Bottom Line Up Front:
We're almost halfway through the season
Consider the options for playoffs/championship, as some will need to start sooner than others and respond to this email with your preference
We've hit the halfway point of the season, so it's time to talk about playoffs! I know, weird, right? Anyway, I have 3 options to present to you. Let me know what you think about which you prefer. If I don't get an overwhelming majority of folks favoring one over the other, I'm inclined to go with option 2.
So, we have 9 teams with one empty this season. Which means we have several options for playoffs:
We can go with the old standard of the top 4 playing off in week 10 w/championship game in week 11.
We can expand that to 8 teams, which means, obviously, we'd start a week earlier (top 8 play down to 4, etc.).
The final option would be a 9-team bracket where in week 8, the team in 1st would play the team in 9th, and then we'd proceed like an 8-team bracket.
While you're considering the options, keep in mind the following rules for playoffs/championship games:
No pre-bowling scores will be used, players have to be present to compete (you can pre-bowl if you're out, we just will use your blinded scores).
2 out of the 3 players from each team must be present to participate, or the team forfeits.
Winners are best 2 out of 3 games, no ties, so no concerns about best route for tie breakers.
Other housekeeping
Reminder: if you or your team is early, do not start practice until the other team arrives, everyone should get a chance to practice. If other players are not present by 6:20, go ahead and start rolling.
The practice timer is 10 minutes, so if both teams are early and you're ready to go, get rolling.
Another evergreen reminder: If you pre-bowl, send me your scores, either via text or email, because sometimes the score cards don't make it to the folder, and I don't know to go look for yours if I don't know you pre-bowled. (And date your score card!)
Masking: Mask mandates have been lifted in Durham County but consider wearing one to protect yourself and others. Also, if you're sick, stay home.
Ever present bowling etiquette reminders:
Be ready to bowl when it's your turn. I know the snack bar lines can be slow, but try to be aware of your turn to bowl and be ready. If you DO have to step away between your turns, let your fellow bowlers know where you are.
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.
-k-
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