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LINDSEY'S OBSERVATIONS
SANDBAGGING
(Part 2 of 2 Part Series)
By: Steve Lindsey
7/5/09
Last month I discussed the issue of sandbagging in Part 1 and identified what I considered to be three types of sandbaggers. It was nice to hear so many favorable responses, but some felt the article was too short. I intentionally made it that way as it would serve no purpose to beat a dead horse and go on and on about a subject everyone has been aware for many years. In fact, the topic has been most recently bantered around on the PBA Forum. Some of the comments I read are brutally to the point and it's clear there are a lot unhappy campers out there. I guess the only ones who would take exception to this topic and the resultant discussions would be the actual offenders or those who condone the practice?
Sandbagging Part 2 is a bit longer by design. I will refer to a few USBC Rules, and will offer considerations to those who seem ready to point fingers and call out names.
USBC RULES TO REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION: 17a. Unfair Tactics
An individual can be charged with "attempting to gain an unfair advantage" in league or tournament play for the following reasons:
1. Directly or indirectly tampering with lanes, pins or bowling balls so they no longer meet USBC specifications.
2. "Misrepresenting an average to gain a greater handicap, or qualify for a lower classification in an event".
3. "Establishing an average below the player's ability" to gain an unfair advantage in handicap or classified competition.
17b. Improper Conduct (By League Officer or Player)
An individual can also be charged with the following violation(s):
1. Engaging in "improper tactics or conduct" in connection with the game of bowling including, "but not limited to", physical and verbal abuse toward other persons.
2. Failing to distribute prize money to team members consistent with verbal or written agreements.
3. Failing to pay fees due for participation in a USBC league or tournament. (See Rule 115b for league procedures to suspend an individual for nonpayment of league fees).
4. Misusing/mishandling/misappropriation of any funds held in trust by an officer of a USBC league, an adult supervisor or coach of a youth league, or a board member of a chartered USBC local or state association.
5. Misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance of office.
Misfeasance: The performance of a lawful action in an illegal or improper manner.
Malfeasance: Wrongdoing or misconduct.
Nonfeasance: Failure to act, especially failure to do what should be done.
115a. Dismissal of a League Officer or "Player"
A league member can file a written charge asking for removal of a league officer or "dismissal of a player".
1. A "player" may be dismissed from the league or an officer removed from league office only for any of the following reasons:
a. "Conduct derogatory to the best" interest of the league.
b. Any "deliberate action" which can be "proven to be detrimental" to the best interest of the team.
c. "Violation of any USBC or league rule".
BE CERTAIN OF YOUR ACCUSATIONS AND BE ABLE TO PROVE THEM
Proving an alleged offender is, in fact, a sandbagger, requires a bit of thought and reflection. One must not only consider how to present and pursue an accusation, but the consequences as well.
Do not be quick to accuse or rush to judgment. Sometimes a bowler will experience complete mental meltdown and simply throw a ball in any direction down the lane as a matter of frustration and a desire to end the frame, or the game. This is not a sandbagging situation, but is a display of poor sportsmanship, an act most of us have committed from time to time. So, let he/she without sin cast the first stone. Certainly an argument could be made the act was not only unsportsmanlike, but constituted deliberate and detrimental conduct which is derogatory to the best interests of a player's team and/or the league.
I think this is a weak argument for the first time or casual offender and surely does not qualify as an UNFAIR TACTIC. However, if the player is unable to maintain control and persists, then appropriate disciplinary action could result, but not for sandbagging. Most leagues have established rules of conduct and set fines for violations.
What if the bowler is bowling 20 or more pins below his/her book average? Is this sufficient evidence to prove sandbagging? In this case we need to ask a few questions. Examples:
1. Has the bowler sustained some sort of injury or illness that would dramatically effect performance?
2. Has the bowler suffered serious personal issues/stress (relationship/marital problems, employment/financial problems, or other family issues)?
