The Equalizer Handicap System is what sets the APA apart from the competition.  The uniqueness of the Equalizer Handicap System is that it brings out the best in both the novice player and the expert player, should they meet in a match.

The Equalizer Handicap System aids the novice player by dictating mathematically that he or she needs to win fewer games, or earn less points, than their more highly-skilled opponent, in order to win a match.  Similarly, in golf and bowling, you give or get strokes or pins, also utilizing a handicap system.

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Your League Office calculates and reports player Skill Levels on a weekly basis.  Your Skill Level determines how many games you have to play, or how many points you have to earn, in order to win your match.

Skill Levels are maintained, calculated and updated by the League Office.  The process includes a number of factors, including the application of specific mathematical formulas to the data on the weekly scoresheets, win/loss records, Higher Level Tournament performance, qualitative judgment by Handicap Advisory Committees, and other considerations.

In an APA League, you give or get games or points.  How many games or points you give or get is determined by comparing your Skill Level to the Skill Level of your opponent.  Higher Skill Level players give lower Skill Level players a number of games or points, thus leveling the playing feild.  Read on for more details!

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New players do not have an established Skill Level, so a standard starting method has been devised.  Statistics show that 69% of male players are SL4 or higher while 52% of females are SL3 or below.  Men will play their first match as a SL4 and women will play their first match as a SL3.  The League Operator is authorized to assign specific Skill Levels, and possibly a lowest attainable Skill Lvel, to new players who are known highly-skilled players, or to players who have previously established Skill Levels in another format.

As a result of your first match, a skill level is established and reported for you.  It is against the rules for a player who has an established skill level to attempt to reestablish their skill level at a later time.  In other words, you cannot quit APA for a while and then rejoin the League or transfer to another League area as a non-rated player.  You are obligated to disclose the fact that you are a former member or a current member in another League area and already have an established Skill Level.