Bottom Line Up Front:
The playoffs really do start this week. The top 8 teams will compete
If you are NOT going to bowl or if you pre-bowled already, PLEASE LET ME KNOW if you haven't done so already.
If your team doesn't have at least 2 players, you forfeit your playoff berth.
First off, happy Mother's Day to our bowling moms! And happy Mother's Day to your own moms. Also, call your mom (if you have that kind of relationship and she is still around) Sunday and tell her thanks for, you know, taking food and turning it into you.
In league news, this week our playoffs begin. Which means that our top 8 teams will compete in a single elimination playoff to a field of 4 for next week and then 2 in our final championship week on 5/22. We will play an 8 team, single elimination bracket, with the points/pins being used to set the seeds: 8 vs 1, 7 vs 2, 6 vs 3 and 4 vs 5. The 9th place team will play the vacant team for the first week and then after that, as teams drop out/move on, we'll try to mix it up. Reminder for the playoffs/championship nights:
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.
If your team is not going to be present or have enough bowlers and you already know in advance, please let me know, so I can adjust the standings in advance.*
Winners are best 2 out of 3 games, no ties, so no concerns about best route for tie breakers. (No using pin totals- if you tie one game, I swear to heaven, I will end this league, tie breakers are the worst.)
Yes, I know that if one team wins the first 2 games, it's essentially “over” for that week, but come on, play all 3 games, bowling is fun.
If your team is not in the playoffs, you will still bowl. You paid for this time, you'll get your bowling! Show up and bowl for funsies.
*If we have a lot of teams with only one player (right now I'm only aware of one), we may make some adjustments to that rule, but come on, it's no fun to be the only one on your team who shows up for the playoffs. The rest of this email is basically a repeat from every week, so move along if you're bored by etiquette and reminders to send me your pre-bowling scores. It's cool. Other housekeeping Reminder: if you or your team is early, do not start practice until the other team arrives, everyone on your lanes should get a chance to practice. (If you start practice on your lane, it starts the timer for your opponents' lane as well.) If other players are not present by 6:20, go ahead and start rolling.
The practice timer is 10 minutes.
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- X/X/X/X/X/X/ Keely Godwin League Manager, Social Director, and all around Bowling Buddy Pindependent Durham Bowling Keely@PindependentBowling.com www.pindependentbowling.com X/X/X/X/X/X/