Bowling a family sport....Not on your life.

[Tiger]

Tonight I saw yet another instance why (In my opinion at least) the game of Tenpin Bowling is fast starting to slide into oblivion.
A group of about ten drunken social bowlers made thier way into Moonah tonight just at the end of league.
These people had been, according to one of them, on the gas since 11AM this morning - and we're rather "tanked off thier tits" by this stage a couple also appeared to have over indulged in the "wacky tobacco"
They preceded too abuse the lone woman in the canteen/bar - calling the woman behind the bar an F-ing old mole and and an F-ing old slut :x
They then decided that it would be funny to bowl the house balls at the sweep-bars on FIVE CONSECUTIVE LANES :x Breaking them all in the process.
Then, just as a further laugh to these "Open Grade Dickheads" just as the mechanic was underneath one of the lanes fixing one of the broken sweep-bars - one of these clowns pelted a ball as hard as he could at it again, then when this mechanic was working to repair another broken sweep-bar - another one of these morons decided to have another hurl at the sweep-bar - BOTH TIMES NARROWLY missing the head of the mechanic.
These "people" :roll: then found it further amusing to abuse a couple of nearby Social bowlers - with an infant baby with them - this young family left.
They then proceded to carry on in an aggressive and abusive manner towards counter staff.....when asked to tone down thier behaviour - and kept running down the lanes with glasses of top-shelf in their hands as well as stubbies :roll:
Then these clowns decided to almost come to blows with each other at the counter........
Then when the staff finally had enough, the boys in blue showed up and chucked half of them out, whilst the other half decided once again to carry on and throw balls at the sweep-bars - these ones didn't have to be told to leave - they did in the middle of the game.
When asked in the first place as to why this was aloud to get so out of control - counter-staff said "well, they have contributed a fair bit of money tonight - so we thought we'd give them a little bit of slack" :roll:
JEEEEEEEEEESUS CHRIIIIIIIST :evil:
This is NOT an isolated incident involving drunken social bowlers either, sadly.
I admit I'm certainly no saint - I've been suspended from Moonah seven times for abusive language or punching walls in the past - but to think SO LONG AND HARD about wether to chuck these guys out for doing all of that - makes me wonder just why the heck I bother sometimes.

As one of our up-and-coming juniors said to me tonight - "This is supposed to be a family place".
We don't even allow that sort of behaviour to go on on the terraces or in the stands up at the TIGERS anymore - we had to clean up our act becuase of a couple of near riots - let alone at a bowling centre.
If AMF are totally serious about cleaning up the image of bowling centres then they SHOULD be banning social bowlers from drinking and or turning up drunk to Centres.
Alcohol to be a MEMBERS ONLY PRIVILEDGE - subject to the restrictions that league bowlers are always under.
Have a few drinks and have fun - not a problem
Abuse it - and you lose the priviledges - simple as that.
Or is the BOTTOM LINE more important?

ABSOLUTELY BLOODY DISGRACEFUL :x :x :x
Anybody care to comment? Post away!

 

[Just Me]

That is disgraceful :!: I'm glad i wasn't there to witness it.
Those guys shouldn't have even been served alcohol at the bowl, if they were cleary ripped when they arrived. Do they realise that they can knock them back alcohol? Responsible service of alcohol??? oh no wait AMF just want the money!!! It's like at the Casino, you can get kicked out so easily for something minor, but if your a St Kilda AFL player then you are free to do as you please. When leaving the Casino last weekend, this player (i have forgotten his name i don't follow football and it's irrelevant) but he was singing and dancing and then his body fell forward and his feet followed to try to balance him and he went head first (luckily) landing on a lounge in the foyer. We laughed, but someone should have stopped serving him alcohol a lot earlier, but he gets away with it cos he's an AFL player!

For AMF to say that we cut them a bit of slack because they have put out a fair bit of cash is wrong. League bowlers are the ones that cop shit as soon as they put one foot out of line even though we are the ones that RETURN and bring more MONEY into the bowling alley! It's just wrong

Thats all i have to say right now.
Em

The family that left because of these guys probably won't return again, where as if they got what they paid for and where not hassled they would return again!

