BallReviews
General Category => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: CBB on November 10, 2015, 07:11:38 PM
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I want to include all of them in this in My Topic. Just enjoyed the PBA U.S. Open and can't wait till 12/7/15 for more Bowling. I know some say that USBC has kinda messed things up. Again I have to remind everyone that USBC is running on fumes because they only get a portion of the $20 Sanction Fee that We pay. I have not Bowled in 3 years but still get My Sanction Card. I want to support Bowling in any way. I am glad to see the PWBA is back. It was a lot of fun watching them this past Summer. I do wish the Pros would get sponsorship. If I had the Money I would do it. I have suggested that they get a get a Sponsor for each Tournament like they did this past week. Not go after companies like Denny's for all of the Tour stops. I personally think Bowling is getting more popular. High Schools and Colleges continue to get Bowling in Their Schools.
All I am saying is stop giving USBC so much crap. Also We need CBS to pick up every Tournament. ESPN gets paid by the PBA. Not CBS. SUPPORT Bowling in any way You can.
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While I am not crazy about the USBC, I do think they should get a REAL chance to turn things around.
In that vein, I think that USBC dues paying structure should change. Go ahead and give them their initial $10, then every league bowler out there should put in an extra 25 cents every league night.
With 1 million league bowlers, and if they only bowled one league a week, that's an extra $250,000 a week, or $9,000,000 in a 36 week season. Up it to 50 cents a week, and it becomes $18,000,000 a year, and that is way more than they get from the initial $10.
Take their budget from $10,000,000 to $28,000,000 and see what they could/would do with it if they had the chance.
I would give 50 cents a week to save bowling, would'nt you?
Too many people expecting too much for their "investment". $10 is less than 20 cents a week over a 52 week period.
Yea, lets expect a miracle for 20 cents a week. That makes sense, right?
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Wow! As time goes by it amazing how we forget things. Remember, USBC put itself in this situation. They wasted so much money several years ago, so now I should feel sorry for those at the top of the organization that made those decisions and send them more money.
Forget it. Learn how to manage your money, just like the rest of us.
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CBB & JUGGERNAUT
Right on, +100%
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Yeah! Give more money at the national level. That always works. We see it with our own Federal Government.
If you are going to put more money into the system, do it at the local level. At least it should get better use there.
The primary goal for the USBC is increase membership. The best group to start with is the youth. If you get kids to enjoy bowling, whether it's to compete or recreational, you will have them as bowlers probably their entire life.
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The extra quarter per night is a great idea, but I would give it to the PBA to jump start prize funds. You want to promote the game at the junior level? Let them see pros making a million per year on a real tour that comes to their cities.
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Wow! As time goes by it amazing how we forget things. Remember, USBC put itself in this situation. They wasted so much money several years ago, so now I should feel sorry for those at the top of the organization that made those decisions and send them more money.
Forget it. Learn how to manage your money, just like the rest of us.
This is what's wrong with bowling. Us bowlers are more than happy to spend money on new balls, shoes, bags etc. But to send a few pennies to the place that could make a difference, oh hell no, can't have that.
USBC made a mistake on the real estate transaction, but it wasn't like millions of other Americans didn't make the same mistake. Let it go and give them a chance. Or don't, but don't cry when the only bowling you have is open play.
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I do not believe the USBC deserves additional funds until membership numbers improve. They are the governing body of bowling and a membership organization but somewhere along the line that got lost and they decided to be focused on one thing which is promoting tournaments and implementing rule changes to increase entries. They continue to try to get more money from a shrinking pool of members which no one seems to talk about. While I'm happy to see the PWBA back, I fundamentally disagree that membership resources (people/money) should be committed to that effort.
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I do not believe the USBC deserves additional funds until membership numbers improve. They are the governing body of bowling and a membership organization but somewhere along the line that got lost and they decided to be focused on one thing which is promoting tournaments and implementing rule changes to increase entries. They continue to try to get more money from a shrinking pool of members which no one seems to talk about. While I'm happy to see the PWBA back, I fundamentally disagree that membership resources (people/money) should be committed to that effort.
