Author Topic: Saturday Afternoon Open Bowling Rant (Read 8958 times)

J_w73 · « **on:** November 21, 2009, 08:20:34 AM »

Went to throw a couple games with my girlfriend at the local alley down the street because we get 2 free games a week and haven't used any of them. What a mistake...
Do 7 people really need to be up on the lane next to the ball return during the whole game?
What is with letting your 4 year old lay on the approach and flail their arms back and forth making dust angels. Would you let them roll all over the ground anywhere else?
Dodging little kids running in front of you on your approach to throw the ball adds a new dimension to the game. People, your daughter almost got a 16 lb ball smashed into her head at 17 mph.. maybe get a clue and don't let her run around uncontrolled.
I know I don't own the chairs and table that are designated for the lane I am bowling on but do you really have to put your drink, keys, and fries on my table while you bowl. You have a table and chairs in front of the lanes you are bowling on.
I also love the irritated look as I move a chair that is in front of the lane that I am getting ready to bowl on. I would think you would have common sense to move it yourself when you see that people are coming to bowl on the adjacent lane... nope, you have no clue.
Yes , It is a blast that you had 8 up there and the machine knocked one down and it gave you a 9.. hahahahaHAHAH.. Would you care that according to the rules you really only got 8... probably not..
Done bowling.. wow.. so much fun.. and its not over..
On the way out a little kid running around not looking runs right into me and falls down. I step over him so that I don't step on him, see he isn't even crying and keep walking as an angy mother yells , " No you didn't just step over my son?".. I turn shrug my shoulders and answer back, "control your kid".. She is lucky I was able to step over him.

fun fun fun..
--------------------
16-17 mph,350 rpm,PAP 5 1/2 x 3/8up, HighGame 300 x 3, High Series 808
Book Average 205,PBA Xperience ave180

J_w73 · « **Reply #16 on:** November 24, 2009, 06:00:18 AM »

quote:
Of course I can relate to all of these and here's a situation that I had. I was standing at the desk talking to the desk person and noticed a little girl walking down the lane and was almost at the pindeck to get her ball that had stopped. The person working the desk started to go down there and I said "Good idea I don't feel like having to dig a 5 year old girls body out of the machine." (I know I shouldn't have said anything..it was one of those days.) What I didn't know was that the guy standing at the desk waiting for change was the girls father who didn't didn't even move even when he noticed what was going on. He says "hey you don't worry about what my daughter does". I said "I'm sorry sir but her safety IS our concern." Oh btw...his wife was at our jukebox by the front checking through which songs to play and had no idea what was going on. People like that don't deserve to be parents.
--------------------
Dave Roberts Jr
Track staff
Turbo regional staff
Bowl-T's Pro Shop, Imperial. MO

wow.. hilarious and scary (scary that they are parents)... but they can always sue when something happens to their kid that they weren't watching, put the bowling alley out of business and ruin it for everyone...which is what usually happens nowadays because there is no personal responsibility anymore. Restrict and punish the whole because a few people are idiots.
--------------------
16-17 mph,350 rpm,PAP 5 1/2 x 3/8up, HighGame 300 x 3, High Series 808
Book Average 205,PBA Xperience ave180

Helsie · « **Reply #17 on:** November 24, 2009, 06:52:24 AM »

I think we've all been there. I went for a practice on Saturday with a friend and we have similar things - flash photography, kids diving on the approach, etc, etc. Unfortunately, that is the risk you take with open bowling.

I have seen a small girl come within inches of being badly hurt after she followed a bowler up the approach behind him. Bowler was unaware and has a big back swing. It was very scary to watch. I've also had small kids come racing round corners and charging into me before. I am not an enourmous girl myself and when I'm carrying 4-6 15lb bowling balls, I am physically unable to move that quickly. It's not nice when they charge into you and make connection with something hard and start crying - it makes me feel horrible. But, it's not our fault.

