March 1, 2008

Dear ABT Member,
It looks like the changes we made in January are having a positive effect. Everyone seems happy with the fact that we have gone back to running primarily separate division events and the lower fees have definitely helped to increase participation. As you can see by the enclosed schedule we have decided “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” As long as entries continue to grow we will continue to run most, if not all, regular singles tournaments as separate division events. We do have one combined event coming up very quickly on our schedule^[PDF], however. On SATURDAY March 22nd we are going to try our first Combination Doubles Tournament. Any two members can bowl together as a doubles team. It can be two Classic, Two Masters or one Classic and one Masters. We will handicap the team at 80% of 450 with a maximum handicap of 76 pins per game. This is a “beat the board” event with no semifinals or finals involved. Each bowler will bowl two games and your four game total plus handicap will determine your final position. Multiple cashing with different partners is allowed, but you can only cash once with the same partner. The entry fee will be $50.00 per team ($25.00 each) and first place will pay $500.00 at just 35 entries. We are going to run a special promotion for this event only. If you bring in and bowl with a new member you will receive $10.00 off the entry fee. This promotion will not apply to the guest program. The new bowler must join and pay the initial membership fee prior to bowling. If you do not have a partner and you want to bowl the doubles, just show up and we will do our best to get you teamed up with someone. There are usually bowlers looking for someone to team up with. If the doubles event is well received we will run more of them in the future.

This is not our final schedule^[PDF] for the season. We will continue to run events at least through June. In fact, if the support is there we will schedule some events for July and August as well to make this a year-round tournament club. Our entries for May and June will decide whether or not we extend through the summer. The choice is yours.

In recent weeks I have noticed that some of our members have apparently forgotten what our dress code is so I thought this might be a good time to review it. By their third tournament all members are required to have a shirt with their first and last name on the back (no other advertising allowed) and the ABT patch or logo on the chest or sleeve. All shirts must have a normal collar and sleeves. Mock collars are not allowed. No T-shirts, tank tops, muscle shirts or sweatshirts. Slacks, jeans and dress shorts are allowed. They must be clean and neat with no holes or tears. We do not allow sweat pants, jogging pants, warm up pants or athletic wear of any kind. The dress code is fully explained in the rulebook that each member receives when they join.

The ABT Spring Nationals are right around the corner. They will be taking place at Sam’s Town in Las Vegas from April 1-6. First place with full progressive for the Classic Division is guaranteed at over $40,000.00. The Masters top prize with progressive is guaranteed at $30,000.00. The deadline for entries is March 17th. Your membership dues must be current to bowl in the national event. If you are going please take the time to read the rules on the entry form.

We are now over 200 members in the Western New York Branch. March and April are two of the better months of the year to recruit new members. During your league sessions ask the opposing team members as well as your own if they are familiar with the ABT. You will be surprised by how many of them will say they have never heard of it. If everyone brings in just one new member we double in size! Remember, bring in five new members and you earn your lifetime membership. The WNY branch is now drawing more entries than several other ABT branches that were established long before we were. We are definitely headed in the right direction. With your continued help and support we can continue to grow.

Sincerely Yours,