Throughout the years, I never paid much attention to the history of junior bowling; but, when I decided to write about it, I was surprised to learn of how many changes have occurred over the relatively brief history of junior bowling. When I started bowling in 1960, the youth bowling program was sanctioned through the AJBC (American Junior Bowling Congress). I guess that's why I naturally refer to any kid's bowling program as "junior bowling" rather than the more commonly used "youth bowling." I do remember that in the mid-60's, something occurred where there was a nationwide split of the junior programs and Hawaii decided to go with the YBA (Youth Bowling Association). We didn't really care much because all we wanted to do was bowl.

A guy by the name of Milt Raymer, who is in the ABC (American Bowling Congress) Hall of Fame, is credited with organizing the first recorded junior bowling competition between teams. This was a four team boy's league at a technical school in Chicago. The year is recorded as 1937. As with anything new, other schools joined in and within a short period of time, the "Chicago High School Bowling Club" was developed. Soon after, the "American High School Bowling Congress" was organized and became a nationwide competition for young bowlers.

The National Bowling Council (NBC) was organized in 1946 and took over sponsorship of the high school programs, naming it the American Junior Bowling Congress in 1947. Milt Raymer was made Executive Secretary of the national program that had grown to 8,700 members. By 1961, membership had reached 410,000.

As with any growing organization, differences of opinion developed, and in 1964, the Bowling Proprietors Association of America (BPAA), comprised of the people who owned and operated the centers across the U.S., created their own junior programs calling them the "Youth Bowling Association." Meanwhile, the AJBC continued to operate under the American Bowling Congress and the Women's International Bowling Congress.

There were many years of political maneuverings that lasted until 1982 when the Young American Bowling Alliance was created, once again uniting the AJBC and YBA. The 15-member Board of Directors for YABA consisted of equal representatives from the BPAA, ABC, and WIBC. Could this have been one of the causes of the decline in junior bowling programs that lasted for over twenty years until just recently, when a rise in youth memberships is starting to be seen?. But, I digress.

Membership figures vary; however, one figure from the mid-1990's to the early-2000's place it at 350,000 worldwide. This included 6,000 bowling centers in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and military bases. I consider this a "re-bound" figure since in 1961, membership had been 410,000. I haven't found a more recent figure but, I believe membership will continue to grow under the newest organization, the USBC.

The YABA-developed "In-School Program" united local bowling centers and bowling member organizations in an effort to revive youth bowling. The program was aimed at pre-school through junior high school and included classroom materials, instructional video tapes, and bowling equipment.

Recently, another major shift occurred with the merger of the ABC and WIBC organizations. YABA has now come under the auspices of the United States Bowling Congress (USBC). In the few short years since this happened, and with state and local associations coming on board to the concept, promotion of youth bowling programs is increasing . While it remains to be seen, the future appears to be brighter and headed in the "proper" direction. In the recent USBC national convention, the new President has placed a priority in reviving youth bowling programs at all levels and age groups from kindergarten to college.

Throughout the 1990's and 2000's, over $3 million in scholarships have been awarded to junior bowlers annually and it is a worthwhile program. There is every indication that this amount will continue to rise and benefit the youth bowlers of our future.

A Hui Hou!