Expert: - 12/3/2007

Question
During bowling one night (I'm an occasional bowler) I noticed the approach was very slick. I don't know if it was my shoes or the floor, but I notified the staff and they sprayed something on the floor and said that should take care of the problem. Several frames later, my feet flew out from under me and I broke my shoulder in four places. What do you suppose they sprayed on the floor?

Answer
There is no one thing that centers use to deal with a slick approach. The problem is the "slickness" often is brought onto the approaches by bowlers, returning from the snack bar, bar, bathroom, whatever.

You didn't wander beyond the foul line, I hope? The lane conditioner is very slick. If you or another bowler passed beyond the foul line, bringing back the conditioner onto the approach, is a huge problem. Especially with occasional, recreational bowlers who may not realize what they've done.

Some centers use alcohol, water, various detergent or solvent cleaners, whatever works for the humidity, temperature, and likely contaminants. Could be just about anything. Sorry about the injury. Hope you heal quickly.
Best wishes for Christmas and New Years (and a better 2008).