I'm shotmaker's wife and want to add for all of you who are wondering why he's in a handicap league - it's because of me.  We have been together for 8 years now, and he has only ever bowled men's scratch and handicap leagues.  I have never been able to participate in bowling with my own husband until just this past summer.  He joined this league so he could bowl with ME and we could have fun together bowling other than just practicing together.  I have a 133 average and really stink at bowling in general.  So what options are there for us to have a fun, social evening out together?  I had actually never bowled in a league before at ALL, so "league night" was a new experience for me, and one I have enjoyed a whole lot more than I thought I would.  

Since we both work very stressful jobs, and don't have much in the way of free time or social circles, we really, really were enjoying our one night together with our (new) friends and having an evening without our cell phones and without the stresses of our "regular" life.  When we joined this particular league, we had NO IDEA what the handicap average was set at (didn't care), we still have no idea what the prize fund is (they've never put it out), and we didn't know there were big pots.  We acutally bowled a 14 week league in the summer that didn't really have anything in the way of pots, and the prize fund there was a net win of $60 for the entire team for the SEASON! (first place team won $460, last place $400).  So to say we were there to bowl for $15 each would be ridiculous.  So those few weeks proved to be so much fun our team mates who were not part of the Friday night league (but knew about it) asked if we were interested in continuing with them into the regular season.  So we said yes.  And now our stress-free night has turned into people glaring and whispering which has taken a whole lot of the fun out of it.  

I know how much time and money and effort shotmaker puts into his game to bowl as well as he does.  I admire him for it.  I find it very distasteful and a big turnoff when people out there want to knock you down for being good at what you do.  

Fortunately, many, many people came up to us last night and said they disagreed completely with this one guy's point of view.  Many said they were glad shotmaker is in the league because it makes them better bowlers too.  And when we bowl against these other teams, rather than being upset or angry, they LOVE to watch him bowl well!  They're enthusiastic, they're high-fiving him all over the place and ask him to help them out with a couple of pointers (which he ALWAYS does, very graciously, and then is happy for THEM when his advice works for them).  The guys that are complaining are the ones who sit silently in their seats and shoot daggers from their eyes everytime he throws a strike.  

I can promise you that shotmaker has no big ego and doesn't join handicap leagues to be a big fish in a small pond.  The money isn't THAT good for heaven's sake, and with two PBA titles, what does he need to prove to a bunch of amateur bowlers he doesn't even know?  That makes no sense whatsoever.  It makes me very unhappy that I can't enjoy bowling with my husband just because he happens to be good and it pisses people off.   I can also say that until last night, he was bowling very well without really trying very hard.  Having watched him bowl in COUNTLESS PBA tournaments, I know the difference between true concentration, focus and seriousness and just getting out there and throwing the ball while you're playing cards on the side, drinking beer, trying to help your wife (!!), and meeting and enjoying a whole group of new people.

I say let them change whatever they want.  It was just the spirit in which these people's complaints were made that makes us unhappy.

I've bowled in many handicap leagues over the years.

We've always had a handful of bowlers averaging close to the 220 range.

When using a match play format we set the handicap above the highest entering average and use 80%.  

If there's no individual points to be earned then we use the simple method of subtracting one team's average from the other and using 80% of the difference.  This method takes all averages into account no matter how high.

Based upon my personal experience whenever 80% handicap is used no matter what the method the higher averaging teams finish in the top year after year.  80% handicap will always favor the higher average bowlers.

The formula used by your league was determined and agreed upon at their league meeting.  Like it or not the whiner should just accept it and move on.  There is nothing to be gained by complaining.  He should just table it for next year's meeting.

The pots on the other hand are run independently and are therefore not governed by ABC rules.  The handicap calculation could be changed to 80% of 220 for pot purposes only. IMHO that would help to level the playing field and be a good compromise. Just a thought.  


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LadyW....

Edited on 11/6/2004 1:28 PM

Sounds like Shotmaker showed a few "big fish" that their oversized egos were undeserved.  This upset them and they can't handle it.  Every league I've seen has a few bowlers who will always complain about something.  They are unhappy people in general and I simply try to ignore this small group and focus my attention on the many others that are enjoyable to be with.  

Shotmaker, you will likely upset a few members of this league just by your very existance.  Move on.  You are bowling in this league because of the love and friendship of your spouse.  Tell the league that you truly do not care about what handicap system is used and that if any changes are made, you will honor the rules.  These jealous individuals are likely only 10% of the entire league.  Put up with them and enjoy the rest.

If I didn't know better, I would have sworn that a friend of mine here posted it.  Two guys are averaging well over 220 bowling with their wives who are hoping to reach 140 by year end.  The handicap was changed before they joined the league and this team didn't join even knowing what this was.  This league just worked out to be the right location and a night that all could participate.  

<rant mode on>  Shotmaker will likely get tired of the complaining and not bowl this league next year.  This may cause his wife to quit her first league ever and not look for another league to join.  Why should a few complainers force them out?  These complainers are likely the first ones to tell the propietor that the shot sucks because they can't score.  I still say that we make scoring tougher and hopefully force these complainers to get mad enough to quit.  Everybody seems so worried that bowlers will quit in droves if we make them work for their scores.  Let these wimps quit.  Maybe we can build a group of bowling enthusiasts that will enjoy working hard for their success and not complain when poor execution leads to losses. <rant mode off>

all i have to say


if you arent as good as me.... why should you get my money and why should i be forced to give it to you?

my suggestions to you all - get better and you wont have to complain
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REV MASTER

I've known shotmaker and his wife for 6-7 years now and for him to try and take advantage of this league is laughable. If he wants to bowl with his wife and friends there is NOTHING wrong with that it should be commended rather than be accused of cheating.

He's a very good player and he can still sack up with the BIG BOYS  when he feels that urge.
Maybe some quality time with his family and friends drives him more now.

Let the man have his fun!!!!!!!