English Blackball Pool Federation

COMMUNICATION TO THE COUNTY MANAGERS

PRO-RATA 27/10/2018
The topic of pro-rata last year caused some concerns with some counties because of the late change of the formula, this topic was supposed to have a full debate at the AGM, but because of the shenanigans going on by a few members at our AGM, this topic did not get the full debate it deserved.
We will be using the same formula this year to decide the extra places for our county finals, in Sand-Le Mere, this year is a bit different from last season, when using the pro-rata, as we only have 1 team from the Men’s C and senior section which will use the above. The youths also get to use the pro-rata.
Just a reminder so every county is clear on the process for qualification this year for the National County Finals. The top 2 in each group automatically qualify, except if you have a group of 3, hence Mens C Region 8 and Seniors Region1, then only top team will automatically qualify.
Pro-rata for Men’s C and Seniors will be as follows, the 2nd placed team in a group of 3 and the third placed teams in a group of 4/5 will battle it out for the one spot remaining, using the example below.
Pro-rata is a performance Factor on the total of frames won against the total of frames you have played, for example Bristol played 10 matches, totals frames available would be 360 frames. Bristol win 188 frames. To get the performance factor you would divide 188 into 360 giving you a performance of 0.5222.

Men’s total frames per match is 36
Ladies total frames per match is 28
Seniors total frames per match is 28
Youth total frames per match is 25
Masters total frames per match is 18

If a team declines their spot for the county finals then their place will be taken by the next team in the said group they competed in, please be aware if any team does reject their place then sanctions will/could apply using the county template ruling.

Pro-Rata will/could cease as from next season and we will be operating top 2 from any group across all regions with 4/5/6. The youths will have no pro-rata next year, we will see how many enter in the youth section and increase the qualification if we need to. IE 3 from a group. The youths are our future and we have always tried to help where we can. Like I have said pro-rata will/could stop as of next year because we need to get counties to grow their respective county, in all sections the only 2 that are fully subscribed are the Men’s A and B teams, along with the senior section.
So, we need all counties to give a big push on the Youths/Ladies/Men’s C and master’s to get us fully subscribed.
Please also be aware that the master’s will be a 5-man squad as of next year and some travelling could occur whilst this section grows.

SEASON ENDING
The season is fast approaching to its closure, loads of work goes into the season and especially the closure of our current season, to ensure all the points tally up and the correct teams qualify for the National County Finals; so please be aware that dropping players down cannot happen in the last 2 matches of the county season, we do not want any team subjective to any points deduction.
IT IS THE COUNTY MANAGERS RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THEY COMMUNICATE THIS TO ALL THEIR CAPTAINS TO ENSURE THEY PICK THE CORRECT TEAMS.

COUNTY FINALS
The county finals will be held at Sand-Le Mere in Hull, and some questions have been asked on the venue about the size, is it big enough, it was a concern at first because the size of Selsey. But we feel it is ample enough for our county finals, we have a one-year deal to ensure it fits both parties, please if your team qualifies and you have any issues then contact EBPF official whilst at the event.
Another question do we have to stay on site?? The answer to that is yes, but the EBPF will consider any request that comes from a member on the circumstances for that request.
Caravan booking for the National Finals in Hull, is important to all the teams that qualify, so please can all county managers ensure when sorting your caravans out for the event, the spaces are filled up to it occupancy, more information on this will be at hand when the season has ended.

We wish every team the very best of luck for the remainder of the season.
Sue Noades who took the role up as the marketing and communications has resigned due to personal reasons, we would like to thank Sue for her help this year and wish her the very best for any future adventures.

On behalf of the executive Committee
Paul Thomson
EBPF Chairman

With only six regions having Masters, that would give twelve spots at the Finals. Will that number be rounded up to sixteen via pro-rata?

Just an idea but if there are pro rats places next year, is there a way to have an on going table for each division showing the teams in the hose places, perhaps from halfway where the table would mean something

I would raise this with your CM to communicate this as a proposal at the AGM.

No - Masters will be 2 groups of 6

Okay thanks.