The randomly changing lane(s) of courtesy

[RobLV1]

Several years ago I was the Vice President of a high average senior doubles league. It just so happens that the President of the league was scheduled for surgery on the first day of bowling, so he asked me to run the meeting. As we were going over the league rules, I decided to ask if the league bowlers wanted to add a rule on lane courtesy. They did. Of everyone in the room, only two bowlers wanted two-lane courtesy. The overwhelming majority voted for a one-lane courtesy. Despite the vote, several weeks later, I stepped up on the approach only to have one of the well-known prima donnas step back and slam his ball down on the ball return. I approached him several minutes later and asked if he was aware that the league had voted to use a single lane courtesy at the league meeting. Still angry, he replied that he had not attended the meeting (what a surprise!), but it didn't matter because he still expected a two-lane courtesy. This is one of the main reasons that despite my age, I choose to bowl evening leagues with bowlers of all ages.

[scottymoney]

The problem isn't really 1 or 2 lane courtesy it is the issue of knowing when it is your turn. Like letting those who are cleaning up a spare to go and finish their turn. Surprisingly they have not created a stoplight system for each lane to determine when it is ok to go. lol

[TVan]

One lane is typically fine but I do like to give myself two lanes. Mainly because I have a fairly slow approach and seeing some runner go flying past is distracting. I also had words with a guy older than me who is only bowling to see how fast he can finish. I was up and he waited. I let my shot go, watched it hit the pins and turned to see him just before he hit me while on his approach. I am 32 and he is probably 50. He isn't the biggest guy and I am not the smallest. He might have taken the brunt of the collision. I said "whoa" as I sidestepped him. He turned and said "what?" I calmly said "in a hurry, you got a hot date later?" He said "no I just thought you would stay on your lane. ". Now I was playing deep and on the left land and he plays the outside and was in the right lane. I never crossed but he should have waited a second or two. It wasn't like I stood there for any extended time. I quickly defended myself saying "I was fine you need to slow the f*** down and relax". This guy and his team always complain about the conditions and whine about pace. It's like they a miserable to be there. The owners out out a great service and a great league. These guys run out other teams with their attitude and I had finally had enough when his impatience and bad attitude almost caused a collision. I went on to beat him senseless (in score, in a 40 point system I was heads up against him). This was a few months ago and it just so happens I bowl him next week and we are in first ahead of them by only a few points. Should be fun.

[NewToBowling]

Yeah, one of my major pet peeves is people going before the bowlers next to them have even finished their toss. It's slightly annoying after you post your shot and slowly walking back and the bowler next to you is already 3 steps into his/her approach

[TVan]

This guy darn near met me at the foul line. I had only turned around and felt like I need to jump out of the way. He was one step from his release. He's a real piece of work. Can't wait to beat him senseless tomorrow.

[got_a_300]

Can't wait to beat him senseless tomorrow.

I hope you beat him like a drum and make him like it. LOL!!!!

[bowl1820]

Okay, I dug the list out. This came from the old bowling books.

Lane Etiquette

Unless noted otherwise in your league or tournament rules.

1. -Observe one lane courtesy. (Note: Some leagues and tournaments require two lane courtesy)
2. -The bowler on the right should bowl first, if both reach the approach at the same time.
3. -The Bowler on the righthand lane can waive the right of way to the person bowling on the left lane if they so choose.
4. -A bowler shooting a spare has the right of way over a bowler with a full rack.
5. -Make sure to stay off the approach until the bowler has completed their shot.
6. -Don't pick up your ball from the ball return rack while another bowler is preparing to bowl and is in their starting position.
7. -Don't stand next to the ball return while waiting for your second ball.
8. -Refrain from creating noises or movements that may be spotted out of the corner of their eye.
9. -If another bowler constantly causes distractions while you are preparing to bowl, let them have the right of way. This way you can stay in control of your game and remain relaxed to take your shot.

[billf]

This guy darn near met me at the foul line. I had only turned around and felt like I need to jump out of the way. He was one step from his release. He's a real piece of work. Can't wait to beat him senseless tomorrow.

I know I can be an a#$ but he would hate me. I would and have purposely started lofting the gutter early to annoy these types. I look over when getting on the approach and say "excuse me while I borrow your approach". Even if my slide foot is only at the gutter's edge my balance foot will be across the 20 board.

[swingset]

I'd find a new league if anyone insisted on 2-lane. That's just silly.

[Lefty651]

I don't have the awareness to notice 2 lanes so luckily my league is only a 1 lane courtesy