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%

Quote from: Jorge300 on November 12, 2015, 03:18:05 PM

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.

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.

Quote from: morpheus on November 11, 2015, 01:47:12 PM

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.

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!

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.

Quote from: milorafferty on November 11, 2015, 11:12:58 AM

Quote from: trash heap on November 11, 2015, 08:08:04 AM

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 “$8”.
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.