Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF):
Points start counting this week
Players who missed last week will be added this week, so some final scores/game outcomes may be adjusted for next week.
You can pre-bowl if you're going to miss a week, otherwise use the blind score.
Don't forget bowling etiquette is a thing. And also that you get discounts and free stuff for being a league bowler.
Well, we've done it, y'all, we've successfully kicked off another season for Pindependent Bowling. We have 8 teams this season, so you should get a chance to bowl against everyone at least once if not more.
What to expect moving forward:
Try to be on time, we start practice at 6:15 and competitive play no later than 6:30.
There were some bowlers who missed last week so their averages have not been calculated. After they bowl this week, that calculation will be made and applied to this week's games. Which means if you're bowling against someone on a team with someone catching up after missing week 1, the official scores may look different when you look at the sheet next week. Just be prepared for such a thing.
You can pre-bowl if you're going to miss a week, if you pre-bowl, you MUST let me know and send me your scores.
If you are short a player who is out but has not pre-bowled, then we use that player's blind score: take their average and subtract 10 points.
There are no scheduled gaps in bowling so if it's Sunday, and it's before Thanksgiving, assume we're bowling.
Don't forget!
You have 2 free practice games every week. You can use these games Monday through Saturday until 7pm, and any time on Sundays. Make sure to tell them you're using you practice games, they should not give you a scorecard for practice.
If you pre-bowl, you should sign in, receive a scorecard and play your three games. Snap a picture with your phone and shoot it to me. Sometimes they lose the cards. Also, ask them to print out the scores from the computer and attach it to the card (this keeps us all honest). If you pre-bowl, you cannot bowl on Sunday: we pay for the official games, so we'll have to pay twice for you to bowl if you do that.
League bowlers also get a discount on food and soft drinks at the snack bar, as well as additional bowling during the week, so don't forget to ask about that when you pay up!
Bowling etiquette (I'll send this every week):
Be ready to bowl when it's your turn. This is a big one every season. Plan your trips to the snack bar accordingly: we only have 3 player teams and the lines can get long. Once or twice delaying the game is reasonable, being missing every time it's your turn is uncool, dude.
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.
No sandbagging. Can't believe I have to add this one, but we're all here for fun and games, so please don't sandbag/play like garbage during the regular season and then bowl 30 to 40 points above your average every game of the playoffs. Yes, pressure and competition can bring out your best, but come on, you're competing every week. It's not really sportsman like and if you really need a $10 trophy, I'll get you one of your own.
If you made it to the end of this email, congrats!
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-