WHAT HAS CHANGED?

If you wanted to briefly sum up the bowling business's current state of affairs, the phrase "stumbling giant of recreation" would be appropriate. Frequently we hear the expression, "Bowling is not what it used to be!" Indeed, most everyone associated with the sport supports this view.

Those who experienced the "boom years" of growth and prosperity now look upon this current state with lament and misgiving, while those whose introduction to the game is relatively recent accept the game's present position as the standard modus operandi; yet, intuitively, they too share with the "old timers" the regret that today's bowling hasn't more to offer in terms of scope and popularity.

Although this unison exists in the appraisal, when one asks why this continued recession and erosion, a deluge of reasons are quickly submitted, for the most part, all differing significantly. However, one manifestation is recognized in most of the answers - the tendency to self-exonerate.

• It is critical for any organization to have a comprehensive strategic plan. An organization without a plan acts randomly in trying to solve its problems. Random actions give random results and eventually failure. ABC has demonstrated that principle for the last two decades.
• This is clearly a mandate for change. However, change is painful. Our natural tendency is to resist change. We are comfortable with the status quo as the administrators of the sport. But our members are not satisfied with the status quo.
• In summary, Will Rogers once said, "Even if you are on the right track, you'll still get run over if you just sit there." Very appropriate words for the ABC. It has been on the right track for more than 100 years, but it has been just sitting there for the last few decades and the train is fast approaching. ABC either must start moving, get hit by the train or get off the track. Frankly, ABC is planning to start moving.

"Certainly it is easy to appreciate the ABC's position. Its job is one of the most difficult ones in the industry; consequently, its frequent demonstration of deliberation and diplomacy is somewhat understandable. However, as understandable as it may be, and as safe as this course may seem, it prevents us from reaching many sought-after destinations; destinations that can only be reached by crossing the high seas - a rough voyage, but, nevertheless, an assured and highly rewarding one with proper seamanship."

I offer the above two paragraphs not to toot my horn, but to applaud and bolster the ABC's new position. Understand that without the ABC and the WIBC, the sport would be aimless and unmanageable. The importance of these two groups cannot be too heavily stressed. Since 1895, bowling can measure much of its progress with the growing sophistication and development of these two bodies. My goodness, they represent 104 years of tradition! How many sports have an organization that can rival that?

In summary, the ABC's problems stem not from what it did, but from what it did not do. Apathy has long been its discreditor. The Dalkin-Mordini team has acknowledged that. Even more, they have committed to rectifying the problem. In turn, their frankness and resolve deserve nothing less than the support and encouragement of everyone involved with bowling.