 

[Tiger]

Just on the last bit there Em concerning the family that we're abused - the husband is a league bowler on Tuesday night - his wife is not a league player.
I spoke to this guy in the car-park when I was going down to the service station to get a packet of cigarettes and said to him "Look, If it really upsets you that much, I'd write a letter to AMF about it".
He said to me "What's the point, they couldn't give a shit I'm only a league bowler, they wouldn't care what I got to say, I'll tell ya one thing, I aint bringing me kid here ever again"
Great family values on display at Moonah :!:
In defence of the staff - I believe they were very frightened over the whole episode - getting ten absolutely ripped 18-19-20 year olds going stupid in a confined space - should the staff have to be confronted with that every time they go to work.
STUFF THAT
We had a bowler bashed on the steps of the centre last Thursday night, this tonight.......what's next?

 

[Its a Mystery]

Doesnt the management of that bowl know it is their responsility to provide a safe working place for any employees
It didnt sound too safe for the mechanic

 

[Shaun24]

Well i know at my local center that there hasn't been management in there for about a month now. All there is, is a party orginiser and he does S*** all anyway!

If anything happens in that center, be it like what happened at Moonah or something as simply as a complaint, then the staff at the counter at the time have to deal with it, not management!

It's all right for these managers to rake in the profits, but when are they going to put something back into the centers, like maybe there time!!!
Bowling centers don't run themselfs.

Full credit to any staff at any center, u guys are tops!

 

[K-C]

While we were in Sydney for Nationals and Rachuig I noticed at the two centres we went to (Bankstown and Parramatta) signs saying something along the lines of the staff were only allowed to serve alcohol to league bowlers in that centre who were bowling league at the time.

Is this just due to different regulations in NSW to here or is that something AMF have done themselves?
Just thought some one might be able to fill me in...

 

[Graham]

K-C

I think it is something to do with regulations by the liquor licencing people. If they didnt agree to these terms they wouldnt get their licence.

Im pretty sure this is how it works.

 

[androooo]

Well, after bowling last night I saw these guys walk in, and I thought, "these guys are gonna be a handful", and with that, I left.

As a former staff member of this establishment, I was disgusted to hear what had happened. The center is just getting worse and worse. There are more dickheads than ever coming in. The service is getting worse and worse. Classic example... Wednesday Night.. Had a pin in the gutter. Went to the counter to see a memeber of staff to have it removed. The staff member had his back turned talking to bowlers in league (just a social chat, not a business matter)... After standing there for 4 minutes, I proceeded to the office to get the SD, who was busy doing paper work to do the job. This was after another incident earlier in the night, where the technicians didn't bother to check to see if the lane machine was operating properly. To me, this is PISS POOR. After bringing this to the attention of the SD, who tried her best to work out what the hell was going on (which I must applaud), the tech on duty checked the lanes and ageeded. They were just covered in slime. This is what happenes week in, week out, and bowlers are getting sick of it.

For the people that do not beleive just how bad this AMF center is, in respect to the lanes, building ect, I will take photos to show the "gladwrap" effect on the lanes, where the top coat is peeling off due to the fact they they don't beleive in oil. People think that they're centers are bad. All I will say is check ours out, you'll love yours!!

Will things ever change? I hope so, but I can tell you now, I'm not holding my breath!!!!!

 

[K-C]

People think that they're centers are bad. All I will say is check ours out, you'll love yours!!

Androo, go check out Devonport and you might love yours again! At least scores are still coming out of your centre!
I am not having a go but just trying to say maybe things aren't as bad as what you think... and plenty have it worse!

Oh and Graham, thanks for that

 

[androooo]

Yes true Kace, but you would think a chain like AMF would have a little more pride about their centers.

I'm sure somebody will correct me if I'm wrong, but the last major upgrade we have had in 20 years has been a "newer" model of scoring, and a pretty mural that does jack for bowlers.

 

[K-C]

And when was Launceston's last upgrade?? Haha...
I know, I know we have somethings a lot better than you Southerners... but you don't have to stare at pretty pink walls and those lovely masking units all the time do you? :wink: lol.
Like I said, just be thankful for what you do have down there.

 

[scooter]

i hav to agree with Androo here .....

i wouldnt think there would be too many - if any AMFcentres in Australia that are in worse nick than Moonah .... specifically lane condition wise, but also general things like, service to league bowlers etc - you only hav to look at the turn over in staff and particularly managers down there in the past few years!

and as for Matt's original post, surely the boys in blue should have been called as soon as they got there! its not up to the staff to put themselves in physical danger just to get idiots out of the bowl!

