11 in a Row

[Frank Goebel]

Has anyone noticed that USBC will no longer issue rings or watches for 298 and 299, and instead issue the 11-in-a-row plaque for them? I understand it is in the Secretary edition of the latest US Bowler magazine, which means such an important rule change is not in the hands of the individual bowlers until the secretary can make note of such a change and notify bowlers. (In fact, I hadn't even opened my copy due to being busy with work, and only found out when it came up at a local association board meeting, on which I sit).

Not complaining here, but I wonder how the bowlers will take it. The "high average" leagues won't mind, but some moderate leagues, where a bowler's lifetime high might just be 298-299, might not be so receptive.

Not begging or demanding, but I wonder if (for 2008) it would be possible to have 291-299 flag the award automatically, and have scores of 290 generate a pop-up reminding the secretary to manually select which award type. Yes, I know that 270-279 are also possible, but they're more likely not to be 11-in-a-row and, for that, require manual flagging. (The bowler, captain, or witness would have to notify the secretary, anyway.)

At the very least, a 298-299 award will still be available for purchase.

[Karl Wolk]

I seem to remember hearing how USBC as one organization would save $$$. Now the cost of membership is going up, and the awards going down. Doesn't make much sense to me.

Karl

[Frank Goebel]

What USBC is doing away with is league awards, like lapel pins for high series, game, league champions, and most improved (though I carried an ABC M.I.A. keychain for a many years after I earned one). The reasoning there is that most leagues are thought to have their own awards and/or prizes for them and this is merely a duplication of services.

About a month prior to this announcement, my association manager mentioned (not knowing that this was coming) that he had considered 298/299 to be 11-in-a-row anyway and had suggested this to ABC years ago. He's not taking sole credit, of course.

National dues will not increase for the 2007-2008 season, at least as was noted. My association board pre-approved its budget for a membership vote next month and had to know the National dues in advance to do that.

[John Lorenzo]

If I understood what I read, the "11 in a row" rule doesn't go into effect until Aug 1, but I don't think it will gain any popularity for USBC. You can get a ring, but you have to pay for it.