3. Did the bowler switch to a harder scoring house/pattern? PBA Experience League vs. house shot?
4. Is the bowler's game currently under complete transformation as a result of coaching?
If the answer is "yes" to any of these questions, then I would think it would be difficult, if not impossible, to prove sandbagging.
Sandbagging requires a concerted effort to cheat, pure and simple. It is a specific intent offense. The "attempt to gain unfair advantage" in and of itself is a violation. Repeatedly blowing spares not normally missed by a bowler, uncharacteristically throwing gutters, and a questionable attitude regarding poor scoring are all red flags. When combined, there is cause for serious concern and begs for further inquiry.
Again, there must be substantial evidence to prove a violation. However, unlike a criminal case where the reasonable doubt rule is applied, the USBC can sustain a violation based on the preponderance of evidence. Basically, there is more evidence to prove the allegation than there is to disprove it. The evidence should show a pattern which can be established by, but not limited to, recap sheets, league sheets, tournament scores, or written and verbal complaints lodged by other bowlers.
Remember, where there's smoke there's fire. Since there is power in numbers, an allegation has more weight when more than one bowler complains, so try to avoid being the sole sacrificial lamb or taking the point for others. Make it a group effort whenever possible.
The USBC does not require a bowler to personally confront another regarding suspected sandbagging, nor does the complaining party have to advise the offender's team captain. Too often a team captain is part of the sandbagging strategy, and should be considered a co-conspirator if he/she does not self-initiate corrective action long before a complaint is filed. The consequences of accusing someone of sandbagging can be long lasting. Whether or not the allegation is sustained, there will surely be hard feelings, distrust, dislike or even a strong hatred. Vicious rumors and back-stabbing is the norm. Physical altercations and threats are rare, but not uncommon. Too often friends and family members get involved, sides are taken, and the situation can rapidly deteriorate into something not anticipated or desired. It becomes a matter of alliances, pride and/or family honor.
Sounds medieval doesn't it? Let the games begin!! (Poor attempt at a little humor...sorry.)
Tact and diplomacy is often the rule of the day. Sometimes a well placed hint in the right ear will eventually get the attention of an alleged offender and no further action will be required. I believe a formal complaint should be the last resort unless circumstances dictate otherwise.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION IS NOT GUARANTEED
Sandbagging has been a cancer in our sport. It has spread far and wide and has not been properly addressed for way too long. Disciplinary action has been inconsistent and in most cases non-existent. When was the last time any of you heard of a bowler being "severely disciplined" for the act of sandbagging?
I can't recall one instance where a bowler has been dropped from a league, kicked out of a tournament, and/or had his/her USBC Card suspended for this violation. We must recognize and accept the premise the problem starts not just with the individual bowler, but also includes the team captains, league Officers, as well as the local, state and national USBC Associations.
If they are not a proactive part of the solution, then they are part of the problem! It's the prevailing lackadaisical attitude and inaction that allows sandbagging to thrive.
The USBC, as our national governing body, establishes rules to ensure the integrity and protection of our sport. Integrity is the operative word. Without fair and consistent enforcement there is no integrity or credibility and the sport will continue to suffer fewer tournament entries and smaller leagues. Don't blame the declining numbers solely on the current economic condition either!
People are sincerely fed up with the sandbaggers. I've heard the complaints and seen the results where I live and have bowled these last several years. There are a handful of bowlers who have been (and remain) very vocal about this practice.
These few are like pit bulls who have bitten your leg and just will not let go. Hopefully, their voices have been heard and a change in attitude by those in authority may be on the horizon? Apparently, someone has listened due to the fact a few people were re-rated in a recent local tournament. I applaud the tournament directors for their actions and courage, and as far as I'm concerned...they won the popularity contest. That's just my opinion.
There is so much more that could be said about this subject. Each of you has an opinion about sandbagging and may or may not agree with anything I said. You might discuss this article with others and express your thoughts considerably different than I have, and that is your right. However, we cannot turn our backs on the subject matter and pretend the problem does not exist. It demands review and debate.
