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Author Topic: Is Bowling Really Becoming More Populae  (Read 6618 times)

Rileybowler

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Is Bowling Really Becoming More Populae
« on: July 23, 2019, 10:11:53 PM »
I have a whole lot of used bowling balls some of which have not been used much at all, so I thought I would like to donate to youth bowling so I inquired at my bowling establishment (AMF) and they said they no longer have youth leagues so I sent the USBC representative for my area asking him if he could put me in touch with a youth league representative so I could donate equipment to them  and he told me about a bowling establishment that has a rack for used equipment that they sell it and donate to youth bowling. I was wondering if this is the norm now or that it is just my area where it seems youth bowling is not doing well at all, this is Richmond Va. area so there are plenty of youth around and I know that there used to be a lot of youth bowling going on but not now.  How are youth bowling leagues doing in your area?
Carl
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Bowlaholic

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Re: Is Bowling Really Becoming More Populae
« Reply #1 on: July 24, 2019, 06:50:44 AM »
The two local bowling centers which are privately owned work very closely with the local middle and high schools promoting the sport.  Each high school has a bowling club which participates in local and regional tournaments. 
Each house has a Saturday morning youth league with approximately 60 kids participating at each center. 
In addition, they each sponsor a adult/youth league during the fall/winter season.
These efforts are not new.  They have been going on for quite a few years and have produced a  number a elite bowlers who have won on the PBA regional level.

HankScorpio

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Re: Is Bowling Really Becoming More Populae
« Reply #2 on: July 24, 2019, 08:48:50 AM »
Is anyone claiming bowling is becoming more popular?

That said, youth bowling is doing pretty well around here (northeast Ohio). One thing that helps, IMO, is a strong, local collegiate bowling program in the area.

BowlingForDonuts

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Re: Is Bowling Really Becoming More Populae
« Reply #3 on: July 24, 2019, 11:37:41 AM »
Youth bowling seems fairly robust here in Phoenix as well.  My son's league is not hurting for teams and some of the other centers show up in force at the youth tournaments.  Bowling scene here in general is pretty strong though what with our population growth and snowbirds.  USBC imo has done their finest work at the junior level from what I see.  Definitely a priority for them.
« Last Edit: July 24, 2019, 11:48:35 AM by BowlingForDonuts »
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avabob

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Re: Is Bowling Really Becoming More Populae
« Reply #4 on: July 24, 2019, 11:46:26 AM »
The face of youth bowling has changed over the years just as adult bowling has.  Organized sanctioned leagues have long been on a decline, but overall recreational popularity has remained strong.   At the competitive level there is now junior gold and other outlets for the truly avid juniors that was not available years ago.   

Many more people, especially kids, prefer bowling to golf at both the recreational level, and organized league kevel

Rileybowler

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Re: Is Bowling Really Becoming More Populae
« Reply #5 on: July 24, 2019, 01:01:12 PM »
I am pleased that youth bowling is doing so well in many places although it seems to be suffering in the Richmond Va. area.
Carl
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Juggernaut

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Re: Is Bowling Really Becoming More Populae
« Reply #6 on: July 24, 2019, 09:30:12 PM »
I'll believe it when I see it.
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Pinbuster

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Re: Is Bowling Really Becoming More Populae
« Reply #7 on: July 25, 2019, 05:53:15 AM »
In general I would say no but you need some context to frame the question.

What periods are you comparing to today?

If you are saying more popular than 30 years ago then no, bowling on any level is not as popular as it was then.

If you are comparing to 2 years ago? 5 years ago? I don't know.

I know around here youth leagues participation is very low to non-existent.

There are several very good youth bowlers around competing at higher levels and high school bowling still does reasonably well. But as far as total numbers of bowlers in organized leagues those numbers are down.

Kegler300800

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Re: Is Bowling Really Becoming More Populae
« Reply #8 on: July 25, 2019, 11:03:18 AM »
It's great that the USBC is growing youth bowling. I've seen it here in Metro Detroit, too.