HOWEVER, from my experiences, if you actually go and ask the parents nicely, they'll often make a real effort. I think it is very reasonable that we expect kids not to dive on the approaches and run around, however, with regards to them wandering over to our approaches, not giving way and 15 of them being on the approach - well, that's not rudeness, just ignorance and often if you explain or ask nicely, you won't have any problems.

dizzyfugu · « **Reply #18 on:** November 24, 2009, 07:07:04 AM »

Also had the case of a 6 year old running into my swing path from the neighboring lane, and luckily I was able to deviate the shot so that the kid did not get hurt.
Besides ignorance about other players' "right" to en joy their game, I think many parents (and even social bowlers) underestimate the sublime dangers of a bowling alley, from backswings through "masses in motion" to black holes with lots of mechanical parts at the ball returns.

Besides, social bowlers are always a source of fun when you have to play next to a horde of them. Played a tournament last weekend - my pair of lanes broke down, so my squad had to move next to 10 beer bowlers. Not SOOO bad, but after we asked them kindly to wait until a player on our lane (right side of them) had finished his shot and please not to crowd on the approach (we had a free lane between them and us), because we were doing "serious business" here, we almost got into a fight - how we could dare... Seems to be a real matter of (limited) perspective. Really sad - bowling etiquette (at least some BASICS!) should be penetrated much more, and IMHO this is another reason why bowling has such a hard time being regarded as a "real" sport.
--------------------
DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany

Confused by bowling? Check out BR.com's vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section

J_w73 · « **Reply #19 on:** November 24, 2009, 07:07:15 AM »

quote:
I think we've all been there. I went for a practice on Saturday with a friend and we have similar things - flash photography, kids diving on the approach, etc, etc. Unfortunately, that is the risk you take with open bowling.

I have seen a small girl come within inches of being badly hurt after she followed a bowler up the approach behind him. Bowler was unaware and has a big back swing. It was very scary to watch. I've also had small kids come racing round corners and charging into me before. I am not an enourmous girl myself and when I'm carrying 4-6 15lb bowling balls, I am physically unable to move that quickly. It's not nice when they charge into you and make connection with something hard and start crying - it makes me feel horrible. But, it's not our fault.

HOWEVER, from my experiences, if you actually go and ask the parents nicely, they'll often make a real effort. I think it is very reasonable that we expect kids not to dive on the approaches and run around, however, with regards to them wandering over to our approaches, not giving way and 15 of them being on the approach - well, that's not rudeness, just ignorance and often if you explain or ask nicely, you won't have any problems.

I usually explain bowling etiquette to people. It is usually a coin toss whether I do it or not though and the last few times haven't been pleasant. When I asked nicely or explained in a friendly voice the people have not been receptive and pretty much wanted to fight me for suggesting they do something different than they are already doing. Sometimes I feel it just isn't worth taking the chance of getting into a situation. Most people get the hint though when I let them go first or they see me waiting until they are off the approach until I go. Some are just oblivious to any common sense though..
--------------------
16-17 mph,350 rpm,PAP 5 1/2 x 3/8up, HighGame 300 x 3, High Series 808
Book Average 205,PBA Xperience ave180

dizzyfugu · « **Reply #20 on:** November 24, 2009, 07:17:08 AM »

quote:
I usually explain bowling etiquette to people. It is usually a coin toss whether I do it or not though and the last few times haven't been pleasant. When I asked nicely or explained in a friendly voice the people have not been receptive and pretty much wanted to fight me for suggesting they do something different than they are already doing. Sometimes I feel it just isn't worth taking the chance of getting into a situation. Most people get the hint though when I let them go first or they see me waiting until they are off the approach until I go. Some are just oblivious to any common sense though..

Similar experience here - when doing training, I just try to wait until the neighboring lane is empty. But very often, social players rush - grab a ball, run onto the approach, and wait, while the pin deck has not been swept yet... no chance. And when their shot is done, and I step up onto the approach, the next one is already standing next to you...

Most of the time I really have the impression that these people just do not CARE that there are "others" around, or that these COULD have interests of their own. Lack of etiquette and result of an ego-centric society.
--------------------
DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany

Confused by bowling? Check out BR.com's vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section

Danes07 · « **Reply #21 on:** November 24, 2009, 07:59:01 AM »

About a year ago, my family and I decided to go do a little opening bowling. It was the day after thanksgiving, so all the high school kids had the day off. There was a group of about 10 boys and girls, about 15 years old or so.

