The Equalizer Handicap System

The uniqueness of The Equalizer® handicap system is that it brings out the best in both the novice or beginning player and the expert should they meet in a match.  With The Equalizer®, it is feasible for a beginner to have a nearly equal chance in a match with a more highly skilled player.  The Equalizer® aids the lesser player by dictating mathematically that he needs to win fewer games than his more highly skilled opponent to win a match. In golf and bowling you give or get strokes or pins.  In this League, you give or get games.  How many games you give or get is determined by comparing your skill level to the skill level of your opponent.  Higher skill level players give lower skill level players a number of games, thus evening the match.

1.  HOW HANDICAPS ARE DETERMINED - Your Local League Office calculates and reports player skill levels to the teams on a regular basis.  Your skill level determines how many games you have to play 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 a generally disruptive practice.  The APA appreciates your cooperation with this policy.

2. HOW TO GET STARTED - Obviously, new players do not have a skill level established, so a standard starting method has been devised for new players.  Gentlemen will play their first match as a SL4;ladies will play their first match as a SL3.  A League Operator is authorized to assign special skill levels and lowest attainable to new players who are known highly skilled players or to players who have previously established skill levels 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.  In other words, you cannot quit for a while 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 member or a current member in another League area and already have an established skill level.

3. ONCE SKILL LEVELS ARE ESTABLISHED - Now it is time to take a 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.  During regular weekly session play, simply refer to the "GAMES MUST WIN" chart shown below.  This chart is also printed on the scoresheet for your convenience.

4. HOW TO USE THE CHART - To read the chart, find your skill level along the left side of the chart.  Then find your opponent's skill level along the top of the chart. Now, track to the right from your skill level and down from your opponent's skill level until the two tracks meet.  In that block, the first number is the number you race to, and the second is the number your opponent races to.  The two numbers involved should have the same differential as your skill levels do.  For example, a SL6 playing a SL4 tracks to the block with 5/3 (circled) in it.  The SL6 races to 5 while the SL4 races to 3.  5 to 3 is a differential of 2, just as 6 to 4 is a differential of 2.