Under The Equalizer® in 9-Ball, players are assigned a certain number of points (balls) to make. A lower ranked player would need to pocket fewer balls than a more skilled opponent. Because every ball counts, the more skilled player cannot simply win by pocketing the nine ball, they must be aware of all the balls on the table and make every shot count.

APA 9-Ball leagues use a wider range of skill levels. Players are ranked from SL-1 to SL-9. This wider range allows for greater accuracy when determining a player's ability and creates a more competitive environment where all players have an equal chance of winning.

Every week 100 points are up for grabs (20 points per match). The players in each match compete to earn as many of those 20 points as possible. Even in a loss, a player may earns points for their team. The more balls a player makes, the more of the 20 points they earn. This keeps the match competitive.

Teams try to win as many of the weekly match points as possible. At the end of the session, those teams with the most points, plus one wildcard, advance to playoffs. The team that wins playoffs then advances to the 9-Ball Tri-Annual  Tournament for that session and then the 9-Ball World Qualifiers for the chance to win travel assistance and a spot in the World Pool Championships in Las Vegas.