Would appreciate insights and/or guidance from those that have experienced the same circumstances...
For a number of years, our mixed handicap league (averages from low of 98-pins to high of 237-pins scratch) has maintained a league rule setting individual handicap based on 90% of 210. (5 bowlers/team; 33-week league; Sweepers held in a nearby gambling mecca city the week following end of league) Since our league usually carries about 28 - teams (~140 bowlers), each bowler pays in ~$10.00/week towards prize monies to be paid our in the sweeper's events (~$45,000+)
Over the last few years, we've had a big influx of high average bowlers driving 50+ miles one way from out of the area joining the league specifically because of the amount of the sweeper payouts available (as one would expect). It's gotten to the point that the majority of the low-mid average bowlers have become extremely perturbed, disheartened & disgruntled with the inherent inequities -- not only with the league continuously having the same high average teams take the top spots during league play but also with these same high average bowlers typically cleaning up at the after league-end sweepers (Payouts typically to top 10 places for Team; Individual; Mixed Doubles; Doubles) Do the math and you can see there's serious money involved.
This year, the league was able (barely) to revise the league handicap basis to reflect 90% of 240 (previous year had 237 as the highest maintained average by a league bowler.) It was pointed out that the USBC recommends that handicaps be based on a score higher than the highest bowler's average and that this would lessen the tremendous advantage these bowlers enjoyed during the sweepers.
Because the league started bowling before a hasty petition could be fully passed around to change the league rule, its now become quite evident that a large number of the high average bowlers are purposely 'sand-bagging' and keeping their league averages much lower to maintain/increase their advantage come year-end sweepers. The previous year's high average bowlers that maintained scratch averages of 220 - 235 are now carrying their league averages at 190-195. Some of these bowlers have admitted that this is their intent. (Interestingly, one commented that the new HDCP basis 'penalizes' the sub-170 average bowlers when it comes to cashing at sweepers... because of the high average bowlers maintaining low league averages)
My request is for any insight/guidance on how to address the number of high average bowlers deliberately maintaining lower averages. Since the league's sweeper event is not a 'certified tournament', per se, would Rule 319e Average Adjustment be applicable?
Likewise, at what point does one submit a complaint alleging Unfair Tactics under Rule 17a? After the league ends but before sweepers; at end of sweepers but before prize money is awarded?
It's quite likely that a case can be made for violations of Rule 17a against a number of these high average bowlers based on their previous averages over the years in this, and other current leagues at the same house...
Thanks in advance for any responses/suggestions/insights/guidance
Dear Tele:
Are the post-season "sweepers" also conducted with the same 90 percent of 210) handicap base?
Tele, proving deliberate sandbagging for a lower average is tough to prove. The best way to handle it is to not make it so lucrative for higher average bowlers in the sweepers. If the sweepers are among teams, not individuals, you could suggest divisions based on placement in the league, say seven divisions of four teams with the top four teams bowling for the most money and on down with decent money for the lowest four teams to bowl for, not overly top heavy with peanuts for the lower teams if that is the way it is.
How does the league work the sweepers and how is the money distributed?
Don Gates
Sweepers are based on the league handicap. In years past, we had a 90% of 210; This year will be the first based on the revision to 90% of 240
When I crunched the numbers from the previous year, 90% of 210 gave a 235 bowler a 10% + 25-pin advantage. Even if a 235 bowler maintained their average, under the 90 % of 240, they'd have the +10% advantage
Sweepers are run as a 'mini-tournament' with all teams competing for placement based on hdcp series during the event. Categories/placements are computed after bowling and Individuals; Doubles (mixed-men's-women's) are then determined by pairing individual scores.
Past/Current sweeper's positions are/will be paid for Team (High Hdcp-series); Individual (High series hdcp); Mixed Doubles (High series hdcp); Men's Doubles (High series hdcp); Women's Doubles (High series hdcp). Always have side pots for games+series.
Possible changes could be made for next year but improbable given the antagonistic feelings.
I've asked for the scores from last year's sweepers to see what, if any, differences in placements/payouts would have been if rolled under the revised handicaps. Still waiting for the info...
