| Saturday, November 26th, 2005
Bowling Controversy
Ever since I have been involved in Bowling a certain amount
of controversy surrounds every level of bowling. From youth
leagues to professional bowling I have witnessed an excessive
amount of frustration and complaining by the majority. That
makes me think...Is there as much wrong with our sport as the
controversial issues indicate or are bowlers conditioned to
complain?
It doesn't take me long to decide that one of the most
challenging problems with bowling is not the issues but the
invisible aspects, lack of education and environmental
conditioning of bowlers. In a generation of individualism and
high expectations there is still only room for one winner. When
only one can win and he has very few to share this victory with,
the majority are left to figure out how they can satisfy their
expectations and goals. Without a clear picture and direction
they are left to make these judgments based on their
environment. As in any competition, results will be based on
competitive environments. Imagine how the sport of your choice
would be effected if they were to alter the rules and
competitive field of play and just to make it even more
confusing make the majority of the competitive environment
invisible. With so many issues left to the imagination the
competitors and fans are allowed to make judgments based on
their experiences. How can you blame individuals for the
situation?... You Can't
The fact that so much of our sport is left open to
imagination, individual opinions and relative to individual
experiences is the likely cause of much of the controversy. What
we need (in my opinion) is a stronger group of leaders who can
help paint a clearer picture? provide more qualified education?
Create a structure where a larger group of individuals and
locations can share in successes (think team atmosphere). And
just as important understand the need for the ability to gain
the respect of while entertaining the casual fan who doesn't
have the knowledge and experience.
The sport of bowling is no different than any other business
or sport without strong leadership. The next question is Who if
anybody is going to step up and take the lead? |