Well, Pindependents, we're off to a great start! We have 9 teams, and our first week of competitive play seemed to off withou-- ok with a few hitches.
Hopefully, this week, though, everyone should be on the right teams and in the right order.
Keep in mind that since we had a few people who weren't here to establish their averages on week 1, the games you thought you won or lost might actually be different once averages are figured and handicaps figured in. The first few weeks are always a bit weird like that, sometimes the scores change. Don't lose your minds, it all evens out in the wash. So to speak.
A few housekeeping issues from this week:
If you left a water bottle at the bowling alley: I have it. I'll keep it in my bowling bag and you can pick it up next week. If no one claims it Sunday, I'll turn it in to lost and found.
If you pre-bowl: make sure that you put the date for the week you're bowling for on your card, and make sure to email me! I don't know to look for your score card if I don't know that you pre-bowled. They usually give me the cards, but sometimes they get missed.
Using subs: I've had people ask about using substitutes if you're going to miss. I'm fine with this, but that player will need to have their average set and handicap assigned (they can't use your handicap). Also, if you are going to use a sub, there is NO PREBOWLING. I pay for every bowler that attends each week, so if you pre-bowl and then use a sub, that person will need to pay me for that week ($11), and we will only use the sub's score. So if you pre-bowl, don't use a sub.
If you are on a 3 person team: If we get additional players who join later in the season, then we may add them to your team. Just warning you that this is a thing that sometimes (rarely) happens. Again, averages will be set and handicaps adjusted after their first week of bowling. Once we get past week 5 or so, no new players will be added, so if it hasn't happened by them, it's not likely to happen.
League cards: I'm hoping we'll have these this week. If we don't, when you make a purchase at the snack bar (food and soft drinks), let them know you're in a league. They should have your cell number/email to identify you, but if not, they should have your name. If not, please let me know (after week 3, obviously), so we can get your discounts.
Speaking of which, you get 2 free practice games per week. You can take these M-TH until 7pm, F-Sa until 6pm or any time Sundays.
Bowling etiquette (just a reminder):
Be ready to bowl when it's your turn. No, seriously, don't be delaying play because you're messing around somewhere else. Being in line at the bar is one thing, but consistently having to be told it's your turn is annoying. Be considerate and ready when it's your turn.
Be aware of other bowlers: if 2 bowlers make the approach side by side, the bowler on the right has the right of way. LOOK AROUND. Make sure that when it's your turn, you're not bowling at the same time as the bowlers in the lanes next to you.
Once your turn is done, finish up and get out of the way. Again, we're trying to keep things moving, so once your roll is complete, do your happy dance and let the next bowler approach.
Wear bowling shoes. This should go without saying, but street shoes can damage the approach and lead to falls. Shoes are NOT included in the price of your season, so make sure to rent your shoes when you arrive if you need to.
Keep an eye on food and drink: don't spill near the approach, wet shoes cause falls (trust me on this one). If you're a sloppy eater, then eat at the table behind the benches on the lanes.
Don't be a jerk. No, seriously. We're all here to have fun. Don't be a jerk.
Questions? Comments? Send them my way! keely@pindependentbowling.com
I will post each week's updates on the website blog as well, so if you miss the emails, check there. www.pindependentbowling.com
So that's about it, if you need more information, let me know. Otherwise, I'll see you on the lanes!
-k-