About Rules
You may know that when you step over the foul line in bowling and deliver the ball down the lane, you have committed a foul and get zero for that shot. But did you know that if you cross the line but don’t let go of the ball, it’s not considered a foul?
That and hundreds of other rules for the sport of bowling are the responsibility of the United States Bowling Congress.
As the sport’s national governing body, the USBC maintains bowling's integrity by consistently interpreting and enforcing the playing rules for USBC league and tournament competition. By helping bowlers, association leaders, tournament managers, league officers and others understand the rules of the sport, USBC ensures for us that play is fair so we can enjoy it more. Those efforts also allow USBC leagues and tournaments to run more smoothly.
While the USBC Playing Rules is perhaps the most visible and main overall responsibility of the USBC Rules Team, the group does more than that. The USBC Rules department provides online guidebooks such as the League Operations Handbook that help leagues keep track of their finances and run their leagues more efficiently, and the Tournament Manager’s Manual that gives tournament officials checklists, applicable rules, forms and letters that help them run their events.
Our expert counselors work behind-the-scenes for you, answering thousands of e-mails, other written requests and phone calls each year relating to rules interpretation and direction, rules infractions, different approved competition formats, eligibility requirements, tournament prize distribution, online tournament certification, specific rules for USBC Youth, High School and Collegiate bowling programs and eligibility questions.
Remember that the USBC rules and regulations are here for you to enjoy the sport and know that it is being played fairly around the world.
Read More- Online Tournament Certification
Certifying your USBC tournament has never been easier. Complete the certification process online and save time and paperwork. Certify your tournament when it’s convenient for you whenever you want on your computer, on your time.
This time-saving new feature streamlines the tournament certification process and saves valuable time for tournament managers.
USBC now requires all tournament managers to certify their events this way. Go green by using this paperless technology to expedite the certification process.
The process initially takes about 30 minutes to complete and can be done at any time. Those who registered online last season and submitted all required reports can renew the same event online this season. Go to the tournament certification link under "Departments" on bowl.com. Log in under your user ID and password and click "renew." You can then review and update the center(s), tournament date(s) plus make any changes to the rules previously selected.
Within 30 days of the tournament's completion the required financial report can be submitted online; however, the prize list must be e-mailed, faxed or mailed to Tournament Certifications per Rule 309. In the future, the prize list also will be submitted online.
If you need assistance using the new online tournament certification program, call (800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3155 or e-mail rules@bowl.com
. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm CST.
Let’s get started!
You will need the following information before starting:- USBC account
- A username and password
- A copy of the tournament rules (you will only need to input those rules that are a requirement for USBC certification)
- Tournament location(s) and date(s)
Once you have your USBC account you are about 20 minutes away from printing your Tournament Certification Certificate. Enter all requested information and click “next” to save it. The Online Tournament Certification Program will archive all of your certification requests for your review at any time. Read More - Mythbusters The USBC Rules department busts some of the most common myths about rules and their interpretations. Have a doubt about bowling rules? Submit questions to: rules@bowl.com , Subject: Mythbusters. MYTH: If my summer average is higher than my winter average, I must report it for tournaments. PLAUSIBLE: Average rules vary from tournament to tournament. It is possible that a bowler may have to use a higher summer average to enter a tournament. Tournament rules that state highest previous season book average are requesting the highest winter season average. However, a tournament can state the highest book average summer or winter. If there is any uncertainty about what average you must enter with, contact tournament management. For more information regarding tournament averages, click here MYTH: I can use a Scotch Brite pad to clean by ball during league play. BUSTED: Scotch Brite pads and other abrasive pads can be used before and after USBC competition. Once competition begins, these products cannot be used on bowling balls in competition or to be added to competition. Click here for a current USBC approved and non-approved product list MYTH: I can put league funds into my personal account. BUSTED: League funds can only be deposited in an account in the name of the league or with the center in a trust account in the name of the league. League funds held in a savings account cannot be transferred to an officer’s personal account to write checks for the pay out. If the league does not have a checking account the league should payout in cash following the Bonding Procedures in Chapter 8 of the USBC Playing Rules and Commonly Asked Questions. MYTH: When there are three candidates on the ballot for an office, the candidate with the most votes wins. PLAUSIBLE: If the candidate receives a majority of the votes cast, the candidate wins the election. A majority vote is one more than half the total votes cast. As with any meeting, a quorum must be present. For example, if 27 total votes are cast, one candidate must receive at least 14 votes to win the election. The vote count is 10 for candidate one, 9 for two and 8 for candidate three. Since none of the candidates received 14 votes, the candidate that received the lowest number of votes (candidate three) is dropped from the ballot. Balloting continues for the remaining two candidates, until one receives a majority of the votes cast. It is possible for the vote to be tied (9-9-9). In this case, balloting continues until the tie is broken. Remember, it is the majority of the votes cast, not the number of people eligible to vote. Click here for more election information. MYTH: The final prize list is the league financial statement. BUSTED: A financial statement shows all income and expenses, it is not just a report of who won the prize money.
