Using wrong absentee score 8 weeks ago...

[Derrick]

I just noticed (after week 32) that a team used an absentee score for the incorrect bowler (not the bowler with the most games, per USBC rules) during weeks 24 and 25. Normally it would not be a problem, just change which bowlers uses the absentee score. However, in week 24, changing from bowler A to bowler B, changes the winner of total pinfall.

Is there a time frame for errors to be noticed and corrected? Are the games final because that is what the team captains signed off on the recap sheet? Should I make the changes and let the league know about the error and the corrections that were made?

Thanks in advance,



Derrick

[Frank Goebel]

Rule 116a,

[Frank Goebel]

Prior to making any response, the initial question is, would changing point(s) involved change the standings and resulting payouts in any way? Do note that if a position round was bowled since week 24, the team pairings for that position round would stand. You wouldn't re-align teams based on resulting (changed) positions and compare scores for teams that weren't paired against each other (see rule 120, and CAQs 71 & 95).

I may have to ask a couple more questions, Derrick:

A. Does the team(s) in question have rosters larger than the lineup? That is, are there, say a playing strength of four (4) players actually bowling, although as many as five (5) or six (6) may actually be on the team's roster?

B. Does your league have a rule governing whose absentee score is used, or does Rule 105 (e) (2) apply (as you mentioned)?

Do bear in mind that whatever bowler's absentee score is used, the handicap must be based on the average of that same bowler. If you are changing the absentee score to reflect a different bowler, you must handicap on that average. If 100% handicap, it stands to reason that the winner would not be affected.

CAQ #28 does permit a league officer to make a correction if noted even after signed off by the captains without a board meeting, although in this case there is no question about scorekeeping (say, a paper scoresheet that was taken home and found to have an error that changed results). I instead (and this is opinion only - I do sit on a local USBC association board but have not conferred with others on this) would use CAQ #27, as a "questionable error in scoring or calculation) because an incorrect absentee score was used. I remind you, though, that the handicap would also change to reflect the different absent bowler.

I would have the board meet on this one, but again it does merit this one basic question: Does the position standings change as a result of such a correction? If not, it is really a moot point unless there are monies paid on actual points won by the team and/or bowlers, not just positions.

As for a time limit: Corrections may be made until the prizes are distributed; sounds like you've completed week 32, which in some circles marks the end of the season.

I realize I've asked more questions in response than were originally presented, but that's how it goes sometimes.

[Derrick]

Frank,

Thanks for taking the time to answer, I read your first reply and just went ahead and made the corrections to make them right. Regardless of the outcome, as long as the process is right, who can complain? We do pay based on points, and changing which absentee bowler's score was used, the winner of total pinfall would be changed. Of course handicap would change, but BLS takes care of that.

We bowled 34 weeks, wtih the roll off/sweeper this week.

Derrick