Arizona Pool Scene - Arizona Rating Committee Definitions

Arizona Rating Committee Definitions

Many Years ago when the Arizona Ratings Committee decided to form. There was a definition sheet created that listed the different elements that would help determine a players ranking/rating/speed/skill level, whatever you want to call it. Here is a guideline that was first created to help distinguish where a player would fall on the ratings sheet. The Ratings are then used to determine amount of games that a player would race to (play to) in a match.

They are also ways for players to match-up and play someone at any level without "stealing". For example. If a '7' rated player was to play a '9' rated player. The even match would be the '7' plays to 7 games while the '9' plays to 9 games. Another example would be a tournament: where all races would be to your handicap minus 3 games. 5's race to 2, 6's race to 3, etc. This would promote larger fields in tournaments, because any player would have the opportunity to win. Also, the lower rated players would get a chance to play higher rated players, which would increase there knowledge of the game and higher rated players could remain focused because they are giving up weight.

The ratings list goes from 4 - 10, and then there are 10-1 and 10-2 rated players (not listed). These are players that play at or very near the pro level. The Minus number in a race would be given to there opponent. ie. An '8' and a '10-1' match up in a tournament. The '10-1' would race to 10 games, where the '8' would race to 8 minus 1 or 7 games.

RATING	SHAPE ENGLISH / SPEED	SAFES	KICKS	GENERAL COMMENTS
4	Can achieve shape by speed only	Does not know the meaning	Will rarely know where to hit	Runs are non-existent; can make balls but does not know what to do with the cue-ball; strictly recreational player (or beginner).
5	Knows beginner english	Just starting to learn safes but will not/does not know how to play them	Getting closer to target and every once in a while hits	Generally runs 2-4 balls - rarely runs out; is leaning more english and ball speed; vocabulary now includes safes and kicks but does not yet really know how to play them.
6	Knows intermediate english and learning how sped combined with english affects the shot	Looking for and trying to play safes although rarely effective	Can hit easier kicks more often	Generally runs 3-6 balls and will occasionally run out; has learned more about the total game; shows more confidence but lacks the knowledge needed to play consistently; the psychological aspects of the game are now being recognized.
7	Knows intermediate to advanced english and further speed/english control	Plays safes more often but still takes reckless chances	Generally knows where to kick and learning cue-ball control after the hit	Runs with some consistency; the ego is slowly being replaced by intelligence and, consequently, the confidence is elevated; there is no more control in both the physical and mental aspects of the game.
8	Knows advanced english and has learned to fine-tune the 'clock' on the cue-ball	Plays effective safes most of the time.	Kicks are hit more often and now include further cue-ball control after the hit.	This player is confident, running consistently and knows what to do with the cueball; the game is fine-tuned in all respects, however, may still run into trouble when psyched; has the capability but not the stamina
9	Knows advanced to expert english	The safes played are very effective and hard to kick	Kicks are hit most of the time and will occasionally pocket that afore-thought "safe"; has good cue-ball control after the hit	Runs very consistently; has both knowledge and mental/physical stamina to play the game well and consistently.
10	Knows english in every aspect and when NOT to use it	Safes are near-perfect every time	Kicks are hit almost all the time with very good cue-ball control	This player will run those tables where you thought there was no way and will do it time and time again; the stroke is sweet; the psyche is intact; on a bad day the jump shot from the rail might not get all the backspin originally planned; this player can't get a game anywhere 'cause he or she is just too damn good. The total game is exquisite and those who usually can't stand to just sit around and watch find themselves totally mesmerized.