Then you should start looking for some other past-time, because if all of us take that kind of attitude, there will not be organized bowling. Enjoy your open play at $6+ per game.
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The extra quarter per night is a great idea, but I would give it to the PBA to jump start prize funds. You want to promote the game at the junior level? Let them see pros making a million per year on a real tour that comes to their cities.
Your statement reminds me of a politician. "If we only raise the taxes, that will solve the problem."
Most USBC members don't watch the PBA right now, and could care less what happens on the tour. I would quit the USBC immediately if they raised the national fee so that professional bowlers could have more money.
How much promoting of the sport is out there? In some areas bowling is strong, but in most areas of the country it is not. How about getting out to those areas where it is not doing so well, and get things started. That's how you got to do it. Work at it.
High School bowling is slowly growing in my area, I applaud those who have dedicated their time to the Western Pa Interscholastic Bowling League. This organization started out with a few teams and it has grown over the years. It's just not the people at the top of the organization who made it happen, its the bowling proprietors, coaches, parents (boosters), and kids.
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The extra quarter per night is a great idea, but I would give it to the PBA to jump start prize funds. You want to promote the game at the junior level? Let them see pros making a million per year on a real tour that comes to their cities.
Your statement reminds me of a politician. "If we only raise the taxes, that will solve the problem."
Most USBC members don't watch the PBA right now, and could care less what happens on the tour. I would quit the USBC immediately if they raised the national fee so that professional bowlers could have more money.
How much promoting of the sport is out there? In some areas bowling is strong, but in most areas of the country it is not. How about getting out to those areas where it is not doing so well, and get things started. That's how you got to do it. Work at it.
High School bowling is slowly growing in my area, I applaud those who have dedicated their time to the Western Pa Interscholastic Bowling League. This organization started out with a few teams and it has grown over the years. It's just not the people at the top of the organization who made it happen, its the bowling proprietors, coaches, parents (boosters), and kids.
Just so long as it's not YOUR time and money though, right?
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I think the main issue is the national dues have not changed in YEARS. If memory serves me right, the national dues were $10 during the ABC years. Combine the stagnant dues per person, plus the reduction of league participants and the reduced buying power of today's money compared to the past and you have an organization that cannot operate in the way they need to.
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I do not believe the USBC deserves additional funds until membership numbers improve. They are the governing body of bowling and a membership organization but somewhere along the line that got lost and they decided to be focused on one thing which is promoting tournaments and implementing rule changes to increase entries. They continue to try to get more money from a shrinking pool of members which no one seems to talk about. While I'm happy to see the PWBA back, I fundamentally disagree that membership resources (people/money) should be committed to that effort.
Then you should start looking for some other past-time, because if all of us take that kind of attitude, there will not be organized bowling. Enjoy your open play at $6+ per game.
I think you kind of missed the point...membership continues to decline and the USBC is reviving the PWBA and making rule changes so I compete with the PBA elite in the Open Championships. If I wanted to compete against the PBA elite I would sign up for the USBC Masters. As a member, I would like to see more effort placed on programs that will drive membership but based on their actions it doesn't appear to be a priority. I voted with my feet and will no longer bowl the Open Championships as I no longer believe the USBC is a membership focused organization so I guess next year I'll bowl in unsanctioned leagues as well but feel free to pump up the USBC and the complete lack of accountability for results.
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Just so long as it's not YOUR time and money though, right?
I believe in supporting my local area. I support the kids that bowl for the local high school team. The past two years I dedicated my time and help by coaching. I had taken time to study and learn all I can to be a better coach. I spent plenty of my own money to be certified and get my clearances so I that I can coach. Did I want any money in return? Nope, I did it because I love the game and the sport of bowling.
I much rather give my money at the local level then give it to some professional.