Tele: Because the league started bowling before a hasty petition could be fully passed around to change the league rule, its now become quite evident that a large number of the high average bowlers are purposely 'sand-bagging' and keeping their league averages much lower to maintain/increase their advantage come year-end sweepers. The previous year's high average bowlers that maintained scratch averages of 220 - 235 are now carrying their league averages at 190-195. Some of these bowlers have admitted that this is their intent. (Interestingly, one commented that the new HDCP basis 'penalizes' the sub-170 average bowlers when it comes to cashing at sweepers... because of the high average bowlers maintaining low league averages) My request is for any insight/guidance on how to address the number of high average bowlers deliberately maintaining lower averages. Since the league's sweeper event is not a 'certified tournament', per se, would Rule 319e Average Adjustment be applicable? Likewise, at what point does one submit a complaint alleging Unfair Tactics under Rule 17a? After the league ends but before sweepers; at end of sweepers but before prize money is awarded? It's quite likely that a case can be made for violations of Rule 17a against a number of these high average bowlers based on their previous averages over the years in this, and other current leagues at the same house.
It's quite likely that a case can be made for violations of Rule 17a against a number of these high average bowlers based on their previous averages over the years in this, and other current leagues at the same house.
As you likely suspect, sandbagging is not always easy to prove. HOWEVER, it's not that difficult to "prove" IF you can DOCUMENT what you say about some of the bowlers having verbally stated their intent.
And the rules clearly allow remedy against those who deliberately establish a subpar average to gain unfair advantage in handicap and/or classified competition. From what you've said, perhaps you can proceed to deal with the situation, and it's likely that the rules will back you up.
One more thing. Are the "side pots" to which you refer mandatory or optional?
Are some of the bowlers in question averaging much-higher in OTHER current leagues? And do some of them have an impressive list of RECENT tournament winnings?
MightyFish: Dear Tele: Are some of the bowlers in question averaging much-higher in OTHER current leagues? And do some of them have an impressive list of RECENT tournament winnings?
Doctor Doom: Dear Tele: Are some of the bowlers in question averaging much-higher in OTHER current leagues? And do some of them have an impressive list of RECENT tournament winnings?
Let's face it, bowlers averaging 210-235 in a house, year after year, are just not going to fall off to become 190-195 average bowlers in a matter of 2-3 months in the same house. I haven't gone through the other leagues, as yet, to ascertain their current averages in their other leagues but will be. Not sure if they have entered in other tourneys.
Doctor Doom:If you know folklore, there is a saying. " The only way a VAMPIRE can enter your house is, he has to be invited in " It seems the sweepers are the main incentive in the league, and seem to pay more than the league it self. With the lack of scratch leagues for the high average bowlers, and the lure of the big money sweeper, are you really surprised you have attracted the predators. Even at 90% of 240 they should do well. At that handicap, the ones you have to worry about are the 205 to 210 average bowlers. They will be getting pins, and have the skills to pop a big series, I would put my money on them.
Actually, that's what tipped a lot of us off -- a sudden influx of new high average bowlers from out of the area joining the local league. And, no, I'm not surprised to see the wolve's coming in given the significant 10% + 10-25 pin pure advantage the previous handicap of 90% of 210 afforded the 220-235 bowlers and the amount they could cash across the brackets. While the house does have a scratch league, there's not many that bowl it. Why should they when they have access to a somewhat large handicap league that has a large prize fund available.
Sadly, its taken a lot of the fun out of the league. What's curious to me are the attitudes of a lot of 200+ average bowlers crying that either the revised hdcp basis will hurt the sub-170 avg bowlers more or it will hurt the higher average bowlers because a 150 bowler will possibly roll a 650 scratch series. Seems to me that its a lot more likely a 200+ bowler will roll 50-pins over average than a sub-170 average bowler.
What's really sad are the vast numbers of high average bowlers apparently now sand bagging to make up for the pure 10-25 pin advantage they lost by the basis adjustment. I'm just not sure how to address the sand bagging issue. To me, a mixed handicap league should be enjoyable and structured so that a low-mid average bowler has an opportunity to cash with a 'great' series. Before, the high average bowler had just too much of a natural advantage and could still cash with only a 'average-good' series.
