Greater Scranton APA
2xPlay Rule - Anti Forfeiting

 
The Official Team Manual States: 
 
"You may only play once in a team match unless otherwise stipulated in the Local Bylaws"  
 
To help prevent forfeits and to make it more likely matches are awarded on the table rather than by forfeit, the Greater Scranton APA has chosen to adopt the "Double-Play Rule" approved by the APA National Office.  This rule allows one player ("Double-Play Player") from a team ("Double-Play Team") to play twice on the same League night. 
 
This rule will be amended to the Greater Scranton APA Bylaws as of May 2018.
 
 

 How It Works:

Please follow the criteria below for ensuring smooth implementation of the Double-Play Rule on a League night.
1.  The Double-Play Team does not have enough players present, or cannot field a team with the players it does have present without violating the 23-Point Rule.
a.  Team rosters must still be able to naturally field a team without a 23-Point Rule violation.
b.  The Master Class Team building rule is still in effect when creating teams for both 8-Ball and 9-Ball.
 
2.  The Double-Play Team's need to invoke the Double-Play Rule is NOT the result of a player being forcibly sent home and/or made unavailable.
a.  Attempts to take advantage of the Double-Play Rule in this manner should be reported to the League Office and may result in the forfeit of the Double-Play match and loss of bonus points.
 
3.  The Double-Play Team must try to notify the opposing team as early as possible, and no later than the start of the 3rd match that they intend on using the Double-Play Rule.
a.  Even if there is uncertainty that your player(s) may be in attendance, you should still request the Double-Play.
b.  If, in any instance, the team requesting the Double-Play Rule has an un-played player show up before the start of the last match, and playing that player does not cause a 23-Point Rule violation, that team requesting the Double-Play MUST revoke their intended Double-Play request and play the un-played player in the last match.
c.  The un-played team member ALWAYS takes precedence over the Double-Play player. 
 
4.   The opposing team MUST allow the Double-Play Rule when requested and CANNOT demand that the Double-Play Team forfeit the match AS LONG AS all members who have played remain selectable.
 
5.  The Double-Play Rule can only be used ONCE during a League Night and should be scheduled for the last match played.
a.  If, in any instance, the Double-Play is WILLINGLY used in a match other than the last match of the League night, the Double-Play match and all subsequent matches will be forfeited by both teams!
b.  If, in any instance, the Double-Play MUST be played prior to the last match of the League night, please, contact the League Office for approval.
 
6.  The opposing team selects the Double-Play Player from the Double-Play Team. The oppsoing team can choose any player (any skill level) PRESENT except a player that would cause the Double-Play Team to violate the 23-Rule.
a.  All players who are in attendance and who have already played MUST be made available as a choice for the Double-Play match.
b.  The opposing team should select the Double-Play Player AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and inform the Double-Play Team of the player they have seleccted.  Selection of the Double-Play Player is FINAL.
 
7.  Both teams may utilize the Double-Play Rule on the same League night if necessary.
a.  In this situation, both teams put up their own Double-Play player.
b.  The team scheduled to put up a player in the 5th match designates their Double-Play Player first.
 
8.  Each team is allowed to use the Double-Play Rule up to 3 times per session, as long as the above criteria are met in each instance.
 
9.  The Double-Play Rule is NOT in effect and CANNOT be used during:
  • The last 2 weeks of regular weekly League play
  • Session playoffs
  • Tri-Annual Tournament events
  • World Pool Qualifiers
  • World Pool Championship
  • Local Team Tournaments.
 
 
This rule is meant to benefit the team whose players are in attendance in allowing that team to fulfill the Greater Scranton APA's League player requirements of 6 plays, as well as preventing unwanted forfeits.  Remember, teams can ALWAYS reschedule a match.
This rule may be subject to change.  In all instances, please let common sense and Good Sportsmanship prevail.
 
Last update 10-2-20