HI, I joined an existing team in Nov. 2007. The captain(s) (husband & wife) missed 2 weeks (bowled blinds) in Dec. paid when they returned. Missed two more in Jand paid upon return. Then in Feb. wife was ill, missed Feb. 20 (w/out notice, bowled 2 blinds), thought they would bowl but did not on Feb. 27(again w/out notice, bowled 2 blinds). Determined wife needed surgery and would have to quit. Was apprised to submit written notice to Secretary and pay fees owed. Two weeks missed and two weeks notice (as per league rules) = $128.00. Surgery took place and she announced she wanted to come back to bowl but Dr. had not released her. (all of this makes it difficult to find a replacement not knowing if/when they will show up and the fact we are holding on to last place for dear life!) I am now the 'acting Captain' since the other 2 players are novices and somewhat clueless. :) She can't return, we're now 5 weeks without them and they didn't pay. Finally this week, they paid $64 as they said that is what the secretary told them that would be fine. I've been in constant communication with the secretary since this started. She is fully aware how much was owed. So...last night when I asked why she adjusted it to $64 she said she was just going to take it out of the prize money. I said I don't think they are eligible for prize money...(A) they are no longer members of the team/league (B) They quit without notice (C) I thought the prize money was paid to the team ..[she said she would take it out of "THEIR" prize money, not ours] (D) We feel the two new players who graciously stepped in should get any point money as they will not have enough games to qualify for league awards. How do others handle this? Can a secretary just make this decision to handle as noted above? I feel this is wrong. The players that bowled are penalized by the blinds (losing points), and left to find new members and have nothing to show for it. Suggestions on how you've dealt with a similar incident would be appreciated. Thanks, Stephanie

Stephanie, check out the infamous rule 115 a&b, your answer is in rule 115b.

Thanks Dr. for the pointer. I have read and re-read those rules over the last few weeks. I am not clear how the secretary made the decision (with or without help) to reduce what they owe with a 'barter' against possible point/prize money that may be there at the end of the season. I think perhaps you are suggesting that I go through the formal process of complaint. (I sent an email to the missing bowlers last week and told them again of the rule that required the two weeks notice and that they still owed for the two weeks they were absent and that if they didn't get it handled their USBC sanctions were in jeopardy...that's what finally got them to contact the secretary and make the partial payment (or, according to them, all they have to pay) of $64.00.

 I don't see how the league can hold prize money to settle the arrears. It is not up to the league to determine the disbursement to the team members. In my past, money was paid to the captain and then disbursed to the players on the team. That were still active members of the team.

Guess I'll just have to file a written complaint if that's what you are recommending. Thanks again for taking time to help.