A financial statement must show all the funds received and all the expenses of the league. A financial statement should be detailed and the bottom line is the money that is left in the bank. The following applies to financial statements:- Must be completed annually - Rule 102f-5.
- Each team captain receives a copy when prizes are paid.
- League fees and all other income including but not limited to sponsor fees, fundraisers, banquet fees, membership fees, interest collected must be listed.
- Total income less normal expenses determine the amount available for the prize fund.
- The prize fund is part of the financial statement and should detail what was paid.
- The financial statement should be kept on file with the league records.
Example 1, a bowler gives notice after bowling on February 7.- In a league that bowls every other week, the bowler owes for February 14 only.
- In a monthly league, the bowler would not owe anything; the nest session would be in a month.
- In a league that bowls weekly the bowler would owe for February 14 and February 21.
Team Captains are responsible to ensure all players entered in the line up each week are eligible. Team Captains must be sure all players meet all league qualification rules for position rounds, playoffs and weekly play, including game requirements, cap rules and all players have current membership (Rule 104a). MYTH: A team cannot be forced to use an absentee score for a position round or playoff. BUSTED: A team who has an absent bowler must use the absentee score just like any other time in the season. The league does not have to allow the team to add a new player when a bowler is absent, only when a team has a vacancy (Rule 107c-9). MYTH: Players can be added to a team roster anytime through out the season. CONFIRMED: USBC does not have any rules stating when a roster must be completed. Team Captains have the authority to add players anytime during the season, but must do so in compliance with the league rules. Leagues may add restrictions for adding players however; a team must be allowed to add a player when the roster falls below the playing strength of the league (Rule 107c-9). MYTH: If I write “PROTEST” on the recap sheet the board must act. BUSTED: To simply write “PROTEST” on a recap sheet does not give the league officers any idea what is being protested. In order for the league board of directors (officers and team captains) to take action on a protest, the protest must be in writing, signed, detail what occurred and filed within the time lines of Rule 119; an anonymous protest does not require the board to take action. A proper protest should be dated, state why the protest is being filed and what rules were broken. Click here for more information on protests. BUSTED: According to a four-year study of handicap leagues (mixed, all-women and all-men) the handicap percentages 75%, 80% and 90% do not fully equalize competition:
MYTH: At 100% handicap every team has a 50-50 chance of winning. BUSTED: Even at 100% handicap, as the chart above shows, the higher-average teams or bowlers still have a decided edge. Seventy out of 100 championships still are won by the higher-average team when 100% handicap is used. An exact 50-50 distribution of league championships would result only if a 116% handicap was used. MYTH: It is harder for a higher-average team to win because the lower-average team gets so many pins handicap. You must always look at the difference in averages as well as handicap. In the table the higher-average team total is 73% or 223 pins higher than the lower-average team.Handicap Percent
Championships won by team with average below median in the league
Championships won byteam with average above median in the league
70
0 out of 100
100 out of 100
75
0 out of 100
100 out of 100
80
0 out of 100
100 out of 100
85
6 out of 100
94 out of 100
90
11 out of 100
89 out of 100
95
24 out of 100
76 out of 100
100
30 out of 100
70 out of 100
