Exciting Updates from VPPA – New Handicap System and Upcoming Season Details

It’s been a phenomenal start to 2024 for the VPPA, with over 15,000 frames of pool played and more than 300 active players having their results recorded in the VPPA Handicap System.

VPPA Handicap System Summary:

• Based on the globally recognized FargoRate Handicap System.
• At the end of 2023, FargoRate produced their own handicap ratings for our members, based on 10 years of match results from 8-Ball, 9-Ball, and the EFHSL.
• FargoRates Handicaps were statistically a direct match to ours, confirming the accuracy of our system.
• We engaged in numerous late-night conversations with FargoRate to explore a working partnership, with them even processing the first 5 weeks of our FargoRate Premiership Results.

Challenges with FargoRate:

• Time difference and FargoRate’s attitude proved challenging.
• They became selective in processing our 2024 results, despite previously processing 10 years of our data.
  • Excluded 9-Ball results due to non-subscribing players.
  • Rejected EFHSL results citing the format as ‘too unregulated’.
  • Imposed a processing charge of $3.99 per race for EFHSL Race Series Results.

Decision to Move On:

• After discussions with VPPA Partners and advice from our analyst, Paul Rispin, we decided to discontinue working with FargoRate.
• Our system is as good as theirs and is set to improve further.
• We view this as a missed opportunity but are optimistic about the future.

Introducing APPA-Rate:

• Launching in the second half of 2024, the Asia Pool Player Association Handicap Rating System (APPA-Rate).
• Offers expanded capabilities, providing clearer and more comprehensive handicaps.
• Reflects all playing performances, avoiding selective data processing.
• Features:
  • Up to 5 different personal handicaps per player.
  • Individual ratings for 8-Ball, 9-Ball, 10-Ball, and Chinese 8-Ball.
  • Combined ‘Hybrid Rating’.
  • Form rating and ‘Play Total’ (replacing FargoRate ‘Robustness’).

Investment and Future Goals:

• Significant investment in technology for APPA.
• Aim to produce one of the most advanced Cuesports Ranking Systems in Asia over the next two years.
• Multiple language interfaces to support users and players throughout Asia.

We are excited about this new direction and look forward to providing an even better experience for our members.

APPA-Rate Membership Subscription Details for 2024

Subscription Rates:

• VPPA VN 12-Month Subscription: $30.00 (750,000 VND)
• VPPA VN 6-Month Subscription: $17.50 (450,000 VND)

Transition from FargoRate:

• FargoRate will no longer be involved in the VPPA subscription model.
• VPPA members who purchased the VPPA Global packages are eligible for refunds or credits.

Refunds and Credits:

VPPA Global 12-Month Subscribers (VPPA G12):

• Paid: $50.00 (1,250,000 VND)
• Entitled to a $20 Credit or Refund.
  • Options:
    • $20 (500,000 VND) Bank Transfer Refund.
    • Apply the $20 credit to pay for their EFHSL Season 2 Subscription.

VPPA Global 6-Month Subscribers (VPPA G6):

• Paid: $30.00 (750,000 VND)
• Entitled to a $13 Credit or Refund.
  • Options:
    • $13 (300,000 VND) Bank Transfer Refund.
    • Convert their VPPA G6 Subscription into a VPPA VN 12-Month Subscription (saving $4.50 / 150,000 VND).
    • Note: EFHSL Season 2 Subscription remains at 500,000 VND per season (unchanged since 2022).

We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and providing value to our members with the new APPA-Rate system.

What Does This Mean For the Saigon Pool League Season 2?

Exciting Changes for 2024 Season 2:

• We will merge all teams back together into 3 or 4 8-Ball Divisions for the 2024 Season 2.
• The season will span 18 weeks, including league play, KO Cup, and individual competitions.

Notable Dates:

• 29th July: Team registrations for SPL 2024 Season 2 open.
• 8th August: Team registrations for SPL 2024 Season 2 close.
• 15th August: Week 1 of 8-Ball begins.
• 17th August: Week 1 of EFHSL starts.
• 22nd August: Week 2 of 8-Ball (Premiership break for APC).
• 9th September: SPL 9-Ball League commences.
• 14th-19th October: Week 6 of 9-Ball, Week 10 of 8-Ball (Slip Week).
• 21st November: Week 15 of 8-Ball (final week of the Premiership).
• 28th November: Week 16 of 8-Ball (1st Round of the Premiership KO Cup).
• 5th December: Week 17 of 8-Ball (final week of the SPL Regular Season).
• 12th December: Final Slip Week.
• 9th January ’25: Singles Playoff Week.
• 16th January ’25: Doubles Playoff Week.
• 18th January ’25: VPPA Presentation & Finals Night.

Additional Information:

• For questions, join our Zalo Q&A Chat Group: Zalo Q&A Chat Group by following this link: https://zalo.me/g/upnfdb147
• A follow-up email will be sent to FargoRate subscribed members (VPPA Global Subscribers) regarding Bank Transfer Refunds, converting VPPA Global 6 to VPPA VN12 Month Subscription, or applying credit towards the EFHSL 2024 Season 2 Subscription.

Looking forward to an exciting upcoming season. Hope to see you all at the tables soon!

Best regards,

Chris Lee

VPPA CEO