 

[Tiger]

Double Post

 

[Tiger]

Quote from KC: Androo, go check out Devonport and you might love yours again! At least scores are still coming out of your centre!

I have to agree with K-C's opinion on Devonport Bowl - I refused to ever set foot in that place ever again after leaving a 2-3-6-7-10 hitting the headpin against Henry De Kaste in the 1996 State Masters.
I believe that centre has lost its Sanctioning now - I stand to be corrected.
I found a picture on Bowltech.com that best shows what Devonport is like - note the pin-spotting on Lane 6 - And this is a 9-pin Bowling Centre in Texas by the way.
http://www.bowltech.com/cgi-bin/Ima...&img=7downlane-side.jpg&img=8&tt=
I just noticed that it it doesn't show the pic - CLICK on the little red X and then click on 7 Down Laneside :wink: VOILA

In relation to why people carp about Moonah - It is very simple - If well run and maintained and all were looked after, could be an outstanding success in Australian bowling - located in a prime location on a major arterial road through the Northern Suburbs it is a goldmine waiting to happen with a lot of TLC.
Just in answer to Scott about the Police being called when they first arrived - it was the abused social bowler who rang them on his mobile. :roll:

 

[The Ref]

About the Alcohol situation, it is NSW regs that only allow league bowlers to buy alcohol.

All the Best
Rob T

 

[Bishman]

Try to get your facts right

hi all,
I'm regular league bowler that has been getting quite a laugh out of you guys with the comments regarding last Thursday's incident and other things.
Firstly I was bowling thursday night when the incident happened.
Southern Tiger, looks like you have to check your facts when submitting things on the forum, I haven't heard so much dribble in my life! I could write pages to correct your facts, but why waste my time?
About the family that left on Thursday, each time I have been in the centre since it happened I have seen the man 3 times since Thursday. Obviously it didn't scare him too much!
A bowler was hit the week earlier but not bashed, and it had nothing to do with the centre.
Southern Tiger/Androooo and others, I have a great idea for you guys... instead of slagging the centre if you have a problem, which by the sounds of things, you do.. Easy, put it in writing to AMF head office which will get more response than broadcasting on the forum. Couldn't get easier than that!!
Just want to say to all centre staff in any centre, keep up all the good work. Without you guys, the place wouldn't be running.
Most league bowlers, with me included, you guys dribble enough shit that nearly all bowlers ignore it, as they know most things you say is a load of shit and out of staffs' control.
Thankyou all, can't wait to see your posts, so post away.

A caring league bowler.

P.S. Lanes are not in a great state, Androooo, but look at how many people are averaging over 200. Hasn't been like that for years!

 

[androooo]

Re: Try to get your facts right

Hello Bishman,

I'm regular league bowler

Which league? And just out of curiosity, what's your average?

Southern Tiger/Androooo and others, I have a great idea for you guys... instead of slagging the centre if you have a problem, which by the sounds of things, you do.. Easy, put it in writing to AMF head office which will get more response than broadcasting on the forum. Couldn't get easier than that!!

Been done before by people to Regional Office, and as far as I know, Head office... Very little result was seen. The only results happened when one league threatened to walk out, but that seems to have had no effect these days.

Just want to say to all centre staff in any centre, keep up all the good work. Without you guys, the place wouldn't be running.

I totally agree, but with failing equipment, and needed supplies that apparently are not in stock, what is one to do?? You tell me, as apparently you're in the "know".

Most league bowlers, with me included, you guys dribble enough s*** that nearly all bowlers ignore it, as they know most things you say is a load of s*** and out of staffs' control.

Please, give us some examples.

P.S. Lanes are not in a great state, Androooo, but look at how many people are averaging over 200. Hasn't been like that for years!

Yes, it's called technology, and a easy oil pattern (which as far as I'm concerned, doesn't help bowlers, it helps the "wanna be" bowlers) Give Ray Charles, or Stevie Wonder the right piece of equipment, on a ditched up condition, and they'll hit the pocket all day, or am I wrong again?

I bowl Wednesday and Thursday nights, and by all means, please come and see me. I'll be more than willing to have a chat with you. Apparently you know me, so you'd probably already know that. Will be looking forward to it.