MYTH: If the 10 pin is left and the 7 pin slides from position and rests in the 8 pin position, it is not considered a 7-10 split. BUSTED: Splits are determined by the pin position before delivery, not by where they end up after delivery. If this spare is made, the bowler would be issued the 7-10 Split award. MYTH: If a team does not bowl at its regularly scheduled league time, its scores do not have to be shared with the team it was supposed to bowl against. BUSTED: Once scores are bowled, they are a matter of public record and can be seen unless the league rules or policy and procedures prohibit the sharing of scores. Any such policies should be added to the league rules. MYTH: USBC rules require bowling shoes to be worn during USBC competition. BUSTED: USBC’s only rule relating to shoes is Rule 12, “Approaches Must Not Be Defaced.” Rule 12 prohibits soft rubber soles and heels that rub off the approach. Today, many bowlers are wearing a tennis shoe on the push-away foot to give more momentum and keep from sliding. Tennis shoes that do not leave a residue on the approach may be worn. Bowling centers, leagues and tournaments may have their own rules regarding the use of bowling shoes. MYTH: League rules supersede USBC rules BUSTED: USBC rules are the foundation of the game of American Tenpins. Leagues may adopt rules as long as they do not conflict with USBC rules. Many USBC rules allow leagues to adopt options and in this instance adopted league rules would take precedence; otherwise, USBC rules are the default. The USBC General Playing Rules (Rules 1-18) are examples of rules that relate to the basics of the game and cannot be changed. MYTH: A foul is committed any time a bowler crosses the foul line. BUSTED: A delivery takes place when a ball is released into fair territory, according to Rule 4a. Crossing the indefinite line including walls, flooring, posts and ball returns before a bowler is in position for the next delivery constitutes a foul. Conversely, a bowler who never releases the ball does not commit a foul. For example, if during the delivery, the bowler loses balance and steps into the lane but does not release the ball, no foul has been committed. MYTH: USBC Rules are only guidelines. BUSTED: USBC Rules define the game. Rules 1 through 18 of the General Playing Rules have no options and cannot be changed by a league or tournament. However, there are many USBC League Rules and Tournament Rules that allow changes. Rule 100a allows leagues to adopt league rules that do not conflict with USBC Rules. MYTH:A team or individual can prebowl for the first league session. CONFIRMED: USBC Rules do not prohibit prebowling prior to the first session of the league. When teams or individuals are granted permission to prebowl, the bowlers must pay for membership prior to completion of the first series as stated in Rule 101a. Therefore, arrangements should be made with the league secretary for bowlers to purchase membership prior to completing the prebowl. MYTH: Youth can compete in tournaments using bowling balls with beer logos. BUSTED: Beer logo bowling balls are USBC approved; however, legislation was recently passed to eliminate the use of bowling balls depicting alcohol in any USBC Youth tournaments. Other restrictions in USBC Youth tournament play are no equipment or apparel depicting tobacco, illegal substances, or inappropriate language or gestures. MYTH: USBC provides receipts for payment of membership dues. CONFIRMED: It is the perforated section on the right side of the membership application card. Complete this section and make sure the league secretary signs the receipt. This is especially important for those members that bowl in multiple USBC leagues and participate in tournaments. Without the receipt, you can expect a league secretary or tournament manager to ask for payment of membership dues. Anyone that bowls in a USBC league must complete a membership application card for each league and purchase membership or show proof membership. A bowler cannot wait to pay membership dues “next time”; dues must be paid prior to the completion of the first series bowled in a USBC league according to Rule 101. There are some instances where a league is in another local or state association. Dues must be paid in each state and local association a member participates in. The receipt will verify payment of national dues in this case. Read MoreBASE 200
BASE 200
TEAM A
TEAM B
Average
80%
90%
100%
Linda
120
64
72
80
Dick
115
68
76
85
Kathy
95
84
94
105
Jeff
135
52
58
65
Sandi
142
46
52
58
607
314
352
393
Average + 80% = 921
Average + 90% = 959
Average + 100% = 1000
Average
80%
90%
100%
Dave
150
40
45
50
Patti
167
26
29
33
Scott
185
12
13
15
Terri
188
9
10
12
Lisa
140
48
54
60
830
135
151
170
Average + 80% = 965
Average + 90% = 981
Average + 100% = 1000
- Guide to League IssuesAUDITS
The league president is required to appoint an Audit Committee and ensure the committee completes at least one audit during the season.The audit committee duties are to check the bank statements to receipts; check pay envelopes to ensure payments are current and match deposits and check to be sure that any withdrawals or checks have the two officer signatures. ABSENTEEISM- Absentee score is average less ten pins unless league rules state otherwise.
