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Author Topic: USBC: Have there been any improvements in 8 years?  (Read 15307 times)

Mighty Fish

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USBC: Have there been any improvements in 8 years?
« on: June 29, 2013, 05:21:09 PM »
The United States Bowling Congress (USBC) was formed in 2005 by a merger of the American Bowling Congress, Women's International Bowling Congress, Young American Bowling Alliance, and USA Bowling.

AFTER EIGHT YEARS, has the national governing body made any positive strides in any of the following categories?

Have there been any improvements in ...

* providing recognition for award achievements?
* league services?
* enforcement of rules and regulations?
* spending of membership dues?
* creating a better image for the game?
* promoting the game in a worthwhile manner?
* realistic cost-cutting measures?
* things that an average bowler/member would recognize?
* the USBC "System of Justice"?
* dealing with major problems?
* organizational pride?

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

 

Bill Thomas

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Re: USBC: Have there been any improvements in 8 years?
« Reply #16 on: July 01, 2013, 03:29:16 PM »
I would be interested in the source of the statement that USBC has 40 employees earning $8 million.  That's an average of $200,000 per employee and I just don't believe that is correct.

milorafferty

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Re: USBC: Have there been any improvements in 8 years?
« Reply #17 on: July 01, 2013, 03:39:21 PM »
One thing people can do is promote the sport.

Do you make the effort to get people to go to City/Association, State and National tournaments like the Open? When I was a new bowler, I only knew about the State Open because it was being held in my home center. Sure, there were flyers available, but most league bowlers don't pay a lot of attention. Same with the Open, I kind of stumbled on it by accident. The experienced bowlers could, with minimal effort, "introduce" other bowlers to a side of the sport that they never knew existed.

How about stepping up for the youth programs? Either as a volunteer or even be willing to be a doubles partner for some of the Junior/Adult tournaments?

Being on the local association board or a volunteer also helps to promote the sport. How about actually attending the annual meeting of the local association where the officers/board members are elected? It would be easy enough to replace them with minimal effort for most associations I suspect.

How about the advertisers? For example, what brand of shaving cream do you use? There is one brand(Barbasol) that has been promoting the PBA for a few years now. Advertisers spend money to promote their brand, why would they continue to buy ads on PBA broadcasts if we, the bowling community do not buy their product to show appreciation for their support?

If we as bowlers do not support the organizations who are trying to better the sport, then we don't deserve a respectable sport.

Where in my post did I mention "business"??

I said the "sport of bowling", two completely different things.

Of the "bowlers" who bitch, moan and complain, how many of them put effort into making the sport of bowling better? I would wager it's not 1 in 500.

Most of whom don't know how or don't have the power to.  If I pay for a burger somewhere, and it comes out cold and not how I ordered it, is it my responsibility to go get a job there so I can make the burgers the right way? 

Now, I'm not arguing with you or even saying that you're wrong, because you're not, but objectivity requires taking an honest look from all sides.  If you're paying for something, as bowlers are, and you aren't getting what you paid for, you have a right to complain with zero obligation on your part to do anything more.  After all, your money is a contribution, a contribution that should allow those in power with the responsibility of making bowling better to do so. 

However, if people are really concerned enough to pout and moan about it like you said, they really should do more, because again, objectively, if you're unhappy with how things are going, and you think you could make a difference or contribute, do it!  Just throwing money in and saying, "well, I'm contributing," isn't going to make a difference if you're giving money to people you have no confidence in. 

How do you get involved or make any changes unless you get involved with the business?  You either have to become a coach, get on your local board, work at a center, work at a pro shop, etc,.  There's not much you can do for the sport of bowling without getting involved in the industry, which makes it business.  If paying dues and participating doesn't qualify, there's really no other way to get involved.  Maybe I'm just not seeing your angle, care to expand? 
« Last Edit: July 01, 2013, 03:43:36 PM by milorafferty »
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Gizmo823

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Re: USBC: Have there been any improvements in 8 years?
« Reply #18 on: July 01, 2013, 03:41:27 PM »
I would be interested in the source of the statement that USBC has 40 employees earning $8 million.  That's an average of $200,000 per employee and I just don't believe that is correct.

That's a figure that was presented at one of our local association meetings, and I have no source at all.  I thought the same thing, that figure sounds off.  However, being that the USBC subs nearly everything out, those 40 employees could all be executives, as those figures are for their headquarters in Texas only.  It also could be top heavy, if the top 10 employees, such as the president, ceo, etc, made say 4-5 million between them, 3-4 million divided among the remaining 30 employees creates a much more realistic picture.
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Gizmo823

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Re: USBC: Have there been any improvements in 8 years?
« Reply #19 on: July 01, 2013, 03:54:48 PM »
One thing people can do is promote the sport.

Do you make the effort to get people to go to City/Association, State and National tournaments like the Open? When I was a new bowler, I only knew about the State Open because it was being held in my home center. Sure, there were flyers available, but most league bowlers don't pay a lot of attention. Same with the Open, I kind of stumbled on it by accident. The experienced bowlers could, with minimal effort, "introduce" other bowlers to a side of the sport that they never knew existed.

