Welcome to the 2012-2013 season
It’s the first week of the new season and this edition of the Rules Extra will address the first week of bowling.

Many leagues hold the organizational meeting prior to bowling. We provided tips in the July 19 edition of Rules Extra to assist in conducting the meeting, adopting rules and elections, if held. Please contact rules@bowl.com for a copy of the July 19 issue if you missed it.

Mythbusters
True or false: The league president must calculate weekly fees to verify the account.

True or false: A team or individual can prebowl for the first league session.

Click here to find the answer to these and other bowling questions.

Use the checklist and you won’t miss a step
USBC provides a checklist for officers to assist with league operations. Click here to download a copy for your reference.
League President Certification has arrived

The Certified League Officer training program now has a course for league presidents, in addition to courses for league secretaries and treasurers.

We encourage all officers to take advantage of this program. While there is a minimal fee, the fee covers training for all offices. Click here to get started.

League President Certification has arrived
The Certified League Officer training program now has a course for league presidents, in addition to courses for league secretaries and treasurers.

We encourage all officers to take advantage of this program. While there is a minimal fee, the fee covers training for all offices. Click here to get started.

Make no assumptions
They say people fear public speaking more than death. The first week of the season is about public speaking. Key points are:
• Don’t assume everyone knows they must complete a membership application card
• Don’t assume bowlers know they must pay their weekly fees if they are absent
• Don’t assume the team captain will tell their team about changes in the league and USBC Rules, and that USBC awards have changed from magnets to bag tags.

Make sure everyone knows the league procedure for pre-bowling and postponements. You can use the public address system in the center or all officers could go from lane to lane to ensure everyone knows the ABCs of bowling.

Get to know the new bowlers
Open play and league play are two very different experiences. Though you know all the rules of bowling, that does not mean everyone else knows them, too, especially new bowlers.

League officials should take the time to welcome new bowlers and explain some of the basics of bowling. Cover topics such as lane courtesy, being ready to bowl, and league fees. Let new bowlers know the USBC Playing Rules and Commonly Asked Questions and other information can be found on BOWL.com. Have several copies of the Welcome 2 Bowling flyer and Etiquette Guidelines and give each new bowler a copy.

Three memberships, one price
Many bowlers believe the total membership dues they pay at the start of the season go to USBC. They do not realize the dues actually are for three memberships – local, state and national. Let your bowlers know they belong to these organizations.

All bowlers must complete a membership application card and pay dues the first time they bowl in the league. A bowler who paid in another league, or on BOWL.com, must provide a receipt. If the bowler does not have a receipt, collect the appropriate membership dues; a refund will be given if the bowler has paid more than once.

Remind the bowlers to write legibly and to add an email address. Without an email address, the member will miss receiving information and special offers from USBC. Let the bowler’s know their membership card will be mailed directly to their home.

USBC members get more in return with Member Rewards
Don’t forget to tell your bowlers about the USBC Member Rewards program. Your bowlers can find information regarding the Member Rewards program under the Membership tab on BOWL.com.

The USBC Member Rewards partners have stepped up to support the sport of bowling and all USBC members. Click here to find out how you can get more for your membership with Member Rewards.

How to complete a pay envelope
Deciphering a pay envelope is one of the most frustrating parts of the league treasurer’s job. It is assumed bowlers know how to record payments.

If you have a system, share it with the bowlers. Creating a sample of how you would like payments to be recorded, and going over the document, may help, especially when bowlers prepay or pay arrearages.

We encourage you to check the pay envelopes prior to the end of each league night. If you do so, you can address any discrepancies or illegible recordings on the spot.

Certification application
With your supplies is the league certification application. The application includes step-by-step instructions to calculate the fees that must accompany the form.

Although you have 30 days of the league start date to file the application and fees, we recommend it be done as early as possible. Don’t wait for straggling bowlers, those cards can be sent within 30 days of receipt. The important thing is to get the league certified promptly so your bowlers receive their membership cards.

Things to do
• Deposit funds within seven (7) days.
• Send memberships and fees within 30 days.
• Presidents verify the account monthly. Click here for worksheet.
• Process awards weekly – but no later than 20 days of accomplishment. Click here for award information.
If you need any assistance, please feel free to contact the Rules Team at rules@bowl.com or 800-514-BOWL extension 3155.

Have a great season! Look for your next Rules Extra in September with more information to keep your league running smoothly.