Valid points Tony, I think I have alluded to something similar but in regards to juniors and the type of patterns they are playing on in some tournaments.
I guess the guys that bowl Seniors can look at it a few ways, never going to please every body, but personally, I would envisage easier conditions than general open adult tournaments should be the norm as things need to be taken into account.
These things include age (not being ageist), knowledge and ability.
Age comes down to those guys and girls getting on in years, who have spent years in the bowling game, when it comes to shorter patterns, or any pattern where speed makes a difference, why submit them to something like that. Knowledge, some people just like to bowl and not worry about the science, its fair enough, and ability, most of the guys that are leading the rankings have been doing it for years before and will probably do it for years to come, however, spare a thought for those guys that used to be in and around the bubble at tournaments on tougher conditions, they are now eligible for playing seniors on what they perceive to be slightly easier conditions, do you think that would influence their decision to enter? I reckon so.
It is almost the same as what I feel should be done for juniors, sure have the tougher sport patterns, but only to a degree. In my opinion, especially for juniors, there is no point dumping them into a tough as hell pattern (last years nationals come to mind) as most don't have the knowledge, training or experience to deal with it (same 3 reasons above). My belief is that if you want to look at the laying different patterns to see who can bowl and be successful bowling different areas of lane, by all means lay conditions that dictate a type of shot should be played, but back off the severity until they become accustomed and experience in it.
