A "very interesting article for the curious"...
This is my personal opinion and is NOT to be construed as representative of ATBSO Queensland.
I was not a delegate at the AGM last year, however I was an observer during the segment of the meeting which discussed the ATBSO Nationals.
Having been involved for the last 6 months in organising the nationals this year, I have to say I had no idea of the amount of work that would be involved for our committee in organising this tournament. There is a lot more to organising a tournament than entering a few names into a computer. We have no members in Townsville and no contacts. I remain convinced we made the right decision.
If it was the wrong decision, then why is our post box over flowing with entries, why am I sitting up until the wee small hours trying to fit everbody in - you would think people would pass us by on the way to the Nationals in Townsville if that is where they want to be!!
I note the author of the "very intersting article" has chosen to enter the ATBSO nationals. I expect he freely made that decision and it was his own choice. I can also make choices, shall I go to Townsville or not? Shall I help organise this tournament or should I go and see my new grandchild. Should I go to work today or should I stay home and sort out the tournament. We do have freedom of choice here dont we.
I think we should hold our ATBSO tournament at the same time and the same city as the TBA Nationals, for the sake of the bowlers. However if TBA decide to hold the next Queensland Nationals in McKay, Cairns, Townsville or anywhere north of Gympie we will go through this whole uproar once again, and ATBSO Queensland will cop the flak.
I believe the National Championships are going to be rotated along the East Coast for the next 3 years, and ATBSO are going to be asked to follow suit. I want to know what our members in WA, SA and NT think about that. Were they asked for their opinion either as ATBSO members or TBA members, (which we are all expected to be).
Seeing as Queensland has obviously become the "fly in the ointment" I vote we should never again allowed to run a tournament in our state unless we agree to "tow the party line".
Once again, let me say this is my personal input.
Good luck to all the bowlers, I hope you have a wonderful time in Brisbane and look forward to meeting you all.
Josie