Kathy, when will the USBC actually begin to protect the integrity of bowling by requiring we play on proper lane conditions instead of walled patterns that create artificial scoring levels? As bowlers we have no voice in these matters. And our sanctioning body says the proprietors can do whatever they want. How is this governing what goes on? As it stands now, bowling is bleeding members. Since the advent of reactive resin, the centers have tried to outscore one another. This philosophy hasn't stopped the mass exodus of bowlers. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. After 15+ years no one has learned a thing. When will the USBC grow a spine and DO something about it? Mandate flatter patterns at all times. Who cares if we lose bowlers, they are leaving anyway. You might as well support those that care about what it is bowling is supposed to be about. Keep in mind, they are screwing with your livelihood. At what point in time is the number of sanctioned bowlers low enough, that the USBC will cease to be necessary? T.J. Mittelstetter, Jr. 2358-6198
The above was sent to the usbc after my post about league resignation. As of today, I have not received a response. I'm not exactly sure what I expected, but I think I received the most likely result. Indifference. I'm not the greatest bowler. You can look up my lack of accomplishments if you wish, but you would think these people would want to open dialogue with the average bowlers across the country. Apparently, my rose colored glasses are making see people that care. Not encouraging.
I understand your stance, but I have seen one of the arguments in your original post repeated over and over, and I just don't believe it. I have never met a bowler who quit because the scores were too high or the shot was too easy. Where are all these bowlers who are leaving the sport because it is too easy?
I see bowlers who leave because of health, age, cost ... but not because the shot is too easy. I see a youth that cares about video games, computers and whatever else, that don't grow up in bowling alleys, much like past generations. A lot of sports (little league baseball, etc ..) in our area of dwindling because kids don't grow up playing sports as much as in the past. When I was a kid, video games didn't exist, or I am sure I know I would have been playing them often. Now I am not saying all kids avoid sports, but today there are so many other options than bowling.
I see bowling is waning, and league bowling may someday go extinct, but I don't think that the easy lanes conditions are what are causing people to flock from the sport. It could be a very small reason, but not the main reason.
If I am wrong I will admit it. If I really thought toughening up the patterns would bring more people to the sport, I would be the first one to go with it. I would love to see bowling thrive.
If people want tougher patterns, they can find them. They are harder to find, no doubt .. and that is because most league bowlers don't want them. Personally I think mandating tougher conditions will cause league bowling to die a faster death. People will get frustrated.
Please show me where my opinion holds no water.
Just my 2 cents.
