With Radical and the PBA announcing our participation in product registration I have been flooded with staff requests. I have often wondered what makes a bowler think they are qualified to simply send in a request to be put on staff.
Our staffers have to be able to increase company sales, not just throw balls and bowl in tournaments.
Our game has really changed, when a request comes in and the player says he a has 20 300's and 8 800's and averages 230. He feels that is good enough to get on staff. Am I missing something. There are 10 guys in my league with the same resume. What sets a player apart to be considered for staff?
We use the Brunswick Product specialists as our scouts. They are the best at picking talent. They are in constant communications with shop owners, they bowl regionals some are even Hall of Famers. Most requesters are just taking a shot, but really, we don't need to be just giving balls away especially in this market. Now don't get me wrong, Radical Bowling Technologies has hit the ground running and have really made an impact but our policy is still the same. We will find you if you are staff worthy.  Not to sound crass but if you are that good we'd have known about you.
I'd love the opinions of the Forum.
Thanks
Phil

Phil,

My thoughts are you are going to see that. Especially, when it comes to would be pro's who may bowl one or two PBA Tournaments every so often and dominate their respective THS league. With that said, it never hurts to try. Lol

I think certain companies have knocked the luster off of being on a staff by simply handing out contracts in droves to just about any decent league bowler. This may be the reason for the in flux of requests. Players think that because its good for one company it must be good for all.
I guess you could use the staff concept as your marketing tool. I'm not in favor of it. I feel to be on staff says something about your character. 

Your are one the right track here Phil.  Some companies have more than one level of "staff" contract.  My wife had a low level contract with Motiv that didn't have the same type of commitment requirements as high level contracts (much like the one you are describing).  She had intentions of participating in all of the women events for the year including Queens and the US Open.  Unfortunately, 3 weeks after signing, we found out we were pregnant with our son.  After one year, Motiv wanted to continue their support, but my wife decided bowling didn't come first right now.  Perhaps bowling will be more important one day, but right now our son is number 1.  Motiv was generous and said they would be there if and when she was ready to continue.  We have nothing bad to say about them and Brett.

These types of contracts are known to exist for some companies.  Maybe the bowlers are looking for that type of support instead of the full support.  I think there is a place for this type of contract, but it isn't with every company.

To say any ball company is the best is a stretch! They all are good and have their own unique characteristic! Not everybody likes or wants a skid/flip ball and not everybody wants or needs it to roll up early! The best ball is the one that gives you the most margin for error, or the most forgiveness at the time! How the lanes are playing they me which reaction gives me the most of whatever I need for that condition! That's why it tough to be on staff, cause you don't have the options of others that use a variety of equipment! I've used them all and they all have their niche in the market place! Just my $.02, Bruce