Interesting question actually, I remember seeing another thread somewhere, sometime ago asking pretty much the same thing, I can't be bothered looking at the moment.
Just looking through the last two posts made here, there seems to be some quite valid points raised in relation to some of the reasons why the sport, as such, isn't taken as seriously as it perhaps should be.
I see politics as a pivotal reason for the sport going through somewhat of a "rut" in recent times in all facets of the sport - not just juniors.
Most new bowlers play the game because they want something to do during the week, a "release" from the pressures of work if you understand what I'm saying - the last thing these new players want to have to put up with is, bitching, whingeing and politics.
I have seen situations over the years in regard to this which has really made leagues VERY unpleasant and uncomfortbale to bowl in due to "infighting".
I believe the cost is another problem, wether we like it or not, the fact is, bowling - if you are going to take it seriously - is one of the most expensive sports around.
I find the pricing structure to be a bit of an embarassment in some ways - try telling a man on the phone that for him and his wife and two kids to have a couple of games of bowling - it will cost him $52
Then hold the phone away from your ear for a few seconds if you are sensitive to bad language :lol:
I realise centres do need to make money to survive and indeed prosper, and, I can't blame them for that, but I've always felt that, if you want to get more people involved, you need to make things more affordable.
It appears to me these days that bowling is more like going to the movies. You've got your nice little snack bar with over inflated prices serving you all the popcorn and coke and "fries" (another American term) you could want.
Centres used to be for bowlers when I first started, these days that's not quite so.
I believe "quasi2k" raised the point on decrepit centres in his/her post - I am not allowed to comment on that for private reasons, but let me says this, yes it does make all the difference.
"Saleboy" comments on bowlers behaviour being a problem - I think you are quite right - personally Ive done things, and yelled language that I'm not exactly proud of over the years.
I agree that perhaps a National Code of Conduct would be better being brought in rather than leaving it as a localised affair.
Trouble is, how do you police it???
What may be a joking "F**k" to one person maybe considered a "hangable offence" to another person and, you get all sorts of problems of bias in the judging of these things.
A league initiated behavioural code was bought in at Moonah in 1997 - courtesy of a growing number of complaints in leagues by mostly elderly bowlers about the growing problem of foul language and some rowdy behaviour, by bowlers partaking in alcoholic beverages - this lead to all sorts of problems.
There were allegations of bias toward certain people, allegations of specific bowers being targeted, whilst misdomeaners of other players were completely ignored - it became farcical and was eventually let go after an unsavoury incident in a league, basically split the league in two, when they were called to act as "jury members" - patently absurd - eventually more the 40% of those bowlers quit the league.
I've never had a problem with bowlers dropping the odd bit of fruity language, or whacking a chair in disgust, all bowlers are human beings after all :roll:
When the mark is overstepped somewhat, then sort it out.
With a common sense approach the game can come back in this country, most definately.
Now it's off to find the common sense.......................... :shock:
