The 2012-2013 bowling “year” has come to a close and, with it, my second one-year term as president of your association.
Our sport is undergoing a transformation at the national level with respect to the achievement awards program. Starting with the 2014-2015 season, those achievement awards will be discontinued at the national level, and the responsibility placed with the local associations to provide. I’ve received some mixed feedback over this and would like to share some positive aspects.
Instead of a “one size fits all” concept, each association can put together an awards program tailored to its membership. And it does not have to be actual awards; some “outside the box” thinking could bring forth a program where, for example, a point value could be associated with each award that could redeemed at your local pro shop or select area merchants.
Over the years, these awards have been received differently by different leagues: Some look forward to them, while, for others, it does not matter. This is an opportunity to put something together that better reflects what you all want to see.
If you have ideas for an awards or recognition program, please do not hesitate to let us know what they are. Your association has over 20,000 members, so we may not be able to please everyone. Your input, however, can help in which direction to take matters.
The upcoming fall/winter leagues are around the corner and are usually preceded by their respective organizational meetings. While those are not always well attended, it is there that crucial aspects of the league are decided: weekly fees, league schedule, position rounds, and holiday breaks. Some leagues also hold their officer elections at that time, while others do that prior to the completion of the previous season.
The organizational meeting is your time to speak out on how you want to shape the league for the coming season. Make the time to attend, and don’t hold back on your questions. Most fall/winter leagues last 30 or more weeks; an hour or two of your time is worth investing for something that lasts eight to nine months of the year.
It has been my pleasure to serve as president of your association for the 2012-2013 bowling season. Please give Gene Mays, my successor, the support that you all have accorded me this past season.
As always, feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.
May you strike out often and be spared of any splits.