- Handicap is figured on the absent bowlers average, unless league rules state otherwise.
- Absentee score is used for the first session unless league rules state otherwise.
- Contact bowlers absent for more than one week.
- Teams cannot be forced to pay for an absent bowler.
- Click here for league options when a center closes.
- Scores bowled first can be seen unless the league rules or past precedence do not allow.
- Substitutes can pre or post bowl.
- No honor score recognition when bowling unopposed.
- HELPFUL HINT - Announce to the league that requests for make-up games must be made 48 hours prior to the scheduled match.
- Emergency postponements are when a team cannot field a legal lineup for reasons beyond its control after the 48-hour window has expired.
- Click here for a guide to adopting prize lists.
- Must complete a league membership application card.
- Memberships received after the league certification application is filed must be sent to the local association within 30 days of receipt.
- Can bowl at anytime unless the league rules state otherwise.
- Count toward the legal lineup requirement, unless league rules state otherwise.
- CAP leagues - when using a substitute or new bowler the combination of all entering averages including the substitute or new bowler must be less than or equal to the cap.
- Click here for a guide to handling protests.
- Contact Us
We are confident this version of the rule book will make finding the rules that you are looking for easier. However, if after searching you still need a question answered, the USBC Rules team is here to help you. We can be reached between the hours of 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. CST Monday through Friday at (800) 514-BOWL ext. 3155 or by e-mail at rules@bowl.com
- USBC Playing Rules Whenever you and your friends play a game, someone usually asks up front, “Does everyone know the rules?” For each game or sport we play or watch, rules are essential. All participants must agree to play by the “rules of the game” which makes it fair and gives everyone a chance to win. In the sport of bowling, the USBC Playing Rules represent the framework for all USBC-certified league and tournament competition. They make the sport of bowling fair for all players, no matter what their skill levels. The USBC Playing Rules are available online. USBC Playing Rules To view as a pdf, click here.
- Associations Manual If you’re a USBC association official, familiarize yourself with various aspects of USBC rules and bylaws. When it comes to overseeing your leagues and league secretaries, running your association tournaments and conducting general association business, knowledge of the rules is a must. We’ve made that easy for you by providing essential information on bowl.com, your one-stop rules resource. The USBC Association Manual, available online here on bowl.com, is the one reference guide you’ll need if you’re looking for association policy guidelines. The guidebook is comprised of the USBC State and Local Bylaws, USBC National Supplement, USBC Association Policy Manual, USBC Association Leaders’ Handbook and Suspension and Reinstatement Procedures. Click here to see the Association Manual.Read More
- Youth Eligibility Most general USBC playing rules apply to our USBC Youth members. However, some rules apply only to Youth bowlers, such as eligibility requirements. We’ve made that easy for you by providing essential information on bowl.com, your one-stop rules resource. Click here to learn more.
