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Let me introduce this column as an open forum where anyone can send their thoughts so that the whole league can read it. Your piece will be unedited and posted. Please feel free to share your thoughts... Obviously we will not post any profanity and/or cursing.

BITCHING AND GRIPPING

10/11/2011

All

We have received this e-mail from one of our players. Please take a look and share your thoughts if you would like to. We will address this during the captains meeting for the 2012 session.

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“I would like to offer a change in league operation that would not only greatly reduce players' out-of-pocket expense but could quite likely stimulate new membership and still provide money for the league operator. I would like the membership to get this message long before the beginning of a new season, so that they all have time to think about it and discuss before beginning next season.

As a 'money' league, the DVPL Open currently seeks to return to players a 'prize', in that dues monies are collected weekly and prize monies are paid out seasonally. The size of cash prizes are based on team rankings. Trouble is, people who aren't highly skilled players don't want to participate in this type of league without some handicapping system, because they don't want to feel cheated by having all their dues money go to the strong teams. They should feel this way, because it is expensive to play in this league. I can say that, because there are non-money leagues with far more teams and players, and they have been operating successfully for decades at a much lower per-player cost. With our latest handicap change, there are even more grumblings about 'sandbagging' to cheat the system and there is little change in the overall rankings of teams.

Personally, I don't play league pool for the money. Even at DVPL prices, I would probably be showing up on Tuesdays with no expectation of a pay-out. I show up for the competition, to exercise my skills to the best of my ability and to spend time with other people who enjoy the sport. I'll wager that there are many others who also feel this way about playing, and many more who would join us if the 'stakes' weren't so high. As it is now, if you showed up for 22weeks of play, it is costing you over $220 per season, or $10+ per week. No wonder people would like to get some of their money back. If my employmentsituation were to sour, I'd have to consider quitting this league or finding some way to save another $40 per month to pay for it.

Suppose you could show up for 22 weeks of league play and get your BCA league sanction, for only $60 per season + $2 per match? That works out to about $4.75 per week.

At our current number of open league teams, even with only 4 people per team, this reduced fee structure would still work out to $5,520 collected per season ($11,040 per year), which should be more than enough to pay expenses of the league operator and still provide monies for banquet, tournament and other things. When you consider the fact that most teams carry more than 4 people on their roster, the preceding $$ figures for dues collected are really much higher.

Along with this operational change would be the elimination of the handicapping system. Wins, losses and rankings would be computed on wins and losses alone. If you still wanted to maintain the 'points' aspect of scoring our games, so you could also rank players by how badly they beat their opponents, that could be a second column in the rankings data.

The handicapping systems really amount to a 'welfare' system in sport, which is not how real competition functions. Do we get a handicap when we play in the BCA Open? Would you be as excited about watching pro sports if they all used a handicapping system? If you aren't paying so much each week to play, will you really feel so bad if you or your team aren't highly ranked, so bad so that you take your toys and go home and won't play with us anymore? If there wasn't so much of your money at stake, would you feel differently?

And how would you feel if this league could also be considerably larger, in terms of membership?

Sincerely,

Lynn Westhoven”

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                                     07/02/08 

I have been away from the joy of competing and being with my friends, much to my dismay ....and during this time...I am really sad to see that something has developed around the fact that we have "Masters." playing in our league.  

 I"m not generally one who gets involved in the inter-personal machinations of the league...I realize that not everyone is going to get along....or particularly like everyone....but I'm more than a little disappointed that anyone would suggest that someone else should not be allowed to play because "she's better" than anyone else....   

I'm in shock here ladies....if you never lose....you can never win!  These awesome players are the backbone of our learning base...and you don't want to play them? 

 I've learned so much from them all.  My game improves every time I am given the opportunity to play with each one of  "MY Pool Goddesses!"  It never fails, that either by watching or asking...I learn something invaluable....that  will help me take my game to the next level. (that's right, you heard it....OPPORTUNITY) I hunger for the time I get to play against one of them....they raise my game play...that's also why I play the guys...to improve my game .....I love to get better! 

It seems just slightly insane to think that because someone is better they should not play with us lesser players.  Especially in a league such as ours that has such a huge equalizer....the Handicap.  And I know ...ooooo...money is involved....damn sam.  Well...we are given "weight" ladies...just like in a money game...  The lesser player gets the advantage...forcing the better player ...to bring it!  And they do...and it's  awesome...and I pray to God that it doesn't change...  Shoooot!  Maybe someday one of them will be a pro...on Television. and we'll be able to say "Hey, yeah, I played her....and she's my friend....she kicks xxx!  I learned so much from her!" 