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I do not believe the USBC deserves additional funds until membership numbers improve. They are the governing body of bowling and a membership organization but somewhere along the line that got lost and they decided to be focused on one thing which is promoting tournaments and implementing rule changes to increase entries. They continue to try to get more money from a shrinking pool of members which no one seems to talk about. While I'm happy to see the PWBA back, I fundamentally disagree that membership resources (people/money) should be committed to that effort.
Then you should start looking for some other past-time, because if all of us take that kind of attitude, there will not be organized bowling. Enjoy your open play at $6+ per game.
I think you kind of missed the point...membership continues to decline and the USBC is reviving the PWBA and making rule changes so I compete with the PBA elite in the Open Championships. If I wanted to compete against the PBA elite I would sign up for the USBC Masters. As a member, I would like to see more effort placed on programs that will drive membership but based on their actions it doesn't appear to be a priority. I voted with my feet and will no longer bowl the Open Championships as I no longer believe the USBC is a membership focused organization so I guess next year I'll bowl in unsanctioned leagues as well but feel free to pump up the USBC and the complete lack of accountability for results.
I didn't miss the point at all. The members refuse to allow a dues increase. We have paid the same amount to the national org since 2008. They are just choosing where to spend what little money they have left.
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Just so long as it's not YOUR time and money though, right?
I believe in supporting my local area. I support the kids that bowl for the local high school team. The past two years I dedicated my time and help by coaching. I had taken time to study and learn all I can to be a better coach. I spent plenty of my own money to be certified and get my clearances so I that I can coach. Did I want any money in return? Nope, I did it because I love the game and the sport of bowling.
I much rather give my money at the local level then give it to some professional.
Yet you complain about the national body not doing anything. Does that even sound like a reasonable argument?
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Membership has been declining consistently for decades. We are at lifetime awards for honor scores, so considerably more money in their budget even without a dues increase so now what. Just seems kind of odd for the governing body of any sport to behave like a tournament promoter don't you think?
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Membership has been declining consistently for decades. We are at lifetime awards for honor scores, so considerably more money in their budget even without a dues increase so now what. Just seems kind of odd for the governing body of any sport to behave like a tournament promoter don't you think?
USBC is trying to decide where to spend their limited resources. The membership has refused to allow a price increase since 2008, so USBC is spending their time promoting the areas where the bowlers show some personal effort. It takes time and money to go to a tournament. To show up on league night in your hometown? Not so much.
Honestly, I don't think USBC is without fault, but they can not operate without funding. It's the same as we have in government, vote out the ones you don't like and replace them.
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Honestly, I don't think USBC is without fault, but they can not operate without funding. It's the same as we have in government, vote out the ones you don't like and replace them.
I agree 100%. USBC could do more. They sponsor the PWBA right now on limited funds. Pens and Patches are the past. If everyone like Myself would renew their USBC Membership that would help. I don't bowl anymore and I do it every year. It is just like every other Membership like a country club. We need support from Bowlers.
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Membership has been declining consistently for decades. We are at lifetime awards for honor scores, so considerably more money in their budget even without a dues increase so now what. Just seems kind of odd for the governing body of any sport to behave like a tournament promoter don't you think?
USBC is trying to decide where to spend their limited resources. The membership has refused to allow a price increase since 2008, so USBC is spending their time promoting the areas where the bowlers show some personal effort. It takes time and money to go to a tournament. To show up on league night in your hometown? Not so much.
Honestly, I don't think USBC is without fault, but they can not operate without funding. It's the same as we have in government, vote out the ones you don't like and replace them.
As a member, I would rather see them spend resources on promoting our sport to increase membership rather than promoting their tournaments to an dwindling base of members. Best of luck, you can't fix stupid and the USBC/BPAA is all stocked up
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Yet you complain about the national body not doing anything. Does that even sound like a reasonable argument?
Oh they have done plenty! My complaint is how they spent their money.
