Secretary's Corner

( Don't be confused when the form reads" Application for Employer Identification Number")

Several secretaries have had questions about getting a "TIN" number As we mentioned at the meetings you can go to www.irs.gov and select "businesses" at the top of the page. Then click on the "Employer ID Numbers" under Business Topics, left side of page and that will take you to an area where you can apply for a tax number online. (Click on "Apply for an EIN Number Online") We suggest that you download the form and fill in only the questions listed below and mail to IRS but if you want to fill out the form online then push the button "apply online" then, Begin Application, then check "View Additional types of....", then check "Other nonprofit, etc." then continue, then check "Banking purposes" then check "individual" and fill in the questions as asked but only have to fill in the ones listed below.

1. Name of league 3. Executor, etc. ( name of treasurer) 4. Mailing address 4b. city, state & zip 7a.Name of principal officer... treasurer's name 7b. Soc. Security no. 8a. answer "no" 9a. check "Other (specify)" answer Bowling League 10. Reason for applying... check "Banking purpose"--Handle League Funds. Finally, finish up with your name & title and phone number.

If you do not want to fill out the form on line then just download the form and only answer the above questions and mail to the Internal Revenue Service.

If you need assistance on the BLS Program you can call or email Tina-402-3004 or Kevin-417-3402 (Nights until 10 pm and Weekends Please)

Don't wait to set up your program, and always remember to backup your information each week.

If you're using the new USBC version of Perfect Secretary and did not change the default settings under "Restart League", you will generate an improper "Most Improved" bowler list. In the restart league section under "Average for most improved" the "Set to Zero" option must be checked if you base your award on most improved after 21 games. But you CAN NOT change this setting now, this will restart your league and you will lose all the data for the 2005-06 season. Make the change after your league has ended or before starting your league next season.

For this year there is a way around the problem. Generate the report that lists all your bowler's YTD summary. This can be found in the Toolbar menu at the top of your main screen under Reports/Statistics/YTD summary. When you're in the Bowler Year to date Summary section make sure the option to list all bowlers is checked. Then click on the "print" option at the bottom so you can see a list of all the sheets for your bowlers. Go down through all the bowlers and make note of their name and what their average was as of the 21st game (should be week #7).

Close these screens and then go to "Enter/Edit bowlers" under Bowlers and Teams. For each of your league bowlers go the section labeled "average for most improved" and enter the correct score that you wrote down from the YTD summary list. Close these screens. You will then need to force the program to do a recalculation of all this new information. This can be done by going to the toolbar at the top of the screen to Weekly Duties/recalculation. Click on the recalculation button at the bottom of the screen and answer "yes" when it says league data will be changed.

Here we go again....Time to get the leagues started, work out any rule changes at your league meetings, perhaps elect new officers, and get your bowlers sanctioned.

The first night of bowling can be a hectic time so we would suggest that you fill out most of the sanction form before you start bowling so you can just add the amount of people you are sanctioning and figuring out the money. (30 days time limit to protect your bonding)

Please remember that the fees are: USBC Men - $18.00 and USBC Women - $16.00 This year Women who sanction with both associations save $10 national sanction fee ($10 national, $8 Men's Local, $5 Women's Local and $1.00 Women's State-Optional if you want to bowl in State tournaments)

As a quick reminder, please separate the Men's cards & money from the Women's cards & money but all should be sent to 6337 Constitution Dr.

If you have not visited us at the new location please refer to the directions that are on the "Home Page" and come on over.

As mentioned in the league officers meetings in August, we need to have awards submitted to this office within 20 days from when the award was earned. AVERAGE based awards are figured on last year's average in the same league until bowler gets 12 games this year. (If he or she did not bowl in your league last year then take the highest yearbook average.)

Also, PLEASE remember that when submitting award forms you will need to include a person's I.D. number on the form. Those numbers NEVER change and FWBA numbers start with 613- and FWWBA numbers start with 3258-. Your league roster that you receive after sanctioning will have the persons number.

Also, check the box that says "omit prev. earned awards" then you will not be printing the same award sheets over again. We have had several leagues that have submitted the same award sheets more than once. I just discovered this and thought you would like to know!

Any time there is a Honor Award shot in your league you MUST call the BOWLING office within 48 hrs.

SPECIAL NOTE: Secretaries that have installed BLS on their computer and are starting their second season might not know how to "start a new season". Please read the following and any questions you can contact our webmaster Kevin Schram by email.

First, make sure you create a backup of your league as of the last week you entered scores. Do this from the Utilities menu. This will prompt you through the selections required. I recommend selecting copy old league to new name and at least add the year to the end of the name. If you need an explanation of any of the items, the help button will take you to a fairly good help system. After copying the league make sure you go into the "Setup" tab and select "League Rules" and adjust the dates, number of team etc. and reset your schedule and position rounds. (this is done through the Lane assignments). Then go to" Utilities" and select "Restart League at week l" and "Restart League".

Please remember it is easy to sign up for the posting of the standings on fortwaynebowling.com. It's free.