Author Topic: Not sure what to do (Read 7337 times)

Current Exempt · « **on:** March 11, 2008, 11:36:52 AM »

I am a current exempt pro that really enjoys my job but I have to start thinking of my family and the big picture more. I do not wish to give my name or bash the pba in any way because I do think they're doing the best they can for us. I also wanted to make this post on a non pba website because it may come off as negative to some. My guess is that I'm about 90% sure I'll make the cut line this year but less than 50% of accepting the exemption spot for next season. I have invested about $25,000 so far this season for a return of about $40,000. Now, I did not have a dream season like Rhino or a dominant season like Barnes but I can't maintain a fulltime job when off the tour with only a $15,000 profit, I need to. After reviewing the stats from others who I think have had great seasons and seasons that any other former touring pro would die for it just doesn't match up. An example, 14 cashes 2 shows,$45,000? That is not saying much when you invest over $25,000. I have a lot of friends who chose not to go the pba route and now are IT professionals,Technicians,Blue collar/White collar doesn't matter because all of them make more than 7th on our money list and they have invested nothing. I'll be back later in the week because we are off but I just wanted some opinions from bowlers about my situation and once again i am in no way trying to trash the pba because it has been my dream come true I'm just saying that maybe being an exempt bowler isn't for me.
Thanks

Necromancer · « **Reply #16 on:** March 12, 2008, 01:50:28 PM »

I don't care who you are. Your privacy is cool. If I were you, I would take a look at what I accomplished in bowling, being in the PBA, living the 'dream' and then get out of it ASAP. Bowl in regionals in your spare time. Bowl in local tournaments and destroy for the quick cash (even if small, is better than investing 25k to get 40k). Get a regular job and on the weekends or in your league dominate and make a few hundred on the side.

The PBA sucks and you are one of the few that will have made it. But you gotta walk away from that and move on in life.

Good luck!
--------------------
Current Arsenal
Brunswick Fury
Columbia 300 EPX T1
Storm X-Factor Vertigo
Hammer Black Widow
Lane #1 Cobalt Bomb Solid
Brunswick Quantum Helix
Brunswick Quantum Double Helix
Storm Recharge
Columbia 300 SuperBeast
Storm Hit Blue Pearl
Brunswick Target Spare Zone
Ebonite 14 Fun Ball
Averages: Fall/Winter Sub 2007 213.000; Fall/Winter Season 2006 206.467; 2006-07 Year 213.067; 2007 Tourney 178.029;
BR Member Since: April 3, 2001

JessN16 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 12, 2008, 09:44:28 PM »

quote:
quote:
If the PBA got just $1.6 million - $2 million more in sponsorship, it could give every exempt bowler at least $30,000 right from the start as an "exemption bonus." It's sad no one has stepped up with that kind of money.

"Just" 1.6MM - 2MM is not a trivial amount of money but it's not that large either. What would the return be for someone making such an investment? My guess is there isn't one which is why that money has not appeared. Either that or the PBA is so poorly managed that even if there is a potential return nobody will invest due ot the risk.

To my eye, when table soccer (foosball) and speed pool tournaments pay out more than the PBA then something is out of balance. That indicates an organizational issue and not a fundamental problem with the appeal of watching the game being played by some the best in the world.

For comparison's sake, that's about 1/30th to 1/15th of a primary car sponsorship in NASCAR.

And if you consider the hit-or-miss nature of NASCAR, you could guarantee yourself product placement on every PBA show with those kind of dollars, whereas in NASCAR, it's out of your hands and in the driver's.

I personally don't think the PBA's sales staff is properly motivated, but that's just me. In my current business, if our sales staff doesn't max out profits every quarter, there's practically a hanging. One reason I'm glad I'm not in sales.

Jess

Krakken · « **Reply #18 on:** March 13, 2008, 09:50:16 AM »

I wouldn't go that far to criticize the PBA marketing department. They are in a catch-22. They need exposure to be able to sell their product, but can't get the exposure because there is no market.

If you polled the country and asked them to name 5 nascar drivers, and 5 PBA exempt pros, my bet is less than 10% will be able to answer the PBA question, but 75% would answer the Nascar side.

Bowlign is losing popularity as a sport. Someone wrote it on here and even Kingpin made fun of it. When they walked into the stadium and Ish said look at all these gtreat athletes. All fat, bald, smokers drinking beer and eating. That is the view of the PBA as well to the uninformed fan.

Until Bolwing gets a little bit better exposure it won'[t improve, and there are limited sponsor dollars to go around now. Look for Dennys to drop the tour next year.