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And one last thing...I'm really tired of the USBC labeling anyone with a difference of opinion as "negative". Pretty sure our country was founded on principles of free speech and individual thought so I will not blindly agree with the decisions made by our governing body when I believe they're not in the best interest of the paying membership that they supposedly support.
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And one last thing...I'm really tired of the USBC labeling anyone with a difference of opinion as "negative". Pretty sure our country was founded on principles of free speech and individual thought so I will not blindly agree with the decisions made by our governing body when I believe they're not in the best interest of the paying membership that they supposedly suppor
This is news to Me. What happened? Bottom line is USBC is all We got. Being on these Boards is a start. Lets the frustrations out but let's do something positive.
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The USBC can only do so much. Owners of alleys expect Bowlers to do league. Putting out flyers on tables will not get people to join.
CBB, The league should run itself. I can see the owner helping, but it is up to the league to draw its membership. The league is what makes the rules, prize fund, and banquet. Not the owner. Owner is responsible for have lanes available and meet the USBC requirements. I am sure for additional charge they will keep the scores and averages, and report them to USBC on a weekly basis.
They care about the Cosmic Bowling more. Where I live the owners are a-holes. They don't care about Bowling Leagues.
They should care about all customers. Not one over the other. I don't know why this is, but some owners just don't get it.
I like Milo's post. $6.00 a game is the future if not now. Who is going to pay that?
This statement is mostly what I want to comment on most. If you really think about it, $6.00 is probably where the price should be? This is the price we must pay for our need to have more strikes:
Bowling balls are more porous
which causes more lane oil to be applied
which expensive lane machines must be purchased (and maintained) to apply the oil
once the oil is on the lane, the bowling center must have humidity and temperature in check
Because if the oil pattern is not right, and the league bowler doesn't throw his normal series (was - 600 series) for the night, due to his reactive (was - $250 oil soaking) ball not hooking, he will quit the league.
ALL OF THIS COST MONEY!
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I have got to say something here.
The poster above mentioning the 600 series or the bowler will quit.
When will everyone at least on this board wake up and understand that 75% or more of the USBC membership averages less than 190?
The 200 and above may bitch the most, but from a membership point of view, they are a minority.
Go out and watch a mixed league and look at the average mix. Those leagues have 100-180s mostly with an occasional 190-200+ mixed in a few teams. That is the big percentage of USBC membership. But yet, us "elite" bowlers seam to believe that USBC should cater to us.
And I will bet you rarely heard these words come out of a 150 average bowler.... "these lanes sucked tonight"
But yet if you surveyed the high end league, 30% would want more oil, 30% would want less oil, and 40% think they are just fine.
Lots of people have commented on reasons they think bowling has declined, but it's had to ignore back in the 80s & 90s when in most major cities you would see a league called "factory shift bowlers". Whether it was Ford, or GE, or some other factory job, they seemed to have a company league that was 20-40 teams every year of fierce, fun competition. Do those even exist anymore. There went a lot of bowlers.
We need to understand, that we are not the majority fish. USBC has to provide for a wide range of bowling averages, and some programs will have absolutely no benefit to 200+ average bowlers. It is not always about us.
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This statement is mostly what I want to comment on most. If you really think about it, $6.00 is probably where the price should be? This is the price we must pay for our need to have more strikes:
Bowling balls are more porous
which causes more lane oil to be applied
which expensive lane machines must be purchased (and maintained) to apply the oil
once the oil is on the lane, the bowling center must have humidity and temperature in check
Because if the oil pattern is not right, and the league bowler doesn't throw his 600 series for the night, due to his $250 oil soaking ball not hooking, he will quit the league.
ALL OF THIS COST MONEY!
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I agree somewhat. $6.00 a game is a lot for people. If a Family of 4 goes in and Bowls 1 game that is $24.00. Plus Soda, Snack, Beer, Etc. People are hurting. Really the only ones buying Balls are the Hard nosed Bowlers. That is why You see Online Shops giving away Balls and people flock to them. I agree that League Directors need to help get members but the House should do more to promote it. It is in their best interest. I think once the economy gets better (if it ever does) Bowling will prosper better.
