The Equalizer is what sets the APA apart from the competition. The uniqueness of the Equalizer is that it brings out the best in both the novice or beginning player and the expert should they meet in a match. The Equalizer aids the lesser player by dictating mathematically that he needs to win fewer games or earn less points than his more highly skilled opponent to win a match. In golf and bowling, you give or get strokes or pins.

How Skill Levels 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 or points you need to win. 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. In this League, you give or get games or points. How many games/points 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/points, thus leveling the playing feild. Read on for more details!

New Players & The Equalizer New players do not have an established skill level, so a standard starting method has been devised. Statistics show that 69% of male players are SL-4 (skill level) or higher while 52% of females are SL-3 or below. Gentleman will play their first match as a SL-4 and ladies will begin as a SL-3 The League Operator is authorized to assign special skill levels and a 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 non-rated 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.