2007-08 USBC PlayingRules

USBC Playing Rules and Commonly Asked Questions
2007-08
United States Bowling Congress
Board of Directors
Officers
Jeff Bojé, President Darlene Baker, Vice President

Tampa, Florida Mahomet, Illinois
Directors*
★Tamoria Adams, Charlotte, North Carolina ★Tommy Gann, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
★Gary Anderson, Taylors, South Carolina ★Bill Hoffman, Columbus, Ohio
★Diandra Asbaty, Chicago, Illinois ★Michael Italia, Limerick, Pennsylvania
★Tom Baxter, Greenwood, Indiana ★Sam Lantto, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
★Sylvia Broyles, Spring Branch, Texas ★Mitch Mitchell, Buford, Georgia
★Andrew Cain, Scottsdale, Ariz. ★Sherisa Nailor, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
★Michael Carroll, Huntington, West Virginia ★James Peters, Naperville, Illinois
★Barbara Chrisman, Brigham City, Utah ★Sean Rash, Wichita, Kansas
★Perry Daniels, Carrollton, Texas ★Linda Scott, Portland, Oregon
★Carolyn Dorin-Ballard, Richland Hills, Texas ★Jim Strum, Dunbar, West Virginia
★Chris Dunbar, Billings, Mont. ★Pete Tredwell, Hamden, Conn.
★Paul Egbers, Olympia Fields, Illinois
*Directors terms are available on bowl.com.
United States Bowling Congress - Board of Directors – 1

USBC Executive Team
Kevin Dornberger
Interim Chief Operating Officer;
Chief Officer —
National Governing Body
(414) 423-3327
Kevin.Dornberger@bowl.com
Roseann Kuhn Tom Clark

Chief Officer — Chief Officer —
Tournaments and Events Marketing and
(414) 423-3260 Communications
Roseann.Kuhn@bowl.com (414) 423-3384
Tom.Clark@bowl.com
Jack Mordini Tim Payne

Chief Officer — Chief Officer —
Membership Products Fulfillment
and Services (414) 423-3353
(414) 423-3257 Tim.Payne@bowl.com
Jack.Mordini@bowl.com
2 – United States Bowling Congress - Executive Team

United States Bowling Congress

5301 S. 76th Street ★ Greendale, WI 53129-1128
Telephone (800) 514-BOWL ★ FAX (414) 421-8560 ★ TTY, TDD (414) 423-3465
For Questions About: e-mail address Extension Fax # (414)
Bonding, Theft or Burglary . . . . . . . . . bonding@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3156 . . . . 421-1650
Bowling History, Statistics or Records . . pr@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3159 . . . . 421-3013
Bylaws, Tax Information . . . . . . . . . . . assnrel@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3158 . . . . 421-4420
Coaching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . USBCcoaching@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3169 . . . . 421-1301
Collegiate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . USBCcollegiate@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 3179 . . . . 421-3014
Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pr@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3159 . . . . 421-3013
Education Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . education@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3112 . . . . 421-4420
Equipment Specifications and
Lane Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . specs@bowl.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3172 . . . . 421-5860
Field Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fieldservices@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3163 . . . . 421-4420
General Info, Supplies, Merchandise,
Lost/Replacement Cards . . . . . . . . . . . bowlinfo@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3161 . . . . 421-8560
High School Bowling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . USBChighschool@bowl.com. . . . . . . . . . . . 3179 . . . . 421-3014
Housing/Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . USBCtravel@bowl.com. . . . . . . (800) 269-5885 . . . . 421-9188
Junior Gold Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . USBCjuniorgold@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 3171 . . . . 421-9188
Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . marketing@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3160 . . . . 409-3611
Meeting Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . meetplan@bowl.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3154 . . . . 421-9188
Membership/Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . ma@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3151 . . . . 421-8560
National Tournaments
USBC Open Championships . . . . . . . USBCopenchampionships@bowl.com . . . . 3170 . . . . 421-9320
USBC Women’s Championships . . . . USBCwomenschampionships@bowl.com. . . 3173 . . . . 421-9789
USBC Junior Gold Championships. . . USBCgoldchamp@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . 3171 . . . . 421-9188
USBC Team USA Championships. . . . USBCteamusa@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3178 . . . . 421-1301
Pepsi/USBC Youth Championships. . . USBCyouthchampionships@bowl.com . . . . 3171 . . . . 421-9188
Other Tournaments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . USBCtournaments@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . 3152 . . . . 421-3161
Proprietor Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . proprietorrelations@bowl.com. . . . . . . . . . 3137 . . . . 421-8560
Rules of the Game and Disputes . . . . . rules@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3155 . . . . 421-1650
Scholarships/SMART Program . . . . . . . smart@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3168 . . . . 421-3014
Sponsorship and Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . sponsorship@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3130 . . . . 421-3611
Sport Bowling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sportbowling@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3177 . . . . 421-1301
Team USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . teamusa@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3178 . . . . 421-1301
Tournament Certification . . . . . . . . . . . tournamentcert@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 3157 . . . . 421-1650
WinLABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . labshelp@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3431 . . . . 421-1650
Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . USBCyouth@bowl.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3161 . . . . 421-8560
USBC Contact List – 3

4
2007 Legislative Update

The following is a synopsis of the changes since the last printing of this book. The synopsis lists the change
and the rule affected. All changes are effective August 1, 2007 unless otherwise noted.
League Rules
Rule 111e, Item 8 – Excludes scores bowled in unopposed pre or post bowling from USBC high score award
eligibility. (Delegates ratified the USBC Board vote when the board approved this amendment for the 2006-
07 season.)
Rule 119 – Requires a protest or appeal to be filed within 72 hours of the final date of the schedule, seg-
ment or playoff.
Tournament Rules
Rule 307, Item c – Allows tournament rules the option to determine distribution of special feature prizes.
Changes to the Rule Book

Awards Section
The awards section in the middle of the rule book that showed pictures of the USBC awards an individual can
earn has been moved to our website, bowl.com. Colored pictures of the high score awards can also be found
in the middle section of the League Operations Handbook each secretary received with his/her supplies.
Commonly Asked Questions
The Commonly Asked Questions have been moved from the back of the book and now accompany each rule
as appropriate. We have also expanded the number of questions in the online version of the rulebook. The
questions and answers listed are the ones leagues or individuals need most frequently while bowling.
Codification Changes
General Playing Rules

Rule 2b – moved to 3
Rules 3a through 3g – moved to 2b through 2h
Rule 16a – moved to 17f, renumbered 16b as 16
Legislative Update – 5
League Rules
Rule 100c – Deleted guideline for organizing youth leagues, can be found on bowl.com
Rule 106d – Moved to 109c
Rule 109c – Moved to 110b
Rule 111a – Combined with 111d and renumbered 111b – 111g as 111a – 111f
Rule 114a – Divided into 114a and 114b
Rule 114b – Moved to 104c
Rule 114c – Moved to 104d
6 – Legislative Update
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: USBC Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Chapter 2: General Playing Rules

Rule 1 – USBC Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Rule 2 – The Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Rule 3 – Baker System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Rule 4 – Delivering the Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Rule 5 – Fouls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Rule 6 – Pinfall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Rule 7 – Pins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Rule 8 – Dead Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Rule 9 – Bowling on Wrong Lane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Rule 10 – Provisional Ball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Rule 11 – Forfeit - Delay of Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Rule 12 – Approaches Must Not Be Defaced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Rule 13 – Parental Consent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Rule 14 – Supplemental Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Rule 15 – Gambling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Rule 16 – Suspended Bowler Ineligible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Rule 17 – Grounds for Disciplinary Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Rule 18 – Bowling Ball - Altering Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Chapter 3: Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Chapter 4: League Rules

Rule 100 – Leagues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Rule 101 – Membership Fee Payment Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Rule 102 – League Officers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Rule 103 – Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Rule 104 – Teams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Rule 105 – Absentee and Vacancy Scores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Rule 106 – League Game/Series. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Rule 107 – Team Composition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Rule 108 – Failure to Complete Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Rule 109 – Lineup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Rule 110 – Forfeits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Rule 111 – Prebowl/Postponements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Rule 112 – Tie Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Rule 113 – Playoffs/Special Contests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Contents – 7
Rule 114 – Withdrawals/Resignations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Rule 115 – Disciplinary Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Rule 116 – Scores. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Rule 117 – Prizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Rule 118 – Averages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Rule 119 – Protest/Appeal Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Rule 120 – Position Matches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Rule 121 – League Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Rule 122 – Meetings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Chapter 5: Sport Bowling

Rule 200 – Definition of Sport Bowling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Rule 201 – Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Rule 202 – Average Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Rule 203 – Lane Dressing/Lane Dressing Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Rule 204 – Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Rule 205 – Equipment Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Rule 206 – Sport Certified Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Rule 207 – Submission of Scores/Prize Winnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Chapter 6: Certified Tournament Rules

Rule 300 – Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Rule 301 – Types of Tournaments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Rule 302 – Modified Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Rule 303 – Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Rule 304 – Authority of Team Captain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Rule 305 – Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Rule 306 – All-Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Rule 307 – Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Rule 308 – Distribution of Prize Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Rule 309 – Prize Payment and Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Rule 310 – Entries Close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Rule 311 – Submitting Entries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Rule 312 – Conditions Cannot Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Rule 313 – Free or Reduced Entries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Rule 314 – No Fees Returned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Rule 315 – Multiple Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Rule 316 – Singles Event Squad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Rule 317 – Handicap - Youth Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Rule 318 – Averages - Youth Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Rule 319 – Averages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Rule 320 – Tournament Game/Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
8 – Contents
Rule 321 – Interrupted Game/Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Rule 322 – Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Rule 323 – Pacers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Rule 324 – Lineup Changes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Rule 325 – Team Bowling Alone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Rule 326 – Tie for Championship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Rule 327 – Scoring Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Rule 328 – Changing Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Rule 329 – Protests and Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Chapter 7: Equipment Specifications and Certification

Section 1 – Bowling Ball Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Section 2 – Drilling Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Section 3 – Bowling Center Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Section 4 – Pins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Chapter 8: Bonding, Burglary and Holdup Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Chapter 9: Handicap Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Contents – 9
10
Chapter 1: USBC Introduction

USBC Mission
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the
future of the sport, provides programs and services and enhances the bowling experience.
Membership
How Obtained
Membership in USBC is composed of adults and youth who have paid the appropriate USBC, state (if
applicable) and local association dues. Membership in USBC may be obtained through a league, tournament,
chartered association, Alliance-at-Large and via bowl.com. Upon completing a membership application card
and paying the appropriate dues, an individual becomes a member of USBC plus one USBC local and one
USBC state association.
A new member who joins a summer league after March 15 of the current season shall, at the time the indi-
vidual files his/her application for membership, pay only those annual USBC, state and local dues that are
then known to be, or to become, effective for the next season. Upon payment of such dues, the individual
shall be granted membership in USBC and applicable state and local associations for the balance of the cur-
rent season and the next season.
A bowler must pay dues in each local association in which he/she applies for membership and/or bowls,
except as provided in Rule 100e, Traveling leagues, 100l, Mail-o-graphic leagues or if the associations have
a reciprocal agreement to waive dues. When a bowler joins a local association, he/she shall join the applica-
ble state association. Regardless of the number of state and local associations in which an individual holds
membership, they shall pay current USBC national membership dues only one time.
Upon obtaining membership in USBC each member agrees to be bound by all final decisions of USBC
concerning application or interpretation of USBC Bylaws, playing rules and other matters relating to the sport
of bowling as governed by USBC.
Required Fees
Each individual applying for USBC membership shall pay annual USBC, state and local association dues as follows:
Adult Youth
USBC $10 $9.50
Maximum State $1 $.50
Maximum Local $10 $4
Total Maximum $21 $14
Chapter 1: USBC Introduction – 11

State and local dues amounts will not exceed the maximums established by USBC delegates. Youth dues may
be different from adult dues. Members of multiple local associations pay the appropriate state, if required,
and local dues, unless the associations have a reciprocal agreement to waive or reduce dues.
If a youth purchases youth and adult membership, national dues are only paid once.
Effective Dates
On receipt of a membership application and the appropriate dues, a membership card will be valid:
1. for the season starting August 1 through July 31.
2. through October 1 of the following season for summer leagues and tournaments.
3. through the balance of the current season and the following season when purchased after March 15
either through a summer league or associate membership.
Youth who turn 22 during the season are not granted the October 1 extension for tournament play; youth
membership expires July 31 of the season in which they turn 22 years old. If a youth member bowling in
a summer league turns 22 during the season and the league continues beyond July 31, the bowler may
complete the league as a youth bowler.
For membership to be effective as of the date purchased in a league, the league secretary must forward the
league membership dues, application cards and league application to the local association within 30 days.
Otherwise, membership benefits are not effective until the date received at the local association office.
Possession of a valid membership card entitles the bowler to participate in all USBC competition for which they
are otherwise qualified.
Changes in Dues
The maximum dues structure for adults may only be changed by the USBC delegation. The dues structure for
youths may only be changed by the USBC Board based on recommendations from the Youth Committee.
Types of Membership
In addition to USBC adult and youth standard membership, USBC offers the following optional membership
programs:
Sport Bowling
All bowlers participating in USBC Sport Bowling leagues must pay or provide proof of payment of the Sport
Bowling membership dues in addition to all required standard USBC membership dues. Unless required by
tournament rule, participants in Sport Bowling tournaments are not required to be Sport Bowling members.
Substitutes in USBC Sport Bowling leagues are permitted to participate in one league session per season without
the requirement to purchase Sport Bowling membership if they already have purchased USBC standard
12 – Chapter 1: USBC Introduction

membership for the current season. Only USBC Sport Bowling members are eligible for USBC Sport Bowling
awards.
Basic USBC membership dues for ABC Lifetime and WIBC Permanent members will be paid by USBC, but the
bowler is responsible for paying the additional Sport Bowling dues.
Junior Gold
Membership consists of elite youth bowlers and entails the following requirements:
a. Must be a USBC member in good standing and maintain compliance with Rule 400.
b. Boys must carry a minimum 175 average.
c. Girls must carry a minimum 165 average.
d. Must purchase an additional Junior Gold membership of $30 (if joining with a friend both would pay
$25) separate from their regular USBC membership.
1) Junior Gold members will receive a Youth Sport membership.
2) Junior Gold membership is valid for one year from the date of purchase.
3) Renewal fee is $25.
Associate
Associate membership is available to individuals who do not obtain membership through a USBC league
subject to the following:
a. The associate membership dues shall be:
1) Adult – National dues ($10) plus the actual dues charged by the local and state association the
bowler is joining. When local and state dues are not known, adult associate dues will be $21 ($10
national, $10 local, $1 state)
2) Youth – $14
b. When associate membership is obtained after March 15, the individual shall become a member for the
balance of the current season and the next season.
c. The dues automatically will be adjusted whenever changes are made to the national, state and local dues.
Collegiate
USBC Collegiate membership entitles student-athletes to participate in all certified intercollegiate conferences and
tournaments. Membership is open to all men and women currently enrolled in an institute of higher education.
To become a member, an intercollegiate team will complete the Application for Membership and submit the
required dues. Each student-athlete also will complete a USBC membership application. Collegiate bowlers
hold USBC National Membership and a Sport Bowling Membership upgrade only. If the USBC Collegiate
member participates in USBC standard or Sport Bowling competition, the applicable state/local membership
dues must be paid, similar to multiple memberships.
High School
Membership through the USBC High School Program is available at no charge to any high school team
registering their individual bowlers for the program.
The membership is valid solely for recognized high school competitions during each individual teams’ official
high school bowling season. In order to participate in other USBC Youth competitions, (non-USBC High School)
the individual must obtain USBC membership by paying all required standard USBC membership dues.
Averages from the USBC High School Program will not be recognized for entry purposes into any other USBC
leagues and/or tournaments.
USBC Lifetime Membership

Former ABC Lifetime and WIBC Permanent Membership will be recognized by USBC Headquarters.
Membership dues will be credited by USBC to the appropriate state and local association(s) upon submission
of the membership application. In addition, USBC will reimburse membership dues for one local association
and one state association per season.
Optional Benefits
USBC:
a. May offer optional benefits for members at dues reflective of the value of services provided by USBC,
state and/or local associations.
b. May offer optional benefits for men, women and youth bowlers who choose to be identified with USBC.
Dues will reflect the level of membership privileges, services and benefits provided.
c. Determines dues for USBC and establishes the maximum amount of state and local dues only for
optional benefits.
The association must offer all levels of membership as established by USBC.
USBC is authorized to test optional benefits prior to offering them, and to waive those specific bylaws, rules
and regulations required for testing and implementation.
Youth Membership Eligibility
Rule 400
A. Except as provided in Item B, a youth may not bowl, substitute or pace in any bowling activity which
offers any of the following as prizes:
1. Cash or bonds.
2. Merchandise exceeding $500 in value.
B. Youth may bowl in singles competitions (including side competitions/brackets) offering such prizes,
provided, prior to bowling:
1. The competition agrees to award the youth’s prize in the form of a scholarship; or
2. The youth signs a form waiving his/her rights to any prize in violation of this rule.
In youth competition, youth members may participate in side competitions/brackets provided all entries are
returned 100% in the form of scholarships only and awards comply with Item A above.
14 – Chapter 1: USBC Introduction

Buying or selling of earned prizes is prohibited.
Any youth bowler deemed in violation of this rule is subject to disciplinary action including the potential loss
of youth membership.
NOTE: There are no limits on scholarship amounts or entry fees (must be paid directly to the tourna-
ment director/manager) and reimbursement of actual travel expenses into the next higher
level of competition or any tournament or event. (Receipts must be provided upon request.)
The prizes authorized by a state high school athletic association or a collegiate athletic association recognized
by USBC and USBC Collegiate are not subject to the limitations of this rule.
Amendment Procedures
Amendments submitted by a member or chartered association to the USBC General Playing Rules, Adult
League and Tournament Rules must be in writing to the USBC CEO by September 1 prior to the date of the
next USBC Annual Meeting for action by the delegates.
The USBC Board, by a two-thirds vote, amends the USBC Awards and Youth League and Tournament Rules.
The USBC Board also has authority to adopt Resolutions.
The Equipment Specifications and Certification Committee, acting for and on behalf of the USBC Board, are
authorized to have final authority to alter or change specifications. All proposed amendments to certification
regulations or measurement specifications must be submitted in writing to USBC Headquarters.
Membership Meetings
With the exception of affiliate status associations, the local association is required to hold at least one member-
ship meeting each season.
At a membership meeting, elective positions are filled according to the provisions of Article V of the local asso-
ciation bylaws.
The meeting is open to the entire membership of the association and is under the direction of the board. All
regular business is considered at the meeting.
The president may call other membership meetings as deemed necessary, but shall call a meeting of the asso-
ciation upon written request of at least three board members or at least 25 members of the association.
The association manager forwards a written notice of all membership meetings to each league secretary and
the association board. All notices should be forwarded to the league secretaries and association board at least
15 days in advance of the meeting. The league secretary shall notify the members of the league.

