LePheaux wrote:
> The first season I played APA. My rating had been decided
> before ever pocketing a ball, Huh Dave.

Your skill level was established before you joined the league - because you and I spent three hours playing 1, 2, and 3 inning games in front of the League Operator at the Sports Pub.

(Blah)
> I decided to show the locals what sandbagging really was, so
> I taught the neighbors and coached my pal, on how to play
> safes, and up there skill level some.

Playing safeties is not sandbagging...

(Blah)
> it's as simple as playing a safety, and just not calling it.

...not calling them is not sandbagging. Not MARKING them is sandbagging, but it only works if neither scoresheet has the safeties marked.

I don't want to go off on a rant here, but it really takes a special type of asshole to sandbag. I mean, you not only need to be willing to cheat to beat players of your own caliber and above, you also have to be willing to cheat the beginners, social players, and serious in the league. So you sandbagged your way into the playoffs. Are you actually proud of that? Does it make you feel good to know that there are honest players who didn't make the playoffs because of your sandbagging? Some people join handicapped leagues because they're told they'll have a realistic chance of winning. Others see it as a great opportunity to help introduce beginning players to the game in a wholesome and fun way. And still others see it as an opportunity to cheat, lie, and swindle their way into prize monies and recognition they're too lazy or stupid to try to earn honestly.

Of course that's just my opinion - I could be wrong, but I don't think so. All handicap systems have their flaws, and all handicapped leagues have their sandbaggers. At least with the APA system sandbagging can be prevented. Just have the guts to mark any "non-performance" shots as YOU see them, and if the other team/players objects, tell them (nicely) to kiss your ass and mind their own scoresheet.