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Quote When will everyone at least on this board wake up and understand that 75% or more of the USBC membership averages less than 190?
The 200 and above may bitch the most, but from a membership point of view, they are a minority.
I agree. Plus if the higher average Bowlers don't watch it they will lose the average Bowler. Noone average wants to hear a lot of cussing, slamming etc. I used to be that way. I feel I drove people away. Then Bowling numbers will keep coming down.
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txbowler,
My statement was more a generalization pointing a specific scenario. Sorry, but I have to disagree. I have seen plenty of bowlers with averages below 190 complain about the lanes. They used to seeing their ball react a specific way from week to week. When the ball doesn't hook (too much or lack of oil, or what ever) they will get upset.
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C'mon people, stop being so myopic and face it, the problems, and any successful solutions, are bigger than any small group like us can correctly diagnose, much less fix.
Has USBC made mistakes? Sure they have. Has money and effort gone the wrong direction sometimes? Yes, but mistakes are easy to make when you are traveling uncharted territory, and most of what has happened in the bowling world was unforseen AND unforseeable.
Short some strange circumstances, the USBC is what we have. We, as bowlers, need to give them the tools and the means to be effective.
Maybe they screw it up, but at least they will have had the chance to actually try and get things straightened out and, with more than $25,000,000 to lose if they get it wrong, they might have the initiative to actually get it done.
FIFTY CENTS A WEEK! Give up one soda a week ( or one a month at some centers ) and thats all it would take. Yea, maybe they've messed some things up, but if we give them enough proverbial lumber, lets see if they build a solid structure, or just a bigger bonfire.
That really is the only way to know.
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Membership has been declining consistently for decades. We are at lifetime awards for honor scores, so considerably more money in their budget even without a dues increase so now what. Just seems kind of odd for the governing body of any sport to behave like a tournament promoter don't you think?
I try not to be negative...but then I see stupidity like this. When membership declines at most things, what happens? Dues goes up for the remaining members. That hasn't happened for the USBC. How can you bring more bowlers in when you can't advertise, you can't run programs because there is no money. The reason the USBC wants more entries at it's tournament, is because the that is where they get the money they need to continue to exist, since the league bowlers won't add 1 red cent to their dues in almost 10 years. Maybe if they were getting the majority of their money from league bowlers, like in years past, they would be more focused on them. As is true in any business, you cater to the area where your money comes from. And the lifetime awards?!? They went to that to save money, since again membership won't allow a dues increase in almost 10 years. Even with the dwindling membership, the amount of award scores is going up. With less money coming in, you can't keep spending what you don't have. This is simple economics, and it should be obvious to even the simple people, like you.
Now, don't take this as a 100% endorsement of the USBC. They have made their mistakes and will make more in the future. But, they can't try to better without the funds to run their organization. Unfortunately, I am not bowling at the moment due to injury, but an extra $0.25 or $0.50 a week is no big deal. It should be the least we can do for the USBC, and if they don't make good decision at that point, we can find someone who will. But you can't berate them for what they are doing now, if you aren't willing to fund them to the point that they can do their job. Again, simple.
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In response to the OP, check out Jeff Richgels old blogs. He has a scenario where we integrate the USBC, the PBA and the BPAA. And we create a end-all-be-all organization to run bowling from the bowlers, the centers, to the Professionals. It made a great deal of sense and it is an idea I would support 100%
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In response to the OP, check out Jeff Richgels old blogs. He has a scenario where we integrate the USBC, the PBA and the BPAA. And we create a end-all-be-all organization to run bowling from the bowlers, the centers, to the Professionals. It made a great deal of sense and it is an idea I would support 100%
So who buys out the current owners of the PBA and where does the money come from?
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In response to the OP, check out Jeff Richgels old blogs. He has a scenario where we integrate the USBC, the PBA and the BPAA. And we create a end-all-be-all organization to run bowling from the bowlers, the centers, to the Professionals. It made a great deal of sense and it is an idea I would support 100%
So who buys out the current owners of the PBA and where does the money come from?
