San Francisco Tavern Pool League

How much does it cost to sponsor a team?

How many players do I need to field a team?

How many seasons are there each year, and when do they begin?

How many matches make up a season?

Does the league use a handicapping system?

Do I have to be a good pool player to play in the league?

On which nights of the week do you schedule matches?

I'm putting together a new team, what division should I ask for?

Are there restrictions to who can play on a team on any particular night?

Q: How much does it cost to sponsor a team?
A: The cost to sponsor a team is $225 per season.
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Q: How many players do I need to field a team?
A: You need at least 5 players to field a team. The league recommends at least 7 people, in case one of your players is sick or on vacation. Currently, there is no limit to the amount of players you can have on your team. However, players who wish to play in the playoffs or end-of-season tournaments must play at least 9 games for a single team.
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Q: How many seasons are there each year, and when do they begin?
A: There are two seasons each year: Spring and Fall. The Spring season starts at the beginning of March and ends in June. Spring playoffs continue throughout June and July for teams that make the playoffs. Applications for Spring season teams are due at the beginning of February. The Fall season starts at the beginning of September and ends around December. Fall Playoffs continue throughout December and January for teams that make the playoffs. Applications for Fall season teams are due at the beginning of August. If there is space for a new team, the league will consider late applications. Returning teams must register and pay dues by the application deadline.
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Q: How many matches make up a season?
A: Each league season consists of 10 matches. 5 matches are held at your "home" location, and 5 matches are held at "away" locations in other taverns around the city. After weeks 5 and 10, there is a bye week of tournaments where players can compete against other league players individually for cash prizes. Playoffs follow for teams that make the playoff cut.
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Q: Does the league use a handicapping system?
A: No. If you have played in other organized leagues, you may have played under a handicapping system. The Tavern League does not use a handicapping system, but the league does try to seed teams in divisions based on anticipated strength and previous seasons' records. Scorekeeping is as simple as marking an "X" for each win. You spend more time enjoying pool.
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Q: Do I have to be a good pool player to play in the league?
A: The league welcomes all leveles of skill. We offer divisions A-E on each night. Division A and B teams generally consist of more serious players. If you are unsure of your level of skill, select a lower division. We want your team to be competitive!
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Q: On which nights of the week do you schedule matches?
A: The league schedules matches on weeknights, as weeknights are generally slower nights for business in taverns. The championship matches are held on a Saturday.
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Q: I'm putting together a new team, what division should I ask for?
A: A and B division teams generally consist of more serious players. If you do not know what a safety is, or if you want to play "just for fun", select a lower division. Brand new teams are usually placed in D or E division. This allows players to get up to speed on the rules, and be competitive. If your team does really well, you may be moved up to a higher division in the following season. If your team has a tough season, you may be moved down to a lower division in the next season.
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Q: Are there restrictions to who can play on a team on any particular night?
A: There are no restrictions on open division nights (Monday and Tuesday). Mixed division nights (Wednesday) require a mix of 3/2 women or men in each round of play.
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