Joining a bowling league can be a great way to improve your bowling skills and bond with colleagues. If you’re interested in taking the leap and joining your first bowling league, here are some simple guidelines to help you get started.
Choosing the Right Bowling Center
Before committing to a league, it’s important to find the right bowling center for you. Most cities have multiple bowling centers to choose from, so take the time to explore your options. Consider the location and convenience of the center for both yourself and potential team members. It’s also a good idea to bowl a game or two at a potential center to get comfortable with the surroundings and see if it feels like the right fit.
Getting in Touch with the League Coordinator
Once you’ve found a bowling center that suits your needs, reach out to the control desk personnel and ask to speak with the league coordinator or manager. They are responsible for organizing bowling leagues and can provide you with the necessary information to sign up for the upcoming season. If you feel you need some coaching before joining a competitive league, inquire about any instructional leagues that may be available. Many centers offer free coaching sessions for bowlers who are signing up for a league.
Finding the Right League for You
Ask the league manager at your chosen center for a list of leagues scheduled to start in the next season. Look for a league that is suitable for your experience or skill level, so you can join a team of bowlers who are at a similar stage.
As a new adult bowler, joining a low team average handicap league is often a great place to start. Handicap leagues ensure fair competition by assigning averages to bowlers until they establish their own or retroactively apply their initial average after bowling a few games. This way, you can compete against bowlers of varying skill levels and have an equal chance of winning.
Getting to Know Your Team
Once you’ve decided to join a league and have been assigned to a team, it’s a good idea to get together with your new teammates for some practice sessions. This will help you become familiar with each other’s playing styles and build camaraderie.
Competing in a league is much easier when you feel comfortable and relaxed around your teammates. It’s also a good opportunity to discuss goals and expectations for the upcoming season.
Find out if there are any specific average scores or personal goals that your teammates want to achieve. Understanding each other’s goals will contribute to a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Consider Team Equipment and Alternates
To enhance the spirit of teamwork, you might consider investing in personalized bowling balls, shoes, and bags as a team. Matching team shirts can also create a sense of unity and make you feel like a cohesive unit during games. Check with your local bowling pro shops, as they may offer discounts for league or team purchases.
Finding a League Online
If you haven’t had success finding a league through bowling center personnel, you can also utilize the internet to find a bowling league in your city. Major bowling chains such as AMF and Brunswick have websites that provide details about league requirements, fees, and contact information for league officers. Reach out to inquire about openings for individuals or new teams.
Joining the United States Bowling Congress (USBC)
Once you’ve joined a league, your league Secretary will assist you in becoming a member of the United States Bowling Congress (USBC). This organization is the sanctioning body for bowling and establishes the rules and regulations of play. By joining the USBC, you’ll receive a sanctioning card that allows you to participate in league competitions.
Enjoying Your Bowling League Experience
Remember, the primary goal of a league is to have fun and enjoy yourself. Handicap leagues often foster goodwill among bowlers and create a friendly competitive atmosphere. Participating in handicap tournaments as a team can be rewarding, as the handicap system ensures fair competition, and you have the opportunity to compete for prizes or monetary rewards. As you progress and improve your skills, you can consider joining more challenging leagues that align with your higher average.
Bowling Leagues for Everyone
Bowling leagues cater to different demographics and preferences. There are senior leagues available for adults aged 55 and older at every bowling center in America. Similarly, there are junior leagues for young bowlers aged 18 or below. There are leagues for men, women, and mixed leagues where you can bowl with family and friends at various levels of competition.
Here are the best bowling balls to use in a league: