ARE BOWLING GAMES TOO EXPENSIVE ?
- Thread starter Graham
- Start date
B
Barry.Park
Bowling Fee's (league & Social)
Even as early figures show, most believe that bowling is becoming an expensive game for the average person. I can not afford to bowl as much as I would like. If you have a partner the figures are doubled and you have a huge chunk of your change going to a sport, or pastime, for social bowlers.
I understand bowling centre owners have to turn a profit but with the national figures on the decline in regards to registered bowlers one would think some-one would try and do something about it. (sorry I have no idea's that spring to mind.) I am getting tired of the "normal" increases in prices every January, for it seems, nothing in return.
Barrry.Park
Even as early figures show, most believe that bowling is becoming an expensive game for the average person. I can not afford to bowl as much as I would like. If you have a partner the figures are doubled and you have a huge chunk of your change going to a sport, or pastime, for social bowlers.
I understand bowling centre owners have to turn a profit but with the national figures on the decline in regards to registered bowlers one would think some-one would try and do something about it. (sorry I have no idea's that spring to mind.) I am getting tired of the "normal" increases in prices every January, for it seems, nothing in return.
Barrry.Park
bm2
I'm still standin'
I don't think there is too much of a problem with league fees, especially those ones which are topped up for the cash prize at the end of the year. both centres we play league in have given us good lineage rates, which make our league affordable, despite both of us playing.
The real problem to our mind comes into practise games - different centres have different priorities. For instance, we can get an hours' practise play for about $14 at Caboolture, or if you decide on a game rate, the more games you play the cheaper the lineage. Likewise at Kedron, 4 practise games there is $14.40 - pretty reasonable. I was quite put out then when I went to Chermside last weekend to have a practise prior to the DeVeer rolloff, and was charged $24.00 for 4 games!!! (mind you, made the rolloff price of $80 easy to understand then)
We understand that bowling centres are businesses, and need to make decent returns, but surely the profit would be much higher if the prices were a little more affordable and encouraged the bowlers to go in and have a practice rather than turn them away?
Just our opinions :roll:
Broni and Jagga 8)
The real problem to our mind comes into practise games - different centres have different priorities. For instance, we can get an hours' practise play for about $14 at Caboolture, or if you decide on a game rate, the more games you play the cheaper the lineage. Likewise at Kedron, 4 practise games there is $14.40 - pretty reasonable. I was quite put out then when I went to Chermside last weekend to have a practise prior to the DeVeer rolloff, and was charged $24.00 for 4 games!!! (mind you, made the rolloff price of $80 easy to understand then)
We understand that bowling centres are businesses, and need to make decent returns, but surely the profit would be much higher if the prices were a little more affordable and encouraged the bowlers to go in and have a practice rather than turn them away?
Just our opinions :roll:
Broni and Jagga 8)
jockey
Member
How about a Nationally Implemented Practice Scheme?
To encourage particpation in bowling socially, in league play and in tournaments of any stature a simple method would be to make it affordable for everyone. That is social bowlers, league bowlers, tournament bowlers and bowling proprietors.
This could be done by following this simple Three Tiered Practice Rate system outlined below.
Tier 1: Frequent Social Practice Card
Tier 2: League Practice Card
Tier 3: Tournament Practice Card
Qualification:
Tier 1: Provide a card to social bowlers who wish to obtain a FSPC. The card needs to be presented and stamped on five occasions to qualify for the FSPC where bowler bowls a minimum of 2 games in each session at current social game rates.
Tier 2: All bowlers who participate in a TBA sanctioned league. Must possess current TBA card and be actively bowling in a league.
Tier 3: Any bowler who have bowled in at least 3 National rated tournaments in the last 12 months. Must currently hold a TBA card and who actively participates in at least 1 sanctioned league.
Game Rates:
Tier 1: Same as current AMF League Practice Card rates in 2003
Tier 2: $3.30 per game Adult $3.00 per game Under 18
Tier 3: $2.00 per game
Reasoning:
For the bowlers:
Tier 1 allows those who simply like to have a social gathering with their family & friends to do it on a regular basis. It also allows them to prepare to participae in league play.
Tier 2 allows bowlers who wish to improve their game to do so in an affordable manner. It also allows them to prepare to participate in tournament play.
Tier 3 allows bowlers who wish to play bowling as a sport here in this country to get their games to where they need to be to be competitive.
For the Proprietors:
Tier 1: The current method of trying to approach social bowlers to join leagues does not work. This is mainly due to two factors : Cost and embarassment. The card gives you a starting point to overcome these two factors. Firstly it addresses the cost so that slowly the card holders mindset of associating the word expensive with bowling will be changed. The second factor can also be addressed by the following strategy.
When one of these bowlers turns up to play (i.e. presents his card to be stamped, or has an FSPC) you do the following (staff permitting):
Get a staff member (preferably the same one on subsequent visits) to go down and show the bowler(s) :
1) The correct way to choose a ball.
2) Explain to them bowling etiquette (i.e. Give way to right rule, waiting to bowler on adjacent lanes have moved off to bowl before doing so themselves etc.).
3) Explain to them why they shouldn't go over the foul line.
4) Explain to them the reason why food or drink should not be taken into the players area.
By following this strategy you over subsequent visits not only improve their enjoyment, but also reduce your safety concerns with these bowlers. You will also find that bowlers on adjacent lanes will be coming up to see how to get the same sort of treatment. Once you see that these bowlers no longer need any instruction the staff member that has been attending to them could approach them to join a league as by now you have also addressed the embarassment factor. This means that the only thing that may stop them from joining a league is availability. But if they are enjoying themselves enough then this in the long run should not be a problem.
You will get more regular income from social bowlers who will eventually become new league bowlers. The word of mouth from the social bowlers who had FPSC cards should provide replacement social bowlers (meaning new revenue).
Tier 2 Will get better support from your league bowlers as they see that they can aford to bowl enough games to improve their game to the level they want to achieve. Will bowl most games in quiet periods which mean revenue while normally empty, also raises the interest of those social bowlers around them to want to bowl more.
Tier 3 Will get support from the tournament bowlers as they try to maximize their games by bowling a lot of games. Generally will bowl when the bowl is empty which will probably help raise the interests of any social bowlers in the centre at the time.
Tier 2 & Tier 3 bowlers (if qualified) could be utilised to help with Tier 1 bowlers in return for some free games or staff discounts at the cafe etc. This would help when staff are generally tied up at the counter.
In this system everyone wins as the proprietor if he uses the system properly should see his participation numbers in league increase. He should also see a significant increase in return social players.
Though all 3 Tiers should be available to a bowler in any TBA sanctioned centre, in fairness to proprietors the Tier 1 card could be restricted to the centre of issue. An appropriate method of verification could be put in place to check for Tier 2 & 3 eligibility.
Yours in bowling
Terry Silva (Jockey)
To encourage particpation in bowling socially, in league play and in tournaments of any stature a simple method would be to make it affordable for everyone. That is social bowlers, league bowlers, tournament bowlers and bowling proprietors.
This could be done by following this simple Three Tiered Practice Rate system outlined below.
Tier 1: Frequent Social Practice Card
Tier 2: League Practice Card
Tier 3: Tournament Practice Card
Qualification:
Tier 1: Provide a card to social bowlers who wish to obtain a FSPC. The card needs to be presented and stamped on five occasions to qualify for the FSPC where bowler bowls a minimum of 2 games in each session at current social game rates.
Tier 2: All bowlers who participate in a TBA sanctioned league. Must possess current TBA card and be actively bowling in a league.
Tier 3: Any bowler who have bowled in at least 3 National rated tournaments in the last 12 months. Must currently hold a TBA card and who actively participates in at least 1 sanctioned league.
