Matt,
I believe Bruns hit it on the head; you only have to pay it if you drop your membership and look to rejoin. To be honest, I would've dropped my card months ago if not for that fee. I got my card and promptly switched jobs, taking a great deal of time and $$ away from me. To this point, all I've done is pay dues and collect BJI. I would like to drop the card so that I can bowl some amateur events here and there, but I know I'll rejoin down the road, and I don't want to get socked. Oh well, I do love BJI!
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I've only bowled 300, but I've benched 345
http://members.bowl.com/FindAMember/memberView.aspx?mp=519&ms=9130&s=2006-2007