iPod fight on the lanes

[FloridaBowler]

Hey guys,
I was up at my local house today watching a daytime league. Now for the most part, the participants of this league were older folks but there were a couple of younger teams as well.

Well, after about an hour, there was a loud commotion down at the end of the house. Come to find out, one of the younger bowlers was listening to an iPod while he was bowling. One of the older gentlemen on the other team to quite an exception to that. It became so heated at one point, that they started shoving each other before the staff could get them separated.

I've never listened to an iPod while bowling but I didn't know that it would cause an issue. Are there any rules that regulate this sort of thing? I would think that it would be very common although I've never seen it on tv or xtra frames.

Would this be considered inappropriate?? Looking forward to some opinions and facts on this.

[aaron42385]

if he couldnt hear the music i woulda puched the old guy in the face and told him to fuk off! lol theres no rule like that for a regular league. maybe a tourny but not league ever. atleast where i bowl

[FloridaBowler]

if he couldnt hear the music ... maybe a tourny but not league ever. atleast where i bowl

He couldnt here the music. Are there any tourney rules against this? I'm wondering why it'd make a difference. I couldn't even see why it wouldn't be allowed on tour.

[Thepainscoming]

i dont use it during league but i do during practice, i think its rude during league.

[hbhammerhead]

as long as it's not interfering with other bowlers or giving you some kind of special benefit then i don't see why that would be wrong. at least i have never had a problem with someone listening to an ipod. nothing to fight over though

[Thepainscoming]

idc either. i just think its rude IMO.

[FloridaBowler]

I'm just curious... why would it be rude. Most of the people I see playing against each other don't converse or communicate at all anyways..

More to the point, is it against the rules? At any level?

[idlehourlegend]

The thing about the Ipod for some people is that it makes them concentrate more, it blocks out everything else thats going on around you, and with the right song it could also give you a better rhythm to your approach and shot. I know a few people that do this when they are having a hard time concentrating and yes it does work, I've seen it too many times to say it doesnt. I personally dont need any help concentrating but there are a lot of people that do. As for rules against it some of the youth leagues here dont allow it cause its a distraction, all of the mens leagues around here that I've bowled in have allowed it as long as it wasnt a distraction.

[Rowdy]

I'm just curious... why would it be rude. Most of the people I see playing against each other don't converse or communicate at all anyways..

More to the point, is it against the rules? At any level?

It's considered rude because you're sending a message that you could give a sh*t about them,you're better than everyone else and you're gonna go off and be by yourself. Talk about stuck up.

Don't converse or communicate? What do you call,"Dude,it's your turn"? I'll bet they had to constantly wave or tap the guy with the iPod on the arm to get his attention when it was his turn to roll. That pissed off the other team and they said something to the guy. Then he said something rude back. Tempers got out of hand after that.

I,personally,don't care to have anyone wearing an iPod on the lanes around me. I keep waiting to see one of those things go sliding down the lane. Plus the wires for the headphones are always flopping around. A real distraction in your peripheral vision. Plus most of those guys have the sound jacked way up. They can't hear anything going on around them,and I usually hate the music they're playing.

Leave your iPod in the car.

[mongoliantreesloth]

I regard the wearing of ipods as being rude because it disengages the wearer from the game at hand. Although you bowl against an opponent you are still playing with them and to use an appliance to disregard them completely is not in the spirit of the game imho. Bowling against someone wearing an ipod - well, you may as well bowl against a robot. No fun at all, even when you win.

[thegoldenchild]

I think it all boils down to age. It's harder for the average "old person" to understand today's technology. What happens when people can't understand something, they fear/hate it. Plus, as Rowdy pointed out, older people are just too damned sensitive. If they want to participate in a mixed age activity, they should accept today's lifestyle. Sexual jokes, mp3 players, and everything in between.

In all fairness, I would much rather bowl with the "old" guys at my league than all the drunk, racist 30 year olds. They generally have an awesome sense of humor. They do it without any mention of starholes, too.

[Young300]

There isn't any specific rule against listening to an mp3/iPod during bowling or league. Some tournaments may ban them, but it is to their own discretion. I don't have any problem with others using it, but I do find it to be disrespectful to the other bowlers which is why I have no reason to use an mp3/iPod while I bowl.

[Crusher279757]

I listened to my ipod once all the way through practice and I believe a little during league. Nobody seemed to care that I was listening to it. That guy just seems like he ran out of things to complain about.

[hbhammerhead]

i've bowled next to people with mp3 players and it never was a distraction, but i can agree with the part about the person being in their own little world. that could be annoying having to yell or tap their shoulder when it's their turn. not much anyone can do though.

[JoshWithrow]

i think its rude during league.