Game Rates:
Tier 1: Same as current AMF League Practice Card rates in 2003
Tier 2: $3.30 per game Adult $3.00 per game Under 18
Tier 3: $2.00 per game
Reasoning:
For the bowlers:
Tier 1 allows those who simply like to have a social gathering with their family & friends to do it on a regular basis. It also allows them to prepare to participae in league play.
Tier 2 allows bowlers who wish to improve their game to do so in an affordable manner. It also allows them to prepare to participate in tournament play.
Tier 3 allows bowlers who wish to play bowling as a sport here in this country to get their games to where they need to be to be competitive.
For the Proprietors:
Tier 1: The current method of trying to approach social bowlers to join leagues does not work. This is mainly due to two factors : Cost and embarassment. The card gives you a starting point to overcome these two factors. Firstly it addresses the cost so that slowly the card holders mindset of associating the word expensive with bowling will be changed. The second factor can also be addressed by the following strategy.
When one of these bowlers turns up to play (i.e. presents his card to be stamped, or has an FSPC) you do the following (staff permitting):
Get a staff member (preferably the same one on subsequent visits) to go down and show the bowler(s) :
1) The correct way to choose a ball.
2) Explain to them bowling etiquette (i.e. Give way to right rule, waiting to bowler on adjacent lanes have moved off to bowl before doing so themselves etc.).
3) Explain to them why they shouldn't go over the foul line.
4) Explain to them the reason why food or drink should not be taken into the players area.
By following this strategy you over subsequent visits not only improve their enjoyment, but also reduce your safety concerns with these bowlers. You will also find that bowlers on adjacent lanes will be coming up to see how to get the same sort of treatment. Once you see that these bowlers no longer need any instruction the staff member that has been attending to them could approach them to join a league as by now you have also addressed the embarassment factor. This means that the only thing that may stop them from joining a league is availability. But if they are enjoying themselves enough then this in the long run should not be a problem.
You will get more regular income from social bowlers who will eventually become new league bowlers. The word of mouth from the social bowlers who had FPSC cards should provide replacement social bowlers (meaning new revenue).
Tier 2 Will get better support from your league bowlers as they see that they can aford to bowl enough games to improve their game to the level they want to achieve. Will bowl most games in quiet periods which mean revenue while normally empty, also raises the interest of those social bowlers around them to want to bowl more.
Tier 3 Will get support from the tournament bowlers as they try to maximize their games by bowling a lot of games. Generally will bowl when the bowl is empty which will probably help raise the interests of any social bowlers in the centre at the time.
Tier 2 & Tier 3 bowlers (if qualified) could be utilised to help with Tier 1 bowlers in return for some free games or staff discounts at the cafe etc. This would help when staff are generally tied up at the counter.
In this system everyone wins as the proprietor if he uses the system properly should see his participation numbers in league increase. He should also see a significant increase in return social players.
Though all 3 Tiers should be available to a bowler in any TBA sanctioned centre, in fairness to proprietors the Tier 1 card could be restricted to the centre of issue. An appropriate method of verification could be put in place to check for Tier 2 & 3 eligibility.
Yours in bowling
Terry Silva (Jockey)
All I have to say is that everything to do with bowling is to expensive. I am currently having a break or 'temporary retirememnt' as I call it as I am sick of throwing money at this sport year in and year out for no return. Once you take into account league, practice, tournaments, equipment etc etc the unsponsored bowler is looking at somewhere around $5000 - $10000 a year depending on your tournament schedule it is a lot of money to spend, eventually other priorities take over from spending money on a sport.
It would be great to see our sport become more affordable however that is a long way off at this stage.
It would be great to see our sport become more affordable however that is a long way off at this stage.
C
clyon
Apart from League Practice going up about 22% in one hit, many at our centre are asking why different centres (all AMF) charge different League rates for exactly the same league (eg Handicap, no money, 3 games). The only reply from AMF staff is along the lines "If you don't like it, you can bowl somewhere else".
We've lost a lot of players this year. Tuesday night's league has been wound up and the few remaining teams merged with Wednesday night. Even then most teams have only 2 or 3 players instead of 5.