Take it from a youth coach of 20+ years, the problem the USBC is not addressing is moving these kids into adult leagues. it is my opinion, looking at kids I've seen go through youth bowling, that only 1 in 10 move up to adult leagues.

It's easy to bowl on mom and dad's money, but once they have to spend their own money on bowling, they just stop or blame outside influences. To me these are all excuses.

The USBC needs a program that encourages youth bowlers to move into adult leagues.
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Dave81644

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Re: Is Bowling Really Becoming More Populae
« Reply #9 on: July 25, 2019, 12:01:36 PM »
I can say that ball manufacturing is up, reportedly, EBI can not keep with demand. 
Not sure if that is across the board, but they and Storm dominate the balls sold market every year.  Possibly make up 80% or more of all balls sold in the world

Bowler19525

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Re: Is Bowling Really Becoming More Populae
« Reply #10 on: July 25, 2019, 02:02:13 PM »

The USBC needs a program that encourages youth bowlers to move into adult leagues.


I am really not sure this is the job of the USBC.  People who want to bowl will continue to bowl.  People who stop bowling once they are out of junior leagues and school programs most likely never really had their heart in it.

We have a substantial junior scholarship bowling program in my area, and some of the kids go to Junior Gold, go to colleges that offer bowling programs, etc.  Those kids tend to stay bowlers once they graduate.

Other kids only do it because the parents push them to do it and pay for it, they *might* get some small scholarship fund out of it, and it is something to do on a Saturday morning.  However a large majority of them aren't really in to it, and quit once they are out of the league.

Unfortunately, kids these days are programmed to ask "what is in it for me" when it comes to participating in things.  When they ask the USBC "What is in it for me to keep bowling on adult leagues?", and the USBC has no answer other than "fun and camaraderie", the young bowlers will say "ok...I'm out!  see ya!"

Honestly, the USBC doesn't offer any incentives or enticement to bowl on adult leagues.  It  boils down to a desire of the actual bowler to want to devote the time and expense to participate for their own personal satisfaction and sense of accomplishment.  When that feeling [or the time and available money] goes away is when most die-hard bowlers walk away from the sport.

BowlingForDonuts

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Re: Is Bowling Really Becoming More Populae
« Reply #11 on: July 25, 2019, 03:10:33 PM »
Important to keep in mind popularity of bowling does not necessarily equal league or tournament participation as well.   Some people love bowling but hate people or maybe hate commitment or don't enjoy the sport side.  Bowling the sport is hurting more than the game imo.
« Last Edit: July 25, 2019, 03:13:18 PM by BowlingForDonuts »
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JOE FALCO

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Re: Is Bowling Really Becoming More Populae
« Reply #12 on: July 25, 2019, 04:59:54 PM »
Everyone seems to be dancing around the fact that bowling has become to EXPENSIVE. The cost tied to lineage,equipment and equipment update is not something that the average Joe can spend .. now pros are going to come back with cost of drinks.movies and meals and try to make it look like bowling costs are justified .. however it is NOT TRUE! Young folks are having trouble meeting living costs .. add to that bowling and it just doesn't work!
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leftybowler70

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Re: Is Bowling Really Becoming More Populae
« Reply #13 on: July 25, 2019, 06:28:03 PM »
Important to keep in mind popularity of bowling does not necessarily equal league or tournament participation as well.   Some people love bowling but hate people or maybe hate commitment or don't enjoy the sport side.  Bowling the sport is hurting more than the game imo.

Absolutely nailed it, spot on. ^^^^

itsallaboutme

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Re: Is Bowling Really Becoming More Populae
« Reply #14 on: July 25, 2019, 06:31:45 PM »
$20/week for league and a few hundred a year for equipment is not an expensive hobby.  Talk to people about their boats, atv's, horses, guns, golf clubs, high end softball bats and they will tell you bowling is cheap.