League/Coach - Ethics/Moral Question

[classygranny]

In one of my leagues, one of my teammates utilizes the same Coach as I do. During the series, we were both struggling, but I have not worked with him and his Coach and some of the things he has told me are different than what he told my teammate (I assume that is because of a varied style and progression of bowling knowledge), so I hesitate to assist him. I suggested that we maybe schedule our next lessons back to back and attend each other's lesson in order to hear and see what is happening to the other bowler. Great idea.

As the conversation progressed, a comment was made by one of us that we should see if the Coach would attend one of our league sessions, and assist us through a night seeing how we progress through competition and lane adjustments and fatigue. Another person commented/asked whether that was legal?

I see nothing in the league rules about coaching, and I know the PBA allows coaching, but I couldn't find anything in regard to USBC (at a quick glance).

Would this be legal? And if so, do you think it is morally or ethically correct? By the way, if it matters...I think our team is about 10th out of 14th with about 6 wks left to bowl.

[billf]

I do this all the time, even when a client is on the team we are bowling against. As long as the coach is not on the approach or in any area designated for bowlers only then it's legal. Ethical? If a bowler doesn't like it, let them get their own coach. Really not much different than a team that watches each other and offers pointers.

That being said, as a general rule of thumb, practice is for thinking and tinkering. League and tournaments are for just doing. Thinking too much can be a real disaster. Just getting adjustments doesn't qualify as thinking too much lol

[J Anderson]

I see nothing in the league rules about coaching, and I know the PBA allows coaching, but I couldn't find anything in regard to USBC (at a quick glance).

Would this be legal? And if so, do you think it is morally or ethically correct? By the way, if it matters...I think our team is about 10th out of 14th with about 6 wks left to bowl.

In my opinion, the online USBC rule book is not user friendly. It is difficult to find the rule or rules pertaining to many questions, and the rules themselves are often poorly written. I have seen official USBC interpretations of some rules that make it clear that what they meant is not what they actually wrote.

I agree with Bill that having your coach watch you in league should be both legal and ethical.

[DLP]

I think sometimes it's easier to talk with them than just a team mate or figuring it out yourself because if you are to that point where you are looking for adjustments, you are always going to second guess yourself if the adjustment you made was the right one, the wrong one, or not enough to get you to where you know your potential can be.

As to the morality and ethics of it... I agree with J and Bill.

[got_a_300]

As far as I know there is no USBC rule against having a coach
watch you as you bowl in league and give you pointers/advice
just as long as they do not come down into the bowlers pit area
or get up on the approach with you.

Now as for it being ethical I'd have to say I see nothing unethical
about it myself maybe someone from the opposing team might not
like it but oh well as it has already been said let them get their own
coach if they don't like it.

[JPbowl]

Would this be legal? And if so, do you think it is morally or ethically correct?

Yes and Yes.

As long as your not holding up everyone's bowling in the process.

[Greenday]

My coach is my teammate in my doubles league.

I've also seen other people have their coaches there.

I've even seen guys in the PBA chat with their coaches during a match.

I don't get what's the big deal.