- High School The USBC High School program operates its competitions under general USBC playing rules. However, some specific rules adapted from the USBC Playing Rules book apply only to high school bowling events. Click here to see the HS rules book.
- Collegiate The USBC Collegiate program runs its competitions under general USBC playing rules. However, some specific rules adapted from the USBC Playing Rules book apply to collegiate bowling events. Click here to view Collegiate rules.
- Tournaments Just as tournaments vary in prize funds, formats, entries and venues, the rules applicable to each tournament may also vary from one event to the next. For a better understanding of rules for a particular tournament, visit the site for that specific event.
- League Below you will find pdf versions of important documents on subjects such as league rules, prize lists, parental consent forms and much more. Handicap Charts
3 Game
95%
90%
85%
80%
75%
70%
Handicap charts for useSingle Game
95%
85%
80%
75%
70%
- Individual Averages Record Sheet
- League Operations Handbook
- League Standings 8 Teams or Less
- League Standings 9 Teams or More
- Nonpayment of League Fees and/or Improper Withdrawal Letter
- Nonpayment of League Fees/Improper Withdrawal League Checklist
- Parental Consent Form (including Rule 400)
- President Worksheet to Verify League Account Monthly
- Prize List Information
- Protests—A League Bowler Guide to Filing a Protest
- Protests—A League Officers Guide to Handling Protests
- Rules Adult League (Sample)
- Rules Youth League (Sample)
- Singles Competition Prize Waiver Form (Rule 400)
- Team Average Record Sheet
Read More - Association Below you will find pdf versions of important Association files and documents.
- Tournament Below you will find pdf versions of important Tournament files and documents.
- Association Policy Manual
- Disqualification Letter- Rule319a, Item 2
- Disqualification Letter- Rule319a, Item 3
- Disqualification Letter- Rule319d
- Disqualification Letter- Rule319e
- High School Bowling Tournament Application
- Parental Consent Form (including Rule 400)
- Prize Fund Payoff
- Rules Adult Association Tournament
- Rules Adult Handicap Tournament (Sample)
- Rules Scratch Tournament (Sample)
- Rules Youth Association Tournament
- Rules Youth Handicap Tournament (Sample)
- Scholarship Tournament award Report (SMART)
- Singles Competition Prize Waiver Form (Rule 400)
- Tournament Manager Information
- Tournament Managers Manual
- Tournament Rules (See Chapter 6 of the USBC Playing Rules)
- Tournament Schedule/Prize List (Sample)
- Worthless Check/Invalid Credit Card Letter
- Additional Resources Below you will find pdf versions of important Tournament files and documents. Read More
- USBC League Operations Handbook Our League Operations Handbook covers everything you need to know to run your league as efficiently and knowledgably as possible, including a Quick-Start USBC League Checklist as well as information on the USBC Youth program, USBC Tournaments, Adult and Youth League Rules, a schedule of USBC events for the upcoming season and much more. Click here to see the League Operations Handbook.
