Anyone here any more about this and what are the thoughts now that it has passed. Bowling as we know it is changing!!

Here are the results of the voting:

The USBC Plan of Merger Vote has been approved.

The follow are the voting results of the USBC Plan of Merger:

2004 WIBC Annual Meeting Delegation Approved the Plan.
1743 In favor
716 Against
1640 votes in favor were required for approval

2004 ABC Convention Delegation Approved the Plan.
898 In favor
274 Against
782 votes in favor were required for approval

2004 YABA Board of Directors did not have the required two-thirds majority vote, but they have until May 15 to join USBC.

I got this from another furom and figured I would post it here.

2004 USA Bowling Board of Directors Approved the Plan


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IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT TWINS

It will not be the end of local associations.  The local associations will have the option of merging as National has or remaining separpate.  

In our local associations it sounds like both the the men and women are in favor of merging with a redistricting of the current boundaries.  One idea is to separate Los Angeles into 2 halves and a 3rd being the San Fernando Valley.  

They Youth will probably remain separate, they feel that there are issues unique to the youth.

I was in favor and am glad it passed.  I realize it means change and probably some pains to go with it.  They fixed the 2 main issues, members having a sy in dues increases and rules/bylaws.  While we have to wait a few years to actually have a voice, 2006 (I think) we will not be out of the loop.  They anticipate an increase in Nationals sanctioning dues but a decrease in State dues.  Depending on what the locals decide to do,it could allow the locals to have an increase also.  So we may be paying more for sanctioning, but if the service is better, and it is reasonable I have no problem with it.
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Age is only a state of mind.  Since I lost mine years ago, I must be really young

As far as tournaments, there will be Women's and Open, if the YABA comes on board, there will be a Youth Tournament.  The men can chose to hold a Men Only tournament, if they choose.  So as far as tournaments, they are basically the same since women were already allowed to be a part of ABC.

I haven't heard how they will handle awards program.  That will be interesting.  Will they keep the same ones offered, but make them available to all bowlers?  WIBC offers awards the ABC doesn't.
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Age is only a state of mind.  Since I lost mine years ago, I must be really young