In USA table tennis (as well as other countries), it is common for tournaments to having rating events, where players with a USATT rating level below a certain cutoff amount (e.g. Under 2000, Under 2400) can enter an event and play for money or trophies. While this concept of rating events allows for lower level players to play in events that they have a chance of winning, and play more matches against players of their own level (both of which are great ideas), it also has one inherent weakness - the sandbagger.
What is a Sandbagger?
A sandbagger is someone who wants to win a rating event that is below his true playing level, and deliberately keeps his rating level low, or lowers it just before a tournament (perhaps by losing matches that he normally would win), so that he can enter the event. Since he is likely to be a level or two stronger than the rest of his competition, the chances are good that he will be able to win the event. (Unless, of course, there are other sandbaggers doing the same thing!).
Reasons for Sandbagging
I've never been a sandbagger myself, so I'm going to have to speculate a little on what is the motivation behind a player who deliberately sandbags in order to win a rating event. Here's some possible reasons that I can think of:
- Insecurity- the sandbagger doesn't feel like a winner at table tennis, so he looks to get confirmation of his abilities by getting a trophy that proves that he has won an event. He gets hard evidence that he can put up on his shelf that he has been a winner at some point in time.
- Greed - the sandbagger wants to win the prize money available for the rating event, and sandbagging gives him a better chance of winning a share of it. This type of sandbagger probably does have confidence in his own playing level, and doesn't care about having to lose a few matches to other players in order to drop his level, as long as he can win the money.
- Attention - some players like to be playing in front of the crowd in a finals match. This type of player is looking for the thrill of competing for something of value in front of other players and spectators, and sandbagging gives him a chance to do so.
- Pressure - some players don't really like the idea of ratings levels, and the pressure of maintaining a rating level. The higher their rating level, the more they feel that other players are looking to beat them to gain ratings points (which might be true!). For older players, it's not always nice to think that you are just viewed as a stepping stone for younger players on their way up. A bit of sandbagging here and there takes the pressure off a player that thinks he is a target for the young lions of the future.
- Competition - I think some players come to think of certain rating events (such as the Under 2400, for example) as 'their' event. They have played in the event for many years, and look forward to being one of the main competitors in the event in any tournament. They also may be looking forward to playing familiar opponents in that event year after year, in what are often friendly 'grudge' matches to be discussed over a drink at the end of the day. These type of sandbaggers are happy with the level they are competing at, and really don't want to move up to another level where they would be a small fish in the bigger pond, and also where they would miss playing against their favorite opponents.
Next: Suggested Solutions to Stop Sandbagging