- Legislation Convention Amendment Results Youth Bylaws Change –
In an effort to provide a more efficient and rewarding system, the United States Bowling Congress will implement several changes in the USBC Youth program starting with the 2009-10 season. The USBC Board of Directors, based on recommendations by the USBC Youth Committee, approved several major changes to the structure of current USBC Youth programs. As participation in youth sports is on the rise in America, the changes set forth for USBC Youth programs will attract more youth bowlers to participate in certified league play. The changes will affect how memberships are processed, offer a new short-season membership product, restructure the awards program and lower the maximum age for youth bowlers. Membership delivery and processing
Youth bowling represents the future of USBC; therefore, it is vitally important to make it easy for youth league bowlers to become USBC Youth Members. Starting with the 2009-10 season, changes to the membership delivery and processing structure will be put in place to expand the reach of the USBC Youth program. In the new membership delivery system, bowling centers will have the option to directly process memberships, averages and awards to USBC. In many areas, local associations will continue that function; however, with this change, bowling centers now have the ability to decide whether to take sole responsibility for youth processing, or continue to work with local associations as they have in the past. Additional details concerning the new USBC Youth programs will be released once they are finalized. Membership options
In the past, USBC Youth membership consisted of two products, USBC Youth Standard and USBC Junior Gold. Starting in the 2009-10 season, a third product - USBC Youth Basic Membership - has been added. USBC Youth Basic Membership will cost $5 and be available to all youth who bowl in a league that meets for 12 sessions or less. The Youth Basic Membership benefits include:- USBC Youth Membership Card
- One issue of US Youth Bowler
- USBC recognized average
- The ability to participate in USBC certified tournaments
- League award emblems
- Purchasable awards
- USBC Youth Membership Card
- Four issues of US Youth Bowler
- USBC recognized average
- The ability to participate in USBC certified tournaments
- Ability to participate in USBC certified tournaments
- Revamped youth awards program
The Youth Awards Program will undergo significant changes for the 2009-10 league season. These changes represent USBC's response to feedback from associations, bowling centers and youth coordinators across the country. The new structure will better match awards to the skill level of the youth bowler. An increased number of special achievement awards have been added to the lineup, raising the total number of awards offered to 25, up from 18. USBC Youth will offer average-based awards for achievement in certified competition in 25-pin intervals for games and 50-pin intervals for series. Awards will be limited to one per season, per achievement. Once an award has been earned in any classification, bowlers are only eligible for the higher awards on a progressive merit basis. Special achievement awards will be available to bowlers 12 and under, and these awards will carry the Bowlopolis theme and characters. The emblems will include recognition for a 50, 75 and 100 game as well as a 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 series. For a bowler to earn any of these awards, he or she must average below the award score. For example, a bowler with a 49 average can earn the 50-game emblem. Special achievement awards for all bowlers also have been updated. All bowlers are eligible to earn emblems starting with a 125 game. Game-score emblems continue in 25-pin increments up to a 275 game. Also, series awards begin at 300 and are offered in 50-pin intervals up to a 750 series. All of the emblems will carry new USBC designs for the 2009-10 league season. For the 2009-10 league season, USBC has revamped the High Score Awards Program. Youth members who bowl a 300 game, 800 series or 900 series will receive a newly-designed USBC honor score ring to commemorate their special achievement. Also, a new award has been designed for bowlers who roll 11 strikes in a row. Maximum age
Starting with the 2009-10 league season, USBC Youth membership will be available to bowlers who have not reached their 20th birthday on or before Aug. 1 of the current bowling season. Read More - Rules you can Use Rules You Can Use - Average relief available for injured bowlers (Rule 4e)
Sometimes bowlers, due to injury or disability, cannot compete at the level of their average established in the previous season. The injury could be to the bowler's dominant bowling hand, shoulder or arm or a physical disability that does not allow a bowler to compete at the previous level with the dominant hand. Two years ago, the USBC delegates approved a rule to allow bowlers under these circumstances to apply for average relief. Average relief is granted by USBC Headquarters and gives the bowler the opportunity to compete at a level more reflective of their current ability in upcoming tournaments. To obtain average relief, interested bowlers must follow the process in USBC Rule 4e which includes obtaining a written statement from their physician stating the physical problem and how long (approximate) they will need average relief. Also required are standing sheets and individual average records showing all games bowled weekly from all of the bowler's current USBC leagues. If USBC approves the request, the bowler must present USBC's letter to tournament management, who may, prior to participation: a. Assign an average that meets or exceeds the minimum average established by USBC.
