I would like to get some feedback from all of you regarding the session so far in this, the new Salem Tuesday Night Pool League. The questions so far are few, but some are important. Please mark your responses on the back of your score sheet and I will tabulate them and then consider them for inclusion in the rules for the next session. The balance of the feedback I have already gotten is the general feeling for the format as we are now playing it. I must admit, most , if not all of the responses I have had so far are very positive about this league. If you have an opinion, please note it on your score sheet also.

Next, as you know, there is no handicap system in our format, so everyone is bound to try to play their best game against you and every other opponent in the league. Sandbagging is non-existent. It serves no purpose since each player is not only playing for his team, he is playing for himself as well. And, as has happened quite often in this league, a player of lesser ability than his opponent can win. I always say that “Anyone can beat anyone at any given time.” And, since you only have to win one game each night against each opponent, you have a very good chance of having a very good score. Conversely, the better players have a very good chance of having a bad night. Of course, the difference is consistency - who wins MOST of the time. That normally would be the better player, but you have that chance to win. Talk to your friends and see if you can get them to put a team together for the coming session. The more teams we get, the more fun and diversity we will have. It is fun to play new players and many different players. Any other comments you have, note them on the back of the score sheet. I will respond to them all.

Finally, I would like to comment about the Rules manual that you all should have. If you don’t have one, let me know and I will see that you get one. It tells you to “Take it with you to every team match.” We have had some differing calls regarding rules. These were calls that are very clearly explained in the Manual. The problem is that, once the shooter resumes play, the calls stands. There is no further discussion regarding that call. If you can’t find the specific rule, call me at 330-831-3733 and I will rule on it for you. If you don’t, the call stands after play resumes. SPORTSMANSHIP is mentioned very prominently. That is, of course, because it is very important to the survival of this league.

This is just to keep you all informed and up-to-date and to demonstrate that the rules are good rules and they will be enforced on everyone equally. That being said, let me invite you all to another few weeks of good fun this session and look forward to next session with even more teams. And, as always, if there is anything that you have questions about, please do not hesitate to contact me at my cell number listed earlier.

Fred W. Flory, League Pres