24 PROPOSALS UP FOR VOTE AT 2009 USBC ANNUAL MEETING

Delegates to the 2009 United States Bowling Congress
Annual Meeting will vote on 24 proposals involving changes to USBC
Bylaws and league rules May 2 in Reno, Nev.

One proposal would allow the USBC Board of Directors flexibility to
adjust national adult membership dues effective Aug. 1, 2010. The
proposal does not impact state or local association dues.

Several proposals, if approved, would give USBC state and local
associations more flexibility in their operations. For example,
associations would decide on any education, training and recognition
programs they offer and if they would implement all USBC programs. They
also could hold board meetings as often as required by state law rather
than a mandatory once a year. And it would be up to the associations to
determine if, and in what form, they decide to have a Nominating
committee.

Eighteen proposals relate to changes to USBC Bylaws and six refer to
league rules. Other proposals relating to USBC bylaws include:
в—Џ Requiring non-merged state and local associations to be
merged by Aug. 1, 2011
в—Џ Eliminating association charter renewals every five
years
в—Џ Eliminating state and local association performance
standards
в—Џ Creating a USBC national executive committee to act on
behalf of the Board

Proposals relating to playing rules include:
в—Џ Allowing bumper bowling to be certified by USBC
в—Џ Giving leagues more flexibility to determine eligibility
for league awards
в—Џ Allowing leagues the flexibility to decide the minimum
number of players for a league lineup.
в—Џ Allowing leagues to declare co-champions
в—Џ Allowing leagues the opportunity to decide what type of
tie breaker to use

Please see bowl.com for the complete list of amendments and additional
information about the 2009 USBC Convention.

USBC 2009 Proposed Amendment Frequently Asked Questions

Every year the proposed amendments to bylaws and league rules lead to
questions from convention delegates. In an effort to better inform
members, USBC staff has listed some frequently asked questions and the
answers below.

1. Why is the Board recommending a future dues increase option in 2010
at the national level, but not state and local? Any dues increase will
be primarily used to develop benefits and value that drive membership at
all levels from headquarters. For example, programs like a new virtual
membership, on-line coaching tips, new awards and a totally re-designed
bowl.com will be cost supported strictly at the national level.
Additionally, no requests for dues increases have been initiated at the
local level and only 17% of local associations are at the $10 cap
currently.

2. I thought the merger creating USBC and move to Arlington was going
to save money. Why does the Board still want the option to increase
future dues in 2010? Recent changes at USBC have led to much greater
efficiencies. Staff at headquarters has been reduced from 225 down to
160 positions. Nevertheless, in the current economic climate,
sponsorship and membership revenue is down significantly. In order to
fund new programs to grow the sport and reverse the membership decline,
the Board feels an option of a modest increase in 2010 is appropriate.

3. If bylaws proposal No. B-1 passes, what will be the timeline for all
state and local associations to merge? Associations will have over two
years to integrate as the proposal calls for all state and locals to be
merged by Aug. 1, 2011.

4. How many votes does it take to pass an amendment? Bylaw proposals
require a two-thirds approval. League rule proposals require a simple
majority.

United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body,
ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides
programs and services to nearly 2.5 million adult and youth members and
enhances the bowling experience.