Tele:Sadly, its taken a lot of the fun out of the league. What's curious to me are the attitudes of a lot of 200+ average bowlers crying that either the revised hdcp basis will hurt the sub-170 avg bowlers more or it will hurt the higher average bowlers because a 150 bowler will possibly roll a 650 scratch series. Seems to me that its a lot more likely a 200+ bowler will roll 50-pins over average than a sub-170 average bowler.
A logical observation on your part.
Tele: Doctor Doom: Dear Tele: Are some of the bowlers in question averaging much-higher in OTHER current leagues? And do some of them have an impressive list of RECENT tournament winnings?Let's face it, bowlers averaging 210-235 in a house, year after year, are just not going to fall off to become 190-195 average bowlers in a matter of 2-3 months in the same house. I haven't gone through the other leagues, as yet, to ascertain their current averages in their other leagues but will be. Not sure if they have entered in other tourneys. Doctor Doom:If you know folklore, there is a saying. " The only way a VAMPIRE can enter your house is, he has to be invited in " It seems the sweepers are the main incentive in the league, and seem to pay more than the league it self. With the lack of scratch leagues for the high average bowlers, and the lure of the big money sweeper, are you really surprised you have attracted the predators. Even at 90% of 240 they should do well. At that handicap, the ones you have to worry about are the 205 to 210 average bowlers. They will be getting pins, and have the skills to pop a big series, I would put my money on them. Actually, that's what tipped a lot of us off -- a sudden influx of new high average bowlers from out of the area joining the local league. And, no, I'm not surprised to see the wolve's coming in given the significant 10% + 10-25 pin pure advantage the previous handicap of 90% of 210 afforded the 220-235 bowlers and the amount they could cash across the brackets. While the house does have a scratch league, there's not many that bowl it. Why should they when they have access to a somewhat large handicap league that has a large prize fund available. Sadly, its taken a lot of the fun out of the league. What's curious to me are the attitudes of a lot of 200+ average bowlers crying that either the revised hdcp basis will hurt the sub-170 avg bowlers more or it will hurt the higher average bowlers because a 150 bowler will possibly roll a 650 scratch series. Seems to me that its a lot more likely a 200+ bowler will roll 50-pins over average than a sub-170 average bowler. What's really sad are the vast numbers of high average bowlers apparently now sand bagging to make up for the pure 10-25 pin advantage they lost by the basis adjustment. I'm just not sure how to address the sand bagging issue. To me, a mixed handicap league should be enjoyable and structured so that a low-mid average bowler has an opportunity to cash with a 'great' series. Before, the high average bowler had just too much of a natural advantage and could still cash with only a 'average-good' series.
that's the fastest and most logical way to prove a sandbagging claim, especially if those averages are in the same house. keep ALL of your recaps, especially the ones from the beginning of the season, to compare the sudden drop in their scores.
the bowlers who are saying that are either incredibly smart (because they're trying to get you to go back to the way it was) or incredibly dumb (if they actually believe that a real handicapping system-as opposed to the one you were using-would hurt the lower-average bowlers). going back to 90% of 210 when you have 240-average bowlers would be the perfect scenario for these "wolves." they get free pins and the lower average bowlers have no idea what's hit them.
on another note--and this won't help you until next year--you can always consider setting up an average cap. or you can just, um, "forget" to invite the cheaters back next year.
remember, just because they show up to your meeting doesn't mean you have to let them into your league. leagues are by invitation. even if people show up, you can tell them straight up that you don't want them bowling with you--and don't be afraid to tell them why, either. even if you couldn't prove it well enough for the USBC to kick them out, that doesn't mean that they weren't cheating. you and your league don't have to put up with that.
Next year try this rule: All bowlers competing in the sweepers will use their highest book average from the last 3 years. See if they are willing to bag in all their leagues.....
D.M.:Next year try this rule: All bowlers competing in the sweepers will use their highest book average from the last 3 years. See if they are willing to bag in all their leagues.....
D.M.'s suggestion (quoted above) would probably help -- at least somewhat.