How about stepping up for the youth programs? Either as a volunteer or even be willing to be a doubles partner for some of the Junior/Adult tournaments?

Being on the local association board or a volunteer also helps to promote the sport. How about actually attending the annual meeting of the local association where the officers/board members are elected? It would be easy enough to replace them with minimal effort for most associations I suspect.

How about the advertisers? For example, what brand of shaving cream do you use? There is one brand(Barbasol) that has been promoting the PBA for a few years now. Advertisers spend money to promote their brand, why would they continue to buy ads on PBA broadcasts if we, the bowling community do not buy their product to show appreciation for their support?

If we as bowlers can't support the organizations who are trying to better the sport, then we don't deserve a respectable sport.

Where in my post did I mention "business"??

I said the "sport of bowling", two completely different things.

Of the "bowlers" who bitch, moan and complain, how many of them put effort into making the sport of bowling better? I would wager it's not 1 in 500.

Most of whom don't know how or don't have the power to.  If I pay for a burger somewhere, and it comes out cold and not how I ordered it, is it my responsibility to go get a job there so I can make the burgers the right way? 

Now, I'm not arguing with you or even saying that you're wrong, because you're not, but objectivity requires taking an honest look from all sides.  If you're paying for something, as bowlers are, and you aren't getting what you paid for, you have a right to complain with zero obligation on your part to do anything more.  After all, your money is a contribution, a contribution that should allow those in power with the responsibility of making bowling better to do so. 

However, if people are really concerned enough to pout and moan about it like you said, they really should do more, because again, objectively, if you're unhappy with how things are going, and you think you could make a difference or contribute, do it!  Just throwing money in and saying, "well, I'm contributing," isn't going to make a difference if you're giving money to people you have no confidence in. 

How do you get involved or make any changes unless you get involved with the business?  You either have to become a coach, get on your local board, work at a center, work at a pro shop, etc,.  There's not much you can do for the sport of bowling without getting involved in the industry, which makes it business.  If paying dues and participating doesn't qualify, there's really no other way to get involved.  Maybe I'm just not seeing your angle, care to expand? 

Ok, thanks for the clarification.  Yeah, it makes sense, you make some really good points.  I had bowled as an adult for probably 5 years before I even knew there was a local board, and never really knew when the annual meeting was.  It was extremely easy to join the board, I just said I was interested and they "hired" me on the spot.  So yes, it's extremely easy for someone to get involved.  But yeah, I'm in as much as I can be in.  Work in a pro shop, my wife and I are both on our respective city boards, we're now the heads for city lane certification, we go to the Open every year, and try to recruit more people to go, we're both on a couple board sub-committees, and as I've also said I've gotten involved in developing training clinics.  Have I ever met resistance in getting involved?  No, not at all, in fact, they almost need all the help they can get across the board.  Great points. 
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Djarum

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Re: USBC: Have there been any improvements in 8 years?
« Reply #20 on: July 01, 2013, 04:08:40 PM »
Where in my post did I mention "business"??

I said the "sport of bowling", two completely different things.

Of the "bowlers" who bitch, moan and complain, how many of them put effort into making the sport of bowling better? I would wager it's not 1 in 500.

Most of whom don't know how or don't have the power to.  If I pay for a burger somewhere, and it comes out cold and not how I ordered it, is it my responsibility to go get a job there so I can make the burgers the right way? 

Now, I'm not arguing with you or even saying that you're wrong, because you're not, but objectivity requires taking an honest look from all sides.  If you're paying for something, as bowlers are, and you aren't getting what you paid for, you have a right to complain with zero obligation on your part to do anything more.  After all, your money is a contribution, a contribution that should allow those in power with the responsibility of making bowling better to do so. 

However, if people are really concerned enough to pout and moan about it like you said, they really should do more, because again, objectively, if you're unhappy with how things are going, and you think you could make a difference or contribute, do it!  Just throwing money in and saying, "well, I'm contributing," isn't going to make a difference if you're giving money to people you have no confidence in. 

How do you get involved or make any changes unless you get involved with the business?  You either have to become a coach, get on your local board, work at a center, work at a pro shop, etc,.  There's not much you can do for the sport of bowling without getting involved in the industry, which makes it business.  If paying dues and participating doesn't qualify, there's really no other way to get involved.  Maybe I'm just not seeing your angle, care to expand? 

Even coaching has turned into a business. When I was in youth, we had a few really good coaches who had no certifications or anything. Now a coach basically needs to be certified.

trash heap

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Re: USBC: Have there been any improvements in 8 years?
« Reply #21 on: July 03, 2013, 06:42:23 PM »
Even coaching has turned into a business. When I was in youth, we had a few really good coaches who had no certifications or anything. Now a coach basically needs to be certified.

With today's laws, regulations, and people willing to bring up a lawsuit on anything, I think USBC had to go to a certification process. Also the Background Screening is a must for any coach today. 
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MI 2 AZ

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Re: USBC: Have there been any improvements in 8 years?
« Reply #22 on: July 04, 2013, 12:17:54 AM »
Why a background screening?  It's not like a coach is entering your home.


