Its not $20 for sanctioning.  We are currently paying $19.  So if state and local dues do NOT go up we're talking $24.

But our local assoc. has not raised dues in 3 or 4 years.  And we are working at a deficite.  We are the ones putting on the tournaments you want. But this $5 increase would not go to us.  State is also putting on tournaments but the $5 doesn't go to them either.  At the local level we need more money to survive.  The rate of living has gone up in 4 years and our dues have not.  Our rent for our office has nearly tripled for example.  

What are we getting for our dues and possible dues increase?  We're getting bonding as was mentioned.  We have some National tournaments.  We have a new fascility in TX.  We have Bowlopolis.  We have upcoming Virtual Membership.  We have less awards and cheaper awards.  We have less guidebooks such as league operations manuals.  Other then that I really couldn't tell you what we have.  I do know that prior to the vote for the dues increase it was mentioned that if the dues increase doesn't pass that they'd have to slash 2 million dollars somewhere.  It didn't pass.  So I guess we'll be getting less somewhere.  

Its not $20 for sanctioning.  Your local will eventually have to go up and your state as well.  Even if you only give them a dollar that's a $7 increase in one year.  Are you willing to pay $26 in yearly sanctioning fees?  

Erin

If the local needs more money, then it should raise its fees.  It really is that simple.

For all of the complaining about what USBC does or does not offer, what about the locals?

Locals run tournaments.  They assist USBC by processing membership and awards.  They assist USBC by answering questions posed by local members (hopefully giving the correct responses).  The local MAY offer additional awards (usually equally as cheap as the ones provided by USBC).  The local MAY offer a website with association information.

What great benefit am I getting from the local?

I've been involved very closely with my local, having served on the Board prior to the USBC and local merger.  My local currently charges $8 as well for its member fee.  But what benefit am I getting from it that I couldn't get alone from USBC?

Tournaments is not the answer.  While some bowlers want these, they are often sparsely attended, at least in my area.  That said, if locals disappeared and bowlers really wanted tournaments, someone would pick up the torch and run with it, creating their own tourneys.  That is the market at work...if they want it, it will be built.