Although I do not personally endorse identifying offenders by name on a web site, I do suggest the following as a means of tracking sandbaggers nationwide, and by association. Disciplinary actions taken against those with professional licenses (ie; Real Estate Agents/Brokers, Attorney's, Doctors, Dentists, Chiropractors, etc.) are posted on the official web sites of their respective governing bodies as a public advisory.
Our local, state and national associations could create a disciplinary posting displaying the following:
1. The number of disciplinary actions taken nationwide in the current year,
2. Identify the rule(s) violated.
3. Identify whether the violators were male, female, and adult orjunior bowlers.
4. The dates of disciplinary action action taken, and to include the periods of suspension (to-from).
5. Names of all associations the offender is sanctioned under.
5. Any additional information deemed relevant for reporting and tracking purposes.
Whether or not the governing bodies would choose to identify a bowler by name or USBC Card Number is a question I can't answer. Personally, I think it would cause undue embarrassment, but might be justified for those repeat offenders? Recidivists just don't get it and may deserve the embarrassment?
That's a wrap! I hope you enjoyed my perspective on sandbagging, or at least found it somewhat amusing, entertaining, and thought provoking. Keep in mind, being a member of the USBC is a privilege not a right. Abuse it and lose it.
Good luck and good bowling!
SANDBAGGING
(Part 1 of 2 Part Series)
By: Steve Lindsey
5/22/09
Recently I was approached and asked to opine on the subject of sandbagging. We are all familiar with this term and it's a sensitive subject to some, and a great concern to most. Few are willing to confront a sandbagger, yet many are so quick to stain a fellow bowler's reputation with the not so flattering label. Suffice it to say, the problem is not limited to bowling. In Part 1, I will discuss the issue of sandbagging then next month I will discuss the applicable rules and considerations.
Apparently, the term originated from the sport of golf. I guess that's somewhat of a relief, knowing we're not alone when dealing with this issue. The problem is an old one, to be sure, and it's always a hot topic on the internet blogs and in our pro shops. I just read an article on a web site dated 10/15/07, wherein, a long time 200 average bowler had quit league play eight years earlier as he was fed up dealing with sandbaggers. The situation was so bad he felt bowling was no longer a sport or a game. According to him, sandbagging reduced bowling to nothing more than entertainment. Clearly, he was not a happy camper!
Now it's my turn! I warn you I won't always be "bowlitically" correct, but I promise not to name any known or suspected sandbaggers (especially since some are friends of mine). I'm just going to provide an opinion on the subject and I'm confident it will stir a hornets nest, but, oh well!? "If the glove doesn't fit you can't convict". But if the ball does...hmmmm, it speaks for itself.
MY DEFINTION OF A SANDBAGGER: A bowler who "intentionally" performs below his/her potential or skill level in order to obtain unfair advantage in current or future competition.
TYPES OF SANDBAGGERS: Examples only and to include, but not limited to the following:
1. The Obvious or Notorious Sandbagger: A bowler who cares less if anyone notices or suspects he/she is intentionally scoring low. This is a bowler who openly sandbags, mostly participating in handicap leagues.
2. The Subtle or Cautious Sandbagger: This is the sneak, a bowler who some suspect of sandbagging, yet he/she scores well enough at times to provide room for doubt. No one is sure what to make of this bowler, but the gut instinct remains. There are two types of this particular sandbagger. The first is one who sometimes moves to, or just shows up in an area and is unknown by the locals. The sandbagger joins a league and performs so-so. No one ever checks on the subject to see if anyone has any history or warnings to share and only the book average is confirmed. Soon the bagger is cashing in brackets, side pots, weekend pot games and tournaments, but careful not to win too much, or too often. He/she prefers to bowl such contests in cities other than where they reside in order to stay off the radar. Another type of subtle or cautious sandbagger is home grown. This bowler has been bowling locally for a several years, is well liked, but never books an average higher then 150-185, yet seems to miraculously average 30 or more pins higher in tournaments more often that not. They may own top of the line equipment, and may even have a personal coach and/or practice three-four times a week. Coupled with their handicap, these bowlers enjoy a profitable combination. Do not confuse either of these type of bowlers with the "Action Bowlers" of the past. They do not possess near the same talent and bowling is not their primary source of income, nor would it be enough to sustain them.
