Captain’s Log, February 16th, 2014

We have had some postage issues over the last few weeks, and hopefully this will help clear some things up. First, postage did go up from $0.46 to $0.49. However, metered mail like ours only went up to $0.48. We have been seeing 1 cent stamps on some of our new $0.48 return envelopes and that is not needed. The biggest issue is that we mailed $0.46 return envelopes to all of you before the rate increase took place, and when you mailed them back, the increase was in effect. However, it was a relatively simple fix as we just paid the difference to the post office when we picked up the mail. That required a trip to the front counter everyday for about a week, but it went pretty well. But, now that we are only sending out $0.48 return envelopes, that’s what you should now be sending. We will not be continuing to check with the front counter for any mail that is short 2 cents, so you will need to put a 2 cent stamp on any envelopes that are metered at $0.46 before mailing those back. Not putting a 2 cent stamp could make what might be an on time piece of mail late. The Post Office doesn’t always put notes in our box that we have mail at the counter, and if it isn’t in our PO Box, we consider it late. We absolutely don’t want any of you to have late mail because of postage, so please double check your envelope before mailing it for proper postage. 

In the last few weeks, we have seen some mail come in that was damaged. While most teams put checks in their envelopes, we have a few teams that send in cash. If your envelope gets damaged with cash in it, the likelihood that we actually receive that money is not very good. To give you an idea of what I mean by damaged, we have a Masters team that plays on Saturday, and they finished a make up match along with their regularly scheduled match. That envelope and everything inside of it was ripped entirely in half by post office sorting machines. That includes the check the captain wrote out for his team. If there was cash instead of a check, the team would have been responsible for replacing it if we never received it. Instead, we can just tape the check back together and run it through as normal. If by some chance an envelope did have cash in it and it got exposed to outside sources, it’s possible that someone might steal other envelopes thinking that those might have cash in them as well. That’s why we always recommend writing checks or sending money orders. If you do send cash, we recommend it not be sent in a way that it could be returned for more postage or feel like it might contain cash. That might sound weird, but we once received an envelope that had twenty $1’s and four $5’s. That’s 24 bills along with a score sheet. Not only does that probably not make weight where it might be returned for insufficient postage, but could also attract would-be thieves. The APA office will not be responsible for lost cash in any way, 

There have been some changes made to the dates of the APA Preregistered Scotch Doubles tournaments in Las Vegas. The Jack and Jill tournament that always took place previously during the APA Singles Nationals Tournament in late April/Early May has now been moved to the August APA National Team Championships. The Scotch Doubles 8 Ball and 9Ball events that normally took place in August are now taking place during the APA Singles Nationals events. With that said, we have two 8 Ball Scotch Doubles slots and two 9 Ball Scotch Doubles slot. Signups for these events are taking place RIGHT NOW! The handicap limit is 10 for each event and the entry fee to the National event is $100 per team. Players must have a minimum of 20 scores in the format in which they are signing up to compete and must be active on a team in that format in the San Diego APA. We will conduct a blind draw of the signed up teams for these slots. The draw will take place at the Hungry Stick on the first weekend of March during the Singles Regional. More information about these tournaments can be found at the APA National web site www.poolplayers.com The 8 Ball event takes place April 30-May 2 and the 9 Ball event is May 1-3.  

Entry forms for the Southwest Challenge should have already been submitted by the time you receive this. It is not too late to put a team into the tournament. Contact the league office as soon as possible if you are planning on going and haven’t contacted us yet. 

SDAPA Fun Facts, back by popular demand. 35% of our league are ladies in both 8 Ball and 9 Ball. 45% of the ladies playing 8 Ball are skill level 3’s. Skill level 4 is the second most popular skill level for ladies. 72% of the ladies playing 8 Ball are either 3’s or 4’s. 63% of all of our league members are skill level 4 or lower in 9 Ball and 8 Ball . While it sometimes seems like rosters are loaded with skill level 5’s or higher, the reality is that there are more lower level players competing in our leagues each week. Because there are so many lower level players in our league, it makes sense that there be a limit on team strength in place that allows players of all abilities the opportunity to play each week. To me, the 23 rule has always been the best rule that governs our league. Creating an atmosphere where anyone of any skill level can not only compete on a weekly basis, but also have the chance to win each week and contribute to their team is what makes our league the most unique and enjoyable league out there. Have a great week and…..

Shoot Pool Good!