Govern locally - The Fans Speak Out

Bowling Digest, Feb, 2002 by Karl Corser

Are the current "reinventing bowling" studies adequately addressing one of the more essential elements of the sport: local associations? I believe more bowlers will become involved with leagues and tournaments (and bowling in general) if local associations are staffed by persons with business backgrounds and if they are provided the funding needed to properly promote the sport.

Sadly, local associations have limited funding--which hinders their ability to advertise--limited resources, and they lack the business expertise needed to properly carry out their missions.

Due to the lack of funds, local associations also must suffer from the "beg, borrow, and scrounge" syndrome. This could be a distraction rather than an enhancement for potential sponsors and supporters, who may characterize the associations and their bowlers as always looking for a handout. Plus, local associations are typically staffed by volunteers who aren't able to devote enough of their time to properly promote the sport.

Local associations should be staffed with a cadre of paid professionals, provided adequate funding by national headquarters, and supported by volunteers able to accomplish the job at hand. This would be a win-win situation. Instead, we suffer the current emphasis on promoting only the professional tours and spending enormous amounts of time, money, and energy at the national level.

Karl Corser
Lompoc, Calif.