It's not about buying them out, but gaining their support to create 1 national governing body.
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In response to the OP, check out Jeff Richgels old blogs. He has a scenario where we integrate the USBC, the PBA and the BPAA. And we create a end-all-be-all organization to run bowling from the bowlers, the centers, to the Professionals. It made a great deal of sense and it is an idea I would support 100%
So who buys out the current owners of the PBA and where does the money come from?
It's not about buying them out, but gaining their support to create 1 national governing body.
I can't see that happening.
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If you can show them that this will bring in revenue for them, and help create a better foundation for bowling going forward, why would they not? Read Riggs blog, he explains it much better than I can.
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When will everyone at least on this board wake up and understand that 75% or more of the USBC membership averages less than 190? The 200 and above may bitch the most, but from a membership point of view, they are a minority.
This is an honest question (i.e., not trying to pick a fight): Is the above true -- the percentage is still that high that averages less than 190? Anyone know a way to look at concrete numbers to see what the breakdown really is? Would love to see what the trends in average have been and also to see where I fit into the mix.
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Membership has been declining consistently for decades. We are at lifetime awards for honor scores, so considerably more money in their budget even without a dues increase so now what. Just seems kind of odd for the governing body of any sport to behave like a tournament promoter don't you think?
I try not to be negative...but then I see stupidity like this. When membership declines at most things, what happens? Dues goes up for the remaining members. That hasn't happened for the USBC. How can you bring more bowlers in when you can't advertise, you can't run programs because there is no money. The reason the USBC wants more entries at it's tournament, is because the that is where they get the money they need to continue to exist, since the league bowlers won't add 1 red cent to their dues in almost 10 years. Maybe if they were getting the majority of their money from league bowlers, like in years past, they would be more focused on them. As is true in any business, you cater to the area where your money comes from. And the lifetime awards?!? They went to that to save money, since again membership won't allow a dues increase in almost 10 years. Even with the dwindling membership, the amount of award scores is going up. With less money coming in, you can't keep spending what you don't have. This is simple economics, and it should be obvious to even the simple people, like you.
Now, don't take this as a 100% endorsement of the USBC. They have made their mistakes and will make more in the future. But, they can't try to better without the funds to run their organization. Unfortunately, I am not bowling at the moment due to injury, but an extra $0.25 or $0.50 a week is no big deal. It should be the least we can do for the USBC, and if they don't make good decision at that point, we can find someone who will. But you can't berate them for what they are doing now, if you aren't willing to fund them to the point that they can do their job. Again, simple.
I'll try not to make this personal like you did, but throwing money at a problem is a bad idea. Past behavior is an excellent predictor of future behavior so it is very unlikely giving them more money is going result in a better outcome this time. I'm just looking for a plan and some accountability, but blindly throwing money at the problem is never the right answer. I'm a paying member and while I don't expect to be part of the decision, we as a group, should be informed and don't give me another slogan. Put together a solid plan that will hold leadership accountable and I'm in, but that will never happen. If the USBC were a publicly traded company, I don't think many of the people serving on the board of directors or in high ranking positions at the USBC/BPAA would have a job.
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Hey Morpheus,
You make a valid point.
Here is the problem I see.
Ask an elite bowler (10% at most of USBC membership) what USBC should focus that money on?
Ask a 180-200 average bowler what USBC should focus that money on?
Ask the less than 180 average bowler (70% of the PAYING membership) what the focus of that money should be on?
I bet you get 3 distinctly different answers but one general agreement:
"WHAT DO I GET FOR MY MONEY"?
The 170 and below average bowlers I talk to, don't give a rat about sport conditions and sport bowling and worrying if bowling is in the Olympics.
That's only something the elite bowlers care about.
The one thing that all bowlers will agree on that isn't selfish...How to get the youth involved in bowling. They don't mind using the money for that. Assisting the PBA? No effing way, unless they are one of the bowlers that may benefit.
