Bowling Highlights Column 1-30-09

2009 NY State Men's Tournament In Jeopardy

The applications blanks have arrived at local bowling establishments but plans for the United States Bowling Congress to hold a Men's (Open) 2009 State Championship Tournament in New York are now in jeopardy as a result of actions taken by members of the former New York State Bowling Association and its board of directors.
The tournament has been scheduled for April 18-May 24 at the AMF Pin-O-Rama in Utica. Checks and entry blanks were to be sent to USBC, Attn: Rules, 621 Six Flags Dr., Arlington, TX 76011 and information is available at 1-800-514-2695, ext. 3155.
Last October, USBC revoked the charter of the NYSBA after it was discovered that the NYSBA board of directors consistently failed to follow procedures designed to protect member interests and safeguard funds. The procedures, including verification of bank accounts, are required by USBC rules and policies. The dereliction of duty by NYSBA board members enabled Stephen Donahue of Weedsport, N.Y., the former manager of the NYSBA, to steal approximately $274,000 entrusted to the NYSBA. Donahue recently pleaded guilty to felony grand larceny.
The stolen funds included prize funds for members who bowled in the 2008 State Championship Tournament. Because the embezzlement resulted in a loss of funds sufficient to pay bowlers, USBC intended to use its own funds to make up the difference. USBC was on the verge of paying all members still owed money from the embezzled prize fund for the 2008 State Championship Tournament.
Several weeks ago, a lawsuit initiated by the former NYSBA and its board of directors was returned to state court in New York after a federal court declined to exercise jurisdiction over the matter. Using the state court lawsuit, the NYSBA has blocked USBC from paying members still owed money for the 2008 State Championship Tournament.
Additionally, USBC planned to step in and operate a 2009 State Championship Tournament for member bowlers in New York. However, the former NYSBA is also using the lawsuit to block the USBC from conducting the tournament.
"The singular goal for USBC is to provide services and benefits to bowlers in New York including the 2009 State Tournament," USBC Chief Operating Officer Kevin Dornberger said. "Sadly, the former NYSBA board of directors wants to hold bowlers hostage to advance their own agenda."
"First the NYSBA board failed in their duties to protect member interests and safeguard funds, now they are being uncooperative in all efforts to get the bowlers back their money," Dornberger explained. "USBC plans to initiate disciplinary procedures against all former NYSBA board members involved in this matter at the appropriate time."
A state court hearing regarding the lawsuit brought by the former NYSBAand its board or directors is scheduled for Feb. 23.
"Our hope is that the court will end this matter and allow USBC to pay members the money they are owed and hold the 2009 State Tournament in Utica as scheduled," Dornberger said.
Most of the over 85,000 people who were members of the former the NYSBAshould see no noticeable effect. Individual New York members will continue to have competition certified while remaining in good standing with USBC with all rights and privileges.
The issues involving NYSBA do not affect members or programs of the NewYork State USBC Women's Bowling Association (NYSWBA) or the New York StateUSBC Youth Association.