b. Deny average relief and require the bowler to use the average as required in the tournament's rules. The local association cannot grant average relief; application must be made to USBC Headquarters and should be submitted well in advance of any tournament in which the bowler wants to participate. Below is an easy check list for a member needing relief:- A doctor's certificate:
- Describing the injury/disability
- Length of the injury/disability
- Reason for downward average adjustment
- League standing sheets from each current USBC league
- Bowler average record showing all games bowled from each current league
Whether you are an avid tournament bowler or just an occasional participant, it is your responsibility to provide proper average information, prize money and tournament average to tournament management. Specific requirements on these topics are available in USBC Rules 319a-2, 319a-3, 319a-4, 319d and 319e. USBC Rules 319a-2, 319a-3, 319d and 319e specifically relate to the bowler's obligation and responsibility for submitting the correct average or information. These rules automatically apply unless waived. Rule 319a-2 - or commonly referred to as the 10 pin rule - requires a bowler to submit and use his or her current average at time of bowling if it is 10 pins higher than the previous season's average. If a bowler neglects to report the highest average in accordance with the tournament average rule when obligated to do so, the bowler is subject to disqualification, forfeiture of entry fees and prize winnings. It is the bowler's responsibility to calculate his/her league average up to the last time he/she bowled prior to competing in the tournament. For example, the bowler has a previous season league entering average of 150 and a current season league average of 160 for 21 or more games at time of bowling. The bowler must use the 160 current average for entry into the tournament. The tournament can modify rule 319a-2 to use a specific date instead of at time of bowling. For example, January 1, February 1, etc. Or, it can increase or decrease the number of pins. For example, 12 pins, 15 pins, 8 pins, 5 pins, etc. Rule 319a-3 is a rule of obligation whereby the bowler, and not tournament management, is responsible for verifying his or her own average. It is each bowler's responsibility whether the average is submitted by the bowler, the team captain or others. If the submitted average is lower than required and results in a lower classification or more handicap, the bowler's score is subject to disqualification. If the submitted average is higher than required, the bowler's score will be based on the submitted average. In the case of a team of two or more bowlers, the averages are combined to determine if the correct total is higher or lower than the submitted total. For example, in a four-person team tournament the entry blanks are completed and submitted by the team captain. The captain submits an incorrect average for the leadoff bowler. The bowler's average is entered as five pins less than the bowler's actual average. However, the captain also submits an incorrect average for the anchor bowler that is five pins higher than the bowler's actual average. Averages for the team's other two bowlers were submitted correctly. In this situation, since the overall combined team average was correct, the team would not be disqualified because they did not receive more handicap or lower classification. Rule 319a-4 allows for average corrections up to the end of the bowler's first game of a series unless the tournament rules state otherwise. Or, if an extension of time has been granted in writing by tournament management before the end of the first game of a series, the correction can be made within 48 hours after the end of the series. Rule 319d requires all participants in handicap or classified tournaments to report previous cash and/or merchandise tournament prize winnings of $600 or more earned in an individual tournament or event within the past 12 months as a condition for entry. This includes all-events, special features, brackets, strike jackpots, special prizes and donated prizes. The purpose is for possible average adjustment of the entrant before participating in the tournament or event. Scratch tournaments also can adopt a rule requiring participants to report previous tournament winnings. However, since the competition is scratch, tournament management would not be in a position to adjust but rather deny an entrant's participation. The exception is the association championship tournament. The association championship tournament can require entrants to report previous prize winnings. However, since all eligible members of the association are entitled to participate, the association does not have the option to deny entry to a qualified participant. All bowlers, regardless of average, must provide the name of each tournament in which they have been paid such a prize, or if not yet paid, in which they have qualified for the prize, the amount of the prize, the actual score bowled to qualify for the prize and the prize position. This information must be provided prior to participation. Qualified is defined as the date and time the tournament officially ended (completion of the last squad or round of competition), or payment of prizes, whichever