JOINT WORKSHOP BY THE ILLINOIS W

JOINT WORKSHOP BY THE ILLINOIS WOMEN’S AND ILLINOIS MEN’S USBC BA’S, ON SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2009 - GURNEE, IL

There were 70 people in attendance. As part of the program, a questionnaire was given to each person. No discussions were held, eliminating the chance for rationalization. There were 63 questionaires returned. Not every question was answered, resulting in a mix of totals. The following is the results of the survey:

Of our 92 local bowling associations in Illinois, 39 are merged and 53 non-merged, plus the Illinois USBC BA is non-merged.

1. If you are a merged association, are you satisfied?
        Nine yes      eight no
2. Would you prefer to dissolve and become non-merged?
        Eight yes      ten no
  3. Do you believe all associations should be merged?
        Eight yes      50 no
4. Has your association seriously considered not sanctioning?
        Four yes       49 no
If your association didn’t sanction, USBC would have to take over:
5. If that happened, do you have others to operate the association?
        Eight yes      Seven no             33 doubtful
At the 2009 national convention, USBC originally asked for a $5.00 dues increase, over a few years. It was rejected.
6. Do you feel some increase is warranted?
       31 yes            32 no
7. If yes, how much?
       Three $1              13 $2             Nine $3            None $4          Six $5
8. If the increase was $3.00 or more, would you prefer it to be implemented?
      27 one time                  22 spread over time
Some men’s state associations have state dues. All women associations have, in varying amounts.   Some need an increase.
9. What do you feel would be an appropriate increase?
       16 $1        28 $2        Ten $3          One $4         Three $5
10. Should local/state associations be allowed to increase their dues when the National does?
       57 yes            Six no
We hear the comment that youth bowlers are the future of bowling. Granted, it introduces them to the game, and some centers have excellent coaching. But, after their schooling is over, do they join the adult leagues?
11. For every 100 youth bowlers, how many join an adult league after their schooling is completed.
       30 less than ten      29 more than ten
12. Your association youth program would be described as.
       Nine excellent            39 good           12 fair        three poor
13. Why do parents send kids to your youth program.
       26 learn to bowl        26 something to do         12 escape outlet for parents         One keep out of trouble
There still exists two avenues for sanctioning of the youth program, USBC and the proprietors.
14. Would you be upset if the entire youth program was handled by proprietors, for the sake of one program?
       29 yes            31 no
15. Or if it did happen, what would your association do?
       42 continue with program           four continue and not sanction             seven abandon the program
As a merged association you are required to have youth representatives:
16. Do you agree that they should be a part of your board of directors?
      35 yes             20 no
17. Would you prefer that they have their own organization and board of directors?
      33 yes             21 no
18. How much input/feedback do you have from your youth representatives?
       Six a lot          34 not much    ten about same as the adults
19. Your youth representatives on your board change?
       15 yearly               22 other
20. Your youth representatives are what age?
       Three 14            four 15            seven 16           four 17            ten 18
21. Do you feel too much of our rules involve amateur/youth issues?
       21 yes            26 no
Some bowling centers, late shift leagues are almost non-existent, for a variety of reasons.
22. Your bowling center(s) has lanes for additional early shift leagues?
       28 yes    16 no    Days a week?    Two one     Two two     five three     four four     six five     six seven
23. Your bowling centers still have?
       51 sanctioned leagues on weekends                          3 no, strictly open play
24. Do your centers complain the association tournament interferes with their league and/or open play?
       33 yes            31 no   yes
25. If answered yes, would it be to the extent they wouldn’t accept the tournament?
       21 yes            14 no
26. Do your centers have a reduced lineage fee for your association tournament?
       26 yes            28 no
27. Would you prefer that your association had an option to hold or not hold the tournament?
      37 yes             23 no
28. Is getting into the Olympics a priority to you?
      12 yes             49 no
29. If it happened, do you think it would gain your association league bowlers?
      18 yes             43 no

Final comment. Like any poll, the results could be interpreted in different ways, so proceed with discussions with this in mind.

Wm. G. Chestnut
IUSBC BA Association Manager