Two guys were talking about the "beginner" bowling league they were watching. The gist of it was that they could never bowl in a "lower-level" league again because their averages were too high. It didn't seem as though either of the two gentlemen had ever talked to the league secretary or anyone else in the league about bowling with them.

Over the years I have heard that argument many times - in fact, I said similar words at one time or another. Now, however, with my broader and aged view of the world (not necessarily smarter or wiser, just broader), my opinions have become a bit more tolerant towards thoughts like that. While I participate in scratch leagues and tournaments where all the bowlers tend towards the 200+ plateau, I also bowl in competitions that have a mix of averages and genders.

I believe people should look at bowling in leagues not with self-serving thoughts; but, from the challenges that bowling in a fun league will give you. Let's face it many of them are there for the social aspects and are not as serious as you are. So what are some of the challenges, you ask?

This "Choc-List" explains:

1) There are a wider variety of bowling ball coverstocks. Rubber, plastic, dull urethanes, and of course, reactive resin. When bowling with higher average bowlers, 99 percent will be using reactive resin and the plastic only comes out for spares.

2) Everyone is playing a different line, many of them not even having a system for aiming. In scratch leagues, people are generally playing around the 10-board to the 15-board and hooking the ball.

3) A more relaxed atmosphere prevails during the course of the bowling night. There is more talk of things not related to bowling. Most of the talk during scratch competition centers around lines, areas, bowling balls, and other technical aspects of the sport.

4) The pace of bowling tends to be slower because there are much more two-ball frames and individuals socializing between frames. Two-and-a-half hours for three games in a 3-person league is common; in a league of higher average bowlers, an hour-and-a-half to two hours is the norm.

To summarize, the oil moves around the lane more dramatically, your concentration level will be difficult to maintain and, slower bowling does not help your momentum if you start stringing strikes. How's them challenges?

A Hui Hou! (See You Again!