Exactly. Despite any rules that may or may not exist, bowling is a SOCIAL sport. Do yourself a favor and be social.

[aaron42385]

theres no rule that u have to be nice or even talk one word to the other team. why assume someone u dont know is gonna chat and be nice with u? when i'm in my zone i dont listen to anyone, but ,my buddy who's a 240 ave on a house shot, people can take it as disrespect i guess, but i dont want distractions. i got A.D.D and get distracted easily lol and dont focuse so if im in the zone ill throw my ipod on to not be bothered. but i do know when its my turn when it is and have never had anyone say anything to me and my team is the only team thats young, other teams average 50 years old lol

[jackhammer]

My personal thought is that when you are bowling thats what you do. I know a lot of people use to get upset with cell phones. People would get upset because they'd be playing with them trying to find the score of the game. Then everyone had to wait and wait a little longer.

I don't mind if someone has a delay but it annoys me when your league goes 1/2 hour longer because someone is being a clown.

[pipes]

Being 50+ years old I for some UNKNOWN reason don't like it . BUT I would never say aything UNLESS it was causing problems . Not worth fighting over .

I understand its a generation thing but I caN'T GET OVER THAT IN my mind THERE IS SOMTHING WRONG WITH IT . i DUNo WHAT ITS JUST SEEMS WRONG TO ME .

I guess I am just a OLD FART . :D

I also can't just bowl for fun I always want to win and am way to serious I guess.:) I think thats part of it I can't see a person as a serious bowler listening to music with wires hanging all over the place and bowling ....

[Street Racer]

i think we gotta look at the generations here....

Old Guy... use to just bowling and being social and sometimes serious

Young guy.... Takes bowling serious.. doesnt social much on the lanes, basicly bowling to win and do whatever it takes



in australia, u can use mp3, ipod etc, as long as it doesnt put off the people around you.. there is no problem

i do whatever it takes to bowl the best... to not being social to being a social butterfly...

but i mainly dont social on the lanes... just sit and wait for my turn..

[Lonewolf300800]

once again i have to agree with Rowdy...omg is the world coming to an end? lol i think it is very rude and inappropriate to bowl while listening to an ipod, especially during leagues. if you want to in practice go ahead. as mentioned earlier by someone else it's a pain to have to constantly remind someone it's there turn to bowl because they're not paying attention to when it's there turn to bowl; definately makes league last a lot longer than it should. if you need to listen to an ipod while bowling you need to work on your mental game and learn how to focus and concentrate.

[JaraTo]

This is on par with this annoying chick in our league who sits there and talks on her phone with or without a bluetooth headset while she is bowling. I too hope it flies down the lane.

[xGatez]

I bowl with my ipod on at times. I just tuck the cords through my shirt and they cant even be seen. I also keep the volume at a low level so that if someone does say something to me i can still hear them. I havnt had one problem with it or anyone else.

[madaba]

I'm young and I think it's rude, but I would never start a fight over it. Sounds like that guy was having a bad day. I like to congratulate guys when they make good shots or get split pickups, but I'm not going to go out of my way to get your attention or worry about it you can hear or understand what I'm saying.

[can-ham]

I have never used an iPod during league although there are times when I wish I had it. I've bowled against people in league using an iPod and it doesn't bother me if they pay attention which they usually do.

http://diassantos.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/ipodloser.jpg

How ever In the last tournament I was in I knew there was a chance I was going to have to bowl with this guy who bugs the shite out of me (and most people in the league we bowl in). In the past this guy was a huge cooler for me. So in our five game tournament I went the first three with out the ipod, but bowled poor (160, 198, 159). Sitting in third last 50 pins out of placing, I realized I had a shot if I focused. So I put on my iPod. I ran the wires under my shirt and put it in my pocket. I used a low volume so I could still hear all the conversation around me. I was very social with the other bowlers (that weren't the cooler) engaging in conversation between shots and paying attention to everyone else's bowling and begin ready for my turn. When the cooler came around I would "tune out" but for the most part I would actually pause the music between shots. But here is where the advantage comes in, I would play the beginning of the same song before throwing each shot. This got me in a great rhythm, and I was able to pull out a 225 and 236 which bumped me into third place in the tournament.

I recommend using one as long as you can still uphold good "game etiquette".

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/96/ipod5sf0.jpg

[bubbiesdad]

I listened to my ipod once all the way through practice and I believe a little during league. Nobody seemed to care that I was listening to it. That guy just seems like he ran out of things to complain about.


I use mine sometimes when there are a lot of distractions, such as people who show up and turn their kids loose to wreak havoc. Or people who seem to think they have to talk loud enough to be heard outside.:cool:

[BubbaRay]

I'm 55 and I bowl in 2 leagues where some use IPods. Some of these people are young and some or 30 yrs. and older. I don't see a problem with wearing them as long as it doesn't take their focus off the game and not be up on the apporach when it's their turn.

