2007 FGA Rules

The FGA Rules Committee has been meeting for the past two months to discuss potential rule changes for the 2007 FGA Season. The Rules Committee takes its job very seriously and we have spent countless hours on this (honestly, you would not believe the number of conference calls, emails and hours of research). We all think the league works very well, but we're always thinking of ways to make it better. I will not spend time discussing the rule change proposals that were ultimately rejected, but I will say there are a few proposals we will be monitoring throughout this season and that could be implemented in 2008. Here are summaries of the two rule changes going into effect for the 2007 FGA Season:

(1) Add/Drop. The maximum number of add/drops per team each week is being increased from 2 to 4. The FGA Historian believes we initially set the limit at 2 to encourage better drafting of players (i.e., drafting more players who play each week) and to prevent teams from overhauling their rosters week in and week out. This has created a situation at times where teams are left shorthanded, mostly in the smaller tournaments, and are unable to make the necessary add/drops required to field a team. We looked at a number of solutions and decided this was the best. First, we have all gotten very good at drafting. Second, if teams with only one or zero players in the field want to try to field a team, they should be encouraged to do so, thereby potentially reducing missed cuts. Finally, we believe this rule will also create a more interesting add/drop each week with more quality free agents and also provide more opportunites for teams at the bottom of the standings to pick up players who could really help them.

(2) Alternate Player. This proposal caused the most debate among the Rules Committee. However, we came to a unanimous decision that the Alternate Player will now be substituted for (i) any WD prior to the completion of the first round, and (ii) any DQ at any time. This change is the result of trying to make the Alternate Player more relevant, while also keeping the system intrinsically fair. Previously, once a player started play, the Alternate Player could no longer be substituted for a player who WDs. Players rarely WD prior to starting play, so the Alternate Player was becoming almost obsolete. We are now allowing an Alternate Player to be substituted for a player who begins his first round, but does not complete his first round. This mostly accounts for players who injure themselves during first round play, which actually happens frequently. We did not believe this rule should be extended and apply to players who complete their first round, but who WD because they shoot a terrible first round score and have no chance to make the cut (i.e., we didn't want to reward a team whose starter shoots an 84, drops out, and substitutes an Alternate Player who finishes in the top-10.) We also believe that a WD and a DQ are different and should be treated differently. In keeping with the PGA rules, we believe that when a player DQs, none of his rounds should count towards his FGA team's score. For example, if a player played four rounds and signs the wrong scorecard resulting in a DQ, there were previously no FGA repercussions because all four rounds would still count towards a team's score (however, in the PGA, that player's score would not count and he would not receive prize money). Now, an Alternate Player would be substituted for such player under those circumstances and the Alternate Player's score would count. I think this rule change is consistent with the PGA rules, has equal opportunity to either help or hurt a team depending on the circumstances, creates excitement, and makes the Alternate Player more relevant.

I will send an email with a copy of the Official 2007 FGA Rules incorporating the new rules for your review. If you have any questions about the rule changes, please let me know.

-The Commish