How many weeks are left in the league? Too many some say and not enough for others. There are the die hards that like to bowl year round - yes 52 weeks a year - would not take off time for holidays except they are out voted most of the time. Have league seasons gotten too long? Are split seasons and shorter 12 week sessions with a break in between the way of the future? All these issues are up to the league bowler. The bowler center should not be able to dictate how long a league’s season is, however, with the pricing structure dictated by corporate officials league’s are being forced to bowl more weeks in order to pay the least amount in league fees. Most leagues pay more to the center in lineage than they collect for their prize fund. Seems that this is just the opposite of what it should be in order to attract more bowlers to the center and to join leagues. With the state of the economy where will leagues be at the beginning of the fall season for 2008-2009? If the centers increase lineage again I am sure we will see a decrease in league bowlers, leagues and more than likely a decrease in certified bowlers. Those are the bowlers that pay a fee to USBC and the local association and in some cases the state association for the privilege of participating in (and paying) for a state and/or national tournament.

Ever wonder what your local association’s purpose is or what they do? Now is the time to find out answers to all your questions. The Annual Membership Meetings are scheduled for April for the Women and May for the Open (formerly Men’s). There are positions on both boards that will be elected at the respective meetings. Time is of the essence so if you are interested in serving on your local board submit your resume by the designed date or bring two (2) copies with you to the meeting and turn it in prior to the start of the meeting for consideration.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED AS FOLLOWS:

The Annual Awards Banquet will be held on Friday, April 25, 2008, at the Ramada Inn at I-75 and 27. There will be a cash bar/social hour beginning at 6:00 p.m.; buffet dinner at 7:00 p.m.; presentation of awards at approximately 8:00 p.m. to be followed by entertainment and dancing. Tickets will be available next week from any Association Board member or by contacting Jerry Abrams 625-1133 or Debbie Whitten 694-3373 co-chairpersons. Tickets will be $25 per person.

The Ocala USBC WBA hosted a 9 Pin No Tap Scotch Doubles Tournament on Sunday, March 9, 2008, at AMF Ocala and 15 sets of doubles participated. Winners are: Julie Dove/Willie Carpenter 1^st place with a 961; Marianne Chase/Jim Leeson 2^nd place with a 959 and Janice Raines/John Brignall 3^rd place with a 911. The next tournament is set for June 22, 2008, at AMF Ocala. Don’t forget to join in the fun.

Results of the 6 game sweeper held on March 17, 2008, at AMF Ocala are in and the winners are:

Handicap: Luis Cosme 1^st place with a 1,513 and Robby Nye (Youth) 2^nd place with a 1,415.

Watch for information on the next sweeper to be held in approximately 6 weeks.

High Scores for last week:

Don’t forget to let me know if you have bowling news of interest that I can share with the other bowlers or if you have placed or won a tournament - that’s the kind of news we like to share. Keeping me informed will help keep the bowling community informed.

Thanks!!