Even from AMF's point of view, it can't be good for business especially when bar and canteen losses are considered.
We've lost a lot of players this year. Tuesday night's league has been wound up and the few remaining teams merged with Wednesday night. Even then most teams have only 2 or 3 players instead of 5.
Even from AMF's point of view, it can't be good for business especially when bar and canteen losses are considered.
S
Sinisterx8
I dont have a problem paying the extra money in league as long as a decent portion goes into the prize fund????
My home centre werribee has fairly good prices for practise games in my opinion...
You can get 30 mins practise for $8 and i think its is $15 for an hour give or take..... 3 prac games for 12 60 is not bad i think
But i do agree we need a better set up for social bowlers coz they get stung an arm and a leg.........
My home centre werribee has fairly good prices for practise games in my opinion...
You can get 30 mins practise for $8 and i think its is $15 for an hour give or take..... 3 prac games for 12 60 is not bad i think
But i do agree we need a better set up for social bowlers coz they get stung an arm and a leg.........
J
James B
I find the price for social bowlers too much.
How is bowling meant to devolop into a more popular sport when
social bowlers aren't aware of what it costs to bowl in league? They wouldn't bother looking at joining as they would assume it would cost the same price as they pay to bowl. The price in some centers is as high as $9 $10 (for one game.)
James
How is bowling meant to devolop into a more popular sport when
social bowlers aren't aware of what it costs to bowl in league? They wouldn't bother looking at joining as they would assume it would cost the same price as they pay to bowl. The price in some centers is as high as $9 $10 (for one game.)
James
P
patrick
social prices are too expensive... yay amf :lol:
league is pretty good, had this discussion with plenty of people and i reckon $3ish a game is pretty damn good for a league game
league is pretty good, had this discussion with plenty of people and i reckon $3ish a game is pretty damn good for a league game
Tiger
Active Member
WAY
TOO
EXPENSIVE!!!!
The famous Sponsors League at Moonah was making $18000 per season out of the bowlers in League fees a couple of Seasons ago.
The league lost most of its players because of poor prize-fund.
Then it was realised that out of that $18000 that was payed out by the players - the Centre got over $15000 of that in Game fees.
$4 for me to bowl a single practice game - that's one reason why I dont practice a lot.
$10 for a social game - little wonder many Centres are empty after leagues finish.
The sport can do a hell of a lot better.
TOO
EXPENSIVE!!!!
The famous Sponsors League at Moonah was making $18000 per season out of the bowlers in League fees a couple of Seasons ago.
The league lost most of its players because of poor prize-fund.
Then it was realised that out of that $18000 that was payed out by the players - the Centre got over $15000 of that in Game fees.
$4 for me to bowl a single practice game - that's one reason why I dont practice a lot.
$10 for a social game - little wonder many Centres are empty after leagues finish.
The sport can do a hell of a lot better.
C
cookie
Just my opinion
Don't know what the problem is. I used to pay three cents for the same coke I pay $2.60 for. When I pay to bowl I get enjoyment in return. I don't expect anything else for my money. I bowl in a league and I like to practice sometimes. I expect to pay for these services. The prices have increased but not as much as my Health Benefits, mortgage, electricity, etc. I pay $8.50 for my child to have a half hour swimming lesson. Sure it all costs heaps. Don't ever hear anyone complain about how expensive the pokies are though. Haha!
And don't condemn me for my opinion. This is my first post. Don't want it to be my last. I've seen how people react here.
Don't know what the problem is. I used to pay three cents for the same coke I pay $2.60 for. When I pay to bowl I get enjoyment in return. I don't expect anything else for my money. I bowl in a league and I like to practice sometimes. I expect to pay for these services. The prices have increased but not as much as my Health Benefits, mortgage, electricity, etc. I pay $8.50 for my child to have a half hour swimming lesson. Sure it all costs heaps. Don't ever hear anyone complain about how expensive the pokies are though. Haha!