I love playing pool and I dearly miss seeing you all...but if my league that I've been part of for some 17 years...decides that it doesn't want ...or more importantly, need these veteran players....I am out....  Granted....I am only one person...but I am really saddened by this whole stinky mess.  The handicap more than covers the difference....and the players need these women....these teachers.... 

I love my game...and I love my league....and I dearly love my friends....

 Please...see the benefits...because the negatives that you see...really aren"t there....if you look at what you gain.... 

  In order to be a great player....you have to know how to lose well...as well as win well....and believe me I know...I've been losing to these player for many years. but in doing so...they taught me how to beat many others!

Claudia  

Much love and respect,  

06/25/08  

If you want to drink and hang out and shoot some pool while you're hanging out and drinking, this probably isn't the league for you.

If you love the game, want to improve and be more competitive – not just during league but any time you play pool, and have a good time, this league is for you.

I want a league that welcomes novices and helps foster a love of the game and a desire to improve.

I want a league where everyone is friendly and respectful toward each other.  Leave your attitudes at home!

Up-and-coming players shouldn't be afraid to approach a veteran for questions or advice.

Veterans should give back by making sure they are approachable, and being proactive in offering feedback or suggestions.

I'd like to see the league explore other formats for league and tournament play, such as A/B divisions, blind draws for teams or trying out 7, 9 or 10 ball.

 

Anonymous

 

                 
 


 

 

 

 

    

    

  

 

 		 

07/02/08

"OK.. here's my beef! LOL  I'm not in favor of the Position Round aspect of the league.  I've been playing in the league now for almost 6 years and I've always thought it was run in a fair way through the use of handicaps, scheduling, etc.  But, even after a team works hard to get to their standing, the position round creates the risk that if a team happens to have a bad night during the position round, it can mean losing much of what was accomplished during many weeks of play.

In addition to my overall concern about the Position Rounds, it makes NO SENSE to me that in the first round of the Summer League's play that the team in the losing position gets to have HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE during the Position Round.  What's up with THAT?  (scratching my head.. LOL)

I know some people might say I feel the way I do because the Position Round didn't work in our favor in this past season but if you ask Annette (my captain), she'll tell you I had issues with the whole idea from the beginning feeling it's just not fair to give another team the chance to reverse a lot of hard fought victories in a single evening (or two) of play.

That's my contribution to the Bitching and Griping section!  I hope we go back to the way it was before without the Position Round.. that's my two cents.

- Darla"

07/02/08  

To all those who can't appreciate a good game...
       
 I have always believed that if a person really gets tired
 of losing, they will learn to play the game.  Those not
 willing to learn the game past a certain point  shouldn't be so quick to bitch about it.  I consider myself one of the better players & playing people like Holly & Leslie & Shawn (Oh, MY !) only make me play  harder.. Don't It Ladies !!! 
 Thanx 4 The Games ! 
 Tiffany Walker>

Now that I've mentioned my positive thought...
 here is how I really feel.
 I feel that there should be some allowances on double blind rule.  Pool is suppose to be fun, something to be enjoyed  & not to be taken so seriously that you will allow it  to interfere with  ones work.  Not only that, but it seems
 that certain teams are not very cooperative when asked to
 reschedule.  There have been two.  You all know (& have
 known) that Theresa & I work together & are on the
 same team for years now.  However, this is the first year
 our jobs have become a problem.  I personally feel this
 really sucks.  
 We are a very capable team and wish that if you can't
 respect us as long time players then perhaps you could
 respect us as long time friends & find a way for us to
 continue playing without having to choose between pool
 & our jobs. 
 
 Thanx for Listening...
 Tiffany Walker      

                       06/26/08  

After reading all the comments posted , I have something to say. 

First , I like to congratulate Holly and all the teams who made the Vegas events one of the most memorable in the four years I have played in them.   

Second,  while any of us (certainly it has happened to us all) may not like what has been said or posted by someone , it does not mean that they had no business doing so.  It may be hard to see things from other's perspective at times , but the truth is , no matter what is said, it has value to someone. To simply cast someone's "humble opinion" aside and count it as "negativity"  or "unacceptable" is not constructive criticism. Those statements are merely the opinions of those expressing them.  I believe that the players in this league (including myself) have every desire to be better players.  Whether they drink , or whatever they choose to do , it is their choice.   

It is time to stop with the put downs.  

Theresa Teague ,

League member for over 10 years