Necromancer · « **Reply #19 on:** March 13, 2008, 10:27:36 AM »

quote:
I wouldn't go that far to criticize the PBA marketing department. They are in a catch-22. They need exposure to be able to sell their product, but can't get the exposure because there is no market.

If you polled the country and asked them to name 5 nascar drivers, and 5 PBA exempt pros, my bet is less than 10% will be able to answer the PBA question, but 75% would answer the Nascar side.

Bowlign is losing popularity as a sport. Someone wrote it on here and even Kingpin made fun of it. When they walked into the stadium and Ish said look at all these gtreat athletes. All fat, bald, smokers drinking beer and eating. That is the view of the PBA as well to the uninformed fan.

Until Bolwing gets a little bit better exposure it won'[t improve, and there are limited sponsor dollars to go around now. Look for Dennys to drop the tour next year.

Name 5 Nascar Drivers? 75%? You must assume everyone in this country likes to sit in front of a TV for 3 hours watching cars making left turns over and over. The only person I know of what he looks like is Jeff Gordon because I liked his rainbow car. Now that he doesn't have that, I don't watch anything. I don't even know who else even races besides Jeff Gordon since he wins every week. I like Danica Patrick though in the Indy's. She IS HOT!!!
--------------------
Current Arsenal
Brunswick Fury
Columbia 300 EPX T1
Storm X-Factor Vertigo
Hammer Black Widow
Lane #1 Cobalt Bomb Solid
Brunswick Quantum Helix
Brunswick Quantum Double Helix
Storm Recharge
Columbia 300 SuperBeast
Storm Hit Blue Pearl
Brunswick Target Spare Zone
Ebonite 14 Fun Ball
Averages: Fall/Winter Sub 2007 213.000; Fall/Winter Season 2006 206.467; 2006-07 Year 213.067; 2007 Tourney 178.029;
BR Member Since: April 3, 2001

Jock · « **Reply #20 on:** March 13, 2008, 11:35:39 AM »

Hey, Current Exempt,

Congratulations. At least you will be able to say "I was exempt on the PBA tour".

You could make lots more money if you came over and bowled in Europe on the EBT plus the OPEN tourneys, but you still wouldn't be able to call yourself rich.

Best of luck for the future, whatever decision you make.
--------------------
I've upped my average, so up yours!

GOLF IS BETTER · « **Reply #21 on:** March 13, 2008, 05:30:58 PM »

Current: 2 TV shows in 18 weeks....Rhino: 5 TV shows in 16 weeks and neither is even close to $100k.

Time to pack it in boys. When every bowler's dream is to be on TV and someone who has made 2 TV shows in 4 months wants to quit, doesn't this tell you something?

Everyone seems to see Current's point of view. But how does bowling rebound and get better sponsors? Or can it rebound? Maybe it is too far gone to bring back!

86camaroman · « **Reply #22 on:** March 13, 2008, 08:35:54 PM »

One thing I would like to say though is the fact that if you are exempt you get what 1800 or 2000 a week prize check guarranteed. In my opinion if you do descent you will make what around 30 or 40k in a season. This is in what an 7 or 8 month season. I only make 20k a year period and have to work all year to make that. You can still go out for 4 months of the year that you are off and work to make more money.

sammy the sage · « **Reply #23 on:** March 13, 2008, 09:09:29 PM »

"How am I suppose to go home when the tour is done and work a real job for only 6 months until the tour starts again? I can't"

I hate to BLUNT here...but it sounds like to me....you don't want to ACTUALLY work....that you've had a very GOOD time PLAYING A GAME!

Honestly...you COULD MAKE $100 hr. coaching a group of a say 3/4 bowler's at a time...several time's a day...or hit the road sellling or promoting equipment...ECT.

BUT then again...that's REAL work....you shoulda picked golf or tennis!

mumzie · « **Reply #24 on:** March 13, 2008, 11:31:10 PM »

I appreciate your post and your candor, Current.

I'm the "old lady" of BR - and can offer a bit of my own experience. Maybe that will give you a slightly different perspective.

I grew up bowling, but although it was during the heyday of the sport, as a woman, I knew that the possibility of making a living was slim to none. I was on the #1 ranked college team for 4 years, but knew that the college education was the best part of bowling in college. (not the most fun, though

) And, frankly, when I was younger, I didn't have the "killer instinct" that it takes to win at the tour level.

When I had my first child, I put the bowling balls in the garage for 12 years. Never missed it at all. Not once. We bowled 3 games that entire time - and I NEVER missed the game.

I started back up when my youngest was 7 - old enough for juniors. I was just under 40. And I haven't stopped since.

I don't want to presume to tell you what to do with your future. That's your decision - of course. Let me share the "wisdom of hindsight" with you.