3. The Strategic Sandbagger: This is usually the scratch bowler who will perform well enough to win a majority of his/her individual points and score sufficiently to allow wins for team totals (games and series). They know when to mark or string strikes, and when they blow a frame of two. This bowler's average will drop substantially once the team has won a "round" and secured a place in the league roll-offs. During roll-offs the sandbagging bowler will make every effort to roll an honor score each and every game and later laughs all the way to the bank with mission accomplished. There is an exception for the strategic sandbagger and that is when it comes to brackets during league play. Money first, bagging second.
Take special note, a sandbagger does not have to be confined to any one category, but can shift from one to another. Kind of a hybrid or shape shifting bowler. Sci-fi bowling at it's best!
In summary, a sandbagger's objective is:
1. To obtain and maintain a high handicap for league play, sweeps, and tournaments.
2. To maintain an average low enough to allow a teams roster to remain intact for the consecutive seasons (This is a well planned strategy commonly found is scratch leagues with a team cap).
3. Utilize the unfair advantage for monetary enrichment.
It just makes sense to me that no one in their right mind would want to be accused of sandbagging. The term carries with it nothing less than the implication or condemnation one is a "cheater". The bottom line here is GREED! It's all about a fist full of dollars and has nothing to do with the thrill of winning in fair competition. Sandbagging is out of control and unfortunately has become an acceptable behavior within certain factions of the bowling community. It was created, has evolved, and has thrived over the decades. It remains a thorn in our sides, a constant complaint. Give it some thought!
Good luck and good (legitimate) bowling!
THE AGING BOWLER
By: Steve Lindsey
This month I decided to write about something all bowlers should consider with some concern and interest. That is, regardless of our present age we all are, in fact, aging, and at some point in our lives the aging process will creep up and lessen our ability to perform well on a consistent basis. I speak of this with certainty and knowledge as I continue to experience and deal with this issue on a daily basis, both as a bowler and in my every day routine away from the alleys. Yes, I said "alleys" not entertainment facility or center.
At some age, which will differ from person to person, bowlers will notice they may have developed a hitch in their getalong, pains in the neck, back, hips, ankles, shoulders and joints. Ball speed slows a bit and hitting a target becomes a little more difficult as scoring fluctuates like an EKG. At times our performance tends to have more highs and lows than the Grand Canyon. The question is, "How much of the aging process can actually be attributed to the decline of one's bowling ability and what can we do about it?"
Not long ago I read an article by Joe Slowinski (dated February 7, 2008) which clearly addressed the subject matter. Joe is a well known and highly respected bowler, a PBA Member, IPBSIA Pro Shop Technician, and a USBC Certified Silver Coach who presently teaches at the Kegel Center. Coach Slowinski summarized the findings of a study on the subject which had been published in the "Journal Of Age and Aging" (October 2007). I found the information both enlightening and encouraging for all bowlers. Statistical data provided in the article "Declines in Ten-Pin Bowling Performance with Advancing Age" (October 2007), collected by researchers Allison Devan and Hirofumi Tanaka from The Department of Kinesiology and Health Education at the University of Texas, show 40% of the decline in performance is due to age. However, they further conclude the ability of professional and master bowlers will only decline approximately 8% over a 50 year period (ages 20-70 for elite bowlers). Most notably was the ability to maintain performance up to age 45 with subsequent decreases thereafter. The slow decline was directly attributed to the skill and techniques of the bowlers who fit into these two categories. In other sports, the researchers found age was a major factor in the declination of an athletes performance as evidenced by the fact there is a 10% decline for each decade aged. Why? Well, the simple answer is bowling depends more on (again) SKILLS and TECHNIQUES, whereas, other sports rely more on cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength. That makes sense.