Now I will say I bowl in a league where alot of people drink and go to the bar for their drinks durning bowling. I am not against this and if they want to drink who am I to say they shouldn't while they are bowling. But one team always makes a habit of thier members being in the bar with the drinks talking to their frends while bowling. It got so bad one night I asked them poliytely to be upo when it is their turn. I mean 5 mins go by before you see the next person due up ! Now the next time we bowled against them I stated to them that they will be up when it's their turn or they will be skipped. Well it started all over again by the 5th frame. I waited 30 seconds for the person that was due uyp. When they didn't show for their turn I skipped them and gave 0's for the frame and they were not allowed to make up the frame. Needless to say it started an argument but what is right is right. And besides there is a rule about delaying a game.

[hbhammerhead]

I'm 55 and I bowl in 2 leagues where some use IPods. Some of these people are young and some or 30 yrs. and older. I don't see a problem with wearing them as long as it doesn't take their focus off the game and not be up on the apporach when it's their turn.

Now I will say I bowl in a league where alot of people drink and go to the bar for their drinks durning bowling. I am not against this and if they want to drink who am I to say they shouldn't while they are bowling. But one team always makes a habit of thier members being in the bar with the drinks talking to their frends while bowling. It got so bad one night I asked them poliytely to be upo when it is their turn. I mean 5 mins go by before you see the next person due up ! Now the next time we bowled against them I stated to them that they will be up when it's their turn or they will be skipped. Well it started all over again by the 5th frame. I waited 30 seconds for the person that was due uyp. When they didn't show for their turn I skipped them and gave 0's for the frame and they were not allowed to make up the frame. Needless to say it started an argument but what is right is right. And besides there is a rule about delaying a game.

haha nice. ya i guess the "snooze you lose" saying comes into effect here. but seriously that is ridiculous to have to wait 5 mins. for your turn. i know when i'm rolling my best i'm on a steady pace and having to wait a long time would just throw that off and i'm sure that's how it is for a lot of people.

[30 Clean]

We have 1 person on our league that does this and I don't really find it rude. I can see where someone will see it that way but it really doesn't bother me. I may actually try it at some point but probably only when practicing.

[Thepainscoming]

Im used to using one when i skateboard, so i tuck it through my shirt and it stays out of view and out of way.

[Street Racer]

i really dont see a problem, most people dont talk at tournaments anyway(i bearly talk, rocky doesnt talk and alot of other bowlers as well)

we have a couple of australian youth reps do it even, and this junior in the biggest junior tournament in australia,

if people have too much of a problem with it... take it to the USBC... or TBA in australia

[Rowdy]

i think we gotta look at the generations here....

Old Guy... use to just bowling and being social and sometimes serious

Young guy.... Takes bowling serious.. doesnt social much on the lanes, basicly bowling to win and do whatever it takes



in australia, u can use mp3, ipod etc, as long as it doesnt put off the people around you.. there is no problem

i do whatever it takes to bowl the best... to not being social to being a social butterfly...

but i mainly dont social on the lanes... just sit and wait for my turn..

Wait a sec. I'm an Old Guy but everything you wrote about the Young Guy applies to me. Does that make me a "Tweener"?:rolleyes:

[hbhammerhead]

Wait a sec. I'm an Old Guy but everything you wrote about the Young Guy applies to me. Does that make me a "Tweener"?:rolleyes:

you're young at heart.

[Rowdy]

you're young at heart.

Ahh,to be in my 20's again....but with what I know now. Look out PBA Tour! WRW wouldn't stand a chance. I also would have told him,"MoRich who? Sign with Brunswick.":rolleyes:

[aaron42385]

just because of this post im gonna wear my ipod all night in my league with all old guys to see what happens, cuz there's no rules against it in my leagues. i hope some old guy tries to say somethin to me, lol. :rolleyes:

[grayfin68]

I think it all boils down to age. It's harder for the average "old person" to understand today's technology. What happens when people can't understand something, they fear/hate it. Plus, as Rowdy pointed out, older people are just too damned sensitive. If they want to participate in a mixed age activity, they should accept today's lifestyle. Sexual jokes, mp3 players, and everything in between.

In all fairness, I would much rather bowl with the "old" guys at my league than all the drunk, racist 30 year olds. They generally have an awesome sense of humor. They do it without any mention of starholes, too.

Man, you sound every bit as biased as anyone else. First of all, MP3 players have been around for close to 10 years now. Second, portable radios have been around longer than most people on this board. I'm 40 years old and I own an MP3, have had portable cd players and walkmans too. I still don't find it necessary to block out everyone in my league so I can listen to music. Bowling leagues are social activities which is why you have TEAMS.