When I went back to the game, I had the drive and talent to excel at the sport. I was a fairly big fish in the small pond I lived in at the time. I moved to the Portland, OR area, where we still are. I was working for another company at the time, and spent most weekends bowling tournaments or practicing, and bowled from 2-5 leagues a week - or practiced upwards of 50 games a week.
I bowled every scratch tournament I could find, started a womens scratch organization here in the northwest, and captured 2002 PWBA rookie of the year. In 2003, I felt I was finally good enough to give the tour a try. I worked all spring and summer, worked things out with my boss, and got ready to go on the fall ladies tour swing. Of course, you're aware that they cancelled the tour about 3 weeks before it was due to start.

I lost my dream. And at 47, I was too old to find a new one. I know that I regret not having the opportunity. I don't know that I would have done well on the tour, but I would have tried. And that's what counted for me.

I've also lost most of my motivation to seriously compete. Now I'm almost 52, injured, and it's too late. And I didn't get the chance.

No, I'm not whining. But - I didn't get a chance to live my dream. I don't know if your passion is still there for the PBA - but if it is, and you give it up, think how you may feel at 52.
If the passion isn't there, and you end up "wasting" a year of income you could have made elsewhere, will you regret the decision to stay on tour?

I know the decision is an agonizing one. How long do you have to make up your mind, before you look like a "bad guy"?

Any way - boils down to - if you give up your exemption, how much will you regret it in 20 years?

Conversely, if you DON'T give up your exemption - how much will you regret it in 20 years?
Because you don't often get "do-overs" in professional sports.

Good luck, and GodSpeed with your decision.

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www.Shirts4Bowling.com
We Know What Bowlers Want

HamPster · « **Reply #25 on:** March 14, 2008, 11:25:57 AM »

That's kind of unfair . . he probably put a ton of work in to get there in the first place. He didn't come here to be made fun of, he came for suggestions and opinions. And who wants to "actually work" when they could make a living doing what they love? How about offering some help instead of tearing him down?

quote:
"How am I suppose to go home when the tour is done and work a real job for only 6 months until the tour starts again? I can't"

I hate to BLUNT here...but it sounds like to me....you don't want to ACTUALLY work....that you've had a very GOOD time PLAYING A GAME!

Honestly...you COULD MAKE $100 hr. coaching a group of a say 3/4 bowler's at a time...several time's a day...or hit the road sellling or promoting equipment...ECT.

BUT then again...that's REAL work....you shoulda picked golf or tennis!

--------------------
This is Fluffy. He is the Destroyer of Worlds.

chitown · « **Reply #26 on:** March 14, 2008, 11:50:06 AM »

I thought the enitre idea of exempt bowlers was formed to make it so these bowlers could survive on tour? I thought the field was vut to 64 so even the last place guy would get a nice check?

I think 1/3 part of the problem is the cost of living on the road! I think a lot of guys who want to become exempt bowlers don't realize the cost involved. It's hard to make a living bowling!

Here's where the PBA players really miss out. I have a good paying job. I get health ins for my family which is provided vy my job. I get vacation payn which is provided by my job. I get a retirement pension which is provided by my job. If you add all that up it comes to a lot of freaking money.

I read a reply on here about this expempt bowler getting 2000 a week. How much of that do you think goes to the hotel and travel costs? Is there any left over to pay for health care? Is there any left over to put into a retirement account?

There's ways to make a living bowling on the PBA but you have to be in one of those situations. If your a young guy that doesn't have a lot of money to begin with then your going to struggle!

I would never want to be an exempt bowler. I would much rather have a career and bowl in regionals.

If bowling wants to survive they need to make some major changes to the sport. They should join forces with the USBC and up the prize money big time! I would chip in 3 xtra dollars a year for my USBC memebership just for it to go to the prize fund for the PBA.

HamPster · « **Reply #27 on:** March 14, 2008, 11:52:16 AM »

I agree . . nice idea.

quote:

I thought the enitre idea of exempt bowlers was formed to make it so these bowlers could survive on tour? I thought the field was vut to 64 so even the last place guy would get a nice check?

I think 1/3 part of the problem is the cost of living on the road! I think a lot of guys who want to become exempt bowlers don't realize the cost involved. It's hard to make a living bowling!

Here's where the PBA players really miss out. I have a good paying job. I get health ins for my family which is provided vy my job. I get vacation payn which is provided by my job. I get a retirement pension which is provided by my job. If you add all that up it comes to a lot of freaking money.

I read a reply on here about this expempt bowler getting 2000 a week. How much of that do you think goes to the hotel and travel costs? Is there any left over to pay for health care? Is there any left over to put into a retirement account?