And don't condemn me for my opinion. This is my first post. Don't want it to be my last. I've seen how people react here.
Tiger
Active Member
Nah thats cool there Cookie your entitled to your opinion there mate....
Your certainly right about living costs rising.....and I suppose in some ways we probably should be thankful the sport hasn't got even more expensive than it already has.
Especially with things such as mortgages, Rates, taxes and Hydro and insurance, rego, petrol (111.3c round the corner here)
10 years ago a packet of Longbeach 40's used to cost me $4.70 - today its $14.10
A carton of Cascade Draught here was about $21 now its about $33 down at Cheaper Liquor.
I had a thought actually Everybody is probably too busy working to afford to pay for everything to bother playing sport anymore.......I noticed that my Football Club - the Tigers have recorded an 84% decrease in members in the last 10 years as well - and the home crowds have been the lowest since 1907.
Seems like all sports are having the same problem of lack of participation.
My thought would be that if the prices went down it may stimulate a few of the "stay away's" to come back - but I'm no expert :wink:
Your certainly right about living costs rising.....and I suppose in some ways we probably should be thankful the sport hasn't got even more expensive than it already has.
Especially with things such as mortgages, Rates, taxes and Hydro and insurance, rego, petrol (111.3c round the corner here)
10 years ago a packet of Longbeach 40's used to cost me $4.70 - today its $14.10
A carton of Cascade Draught here was about $21 now its about $33 down at Cheaper Liquor.
I had a thought actually
Everybody is probably too busy working to afford to pay for everything to bother playing sport anymore.......I noticed that my Football Club - the Tigers have recorded an 84% decrease in members in the last 10 years as well - and the home crowds have been the lowest since 1907.Seems like all sports are having the same problem of lack of participation.
My thought would be that if the prices went down it may stimulate a few of the "stay away's" to come back - but I'm no expert :wink:
G
Gismo
Well here's something worth thinking about. The largest league in a bowling alley happens to be one of the cheapest leagues in the bowling alley. It has a group of dedicated people who look after the league admirably. In years gone by and I would expect for years to come, it has and will remain a large and vibrant league.
The bowlers in that league, bowl in it just for the fun of bowling and are the first to put their hands up to bowl in any tournaments that is held there.
Why is the league so successful? My guess is that the cost of bowling is less than other leagues. The league has a good group of dedicated people looking after the league. Events outside of the centre are arranged for them to attend. The bowlers of that league have a coach available to help them out. Plus more that I have failed to list.
I personally have the upmost respect for those involved in the league. Year in and year out the same dedicated group turn up week in and week out to look after those league bowlers. This is what should happen in a sport.
Cost is only one aspect of why people bowl or don't bowl. But if bowlers are looked after and perceive that they are receiving value for money then it is likely that they will continue to return time and time again.
Scott
The bowlers in that league, bowl in it just for the fun of bowling and are the first to put their hands up to bowl in any tournaments that is held there.
Why is the league so successful? My guess is that the cost of bowling is less than other leagues. The league has a good group of dedicated people looking after the league. Events outside of the centre are arranged for them to attend. The bowlers of that league have a coach available to help them out. Plus more that I have failed to list.
I personally have the upmost respect for those involved in the league. Year in and year out the same dedicated group turn up week in and week out to look after those league bowlers. This is what should happen in a sport.
Cost is only one aspect of why people bowl or don't bowl. But if bowlers are looked after and perceive that they are receiving value for money then it is likely that they will continue to return time and time again.
Scott
M
milton
At the end of last year I tried to help bowlers by putting on a good pratice rate between 3pm and 6pm Monday to Friday. The cost for a game is $2.20.
Well the bowlers came in droves - (NOT) I advertised this special in house, and on this web site. Makes me wonder if prices make a big difference at all.
I still run this game price whith about 3 people a week coming in.
Bowlers need to understand how much it cost to run a bowling centre!
I have about 30 staff (lots of wages)
Lanes - Oiling machine $30 000.00 to $50 000.00, oil, detergents, machine parts, Lane recoats anywhere from $7000.00 to $10000.00, Resurface of lanes between $18000.00 and $25000.00.
Electricity - 16 hours per day
Phones, Water, rates and many many more bills.
What worries me is that the cost of living is increasing all the time and so are bowling prices the same as anything else. But when does it stop, who in the world is going to pay $15.00 for one game of bowling in another 5 to 10 years? (who knows)
Scooter - your sick of throwing money into the sport and getting no returns from it ? Well what sport does give you a return? unless your Tiger Woods or a L. Hewitt or a top sportsperson.
I bowl in a league that will cost me about $500.00 to $600.00 in bowling for the whole year - with a chance to win $2000.00. and a last place of about $350.00 If you look around you can find good value for money. depending on where you live.
Some bowling centre prices are crazy and all they are doing is driving people away.
but you do need to look at the whole picture.
Jeff.
Well the bowlers came in droves - (NOT) I advertised this special in house, and on this web site. Makes me wonder if prices make a big difference at all.
I still run this game price whith about 3 people a week coming in.
Bowlers need to understand how much it cost to run a bowling centre!
I have about 30 staff (lots of wages)
Lanes - Oiling machine $30 000.00 to $50 000.00, oil, detergents, machine parts, Lane recoats anywhere from $7000.00 to $10000.00, Resurface of lanes between $18000.00 and $25000.00.
Electricity - 16 hours per day
Phones, Water, rates and many many more bills.
What worries me is that the cost of living is increasing all the time and so are bowling prices the same as anything else. But when does it stop, who in the world is going to pay $15.00 for one game of bowling in another 5 to 10 years? (who knows)
Scooter - your sick of throwing money into the sport and getting no returns from it ? Well what sport does give you a return? unless your Tiger Woods or a L. Hewitt or a top sportsperson.
I bowl in a league that will cost me about $500.00 to $600.00 in bowling for the whole year - with a chance to win $2000.00. and a last place of about $350.00 If you look around you can find good value for money. depending on where you live.
Some bowling centre prices are crazy and all they are doing is driving people away.
but you do need to look at the whole picture.
Jeff.
well people i have not seen much on the increase of bowling prices. As i have only been bowling since January Last year. I have only seen one price raise and it did not really bother me. I bowl in 2 leagues and am in to practise at the bowl about 3 or 4 other nights of the week. Over the last 3 months i have spent near on $1200 in just practise and league. I know this is alot of money but i like the game and i have fun. It gives me some where to go where i can to do what i do best, And there is no one there that tries to tell me to do this or not to do that.( i do not do stupid stuff though) I rellise that it is not cheap to run a bowling alley, and that the owners have to do what they have to do.
but as scooter said
you do get a return out of it, the enjoyment the fun. Being around friends, being able to throw a big ball at ten pins 60ft away( the most fun part). Being able to talk to people and just for a while forgett about every thing that is happening around you in the world.
I look at this the same as i look at my soccer. I have played it know for 16 years. I am turning 21 this year. I just keep going back because i am around friends and have fun. I am not going to stop just because of money, and its not cheap either.
Only when i stop having fun am i going to stop playing any sports, and i can tell you know i will not stop having fun any time soon, cause i make my own fun in it.
Well thats my 10 cents
Chucky loiuse
but as scooter said
you do get a return out of it, the enjoyment the fun. Being around friends, being able to throw a big ball at ten pins 60ft away( the most fun part). Being able to talk to people and just for a while forgett about every thing that is happening around you in the world.
I look at this the same as i look at my soccer. I have played it know for 16 years. I am turning 21 this year. I just keep going back because i am around friends and have fun. I am not going to stop just because of money, and its not cheap either.
Only when i stop having fun am i going to stop playing any sports, and i can tell you know i will not stop having fun any time soon, cause i make my own fun in it.
Well thats my 10 cents
Chucky loiuse
FLOWER
Well-Known Member
ARE BOWLING GAMES TOO EXPENSIVE?