Third, nobody should be forced to accept things that they don't agree with like rude behavior, foul language, and dressing like a slob.

Racist has nothing to do with age. It has more to do with how people are raised.

[JaraTo]

Racist has nothing to do with age. It has more to do with how people are raised.

Shenanigans!! Everyone knows it's your age that detemines your personality, religious beliefs, sexual preference, and prejudices. Get with the program gray. :p

[thegoldenchild]

Hey, I got someone to bite! Don't you know that everything ever said applies to 100% of the people!
Tolerance is being taught/preached about more and more these days. Perhaps this issue is acceptance of the "loner" crowd. Not everyone is super-social. If music helps a person, then good for them. Of course, all my comments are assuming that they are practicing proper lane etiquette.

[grayfin68]

Hey, I got someone to bite! Don't you know that everything ever said applies to 100% of the people!
Tolerance is being taught/preached about more and more these days. Perhaps this issue is acceptance of the "loner" crowd. Not everyone is super-social. If music helps a person, then good for them. Of course, all my comments are assuming that they are practicing proper lane etiquette.

I personally don't have a problem with people using the MP3 players during league but I can see why people might be offended by it. Just seems to me that team bowling is not really an activity made for loners. You can always find singles tournaments if you want to be left alone. :confused:

[JaraTo]

Hey, I got someone to bite! Don't you know that everything ever said applies to 100% of the people!

Umm bite what? You're alone their buddy on understanding what the heck that was supposed to mean. That sure didn't look like a setup to me. Carry on.

[thegoldenchild]

To bite, as in, I knew someone might find it offensive even though I meant no real harm by it. Just observations from my life mixed with subtle humor that I understand because I wrote it. I'm just trying to throw some alternative views in hopes someone might see the issue in a different way. All while trying to compress my thoughts into as few sentences as possible.

[can-ham]

To bite, as in, I knew someone might find it offensive even though I meant no real harm by it. Just observations from my life mixed with subtle humor that I understand because I wrote it. I'm just trying to throw some alternative views in hopes someone might see the issue in a different way. All while trying to compress my thoughts into as few sentences as possible.

dumb (not even a sentence)

[JaraTo]

dumb (not even a sentence)

Now that was funny.

[thegoldenchild]

Damn, I got put in my place. It was deserved, I guess.

[sackingsbibby]

i personally use an ipod in league/tournament, dont use it 2 try and concentrate better, just like listening 2 music while i bowl, only been to 2 tournaments that didnt allow it, jr gold, and pepsi. i always put the cords up my shirt so they dont get in the way, dont c y any1 wuld have a problem with it unless it was 2 loud, and alot of times i only have 1 in when im waiting 4 my turn, so i can talk 2 others

[can-ham]

Damn, I got put in my place. It was deserved, I guess.

Not trying to put anyone in any place. Just trying to be funny. On an ironic note this is sent from my iPod from the gym. How annoying is that guy!:D

[96707]

If someone is using an Ipod, it's not against the rules, you pay attention and bowl when it is your turn, then there should be no problem. If you are off daydreaming to the music and people gotta tap you on the shoulder when it's your turn, it's time to pack it up. Be responsible.

[No Mercy07]

Its against the rules at my house...

No Electronics in the Pits during league.

It isn't enforced well, but its still a rule...

When I bowl, all my stuff goes in my bag, cell phone, keys, wallet, rings, and change.

When I'm bowling its just me, my balls, and the lanes... lol

[JaraTo]

i personally use an ipod in league/tournament, dont use it 2 try and concentrate better, just like listening 2 music while i bowl, only been to 2 tournaments that didnt allow it, jr gold, and pepsi. i always put the cords up my shirt so they dont get in the way, dont c y any1 wuld have a problem with it unless it was 2 loud, and alot of times i only have 1 in when im waiting 4 my turn, so i can talk 2 others

Only reason I could it bothering was mentioned earlier. There ppl in our league who already distracted enough with their booze drinking and socializing that I have to wait forever for them to finish their frame. If you can still pay attention and be up on time then that's fine. Bubba, would that only be a rule enforced in a sanctioned league with the time limit and recording a zero for that person's frame.

[sackingsbibby]

Only reason I could it bothering was mentioned earlier. There ppl in our league who already distracted enough with their booze drinking and socializing that I have to wait forever for them to finish their frame. If you can still pay attention and be up on time then that's fine. Bubba, would that only be a rule enforced in a sanctioned league with the time limit and recording a zero for that person's frame.

since im a youth bowler, dont have 2 deal with the drunks, but the socializing is hell on my tues. league, scratch league, 130 min avg, only 2 200 avg, but they payed for me 2 bowl it so its hard 2 say no