Give me a little input.  I’m in the process of preparing a proposal to the USBC about computing averages for handicapping purposes.  At the most, I may get one shot at them considering doing something, and want to get it right the first time.

In computing a bowlers average for handicapping purposes, use the highest average of the following.

Previous years average based on total games.
Previous years average based on last 21 games.
Current years average based on total games.
Current years average based on last 21 games.
 Current accumulative tournament average - (Trimman)

My main purpose is to try and reduce the effect of sandbagging or perceived sandbagging.  I’ve noticed a direct correlation between the decline of registered ABC members and the numbers of bowlers participating in handicap events.

I am convinced that if we can get tournament bowling going again, we can then attract more people to leagues simply to obtain a sanction card.

Right now, most of the people I talk too feel they don’t have a chance to cash and won’t waste their money.  Stricter control of averages won’t completely eliminate sandbagging but may make enough of a difference to keep handicap tournaments competitive.

The way I see it, what we have now isn't working.  Anything new has to be an improvement.

I also have a few other things, once I get a draft written out, I’ll post it so the experts on here can help finalize it.

I'm going to take off for a few days, be back Tuesday, hope to see some good ideas, pro & con.

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~~~SrK - Have balls, will travel

Spending the kids inheritance one tournament at a time.

Edited on 9/4/2004 3:42 PM

Edited on 9/4/2004 4:30 PM

League Average should be determined by best 50% Series thrown. (Example: After 12 Weeks, the best 6 Weeks are used)
 
If tournament average is not established, a league average is used. And it has to be at least 21 games. Once Tournament average is established. Bowler will always use their tournament average. Average would be established as league.

Average isn't established until after 3 Weeks of Play for both League and Tournament.  

Now this system will inflate averages. But let's face it anymore, an average doesn't have the weight it used to have.  


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Trash Heap (exflinger wannabe)

For handicapping purposes, disregard the low game of each 3 game set.

SrK, I think you're making it too complicated and hard to compute, which as Bill Thomas says, would discourage even someone who recognizes the problem and wants to solve it.

I think your initial idea of using a rolling average, based on the past 21 games, is a great idea (I had the same idea myself a while back, so of course I think you're brilliant ).

While it would be a bit of a pain to calculate manually, all the leagues I know of use computer scoring programs, which could very easily be adjusted to perform this calculation, and would be so adjusted, if it were mandated by the USBC.
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seadrive
Cogito ergo bowl

Just got back, thanks for all the info.

You guys/gals are right, ABC probably won't even consider it.  One things for sure though, if I don't send it in, they can't consider it.  We can talk about problems day in/day out.  If we don't pass them up the line, nothing ever gets changed.

Hopefully, I can get it posted for you guys to read/pick apart this week.
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~~~SrK - Have balls, will travel

Spending the kids inheritance one tournament at a time.