Okay, I need some input from everyone and anyone on here.  We are leaving our 40 team league next year because everything about it is ridiculous. Pots are only $100, lineage is too high and even drinks are too expensive.  Payoff for first place last year was $400 with lineage at $20, its not a money league but 40 teams and getting half of your money back is not worthwhile (Yes, all finances were accounted for last year, we looked into it.) There are many things that half of the league is not happy with, not to drag on...

So, we are forming a league at a more bowling friendly center, rather than this commercial house we are currently in.  My questions to you is what are some ideas you have to draw people in, obviously Michigan has a tough economy.  The new house is generously paying for our banquet, giving us very cheap drink specials, taking care of all secretary duties and fees, a more than reasonable lineage and adding a couple thousand to prize fund.

We know the guy in the pro shop too, so if anyone has any ideas on what to attract bowlers, please, please let me know! It is geared to be a fun/competitive league, more of a moderate league, by no means a classic league. We have guys from 170 to 230.

i.e. – Jackpots, first place prize guaranteed, brackets, strike ball, flyers or advertisements, lane conditions, league formats (7 or 10 point systems) please help with specifics! I have ran leagues so I have some experience, but please express your thoughts on what you would like to see.  

THANK YOU ALL IN ADVANCE, I will let you know our results in September!


Edited on 1/26/2010 9:13 AM

This has worked in our Mixed League ( 4 - any combo, no more than 3 men p/team ) and the format helps to keep teams interested all year thru.  

Our league is setup as a split season with a combined overall.  Teams must bowl all 36 weeks to be eligible for prize monies.  Weeks 1-16 consist of season 1, weeks 16-32 are season 2. Season 1 & 2 are combined and the last 4 weeks (weeks 32-36) are bowled as position to determine league champion.  Our prize funds are paid out in a 25% - 25% -50% increments of the overall prize money for each season, rewarding teams that were most consistent.  All monies are paid at end of season.  Depending on strength of league, you may bowl match point w/ handicap as we do.

Just a few questions:

For current league: How many members per team?  How much is lineage, and how much is secretary/treasurer fee?

I'm having a hard time making your numbers make any sense - unless you have a really flat payout for all the teams.


I'll give you actual numbers from our league (24, 5 member teams):

$20 weekly dues

$11.95 lineage
$0.60 secretary/treasurer fees
$0.70 is designated for weekly awards
$6.75 per bowler per night for the approved end of season prize fund.


We have a total prize fund of $29k.  1st place is $4k ($800 per person). There is $1k drop off for 2nd and 3rd, then they drop off $500 and $250 (team) for 4th and 5th, then after that it's basically a $50 drop off for each lower place.  Last place (24th) is $325 ($65 per person).

I thought the payout was a little low - you're paying in $700.  The 1st place team will not get much more than their money back.

It was actually the fairest prize fund submitted.  In the league I bowled previously, they were very top heavy - we're talking $7-8k for 1st and down to $100-150 for last (lucky to get 1 week of dues back!).  Both leagues are mixed "fun" leagues.



Either way, sounds like you are getting a good deal if the house will take care of secretary duties and fees AND kick in a couple thousand extra to the prize fund.  Hopefully it will work out well for you guys.

Are you bringing the entire 40 team league to the new house, or are just a few teams leaving and hoping to start a new league?  With a 40 team league, I can't imagine you need to attract more bowlers.