FYI -- posted on Facebook by Chad Murphy, the IBC head of youth bowling:
Chad Murphy
Chad Murphy 9:18am Aug 16
Something to think about within this honor score argument. A wise man's quote first. "A peaceful gathering of thoughtful individuals turned into a mob which created a riot."
That's what I took home from what I read on here yesterday. I'm not one to suppress any opinions and I wasn't involved with this award decision but.. I'd like to share that most of what I read here has nothing to do with moving bowling forward in a positive way and that's disappointing for me. I'm just barely old enough to remember when bowlers believed they would probably only get a very few shots at a 300 game in a lifetime and probably only earn one. Now there are 50,000+ a year that turn into still only 30,000+ rings. That is a very small percentage of the membership. I know it's something this board is passionate about but really, out of 1.8 million certified bowlers we are talking about less then three percent being impacted by this change and that's after year one. Is this really the spark plug we are making it out to be or just the powder keg going off about some other things?
So my comment is, if I remember when bowlers would only have a couple chances to get one and now there are 50K of them why wouldn't the award structure change to go with that. In being honest and candid I don't know the answer to this but it is something I ponder and have for about a year.
Moving on, I read yesterday about a revolution, some talk about executives salaries some very critical talk about tournaments, decline, decisions, awards, the past, ball technology and many other things that have nothing to do with this and it's all good to talk about I guess because it makes the conversation more "sexy." It's probably what makes a peaceful gathering turn into a riot. People are guessing about the future, others are believing those things are facts and running to the next step then the next.
All over a program that has been cut that effects less then 3% of the membership. I know I'm part of the I/me generation or at least the front end of it and I'm aware of that at all times. I just think that we are mostly looking at how this effects me instead of how this effects the greater good for bowling or doesn't. I'm not looking to change anyone's mind here but I am asking that we dial down the hate mail.
In working here in the youth area for the last three years I know full well what a lightning rod USBC is to most folks. The interesting part is most of the decisions folks point at were made by folks who worked here years ago. The new group here has been saddled by the idea that additional revenue in the form of dues is not an option and therefore are moving forward with a business accordingly and responsibly. Again, as a lifetime bowler, I have questioned this decision when we made it for youth but in that area there were 1500 kids out of 194,000 that were impacted. Should 192,500 pay for an award that was earned by only 1500? Maybe they should and maybe this is wrong but I'm trying to bring some perspective.
I also want to clarify something specific, I got an email this morning that threatened "change is a coming" and a saw a post yesterday that talked about starting a "new governing body" for bowling. Those of you who know me, know I welcome those conversations, it raises the level of expectations and challenges everyone to raise their game but as a follow up.... These decisions and others that have been made are opportunity for locals like all of you to put things in place that are important to you. If awards, honor score rings, special achievement awards are important to you then put a program together locally to support it. Work with your centers to do that if they think it's valuable. We are providing tools to do that again responsibly and as cost effective as possible. If your group wants it, let's do it... if a group doesn't that's okay to. It's empowerment instead of a mandate.
IMO, there has never been a better time to be a local bowling leader then today to work within a better system then the one of the past. this one is empowering you rather then dictating to you a one size fits all governance structure. My question to you is..... Are you one of those leaders I talk about or someone who will simply sit at a computer and chastise the decisions of others for the work they are doing.
Sorry for the book, it's an important time for bowling and we need folks who are passionate enough to put themselves in the line of fire to get involved to move bowling forward. My message is, let's be productive.
