Using the CBAI Handicap Guidelines, handicaps are shown for all Club Members. CBAI offers two models:

• A player's handicap is the difference, in percentage, between the Club’s average winning percentage (currently about 62%) and the player’s average percentage over a period. For example, a player with an average of 50% would have a handicap of 12%.
• A stricter option, giving a player 2/3 of the above allowance. The player with an average of 50% would now have a handicap of 8%.

​We have selected the stricter option.

Usually we go back half a Season (four months of play) to determine a player's average. A minimum of three games is needed.

In addition, a cut-off (maximum permitted handicap) based on Grade is shown: 0% for National and Regional Masters, 3% for Masters, 7% for A1, 11% for A2 and 15% for ‘B’ players. This maximum of 15% is more or less in line with CBAI’s stricter option. We extend this to 18% maximum for Novices. On our printout, players affected by Grade cut-off have their handicaps shown in RED.

Handicaps in BLUE are for players who have not played three or more games in the last or current Half Season: they retain their old handicaps, or – if new members – they are assigned a handicap.

In addition to mathematical and grade settings, the Handicap Committee may make any other adjustments it considers appropriate.

Every two months or so, all handicaps will be revised, using the CBAI formula described above, and again based on a player's last four months of play.

Members are welcome to make submissions to the Handicap Committee:

• For the improvement of the Handicap System generally;
• On their own handicaps.

Handicap Committee: Imelda Cullinan, Ken Gordon, Cormac Lalor, Gerard O'Halloran.

Ref: Appendix VII to CBAI’s Organisational Guideline for Clubs – “Suggested Handicap System for Clubs” ( cbai.ie/tournament/HandicapSystem.asp ).