Because I have so much respect for the people at the Professional Bowlers Association and what they are trying to accomplish, it’s very difficult to be critical.

However, this "noisy show" business has gone too far and too long. Asking bowling fans to clap and chant and jeer throughout the finals telecasts has become absurd. It reminds me of "Wheel of Fortune."

When I first heard about it before it started, I had my doubts, but I knew that something needed to be done to enhance the entertainment value of the shows, so I was willing to wait and see. I gave them the benefit of the doubt.

I understand that the PBA and bowling need to attract a younger audience, but at what expense? Are they willing to sacrifice everyone over 30 to attract those under 20?

My first experience with it came in Austin, Texas back in February when I attended the finals of the Columbia 300 Open. I was very impressed with the studio-like setup with full-length black drapes surrounding the finals lanes. I also thought having Wayne Webb play upbeat music and talk to the crowd in between matches was a great addition. I even think the fan contests in between matches are a wonderful idea.

But chanting a player’s last name over and over while he’s trying to make a shot? Forget it! It just does nothing to enhance the telecast. In fact, it even seems to embarrass some players and may detract from their performance.

Dave Husted, a guy with a lot of class, was one of the finalists in Austin. He bowled well, but he seemed a little apprehensive about a few loud fans chanting "HOOOS-TED! HOOOS-TED!" while he was trying to win a title. He didn’t win. Was it a factor? You’ll have to ask him.

On the other side of the coin, some players seem to enjoy the noise. Steve Hoskins seems to like it, and there is nothing wrong with that. If a player chooses to play to the crowd, I have no problem with that. Carmen Salvino made a living for years doing just that, even when it was not encouraged.

The worst display came when Guppy Troup made the show. When the colorful Troup was bowling, five guys in the front row with no shirts on and "G-U-P-P-Y" painted across their chests made a mockery of the sport. It was disgusting. (Troup fined for removing shirt)

What’s next? Will the marketing people who are seeking these Generation X fans create good guys and bad guys and actually try to script the results?

I can see it now: "Bad Boy" Troup versus "Good Guy" Husted in 10 frames of chaos! Great-looking girls with cleavages will adorn their arms as they enter the arena in full costume through the laser lights and fog. Husted will say he’s going to "win one for America," while Guppy will promise to "kick Dave’s butt out of the arena!"

Now that we’re into it, the arena also will change. The heavy metal music will blare at all times, fog machines and laser lights will swirl all around and bounce off the glow-in-the-dark balls and pins.

Up in the crowd, kids in black tee shirts and bandanas jump up and down. A curious aroma fills the air. A few older people also are there, but they all are wearing police uniforms.

The TV ratings soar. Ain’t it great?

Make up your minds, my friends at the PBA: Is this still a sport—or not?

Jim Goodwin, a BWAA director and LPBT's regional program director, is the award-winning editor/publisher of Stars & Strikes, in which the preceding originally appeared. Subscription rates are $20 per year (Pin Point Publishing, 2850 Red Valley Run, Rockwall, Texas 75087 .. voice/fax: 972/771-0069).