in then you would mark 7 balls for both players in the “LOT” (left on table) box or if the shooting player made 2 low balls on the break along with the 8-ball the opposing player would be scored 7 lot and the shooter 5 lot. On the far right hand side mark the box that says 8 on Break for the shooter. This is also the way you would score an early 8-ball.
Q. I’m playing in the 9-ball league, can I use this handicap for 8-ball.
A. For our local 8-ball tournaments we will allow players with only a nine ball handicap to play TAP tournaments. But for the Nationals and Valley Forge, if you don’t have an 8-ball handicap you will not be allowed to play in the 8 ball events.
A. 8-ball and 9-ball are two different games. Some players will excel at 9-ball where other players won’t, so for higher level tournaments we have decided if you don’t have an 8-ball handicap you can’t play, this keeps it fair for all players.
Q. If I'm a 4 in 8-ball will I be a 4 in 9-ball?
A. When you begin 9 Ball, you will begin with your 8 Ball handicap, but because they are 2 different games, your handicap could change depending on your strengths or weaknesses.
Q. If on the break I only make a stripe, what happens?
A. The table is still considered open. Your category of balls is not determined until you make your next legally pocketed ball.
Q. What happens if I make the next ball but scratch?
A. As long as it was a called shot, this will then be your ball category.
Q. Can you explain where the money comes from, that TAP Canada pays back at the end of each session?
A. That money comes from you the player. Every time you play a match and pay your $8.00, $2.00 of that goes into your players prize fund. At the end of each session half of that gets paid back immediately, and the remaining half goes into your session end Provincial tournament. This is why it is important that all teams pay their dues each week, even for forfeits since this will affect your prize fund.
Q. Why does our score sheet say we owe money?
A. Team envelopes must contain the full amount each week, if not this is why you see this amount owing at the top of the score sheet.
Q. What will happen if it’s not paid?
If any player on your team is to receive a Break and Run or 8 on the Break Pin they will not receive it until dues are paid in full. This also applies for team 5-0 patches. Each team receives one “grace” after that they will continue to receive a penalty point until paid in full. Any team owing money will not go into the wildcard draw at the end of the session, and will not be allowed to participate in the following session. Money owed will come out of the players prize fund at the end of the session. Although this may seem harsh, it protects the honest teams that abide by the rules each and every week.