BLUF:
team names/rosters should be pre-populated at the lanes tonight
Please try to arrive on time, and don't start practice timers until 6:20 pm or until both teams have arrived, whichever is first.
We may have to manually add in bowlers who did not play last week, and that's ok.
Some averages from last season have been added, esp. for those who missed week 1
Welcome back, bowlers! Last week was a bit chaotic with a lot of last minute sign-ups and some missing folks, but I think most of the kinks should be ironed out this week. If you're a veteran, then you know that things will still be a bit shaky tonight, so just roll with it. See what I did there?
The biggest takeaway for tonight is that we should be pretty ready to start pretty close to 6:15. We are given 10 minutes for practice. Please keep in mind that once you start the practice for your lane, the timer for the lane you're competing with also begins, so please do not start your practice before 6:20 unless both teams are present. If it's 6:20 and the other team/players haven't shown up, it's ok to get started for a 6:30pm start.
We will have 9 teams this season, unless a bunch more people show up tonight (which I do not expect). This means that every week there will be one "vacant" team. So at some point, you'll probably play the vacant team. They can beat you, as they all bowl 120s. They're a pretty solid team.
Anyway, team names/bowler names should be entered when we arrive, look for your team/roster to see your lane assignment.
If you had bowlers who were not present on your team last week, they may not be included in your team roster. That is ok, we can add them tonight.
If those bowlers haven't been added, then your final scores may not be exactly correct, as their averages will have to be accounted for with the official scoring later this week (so don't be surprised if your points don't look like you expect next week).
If you're a veteran league bowler and had an average from last season, Wendy (the league scorer) has taken those averages and pulled them forward. This was just the easiest way to deal with all of the absent bowlers we had last week.
If you had teammates who did not show up last week and have not yet registered (there are 2 of those on my list, one from Closed on Sundays and the other from Whatever Floats), please check on whether they really are joining us this season. They are NOT receiving these emails, as they haven't registered yet. Check with me for more info if needed.
Key things to remember (will be included in every update):
Show up on time. We start competitive play at 6:30 pm. If you're late, but still arrive during game 1, we can “play you in” but please don't make a habit of it.
Every league bowler will have 2 free practice games per week. These games can be played Monday through Saturday until 6pm or any time on Sundays. Check in at the desk and let them know that you are here for practice games, not pre-bowling. You should NOT be given a score card for practice games.
If you are going to miss a week, you can pre-bowl prior to Sunday night's start. If you pre-bowl, please let me know!! Technically you can pre-bowl any time the bowling alley is open, based on lane availability. Make sure you let the staff at AMF know that you are PREBOWLING (not practicing) so that they have you sign in and give you a score card. I recommend calling ahead to assure lane availability. Take a picture of the completed score card and send it to me. Make sure the score card has your name, your league & team name and the date you are pre-bowling for.
Being a league bowler means you get a discount on snacks and soft drinks. Make sure to tell them when you order, they'll check your status using your phone number (it sometimes takes a while to get everyone in there early in the season, so if it doesn't work this week, never fear, it'll get set).
Bowling etiquette (yes you should read this part at least once):
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.
That's it! Have fun tonight and I'll see you on the lanes. If you have questions, reply to this email.
-k-
X/X/X/X/X/X/X/X
Keely Godwin
Manager, cruise director and all-around bowling buddy