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Membership has been declining for a very long time and I see nothing from the new regime other than:
1. Membership resources were/are committed to the PWBA. Show me how this fits into a strategic plan that will result in increased membership and who gets fired if it doesn't.
2. Let's allow the elite players in the sport to participate in the Open Championships and create a new division. I'm interested to see this play out from a prize fund perspective but I thought they already had an event sponsored by the membership called the Masters and now they compete against typical house bowlers on sport conditions. Show me how this fits into a strategic plan that will result in increased membership and who gets fired if it doesn't.
I'm just looking for some integrity and accountability by the people running the organization!
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Wow! As time goes by it amazing how we forget things. Remember, USBC put itself in this situation. They wasted so much money several years ago, so now I should feel sorry for those at the top of the organization that made those decisions and send them more money.
Forget it. Learn how to manage your money, just like the rest of us.
This is what's wrong with bowling. Us bowlers are more than happy to spend money on new balls, shoes, bags etc. But to send a few pennies to the place that could make a difference, oh hell no, can't have that.
USBC made a mistake on the real estate transaction, but it wasn't like millions of other Americans didn't make the same mistake. Let it go and give them a chance. Or don't, but don't cry when the only bowling you have is open play.
I hesitate to revive a divisive thread, but I guess I have been out of the loop, as far as the USBC goes. What was the real estate transaction, and what happened?
Also, several times it has been mentioned that USBC members have refused for several years, to raise the national $10 USBC fee. I have been a USBC member for the last 17 years, and no one ever asked me about this. Who is deciding it will not be raised?
Just curious.
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I hesitate to revive a divisive thread, but I guess I have been out of the loop, as far as the USBC goes. What was the real estate transaction, and what happened?
Also, several times it has been mentioned that USBC members have refused for several years, to raise the national $10 USBC fee. I have been a USBC member for the last 17 years, and no one ever asked me about this. Who is deciding it will not be raised?
Just curious.
Your local association board members are the ones voting when they attend the national convention.
The USBC needs to do a better job of selling the idea to the members. At no time do the members know what is to be voted on unless they go out of their way to find out. Combine that with the lack of participation in association matters by the members and you end up with an organization run by a select few and not by the majority.
Bowlers need to be more involved in what is being done by the USBC. Otherwise, we will be left with whatever a select few leave us after they run it into the ground.
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Morpheus
I have read your posts and although I don't agree with everything you state you by no means spew stupidity and you are not a simpleton.
There is to much of these type of personal attacks on people when they don't agree with someone. Keep posting your input is welcomed.
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Wow! As time goes by it amazing how we forget things. Remember, USBC put itself in this situation. They wasted so much money several years ago, so now I should feel sorry for those at the top of the organization that made those decisions and send them more money.
Forget it. Learn how to manage your money, just like the rest of us.
This is what's wrong with bowling. Us bowlers are more than happy to spend money on new balls, shoes, bags etc. But to send a few pennies to the place that could make a difference, oh hell no, can't have that.
USBC made a mistake on the real estate transaction, but it wasn't like millions of other Americans didn't make the same mistake. Let it go and give them a chance. Or don't, but don't cry when the only bowling you have is open play.
I hesitate to revive a divisive thread, but I guess I have been out of the loop, as far as the USBC goes. What was the real estate transaction, and what happened?
Also, several times it has been mentioned that USBC members have refused for several years, to raise the national $10 USBC fee. I have been a USBC member for the last 17 years, and no one ever asked me about this. Who is deciding it will not be raised?
Just curious.
There was actually a proposal entered this year to reduce the dues from $10 to $8. The USBC rejected this, of course.
PROPOSAL…
Change USBC dues not to exceed “$10†to “$8â€.
If adopted, Section B will state:
USBC adult members are required to pay dues to USBC, to local associations, as well as to state associations that
assess dues in combined amounts established by USBC.
