When the USBC was borne of the former ABC, WIBC, and YABA, local and state associations were given the option to merge. Many did not and it is futile to bemoan the past. The USBC would like everyone to merge, and so have annually supported the merger legislation.
Merger
This is an odd one to fight for because the process of merger could, frankly, cost me my job. Fortunately, I saw Star Trek II and so understand the needs of the many versus the needs of the few. Or the one. Even though I can't do that thing with my right hand.As an elementary illustration, a merger dissolves all existing organizations and creates a new one. Only assets and liabilities are combined. Some budget items, such as the Fred G. Engelke scholarship fund would retain their independent status. Other financial considerations, such as the Hall of Fame, would be worked out prior to the merge. The MBA Hall of Fame, I think, has a more generous budget than the MWBA Hall of Fame. Would the budgets be combined for one Hall of Fame, or would they have to be adjusted for equity?
People are not combined, though. All the Board members are done, the officers are done, and the association managers are done. Individuals from each of the merging associations convene to establish an interim new Board of Directors, elect new officers, and hire a new association manager (or an old one!).
Frankly, our association does not need to merge. There is excellent rapport between the organizations and we are able to work together harmoniously. I still think we should merge.
I have yet to hear one good reason not to merge. Not one. Of course, those that deliver the reasons think they are good reasons...
Reasons Not to Merge
The most common is; "We don't get along with the (men/women/youth)"
I immediately challenge this reason for its very foundation. Should you really be in a service position if you don't (or can't) get along with people?
More importantly, though, is fewer leagues are exclusively men's or women's leagues. Many men's leagues are changing to allow women to compete - even if only to maintain their league playing strength. I know of at least one women's league in our association that has done the same.
Societal lines between the genders are more blurred in this age than ever before. The predominantly gender-based division of associations is not germane to the age we live in. And, so, they cannot be in a position to best represent today's league bowlers.
Remember - a new association is a new association. Those who are inflexible, hard to get along with, or otherwise draconian, need not be a part of the new association. You better learn to get along at the association level, because your league bowlers are getting along just fine.
One speaker at the convention asked about the effect of a merger when one of the associations was in financial disarray. The suggestion here is that a solid organization would suffer by merging with an inferior one. Who would want to do that?
Again, the focus of this inference is his singular association - not the USBC members in his jurisdiction, nor bowling as a whole.
To me, there are a number of bowlers in his jurisdiction who are more than likely under-served. If the counterpart association is in financial disarray, it is likely the leadership is in the same boat.
A true leader with a greater focus on the bigger picture would recognize this and take the necessary steps to merge immediately.
Associations are not turf to be defended, nor should associations be competing. Their focus should be on how to best serve bowlers.
Reasons to Merge
Something to keep in mind is that all of these points are interrelated. Cost savings equals more efficiency equals more effectiveness. Greater efficiency equals cost savings. Better diversity equals better communication equals better effectiveness. It's a scene, man!
- Diversity
Is your local association truly representative of this? Look at your board of directors. Is it comprised of the same cross-section of people that can be found in most of today's leagues? Are they in touch with the opinions and needs of the young bowler - the future of your organization? Are your board members progressive or are they complacent?
If you are not as diverse as the people you are supposed to represent, you cannot possibly be in a position to know what they want much less understand why they want it.
- Cost Savings
Nationally, there are tremendous savings in mailings from the USBC. One instead of two or three. Greater bulk in some instances, up to one third the material in others. Less contractor costs to get it done in the first place. Multiply by the number of associations nationally and, I would venture, a pretty staggering number will result.
The time and cost of staff at headquarters is also reduced. Jeff Boje commented on the plight of a small association who lost a manager. USBC had to fly someone out to train lane certification and WinLABS. For a 200 member association, the dues generated are practically - if not completely - gone.
Locally, it depends on the size of the associations. Gather your budgets and compare them. Local bowling associations are all 501c3 corporations anyway - so there is nothing to hide. How much could be saved? Maybe enough to lower dues somewhat? Or, better yet, maybe enough to implement some new programs to promote bowling, recruit bowlers, or supplement your local tournaments?
- Communication
And, as a diverse organization, your message will be more readily accepted by a more diverse audience. I would rather approach a potential tournament sponsor representing 10,000 members instead of 6,500. I would rather have an e-newsletter with a 6,000 readership instead of 3,800 for soliciting advertisers. Proprietors have enough to deal with besides the nuances of three different associations. One phone number, fax number, email address, and website is better than three of each.
Succinct communication (alas, certainly not anything I write) is always more effective.
- Efficiency
Still, leagues must send in separate sets of awards for their bowlers. They must also send in separate payments to each organization for membership dues. Awards are not necessarily produced and distributed at the same time, roster updates are not necessarily sent out at the same time, and two people are doing the exact same job 20 feet from each other when one would suffice.
Our local dues are different amounts. The women's state association charges $1.00. The men's state association does not. It is unnecessarily confounding - especially to a new league officer.
How is this handled in other associations? Are separate mailings required? Different phone numbers, email addresses, fax numbers?
- Effectiveness
Refreshing points of view, an energizing youth presence, different ways of thinking, different strategies, and a better understanding of bowlers are just a few of the elements that will strengthen a local organization.
The new organization should be more diverse and palatable to today's bowlers. It should be able to save money - whether a little or a great deal - and put that money to work in service of the bowlers. It will be able to communicate with proprietors, potential sponsors, and other entities with one voice. It will be a more efficient organization.
Ultimately, when every jurisdiction realizes the vast benefits of merger, the entire USBC organization will have the ability to be a more effective and viable organization on a national scale.
Conclusion
Many refer to it as "forced merger" and immediately become resistant. To me, it's kind of like being forced to eat your vegetables, or forced to do your homework, or forced to clean your room. These things are good for you whether or not you have the wherewithal to appreciate why.
Trouble is, the delegation are adults. They don't have to eat their vegetables if they don't want to and nobody is going to tell them otherwise.
You may be wondering how any legislation gets passed. This year the USBC is "forcing" bank statements to be mailed to league presidents, "forcing" summer averages to be treated the same as winter averages, and "forcing" league treasurers to keep financial records for one year instead of 120 days. It's crazy! How did the delegation support these tyrannical actions? Pardon my sarcasm.
I'm not trying to infer the delegation are children. On the contrary, there is an incredible amount of experience and wisdom in that room. I also believe the membership is represented annually by the most caring individuals in the country. They are passionate about the sport, uncompromising in their fidelity to their bowlers, and wary of yielding power because of this.
But I also think the delegation needs to reexamine its position on the merger, with an eye on the bigger picture. Not supporting the unification of local governing bodies is hampering efforts to address the declining national membership - or other issues - as a unified, cohesive organization. It is not keeping pace with the diversification and other needs of today's bowlers - particularly the young, first year bowler - and cannot possibly be on track to represent them. It is inefficient, and not cost effective.
Support the merger. Support hope for the future.
Great stuff Bill. It is truly sad that there are so many delegates who can't see the forest for the trees and/or whose main focus is turf protection. Meanwhile, bowling and bowlers suffer.
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