 

[Tiger]

BISHMAN :evil: :evil: :evil:
So you were there and saw it all hey? :?
The league bowlers from Centre League that were in the building at the time of that particular incident were the Huxleys, Jayson Griggs, and one or two others - thankfully most had already headed home.
If you were, as you so eloquently put it "a caring league bowler" you would NOT be particularly amused by what you saw last Thursday night, nor you would you find that it was in the best interests of the sport.
I saw 80% of what went on - the only things I didn't see was when I was buying smokes at the Service Station and having a quick chat to friends outside - I saw the rest.
Furthermore, if its such a "beat-up" why were the canteen staff and mechanic so bloody angry by what went on? And why was one of the front counter staff (a bloke called Shane - and bloody great bloke too, you know him do you?) visibly shaken by this - he told me himself it was his most difficult night ever. Perhaps you'd like to explain this sudden anomaly :roll:
Perhaps you can "enlighten" us with your wisdom and knowledge.
Next, you say that Androo and I seem to be always slagging off the centre.
I can't speak for Androo on this matter but what I will say is that I HAVE EARNED THE RIGHT To have my say on the way Moonah is run - After being a PAYING CUSTOMER of the Centre for almost 20 years - and a VERY strong financial contributor to Staff's wages at that - probably more years than you've been alive - and having been involved in the centre for the last 25 years, also a family involvement in the centre since 1969 - I WILL SAY WHAT I LIKE, WHEN I LIKE
Unlike some F***WITS that go there - I genuinely CARE about the place and want to see it move on to bigger and better things as I believe it can.
AS for your assertions that "Instead of getting on these totalbowling forums and posting crap - write to AMF instead" or similar, that is absolute bullshit.
Perhaps you might like to hark back to the time when the then Centre League President took up a petition and every member of the league signed it and he then sent it off to AMF - Jesus mate, they did a lot about that didn't they!!!!!
We mention the word "Strike-action of league bowlers" on here and a Regional Manager is on the next bloody plane down here faster than a politician getting out of a brothel raid :wink:
You having such tremendous knowledge of these things would be able to tell us the name of that League President wouldn't you, and the Regional manager who came down :?

Also, you say that you have seen the particular "social bowler" - also a league bowler - in question a number of times this week - If you ACTUALLY go back and READ what was said by this particular gentleman - he said "I'm not bringing me kid in here ever again"
Did he have his little toddler in there did he? Maybe he had a change of mind - was he social bowling at night was he? :roll: Did you speak to him and his family outside??? Obviously not :evil:
Tell us the truth Bishman - ARE YOU A STAFF MEMBER WHO IN FACT BOWLS?
They (and the social bowler and family who left) were the only ones on the lanes bowling when all of this was taking place - as you no doubt saw and would rightly remember a group of four others coming in after the police had left - they were bowling down on Lane 6 - Remember that??? :roll:
I heard a couple of comments the decent looking blond chick made, not very favourable towards the Centre - wasn't the right favourable "spin" as they say.
Personally I believe you are a staff member trying to deflect any perceived criticism over the fact that they were let in, in the first place - I hear it has been passed on to higher authorities as well.
Be very interesting to know your side of events: For example: What Lanes they were on, who was the mechanic at the time, how many chicks did they have with them, what colour top did the hottest looking chick have on etc, etc.......then I might ACTUALLY believe you.
I will agree with you on one thing - The Staff members do a great job generally under what are very trying circumstances - I will always acknowledge that.
Funnily enough while we are at it, you are the ONLY LEAGUE BOWLER I have heard actually praise the Centre as it currently stands - So is everybody wrong and you are right is that the way it is :x
YOU might think I got it wrong, you can put all the favourable spin you like on it but, I know what I saw and so do quite a few other people who were there - make no mistake about it.
The fact of the matter is, I've been chucked out for bad behaviour seven times and these guys behaved worse and it was only when things went completely overboard that the "Flat Foots" were called - so obviously the message is bowl seriously and misbehave - your chucked out for a month.
Bowl for a bit of a drunken lark - do as you like - only when you do something REALLY over the top - your out.
Bit of a double standard there wouldn't you agree.
:evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:
Bye Now
Matt Cramond