WHAT'S THE GOAL?
Our GOAL is to increase girls' participation in Junior Gold, both in qualifiers and at nationals, by providing qualifiers where girls are guaranteed to compete only against other girls. Our survey results indicated that providing such events would greatly indicate the likelihood of girls signing up. Further, by wrapping scholarship awards (including handicap) into qualifiers, we hope to provide an incentive for second- and third-tier bowlers to continue entering events even if they may not qualify until later in the season. We also hope the availability of scholarship awards will provide incentive for already-qualified bowlers to compete in our events while they sharpen their skills in preparation for Junior Gold Nationals.
We will use the lowest possible ratio for our qualifiers as survey respondents have also indicated that this is, collectively, another top factor in deciding whether or not to enter a qualifier. Further, using the lowest ratio goes hand-in-hand with our GOAL of qualifying more girls for nationals. We know a low ratio and scholarship awards will mean higher entry fees, but we think if the benefits of this are properly communicated, we will have buy-in. We are also interested in any and all sponsorship and fundraising ideas to add to our scholarship funds.
Increasing the number of girls competing at Junior Gold Nationals not only provides additional girl bowlers with a truly valuable and memorable competition and experience, it also increases the pot for the top girl bowlers already competing at nationals. More entrants means more scholarship money to be distributed and more spots to advance past the qualifying rounds. Ultimately, more girls competing at Junior Gold is a win for all girl bowlers.
GOAL is pro-girl. That doesn't mean we are anti-boy. That doesn't mean we have an issue with co-ed tournaments where numbers and Junior Gold rules box tournament directors into having to combine genders. Instead, we are rising to meet a need with what we hope is a creative, and effective, solution.