The post from Chucky made me want to comment on this subject - yes, bowling games are too expensive - I stood behind some social persons the other day who wanted a couple of hours to fill in and could not believe my ears with the cost.........I could put a deposit on a car!!!!
However......to balance this - how much for cigs., how much for mobile phones, how much for internet access, how much for pokies, bigger better holidays than the camping trips, much other 'stuff' us oldies did not have in 'our day'.....hate that term. More stuff to do and to have.
Us lady bowlers have always bowled for much lower prize funds etc. in this game of ours - we don't have the expectation of BIG prize funds that the boys do and I agree with Jeff - it does not matter how cheap practice rates or league rates etc. are, if you WANT to bowl and LOVE to bowl, you will. There are many factors in the decreasing numbers of Tournament bowlers to take into account - $$$$, disillusionment, time and a flexible work force being part of this. Just stand outside an RSL or Leagues Club at 10.00am and see the hordes waiting to get in - where are the daytime ladies leagues now?
Bowling, as many have said on this forum, really needs to re-invent itself - not just at centre level but all over - too hard!!!! and the wages aren't that good in centres!! We keep trying with our Twin Tour - always looking to attract the bowlers who just WANT and LOVE to bowl - they would love to bowl bigger tourns. but $$$$$.
Doing a bit of a rough survey and have come up with approx. 150 bowlers in this state who qualify for some sort of State Team - Rachuig, Pres. Shield, ATBSO, Walter de Veer, TQI, Railway Inst., Disabled, Deaf etc. etc. With the HUGE costs associated with going away - how can we expect these 150 bowlers to also support a few leagues, practice, bowl tourns, and then qualify for these teams - a Queensland shirt is a great goal!!! Maybe the sponsors should look at increasing their $$$$ into supporting these qualifying events (eg. Prize Money to qualify) and raising the numbers qualifying to bigger levels.
Oops, this post has come after watching cricket, drinking too much champers and drooling at their winning prize money.
FLOWER
The post from Chucky made me want to comment on this subject - yes, bowling games are too expensive - I stood behind some social persons the other day who wanted a couple of hours to fill in and could not believe my ears with the cost.........I could put a deposit on a car!!!!
However......to balance this - how much for cigs., how much for mobile phones, how much for internet access, how much for pokies, bigger better holidays than the camping trips, much other 'stuff' us oldies did not have in 'our day'.....hate that term. More stuff to do and to have.
Us lady bowlers have always bowled for much lower prize funds etc. in this game of ours - we don't have the expectation of BIG prize funds that the boys do and I agree with Jeff - it does not matter how cheap practice rates or league rates etc. are, if you WANT to bowl and LOVE to bowl, you will. There are many factors in the decreasing numbers of Tournament bowlers to take into account - $$$$, disillusionment, time and a flexible work force being part of this. Just stand outside an RSL or Leagues Club at 10.00am and see the hordes waiting to get in - where are the daytime ladies leagues now?
Bowling, as many have said on this forum, really needs to re-invent itself - not just at centre level but all over - too hard!!!! and the wages aren't that good in centres!! We keep trying with our Twin Tour - always looking to attract the bowlers who just WANT and LOVE to bowl - they would love to bowl bigger tourns. but $$$$$.
Doing a bit of a rough survey and have come up with approx. 150 bowlers in this state who qualify for some sort of State Team - Rachuig, Pres. Shield, ATBSO, Walter de Veer, TQI, Railway Inst., Disabled, Deaf etc. etc. With the HUGE costs associated with going away - how can we expect these 150 bowlers to also support a few leagues, practice, bowl tourns, and then qualify for these teams - a Queensland shirt is a great goal!!! Maybe the sponsors should look at increasing their $$$$ into supporting these qualifying events (eg. Prize Money to qualify) and raising the numbers qualifying to bigger levels.
Oops, this post has come after watching cricket, drinking too much champers and drooling at their winning prize money.
FLOWER