There's ways to make a living bowling on the PBA but you have to be in one of those situations. If your a young guy that doesn't have a lot of money to begin with then your going to struggle!

I would never want to be an exempt bowler. I would much rather have a career and bowl in regionals.

If bowling wants to survive they need to make some major changes to the sport. They should join forces with the USBC and up the prize money big time! I would chip in 3 xtra dollars a year for my USBC memebership just for it to go to the prize fund for the PBA.

--------------------
This is Fluffy. He is the Destroyer of Worlds.

Oskuposer · « **Reply #28 on:** March 14, 2008, 12:02:54 PM »

TIM MACK more money in non pro tournaments hopefully alot more average joes can bowl these PBA experience tournaments and hopefully another grocery store cleark somewhere out there can become another legend. This exempt tour is stupid because not only is it less money in the prize fund but its going to limit people's dream
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Kiall Hill
Visionary test staff

nd300 · « **Reply #29 on:** March 14, 2008, 12:25:17 PM »

Current Exempt,
I'm on the other side of the fence like most of us here.We work full time and bowl when our family and work allows us to do it.We love the game as much as you do.It sounds like you had the idea that when you made it to where you are now that you'd be able to live somewhat comfortably and be able to still live when not bowling in the off season.Truthfully,it SHOULD be that way.Most every other pro sport pays their players enough to live in the off season.
Bowling being what it is,though,I'd say that your family must take precedence here.Your children are only going to be litle once,and you only get one chance to be there when they're growing up.Ask any divorced parent about what not being there every day does to them,and I know because I'm divorced.I call my daughter every day during the week and cherish the weekends that I have her.
1. Be glad you had the chance to bowl at the level that most of us only dream of.
2.Keep in touch with your friends on the tour.A business opportunity may pop up from keeping the network going.
3.Enjoy your family and children.IMHO,that's part of whats' wrong with the lack of morality in this country today.So many parents are busy trying to make a career for themselves that they forget why children are there.Then when the children ask for attention,parents just throw money at them instead of spending time with them.
4.I agree with bowling the weekend tourneys and money leagues.You're obviously good enough to do it.Amateure will get a rush in trying to beat a pro,and you'll have the opportunity to keep the competetive edge up by winning and takingthe money they might want to wager.
Lastly,good luck in whatever you decide.I,for one,will respect your choice.
--------------------
Chris
Lane#1--nothing else hits like 'em.

dpunky · « **Reply #30 on:** March 14, 2008, 01:00:48 PM »

Current Exempt,

You got to do what is best for you and your family. The fact is that the PBA will not give you or your family health insurance or a retirement plan when your playing days in the PBA are over. Also, the PBA does not have enough corporations interested in professional bowling to help sponsor players financially so players don't have to worry about taking care of their families during the season. It's hard to support a family only on PBA cashes.

I like the idea of having steady income in my full time job, and the benefits that come with it. Plus, I get to bowl in league, tournaments, etc without having to burn my wallet on travel expenses, etc. More importantly, I like the fact that my job gives me a flexible schedule, weekends off, and paid vacations. With all these positives, I would not go on tour with the PBA. If I had a PBA card, I would do maybe two or three shows, and one of the majors hoping to make it on TV. But I would not go on tour because I would not get a sizeable ROI (return on investment). If I won an exemption, I would still keep my full-time job, but would not bowl on tour full time because the money is not there to make it a career.

CE - you are one of the lucky few to have the opportunity to go on tour with the PBA. You will always have the opportunity to do PBA events if you maintain your PBA card. But you need to have steady money coming in on a regular basis to support your family, plus health insurance for you and your family. If the PBA does that for you, then stick on tour. But if the PBA is not doing this for you, then look elsewhere like a full time job outside of bowling to support you and your family. Any way you go, bowling should be fun. When it's not make a change so that it becomes fun again.
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Ken - aka "dpunky" - Certified USBC Level I Coach

Author Topic: Not sure what to do (Read 7337 times)

Current Exempt

Not sure what to do

Necromancer

Re: Not sure what to do

JessN16

Re: Not sure what to do

Krakken

Re: Not sure what to do

Necromancer

Re: Not sure what to do

Jock

Re: Not sure what to do

GOLF IS BETTER

Re: Not sure what to do

86camaroman

Re: Not sure what to do

sammy the sage

Re: Not sure what to do

mumzie

Re: Not sure what to do

HamPster

Re: Not sure what to do

chitown

Re: Not sure what to do

HamPster

Re: Not sure what to do

Oskuposer

Re: Not sure what to do

nd300

Re: Not sure what to do

dpunky

Re: Not sure what to do