WORLD LEDGE REPORT
January 26, 2005
BY BUD TALKING
Cafe Ledge Hosts Second Moody Wednesday Ledge 2005
A second week of play under the WLA's 2005 new rules at Cafe Ledge. And it was a full house again. All were after the chance to take home a Mood Ring Prize.
In a Four Game Run it was hoped this would be the night to set a record. Players arrived as early as the staff at Cafe Ledge would allow them in the door.
Game One began as soon as the first 8 players had warmed up. They voted on no warm up throws for any late arrivals. It looked like the group was in the mood for pop corn, prizes and setting a record. The line up consisted of all returning winners. Kathy, Carolyn, Roger, Doc, Linda, BC, Michael, and Colleen.
Carolyn and BC were neck and neck and closed line two at 15 and 14 respectively.
By this time the initial high from the coffee and pop corn were beginning to wear off for some of these Ledge veterans. Doc, on the other hand was just beginning to role. He led Line One and Line Two closures with a 5 and then a 12. For most of the players it looked a bit slower with many closing only by the 3rd, 4th and 5th rounds.
Doc was hanging on the second line long enough to allow many to catch up and all but a few joined him on the 3rd Line after only a couple more rounds. Not much happened to anyone, after that.
With that starring them in the face it looked bad in round 12 (throws 34.35, and 36) Six of the Eight players needed only one landing to win and the other two players needed only 2 and 3. Player after player missed their opportunity. Then, finally, BC came to help. He had many rounds to get to this point having closed line two at 14 throws. Finally on his 36 throw he lands it.
Games Three and Four were played following the departure of some and the arrival of Adam and Stanley.
One Player says. "I knew the WLA Security could afford a new camera and they should have had one months ago. Not only does it make things more interesting knowing you are treated so nicely, sort of like a movie star, you know."
WLA Security Camera has been out of commission following a dunking of the security device in a freak accident which involved a margarita almost a year ago, at the Hawaiian Open. No arrest were made at that time and no charges have been filed.
The WLA wishes to thank everyone who helped. The WLA has a list of all who didn't
Aloha.
We all know a foot fault is to be called on any thrower who has not positioned himself within the lines. The latest concern has been issued by several players who note that they have seen some throwers "fall" out of position after throwing the ball. They wish the WLA to clarify "Why that is not a foot fault?"
They have added: 1) that the thrower must be "in position" while the ball is in flight, and 2) the thrower may not "jump."
A fall is what is in question.
The WLA has been witness to the style of many players. Some players have been seen stretching to the point of falling forward. This causes the thrower to leave one foot "in position" with the other foot is off the ground and the thrower lands "out of position."
The Rules Committee understands this concern.
The advantage of "falling" over the line while throwing does seem concerning, especially if the thrower is really tall.
"It is actually difficult to say "falling" out of position helps or hinders. A good throw can be made many ways and we all know it harder to achieve good control while "falling." On the other hand a tall player taking advantage of such a technique does gain an advantage by being able to almost (theoretically if you are tall enough) place the ball on the ledge from Line One," stated a WLA translator.
So far the WLA Rules Committee has not formalized a decision. They are leaning to stricter enforcement of all foot fault calls. No landing will be counted if a foot fault is called by the Line Judge.
The Line Judge has been the weak link in this debate. The Line Judge's job is pretty simple but all players must be ready to make the call when that is their job.
The WLA will insist that all players know when they are the line Judge. (you are the line judge when you are third to throw or in games with only two players, the other player may call a foot fault)
For 2005, the WLA will continue with the current ruling. Foot faults will be strictly enforced.
All WLA Games will be played with balls meeting the guidelines of the WLA. Any game played with balls not meeting the WLA's guidelines will not be Sanctioned and Certifiable and those scores will be entered into the Records.
Bean, also know as Da Camera Guy, has checked in requesting all Players come play Ledge so as to let him beat them.
Also returning in February will be the most notable Ms Knaughty. She has made a major life style decision to move to Sea View just be closer to the game. She will be working with Cafe Ledge Staff using her interior decorating skills to improve seating and table arrangement.