The American Bowling Congress and Women's International Bowling Congress will try again to convince their delegates that the single-membership organization is good for all concerned.
A task force comprised of officials from the Young American Bowling Alliance, USA Bowling, the Bowling Proprietors Association of America, ABC and WIBC met in Milwaukee June 10 to discuss how to revive the proposal.
It would be known as the United States Bowling Congress, responsible for governing the sport for adults and youth.
The Plan of Merger, or single-membership organization, was defeated by ABCWIBC delegates at their annual conventions earlier this year.
The YABA and USA Bowling voted for the plan, but a two-thirds majority vote was needed from the ABCWIBC for the proposal to move forward.
A combined majority of ABCWIBC delegates voted for the plan but fell short of the two-thirds necessary for approval.
During the June 10 meeting, officials discussed changes in the original proposal, with the goal of bringing the new plan to delegates at their 2004 ABCWIBC conventions.
No final decision was taken, except to propose a follow-up meeting for a date and locale to be determined.
"We missed the voting because we were bowling," said St.Petersburg Women's Association secretary-treasurer Maddie Dalrymple, a WIBC convention delegate. "But our delegates would have voted no."
Jim Higdon, vice-president of the St.Petersburg Association and an ABC convention delegate, said they approved the proposal.
"I was disappointed it did not pass, but I understand we'll have another chance next year," Higdon said.
ABC TOURNEY ENDS: The 100th ABC Championships Tournament was completed Sunday in Knoxville, Tenn.
The tourney had its sixth-highest entry field, three records and 33 perfect games. Unofficial final results are posted online, www.bowl.com
Ron Bahr of Topeka, Kan., fired the first consecutive 300 games and a 237 to win the Regular Division singles title with an 837 series.
Bowlers Edge Pro Shop, Menasha, Wis., captured the division's team championship with a 3,294 pinfall. Clearwater's Top of the Line Pool Service, a two-time winner of the World Team Challenge regional, tied for 87th with a 3,000 total.
George Blackburn of Sallisaw, Okla., took the Classified singles crown with a 700 series. The division is for lower-average players.
Garden Center Lanes No.4, Alexandra, Minn., was the team winner with a 2,843 pinfall.
Results will be official in July.
The WIBC Tournament at National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev., ends July 8.
BOWES WINS: Largo's Amy Bowes defeated Jeff Pennell of Venice 270-187 to claim the NABI Club Tournament title and $260 on Sunday at AMF Kenneth City Lanes.
In the semifinals, Pennell stopped Clearwater's John LaFond 223-189 and LaFond defeated Bill Horsley, Port Charlotte, 208-197.
Pennell received $135. LaFond rolled a 289 game during qualifying.
NABI events are scheduled at Seminole Lanes for Sunday, July 6 and July 27.
The club's yearly membership fee is $25. The tournament entry cost is $40.
PREP MEETING: Pinellas County High School League coaches, administrators and sponsors will meet 4:30 p.m. July 17 at Seminole Lanes to set up next season's schedule.
League bylaws and the format will be discussed.
Last season, the league's 30th, the Baker System format was introduced with much controversy.
Baker sees each bowler of a five-member team roll two frames per game, with total pins determining the outcome.
Players from the record 49 squads had two regular games and one in Baker competition, eliminating the possibility of the traditional three-game high series and individual averages.
The season starts in August and ends with the Florida state tournament in December.
The Florida High School Activities Association has recognized prep bowling as a varsity sport, but Pinellas County athletic directors and principals in May tabled a motion to sanction.
AROUND THE LANES: High scorer - Don Kiger, 300-667 at Sunshine. ... League secretaries are reminded to submit results, especially honor scores, by e-mail at the address listed below or by fax, (727) 392-3481.