USBC Youth Standard Membership dues are $4, state/location association dues are not allowed.
Annual adult standard membership dues are:
USBC dues not to exceed $8.
State dues not to exceed $5.
Local dues determined by their membership.
REASON FOR PROPOSAL…
During the 2014 Convention, changes to state and local dues were approved. Since all the ‘expenses’ now being
covered by the local/state associations, there is no reason for the national organization to keep charging the same
dues previously charged.
Most of the average bowler’s only visible relationship with USBC at the national level was the awards program. That
has been pushed to the local level with the exception of a bowler’s first 300 or 800 award.
During the 2014 Convention, a similar proposal was submitted. The recommendation for the rejection contained the
many services provided. I agree that there are services that need to be maintained. Otherwise, I would recommend the
national dues be reduced even further.
Presented by: Kevin M. McMackin
Slidell, LA
Recommended for rejection by the USBC Board of Directors
REASON FOR REJECTION…
USBC provides significantly more services and resources to bowling than just an awards program. USBC services
associations, leagues, tournaments, centers and members. A 20-percent reduction in membership dues would lead to
significant reduction or elimination of core services bowling depends upon such as:
Association Services
USBC staff dedicated to supporting and working with associations through Regional Managers, association services
and Rules Counselors. This includes:
Prompt email response, field assistance with meeting and elections, conference calls and webinars, local and
state tournament support and resource visits from staff to state jamborees, meetings and workshops.
USBC staff provides customer service support for WinLABS to associations and IT programmers to keep the
system functioning.
USBC maintains a policy of bonding, burglary and holdup insurance for all officers and directors of an association.
This policy covers misuse of funds, the taking of funds from an officer/director by violence or threat of violence
and funds taken through the forcible entry into the premises or locked receptacle.
USBC staff provides key reference and operational tools to associations including updates to organizational
bylaws, USBC Association Policy Manual and supporting documents on BOWL.com, and suspension/removal of
association board members for misuse of funds.
USBC provides an annual meeting and convention at no cost to attendees.
League and Tournament Services
USBC provides assistance and support to our league and tournament managers at the state and local levels. Bonding is
provided to protect our members who bowl in USBC certified leagues. We address due process through our Rules
Department and the Legal and Legislative Committee when there is a rules infraction that may occur in a league,
tournament or association. Assistance is provided to tournament managers.
Tournaments
USBC provides events for bowlers of all ages and skill levels:
USBC Open Championships
USBC Women’s Championships
USBC Mixed Championships
USBC Queens
USBC Masters
USBC Senior Masters
USBC Senior Queens
Senior Championship
Super Senior Classic
Junior Gold Championships
Youth Open Championships
Pepsi Youth Championship
Intercollegiate Team
Championships
Intercollegiate Singles
Championships.
USBC provides certification of tournaments and staff resources to assist with any issues related to tournament rules
and eligibility, along with protests.
Member Services
USBC communications provides a wide variety of resources to bowlers of all skill levels and interests. BOWL.com
content, videos and newsletters share tips, news, live streaming and event highlights.
All members benefit from lane, pin and ball specifications and approvals in order to keep the game fair for everyone.
Member information and history on BOWL.com, the right to appeal and help resolving both league and tournament
issues. Awards for honor score achievements. Support of charitable organizations such as, Susan G. Komen and
Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL), and the Registered Volunteer Program (RVP) to protect our youth bowlers.
The USBC Legal and Legislative Committee and the IBC Youth Committee (IBC Youth) have been working together for
over a year through a subcommittee which was made up of members from each committee. The subcommittee
identified an area to improve between adult and youth in the management of the association. Boards and members are
fragmented between working for only youth or only adults, when everyone should be working together for all members.
When it comes to voting at the Annual Meeting there is confusion as to who votes on everything and who votes for just
youth or adult items. Basically the role at the Annual Meetings is to set the overall management of the association.
Both committees and the USBC Board of Directors agreed that administration of the association should be handled by
everyone.