Secretary to Secretary Forum

[ranger56]

I just became aware of this forum in the past few days and find it a very informative place. I have been a Secretary/Treasurer for over 20 years and you certainly do run into all types of bowlers. The biggest question I get from league members is "How we collect fees from the "deadbeats" who drop and owe money. I have used the ABC, now USBC rule 115b for several years to collect these fees and have very few problems collecting them now. I at least have my league members convinced there is a method and a path to take and it has been very successful. I almost always collect these fees now once my warning letters are sent out. I think a forum like this where secretaries can share where they have some problems and where they have had some success would benefit all who view this forum. I hope to find much more useful and helpful information as I read thru these files.

[Frank Goebel]

The biggest question I get from league members is "How we collect fees from the "deadbeats" who drop and owe money. I have used the ABC, now USBC rule 115b for several years to collect these fees and have very few problems collecting them now. I at least have my league members convinced there is a method and a path to take and it has been very successful. I almost always collect these fees now once my warning letters are sent out.

The certification form has a cover letter to the league president. It has a very simple statement and it should be heeded because it's succinct and asute. It's on page two, and is likely on the back of the first printed page. The secretary is directed to give it to the president. It reads:

"If a loss is discovered, DON'T LET IT GROW!" More information on the how-to for that, and other issues, follows. A good president will establish a working dialog with the secretary and all captains. I've seen leagues where a president is more of a figurehead and the secretary runs things, and others where the president was controlling and bossy. Now it's certain that the secretary will have to do quite a bit of talking, because it's often she/he that's most equipped to be able to describe a situation or explain a rule, or a treasurer who has her/his data at hand and can describe when a team or individual went into arrears, etc. But the president is in charge of any meeting, and when she/he can have a working relationship with the secretary and/or treasurer, things can work well.

Sounds like you have a good handle on things. Hopefully others will be able to learn from your experience.