SUGGESTED HANDICAP SYSTEM
SUGGESTED HANDICAP SYSTEM FOR CLUBS PREAMBLE
Handicaps may be used in clubs, where the standard is uneven. This is not essential
where clubs are large enough to run special sections. When there is a wide gap within
any section, a handicap system is desirable in the interest of equity.
BALANCE
This is a vital part of ensuring equity and is called seeding. This is not always possible
on the ordinary club night, but can be reasonably achieved, if the T.D. announces that
pairs should start against their equals. For pre-entry competitions the following
standard is recommended: -
Low Handicap………..Master and Strong Inter. (A)
Medium Handicap…...Some Inter (A) & Strong (B)
High Handicap……….Some Inter (B) & Novices
All pairs should meet an equal number of pairs from each of the above groups.
For 1 Session each sector should meet 1/3rd of each sector, in two sessions 2/3rd
of each sector etc. this does not necessitate meeting all pairs which is impossible
with large numbers, but will give “balance” in the competition.
PAR
The “PAR” or average gross winning % in most clubs is 62%.
This will be lower in very strong clubs where there is a majority of
Master players or higher in clubs where there are some strong pairs and a majority
of novices or Inter (B). The “PAR” over a year, ranges from 58% to 64% depending
on the mix of grades but the norm is 62%. Each club must decide on the “PAR” from
club records of results.