Pitch for Average, No payout, Alternative to handicaping

[bigharrydeal]

In Tennessee we have some very high% pitchers & some very low% pitchers just like some other states. When you try to build classes in the A class or the bottom class you are forced to handicap by a wide margin more than 10 and sometimes 20 or more. Depending on whether you pitch 40 or 50 shoe games can determine the outcome. Pitching 40 shoe game favors the lower% pitcher, 50 shoe game favors the higher% pitcher. Some pitchers won't pitch at all if you handicap. My solution in this case is a pitcher who prefers not to pitch in a handicap class can have the option to pitch for average by paying only the NHPA fees, court or club fees, tournament director fee but not the payout fee. Many pitchers like to play against the top players even if they know they can't win.

[gwhalen]

Does that mean they are not ,in the tournament, but you are giving credit for a tournament. That does not sound legal to me, might want to check that out.

[2ringer6]

Sounds like they are paying to enter the tournament but optioned not to participate for the awards.

[adpizza]

I like the idea of everyone entering a tournament and everyone pitches. You actually are pitching against your own NHPA average. The winner of each class would be determined by who pitched the highest above their own average. There would be no need to handicap anymore. If there was a tie then you still break it by pitching another game and then who ever is the highest above their ringer percentage is the winner.

How simple is that?

That my friends really levels the playing field!

This means that even a 40% pitcher could beat a 65% pitcher if they pitched above their average higher. It just may cut out some of that sand bagging too. The only thing you would really need to do at this point would be to use the average that consisted of all your games pitched and not just the top 3 and not just the last 10 tournaments either, use them all.

[2ringer6]

Sounds go to me!! Especially the running average and high 3.
 

[Glory]

My definition of sandbagging is someone who intentionally pitches lower percentage than what they are capable, then in return pitches what ever they need to win. By rewarding the winner to the pitcher who pitches the highest over their average could or would increase sandbagging. This is not soo simple has Adpizza thinks. And by using all tournaments as your average you only lower your actual NHPA Natstats average, again possibly increasing sandbagging.

There are many pitchers out there who intentionally keep their NHPA Natstats average at a certain percent so they can have an easier time winning. I call that CHEATING. Most of these pitchers are league pitchers, this is where it is much easier to manipulate your average. I was at a horseshoe league last night, several pitchers were commenting on their average and handicapping, they didn't want to pitch to high yet, wanted to establish a high handicap. Then once they establish a high handicap, they will start pitching seriously. I just don't understand why someone would want to intentionally pitch a less percentage when their capable of so much more.

Not so sure this is a good idea? Try telling a high percent pitcher to pitch over their average. NOT easy!!!!

[gwhalen]

I like the idea of everyone entering a tournament and everyone pitches. You actually are pitching against your own NHPA average. The winner of each class would be determined by who pitched the highest above their own average. There would be no need to handicap anymore. If there was a tie then you still break it by pitching another game and then who ever is the highest above their ringer percentage is the winner.

How simple is that?

That my friends really levels the playing field!

This means that even a 40% pitcher could beat a 65% pitcher if they pitched above their average higher. It just may cut out some of that sand bagging too. The only thing you would really need to do at this point would be to use the average that consisted of all your games pitched and not just the top 3 and not just the last 10 tournaments either, use them all.

The problem is the one pitching 50% needs 4 addional ringers to improve by 10% in the 40 shoe game, The 20% needs 1 more ringer. More equitable would be the number of ringers above your percentage. The 20% pitcher is as likely to pitch 4 ringers over as the 50% pitcher is.

[Jeff Coile]

It is definitely easier to sandbag in league play. We pay one dollar per person to the high game with handicap each week in our league. This has everyone trying to win high game each week and prevents a lot of the sandbagging.