comes first. Prize winnings from certified and non-certified tournaments, including those using a modified format of American tenpins (example: 9 pin tap), must be reported. Tournament management also has the authority to modify the requirements of Rule 319d for their tournaments. For example, the $600 amount could be lowered or raised to another amount such as $100, $500 or $1,000 for example. The 12-month period timeframe also can be amended (six months, 24 months, etc.). USBC recommends that prize winnings be reported to the tournament in writing and that you ask tournament management to issue a written receipt acknowledging acceptance. If a bowler neglects to report any previous tournament prize winnings as a condition of entry when obligated to do so, it is cause for forfeiture of entry fees and prize winnings. Rule 319e is an average adjustment rule that requires the bowler to change the entering average when the accumulative tournament average of 21 games or more is 15 pins higher within the previous 12 months. All bowlers are responsible for adjusting their entering average if their accumulated tournament average for 21 games or more exceeds the average to be used for entry by 15 or more pins within the previous 12 months. For example, the bowler has a league entering average of 170 and an accumulated tournament average of 190 for 21 or more tournament games. The bowler must use the 190 accumulative tournament average for entry into the tournament. A bowler whose tournament scores require an adjustment must submit the adjusted average in writing before the end of the first game of a tournament, unless tournament rules allow for such adjustment to be made within a specified time after bowling. Bowlers are responsible for keeping a record of the names, dates, scores and prize winnings in all tournaments entered in the previous 12 months, including those still running. On appeal, protest, or if tournament management believes there is a violation of the rule; the bowler can be requested to supply this information within a reasonable deadline. All certified and non-certified scores from the game of American tenpins are used in the application of this rule. Tournament management can modify Rule 319e. For example, the 15 or more pin average requirement or 21-tournament game requirement could be changed to be more or less restrictive (five or more pins; 20 or more pins; 15 tournament games; 30 tournament games; etc.). The 12-month period timeline also can be amended (six months, 24 months, etc). Note: Rules 319a-2, 319a-3, 319a-4, 319d and 319e do not apply to USBC Youth competition unless otherwise provided by tournament rules. Rules You Can Use - League financial procedures (Rules 102c and 102f) Whether your league is just starting or has existed since the fall, it's always good to know the proper rules for handling your members' weekly fees. For example, did you know that both the league treasurer and league president play important roles in this process? Making sure both people do the right thing will save headaches come the end of the season. Here are some key steps to take to make sure league finances are properly handled:- Set up a checking or savings account in the name of the league. Use an EIN number to open an account. You can apply for an EIN number by completing an SS-4 form online or by calling (800) 829-4933. The reason is For Banking Purposes Only. Complete lines 1-5b, 7a-b (if applicable), 8a, 8b-c (if applicable), 9a, 9b (if applicable), 10, and 18.
- Ensure deposits are made within one week.
- The league president/supervisor must calculate what should be on deposit and compare that total with what is in the bank. The form is a great tool for presidents to calculate the amount that should be on deposit.
- Balance the league account monthly.
- Make sure at least two signatures are used when withdrawing any money or writing checks for expenses. You may have to design some type of receipt for withdrawal if using in-center banking.
- Document other funds such as raffles, pot games, 50/50, membership dues.
- Keep receipts for any money spent.
- Do not let bowlers fall behind on league fees.
- Be sure new bowlers pay membership dues or show proof of membership the first session bowled.
- Make sure the financial statement at the end of the year is detailed and shows how the prizes were paid and to whom.
- Pay out prizes within 21 days of the completion of the league, unless the board states another time.
- Keep financials for 120 days after the league.
- Turn over records to a new officer.
- Verify accounts monthly.
- Ask questions about finances as needed.
- Problems or questions contact USBC at (800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3393.
- A doctor's certificate:
- Tournament Manager Information The tournament manager’s job is an involving one that can require a lot of information, such as parental consent forms, rules for adult, youth and scholarship tournaments, various checklists, disqualification letters and more. To assist you in your tasks as a tournament manager, click below for a copy of our Tournament Managers Handbook, your comprehensive guide to policies and documents that you will need to smoothly conduct tournaments. Tournament Managers's Handbook
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