New event will have families competing together on the lanes

ARLINGTON, Texas – Bowling always has been a family sport and a new national tournament developed through International Bowling Campus Youth Development and the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America will allow families to compete together on the lanes.

The All American Family Tournament will be a premier national event to showcase the more recreational side of the game. It is designed to engage families who love to bowl and give those families an outlet to compete together in a sport everyone enjoys.

“There are not many sports in which family members can participate together on the same playing field,” said Chad Murphy, USBC Executive Director and Managing Director for IBC Youth Development. “Families will be able to compete together and we’ll have several age-based divisions to provide a competitive and fun experience for everyone.”

Bowling centers will have the opportunity to conduct qualifying events and winners of those events will advance to the national championships set for July 7-9, 2015.

“Engaging youth bowlers continues to be an important priority and offering opportunities for parents and children together is a key piece of the strategy,” said BPAA President Cathy DeSocio. “The All American Family Tournament is a tremendous way for bowling centers to get families together on the lanes for a special experience.”

In each division, one adult will be paired with one youth; the four divisions are based on the age of the youth bowler – Under 8, Under 12, Under 15 and Under 17 – and the adult must be at least 24 years old. The tournament also is a handicap-based event so centers can promote it to anyone who bowls, regardless of their age, skill or physical ability.

Qualifying will be done at the local level with league or tournament qualifiers, and the winners will advance to the national finals. Centers will be able to conduct qualifying between August 1, 2014 and May 31, 2015. Any state/provincial championships must completed by May 31, 2015.

Go to BOWL.com/AAFT to learn more about the All-American Family Tournament, including how to conduct league and tournament qualifying events.