Here are the answers to some frequently-asked questions about our league:
I don't have much prior experience bowling, but I'm interested in playing in the league. Will I fit in? Absolutely. We try to maintain a friendly, social atmosphere in the league, in which all new players are made to feel welcome. All skill levels are represented in the league, including people who have never played in a league before. Additionally, the league uses a "handicap" system for each bowler, which allows bowlers with lower averages to compete on a level playing field with higher-average players. We try to balance a sense of friendly competition with a sense of fun.
Do I have to be gay or lesbian to bowl in the league? No. We cater primarily to the GLBT community, but by no means do we restrict membership in the league only to GLBT players.
What kind of bowling is it? We are a tenpin bowling league. (Think big balls.)
How long is the season? We play every Tuesday night at 7:15pm, starting in early September and running through about the first week of April. Practice time begins at 7:05pm each week. We generally take one or two weeks off during the season around the winter holidays.
I'm not sure I can commit to bowling every week of the season. Can I still play? Yes. Team rosters have a minimum of four players but can have up to six, allowing for players to rotate in and out in cases where some people can't commit to playing every single week. We also allow roving substitute players who are not affiliated with any particular team, but who instead fill empty roster spots on a week-by-week basis. This allows you to play at your convenience if your schedule is more unpredictable. Also, we have a very flexible "pre-bowling" policy, which allows you to bowl in advance any week that you know you will be absent.
I want to play, but I don't have three other people to make a team with. Will I still be able to bowl? Yes, but if you are in this situation it is very important to attend the first several weeks of bowling. The first few weeks of our season are dedicated to organizing the teams, and often several teams will be looking for new players to fill an empty roster spot during this time. Once rosters are established, it becomes a bit more difficult than it is at the beginning of the season -- but there are cases where a spot or two will open up mid-season, so it never hurts to ask.
The season has already started but I just found out about the league. Can I start late? Sure. There are sometimes a few available roster spots after the season gets under way, so it's never a problem to inquire about starting mid-season. If it turns out that there are no available spots, you can always play as a substitute.
How much does it cost? The weekly league fee is $18 per person, and there is a one-time sign-up fee at the start of the season of around $15 (payable to the USBC, the national bowling sanctioning organization).
Does the league host other kinds of events? We will occasionally host social events during the season outside of bowling, such as bingo nights and BBQs. During the bowling season, we have a few catered events at the bowling alley, as well as a holiday pot-luck event.
Are there prizes? We host an end-of-the-season banquet where the winning teams are recognized with small cash prizes, and where team and individual accomplishments are rewarded with engraved crystal trophies.
