ABLOOO - Help Run the League

Save the Cheerleader, Save the World

A Note From Randy

It was only 26 days after September 11, 2001. A Bowling League Of Our Own debuted on the Sunday America began bombing the Taliban in Afghanistan, October 7, 2001. A lot has happened since then, in the world and in Our League. But at least one thing hasn't changed:

I've been doing all the work.

This is, of course, not true. Steve creates, updates and photo-populates the web site. Kathleen is our interface with Lincoln Square Lanes, and arranges the catering for the year-end league party, at which Michael is our MC Extraordinaire, Kim designed the league logo, built the first championship trophy, and contributed other design/poster artwork. And everyone else shows up and bowls - a commitment of time and energy without which there would be no league. Thank you!

However.

There are a fair amount of recurring tasks that have to happen in order to maintain some semblance of an actual bowling league. And I know from my considerable experience of being me, that after a few years of running something, I eventually start to realize I'm not going to do it forever.

But this league is too big, too fun, too ablooo not to support with every resource we have.

So.

I'd like to propose that you gradually share in and eventually take over some of the work.

We have 12 teams. Talk it over - maybe we create an administrative body comprised of one person from each team. Or maybe each team offers to take charge of one area, and share that responsibility any way they choose. Doesn't have to be right away; doesn't have to happen all at once. (Unless an errant bowling ball escapes the balcony and finds my noggin, in which case you're all on your own.)

To help you evaluate how you might prefer to chip in, I've listed some of the areas that recur. Click on - or hover over - each link for an overview of what's involved.

Helping out with the bowling league would be a great New Years Resolution, no? Whadya think?

Please check out these links, give it a little thought, and email your ideas to me at r_guy2@hotmail.com or call me at 773-588-3784.

Thanks!
- Randy

Find out more about how you can help:

ScorekeepingScorekeeping

We've got a software program that's specifically for administering a bowling league. Type in the scores and it spits out the standings. Having entered the scores, you have to output them too, both in printed form to distribute on Bowling Night, and in electronic form for the web site and/or emails. Not difficult, but has to be done in a timely manner.

The software program is a few years old by now, so you could certainly look into finding a newer version you could set up the way you like, instead of taking over in the middle of the current one. Up to you.

PROS: You get to see the standings before anyone else, and can look at all kinds of stats on every bowler. Perfect for stats geeks!

CONS: None, really, except that you simply must get them done in time for bowling. And send them to the webmaster.

Bowling NightBowling Night

Lane Assignments. Special Announcements. Who Still Owes Money.

Post standings and averages. Track attendance, communicate about missing bowlers.

Collect and deliver $9 each for Lincoln Square Lanes. Assure all scores are reported, legible, and safely transferred to scorekeeper. Don't lose anything.

PROS: You really know what's going on with every team and bowler in the league. And everyone says nice things to you ...

CONS: ... except when they don't. Any complaints or suggestions come your way, and you have to decide what to do about them. Doesn't happen often.

Special EventsSpecial Events

Opening Night. Halloween Costume Contest. ABlooody Mary New Year. Super Bowl Poool. Red Pin Night in March. Any other seasonal vagaries or special events you can dream up. And of course the end-of-the-year League Party - the biggest Special Event of the year.

These could all be handled by the same people, or by different people for each event. They're generally not a ton of extra work, but you do have inflexible deadlines. Bowling Night is Bowling Night, and ya gotta be ready!

PROS: It's only once a year, and it's really fun.

CONS: It's a big job.

League PartyLeague Party

Our biggest night of the season, the most expensive, unique from all the others, the most complicated, and arguably the most fun. Here's what you've got, and each is it's own sub-project entailing planning, logistics and finances:

• Food
• Bar
• Silly Bowling or Worthy Alternative
• Awards & Prizes
• Statistics / Results Posters

Let me know if you'd like to find out more about any of these areas.

Randy
773-588-3784
r_guy2@hotmail.com

Awards & PrizesAwards & Prizes

Everyone can help, any time!

You're shopping. You see a stupid and cheap bowling-related tchotckie. You say to your shopping companion, who just happens to be your teammate, "Hey, that'd make a pretty funny prize for the bowling league, wouldn't it!"

Buy it. The league will reimburse you. I've been buying this crap for six years and I'm running out of ideas.

Start shopping today!

MoneyMoney

My least favorite responsibility, but one of the most important.

We've got a checking account set up for the league. You collect the league fees, keep track of who paid and bug people who didn't, put the moolah in the account, and write checks when we spend money, which is mostly at the end of the season in the springtime.

Good with bookkeeping? We need you!

PROS: You handle a lot of money.

CONS: You handle a lot of money.

CommunicationsCommunications

My favorite job, 'cause it's mostly writing emails keeping everyone up to date on upcoming events. Easy!

PROS: Easy and fun, and you're connected with everyone in the league.

CONS: Only if you don't speak English.

The Web SiteThe Web Site

Steve does this. And he's always receptive of content, so please feel free to contribute articles, photos, questions, or anything else you'd like.

Send to ablooo@comcast.net

ABLOOO Trivia:

Q: Can you name the 12 bowlers who have been in the league since its inception?A: Randy, Kathleen, Bruce, Tina, John, Michael, Kim, Tom, Bob, Rose, Steve, Brenda.

Q: Only one team has the same members now as when the league began. Which team?A: Randy, Kathleen, Bruce, Tina, and John began their ABLOOO existence as the pin Ladens, changing to the Alley Cats in 2004-2005.

Q: Only one team still has the same name now as when the league began. Which team?A: Tornado Alley has been there from the start. Michael, Kim, and Tom's original teammate, Joey, was replaced by Tom's wife, Nancy, in 2003-2004.

Q: Who threw out the ceremonial First Ball on Lane 1 in 2001?A: Michael and Kim's son Zane, then almost 10 years old.

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