They were kinda screwing around and being quite annoying, but really hadn't done much wrong and they were on the very end pair, so they were out of the way. Then one of the geniuses decided to show off for his friends and took an 8lb ball and threw it hard as he could. It hit the top of the gutter, bounced to the right, off the wall, then down the walk way leading to out behind the lanes.

One of the young guys that works there, who also bowls on my team in our mens league, walked down and asked them to stop messing around and doing that, they could damage something or hurt someone. They all kinda laughed at him and one said "Just go away, don't worry about it....we're having fun".

Well, 5 minutes later the kid did the same thing again...this time the owner of the place saw it happen and was informed that this wasn't the first time and that they had been asked to stop once before. He went over, told them all they were done bowling and to bring their shoes up to the desk. He went up to the desk and shut the lanes off....but one of them decided he was still gonna throw a shot down the lane.

Once their parents got their to collect them, he asked the parents to come inside and informed them that they are no longer welcome in the bowling alley and to please leave.

It was nice to see something be done about these kids...cause I see so many places that are afraid to do anything in fear of the reaction from the parents.
--------------------
University at Albany 2007
-Let's Go Danes-

ROTO GRIP - King of Them All
STORM - The Bowlers Company

Harry E. Inglis 3/31/1915 - 2/3/2009

tc300 · « **Reply #22 on:** November 24, 2009, 08:00:09 AM »

i still remember few years ago a lil black kid came down from atleast 3 pairs over...walked through the pits, i threw a ball, turned around and the lil *****R had cheese all over his hands touchn/rubn my balls(i know i know, it sounds bad!! HAHA)that were on the ball return!! i yelled at him and mama got pi$$ed, a lil argument ensued... i was thinkn, my tax money is what prolly pays your bills, food and open bowling!

lmfao gota love open bowln!!!

tc300 · « **Reply #23 on:** November 24, 2009, 08:05:32 AM »

the worst thing that pi$$es me off is when u ask the center to put u away from open bowlers, you get 4 frames in the first game then the lane(s) next to you turn on!!! even worse when u cant even get 1 lane courtesy!!

MelvinBrunsTrack · « **Reply #24 on:** November 24, 2009, 08:18:56 AM »

At my Bowling center. They will announce on the loud speaker. Parents control your Kids or we will ask you to leave.When I see parents at another lane , especially right beside me. I will explain to them in a nice way. Lane courtesy and to stay in your area.One time I told the center,if you can not control the kids and parents here, I was going to call 911 to come here.That's why now they are enforcing it.They know me for a long time. They know I don't care and I will do it.

stealth · « **Reply #25 on:** November 24, 2009, 08:27:59 AM »

I would hate to bowl next to any of you pricks

Danes07 · « **Reply #26 on:** November 24, 2009, 08:57:03 AM »

quote:
I would hate to bowl next to any of you pricks

Why, because we'd like a little common courtesy and for parents to control their children? I don't think that's too much to ask for.

I never would have behaved in public the way I see kids behaving now. I don't think its too much to ask that parents keep their children under control and behaved when in public, including a bowling alley. If you can't, then leave. I understand that they are there to have, but so am I. I shouldn't have to keep a constant eye out for kids running underfoot, spilling things, getting too close to me on the approach where it becomes dangerous.

I also don't see where its so hard for parents to not get upset when they are asked politely if they can keep their kids under control or if you politely explain lane courtesy to them.
--------------------
University at Albany 2007
-Let's Go Danes-

ROTO GRIP - King of Them All
STORM - The Bowlers Company

Harry E. Inglis 3/31/1915 - 2/3/2009

CHawk15 · « **Reply #27 on:** November 24, 2009, 09:18:28 AM »

Here's the way I see this, I'm not really all that concerned about bowling courtesy, especially in that environment because people don't know any better. It could be that they don't wish to learn or that the bowling center doesn't tell them anything. The only time I have a problem is when it concerns safety, epsecially for the smaller children.

The only time I'll talk to the parents/ center manager is if a little kid is going to get hurt or if a bunch of spoiled brats are lofting the ball 1/2 way down the lane. I'll be nice and explain to the parents that my concern is solely for the safety of thier child. Unlike some of us that are there to get some serious practice time in, most people are just there to have a good time for a couple of hours with thier family or friends. I think that is forgotten sometimes.

