Player Meeting Notes
January 21 , 2017 2:00 PM at Bull and Bones
st
APA Representative’s Present: Andy Skerritt, Kevin Hinkebein (Franchise Development &
Licensing from The APA National Office) and Brian and Leanne Scruggs (League Operators for
Roanoke)
Attendees: David and Jessica Ireland, Betty Poff, Walt Pirie, Farrah Leighton, Dave Lefevers,
Josh Alderman, Joe Spaulding, Scott and Jaime Shetrone, Megan Coulter, Mike Lang, Van
Collins, Stan Moore, Brittany Hiltonsmith, Matt Abbott, Amber Knight (Apologies if I missed
someone)
Introduction: In contrast to practically every player meeting ever held by us (Andy & Joy) over
the years, this meeting was planned to be an open format where all parties present were
encourage to put any concerns on the table. I say in contrast, because in the past we have
always had a very clear message of what we wanted to express and the serious issues facing
the League currently were not present.
Board of Governors: During the period after the Roanoke/NRV split, we established a board of
governors in Roanoke that was very instrumental in helping us with decisions for the League.
We wish to establish an elected Board of Governors for The New River Valley. Nominees will
be accepted throughout the end of January, so you can nominate yourself by email or text.
Then we will come up with a method to allow everyone to vote. As we are a for-profit
business, it needs to be said that all members of the Board must be accepted by us.
By-Laws: As the current League Year will be completed with this 2017 Spring Session the bylaws from the prior league operators will continue with only one addition shown below. For
the upcoming League Year starting with the Summer Session, we will work together with the
Board of Governors and the APA National Office on revisions.
Addition to By-Laws: 23 Rule Violation: As stated in the Team Manual, if a team breaks the 23
rule and their opponents call them on it, they lose all 5 matches. As it is not permissible to
“agree” to break the 23 rule, the following will occur even if the opponent has not enforced
the rule. Any team breaking the 23 rule in 8 Ball will lose their bonus points plus two penalty
points. In 9 Ball they will lose their bonus points plus 20 penalty points.
Status of The Transition: Since our return, we wanted to give the prior League Operators time
to do the right thing with regard to the Player/Award Fund which is the portion of weekly fees
set aside for tournaments, trophies, travel assistance to Vegas etc. As it is not our practice to
start rumors, we would rather simply state the facts as they are and allow everyone to draw
their own conclusions:
• The former league operators have not turned over any player fund money.
• The parties that are starting another competitive League in the area have a known
relationship with the former APA League Operators of the New River Valley.
• The former league operators are listed as Licensees for that same competitive League in
Charlotte NC and Raleigh Durham NC
• Since we have taken back over in an effort to offset the deficit, we have increased the
player fund portion of weekly fees by 70%.
• We also have a commitment from the APA National Office that together with them the
obligations for this current League Year will be met.
• Going forward as the new League Year starts with the Summer Session the issue will be
behind us.
Standard Format Teams Going To Vegas This Year: We have been questioned over the last 6
weeks about whether or not teams would be going to Vegas this year. We are unsure of how
this rumor was started, but the details of how teams advance to The World Championships are
covered extensively in The APA Official Team Manual (also available on our website). Based on
that, with 25 current 8 Ball Teams completing the Spring Session, the league would be sending
one 8-Ball team to Vegas. With 12 current 9-Ball teams that would leave us 2 teams short of a
guaranteed slot directly from our area. We are hopeful and optimistic that we can get those 2
additional teams built to assure a slot. However, in the event that does not occur, there is a
provision in the Team Manual whereby qualified teams would participate in a neighboring
League area’s Local Team Championships to compete for advancement.
Question and Answer Period: Although the meeting was rather informal, we wanted to
communicate some of the major questions and answers to the best of our recollection for
those unable to attend. Also, if you have further questions please feel free to email me at
[email protected] and let me know whether or not you would like me to answer
publicly on our website.
Question: Are we (Joy and I) trying to sell the League?
Answer from Andy: Yes, although we are fully committed to restoring the League’s overall
health to a level higher than it has ever been, we are interested in finding the right people to
take over. Obviously we have learned a lot from this most recent history and we are
committed to doing everything possible to not repeat it.
Question: Is there a time frame associated with the sale of the League, and what happens if
that time period is not met?
Answer from Kevin Hinkebein: Yes, one year. In the event a suitable party is not found within
that time frame, APA will still operate in the area either by Andy and Joy, a neighboring League
operator or someone from the National Office. Additional Comment From Andy: Joy and I are
committed to keeping the League informed on this process. In order to keep the rumor mill to
a minimum, until such time a prospective party is well into the process our answer may be
limited to, “We have some folks we’re talking to.”
Question: With the other League’s that have started and the availability of tables in the
immediate area being reduced by the transition currently happening with The Moose Lodge,
what would be the impact on the League?
Answer from Andy: As a businessman, I have always understood that people vote with their
wallets and their time. It is our hope that APA activity increases in a healthy way over the
coming year and that any obstacles including a limited amount of table time can be overcome.
Question: What was the condition of the League when it was transferred in 2015 and what has
happened since then?
Answer from Andy: Of course there is some subjective nature, but in our opinion the League
was running smoothly overall and we felt there was a very reasonable opportunity to expand
since teams in The New River Valley would be advancing directly to Vegas and Roanoke would
be doing the same. In the 2016 Spring Session the area actually had an increase in activity of
approximately 20% from the 2015 Fall Session. After LTC there was a significant loss in team
count. The feedback we have received primarily is that there was a dramatic decrease in the
level of customer service. Again, we recognize there is some subjective nature to this
feedback.
I believe this covers the major points discussed at the meeting, but if any of the attendees feel
I have missed something, please send me an email [email protected] and I will get the
word out.
Lastly, thank you all for participating in APA. We are committed to improving the experience
and we ask for your help in that endeavor.
Andy and Joy