Sound about like every league meeting I have been to.
   

I'm a little confused with the unhappiness on the absentee score .. can someone clarify why there is dissatisfaction with the 140 or 120/140?

well, 150 minus 10 would give the 140...

It should be the same. Why should it be 20 pins less for a women, it makes no sense. These are scores used when a there is no substitute to be found.

In the leagues in my area there is no handicap calculated for absent scores.

In my opinion an absentee score should be a set score with no handicap. Example: A 4 person mix league with handicap set at 90% of 220. The Absent score should set at 180 (remember no handicap). That gives the team with the missing player still a chance to compete in the series. They are down 40 at the start of the each game, but if they bowl well and the other team doesn't they should get the points.

In my local leagues they are down 80 (men) to 100 (women) per game. A big task to compete being down that much in a game.

Problem some around here they can't stand to see a 180 score on the screen replacing a person with a 150 average. They never think of handicap.

Rule 105 – Absentee and Vacancy Scores
Leagues may adopt rules for absentee or vacancy scores and handicaps to decide league games, subject to the following:

a. Absentee or vacancy scores may be used only when a legal lineup is present.

b. Absentee or vacancy scores may not replace scores bowled by an ineligible player.

c. In a singles league, no vacancy scores shall be used. Absentee scores will not be permitted, unless otherwise provided by league rule.

d. A vacancy score is to be used when a team has an incomplete roster. Vacancy scores are subject to the following, unless otherwise provided by league rule:

1. Adult leagues:
a) The vacancy score shall be 120.
b) In handicap leagues, the handicap must be based on the vacancy score used. Handicap shall not be limited.

2. Youth leagues:
a) The vacancy score shall be the average of the lowest average bowler on the opposing team’s roster.
b) If two or more vacancy scores are required, the average of the next-to-the-lowest bowler on the opposing team’s roster shall be used for the second vacancy score.
c) In handicap leagues, the handicap must be based on the vacancy score used. Handicap shall not be limited.
d) The vacancy score is used until an individual bowls and establishes a current average.


e. An absentee score is to be used when a member is absent and a substitute is not obtained. The following provisions apply unless otherwise provided by league rule:

1. The absentee score for each game shall be the absent member’s current average less 10 pins. In handicap leagues, the handicap shall be based on the absent member’s current average.

2. Teams with additional players on the roster shall use the absentee score of the absent player with the:
a) Most games bowled.
b) Lowest absentee score when the absentees have the same number of games bowled.
c) Next highest number of games bowled when two scores are needed.

3. When a team has an absent member without an established average according to league rules or USBC Rule 118c, a score of 120 will be used. In handicap leagues, the handicap shall be based on the score of 120.

You can change it to want ever the league wants it to be.

As far as Vacancy Scores. It should not hinder the team at all with one less player. The vacant score should be no less than 10 pins of the league's handicap base. If the league's handicap is set to 90% of 220. Then the vacant score should be 210 (no handicap) or 120 (with handicap), its the same number either way. The team should be able to compete.

But again. People like to twist numbers. They find that one or two scenarios that they got beat real bad by a team with one less bowler (eventhough they bowled terrible), and turn it into the norm.