As a matter of fact, I sometimes like to be put next to the rowdy crowd, it helps me work on my focus.

renaissanceman517kak · « **Reply #28 on:** November 24, 2009, 09:22:38 AM »

Just this past week, I was open play bowling, and the kid on the next lane came running down my lane and threw his ball on my lane...mother yelled at him for rolling the ball on my lane, but never acknowledged in any way whatsoever...

On a similar note, I spent most of the summer in an orthopedic boot with two broken bones in my right foot that occured while I was jogging on the local high school track. There is a sign at the entrance of the track that clearly states that nothing on wheels is allowed on the track, yet kids are on there all the time with bikes, skateboards, scooters, and the like. I broke my foot when a kid on a scooter cut right in front of me, and I had to nake a last second dance out of the way to avoid trampling her. Landed awkwardly on my foot, causing the break. Mother was right there, and though she told her daughter to be careful, she, like the mother at the bowling alley, never once addressed or acknowledged me in any way...

dizzyfugu · « **Reply #29 on:** November 24, 2009, 09:23:24 AM »

quote:
About a year ago, my family and I decided to go do a little opening bowling. It was the day after thanksgiving, so all the high school kids had the day off. There was a group of about 10 boys and girls, about 15 years old or so.

They were kinda screwing around and being quite annoying, but really hadn't done much wrong and they were on the very end pair, so they were out of the way. Then one of the geniuses decided to show off for his friends and took an 8lb ball and threw it hard as he could. It hit the top of the gutter, bounced to the right, off the wall, then down the walk way leading to out behind the lanes.

One of the young guys that works there, who also bowls on my team in our mens league, walked down and asked them to stop messing around and doing that, they could damage something or hurt someone. They all kinda laughed at him and one said "Just go away, don't worry about it....we're having fun".

Well, 5 minutes later the kid did the same thing again...this time the owner of the place saw it happen and was informed that this wasn't the first time and that they had been asked to stop once before. He went over, told them all they were done bowling and to bring their shoes up to the desk. He went up to the desk and shut the lanes off....but one of them decided he was still gonna throw a shot down the lane.

Once their parents got their to collect them, he asked the parents to come inside and informed them that they are no longer welcome in the bowling alley and to please leave.

It was nice to see something be done about these kids...cause I see so many places that are afraid to do anything in fear of the reaction from the parents.
--------------------
University at Albany 2007
-Let's Go Danes-

ROTO GRIP - King of Them All
STORM - The Bowlers Company

Harry E. Inglis 3/31/1915 - 2/3/2009

That's cool - and consequential! Thumbs up!
--------------------
DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany

Confused by bowling? Check out BR.com's vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section

tc300 · « **Reply #30 on:** November 24, 2009, 11:26:52 AM »

quote:
I would hate to bowl next to any of you pricks

were talkn bout open play here buddy, not leagues... well unless u bowl at a amf center...

Author Topic: Saturday Afternoon Open Bowling Rant (Read 8958 times)

J_w73

Saturday Afternoon Open Bowling Rant

J_w73

Re: Saturday Afternoon Open Bowling Rant

Helsie

Re: Saturday Afternoon Open Bowling Rant

dizzyfugu

Re: Saturday Afternoon Open Bowling Rant

J_w73

Re: Saturday Afternoon Open Bowling Rant

dizzyfugu

Re: Saturday Afternoon Open Bowling Rant

Danes07

Re: Saturday Afternoon Open Bowling Rant

tc300

Re: Saturday Afternoon Open Bowling Rant

tc300

Re: Saturday Afternoon Open Bowling Rant

MelvinBrunsTrack

Re: Saturday Afternoon Open Bowling Rant

stealth

Re: Saturday Afternoon Open Bowling Rant

Danes07

Re: Saturday Afternoon Open Bowling Rant

CHawk15

Re: Saturday Afternoon Open Bowling Rant

renaissanceman517kak

Re: Saturday Afternoon Open Bowling Rant

dizzyfugu

Re: Saturday Afternoon Open Bowling Rant

tc300

Re: Saturday Afternoon Open Bowling Rant