Received these two e-mails from USBC

Received these two e-mails today:
First…..
Dear Kathi:

The dues increase is the first in seven years for youth bowlers.  I don't think
that is unreasonable, and I am sure there is not much that youth can buy these
days that has not increased in seven years.  Also please note that the national
dues for youth is now below that of adults.  We have not decrease the awards
that are available, just change the type of award to comply with high school
athletic eligibilities.

Relative to the NCAA rules, there are many athletes competing in NCAA sports
other than bowling that could be impacted by bowling scholarships they win.  Not
to get into a long explanation, but an athlete in track, who is receiving
scholarship money for bowling from any group other than the NGB could be
declared ineligible under the bylaws of NCAA.  Has anyone been declared
ineligible, the answer is technically yes.  A number of bowlers at some NCAA
schools had to go through an appeal process to retain their eligibility.  NCAA
granted those requests based on the short time frame the sport has been
recognized.  As we become more established and understand the rules, the NCAA
will be less lenient with bowlers.

I am not familiar with the particular youth to which you refer, but I would
guess that after competing in the adult ranks he filed an appeal with USBC
outlining the circumstances and a request to reinstate his youth status.  
Obviously, based on what you said we granted that request.  Such a process is
allowed under our rules in certain circumstances.

The high school "membership" program was developed to track high
school bowlers, because state high school rules indicate that a sport cannot
mandate the joining of a sports organization as a requirement of participation.  
Thus, to encourage those schools and conferences that choose not to certify the
competition, a basic high school membership program was developed that includes
on line registration, a recognition program of medals and a copy of Youth
Bowler.  The "membership" does not make the athlete eligible for any
USBC Certified competition, it only covers them in high school matches.  This
allows us to communicate and encourage those athletes that may not be bowling in
other youth activities to bowl in local youth bowling programs and join USBC as
a regular youth member.

Kathi, I can list all of the reasons to certify a tournament, but any tournament
can choose not to certify and still use the rules, the averages, the assistance
of USBC if there are rules issues, and more.  If the only reason you think to
certify is awards, then USBC still has the complete recognition program in
place, with a simple modification of the honor scores to medals and
certificates.  I sure would hate to have a bowler qualify for an award and then
the tournament tries to certify after the fact for the benefit of that bowler.  
And unfortunately the USBC will be viewed as the one not protecting the youth,
even though the tournament director chose not to certify over the ring issue.

By copy of this response I am asking Bud Kempen to forward the financial
information to me to email to you.



Roger A. Dalkin, CEO
United States Bowling Congress
5301 South 76th Street
Greendale, WI  53129
Phone:  800/514-2695 Ext. 3201
Direct:  414/423-3201
Fax:  414/421-1194
Email:  roger.dalkin@bowl.com



>>> "Kathi McCaw" <kathimccaw@netzero.com> 4/28/2006
10:37 PM >>>
Roger:
I look forward to receiving the financial information on Monday.

I don't think you'll be able to convince me that the loss of the rings for honor
scores is a good move on your part. Some families cannot afford the cost of the
rings. You are planning to increase dues, yet are decreasing the awards
available.

When my daughter was looking at colleges, I made it my responsibility to find
out what the NCAA rules were. Only girls bowl under NCAA auspices. Who has been
denied NCAA eligibility for accepting YABA awards? Even USBC doesn't stick to
their own rules...I was furious to find out last year that some boys who had
"gone adult" and won $$$ were allowed to supposedly return the money
and regain their junior status...one then went on to win scholarship money at
Jr. Gold.

I also read last night that unsanctioned high school bowlers are being allowed
to "register" with USBC and received the paper and be eligible for the
awards without actually paying for sanctioning. Is this correct?

I still don't see any advantage to sanctioning tournaments any longer. Care to
list some?

Kathi McCaw
NeJST

And secondly……….
Dear Kathi:

My apologies but a personal matter has arisen that requires me out of the office
this afternoon.  I will be forwarding the financial information tomorrow.  Thank
you for your understanding in this delay.



Roger A. Dalkin, CEO