Hi All, First off let me Thank you all for any help with this topic. I have only been bowling for 3yrs now and I find that the few leagues that I have been in are run pretty well and for the most part pretty fair in regards to rules, except for the one I have been in for all 3yrs and continue in because I and my wife like most everybody!
The situation has been in the past that if I brought a rule violation up I am usually just laughed off and told not to take it so seriously. This is just a for fun league with no real money involved! Well last league session this became a problem. So I will give the situation that occurred and then my version of how it should have been handled by my interpretation of USBC rules.
I would appreciate any help with this matter.
Everything began like any other night we made it through the first game every body having a good time. The opposing team was made up of a husband and wife that I've known in this league for 3yrs and a new member and substitute. Well we were into the 8th frame of next game(2nd) and their anchor on right lane slipped a bit at the line. I lead off the 9th and slipped as well nearly falling down. Then my wife slipped and twisted her ankle! At this point I did not think anything was wrong because I and my wife are not always the most stable people on the lanes. Our 3rd bowler a lefty went without any problems but then our anchor who is very stable and consistent went and he slipped. At that point I looked over at the other teams table just to see a bottle of baby powder in front of the new member and after looking closer I could see the powder on the floor all around the settee area of their table. We informed the secretary of the violation of rule#12 play was halted. The new member was informed and shown the rule book. He claimed he could not see it due to leaving his eye glasses at home and due to this would not stop using it until he could go home and get them and he also claimed he was never given a copy of the rules so they did not apply to him. Then the president got involved and informed them that it would be of the 2nd and 3rd games if he continued to use the powder. He refused to stop the use. I was only asking for forfeiture of the 2nd game and that he stop the usage and the approaches and settee area be cleaned. Then bowl the 3rd game. The presidents counter idea was void the 2nd game scores and clean everything and then bowl 2nd and 3rd games. I accepted this so as to not look petty, But the other team did not and packed up and went home. We were told not continue and to write up our protest for the rules violations which now includes rule#11 delay of game resulting in forfeiture of game 3.
After reading and rereading the rules: Here is how I think it should go. First the secretary should have been left out and my team captain should have been taken to the president who is supposed to enforce any rules violations. Forfeiture of 2nd game for violation of rule#12(foreign substance on approaches)and forfeiture of 3rd game for violation of rule#12(refusal to stop usage of baby powder) and rule#11(delay of game)for refusing to continue. And also we need to post bowl games 2&3 unopposed under known forfeitures and score within at least 40 or more of our team handicap to receive these points and the pin fall for our season totals.
One more small question: Our league thinks ever little rule violation needs be put in writing before it can be enforced for any forfeitures I do not read the rules this way at least not the first 18. I only see in the rules to do so in the case of appeals.
Thank You again for any and all replies!!!
P.S. Sorry for such a long first post.
P.S.S. Next morning my wife's doctor put a soft cast and a walking boot on her twisted ankle. So I think this was not so laughable this time. Plus their sub finished the night by calling me an f@#$%&* a#$$%^& two inches from my face!! Just a fun league ok!