We all need to listen to our body and read the signs of aging early enough to adequately cope with and adapt to the process. Understanding and accepting these natural events will permit bowlers to extend their careers. Denying the fact one is getting older and simply covering up substandard performances with a plethora of excuses can only result in mounting frustration and feeling sorry for yourself.
So what are the signs? Well, there's a bunch of them to be sure and I will comment on but a few. 30% of us over the age of 60 will experience some hearing impairment, visual impairments begins in the late 30's and early 40's, many bowlers will suffer (to some extent) from early orthopedic problems (arthritis and osteoporosis) and they will only worsen over time, others may experience hand and foot pain due to the fact joints stiffen as ligaments between the bones start to lose some elasticity. Slight, gradual changes are common and should be expected so don't be alarmed or panic. However, sudden or dramatic changes could signal a very serious health concern and should be immediately addressed with a physician. Injuries, illnesses and stress are a few issues which must be added to the limited list along with excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and illegal drugs and narcotics as they often develope into serious medical problems and complications.
So, how do we cope with and adapt to these changes? Here are two helpful lists, one dealing with every day life and
the other is bowling specific.
LIFESTYLE
1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
2. Drink sufficient fluids.
3. Eat nutritious foods.
4. Get adequate sleep.
5. Get regular checkups from a physician, dentist, and optometrist/opthamologist.
6. Take medication as prescribed.
7. Maintain healthy social and personal relationships.
8. Practice a positive attitude.
9. Exercise
10. If you are a religious person, practice your faith and attend services on a regular basis.
11. Read.
BOWLING:
1. Do sufficient stretching exercises before rolling the first ball.
2. Consider a slower approach.
3. Consider changing number of steps taken in your approach.
4. Consider a slower ball speed.
5. Consider dropping ball weight.
6. Consider changing your push away/armswing.
7. Consider changing your targeting distance.
8. Wear braces and wraps if they are necessary for joint support
9. Be a little more erect at the foul line (at point of release) if necessary to relieve pain and take pressure off of your back and slide knee.
10. If necessary, obtain coaching from a qualified and reputable coach who can recognize and understand your aging issues and limitations. He/she can then develop a transitional program that is specifically designed for you.
Well, there it is so don't despair. As long as we stay healthy, stay sharp with practice and tweak our games a bit in order to stay competitive, our bowling careers can be extended considerably. Coach Slowinski's best example was a reference to the 2008 PBA Tour. 60% of the top bowlers were 40 years old or older. The continued performances and successes by household names like Walter Ray Williams Jr., Pete Weber, and Norm Duke clearly substantiate the fact their KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and TECHNIQUES have kept them in the money. Need more proof? Just look at the bowlers and scores produced in the PBA Senior Tour or even our own WCST and SST. Hey, Glenn Allison still amazes me!
I must now take a Motrin, drink a swig of Geritol and take a nap. As always, good luck and good bowling.
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PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT
By Steve Lindsey)
Scratch bowlers spend a lot of money on leagues, tournaments, and practice. We are always trying to improve our game and perfect it as best as possible. Why? We want to win! We want to show case our skills, win often, and walk away a little richer. No one enters an event or joins a scratch league with a losing attitude. If there is someone like that, then please, just give us your checks and don't bother bowling.
As scratch bowlers we have made a substantial investment and need to protect it. However, when bowling singles we have no one to blame for poor scores, other than ourselves. But what can we do to protect our investment when it comes to team events? Well, I've given that some thought and came up with three suggestions.
1. Find a good match of personalities: This is critical. If you and a teammate(s) do not get along and mesh well, most likely there will be conflict, regret, and a good chance team scores will suffer. Competing and winning will surely become a chore and a struggle. This doesn't mean you can't bowl with someone you personally do not care for. However, unless bowlers put aside their personal differences and agree to act and bowl as a team, friction will result and the situation will rapidly deteriorate and become uncomfortable for all.
2. Trust your teammates ability: "Trust is a must, otherwise you bust". We usually hear that phrase when on the lanes, but it is also applies to the team as a whole. Team members need to have faith in each others ability to perform and score well. Negativity and a lack of faith is a formula for losing.
3. Practice together and have a strategy: Teammates need to practice together, period! They should share advice and knowledge of the game as well as make suggestions for specific equipment (balls, drillings and surfaces). Practice time is great for coaching and video taping, especially if the team is preparing for a tournament. Strategies need to be developed on how to attack certain patterns, how to break them down and adjust to transitions (either by moving, using different hand positions, or selecting another ball). Additionally the team needs to discuss how to key off of each other as well as other bowlers.
Everyone looks for an advantage. These three suggestions should be helpful to those of us who love this sport and are serious about protecting our investments and giving ourselves the best possible chance of winning in team events.
Our attitude towards ourselves, the game, our fellow teammates and opponents will dictate our successes. Pressure should be welcomed and appreciated as it will take us to the next level. So stay loose, stay focused and stay in the moment!
Good luck and good bowling.
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BOWLING BALL SELECTION
(By Steve Lindsey)
Buying bowling balls solely based on the information supplied by the displayed manufacturers charts and videos,or simply by watching someone else roll a ball could result in a very dissapointing, confusing, frustrating and expensive purchase.
This is common with the intermediate and beginning bowlers, but can also be observed with some of our higher average bowlers as well.
All bowlers need to KNOW their game. They need to know their limitations, their strengths and weaknesses, and what will work, and what will not work for them.
This is critical when selecting any equipment (bowling balls, shoes, inserts, and even tape).
I urge you not to be in a rush to buy the newest and latest equipment on the market as soon as it has been released.
Wait two or three months after the release and see what the bowlers are saying, then investigate.
I do not execute a release like PBA touring starsTommy Jones or Mike DeVaney, nor do I roll a ball like local greats Steve Smith, Danny Sustaita or Doug Rice.
My release, ball speed and rev rate is completely different so I cannot expect to have the exact same ball reaction or results. I find I have to many problems with the expensive aggressive equipment that have a strong mass bias, so I tend to gravitate towards the mid-priced balls.
They work just fine for me and allow better control under most conditions. Furthermore, Ebonite seems to be the ball of choice for me even though I have a few balls from other manufacturers.
You may find Storm, Brunswick or other equipment is a much better match for you. A few weeks ago Doug Rice purchased a Cell Pearl and then proceeded to shoot 803-1050 in league play (the evening he bought the ball).
I heard he rolled an 825 this week using the same equipment. I imagine Doug really likes that particular ball and suspect he speaks highly about the reaction and performance it provides.
Suffice it to say the number of Cell Pearls sold in the area have substantially increased as a result of high scoring by Doug and others. Do you think Wes Malott's continued success with the Cell and Cell Pearl has any affect on Roto Grip's national sales? Absolutley! Do you think those balls will be great for everyone? Probably not.
We must remember the touring pros, both the men and women, are marketing tools and aids for their sponsors. Yes, they are out there making a living by competing, winning titles and becoming part of bowling history, but it is clear by the exhibition of their large lettered bill board bowling shirts and patches they are also performing advertisements.
If a pro does not perform to an acceptable level he/she will no longer be on staff. Sometimes a pro will elect to voluntarily change sponsors/manufactures because someone elses equipment has better reaction and is more suited to his/her game.
I do think it's a nice touch the PBA is now allowing the viewers to know exactly what balls are being used by the pros during the televised finals. Maybe one day they will tell us about the surface and drill patterns used in those matches?
In closing, I can only reiterate the need for you to educate yourself with as much information as you can. Talk to and watch knowledgeable bowlers who have a game that closely matches yours, watch the vidoes, read the charts and internet reviews or chat room discussions.
Take advantage of the seminars conducted by ball reps (where you can try their pre-drilled equipment), consult your pro-shop owner and/or coach then make an informative and wise decision. Select the best ball for your game and have it drilled and surfaced for the house and lane conditions you expect to compete on.
There is no such thing as too much information. However, too little information can lead to regret and the, "I told you so".
Good luck and good scoring!
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