Edited to add:

I understand why for a youth coach.
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BrianCRX90

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Re: USBC: Have there been any improvements in 8 years?
« Reply #23 on: July 04, 2013, 01:42:27 PM »
I miss when men were men and woman were woman. 2005 made the sport weaker not better.

BobOhio

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Re: USBC: Have there been any improvements in 8 years?
« Reply #24 on: July 04, 2013, 06:51:02 PM »
BrianCRX90
That comment is spot on.
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bradl

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Re: USBC: Have there been any improvements in 8 years?
« Reply #25 on: July 05, 2013, 12:40:24 PM »
I miss when men were men and woman were woman. 2005 made the sport weaker not better.

I disagree. If you can't take the fact that a woman could be as good as a man, if not better, or that you can't stomach being beaten by a woman, then I would say that the problem lies with self-esteem and other internal issues.

Personally, I've been beaten by women in this sport many a day; most of them ended up also making Team USA, the PWBA, and the PBA. Hell, I bowl league with the lady that just took high scratch singles at the USBC Women's championships with a 748! I should also mention that she had the highest average in that league this past season at 239.

Those women definitely keep me on my toes, plus keep me humble; a trait that perhaps some people are lacking..

BL.

Gizmo823

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Re: USBC: Have there been any improvements in 8 years?
« Reply #26 on: July 05, 2013, 02:16:56 PM »
I miss when men were men and woman were woman. 2005 made the sport weaker not better.

I disagree. If you can't take the fact that a woman could be as good as a man, if not better, or that you can't stomach being beaten by a woman, then I would say that the problem lies with self-esteem and other internal issues.

Personally, I've been beaten by women in this sport many a day; most of them ended up also making Team USA, the PWBA, and the PBA. Hell, I bowl league with the lady that just took high scratch singles at the USBC Women's championships with a 748! I should also mention that she had the highest average in that league this past season at 239.

Those women definitely keep me on my toes, plus keep me humble; a trait that perhaps some people are lacking..

BL.

I don't think what he said had anything to do with ability or equality.  And if it's really all equal, why can't men bowl women's events?  Why hasn't everything else merged?  I understand where you're coming from and what you're saying, and believe me I agree, but objectively, there's some hypocrisy and inconsistency with the way things continue to be run.  Women push and cry for equality and claim sexism, but if a guy tried to bowl a women's event, man, you'd hear about that one and it would never happen. 
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milorafferty

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Re: USBC: Have there been any improvements in 8 years?
« Reply #27 on: July 05, 2013, 06:21:05 PM »
I see this all the time. The people who bowl the most, have the least amount of bowling available to them.

Youth can bowl with Adults, Ladies can bowl with Men, but never the other way around. Sometimes it seems that bowling would prefer us to just go away. LOL

And I agree with bradl, in short formats, the top ladies are the equal of the top men.
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BobOhio

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Re: USBC: Have there been any improvements in 8 years?
« Reply #28 on: July 06, 2013, 07:20:53 AM »
If the USBC is really interested in saving money and the USBC itself, do away with the women's National Tournament altogether. Have just the Open Championship.
That eliminates a whole lot of money outlay for two tournaments. Same rules as  used in the Open and you might need to extend the dates, but where in Reno and Vegas, I'm sure that's not an issue. Make a true equal Championship, an include all under one roof.
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Gizmo823

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Re: USBC: Have there been any improvements in 8 years?
« Reply #29 on: July 06, 2013, 11:25:53 AM »
If the USBC is really interested in saving money and the USBC itself, do away with the women's National Tournament altogether. Have just the Open Championship.
That eliminates a whole lot of money outlay for two tournaments. Same rules as  used in the Open and you might need to extend the dates, but where in Reno and Vegas, I'm sure that's not an issue. Make a true equal Championship, an include all under one roof.
Thanks
Bob

But again, like I said, then the women would all cry foul and not come.  Only women who just want to go bowl and the top 1-2% of them come to bowl the mens Open.  They don't want equality, they want preference.  They cry about being able to do everything the men do, but they want a bunch of special rules, provisions or allowances.  That is not equality, that is not fairness. 
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Mighty Fish

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Re: USBC: Have there been any improvements in 8 years?
« Reply #30 on: July 06, 2013, 02:06:27 PM »
I don't think what he said had anything to do with ability or equality.  And if it's really all equal, why can't men bowl women's events?  Why hasn't everything else merged?  I understand where you're coming from and what you're saying, and believe me I agree, but objectively, there's some hypocrisy and inconsistency with the way things continue to be run.  Women push and cry for equality and claim sexism, but if a guy tried to bowl a women's event, man, you'd hear about that one and it would never happen. 
True. It's no different from the following mythical scenario ...

A buffet restaurant charges $15 per person. However, whereas buffet tables #1 and #2 contain food items available to all customers, buffet tables #3 and #4 contain food items available to female customers only.

Everyone pays the same price, but females get to choose food from four buffet tables whereas the male customers can only select from two of the buffet tables.

Fair or not? In bowling, a female USBC member can bowl in the women's and the open state tournament, the women's and the open local association championships, and the USBC Women's and USBC Open tournaments. Yet all members pay the same dues.