Association Operations - 08/12/2010

New membership products being tested
USBC headquarters is partnering with several local associations to test new membership products this fall. The goal of the pilot programs is to try new concepts designed to provide enhanced member benefits and an improved experience for bowlers. All concepts were designed after surveying USBC associations, league secretaries, proprietors, avid bowlers and casual bowlers.

Local associations in the test markets have agreed to participate in the pilot programs that will offer several types of awards, member gifts and price structures. In some associations, the program also involves testing a different processing system. USBC headquarters will work closely with all local associations participating in the pilot programs to ensure the associations are not negatively affected because of the tests.

We understand many of you will be eager to hear details about the pilot programs. USBC will share results and feedback when the tests are complete. If you have questions or concerns about the pilot programs, please contact your regional manager. 

New enhancements to "Find a Member"
The "Find A Member" function on BOWL.COM now provides more information. Enhancements to the search criteria allow searches to be performed within a range of zip codes, by association number or by state. Also, members with single letters for a first name, such as J A Smith, can now search for and display their information.  

While bowler's individual average records are still listed, we also have added composite averages for both standard and Sport bowling on the Leagues/Averages page.

This new feature is a benefit to associations, tournament managers, leagues and bowlers who have a need for composite averages. USBC has offered this feature for information purposes for leagues, tournaments and associations to aid in curbing average manipulation. It is not required that leagues or tournaments use this average but it is their option.

WinLABS updates and version 9.9.31
We are continuing to test the new version of WinLABs and expect WinLABs 9.9.31 will be available for download by the end of next week (August 20). Once available, you should download and install this version as soon as possible.

The new version includes awards and achievements for the 2010-2011 season and reintroduces youth data and functions.  Please note that if your association processes youth data, you will not receive the 2009-2010 data immediately. We will not make the youth 2009-2010 youth files available until Thursday, Aug. 25 in order to give you time to install the new version of WinLABs so that you can import this data successfully. If you do not have version 9.9.31 installed, you will not be able to load and process your youth transmission files properly. The updates are as follows:

Added WinLABs update link to connect to WinLABs download page on BOWL.comResolves some rebuild issues identified with version 9.9.30Resolves disk space issues when archiving old files during WinLABs installs

Youth

Added functionality for 2009-2010 youth National Data Change files to be imported into WinLABsAdded functionality to receive ongoing national data changes from the Online Youth System to be sent and imported into WinLABsYouth memberships can be viewed but not purchased or updated in WinLABsYouth leagues can be viewed but not set up or updated in WinLABsYouth averages can be entered or updated in WinLABsYouth achievements and awards from 2009-2010 can be seen in WinLABsYouth achievements and awards can be created and transmitted in WinLABsYouth award availability dates re-added

Leagues

Added lane conditions to league set up

Awards and Achievements

Added ladies Sovereign ringsAdded Changes to averages required for 2010-2011 achievementsAdded age requirements for youth achievements (Bowlopolis)Modified award names for Imperial and Sovereign rings to be included in award description

Delegates

WinLABs now verifies the number of delegates entered is not more than the number of allowable delegates for an association.

USBC WINLABS and Red, White and Blue webinars
For new, inexperienced WinLABS users and/or those needing a refresher, USBC has created a webinar focused on how the program can be used to complete the business process from the start of a season through the end of a season.

Specific topics will include:

Updating association informationPreparing for a bowling yearCertifying leagues and membersProcessing achievements and awardsProducing yearbooksPreparing for summer leagues

The Webinars are scheduled as follows (all times CDT):

Thursday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m.Saturday, Aug. 28 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.Monday, Aug. 30 at 6 p.m.Wednesday Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.Friday, Sept. 17 at 11 a.m.Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 5 p.m.

To register, please send an e-mail with your name, association name and number, email address and phone number lucy.herman@bowl.com.  Classes are limited to 25 participants, so please register early. Registration ends 48 hours before the webinar is conducted. After registering, we will send you webinar sign-on instructions and handout materials.

In addition, David Bartlett will host a webinar covering the new Red, White, and Blue patterns on Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 3 p.m. (Central). It will last approximately one hour and has proven to be very informative. This is information association managers will find essential for tournament operations, but also would be a great information session for any other board members that might be interested. If you or anyone on your board is interested in attending this webinar, please email David.Bartlett@bowl.com with your name and association information. The webinar is limited to the first 25 participants that sign up, so be sure to get registered early. 

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