Chapter 2: General Playing Rules

Rule 1 – USBC Certification
Leagues and tournaments must be organized and bowled in accordance with USBC Bylaws, rules and
regulations. These events must be scheduled on lanes that currently are USBC certified and only USBC
approved equipment may be used.
Rule 2 – The Game
2a. Definition
A game of American tenpins consists of ten frames. A player delivers two balls in each of the first nine frames
unless a strike is scored. In the 10th frame, a player delivers three balls if a strike or spare is scored. Every
frame must be completed by each player bowling in regular order.
2b. How Scored

Except when a strike is scored, the number of pins knocked down by the player’s first delivery is to be marked
next to the small square in the upper right-hand corner of that frame, and the number of pins knocked down
by the player’s second delivery is to be marked inside the small square. If none of the standing pins are
knocked down by the second delivery in a frame, the scoresheet shall be marked with a (-). The count for the
two deliveries in the frame shall be recorded immediately.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
X X X 7 2 8 F 9 X 7 9 XX8
30 57 76 85 95 104 124 143 152 180
2c. Strike
A strike is made when the full setup of 10 pins is knocked down with the first delivery in a frame. It is marked
by an (x) in the small square in the upper right-hand corner of the frame where it was made. The count for
one strike is 10 plus the number of pins knocked down on the player’s next two deliveries.
2d. Double
Two consecutive strikes is a double. The count for the first strike is 20 plus the number of pins knocked down
with the first delivery following the second strike.
2e. Triple or Turkey

Three successive strikes is a triple or turkey. The count for the first strike is 30. To bowl the maximum score
of 300, the player must bowl 12 strikes in succession.
16 – Chapter 2: General Playing Rules

2f. Spare
A spare is scored when pins left standing after the first delivery are knocked down with the second delivery
in that frame. It is marked by a (/) in the small square in the upper right-hand corner of the frame. The count
for a spare is 10 plus the number of pins knocked down by the player’s next delivery.
2g. Open
An open is recorded when a player fails to knock down all 10 pins after two deliveries in a frame.
2h. Split
A split is a setup of pins left standing after the first delivery, provided the head pin is down and at least one
pin is down:
1. Between two or more standing pins; i.e., 7-9 or 3-10.
2. Immediately ahead of two or more standing pins; i.e., 5-6.
NOTE: A split is usually designated by a (0), but any other symbol may be used.
Rule 3 – Baker System
The Baker System is a modified format consisting of teams of two or more bowlers. (See Rule 100a.)
a. All team members follow each other in order, each bowling a complete frame, until a complete game
is bowled.
b. Ten frames are combined to calculate a team game.
Rule 4 – Delivering the Ball
4a. Legal Delivery

A delivery is made when the ball leaves the player’s possession and crosses the foul line into playing territory.
Every delivery counts unless a dead ball is declared. (See Rule 8.) A delivery must be made entirely by manual
means. No device may be incorporated in or affixed to the ball that detaches on delivery or is a moving part
during delivery except as provided in Rules 4b and 4c.
4b. Special Equipment to Grip the Ball

A player may use special equipment to aid in grasping and delivering the ball if it is in place of a hand, or
major portion thereof, lost by amputation or otherwise.
4c. Mechanical Aids to Grip the Ball — Alternating Delivery

A player may, if granted permission by USBC Headquarters and each league or tournament in which the
player participates, alternate right/left-handed delivery and/or use special equipment to aid in grasping and
delivering the ball.
1. The aid cannot incorporate a mechanical device with moving parts that would impart force or impetus
to the ball.
Chapter 2: General Playing Rules – 17

2. Permission may be granted if the following is submitted to USBC Headquarters:

a. A doctor’s certificate describing the disability and the reason to alternate right/left-handed
delivery and/or recommending the aid.
b. A description, drawing or model of the aid (only for mechanical aid).
When authorization is given, USBC Headquarters will provide the player with a special card stating that
alternating right/left-handed delivery and/or the use of the specified mechanical aid has been approved.
If permission is denied, the player has the right of appeal to the USBC Legal Committee. Permission may
be withdrawn for cause.
A Resolution, adopted March 19, 2004 and May 4, 2004, allows USBC to grant permission to individuals with
physical disabilities, who can not impart force or impetus to a ball, to use a mechanical device with moving
parts.
These individuals must provide a description of the device and evidence that the use of the particular device
is necessary to participate.
Individuals must receive permission from USBC to use such devices, and must also receive permission from
each league or tournament prior to participation.
This resolution is effective through July 31, 2008.
4d. Special Considerations to Deliver the Ball

A player unable to execute a delivery in accordance with any of the foregoing procedures may bowl in USBC
competition provided:
1. The league’s board of directors or tournament management authorizes such participation.
2. The league’s board of directors or tournament management establishes specific provisions to govern
such participation.
The average established by the player is not acceptable in another league or tournament unless allowed by
the rules of that league or tournament. The bowler is eligible for all USBC awards.
4e. Tournament Average Relief

Relief of an average, due to injury or disability, for entry into a tournament must be approved by USBC
Headquarters in accordance with the following:
1. A player who has become injured or disabled may request relief of his/her USBC average by providing
the following information to USBC Headquarters:
a. A doctor’s certificate describing the:
1) Disability or injury.
2) Length of disability or injury.
3) Reason for a downward average adjustment.

b. Current standing sheet and weekly bowler’s history from each USBC certified league in which the
player is participating.
2. If authorization is granted, USBC will notify the player:
a. The minimum average a tournament may assign the player.
b. The time limit for the relief.
3. Tournament Management may, prior to participation:
a. Accept the bowler’s highest current USBC certified league average, provided it meets or exceeds
the minimum established by USBC.
b. Assign the bowler an average that meets or exceeds the minimum established by USBC.
c. Deny the relief and require the bowler to use the average as stated in tournament rules.
Permission may be withdrawn for cause.
Rule 5 - Fouls
5a. Definition
A foul occurs when a part of the player’s body encroaches on or goes beyond the foul line and touches any
part of the lane, equipment or building during or after a delivery. A ball is in play after a delivery until the
same or another player is on the approach in position to make a succeeding delivery.
The certification and inspection committee of a local association can require that the foul line be plainly
marked on the walls, posts, division boards or any other structure in a bowling center on a line with the
regular foul line.
When a foul is recorded the delivery counts, but the player is not credited with any pins knocked down by
that delivery. (See Rule 6b.)
NOTE: The foul line is of infinite length including walls, flooring, posts and ball returns. A foul is
not committed when foreign objects such as pens, jewelry, coins, cigarettes, etc., drop from
a bowler’s pocket or fall from a person’s body or clothing. (Footwear and clothing are
considered part of the body.) A player should request permission to cross the foul line
to retrieve any items that have fallen beyond the foul line.
5a/1 What happens when there is a dispute over a foul call?

According to Rule 10, a provisional ball should be thrown when there is a controversy. A provisional ball
or frame shall be bowled when a protest involving a foul, cannot be resolved by the two team captains.
When a dispute over a foul occurs, the player shall complete the frame and then bowl one provisional ball.
The score sheet or printout and a record of both scores for the frame in which the provisional delivery is
made, shall be kept. The protest must be referred to the league’s board of directors for a decision.
5a/2 A player goes over the foul line while retaining possession of the ball. Is this considered a foul?
No, a legal delivery must be executed for a foul to be committed. A legal delivery is made when the ball
leaves the player’s possession and crosses the foul line into playing territory.

5a/3 A member of a team crosses onto an adjacent approach when making a delivery. Is this
considered a foul?
A foul is not called when a bowler crosses onto an adjoining approach area. However, if the bowler steps
over the foul line on that lane, it is considered a foul.
5a/4 Is a foul called when the ball rolls over the foul line during delivery and the foul detector is
activated?
The bowling ball is not considered a part of the bowler’s body. If the bowler did not step on or go beyond
the foul line, a foul is not recorded.
5b. Deliberate
When a player deliberately fouls to benefit by the calling of a foul, the player shall be credited with zero
pinfall for that delivery and not allowed further deliveries in that frame. If questions arise, Rule 10,
Provisional Ball, should be followed.
5c. Foul Detection

A USBC approved automatic foul detecting device must be used, if available. When not available or temporar-
ily inoperative, the following procedures shall be used to call fouls:
1. In tournament play, management shall assign a foul judge or have the official scorers call fouls.
2. In league play, the opposing team captains shall call fouls or a foul judge shall be appointed.
Failure to provide for the calling of fouls as specified shall disqualify scores bowled for USBC high score award
consideration.
5c/1 What happens if our foul lights are not available?

If not available the opposing captains call fouls or designate someone to act as a foul judge. Under these
circumstances, members of the league should be advised the captains are responsible for the calling of fouls
or they are to designate someone to act as a foul judge.
5d. Apparent
A foul shall be declared and recorded if the automatic foul detecting device or foul judge fails to call a foul
that is apparent to:
1. both captains, or one or more members of each of the opposing teams, or
2. the official scorer, or
3. a tournament official.
If there is a dispute, refer to Rule 10, Provisional Ball.

Rule 6 – Pinfall
6a. Legal Pinfall

Pins to be credited to a player following a legal delivery shall include:
1. Pins knocked down or off the lane surface by the ball or another pin.
2. Pins knocked down or off the lane surface by a pin rebounding from a side partition or rear cushion.
3. Pins knocked down or off the lane surface by a pin rebounding from the sweep bar when it is at rest
on the pin deck before sweeping dead wood from the pin deck.
4. Pins that lean and touch the kickback or side partition. All such pins are termed dead wood and must
be removed before the next delivery.
No pins may be conceded, and only pins actually knocked down or moved entirely off the playing area of the
lane surface as a result of a legal delivery may be counted.
6b. Illegal Pinfall

When any of the following occur, the delivery counts but the resulting pinfall does not:
1. A ball leaves the lane before reaching the pins.
2. A ball rebounds from the rear cushion.
3. A pin rebounds after coming in contact with the body, arms or legs of a human pinsetter.
4. A pin is touched by mechanical pinsetting equipment.
5. Any pin knocked down when dead wood is being removed.
6. Any pin knocked down by a human pinsetter.
7. The player commits a foul.
8. A delivery is made with dead wood on the lane or in the gutter and the ball contacts such dead wood
before leaving the lane surface.
9. A delivery is made with dead wood on the lane or in the gutter, and a pin, after coming into contact
with the dead wood, knocks down one or more pins.
If an illegal pinfall occurs and the player is entitled to additional deliveries in the frame, the pin(s) illegally
knocked down must be respotted where it (they) originally stood before delivery of the ball.
Rule 7 – Pins
7a. Improperly Set

It is each player’s responsibility to determine if a setup is correct. The player shall insist that any pin(s)
incorrectly set be respotted before delivering the ball, otherwise the setup is deemed to be acceptable.
When bowling at a full setup or to make a spare, if it is discovered immediately after the delivery that one
or more pins are set improperly, but not missing, the delivery and resulting pinfall count.

No change can be made in the position of any pin(s) left standing after the bowler’s first delivery, unless:
1. The pinsetter moved or misplaced any pin(s), or;
2. Any standing pin(s) is (are) outside the range of the sweep bar.
Any such pin(s) will be respotted where it (they) originally stood before the delivery.
7b. Rebounding
Pins that rebound and stand on the lane must be counted as standing pins.
7c. Replacement
Should a pin be broken or otherwise badly damaged during the game, it shall be replaced at once by
another pin as nearly uniform in weight and condition with the set in use. The league or tournament officials
shall determine whether pins shall be replaced.
A broken pin does not change the score made by the bowler. The pins knocked down are counted, after which
the broken pin is replaced.
Rule 8 – Dead Ball
When a dead ball is called, the delivery does not count and the correct pins must be respotted. The player is
allowed to rebowl that delivery.
A ball shall be declared dead if any of the following occur:

a. After a delivery, attention is immediately called to the fact that one or more pins were missing from
the setup.
b. A human pinsetter interferes with any standing pin before the ball reaches the pins.
c. A human pinsetter removes or interferes with any downed pin before it stops rolling.
d. A player bowls on the wrong lane or out of turn, or one player from each team on the pair of lanes
bowls on the wrong lane.
e. A player has physical contact with another person or moving object as the ball is being delivered and
before delivery is completed. In such case, the player has the option to accept the resulting pinfall or
have a dead ball called.
f. Any pin is moved or knocked down as a player delivers the ball but before the ball reaches the pins.
g. A delivered ball comes in contact with a foreign obstacle.
8/1 If an individual bowls out of turn does the delivery count?

No, according to Rule 8, Item d, a dead ball would be declared and the correct bowler is then required
to continue play.

8/2 A player made the first delivery when the pinsetting machine was set on the second cycle.
Seven pins were knocked down and the remaining pins were swept away as the machine
reverted to cycle one. Should a dead ball have been declared and the pins reset?
Since the bowler made a legal delivery and the pins were properly set, there would be no basis for
declaring the first delivery a dead ball. The three pins left standing would be reset for a second delivery in
accordance with Rule 6b.
8/3 On the second delivery, the sweep bar comes down and deflects the ball before it can make
contact with the remaining pins. When this happens, what should we do?
According to Rule 8, Item g, a dead ball is declared when a player’s ball comes in contact with any
foreign obstacle. The sweep bar is considered a foreign obstacle, and the player is required to have the
pin(s) remaining respotted and rebowl the second ball.
Rule 9 – Bowling on Wrong Lane
In league or tournament play, a dead ball shall be called and the player or players required to rebowl on the
correct lane when:
a. One player bowls on the wrong lane.
b. One player from each team on the pair of lanes bowls on the wrong lane.
If more than one player on the same team bowls on the wrong lane in turn, all deliveries stand as bowled.
Upon discovery, bowlers shall complete subsequent frames on the correct lanes.
In singles match play competition, where a player normally bowls two frames each time it is the player’s turn
to bowl, and the player bowls on the wrong lanes, a dead ball shall be called and the player required to rebowl
on the correct lanes, providing the error was discovered before the opposing player has made a delivery.
Otherwise, the score stands as bowled, with all subsequent frames in the game bowled on the correct lanes.
Rule 10 – Provisional Ball
A provisional ball or frame shall be bowled when a protest involving a foul, legal pinfall or a dead ball is
made and cannot be resolved by the two team captains or a tournament official.
The following procedures apply when a dispute occurs:

a. For the first ball of any frame, or after the second ball in the 10th frame if the first ball was a strike:
1. Foul: The player shall complete the frame and then bowl one provisional ball at a full setup
of pins.
2. Illegal Pinfall: The player shall complete the frame and then bowl one provisional ball at the same
setup which would have remained standing had the disputed pin(s) not have fallen.
3. Dead Ball: The player shall complete the frame and then bowl a complete provisional frame.

b. On a spare attempt or the third ball of the 10th frame:

1. Foul and Illegal Pinfall: No provisional ball is necessary.
2. Dead Ball: A provisional ball shall be bowled at the same setup which was standing when the
disputed ball was bowled.
The scoresheet and a record of both scores for the frame in which the provisional delivery was made shall
be kept. The protest must be referred to the league’s board of directors or tournament management for a
decision. If they are unable to make a decision, the local association or USBC can be asked for a decision on
submission of the facts relating to the protest.
Rule 11 – Forfeit – Delay of Game
No unreasonable delay in the progress of any game is permitted. If a player or team in a league or tournament
refuses to proceed with a game after being directed to do so by a league or tournament official, the game or
series shall be declared forfeited.
Rule 12 – Approaches Must Not Be Defaced
The application of any foreign substance on any part of the approach that detracts from the possibility of
other players having normal conditions is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to talcum powder, pumice
and resin on shoes, and/or soft rubber soles or heels that rub off on the approach.
12/1 One of the bowlers is having a difficult time sliding on the approach and applies a
commercial product purchased at the center pro shop to the bottom of his/her shoes. The
product is designed to help a bowler slide. The secretary says she has received a complaint
from the opposing team and notifies the individual to stop using the substance or the game
will be forfeited. Can an officer tell a bowler to stop using the substance and declare
the game forfeited?
Commercial products, talcum powder or any substance applied to the shoe or approach could be in
violation of Rule 12. If a league participant uses a substance and somebody complains that it prohibits
him/her from having normal conditions, the league officer should require the individual to immediately stop
his/her action. If the individual refuses, his/her games are subject to forfeiture.
Rule 13 - Parental Consent
Unmarried grade school and high school students under the age of 18 must have written consent of a parent
or guardian before participating in any USBC league or tournament where any participant is awarded cash,
bonds, gift certificates or merchandise prizes.
Such consent must be on file with the league secretary or tournament manager at least one week before
participation when the youth is unaccompanied by a parent or guardian. If the youth is accompanied by
his/her parent or guardian the form must be submitted prior to his/her participation. Failure to file the
consent form will cause the player to be ineligible and subject games bowled to forfeiture or disqualification.

The consent shall be given in the following form:
I, _____________________________________________, am the parent or legal guardian

of _____________________________________________, an unmarried grade school or high school
student under the age of 18. By signing this form I am authorizing my child to bowl or substitute in the
_____________________________________________ (competition’s name), a league/tournament
that offers merchandise over $500, cash or bonds.
I verify I have read and reviewed USBC Rule 400 (see below) and understand the competition I have
authorized my child to participate in violates the rule jeopardizing his/her USBC Youth eligibility.
I recognize that by bowling or substituting in competition which violates Rule 400, his/her amateur status
may be jeopardized. I understand that to ensure compliance with high school and collegiate rules I should
check with a compliance officer and/or academic counselor at his/her school.
Parental Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: _____________
Rule 400: Youth Membership Eligibility

A. Except as provided in Item B, a youth may not bowl, substitute or pace in any bowling
activity which offers any of the following as prizes:
1. Cash or bonds.
2. Merchandise exceeding $500 in value.
B. Youth may bowl in singles competitions (including side competitions/brackets) offering such
prizes, provided, prior to bowling:
1. The competition agrees to award the youth’s prize in the form of a scholarship; or
2. The youth signs a form waiving his/her rights to any prize in violation of this rule.
In youth competition, youth members may participate in side competitions/brackets provided all
entries are returned 100% in the form of scholarships only and awards comply with Item A above.
Buying or selling of earned prizes is prohibited.
Any youth bowler deemed in violation of this rule is subject to disciplinary action including the
potential loss of youth membership.
NOTE: There are no limits on scholarship amounts or entry fees (must be paid directly to
the tournament director/manager) and reimbursement of actual travel expenses
into the next higher level of competition or any tournament or event. (Receipts
must be provided upon request.)
The prizes authorized by a state high school athletic association or a collegiate athletic association
recognized by USBC and USBC Collegiate are not subject to the limitations of this rule.

Rule 14 – Supplemental Fees
No member of USBC shall participate or be involved in the operation of a scheme or arrangement requiring
a supplemental fee of any type or character for the purpose of having any part or all of a player’s score in
USBC league or tournament play qualify for a prize where competing entrants bowl in different bowling
centers, except as follows:
a. Mail-o-graphic league.
b. Mail-o-graphic tournament.
c. League scores may be used to determine prize winners in a supplementary contest when the following
conditions are observed:
1. A minimum of two-thirds of the gross collected as entry fees must be donated to a recognized
charitable organization.
2. Entry is made available to all bowlers in a single local association and its metropolitan area.
3. Operating costs shall not exceed 10 percent of entry fee.
Penalty: Membership may be suspended or denied to anyone who is a participant or involved in

a violation of this rule.
Rule 15 - Gambling
A member of USBC, while bowling in USBC competition, shall not participate or be involved in the operation
of any gambling scheme which is in violation of any applicable law, where all or part of a score bowled in
USBC play determines the winner.
Contests or schemes which threaten the integrity of the game and/or entice a player to bowl beneath his/her
ability are strictly prohibited.
Membership may be suspended or denied to anyone who is a participant or involved in the violation of this rule.
NOTE: Side competitions/brackets in leagues/tournaments where the participating bowlers pay a

fee, optional or otherwise, and receive prizes for high game and/or series, with or without
handicap, do not violate the rule because these involve merit pinfall based solely on the skill
of the participant.
Rule 16 - Suspended Bowler Ineligible
A suspended bowler or a bowler who has been denied USBC or CTF membership is ineligible to bowl, pace or
hold office in any USBC league or tournament until reinstated.
Penalty: When a team:

1. Unknowingly uses a suspended bowler, games are subject to forfeiture in accordance
with Rule 119.

2. Knowingly uses a suspended bowler, it shall forfeit all games in which the suspended
player was used and all involved are subject to suspension.
Rule 17 – Grounds for Disciplinary Action
NOTE: A complaint may be filed only in the current season or the season immediately following
the alleged violation. The complaint shall be in writing and detail the charges against the
member(s) and the USBC rule(s) involved. The complaint shall be signed by the person(s)
making the charges and filed with USBC Headquarters.
17a. Unfair Tactics

An individual can be charged with attempting to gain an unfair advantage in league or tournament play
for the following reasons:
1. Directly or indirectly tampering with lanes, pins or bowling balls so they no longer meet USBC
specifications.
2. Misrepresenting an average to gain a greater handicap, or qualify for a lower classification in an event.
3. Establishing an average below the player’s ability to gain an unfair advantage in handicap or classified
competition.
Penalty: Loss of games, prize winnings, league removal (see Rule 115a or 115c), and subject to
suspension from or denial of USBC membership.
17b. Improper Conduct

An individual can also be charged with the following violation(s):
1. Engaging in improper tactics or conduct in connection with the game of bowling including, but not limited
to, physical and verbal abuse toward other persons.
2. Failing to distribute prize money to team members consistent with verbal or written agreements.
3. Failing to pay fees due for participation in a USBC league or tournament. (See Rule 115b for league
procedures to suspend an individual for nonpayment of league fees.)
4. Misusing/mishandling/misappropriation of any funds held in trust by an officer of a USBC league,
an adult supervisor or coach of a youth league, or a board member of a chartered USBC local or state
association.
5. Misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance of office.
Misfeasance – The performance of a lawful action in an illegal or improper manner.
Malfeasance – Wrongdoing or misconduct.
Nonfeasance – Failure to act, especially failure to do what should be done.
Penalty: Membership may be suspended or denied to anyone who is involved in a violation of

this rule. Leagues may also remove the individual following the provisions in Rule 115a
or 115c.

Rule 17c. Improper Conduct by Adult Leader

An adult leader, while involved in youth activities, can be charged with improper conduct which is not in the
best interest of youth bowling including, but not limited to the following:
1. Using tobacco products, illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages.
2. Using foul language or gestures.
3. Wearing clothing depicting foul language or gestures.
An adult leader includes any individual acting in an official capacity during a youth activity including, but
not limited to the following: league supervisors, league officials, tournament managers, league coordinators,
in-state instructors, certified coaches, youth directors or designated coaches having leadership in prescribed
areas of youth involvement.
Penalty: Membership may be suspended or denied to anyone who is involved in a violation of this rule.
17d. Youth Conduct

Individuals holding youth membership can be removed from competition/functions and/or suspended/
denied membership for the following:
1. Conduct derogatory to the best interest of youth bowling including, but not limited to, the following in
conjunction with youth competition and functions:
a. Using tobacco products, illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages.
b. Using foul language or gestures.
c. Wearing clothing depicting foul language or gestures.
2. Prior adjudication of delinquency or conviction of a crime including, but not limited to, crimes involving
physical or mental abuse or sexual assault.
17e. Infractions of Rule 400 – Youth Membership Eligibility

Upon witnessing, or being informed of an infraction, the adult leader shall do the following:
1. Explain to the youth bowler:
a. How they violated Rule 400 and that youth membership could be suspended or denied because
of the violation.
b. They must stop bowling in the activity immediately.
c. Any cash or awards received in violation of Rule 400 must be returned.
d. The violation will be documented with USBC Headquarters.
2. File a written report to USBC Headquarters. The report should be filed within seven days of contacting
the youth bowler and include:
a. Bowler’s name, address and birthdate.
b. Date and location of activity.
c. How they violated Rule 400.
d. List any cash or awards received in violation of Rule 400 and/or returned.
The individual’s membership status remains unchanged until a decision is made by USBC Headquarters.

17f. Using Assumed Name

No person shall bowl under an assumed name or under the name of another person scheduled to bowl in a
USBC league or tournament.
Penalty: Forfeiture of games in which the player was used and all found to be involved are
subject to suspension.
Rule 18 – Bowling Ball – Altering Surface
Altering the surface of a bowling ball by the use of abrasives while bowling in USBC competition is prohibited.
All bowling balls so altered must be removed from the competition. (See Chapter 7, Section 2, for additional
information.)
NOTE: If it is shown the bowler had prior knowledge his/her actions were in violation of Rule 18,
the game(s) in which the violation occurred is (are) subject to forfeiture. In addition, the
bowler is subject to dismissal from the league and suspension of membership.
Competition is defined as the remainder of the current game and remaining game(s) in the
series being bowled.
The use of approved cleaning agents such as isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and polishing
machines is permissible.
18/1 When can an acceptable cleaner be used on a bowling ball?

Unless otherwise provided by league or tournament rule, cleaners designated as acceptable by USBC
standards can be used on bowling balls at any time during USBC competition. For a complete list of accept-
able cleaning agents see the Specifications and Certification section on www.bowl.com.
18/2 Can abrasives be used during certified competition?

The outer surface of any bowling ball cannot be altered with an abrasive after the start of competition.
This includes balls that have not yet been introduced into play.
Further, the start of competition is defined as the point the first ball is thrown by any participant for
score. This would allow a bowler to alter the outer surface of a ball during practice and not be in violation
of Rule 18.
18/3 A tournament consists of doubles and singles events. The singles event is bowled first
immediately followed by the doubles. Can I sand my bowling ball between events?
No, Rule 18 does not allow the outer surface of any bowling ball to be altered with an abrasive after the
start of competition. This includes balls that have not yet been introduced into play.
The start of competition is defined as the point the first ball is thrown by any participant for score. Since
the tournament is conducting singles and doubles concurrently, you cannot alter the surface of the bowling
ball (including sanding) between events.

Chapter 3: Awards
Rule 50. Eligibility
USBC will recognize the achievements listed in this chapter bowled by USBC members participating in USBC
leagues and tournaments. To qualify for recognition all provisions of the USBC Bylaws, specifications and rules
must have been complied with at the time the score was bowled. (See Rules 100a and 300b.) USBC High Score
Awards designated with an (*) cannot be earned while pre or post bowling unopposed. Scores are determined
on a scratch basis.
Rule 51a. Single Game Awards

For average requirements on average based awards, see Rule 53.
1. A member is eligible for one award in each of the following categories during a fiscal year (August 1-
July 31):
a. 300*
b. 250 to 299 with a 170 average or below
c. 200 to 249 with a 160 average or below
d. 180 to 199 with a 140 average or below
e. 160 to 179 with a 120 average or below
f. 140 to 159 with a 100 average or below
g. 120 to 139 with a 90 average or below
h. 100 to 119 with a 70 average or below
i. 80 to 99 with a 50 average or below
j. Eleven (11) strikes in a row when the score is 299 or less*
k. 100 pins over game average
l. 75 pins over game average
2. A bowler qualifying for 75 and 100 pins over average recognition for a single game, is only eligible to
receive the 100 pins over average recognition award unless they have already earned the award. In that
case, the bowler will receive the 75 pins over average award unless they have already earned that award.
3. Where a choice of awards is available in any category the member is entitled to a choice of an award
for the first score recorded. Any additional score in the same category that fiscal year will be officially
recognized by USBC, but will not qualify for an award.
Rule 51b. Series Awards

Three consecutive games must be bowled in league or tournament play to qualify for series awards. For aver-
age requirements on average based awards, see Rule 53.
1. A series shall be figured as follows:
a. If more than three but less than six games are bowled, use the first three games.
b. If six or more games are bowled, use each succeeding set of three games following the first three
games.
30 – Chapter 3: Awards
2. In tournament play, each three-game series must be bowled in the same block.
3. A series of games can be bowled consecutively against one or more opponents.
4. Games must be bowled on the same date.
5. A member is eligible for one award in each of the following three-game series categories during a
fiscal year (August 1-July 31):
a. 900 series*
b. 800 to 899*
c. 700 to 799 with a 210 average or below
d. 600 to 699 with a 175 average or below
e. 500 to 599 with a 140 average or below
f. 400 to 499 with a 115 average or below
g. 300 to 399 with a 90 average or below
h. 200 to 299 with a 50 average or below
i. 140 pins over series average
6. Where a choice of awards is available in any category the member is entitled to a choice of an award
for the first score recorded. Any additional score in the same category that fiscal year will be officially
recognized by USBC, but will not qualify for an award.
Rule 51c. National Team High Game and Series*

During each fiscal year, an award will be issued by USBC to each member of the team who bowls the highest
scratch score in the nation in each of the following classifications:
Men Only Teams Game Series

5-player 1325 3700
4-player 1050 2900
3-player 825 2250
2-player 550 1550
Mixed Teams Game Series

5-player 1250 3600
4-player 1000 2800
3-player 750 2200
2-player 525 1500
Women Only Teams Game Series

5-player 1175 3425
4-player 950 2750
3-player 725 2075
2-player 500 1350
(*) cannot be earned while pre or post bowling unopposed.
Chapter 3: Awards – 31
Youth teams:
To determine which age group, use the age of the oldest bowler.
2-Player 3-Player 4-Player 5-Player

Game Series Game Series Game Series Game Series
8 and under 140 420 210 630 280 840 350 1050
9 - 11 200 600 300 900 400 1200 500 1500
12 - 14 260 780 390 1170 520 1560 650 1950
15 - 18 350 1050 525 1575 700 2100 875 2625
19 - 22 420 1260 630 1890 840 2520 1050 3150
Rule 51d. Baker 300 Game Award*

All teams utilizing the Baker System that bowl a game of 300 are eligible to receive a sponsor’s award. Each
team is eligible for one award during the fiscal year.
Rule 51e. Reporting Procedures

Scores of 300 game; 800 series or better by an individual in a three-game series; a Baker team game of 300;
or a qualifying National Team High Game or Series, must be reported.
1. The following procedures apply for reporting such scores:
a. The league or tournament secretary shall notify the local association within 48 hours and submit
a completed high score award application within 20 days.
b. The association manager shall submit a completed high score application to USBC Headquarters
via WinLABS as soon as possible, but not more than 7 days after receipt.
2. If an award is not approved administratively, the applicant will be notified in writing explaining the
reason(s) for denial. If within 15 days of receipt of the written notice the applicant files a written appeal,
the claim will be submitted for final decision to USBC Headquarters.
NOTE: The above procedures are in effect until such time as a fourth decision of noncompliance
occurs. At that time USBC will notify center management and league and tournament officials
that when any of the above scores are bowled, the lanes must be inspected for compliance.
Rule 52a. Special Achievement Awards

USBC will recognize the following once per fiscal season:
1. 7-10 – Conversion of the 7-10 split.
2. Big Four Split – Conversion of the 4-6-7-10 split.
3. All Spare Game – Ten consecutive spares in a single game.
4. Dutch 200 Game – A game of alternating strikes and spares with a game total of 200.
5. Triplicate Series – Three consecutive games of the same score in a series.
Rule 52b. Merit Awards*

The highest average, single game and three-game series for a male, female, youth male and youth female
in each local association will be issued a merit award under the following conditions:
1. The average, game or series was bowled by a member of the association in a USBC league or tourna-
ment within the jurisdiction of the association. The average must be based on a minimum of 66 games,
and the winner of the award is decided on the percentage of a full pin.
2. The final average sheet, or the average sheet as of a date set by the association, is filed with the
association.
3. The score was bowled between August 1 and July 31, except associations that publish an average book
may adopt a specific date for determining award winners. Scores bowled after that date will be counted
toward the next season’s competition.
4. Duplicate awards shall be presented in case of ties.
5. Should the same member bowl the highest average, single game and three game total, the bowler will
receive one award recognizing all achievements.
6. The single game merit award will not be issued in an association when a member, during the same season
or within the dates set by the association, has bowled a 300 that has or will be recognized by USBC.
7. No claim will be considered if submitted more than 30 days after the close of the bowling season in
which the score was bowled.
Rule 52c. National High Average

Each fiscal year, recognition will be given to the USBC male, female, youth male and youth female member
having the highest USBC average, based on 66 or more games bowled as a USBC member in a USBC league.
1. Qualifying averages are reported to the local association on the final average sheet submitted to the
association by the league secretary.
2. The association is to forward information concerning those members who have attained a qualifying
average to USBC Headquarters.
3. To be eligible for recognition, all qualifying averages must be received by USBC Headquarters on or
before September 1 of the next fiscal year.
Rule 52d. National High Series*

Each fiscal year, recognition will be given to the USBC male, female, youth male and youth female member
having the highest USBC series bowled as a USBC member in a USBC league or tournament.
1. Reporting procedure:
a. Qualifying scores are reported to the local association by the league secretary or tournament
management.
b. The association is to forward information concerning those members who have attained a qualifying
score to USBC.
2. To be eligible for recognition, all qualifying scores must be received by USBC Headquarters on or before
September 1 of the next fiscal year.
3. Games bowled while pre or post bowling unopposed are not eligible.

Rule 53. Average Based Awards – Qualifying Rules

The following applies to any award earned based on average:
a. League:
1. If 12 games or more have been bowled in the league in the current season, use the current average.
2. If less than 12 games in the current season, use last season’s final average for 21 games or more
from the same league.
3. For a new bowler in the league with less than 12 games, use last season’s highest USBC average
for 21 games or more in any USBC league.
4. For a bowler who has not established an average in the preceding season, the highest USBC
average of 21 games or more from the summer league just completed shall be used.
5. In a summer league, when a bowler has not established an average in the preceding season, the
highest USBC average of 21 games or more from the regular season just completed shall be used.
6. A new bowler in a league who has not bowled 12 games in the current season can use a current
USBC average of 12 games or more from another league.
7. A bowler who does not have an acceptable USBC average for comparison is not eligible for
recognition.
b. Tournament:
1. In handicap or classified tournaments, compare the score with the USBC average used in the
tournament.
2. In scratch tournaments:
a) Compare the score with the bowler’s highest current USBC average of 12 games or more.
b) If less than 12 games in the current season, compare the score with the preceding season’s
highest USBC average for 21 games or more.
c) A bowler who does not have an acceptable USBC average for comparison is not eligible for
recognition.
Rule 54a. Most Improved Bowler Award

Each league will be issued an award(s) annually based on the type of league to provide recognition for the
male, female, youth male, and/or youth female member who shows the greatest improvement in average in
the league during its season.
1. The award is to be given to the bowler who is eligible, regardless of how many league awards the bowler
qualified for.
2. The following rules apply unless the league adopts its own rules to decide the award winner:
a. To qualify for the award, a member must bowl at least two-thirds of the games scheduled during
the league’s current season.
b. A bowler’s increase in average is determined by comparing the bowler’s final average for the
current season with that bowler’s final or book average of at least 21 games for the preceding
season in the same league.
c. For a new member with an established average, compare the bowler’s final average for the
current season with that bowler’s highest final or book average, based on at least 21 games, for
the preceding season.
d. For a bowler with no average for the preceding season, compare the bowler’s final average for
the current season with that bowler’s average for the first 12 games during the current season.
e. When two or more members have the same full pin increase, the winner of the award is decided
on the basis of the percentage of a full pin.
Example:
Starting Average Current Season
(Use full pins only) No. of Games Total Pins Final Average Increase
Jones 170 90 15,810 175.666 5.666 *Winner
Smith 162 105 17,600 167.619 5.619
Rule 54b. League High Series

Each league will be issued awards annually based on the type of league to provide recognition for the male,
female, youth male, and/or youth female member who bowls the highest series during the season.
1. The award is to be given to the bowler who is eligible, regardless of how many league awards they
qualified for.
2. The following rules apply unless the league adopts its own rules to decide the award winner:
a. The USBC member must have bowled at least two-thirds of the games scheduled during the
league’s current season as a USBC member.
1) If a substitute later becomes a regular member of the league, the games bowled as a
substitute shall be included in the required number of games.
2) The scores bowled as a substitute shall not qualify for this award.
b. Actual scores are to count in scratch leagues and for leagues using the team method of
handicapping.
c. Handicap scores are to count in leagues using the individual method of handicapping.
Chapter 4: League Rules

Rule 100 - Leagues
100a. Qualifications
USBC will certify leagues participating in the game of American tenpins with the following provisions:
1. All leagues must meet the following requirements:
a. Apply for certification through the local association in whose jurisdiction it bowls.
b. Consist of four or more teams with the playing strength of one or more players per team as
determined by league rule.
c. Bowl in accordance with a prearranged schedule based on the number of teams in the league.
d. Adopt rules and prize list (if any). (See Rules 103b and 122.)
e. All players seeking membership must be qualified under the bylaws of USBC. (See USBC
Introduction, Chapter 1.)
f. Provide for the designation of a team champion by the games bowled in scheduled competition.
g. Govern themselves by USBC rules. Other rules may be added, but must not conflict with USBC rules.
2. Three consecutive games are to be bowled by each team every time the league is scheduled to bowl,
unless another number of games has been established by league rule. To be considered official in league
play, all games must be bowled and conducted in strict compliance with the playing rules.
3. A league is temporarily certified at the start of its current schedule for 30 days counting the first day of
competition.
4. The league will be eligible for all membership services while temporarily certified provided the lanes on
which it bowls are certified and its league application and membership fees are submitted on or before
the end of the grace period.
100a/1 Is the bowling center required to provide an open lane(s) on either side of a league during
league play?
USBC does not have a rule requiring open lanes be provided on either side of a league during league
play. Whenever leagues have concerns regarding this issue, it is recommended the league officers, or a
committee appointed by the league president, address the matter with center management.
100a/2 Can a 16-year-old bowl in a USBC Adult league?

Yes, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements set by the league. In addition, if they are an
unmarried high school student, a parent or guardian is required to sign a Parental Consent Form as
specified in Rule 13 of the Playing Rules book. This form cautions parents/guardians of the possible
consequences if the youth bowls in a USBC league or tournament. A copy of the form is available on the
Rules section of bowl.com.
However, bowling in adult leagues that violate USBC Rule 400 not only affects USBC youth membership,
but also could jeopardize the student’s ability to participate in high school and/or college sports.
Participation could also jeopardize college scholarships earned. If your child is active in sports, we suggest
that the athletic director at the high school be contacted before giving consent.
36 – Chapter 4: League Rules

100b. Mixed
A mixed league is one in which both women and men participate. Teams may be composed of all women, all
men or both women and men.
100c. Youth
A youth league is one in which all participants hold USBC Youth membership and complies with the Youth
Membership Eligibility requirements of Rule 400. All youth leagues must govern themselves by USBC league
rules.
1. Leagues shall be comprised of males and females, unless otherwise provided by league rule.
2. Leagues are organized by age division or ability as stated in the league rules.
3. The league shall be under the supervision of an adult league official/supervisor who shall operate the
youth league in cooperation with the bowling center management and the league’s board of directors,
if applicable. (See Rule 103a.)
4. Scholarship Leagues: Leagues may offer scholarships as awards. If offered, the following procedures
must be completed within 30 days following completion of the league schedule:
a. Provide the winners with information in writing on how to apply for funds.
b. Forward to USBC Headquarters:
1) All scholarship funds awarded for deposit with the SMART program.
2) A prize list with the name and score of each prize winner and the prize issued.
5. Moral Support Leagues
a. Types:
1) Scholastic League – A Scholastic League is comprised of USBC Youth members and non-
members who belong to a specific scholastic group. Scholastic league status will be issued
provided:
a) Entry is limited to those affiliated with the organization conducting the league.
b) A group has an athletic association restriction. (When there is no restriction, the league
cannot be a scholastic league.)
c) Anyone under suspension from, or who has been refused membership in USBC or CTF,
will not be allowed to participate.
2) Fraternal League – A Fraternal League is comprised of USBC Youth members and non-mem-
bers who belong to a specific national youth organization. Fraternal league status will be
issued provided:
a) Entry is limited to those affiliated with the organization conducting the league.
b) The national youth organization has 501(C)(3) status.
c) Anyone under suspension from, or who has been refused membership in USBC or CTF,
will not be allowed to participate.
b. Permission – The following must be forwarded to USBC Headquarters, Attention: Membership.
1) Moral Support League form, which can be obtained by contacting the Rules Department.
2) For Scholastic Leagues, a copy of the athletic association rules stating the restriction that its
members are prohibited from being mandated to obtain other membership.
3) For Fraternal Leagues, a copy of the 501(C)(3) letter of determination.
Chapter 4: League Rules – 37

USBC Youth members may participate in moral support leagues with award recognition automatically extended.
Prior to participation, eligible non-members may qualify for USBC award recognition by purchasing USBC Youth
membership and paying the applicable USBC, state and local association dues.
100d. Adult/Youth
An adult/youth league is one in which youth members bowl with adults in leagues where no cash, bonds, gift
certificates or merchandise prizes are offered. Awards to youth bowlers must conform to awards permitted
under the USBC Youth Membership Eligibility Rule 400. Adults can receive individual adult awards. Scores for
adults and youths cannot be combined for any USBC national, state or local awards.
NOTE: Any form of gambling by adult members may jeopardize USBC Youth membership, eligibility
and/or amateur standing.
100d/1 May the adults in the league smoke or drink alcohol?

Although USBC prefers that other adults participating in the league refrain from smoking or drinking only
the officer must abide by Rule 17c, Item 1, which prohibits the use of tobacco products and alcoholic bever-
ages while involved in youth activities. For other adults it is up to the center to set a more comprehensive rule
or policy.
100e. Traveling
A league scheduled to bowl in more than one bowling center is a traveling league. Traveling leagues shall be
governed by the following:
1. In traveling leagues bowling in more than one association, the league application shall be filed through
the association decided upon by:
a. Adult leagues: A majority vote of the team captains.
b. Youth leagues: The league supervisor.
2. Players in a traveling league are required to join the association through which the league is affiliated
if they have not already applied for a current season’s membership through another association.
3. Final averages shall be submitted to the association through which the league is affiliated.
4. A traveling league which includes international competition and bowls a portion of its schedule in certi-
fied centers as well as centers outside the jurisdiction of USBC shall be eligible to apply for certification
subject to the following:
a. Govern themselves by all USBC general playing and league rules.
b. High score award and average recognition shall be provided for scores bowled in USBC certified
centers.
c. Only players whose home lanes are within USBC jurisdiction would be required to obtain USBC
membership.
100f. Closed
A closed league is one in which membership is drawn exclusively from religious, fraternal, civic, employment,
military or similar local organizations having a common interest. USBC league rules shall apply to all USBC
closed leagues, in addition to the following:

1. Membership is shared within the league. Bowlers from a closed USBC league bowling in other USBC
leagues must hold individual membership.
2. All questions of eligibility shall be decided by USBC.
100g. Handicap
A handicap league is one in which handicap is added to a bowler’s score to place bowlers and teams with
varying degrees of skill on as equitable a basis as possible for scheduled competition. USBC league rules
shall apply to all USBC handicap leagues, in addition to the following:
1. The percentage shall be 100 percent, unless otherwise provided by league rule.
2. When the rules are adopted, each handicap league shall decide whether the individual or team method
of handicapping will be used.
3. Handicap shall be figured according to the following:
a. Adult leagues: From the average of each bowler as provided by league rule.
b. Youth leagues: Unless otherwise provided by league rule, the first session handicap shall be
figured after the current average has been established. Thereafter, handicap will be figured on
the current average.
4. Handicap shall not be limited, unless otherwise provided by league rule.
5. The combined current average of each of the players bowling on a team shall be the team average.
6. When figuring handicap or averages, fractions are to be dropped.
100h. Senior
A senior league is composed of participants who are 55 years of age or over. USBC league rules shall apply
to all USBC senior leagues, in addition to the following:
1. Senior league bowlers are eligible for all USBC awards and services.
2. A senior league may, by rule, allow bowlers 50 years of age and older, and members’ spouses under
the age of 55 to compete in the league.
100i. Summer
A league that starts after March 15 and before August 1 is a summer league. USBC league rules shall apply
to all USBC summer leagues, in addition to the following:
1. Members who have a valid current season membership are eligible to bowl in USBC summer leagues.
2. If the league schedule extends beyond October 1, every member of the league must be in possession
of or provide proof of payment of the current season’s membership fees in keeping with the provisions
of Rule 101.
100j. Modified Format

USBC may certify league competition in which a modified game of American tenpins is played. All USBC
equipment specifications shall apply to such competition, and all USBC league rules shall apply insofar as
practical, in addition to the following:
1. Games bowled using the modified format shall not be included in averages established in league play
for entry in standard American tenpin competition.

2. Only award scores bowled using the standard American Tenpin scoring system as described in Rule 2a
qualify for USBC awards. Members are not eligible for any award based on his/her average.
NOTE: For types and descriptions of modified formats, see the USBC League Operations Handbook.
100k. Match Point

A match point league is one in which team position standings include individual match points. Match point
leagues must follow these rules, unless the league has adopted a different procedure:
1. The team scheduled on the odd lane enters its lineup first.
2. No change may be made in the order of players in the lineup during a series. A substitute must take
the replaced bowler’s position in the lineup.
3. When bowling against an absentee or vacancy, to win the individual points the bowler must bowl at least
his/her average less ten (10) pins, unless the league rules have stated another number.
4. If each team has the same number of absentees and/or vacancies, the players present must be placed
in opposition to each other for individual matches and the winning team credited with the points for the
absentees/vacancies.
If one of two teams has an absentee or vacancy and a player on the opposing team is unable to complete the
series, any game in progress shall be completed with no change in the competing team’s lineup. However, the
lineup of the team that lost its player must be changed if necessary, to comply with the provision of Item 4
above for any subsequent game(s) in the series.
100k/1 If two opposing teams have an absent member, and one absent member shows up to bowl
games 2 and 3, does the captain change the lineup by placing the bowler in a position where
the player would have bowled if present for the first game?
No, the lineup stays the same. The player bowling games 2 and 3 bowls in the position the absentee
score was used for game 1. According to the rule, no change may be made in the order of players in the
lineup during a series, unless league rules state differently.
100l. Mail-o-Graphic
A mail-o-graphic league is one in which scores are submitted from separate or the same competition,
bowling establishment or association and are compared to qualify for prizes in one common prize list. The
following provisions apply to all USBC mail-o-graphic leagues:
1. All scores are submitted to the league secretary who enters the scores and determines team and/or
individual standings.
2. All scores used must be from certified competition.
3. USBC will certify such leagues provided:
a. All USBC equipment specifications apply.
b. All rules for USBC leagues shall apply insofar as applicable.
c. Application must designate the league as a mail-o-graphic league.
4. Individuals are not required to join the association through which the league is certified if already a
member through another association.

5. As the scores used in mail-o-graphic competition are already recognized in the certified competition in
which they are actually bowled, they are not eligible for USBC national awards or average recognition.
100m. Managed Leagues

A managed league is one in which an individual, designated as the league manager, oversees the operation
of the league. The following provisions apply to all USBC managed leagues:
1. A league is organized and designated as a managed league prior to the start of the league schedule.
An existing league, not specified as a managed league the previous season, may designate itself as a
managed league prior to the start of the league schedule by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors,
unless the league elects to have its rules adopted by the membership.
2. Any USBC member may be a league manager and is responsible for the duties of secretary and
treasurer as described in Rules 102e and 102f.
3. The league manager is considered an officer of the league and is bonded.
4. The manager has supervisory control of the technical operation of the league consistent with USBC rules,
to include:
a. Creation and distribution of the league rules and schedule prior to the start of the season.
b. Enforcement of league and USBC rules.
c. Creation and distribution of the prize list by the fifth week of competition.
d. Decisions on all disputes, complaints or protests involving any USBC or league rules.
e. Decisions on the operation of the league when not in conflict with the league and/or USBC rules.
Decisions made by the league manager shall be final unless a protest or appeal is made within the provisions
of Rule 119.
5. After the league schedule begins, a change in the league rules, schedule and prize list can only be made
with the written consent of every team captain or designated representative.
6. The membership must elect a president and vice president who are responsible for his/her respective
duties as outlined in Rules 102c, Item 6 and 102d.
7. The league manager shall notify the members or team captains of all league meetings and the following
shall apply:
a. A quorum must be in attendance.
b. Absentee and proxy votes are not acceptable, and only members present are eligible to vote.
8. Rules 102a, Items 3 and 4; 103b, Item 1; 117a and 121 do not apply to managed leagues.
Rule 101 - Membership Fee Payment Requirements
To be eligible to bowl in a USBC league, a bowler must:

a. Complete an individual membership application in each league the bowler participates in.
b. Pay or show proof of payment of USBC dues and the required association membership fees in effect for
the current season before:
1. Adult membership – completion of the bowler’s first series.
2. Youth membership – the bowler’s third session of competition.

Any team using a player who has not satisfied USBC membership eligibility requirements subjects the games
in which the bowler participated to forfeiture.
101/1 A USBC youth member wants to join an adult league that has no cash prizes. Does the youth
have to purchase an adult membership card?
The youth’s current membership in USBC permits the youth to participate in any league in which he/she
is eligible. If the league requires adult membership the youth would be responsible for paying all applica-
ble local and state dues (USBC dues are only paid once per season). As a USBC Youth member, the youth
must comply with the requirements of Rule 400 to maintain eligibility.
Rule 102 - League Officers
102a. Officers
This rule is waived in youth leagues where a majority of the membership is comprised of youths 13 years or
younger.
Each league shall elect a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer each season and may elect a ser-
geant-at-arms. All officers are subject to the following:
1. The league’s board of directors shall elect the officers unless the league rules vest this authority in the
general league membership.
2. The elections shall be conducted at a meeting held before the distribution of league awards, unless the
league’s board of directors decides that they are to be held prior to the start of the league schedule.
3. All league officers must be members of USBC.
4. Only the offices of secretary and treasurer may be combined.
5. Two members of an immediate family cannot serve as president, treasurer or secretary-treasurer; or
vice president and treasurer or secretary-treasurer of the same league or cosign for withdrawals from
a league account.
6. Either league members or non-league members may hold league office. When the league requires an
officer to be a league member, the board of directors shall decide whether the officer will be allowed to
complete the term of office if no longer a league member.
Failure to perform any of the officer duties is cause for removal from office and/or suspension of membership.
102b. Vacancies in Office

A vacancy in any office shall be filled by the board of directors.
102c. Duties of the President

The president/league supervisor shall perform the following duties:
1. Preside at all league meetings.
2. Enforce all rules and regulations of the league.
3. Arrange to have an account set up in a recognized banking institution in the name of the league with
the signatures of at least two officers required for all withdrawals.

4. Appoint a prize committee and an auditing committee, as well as any other committees needed during
the season.
5. Arrange to have the prize committee submit one or more prize lists for consideration by the fifth week.
(See Rule 117a.)
6. Personally verify the league’s bank balance monthly.
In youth leagues that have a board, the president shall assist the league supervisor with the duties of the
president.
NOTE: “Verify” means the president must not only determine the amount on deposit, but also do
the arithmetic necessary to determine how much should be on deposit. If the account is
found to be short, the president must report the shortage immediately to USBC
Headquarters for possible action under the bonding insurance policy.
Audit Committee responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
★ Receipts: Verify the amount and date of deposits.
★ Disbursements: Review canceled checks and supporting documents to determine that
expenditures are proper.
All checks must bear the signatures of two authorized cosigners. Checks should not be made
out to cash. The checkbook should be reviewed to verify entries made and to reconcile the
appropriate bank statements.
Review the financial statement prepared by the treasurer to insure it is a fair representation
of the league’s finances.
102d. Duties of the Vice President

In the absence of the president, the vice president shall perform the duties of the president.
102e. Duties of the Secretary

In addition to the duties specified by the board of directors, the secretary/league official shall:
1. Have every participant complete a membership card application and collect appropriate membership dues.
2. Forward the annual membership dues with completed league application and membership card applica-
tions to the local association manager(s) within 30 days after the league begins to bowl. Membership card
applications and applicable fees for additional members shall also be forwarded to the local association
manager(s) within 30 days of receipt.
3. Keep minutes of all league meetings, handle all league correspondence and notify the members or team
captains of all league meetings.
4. Have a current standing sheet available for the members to see at each league session. The standing
sheet shall contain the average, number of games and total pins for each member, and any scores
eligible for special prizes the league issues.

5. Be responsible for a record of the scores bowled by all team members and substitutes, and report scores
that are eligible for USBC, state and local association awards.
a. Submit a completed award application within 20 days.
b. Notify the local association manager or authorized representative within 48 hours of scores that
are eligible for USBC honor score recognition.
6. Give each member of the board a copy of the league rules and prize list and see that the league schedule
is either posted in the bowling center or given to each team captain.
7. Give a copy of the final standing sheet to the league treasurer so the awards can be distributed.
8. Turn over to the newly-elected officer all league records, such as minutes of meetings, copies of rules
and prize lists, league property, etc.
9. Furnish a list of individual averages to the local association manager(s), when requested. The list must
show the full names and ID numbers of all bowlers who competed in the league, the number of games
bowled, total pinfall and average for each bowler.
10. On request of the local association or USBC, provide a list of names and addresses of the league officers;
and the names of captains and members in the league.
11. Notify league members of all local association meetings and any proposed changes in local association
dues.
In youth leagues that do have a board, the secretary shall assist the league official in the responsibilities of
the league secretary.
NOTE: In leagues using a computer and/or average service, the elected secretary remains respon-
sible for all the duties specified in Rule 102e.
102f. Duties of the Treasurer

The treasurer shall perform the following duties:
1. Establish a bank account in the name of the league with the signatures of at least two officers needed
for withdrawals.
2. Arrange to have all league funds deposited within one week of receipt.
3. Be responsible for a complete accounting of all receipts and disbursements. On the request of the
president or board, furnish a current financial statement to each team captain.
4. Distribute all prizes within 21 days after the end of the league schedule unless:
a. The board has set another time for distributing prizes, or
b. USBC has authorized holding up payment pending settlement of a claim or protest affecting prize
distribution.
5. When the prizes are distributed, give each team captain and/or member a detailed financial statement,
showing all income received on behalf of the league and an accounting of all money disbursed. The
financial statement must also show the prizes distributed and list to whom they were awarded.
6. Turn over all financial records to the newly-elected officer upon election.
7. All financial records, whether in possession of the former officer or newly-elected officer, shall be
retained for at least 120 days following completion of the league schedule.

In youth leagues that do have a board, the treasurer shall assist the league official in the duties of the treasurer.
NOTE: In leagues using in-house banking services, the elected treasurer remains responsible for all
the duties specified in Rule 102f.
The treasurer must be eligible under the bonding requirements.
102g. Duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms

The sergeant-at-arms shall perform such duties as may be required by the president or the board of directors.
102h. Duties of the League Supervisor (Youth leagues only)

The league supervisor is designated by the organizer of the youth league and is responsible for:
1. The league president duties. In youth leagues that do have a board, the president will assist the league
supervisor.
2. Granting prebowls and postponements, unless the authority is given to an appointed committee or the
league official.
3. Cosign for withdrawal of funds from the league’s account(s).
NOTE: The league supervisor and league official cannot be members of an immediate family.
102i. Duties of the League Official (Youth leagues only)

The league official is designated by the organizer of the youth league and is responsible for:
1. The league secretary and treasurer duties. In leagues that do have a board, the secretary and treasurer
will assist the league official.
2. Filing a written report of all Rule 400 violations to the local association for possible disciplinary action.
(See Rule 17e.)
3. Working with the league supervisor to:
a. Adopt rules prior to the start of the schedule, unless the league has a board of directors.
b. Enforce the league and USBC rules.
4. Adopting an awards list within the first five weeks of league play and stating how awards fees collected
will be disbursed, unless the league has a board of directors. (See Rule 103a.)
5. Cosign for withdrawal of funds from the league’s account(s).
Rule 103 – Board of Directors
103a. Management
This rule is waived in youth leagues where a majority of the membership is comprised of youths 13 years or
younger and for high school conference leagues.
The board of directors shall consist of the officers and team captains. In youth leagues that do have a board
of directors, the adult supervisor and/or official also are members of the board. All other adults are advisors.

The board shall govern the league with the following provisions:
1. A captain may name another team member to act as the team representative at board of director’s
meetings.
2. Each member of the board is entitled to one vote whether an officer of the league, a team representative
or both.
3. A majority of the members of the board constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business, unless
otherwise stated in the league rules.
103a/1 If the team captain is also an officer, can they vote as a captain and as an officer?
No. Each member of the board is entitled to one vote, whether a league officer, team representative or
both. The rule also states a captain may designate another team member to act as the team representative
at board meetings. Therefore, if the captain designates another member, the captain is entitled to vote by
virtue of the office held, with the other member voting as team representative.
103b. Duties
The board of directors or the youth league supervisor and official shall be responsible for:
1. Making decisions on all matters arising in the league.
2. Deciding all protests involving USBC or league rules. The decision of the league’s board is final unless
an appeal is made under the provisions of Rule 119.
NOTE: When a team and/or individual is found to be ineligible under league or USBC rules, the
game shall be forfeited unless there is a decision to declare the game null and void. In the
latter case, a decision shall also be made as to whether the game shall be rebowled.
103b/1 When games bowled are protested, what decisions may the board make?
The board should first determine if the protest was filed within the time limits prescribed in Rule 119. If
the protest is timely, the board can declare game(s):
Forfeited: If a rule was violated.
Null and void and rebowled: If a rule was violated, but was not complied with due to misinformation
or mitigating circumstances. If games are declared null and void, the board should make another decision as
to whether the games should be rebowled.
Stand as bowled: If it is found there is no cause for action.
103b/2 The board decides to null and void the games of two teams involved in a protest. What
happens to the original games bowled?
Both team and individual records are eliminated. This includes wins and losses, averages, prize considera-
tion, etc. In other words, a null and void game no longer exists, except for USBC award recognition. (See the
note below.) The series scores are deleted from the bowler’s average records as of the date of the decision.
For example, if an individual bowled a 498 series December 3 and the board ruled the match null and
void January 7, the 498 series is subtracted from the total pins in the average record and total number of
games as of January 7. A new average is computed. The same holds true for all other bowlers with games
declared null and void.
When the match is rescheduled, the current average is used for handicapping purposes and lineup
changes may be made.

NOTE: If a USBC award is earned and the scores declared null and void by the league board, the null and
voided scores may be recognized for USBC awards and the league secretary should file an award
application.
Rule 104 – Teams
104a. Captain’s Authority

A team captain is a member of the league authorized to organize and enter a team in league play. The
captain is the team representative and shall perform the following duties:
1. Determine the members of the roster and be responsible for the eligibility of the team and its members
under the rules of the league and USBC.
2. Collect USBC, state and local association dues, where applicable, from each member of the team and
remit such fees to the league secretary.
3. Be responsible for the conduct and attendance of the team in league play. It is within the captain’s
authority to permanently remove any player from the team. If requested, good and sufficient reason
for the removal must be furnished to the board.
4. Enter the lineup in the computer and/or on the recap sheet before the start of each scheduled series.
5. Sign the scorebooks and have the scores verified by the opposing captain. (See Rule 116a regarding
obvious errors.)
6. Be responsible for the collection of league fees from each member of the team for remittance to the
league treasurer.
7. Pay each member of the team within 15 days after receiving prize money in accordance with verbal or
written agreements. The league’s board shall decide a dispute over prize money distribution.
Youth leagues: The captain is elected by the team and only responsible for Items 5 and 6.
104a/1 May a captain change the lineup from game to game?

Yes. Unless it is a match point league or there is a league rule to the contrary, a captain may change the
lineup from one game to the next. Rule 106b, Item 1, states that once a game has started, no changes to
the order can be made after the start of a game. The rule does not place a restriction on making changes
during a series. A captain may change the order of the players, replace a substitute with a regular member
or make any other lineup change from one game to the next.
104b. Franchise and Roster

The rosters of all teams shall automatically disband at the end of the season. A team franchise (team spot) in
the league shall be held by the team captain provided the captain:
1. Is acceptable to the majority of the full membership of the board of directors.
2. Notifies the league secretary of his/her intention to retain the franchise on or before a date set by the
league. Failure to do so will result in the franchise returning to the control of the board of directors.
A franchise cannot be recalled during the season without sufficient cause.

104c. Replacement During Season

When a team is replaced, the new team shall assume the position standings of the replaced team, unless the
league ruled otherwise. A new team must be advised of the financial status of the team or individual they
replaced.
104d. Uneven Number

When a league has an uneven number of teams, the team scheduled against the nonexistent team cannot be
credited with the points by forfeit. The Earn the Points system is used unless the league’s board of directors,
by majority vote, decides to use the Bye or Draw System. The following procedures apply for each system:
1. Earn the Points:
a. An individual must bowl at least his/her average less ten (10) pins and/or teams must bowl at least
the team average less ten (10) pins per player, unless the league’s board states another number.
b. Points not won by the team for failing to bowl the prescribed score should be recorded on the
standing sheet as “unearned” points.
2. Draw System:
a. Teams bowling the vacant team will draw a team or be scheduled against another team from the
league to earn points.
b. The scores bowled will be used as if bowling in direct competition with the drawn/scheduled team.
3. Bye System:
a. Team scheduled against the vacant team does not bowl.
b. Position standings shall be determined on a percentage basis.
In all cases, the games bowled by the team that withdrew or was dismissed must stand.
104d/1 How are points awarded when a team ties the target score?
When a team meets or exceeds the target score, the points are earned.
104d/2 What do we do if our league starts the season with an uneven number of teams and a team
is added during the season?
USBC recommends the board meet and choose one of the following options:
Option 1: The league allows the new team to make up the games unopposed and match the scores with
teams that previously bowled what was considered a nonexistent team.
Option 2: The entering team is not allowed to make up games and the position standings are figured
using a percentage basis.
104d/3 What do we do if our league starts the season with an even number of teams and a team
is added during the season?
If the league adds a new team during the season giving it an uneven amount of teams, the league board
has the following options:
Option 1: The entering team is not allowed to make up missed games and the position standings are
figured on a percentage basis.
Option 2: The league allows the new team to bowl against their averages in making up any missed
games.

Option 3: The league utilizes the draw system whereby the team bowling unopposed draws another
team in the league and their scores are compared with that team to earn points.
No matter which option the league chooses, the league’s schedule must be changed to reflect the new
number of teams now bowling in the league.
Rule 105 - Absentee and Vacancy Scores
Leagues may adopt rules for absentee or vacancy scores and handicaps to decide league games, subject to
the following:
a. Absentee or vacancy scores may be used only when a legal lineup is present.
b. Absentee or vacancy scores may not replace scores bowled by an ineligible player.
c. In a singles league, no vacancy scores shall be used. Absentee scores will not be permitted, unless
otherwise provided by league rule.
d. A vacancy score is to be used when a team has an incomplete roster. Vacancy scores are subject to the
following:
1. Adult leagues:
a) The vacancy score shall be 120, unless the league rules state another number.
b) In handicap leagues, the handicap must be based on the vacancy score used. Handicap shall
not be limited.
2. Youth leagues:
a) The vacancy score shall be the average of the lowest average bowler on the opposing team’s
roster, unless the league rules state another number.
b) If two or more vacancy scores are required, the average of the next-to-the-lowest bowler
on the opposing team’s roster shall be used for the second vacancy score, unless the league
rules specify a constant vacancy score.
c) In handicap leagues, the handicap must be based on the vacancy score used. Handicap shall
not be limited.
d) The vacancy score is used until an individual bowls and establishes a current average, unless
the league rules state otherwise.
e. An absentee score is to be used when a member is absent and a substitute is not obtained. The follow-
ing provisions apply unless otherwise provided by league rule:
1. The absentee score for each game shall be the absent member’s current average less 10 pins. In
handicap leagues, the handicap shall be based on the absent member’s current average.
2. Teams with additional players on the roster shall use the absentee score of the absent player
with the:
a) Most games bowled.
b) Lowest absentee score when the absentees have the same number of games bowled.
c) Next highest number of games bowled when two scores are needed.
3. When a team has an absent member without an established average according to league rules
or USBC Rule 118c, a score of 120 will be used. In handicap leagues, the handicap shall be based
on the score of 120.

105/1 If an individual is absent the first night of bowling, is an absentee or vacancy score used?
An absentee score is used unless otherwise provided by league rules or past precedent established in the
league. If there is a question as to whether the individual absent is a member of the team’s roster, the
league’s board of directors decides the matter.
105/2 If two members are absent and only one substitute is obtained, which absentee score is
used?
According to Rule 104a, Item 1, the team captain is responsible for the eligibility of the team and deter-
mines whom the substitute will replace. First, the captain determines whom the substitute will replace and
then the absentee score is determined.
When the team has a limited roster, the process is easy. The captain selects the player the substitute
replaces, and the absentee score of the other player is used.
When a team has additional players on its roster, the captain decides whom the substitute is replacing.
Whoever the substitute is replacing, the absentee score for that absent member cannot be used. According
to Rule 105, Item e(2), the absentee score of the player with the most games is used for the other player.
If two absentee scores are needed after the substitute is in place, the absentee score of the absentee with
the next highest number of games is used and when two absent members have the same number of games,
the lower absentee score is used. (See CAQ #118d/1 for cap information.)
105/3 My team had a substitute bowler show up on league night to replace one of our absentee
bowlers. The substitute bowled the first game and then found it necessary to leave the
bowling center for the remainder of the evening. Is the absentee score for the remaining
two games based on the regular team member’s average or the substitute’s average?
An absentee score is to be used when a member is absent and a substitute is not obtained. Since the sub-
stitute only completed the first game of the series, the absentee score for the remaining games must be
based on the average of the absent regular team member.
105/4 If a member resigns from the league and the spot is not filled within two weeks (fees were
paid, but there is no substitute), what score should be used... absentee or vacancy?
The absentee score should be used. In the situation described, the member resigned, but was not
replaced immediately. Therefore, the player is still a member for those two weeks. Once the two weeks
expire and a replacement has not been obtained, the vacancy score provided for in the league rules is used.
Rule 106 – League Game/Series
106a. Series – How Bowled

Two lanes immediately adjoining each other shall be used in each game of league play. The first game of a
series shall start on the lane where the team is scheduled with each succeeding game starting on the lane where
the team finished its previous game. At the option of the league, each game may be bowled on a different pair
of lanes, but a full game must be bowled on each pair.
106b. Order of Bowling

Members of competing teams shall successively, and in regular order, bowl one frame on one lane, and for
the next frame alternate and use the other lane until five frames are bowled on each lane of the pair.
1. No changes can be made in the order of players after the start of a game.

2. When a team bowls against another team or alone, the next frame may be started prior to completion
of the previous frame, unless the league rules state otherwise.
106c. Interrupted Game/Series

If equipment failure on a pair of lanes would delay the progress of a series, league officers can:
1. Authorize the game and series to be completed on another pair of certified lanes; or
2. Authorize the game and/or series to be bowled on one lane when another pair of certified lanes is not
available. However, when the original pair or another pair of certified lanes becomes available, the
team(s) may resume play on a pair of lanes.
An interrupted game and series shall be resumed from the point of interruption.
When authorized, the requirements of Rules 106a and 106b do not apply.
NOTE: Scores bowled while using one lane shall qualify for USBC award recognition.
106d. Bowling Out

Unless the league rules state otherwise:
1. Adult leagues: A bowler may finish any one game of a series before teammates or opponents.
2. Youth leagues: A league member may not finish any game of a series before his/her teammates or
opponents, unless the league official/supervisor determines an emergency or sufficient cause exists.
Scores recorded while bowling out count in deciding the game and bowler’s average, and qualify for USBC
awards and league awards.
NOTE: A player bowling out should do so while the others continue to bowl. The player should bowl
on each lane immediately after the previous bowler completes the frame, so that the
progress of the game is not delayed.
Rule 107 – Team Composition
107a. Competition Limited to One Team

Under no conditions may a player bowl on more than one team in the same scheduled game. In addition, a
player may not compete on more than one team in the same league for each of the regularly scheduled
games in a series, unless otherwise provided by league rule.
NOTE: Once a player records scores, whether prebowled, post bowled or at the regularly scheduled
time, the player’s eligibility for that series has been exhausted. The posted scores must be
utilized in figuring team and individual standings, unless declared null and void by the
league’s board of directors.

107a/1 We had an individual/team prebowl because they had to work. Later they found out that
they would not have to work on that date so they appeared at the lanes to bowl. Can the
league secretary throw out their scores and allow them to bowl?
No. When an individual or team receives permission from the league and completes their prebowl, they
have exhausted their eligibility for that league session. The league’s board of directors has the authority to
declare the prebowled scores null and void only if a rule was violated or due to mitigating circumstances.
However, the change in the individual’s work schedule does not fall into either of these categories, there-
fore, the scores would stand.
107a/2 The league had a team prebowl for a specific league session. The team prebowled and then,
due to severe weather, the league cancelled bowling on that date and resumed the follow-
ing week. What happens to the prebowled scores?
The prebowled scores must be applied to the league session they were intended for. If the team pre-
bowled and the league session was subsequently cancelled, the prebowled scores are then applied to the
rescheduled league session. The team would not be permitted to rebowl that week as their scores have
already been recorded and their eligibility exhausted. The league board has the authority to null and void
scores only due to a rule violation or mitigating circumstances. However, these circumstances would not be
sufficient cause for the board to take such action.
107b. Transferring Team Membership

Unless otherwise provided by league rule, a bowler listed on a team’s roster and whose scores have counted,
may transfer to another team in the league during the season provided:
1. Adult leagues: Two-thirds of the league’s team captains agree to the transfer.
This provision does not apply to USBC closed leagues, or to any league which adopts its own rule to govern
transfers.
2. Youth leagues: The league official/supervisor consents to the transfer.
107c. Substitutes and/or Replacements

A substitute is a bowler who replaces another who is scheduled to participate in a USBC league, or bowls for
a team with an incomplete roster.
The following shall apply to substitutes and/or replacements:
1. Scores bowled by a substitute shall count for the games bowled.
2. A substitute must be a member of USBC, a state association and a local association, where required.
3. A substitute may bowl with any team in the league, but may not compete on more than one team in
the same league for any regularly scheduled games each week, unless otherwise provided by league
rule. (See Rule 107a.)
4. The average of a substitute shall be kept. Should a substitute later be added to a team’s roster, his/her
average shall be continued.
5. Scores bowled through the efforts of more than one individual player shall not qualify for league or
USBC individual awards. (See Rule 118b for average information.)
6. In mixed leagues, a substitute or replacement may be of either gender, unless otherwise provided by
league rules.
7. A player removed from a game cannot return to bowl in the same game.
8. Substitutes are not entitled to attend league meetings.

9. A team must be allowed to add a replacement when its roster is less than the playing strength of
the league.
10. A team using a substitute is eligible for all high team prizes.
11. Unless otherwise provided by league rules:
a. Substitutes are not required to pay league fees.
b. A captain may replace any player at any time during a game with another eligible player.
c. When substitutes are made during a game, the score counts only for team score.
NOTE: When a substitution is made during a game in a handicap league, each player receives 1/10
of his/her single game handicap for each frame bowled. For example, an original player
with a single game handicap of 19 pins completes six frames and a substitute with a single
game handicap of 22 pins completes the remaining four frames:
Original player 1/10 of 19 = 1.9 pins x 6 frames = 11.4 or 11 pins. Substitute player 1/10
of 22 = 2.2 pins x 4 frames = 8.8 pins or 8 pins.
The fraction is dropped from each individual’s handicap, not from each frame.
In leagues using the team method of handicapping, the same procedure is used. Determine
the team handicap with the original player and with the substitute in the lineup. Then apply
the handicap based on the number of frames completed by each player.
Youth leagues:
12. Leagues may allow substitutes present and not needed on a team to bowl for average and USBC awards.
107c/1 In my league, there are five members on each team, we would like to carry six members so
we can rotate each week. We were told that another bowler would be considered a substi-
tute. Can we add another member who bowls only for us and is a full-fledged member?
Rule 100a, Item 1(b) indicates the league decides the team playing strength, but each team is allowed
to determine if there will be additional members, unless league rules limit the roster. If your league did not
adopt a rule limiting each team to five members, additional member(s) could be added to the team roster.
107c/2 May a substitute bowl one game with one team and bowl the remaining two games with
another team?
If a league did not adopt a rule to allow a substitute to bowl with more than one team in a match, a
substitute cannot compete on more than one team in the same scheduled match. For example, a substitute
could not bowl with a team at the regularly scheduled time and then again with another team that may have
been granted permission to postpone that match.
107c/3 Our team has six members on its roster, but only five members bowl each week. Can the
additional member on our roster bowl with another team on league night?
Yes, additional roster members may bowl with other teams as substitutes when they are not scheduled to
bowl with their team, unless league rules state otherwise or the league has a past precedent of not allowing
these substitutions. If there is a question on the past precedent of the league, the league’s board of directors
must meet and make a decision by majority vote.

107c/4 May a league adopt a rule stating no new members be allowed for the last few weeks of
the season, the position round or for the playoff?
Yes, however, according to Rule 107c, Item 9, a team must be allowed to add players when its roster is less
than the playing strength of the league. For example, if the playing strength is five, teams must be allowed to
have at least five members. A rule limiting additions or replacements to a team after a certain date may not
be enforced if the team does not have the full playing strength on the roster. After the playing strength is
reached, the league rule should be enforced, and a team is not allowed to add members to the team.
107d. Pacers
A pacer is a bowler who fills in to balance the rotation of the teams. The following shall apply to all pacers:
1. Scores bowled do not count towards team totals nor are they included in the average records.
2. Pacers are allowed, unless otherwise provided by league rule.
3. Pacers who are USBC members are eligible for all USBC individual awards.
Rule 108 – Failure to Complete Game
108a. With Cause

When a player is unable to complete a game because of disability, injury or emergency, and another eligible
player is not available, the team shall count the actual score for the frames bowled plus one-tenth of the
league’s absentee score for each frame missed. (See Rule 118b for average information.)
NOTE: For computing score: Take actual score for frames bowled; credit 10 pins for a strike or spare
in last frame bowled. Add 1/10 of league’s absentee score for each of the remaining frames.
For example, if absentee score is bowler’s average less 10: Absentee score, 145; 1/10 of 145
= 14.5 X 3 frames = 43.5. Drop fraction and add 43 to actual score for 7 frames bowled.
The fraction is dropped after the total amount is figured, and not from each frame.
108a/1 When a team member must leave during a game due to injury, how is the remainder of their
game scored? What if they must leave in the middle of a frame after making only their first
delivery?
Rule 108a provides that if a team member is unable to complete a game due to disability, injury or
emergency and another team member is not available, the team shall count the actual score for the frames
bowled plus one-tenth of the league’s absentee score for each of the remaining frames in the game.
When a team member only makes their first delivery in a frame and is unable to complete the game,
they can only be credited with the number of pins knocked down on that delivery for the frame. The team
member gets credit for all completed and partial frames bowled plus one-tenth of their absentee score for
additional frames missed.
108a/2 If a player has to leave any game because of an emergency and the team loses its legal
lineup, is the team required to forfeit?
No. Rule 109b does not require a team to forfeit if it loses its legal lineup during a game. The team could
finish the game using one-tenth of the bowler’s absentee score for the frames not completed.
If the team could not field a legal lineup for the next game, the team is entitled to an emergency post-
ponement. Rule 109b states, leagues shall grant postponements for emergencies when a team fails to appear
due to reasons beyond its control. The same would apply when a team loses its legal lineup during a series.

108b. Without Cause

When a player does not complete a game for reasons other than disability, injury or emergency, the player’s
team shall count zero for each remaining frame in the game. (See Rule 118b for average information.)
If there is any doubt of a player’s reason for not being able to continue a game, the league’s board of
directors shall decide. A player who leaves a game without cause cannot return to bowl in the same game.
108b/1 After missing a spare in the fifth frame of the second game, the player gets upset and stops
bowling. How do you score the bowlers second and third game?
The team is credited with the actual score for the first five frames bowled and zero for each remaining
frames in the second game. For the third game, the team uses the player’s absentee score. In calculating
the bowlers average, only the first game is included in the bowler’s average record.
108c. Missed Frames

A player who starts a game and then misses frames due to an emergency may return to bowl before
completion of the same game and make up the frames missed, unless the league rules:
1. Require a player to enter the game at the frame being bowled by the team.
2. Do not allow a player to return to bowl.
Rule 108a must be applied for missed frames that are not made up in the same game.
Rule 109 - Lineup
109a. Legal Lineup

A minimum legal lineup must be present to complete the first frame of any game of a series unless the league
rules state another frame. A frame shall be considered completed when all bowlers present on each team have
made his/her last deliveries in that frame. The following also shall apply:
1. A legal lineup is:
a. Three or more eligible players in five-player team leagues, unless league rules state two or more.
b. Two or more eligible players in either three- or four-player team leagues, unless league rules state
one or more.
c. One eligible player in two-player team leagues.
2. Substitutes count to determine a legal lineup, unless otherwise provided by league rule.
3. Leagues may include in its rules the number of players from a team’s roster who must be present to
count toward a legal lineup.
109a/1 If a league does not adopt a rule designating the number of regular members for a legal
lineup, is it acceptable to have just one regular member plus substitutes?
Substitutes are considered eligible players for a minimum legal lineup unless the league adopts a rule
requiring a specific number of regular members to be present. If such a rule is not adopted, any number of
substitutes could count toward a legal lineup.

109a/2 Can a league adopt a rule stating a legal lineup must be present at the start of a game or
at a designated time?
A team has until the completion of the first frame, or a select frame other than the first, to field a legal
lineup. Therefore, it is not permissible to require a team to have a legal lineup present at the start of a game
or at a designated time.
109a/3 When a league allows for individual prebowls, do the scores count toward the legal lineup
requirement?
Yes, the scores count towards the legal lineup requirement unless the league rules require a legal line-
up present at the regular league session.
109b. Lack of Legal Lineup

When one or both teams scheduled against each other fail to present a minimum legal lineup and a postpone-
ment was not requested, the game(s) is (are) forfeited unless an emergency existed. The postponement
committee or board of directors shall decide whether an emergency existed and, if so, the match shall be
rescheduled under the postponement rules. Decisions made by the postponement committee can be appealed
to the league’s board of directors.
109c. Tardy Players

Unless otherwise provided by league rule, a player who arrives late may be permitted to bowl after a game
has started under these conditions:
1. The player shall begin play, with the score to count, beginning with the frame then being bowled by the
team.
2. The player shall receive one-tenth of the absentee score for each frame not bowled.
3. Partial games shall not be used in determining a bowler’s average, unless league rules require the
secretary to maintain averages based on the actual frames bowled by each player.
109c/1 If a legal lineup is not present by the end of the first frame but a tardy player arrives before
the designated tardy player frame, can the late bowler make up missed frames to avoid a
team forfeit?
No, a league rule setting a specific frame for tardy players is separate from the legal lineup rule. First,
a team must have enough eligible players present for a legal lineup. Tardy players could enter the game if
they arrived before completion of the designated tardy frame, but the game would still be forfeited.
However, games two and three would not be forfeited since the team would have a legal lineup present.
Rule 110 – Forfeits
110a. League Fee Arrearages

A league can adopt a rule to declare games forfeited if participants in a team’s lineup are not current in
league fee payments.
A league that does not adopt a rule is responsible for any loss incurred by such arrearages.

NOTE: A team cannot be required to forfeit if fees are not paid for an absent member or a vacancy.
110a/1 Our league rule states members cannot be more than a week behind in paying their league
fees. If any member comes the second week in a row and can’t pay, can a league officer tell
them they can’t bowl?
Yes. If more leagues had such a rule and enforced it, there would be fewer instances of nonpayment of
league fees and fewer suspended members. Just be sure to explain this rule to every member. You may
have a few disgruntled members early in the season, but the word will spread that the league is serious
about everyone keeping their fees current. A league should not allow debts to accumulate for more than
two weeks without taking action.
110b. Refusal to Bowl

A team that refuses to bowl with less than a full lineup forfeits any games it declines to bowl.
110c. Procedure for Bowling

When a team is bowling in a known forfeit situation, the following procedures shall apply:
1. The forfeiting team is not to receive any point(s).
2. Unless the league rules have stated another number, to earn the point(s):
a. An individual must bowl at least his/her average less ten (10) pins.
b. Teams must bowl at least the team average less ten (10) pins per player.
3. Points not won by the individual and/or team for failing to bowl the prescribed score should be recorded
on the standing sheet as “unearned” points.
4. The following applies to players on the forfeiting team:
a. Those who are present may bowl, but the scores shall not be included in the team’s total pins.
b. Scores bowled in accordance with this procedure shall be counted toward averages and qualify for
league prizes, unless the league rules state otherwise.
c. Scores shall qualify for USBC awards.
NOTE: When leagues include series totals in points won and a team forfeits one or more games in
a series, that team shall receive a zero for the games it forfeits in deciding the winner of
the series point.
When a league determines position standings on a percentage basis, the percentage is calculated by dividing
the number of points won by the total number of points available to the team. (The total number of points
available includes points won, lost and unearned through forfeit situations.)
110c/1 What is a known forfeit?

The team bowls knowing the opposing team is not eligible to receive any points due to an apparent rule
violation. For example, an opposing team lacks a legal lineup or the opposing team is over the average cap.
To promote a competitive atmosphere, the non-forfeiting team must earn the points.
110c/2 What is an unknown forfeit?

The team bowls unaware that a forfeit will be declared. For example, it was found out immediately after
bowling the opposing team used an ineligible player. The forfeiture would have to be acted upon within the

specified timelines of Rule 119. The forfeiting team does not receive any points and the non-forfeiting team
is automatically credited with all of the points.
110c/3 If a team does not show up and a postponement was not requested, does the team present
get all the points?
In instances where the reason for absence is unknown, the team present must earn the points and should
be advised that the absence may be due to an emergency.
A league officer should call the captain to determine whether something unforeseen occurred. If an
emergency exists, advise the absent team they have the right to request an emergency postponement with-
in the time constraints of Rule 119. See Rule 111c for information on emergency postponements.
110c/4 When a team loses a game by forfeit, how do you determine who wins the point for total pins?
When a team forfeits a game, the team score for that game is zero. Add zero to the scores bowled in
the other games in the series and compare that total to the opposing team’s series total.
110c/5 A team meets the prescribed score (team average less ten pins per player) in a known
forfeit situation. Do they split the point?
No. When a team meets the prescribed score, the point(s) is (are) earned. There are no ties in this
situation.
110c/6 If a team has to forfeit because an ineligible player is used, what happens to the scores
bowled?
An ineligible player’s score becomes zero, and the game(s) is (are) not included in their average. The
team’s score for the forfeited game(s) is (are) also zero. However, the scores bowled by the eligible players
are counted toward their averages and any individual prizes.
110c/7 In our league, we figure team and individual averages after bowling three games. On the
first night, if a team is bowling in a forfeit situation, how would you determine whether the
team “earned” points for the three games since averages are not established until the
series completion?
The team would have to wait until the end of the series to figure individual and team averages. After
the team average is computed, deduct 10 pins per player to determine the score the team had to bowl,
or exceed, to be credited with “earned” points. If the team does not earn points, they are listed on the
standing sheet as “unearned.”
Rule 111 – Prebowl/Postponements
111a. Types
Types of prebowls and postponements:
1. Bowling in direct opposition.
2. Team unopposed bowling — permitted, unless the league adopts a rule prohibiting this type of
competition.
3. Individual unopposed bowling:
a. Adult leagues, prohibited, unless the league rules state otherwise.
b. Youth Leagues, permitted, unless the league rules state otherwise.

111b. Reason
A league cannot adopt a rule that would have the effect of not permitting any prebowling/postponements. The
league must grant a prebowl/postponement when the team is unable to field a legal lineup for the following
reasons:
1. Some of its bowlers are participating in the USBC Championships, state or local association championship
tournaments or attending an annual meeting.
2. There is sufficient cause.
3. An emergency situation.
111b/1 What is considered sufficient cause for an emergency postponement?

An emergency is defined as an unforeseen combination of circumstances, making it impossible for a
team to field a legal lineup. The reasons for not being able to bowl would not have to be catastrophic —
just beyond the control of the team members.
Although each reason by itself might not be considered an emergency, the combination of circumstances
happening at the same time is considered an emergency. For example, if a five-person team knew a play-
er was to be out of town and thought they could field a legal lineup, but prior to bowling, another bowler
fell ill and the next had to work late, the team could request an emergency postponement.
111b/2 After a bad storm, all but two teams were able to field legal lineups. Are these two teams
entitled to emergency postponements when all the other teams in the league were able to
get to the lanes?
Yes, weather conditions which prevent a team from fielding a legal lineup are classified as emergencies.
Leagues must grant postponements for emergencies when a team fails to appear for its scheduled match
due to reasons beyond its control. Adverse weather conditions are sufficient reason to grant a postponement
without advance notice.
Members must realize all bowlers do not face the same driving conditions or circumstances, so the ability
of an individual to drive under adverse conditions cannot be used as a basis for declaring games forfeited.
111c. Request
Games must be bowled as scheduled, unless a request is made at least 48 hours before the scheduled time,
except for emergencies, and approval is granted.
111c/1 What happens when a team cannot field a legal lineup or does not appear and no prebowl
or postponement is requested?
A forfeit is issued. However, the forfeiting team has up to 15 days to protest the forfeiture and request
an emergency postponement according to Rule 119. If the scheduled games are within the final two weeks
of the schedule, the team must protest and request an emergency postponement within 48 hours of the final
date of that schedule.
111d. Granting
Prebowl/Postponement requests are reviewed and decided by:
1. Adult leagues: A committee appointed for this purpose or the board of directors.
2. Youth leagues: The league supervisor unless the authority is given to the league official or a
committee appointed for this purpose.
Decisions made by the committee or league supervisor/official may be appealed to the board of directors
under the provisions of Rule 119. (See Rule 119 for further appeal procedures.)
111d/1 Who has the authority to call off bowling for the entire league because of bad weather?
While there is no specific rule giving the authority to cancel bowling because of inclement weather, deci-
sions made by league officers have been consistently upheld. The officers should be acting in the league’s
best interest.
To be assured they are making the correct decision to cancel bowling, the officers should conduct a tele-
phone poll of board members. If a majority vote supporting the decision is obtained, it is in line with Rules
103b and 111d, Item 1, which authorize the board to decide on postponements.
111e. Procedure
Following is the procedure to be used for prebowling or postponements:
1. When teams are bowling in direct opposition, the captains of the teams involved shall agree to a date
for bowling the prebowl/postponed match. If within one week from the date originally scheduled, the
captains cannot agree on a date, the league secretary shall set a date and notify both team captains of
the date and time. This notification should be given at least three days prior to the date.
2. The league secretary or designated representative shall notify the bowling center of the change in
schedule and arrange to have a pair of lanes available.
3. Games must be bowled under the same regulations and rules governing league play.
4. Handicap is figured as of the date/time the games are bowled. All games bowled prior to the prebowled
or postponed match shall be included in determining handicap
5. Prebowled or postponed games shall be included in the average record as of the date bowled.
6. Games can be made up on any certified pair of lanes.
7. Scores qualify for league awards, unless otherwise provided by league rule.
8. Unopposed pre or post bowled scores will be eligible for USBC Awards except High Score Awards as
designated in Rules 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, 52b and 52d.
111e/1 If a team is granted a prebowl or postponement and the opposing team is not notified, are
the games forfeited?
When bowling unopposed, the opposing team does not have to be notified (or agree to a date) prior to
the time of bowling, unless otherwise provided by league rule. If the league rules are silent regarding team
bowling unopposed, the games stand as bowled. As a courtesy, the opposing team should be notified.
111e/2 What average and handicap is used for a prebowl and/or postponement?
The averages and handicaps as of the date the games are bowled must be used in both postponed and
prebowled games. All games bowled prior to the postponed or prebowled games are used to determine aver-
age and handicap.
111e/3 When teams prebowl or post bowl unopposed, can the opposing team see the scores bowled
by the team bowling first?
There is no USBC rule to prevent the opposing team from seeing the scores. When a league allows teams
to bowl unopposed, rules can be adopted to govern this situation.

111f. Time Limit for Bowling

Prebowled/postponed games must be bowled as follows:
1. Prior to the date of scheduled competition for final team standings for the season or each segment of
a split season; or
2. Within seven days when the postponement is granted for the last day of a segment (split season
leagues); or
3. Within seven days when the postponement is granted for the last day of the schedule.
The foregoing applies to teams bowling in direct opposition. A league may adopt different time frames for
individual and/or team unopposed bowling.
The foregoing does not apply when a protest or appeal is pending finalization under Rule 119.
Rule 112 – Tie Game
When a tie occurs, each of the teams shall be credited with one-half the value of the point(s) normally
awarded. There shall be no playoff of such ties.
Rule 113 – Playoffs/Special Contests
113a. Definition
A playoff is a separate competition conducted to determine league champions and/or break ties in the league
standings. A playoff must be conducted:
1. To determine the champion when a tie exists for first place at the end of the league schedule;
2. To determine a champion when the league bowls a split season;
3. To determine first place when a tie occurs in any segment of a split season;
4. When the league decides to break a tie for any other position. Scores bowled which qualify for USBC
awards will be recognized.
NOTE: Total pins for the season or team average cannot break position standing ties at the conclu-
sion of the season, or at the end of any segment of a split season schedule.
113a/1 If the league rules state no substitutes will be permitted the final two weeks of the sched-
ule, can a substitute be used in the playoff?
A playoff is not considered part of the last two weeks of the schedule. If substitutes are permitted
during the regular season, they would be acceptable as eligible players unless a league rule specifically
states that substitutes are not permitted in the playoff.
113b. Procedures
A playoff may not consist of less than one game.
1. The following procedures apply, unless the league rules state otherwise:

a. Playoffs consist of the same number of games and are conducted under the same rules governing
league play during the regular season.
b. Handicap is figured as of the date/time the games are bowled. All games bowled prior to the
playoff are included in determining handicap.
c. When more than two teams are involved in a playoff, total pins from the playoff shall decide the
winner.
d. If a tie exists at the end of a playoff, each team bowls an additional frame until the tie is broken.
1) Each team begins on the lane where it bowled the final frame of the last game and
alternates lanes for each additional complete frame needed to break the tie.
2) Frames are scored like a 10th frame; one-tenth of the handicap for one game is given for
the extra frame.
e. Playoff games do not count toward individual averages or special league prizes.
2. The league secretary arranges to have lanes available.
113b/1 What average and handicap are used in a playoff?

Unless otherwise provided by league rules, the players involved use their average and handicap as of
the date the playoff is bowled. For example, if a league bowls a split season, and the playoff for the first
half is not bowled until after three weeks into the second half, the average and handicap for the playoff
includes all the games already bowled in the second half.
113b/2 What happens if there is a three-way tie for first place or a trophy position?
Total pins from the playoff will determine the winner unless otherwise provided in league rules. Four
adjoining lanes would be used, starting lanes would be selected by draw, and teams would rotate after each
game as follows:
113b/3 If a tie still exists after a playoff series is completed, how is the tie broken?
Lane A B C
First Game Team 3 Team 1 Team 2
Second Game Team 2 Team 3 Team 1
Third Game Team 1 Team 2 Team 3
In the absence of a league rule stating otherwise, when a tie still exists at the end of the playoff, each
team will bowl an additional frame. This frame is to be bowled by each team on the lane where it bowled
the final frame of the last game and is scored like the tenth frame. If the tie is still unbroken, the teams
involved alternate lanes for the additional tenth frame needed to break the tie. This frame stands alone to
determine the winner and is not added to the previous playoff game total. In a handicap league, one-tenth
of the handicap is added to the 10th frame score.
113b/4 When there is a tie for the winner of the first half in a split season, when should the playoff
be conducted?
The playoff should be bowled as soon as possible. It is not necessary or recommended that teams wait
until the end of the season to break a tie for first place in the first half.

113c. Special Contests

A special contest is competition scheduled by the league where the scores do not count towards regular league
standings; such as a tournament. The following apply to such competition:
1. Participation must be limited to league members or substitutes.
2. USBC league or tournament rules govern play.
3. Scores bowled which qualify for USBC awards will be recognized.
Rule 114 – Withdrawals/Resignations
114a. Procedure for Withdrawing

Members of a league may withdraw from a league during a season.
1. If a team or individual must withdraw, the following procedure is to be followed:
a. Two weeks notice must be given along with sufficient cause for resigning.
1) A team shall give notice to the league secretary.
2) A member resigning from a team shall give notice to the captain and the league secretary.
b. The resigning member(s) must pay league fees for two weeks if the bowler is not replaced within
that period.
2. If proper notice and sufficient cause is not given, all franchise, prize and any other money for which the
team or individual may have been eligible will be forfeited, unless the league’s board determines
otherwise. In addition, the member(s) shall be subject to suspension of USBC membership.
114b. Procedure for Returning After Withdrawing

A bowler who has resigned may bowl in the same league later that season provided:
1. Proper notice and sufficient cause was given, and the individual bowls on the same team from which
the bowler resigned. No vote of the team captains is required; or
2. Two-thirds written consent of the team captains is obtained when the bowler did not give proper notice
and sufficient cause, or wants to bowl on a team other than the one the bowler resigned from.
The average of any bowler permitted to return to the league shall be continued.
Rule 115 – Disciplinary Procedures
115a. Dismissal of a League Officer or Player

A league member can file a written charge asking for removal of a league officer or dismissal of a player.
1. A player may be dismissed from the league or an officer removed from league office only for any of
the following reasons:
a. Conduct derogatory to the best interest of the league.
b. Any deliberate action which can be proven to be detrimental to the best interest of the team.
c. Violation of any USBC or league rule.

A player who continues to pay the league fees cannot be dismissed or replaced because of absence from
league play unless one of the foregoing reasons is applicable.
2. If written charges are filed, the following procedures must be followed:

a. Within one week after receipt of the written complaint, the league president should schedule
a meeting of the league’s board of directors, and members of the board shall be notified. The
meeting should be held at the earliest possible date.
b. Written notice and a copy of the complaint shall be provided to the individual(s) charged. Such
notice:
1) Should be sent by first class mail or be hand delivered.
2) Shall notify the individual of the date, time and place of the meeting, as well as his/her
right to attend and offer a defense.
c. A roster shall be prepared listing those present and absent. A quorum of the board of directors
must be present at the meeting. Minutes of the meeting and all documents and material relating
to the charges must be maintained.
d. A two-thirds vote of board members present and voting shall be required for dismissal and/or
removal from office.
e. The individual(s) involved shall be notified in writing of the board’s decision and of the right to
appeal that decision to the respective USBC local association, or to USBC Headquarters. An appeal
under this rule must be filed in accordance with Rule 119.
3. A player dismissed from the league:
a. Forfeits all franchise, prize and any other money for which they may have been eligible, unless
the league’s board determines otherwise.
b. May rejoin the league with the written consent of two-thirds of the full membership of the board.
If permitted to rejoin, the average shall be continued.
115b. Nonpayment of Fees and/or Improper Withdrawal

In Youth leagues that do not have a board of directors, the league supervisor/official is responsible for the
duties of the board.
When a league member is accused of failing to pay league fees and/or withdrawing without sufficient cause,
the league must try to resolve the matter. If the matter is not resolved, the following procedure shall apply:
1. A complaint shall be submitted, in writing, to a league officer or supervisor/official. Upon receipt of a
written complaint, the league proceeds as follows:
a. Within one week after receipt, the president/supervisor should schedule a meeting of the league’s
board of directors, and the board shall be notified. The meeting should be held at the earliest
possible date.
b. Provides written notice and a copy of the complaint to the individual(s) charged. Such notice:
1) Should be sent by first class mail or be hand delivered.
2) Shall notify the individual of the date, time and place of the meeting, as well as his/her
right to attend and offer a defense. If the accused is a youth member, the parent or
guardian also must be invited to the meeting.

c. Prepares a roster listing those present and absent. A quorum of the board of directors must be
present at the meeting.
d. Maintains minutes of the meeting and all documents relating to the charges. The minutes shall
include:
1) An accounting of arrearages, including dates and amounts. The bowler may not be charged
for more than six (6) sessions.
2) Whether the accused was present or absent when the arrearage occurred.
3) The date of replacement (if applicable).
e. Votes to determine if the accused is guilty. A two-thirds vote of the board members present and
voting shall be required. After voting:
1) If found not guilty (two-thirds vote not achieved), the charges are dismissed.
2) If found guilty, the local association or USBC Headquarters is to be furnished with a copy of
Items a-g indicated below and should be submitted within 30 days after the league meeting.
a) The meeting notices.
b) The meeting minutes.
c) List of board members, officers and team captains present or absent.
d) The vote count for the recommendation of the league’s board.
e) Amount charged to defendant(s) and all supporting documents and material. (See
Rule 115b, Item 1-d)
f) Exact date(s) each defendant is being charged for. The bowler may not be charged for
more than six sessions.
g) The league rules.
2. Upon receipt of the file, the local association manager shall verify that complete information was
provided and submit a copy of the file to USBC Headquarters.
3. USBC will notify the member charged that they have 30 days to:
a. Either pay the amount charged, or;
b. Request a hearing on the charge by submitting a written request to USBC Headquarters. When a
hearing is requested:
1) USBC Headquarters will direct the local association to handle the complaint in accordance
with the suspension and reinstatement procedures outlined in the USBC Bylaws book.
2) One or more of the league officers who attended the meeting of the league’s board is to
appear at the local association hearing.
4. If the member does not request a hearing, USBC Headquarters will make a final decision with the
information in the file.
115b/1 A 14- year old boy quit my son’s team owing fees for several weeks. Now he has joined a
league in another center. Can anything be done to prevent such incidents?
As the boy is not an adult, he cannot be forced to repay the money; however, he can be suspended for
nonpayment of league fees, which violates Rule 17b-3. If the league cannot collect the money, the procedures
as outlined in Rule 115b must be followed.

115c. Limited Removals (Youth Leagues)

The following applies to youth leagues only:
1. The removal processes only applies to leagues under the supervision of the league supervisor or
official and does not restrict the member from participation in other USBC leagues or tournaments.
2. The league supervisor or league official may impose the following penalties for rule violations and/or
improper conduct:
a. Limited removal of not more than three league sessions.
b. Permanent removal.
3. A youth has the right to appeal any removal from league competition.
a. The appeal must be filed in writing with the local association or USBC Headquarters within:
1) 48 hours of a limited removal.
2) 15 days from the date of permanent removal.
b. A removal from one to three league session(s) is held in abeyance until a decision is made by USBC.
c. The local association should forward appeals they receive to USBC Headquarters within seven days
of receipt.
Rule 116 - Scores
116a. Scoring Process

In league play:
1. Scores must be recorded on a scoresheet in plain view of opposing players.
2. Every frame bowled by each player shall be recorded.
3. Each team shall record the scores of each game in a scorebook kept by the team captain or someone
appointed by the captain for this purpose.
4. The scoresheet is the official record, and the team scorebooks must agree with the scoresheet at the end
of each game.
5. After the scorebooks are verified and signed by the opposing team captains, they are the league’s
official record for the season.
6. Errors in scoring or calculation must be corrected by a league officer immediately upon discovery. Any
questionable errors in scoring or calculation shall be decided by the league’s board.
116b. Scores Lost

When game(s) or frame(s) within a game are irretrievably lost in the scoring process, the following
procedures shall apply:
1. Scores that can be documented or agreed upon by the opposing team captains stand and the game shall
resume from the point of interruption in regular order.
2. Scores that can not be documented or agreed upon by the opposing team captains shall be rebowled,
unless the board of directors rules them null and void.

116b/1 We use automatic scoring machines, and one night a team’s scores were accidentally erased
in the eighth frame of the first game. A printout was not available, so the league secretary
allowed the team to reconstruct the scores. Was this procedure correct?
If the teams in question are able to agree, the scores could be reconstructed and, if necessary, the games
continued from the point of interruption.
If the official record is mutilated, lost, defaced, or the captains cannot agree on the scores, USBC holds
games in question should be rebowled.
Rule 117 – Prizes
117a. Prize List

The prize committee shall submit one or more prize lists for consideration within five weeks after the start of
the season. The prize list shall:
1. Comply with any rules that have been adopted by the league.
2. Be approved by the board of directors unless the league rules provide for its adoption by the member-
ship. After approval, the prize list may be changed only with the written consent of every team captain
or designated representative.
117a/1 What voting procedures are used when the prize committee submits multiple prize lists?
The league’s prize list must be adopted by a majority of those present and voting. Therefore, if three or
more prize lists are considered and none of the prize lists submitted receives a majority vote, the league’s
board of directors should approve one of the following options:
1. The prize list receiving the lowest vote total is dropped and the remaining prize lists are voted upon. Until
one prize list receives a majority vote, the prize list receiving the lowest vote would continue to be
dropped.
2. All prize lists with the exception of the two receiving the most votes are dropped and another vote is
taken. The prize list adopted is decided by a majority vote.
117b. Qualification
The following procedure applies to prize distribution:
1. Team – Team prizes shall be distributed according to verbal or written agreements.
a. If there is a dispute on the division of team prizes, it shall be decided by the board of directors.
b. No team can win more than one prize in any group of prizes, unless otherwise provided by league
rule.
2. Individual – To qualify for individual league prizes, a player must bowl the required number of games.
a. The following provisions also apply, unless otherwise provided by league rules.
1) A member shall have bowled at least two-thirds of the games of the league’s schedule.
2) If a substitute later becomes a regular member, the games bowled as a substitute shall be
included in the required number of games. (This does not apply to the league high average
award.)
3) Scores bowled as a substitute shall not qualify for individual league prizes.
4) No individual can win more than one prize in any group of prizes.

b. If a bowler has competed in two-thirds of the league schedule or the number of required games,
and cannot be a member at the end of the season because of physical disability or other reasons
beyond his/her control, the board of directors shall decide his/her eligibility for individual prizes.
c. A member who withdraws during the season without proper notice and sufficient cause or is
dismissed or suspended, shall forfeit any money paid into the league, unless the league board
determines otherwise.
3. Handicap Leagues: All special prizes for team and/or individual high series or high game shall be
awarded on a handicap basis, unless otherwise adopted by the league.
NOTE: The following are considered groups of prizes: 1st, 2nd, 3rd high individual scratch game;
1st, 2nd, 3rd high individual handicap game; 1st, 2nd, 3rd high individual scratch series;
and 1st, 2nd, 3rd high individual handicap series. The same groups apply to team awards.
Since scratch and handicap scores are considered separate groups, a team or individual
would be eligible for both scratch and handicap prizes, unless the league rules otherwise. If
a league rule limits teams or individuals to one award, the rule should also state which prize
a member or team will win if a score qualifies for more than one.
Rule 118 – Averages
118a. How Determined

A bowling average is determined by dividing the total number of pins credited to a bowler in one USBC league
by the number of games bowled in that league in a season.
Extra pins or fractions must be disregarded in using averages for handicapping or classification purposes
and shall be reduced to a percentage of a pin only for the purpose of deciding individual position standings
in a league.
Partial games and games bowled through the efforts of more than one player cannot be used in determining
a bowler’s average, unless league rules require the secretary to maintain averages based on the actual frames
bowled by each player.
118b. How Established

Each league shall adopt a rule to determine the number of games required to establish an average in that
league. The following applies when establishing an average:
1. A right-handed bowler must always bowl right-handed. Similarly, a left-handed bowler must always
bowl left-handed. Penalty: Forfeiture of game.
2. No combination of scores bowled both right- and left-handed can be used to compute an average,
except as stipulated in Rule 4c.
3. The league’s board of directors may, by majority vote, adjust a player’s average before the player bowls
in the league or during the season due to injury or disability. Separate averages must be maintained.

Youth leagues:
4. A bowler using a two-handed delivery will establish an average with two hands. When the bowler
changes to a one-handed delivery, they must establish a new average using that hand.
118b/1 If a bowler uses his/her opposite hand to make a delivery during a game, what happens?
If an individual does not have permission from the league’s board of directors, a league officer or the
league board would then have the following options within the timelines as stated in Rule 119.
★ Declare the individual’s game forfeited: The bowler would receive zero for the game. (Note: Scores
bowled by the other team members not in violation stand as bowled.)
★ Declare the team’s game forfeited: The team would receive zero for the game. (Note: The individual in
violation would receive zero. However, scores bowled by the other team members counts toward their
individual averages and league awards unless the league rules state otherwise.)
118b/2 A bowler decides to throw at a spare by delivering their bowling ball between their legs.
Would this be considered a change in delivery and a violation of Rule 118b?
The bowler has changed or deviated from their normal delivery which is a violation of Rule 118b. This
rule provides a penalty of forfeiture of the individual’s/team’s game in which this action occurred.
118c. League Entering Average

Entering averages are determined by league rules. A bowler who does not have an entering average or until
they meet the requirement(s) defined by league rule(s), average is determined by dividing the total number
of pins by the total number of games bowled the first league session. (See Rule 100g for handicap.) When a
bowler fails to complete his/her first game in order to establish an average, the frames bowled will be
declared null and void and a vacancy score used.
NOTE: The following are options for entering averages:

★ Highest Average – The highest average in any USBC league in which a player
competes in one season.
★ Composite Average – The average of a bowler who bowls in two or more USBC
leagues in a season. The average is determined by adding the total pins for all of the
leagues and dividing the result by the total number of games bowled in those leagues.
NOTE: If a bowler is unable to finish a game after at least one complete game has been bowled,
the provisions of Rule 108a or 108b must be followed using the average established for the
complete game.
118c/1 The league rule requires three games be bowled to establish an average. A member bowls
a 120 for game one and a 150 for game two and cannot bowl game three. What score is
used for the missed game? How are average and handicap figured?
In a handicap league, if a bowler does not have an entering average or until they meet the require-
ment(s) defined by league rule, handicap is based on the average of all games bowled.
In the example given, the score for game three would be calculated by adding games 1 and 2 together
(120 + 150 = 270 actual pinfall), then dividing by total games bowled (270 ÷ 2 = 135 average). This will
give you the bowler’s average which is used for handicapping purposes. To determine the absentee score for
game three, the bowler would use the established average less ten pins (135 - 10 = 125 absentee score)
unless league rules state otherwise.

118d. League Entering Average Cap

When a league institutes a team/individual cap, the league will use the entering averages to determine the
cap. The following shall also apply:
1. The team shall not have a combined entering average that exceeds the league cap rule, unless
otherwise provided by league rule.
2. If a member on a team is replaced or a substitute is used, the combined entering average of those
players will constitute the team average for the purposes of meeting the league cap.
118d/1 The league has a rule stating teams may not exceed the 900 average cap at any time
during the season. A team needs a substitute or a replacement during the season. Do the
team members use their current average or entering average to determine compliance with
the league average cap?
Entering averages must be used to determine compliance with the league cap. When a member on a
team is replaced or a substitute is used, the combined entering averages of those players will constitute the
team average for the purpose of meeting the league average cap.
118d/2 The playing strength of the league is four; our team has six players on the roster. One of the
four players scheduled to bowl could not make it. The entering average of the absent player
with the most games puts the team over the league cap. What should the captain do?
According to Rule 104a, Item 1, it is the team captain’s responsibility to ensure the eligibility of the team.
Therefore, the captain must change players to meet the cap. If it is not possible to meet the cap, a postpone-
ment should be requested.
118e. Establish New Average due to Change in Delivery

If because of injury or disability a bowler finds it necessary to change delivery from right- to left-handed or
vice-versa, the league’s board of directors, by majority vote, may permit the bowler to change delivery. If
approval is obtained, the bowler must establish a new average.
118e/1 May a bowler switch his/her delivery after the start of the season due to injury?
Yes. However, the bowler is required to obtain permission from the league’s board of directors. If the
bowler were later able to return to their original hand delivery, permission would again have to be obtained
from the board. No combination of scores bowled both right- and left-handed can be used in computing an
average. Therefore, two separate averages would have to be maintained. A bowler who switches without
permission forfeits those games.
Rule 119 - Protest/Appeal Procedures
The league’s board of directors shall first decide on all protests as stated in Rule 103b. Protests are decided
by the league official/supervisor in Youth leagues that do not have a board.
a. Protests:
1. Written protests are filed with a league officer and shall be filed within 15 days of the series being
bowled except:

a) A protest resulting from competition in the final two weeks of a league schedule shall be
filed within 72 hours of the final date of the league schedule or the end of a segment if the
league bowls a split season.
b) A protest involving league playoff games shall be filed within 72 hours.
2. Unless a protest is confirmed in writing, the series or decision stands.
3. The board’s decision shall stand, unless a timely written appeal is filed with the local association
or USBC Headquarters. The local association’s decision can be appealed to USBC Headquarters.
NOTE: League protests received by local associations or USBC Headquarters that have not initially
been decided by the league’s board of directors will be returned to the league for a decision.
b. Appeals shall be filed in writing within:

1. 15 days of notification during the regular schedule.
2. 72 hours when notification occurs:
a) In the final two weeks of the league schedule.
b) At the end of a segment if the league bowls a split season.
c) After the league schedule has ended.
d) As a result of playoff competition.
Prizes for positions involved cannot be distributed until the protest or appeal is resolved.
NOTE: A copy of the appeal should be filed with a league officer.
119/1 Does the board have to make a decision on a verbal protest?

No, however the president may call a meeting to address a verbal protest. USBC Rule 119 requires the
board to act on all written protests filed within specific timelines.
Rule 120 – Position Matches
A rule may be adopted to include position matches in the schedule subject to the following:
a. Teams shall be paired according to its league position standings and games bowled count as won
and lost.
b. Ties for position pairings shall be determined by total pinfall without handicap, unless otherwise
provided by league rule.
120/1 If teams bowl against the wrong opponents during the position round or regular schedule,
can the games be bowled over, or can the scores be compared with the proper opponents?
USBC holds the games stand as bowled and are entered in the record for games won or lost as well as
for individual averages. The league continues with the regular schedule after discovering the error.
Comparing scores with the proper opponents changes the competitive circumstances under which the
match was bowled.

120/2 The league bowls a position round the last week and after bowling, there is a tie for first
place. Do the teams involved bowl another complete 10th frame to determine the champion?
No. According to Rule 113a, a playoff would be bowled to determine the champion. In accordance with
Rule 113b, Item 1(a), if the league does not have rules to govern the playoff, it would be conducted under
the same rules that apply during the regular season. For instance, if the league bowls three games each
session using the seven-point system (two points awarded for each game, plus one point for total pins), the
playoff would consist of three games using the seven-point system. Another complete 10th frame is bowled
only if a tie still exists at the end of the playoff.
120/3 How are lanes assigned for position matches?
There are several possibilities, and a league can adopt the format its members prefer. The most common
method is to schedule the first and second place teams on the first pair of lanes; the third and fourth place teams
on the next pair, etc. Another possibility is to have one team captain for each match draw for a pair of lanes.
The only basic requirement is teams be scheduled against opponents according to league standings. If
the league does not have a rule on assigning lanes, the board makes the decision. (See Rule 103b.)
120/4 Can a substitute be used in a position round or a playoff?

Yes, a substitute may be used provided the league has not adopted a rule stating otherwise.
Rule 121 – League Fees
League fees consist of the total paid for bowling, the prize fund and any other amount voted by the league.
All league fees, including any entry or sponsor fee, shall be decided by the league.
Youth leagues: When an awards fee is collected as part of the league fees, it must be returned 100 percent
to the league members in the form of trophies or other acceptable awards.
NOTE: Failure to pay league fees could result in suspension of USBC membership. (See Rule 115b.)
Rule 122 – Meetings
League meetings are conducted under the following requirements:

a. The secretary shall notify the members or team captains of all league meetings.
b. To conduct business, a quorum must be in attendance. In youth leagues, the league supervisor or
official must also be in attendance.
c. Absentee and proxy votes are not acceptable. Only members present are eligible to vote.
Rules shall be adopted at a meeting prior to the start of the league schedule by the board of directors, unless
the league elects to have its rules adopted by the membership. After the league schedule begins, a change in
the league rules and approved prize list can be made only with the written consent of every team captain or
designated representative.
122/1 If a rule is adopted or changed after the league schedule starts, when does it become effective?
When a league adopts new or changes existing rules, the rule revisions become effective immediately
upon adoption and cannot be made retroactive.

Chapter 5: Sport Bowling

The USBC Sport Bowling program consists of leagues and tournaments where lane conditions are controlled
to place the emphasis on the bowler’s skills. To be officially recognized, a USBC Sport Bowling league or tour-
nament must be registered on the Sport Bowling section of bowl.com prior to the beginning of competition.
The following rules were approved by USBC in accordance with the authority granted it in Article 4, Section E
of the USBC Bylaws. The rules included in this chapter are unique to Sport Bowling. In the absence of a rule
or specification, the USBC rules and specifications governing standard leagues and tournaments shall be
followed for Sport Bowling competition.
Rule 200 - Definition of Sport Bowling
200a. League
A Sport Bowling league is defined as a league meeting the following requirements:
1. The league is registered with USBC prior to the start of competition.
2. The league’s entire schedule takes place in a center in compliance with Rule 206b.
3. All rules and specifications for Sport Bowling are adhered to.
4. Local association(s) with jurisdiction must be utilizing WinLABS.
200b. Tournament
A Sport Bowling tournament is defined as a tournament meeting the following requirements:
1. The tournament is registered with USBC prior to the start of competition.
2. All competition takes place in a center in compliance with Rule 206b.
3. All rules and specifications for Sport Bowling are adhered to.
Rule 201 - Membership
All bowlers participating in USBC Sport Bowling leagues must pay or provide proof of payment of the Sport
Bowling membership dues in addition to all required standard USBC membership dues. Unless required by
tournament rule, participants in Sport Bowling tournaments are not required to be Sport Bowling members.
Substitutes in USBC Sport Bowling leagues are permitted to participate in one league session per season
without the requirement to purchase Sport Bowling membership if they have already purchased USBC
standard membership for the current season. Only USBC Sport Bowling members are eligible for USBC Sport
Bowling awards.
Basic USBC membership dues for USBC Lifetime members will be paid by the organization, but the bowler is
responsible for paying the additional Sport Bowling dues.
Chapter 5: Sport Bowling – 73

Rule 202 – Average Adjustment
202a. Scale
The scale found on page 67 would be used to adjust Sport Bowling averages upward, as required, for use in
standard competition.
202b. Sport to Standard League

A bowler must submit and use his/her adjusted Sport Bowling league average utilizing the USBC Average
Adjustment Scale (see Rule 202a) and identify themselves as a Sport Bowler if the:
1. Bowler is entering a standard league; and
2. The league’s entering average rule requires the bowler to use the average; and
3. Bowler does not have a standard league average from the same season(s) specified in the league’s
entering average rule as the Sport Bowling average.
A bowler is required to submit his/her adjusted Sport Bowling league average utilizing the USBC Average
Adjustment Scale (see Rule 202a) in leagues that use composite averages for entering and/or handicap
purposes.
Nothing in this rule supersedes the league’s authority to adjust a bowler’s adjusted average higher prior to
entering. A bowler’s failure to comply with these provisions could result in forfeiture of games bowled.
202c. Standard to Sport League

In sport bowling leagues, prior to participation, the entering average of a participant with only a standard
league average may be adjusted downward by the league’s board of directors utilizing the USBC Average
Adjustment Scale (see Rule 202a). If such an average is adjusted downward, the league’s board of directors
cannot adjust it lower than the corresponding sport league average listed in the scale.
202d. Sport to Standard Tournament

A bowler must submit and use his/her adjusted Sport Bowling league average utilizing the USBC Average
Adjustment Scale (see Rule 202a) and identify themselves as a Sport Bowler if the:
1. Bowler is participating in a standard tournament; and
2. Tournament’s entering average rule requires the bowler to use the average; and
3. Bowler does not have a standard league average from the same season(s) specified in the tournament’s
entering average rule as the Sport Bowling average.
A bowler is required to submit his/her adjusted Sport Bowling league average utilizing the USBC Average
Adjustment Scale (see Rule 202a) in tournaments that use composite averages for entering and/or handicap
purposes.
Compliance with Rule 319a, Item 2 and Rule 319e will be determined based on the bowler’s adjusted Sport
Bowling league average using the USBC Average Adjustment Scale (see Rule 202a) or his/her standard
league average, whichever applies.
74 – Chapter 5: Sport Bowling
Nothing in this rule supersedes tournament management’s authority to adjust the bowler’s adjusted average
higher prior to bowling. A bowler’s failure to comply with these provisions could result in disqualification.
202e. Standard to Sport Tournament

In Sport Bowling tournaments, prior to participation, the entering average of a participant with only a standard
league average may be adjusted downward by tournament management utilizing the USBC Average
Adjustment Scale (see Rule 202a). If such an average is adjusted downward, tournament management cannot
adjust it lower than the corresponding sport league average listed in the scale.
Rule 203 – Lane Dressing/Lane Dressing Inspections
Each league or tournament is responsible for arranging lane dressing inspections as required by USBC for
Sport Bowling leagues and tournaments. Games bowled on conditions not properly inspected or not comply-
ing with Sport Bowling lane dressing requirements, are not eligible for Sport Bowling awards and shall be
issued standard USBC awards. (See the Sport Bowling Technical Manual in the Sport Bowling section of
bowl.com for details.)
Rule 204 – Awards
Special enhanced awards will be issued to Sport Bowling members who participate in Sport Bowling competi-
tion when the provisions of Rules 203 and 205 have been met, for the following accomplishments:
Series Awards Game Awards

900 300, 299
800 to 899 75 pins over average
Clean Series 11 strikes in a row, in a game of 298 or less
In the application of Rule 53, Sport Bowling averages can only be used when bowling in Sport Bowling
competition.
A Sport Bowling member is eligible for one of each of the above awards per season. Standard USBC awards
will be issued for all accomplishments not covered above. Scores bowled on noncomplying Sport Bowling
conditions will be issued standard USBC awards.
Rule 205 - Equipment Restrictions
Equipment designated by USBC as not approved for use in Sport Bowling leagues and tournaments, cannot
be used. Games bowled with unapproved Sport Bowling equipment are not eligible for USBC Sport Bowling
awards and shall be subject to forfeiture/disqualification.

Rule 206 – Sport Certified Centers
206a. Requirements to Host Sport Bowling

To obtain and retain a Sport center certificate to host Sport Bowling competition, the center must:
a. Be USBC certified.
b. Have access to a tape take-up device and a computerized optical reader.
c. Have registered the center online on SportBowling.com.
d. Have an approved Sport Bowling lane dressing inspection on file with USBC Headquarters.
e. Submit graphs and/or tapes every week for every competition.
f. Be in compliance with all USBC certification requirements in addition to all Sport Bowling lane dressing
requirements. (See the Sport Bowling Technical Manual in the Sport Bowling section of bowl.com for
details.)
206b. Retention of Sport Center Certificate

Once a bowling center has demonstrated compliance with the requirements of Rule 206a, a certificate will
be issued. The certificate is required for the center to host Sport Bowling competition. USBC retains the
authority to withdraw the certificate at its discretion and/or if the center fails to continue to meet the
requirements of Rule 206a. When USBC finds noncompliance with any of the requirements, the following
will apply:
a. The center will be notified by USBC Headquarters of the noncompliance and asked to correct the matter.
b. If the noncompliance is not corrected before the next competition, USBC will issue a warning to the center.
c. Any center accumulating two warnings within a 12-month period will have its certificate withdrawn.
d. If an appeal to the certificate withdrawal is not received by USBC Headquarters within 10 days of noti-
fication, the decision will be final.
e. If there is an appeal, it will be heard by a committee comprised of USBC Board Members.
Rule 207 – Submission of Scores/Prize Winnings
For Sport Bowling tournaments, the tournament manager shall be responsible for submitting all scores and a
prize list to USBC Headquarters within 30 days of the tournament’s conclusion.
76 – Chapter 5: Sport Bowling

Sport League Average Adjustment to Standard Average

for the 2007-08 season. (August 1, 2007-July 31, 2008)
Sport League Adjusted Sport League Adjusted Sport League Adjusted

Average Average Average Average Average Average
0-130 Same 160 169 190 205

131 131 161 170 191 206
132 133 162 171 192 207
133 135 163 173 193 208
134 136 164 175 194 209
135 139 165 177 195 209
136 141 166 178 196 210
137 142 167 181 197 210
138 144 168 182 198 210
139 145 169 184 199 211
140 146 170 186 200 212
141 147 171 188 201 213
142 147 172 189 202 214
143 148 173 190 203 215
144 149 174 191 204 216
145 149 175 192 205 217
146 150 176 193 206 218
147 151 177 194 207 219
148 154 178 195 208 220
149 155 179 196 209 220
150 157 180 197 210 221
151 158 181 198 211 222
152 159 182 199 212 223
153 160 183 200 213 224
154 162 184 201 214 224
155 163 185 202 215 224
156 164 186 203 216 225
157 165 187 204 217 226
158 167 188 205 218 227
159 168 189 205 219 and up SL Ave +9

Chapter 6: Certified Tournament Rules

Rule 300 - Tournament
300a. Definition
A tournament is a competition, other than a league, in which the game of American tenpins is played.
Competition can include one or more events.
Total pins will decide the champions and other prize winners in each of the events unless another system,
based on merit pinfall, is stated in the tournament rules.
300b. Qualifications
On application to USBC Headquarters, a tournament certificate will be issued provided:
1. A copy of the entry form, tournament rules and advertising material is submitted with the tournament
application prior to the start of the tournament. USBC Headquarters will determine the amount of
coverage, if any, for tournament applications received after the tournament begins.
NOTE: These items should be submitted in draft form in advance for review by USBC Headquarters.
2. The tournament consists of two or more teams or a singles tournament of two or more individual entrants.
3. The lanes used are USBC certified for the current season.
4. Competition among entrants in an event, except all-events, is held in the same establishment, except as
provided in Rule 302b, Mail-o-Graphic Tournament. When an event is divided into two or more divisions,
competition in each division is held in the same establishment, except as provided in Rule 302b, Mail-o-
Graphic tournament.
Notification that a tournament is certified, along with the starting and ending dates, will be sent to the local
associations involved.
A tournament certificate may be refused if the tournament does not comply with the USBC rules, and/or the
number or value of the prizes offered or guaranteed, are misrepresented.
300c. Eligibility
All entrants in a tournament must qualify under the rules of the tournament.
1. With the exception of the following, all participants must hold USBC membership or purchase associate
membership prior to participation as indicated in Item 2 below:
a. A moral support tournament (see Rule 301a).
b. Tournaments that allow a participation fee of $5 Adults, $2 Youths. Payment of the fee prior to
participation entitles the entrant to participate in that specific tournament only and subjects the
bowler to the USBC rules and jurisdiction for that tournament. Participants who pay the participa-
tion fee are not eligible for USBC awards.
78 – Chapter 6: Certified Tournament Rules

c. A youth tournament that accepts all youth bowlers. (This would mean no tournament participation
fee would be collected from nonmembers of USBC.) Only those who are USBC Youth members
qualify for high score recognition. Only entrants who are USBC members before participation in the
tournament are eligible for USBC awards.
2. An individual may apply for associate membership by paying:
a. Adults: National dues ($10) plus the actual dues charged by the state and local association the
bowler is joining. When state and local dues are not known, adult associate dues will be $21 ($10
national, $10 local, $1 state).
b. Youths: $14 ($9.50 national, $4 local, $.50 state).
When associate membership is obtained after March 15 of any season, the individual shall become a mem-
ber for the balance of the current season and the next season.
Only entrants who are USBC members before participation in the tournament are eligible for USBC awards.
Rule 301 – Types of Tournaments
301a. Moral Support

A moral support tournament is one in which the tournament is conducted by a single civic, fraternal,
benevolent, military service, union or religious organization. At the discretion of USBC, a tournament may be
granted moral support status when:
1. It meets all of the requirements of Rule 300b.
2. Participation is restricted to those affiliated with the organization conducting the tournament.
3. Anyone under suspension from, or who has been refused membership in USBC or CTF, will not be
allowed to participate.
4. International competition is provided for the bowlers not served by USBC, as long as the equipment
conforms to USBC equipment specifications.
USBC members may participate in a moral support tournament with award recognition automatically
extended. Eligible nonmembers may qualify for USBC award recognition by paying USBC associate member-
ship dues before participation.
301b. Adult/Youth
An adult/youth tournament is one in which youth members bowl with adults and awards to both adult and
youth bowlers conform with USBC Youth Membership Eligibility Rule 400. An adult/youth tournament may:
1. Adopt a rule to allow an adult’s score to be matched to several youths’ scores for the purpose of
determining doubles totals. When allowed, all entries must be submitted with the corresponding fees,
prior to the adult’s participation. Handicap will be added if applicable.
2. Certify only the youth portion of the tournament and not require the adults to be members of USBC or
pay the participation fee. Youth entrants who are USBC members before participation in the tournament
are eligible for USBC awards.
Chapter 6: Certified Tournament Rules – 79

301c. Scholarship
All USBC tournament applications must contain the following:
1. List of scholarship prizes being awarded.
2. Tournament rules and entry forms.
All scholarship tournaments must deposit its scholarship prize awards with the SMART program within 30 days
after the end of the tournament.
301d. Pro-Am
Pro-am style tournaments conducted for a charitable organization, or in conjunction with a USBC tournament,
may be granted a certificate under the following conditions:
1. Participants who are identified as professionals by tournament management may not share in the
amateur prize distribution.
2. The score of the professional or organization member counts with the score of each designated amateur.
3. All other USBC rules apply to the competition, including tournament reporting requirements.
A pro-am style format in which pin count is conceded either to the amateur or professional can be certified
by USBC as a modified format.
Rule 302 – Modified Formats
302a. Definition
USBC may certify tournament competition in which a modified game of American tenpins is played.
All USBC equipment specifications shall apply to such competition, and the rules for USBC tournaments shall
apply insofar as practical.
USBC may permit modifications or variations in team play formats for the purposes of exhibition events,
television bowling or playoff matches resulting from USBC tournament competition in the qualifying rounds.
The results of such events should be included in the tournament’s prize or awards programs. Only scores
bowled using the standard American tenpin scoring system, as described in Rule 2a, qualify for USBC awards.
Members are not eligible for any award based on his/her average.
NOTE: For types and descriptions of modified formats, see the Tournament Managers Manual.
302b. Mail-o-Graphic Tournament

A mail-o-graphic tournament is one in which scores are submitted from separate or the same competition,
bowling establishment or association and are compared to qualify for prizes in one common prize list. The
following provisions apply to all USBC mail-o-graphic tournaments:
1. All scores are submitted to the tournament manager who enters the scores and determines team and/or
individual standings.

2. All scores used are from certified competition.

3. USBC will certify such tournaments provided:
a. All USBC equipment specifications apply.
b. All rules for USBC tournaments shall apply insofar as applicable.
c. Application must designate tournament as a mail-o-graphic tournament.
4. As the scores used in mail-o-graphic competition are already recognized in the certified competition in
which they are actually bowled, they are not eligible for USBC national awards.
Rule 303 - Management
Tournament management has supervisory control of all technical parts of the operation of the tournament
including the following:
a Drafting the schedule and prize list.
b. Adopting and enforcing the tournament rules, provided they are not in conflict with any USBC rules.
c. Deciding all disputes, complaints or protests involving any USBC or tournament rules, or appeals from
the decision of tournament personnel.
d. Deciding any matter about the operation of the tournament, when not inconsistent with the tournament
rules or USBC rules.
e. Accepting or rejecting any entrant.
The decision of tournament management shall be final except where an appeal is made to USBC
Headquarters. (See Rule 329 for appeal procedures.)
NOTE: Disqualification procedures and sample letters can be found in the Tournament Managers
Manual.
Rule 304 - Authority of Team Captain
The acceptance of an entry by tournament management constitutes an agreement by the captain on behalf
of the team to abide by all rules of USBC and the tournament. The captain:
a. Is the team representative and is responsible for:
1. The lineup and conduct of the team in tournament play.
2. Paying each member of the team within 30 days after receiving prize money in accordance with
verbal or written agreements.
3. Determining who bowls on the team in the team event. If the captain replaces a player
originally entered in the team event, ample notice must be given to the player being replaced. If
that player paid the entry fee, it must be returned except that any indebtedness may be withheld.
b. Or an authorized representative may replace any team member who is unable to attend or compete at
the scheduled time.
c. Can, prior to bowling, request a replacement in the doubles and/or singles event, if the bowler
originally entered agrees to being replaced.
d. Cannot be removed except for a rules violation or for failure to appear to bowl when scheduled.

Youth tournaments: The adult leader who submitted the application is responsible for the above duties
unless they have given this responsibility to the team captain.
Rule 305 – Fees
The management of a USBC tournament must publicize fees separately per event on the entry form and
advertising material as follows:
a. Prize/Awards Fee.
b. Expense Fee.
c. Total, per entrant, per event.
Prize and expense fees for all-events and special features may be charged, but must be listed separately.
These, and other collections to qualify for participation, such as donations, subscriptions or banquet fees must
be stated on the entry form and advertising material.
Youth tournaments: Where an “awards fee” is charged, all such fees collected must be returned 100 percent
to the participants in the form of awards that comply with Youth eligibility requirements.
Rule 306 – All-Events
Participants in a tournament may be charged an optional fee for an all-events contest when two or more
events are scheduled or when two or more tournaments are conducted under the same management. When
an all-events fee is charged, the following apply:
a. Expense fees may be charged for participation in an optional all-events contest when in accordance with
the requirements in Rule 305.
b. The all-events fee must be paid before the advertised closing date for entries or before the participant
bowls any of the events, whichever comes first.
c. An all-events entry can be transferred if the transfer is made before either of the bowlers involved have
participated in any event of the tournament.
d. Distribution of prizes shall comply with the formula prescribed for payment of regular position prizes
and the ratio of return shall be at least one to 20 or major fraction thereof, unless the tournament rules
state another prize ratio. Where a trophy or award, other than cash awards, is offered for the all-events
championship, the bowler who places first in all-events is entitled to the award even if the bowler did
not pay the optional fee. In such instances, the trophy or award cannot be considered as part of the all-
events prize fund, and must be purchased from other funds.
Youth tournaments
e. The all-events fee shall not be greater than the highest awards fee charged for any event of the
tournament.

Rule 307 – Special Features
Prize fees may be charged for one or more optional special feature events, subject to the following:
a. These events are open to all eligible entrants who qualify in accordance with tournament rules.
b. Expense fees may be charged for participation in an optional special feature contest when published in
accordance with the requirements of Rule 305.
c. Distribution of special feature prizes shall comply with the formula prescribed for payment of regular
position prizes, unless otherwise stated in tournament rules.
Rule 308 – Distribution of Prize Funds
The sponsor and management of a USBC tournament undertake a fiduciary obligation that all funds provided
by that part of the entry fee designated as prize fee, but not including interest thereon, shall be held in trust
for the exclusive benefit of tournament participants. Such funds cannot be used for any other purpose.
All prize money collected in an event or division of an event must be returned to the participants in that
event or division of that event, except where replacements or correction of averages require a change of
classification. In that case, prizes will be distributed to reflect the actual number of participants in the event
or division of the event.
USBC may, at its discretion, require a bond or in lieu thereof, a satisfactory assurance that the prize fund
obligations will be met.
The following prize fund requirements apply, unless otherwise provided by tournament rule:
a. The last place prize, including those paid for each last place tie, must be equal to at least the amount
of the prize fee in the event.
b. In team, doubles and singles events there shall be at least one prize for each 10 entries or major
fraction thereof.
c. If special prizes exceed 25 percent of the prize fund in an event or division of an event, and a bowler
or team can qualify for both a special and position prize, all prizes won by a bowler or team count as
one prize in determining the ratio of one prize for each 10 entries. Special prizes may include, but are
not limited to, the following:
1. Scratch prizes in a handicap event.
2. Single game prizes.
3. Limited group prizes, such as early bird, average category, sponsor and weekend prizes, etc.
Squad prizes to which all participants in an event are eligible are not defined as special prizes.
d. When there are 100 or more entries in an event or division of an event, first place or the amount
spent from the prize fund for a first-place prize, shall not exceed 40 percent of the total prize fund.
Second place must be equal to at least one-half of first place or the amount spent from the prize fund
for first place.

e. When special prizes are offered and a team or individual can win a position and a special prize, the total
prize paid to second place shall be at least one-half the combined total of first place plus the special
prize of greatest value.
Rule 309 - Prize Payment and Report
The following requirements must be met by tournament management within 30 days after the end of the
tournament:
a. Distribute all prizes except when USBC Headquarters has authorized delay in payment.
b. Submit the following to USBC Headquarters:
1. A prize list with the name and score of each prize winner and the prize issued.
2. A financial statement listing all prize receipts and disbursements.
3. Associate membership and participation fees received and a list of those paying such fees.
c. For tournaments with scholarship prizes, in addition to the above requirements, all scholarship prize
awards must be forwarded to USBC Headquarters for deposit with the SMART program.
Rule 310 - Entries Close
310a. In Advance
If the date for closing entries is before the opening day of the tournament, the following shall apply:
1. Advance notification of time and date of participation must be given to team captains and individual
entrants.
2. All entries postmarked the first post office business day after the entry closing date shall be accepted.
Additional entries for any event shall not be accepted after that date.
3. If a schedule is not published, a complete list of entrants must be available for review upon request.
4. Tournament management cannot show in the schedule “partner,” “reserved” or similar term instead of
a team or individual entry.
310b. Prior to Last Squad

When the date for closing of entries is set prior to the time the last squad is scheduled, the tournament man-
agement shall:
1. Include in the rules the following:
a. Exact time the last squad is scheduled to start;
b. Exact time for closing of entries.
2. Have the following information available upon request:
a. Number of entries to date;
b. The high score in each event or division of each event.
Tournament management shall not accept additional entries after the closing of entries.

Rule 311 – Submitting Entries
Acceptance of a written entry by tournament management for one or more events regulates the number of
players who are eligible to participate. The entry form must contain the names of the players entered. The
required fees must be received by tournament management by the closing date or the time entrants are
scheduled to bowl, whichever occurs first.
Rule 312 – Conditions Cannot Change
The conditions under which entries are accepted cannot be changed or modified after the tournament starts,
unless otherwise directed by USBC Headquarters. This includes entry fee charges and the rules governing the
competition.
Rule 313 – Free or Reduced Entries
When a free or reduced entry is given, an amount equal to the prize fee for such entry must be paid into the
tournament prize fund by management.
Rule 314 – No Fees Returned
After an entry has been received, and the dates assigned by tournament management are not refused before
preparation of the schedule, the entry fee cannot be refunded.
Rule 315 – Multiple Participation
Unless the tournament rules state otherwise:

a. Participation in each event shall be limited to one time.
b. In order to place more than once in the prize list for positions standings:
1. Five- and four-player team event. At least two players in the lineup must be different.
2. Three-player team and doubles event. At least one player in the lineup must be different.
c. In a singles event, the same individual may not place more than once.
d. The bowler’s first appearance in each event counts toward the all-events total.
Rule 316 – Singles Event Squad
In singles tournaments, a minimum of two entries constitutes a squad and these entries must bowl on the
same pair of lanes. If a bowler competes alone as a squad, the score shall be disqualified.
Rule 317 – Handicap – Youth Competition
When tournament winners are determined by using a handicap system, the following requirements must be met:
a. Handicap must be based on a known average prior to the start of competition.

b. Handicap may not be limited and the full handicap allowance must be given.
c. When handicap is assigned on a game basis, fractions must be dropped prior to determining the
handicap.
d. When handicap is assigned on a series basis, the handicap shall be calculated on the difference of the
player’s series average and the scratch series handicap basis. Rounding up is prohibited.
Rule 318 – Averages – Youth Competition
The following applies to all youth competitors unless tournament rules state otherwise:
a. When a bowler has more than one youth league average, and the individual average is used to deter-
mine the handicap or classification of the bowler or his/her team, the highest USBC youth league aver-
age based on a minimum of nine games shall be used.
b. If an error occurs in the classification of an individual or team, which is detected prior to the awards dis-
tribution, correction to proper placement must be made and the score recalculated, with no penalty,
unless the tournament rules indicate disqualification.
c. Rules 319a and 319c through 319e do not apply.
Rule 319 – Averages
319a. Conditions that Apply

The following conditions apply to averages in handicap or classified tournaments, unless the tournament
rules state otherwise, except that only USBC league averages shall be accepted. (See Rule 319c for average
adjustment.)
1. Individual averages must be based on a minimum of 21 games in a USBC league. Averages established
in USBC leagues which start its schedules after March 15 for the summer season shall be accepted as
official, provided the bowler does not have an acceptable regular season average.
2. When the previous season’s average is used, and at the time of bowling an entrant has a current aver-
age for 21 or more games that is 10 pins or more higher than the prior season’s average, the current
average must be used.
3. Bowlers are responsible for verifying his/her own average, whether 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 disqualified. If the submitted average is higher than required, prize
winnings will be based on the submitted average. In the case of a team of two or more bowlers, the
averages will be combined to determine if the correct total is higher or lower than the submitted total.
4. Average corrections can be made up to the end of the bowler’s first game of a series. 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.
5. When an association publishes a yearbook, a tournament using previous season averages to determine
handicap or classification, shall use the yearbook to verify averages, if furnished, and not require the
association to verify averages from that association.

319a/1 The tournament rules require bowlers to use their highest average from the previous season.
A bowler has an established previous season left-handed average of 150 and a 175 right-
handed average. He plans to bowl with his left hand in the tournament. Which average would
he use?
The tournament rules require all bowlers to use their highest average. Therefore, he would have to use
his 175 average, regardless of whether he bowled with his right or left hand.
319b. Assigned Averages

A bowler who does not have an acceptable average under tournament rules will bowl scratch, unless the rules
specify a minimum average that will be assigned by tournament management prior to participation.
Tournament management has the authority to assign an average higher than the minimum average prior to
participation.
319c. Average Adjustments (Rerating)

The average of a bowler may be adjusted upward before participation in any event. If the assigned average
is not accepted by the bowler, the entry fee shall be refunded.
319c/1 I entered a house tournament with my 175 league average. Prior to bowling they adjusted
my average to 190. Can I appeal this adjustment to USBC?
No, USBC is not in a position to substitute our judgment for that of tournament management in that they
would have first hand knowledge of the situation at hand. In accordance with Rule 319c, the only condition
USBC can impose is that the adjustment must be accomplished before the entrant bowls, and if the adjust-
ment is not accepted by the entrant, his/her entry fee shall be returned. The exception is the local and state
championship tournament conducted by the association. Such adjustments may be appealed to USBC with-
in 15 days of the date of bowling or prior to the payment of prizes, whichever comes first.
319d. Reporting Prior Prize Winnings

A handicap or classified tournament may require a bowler to report any previous tournament prize winnings
as a condition for entry.
In a handicap or classified tournament that does not have such a rule, anyone who has qualified* for a cash
and/or merchandise prize of $600 or more in the position standings prize list in any event in a tournament,
including all-events, special features, special prizes and donated prizes, within the last 12-month period,
must give tournament management the following information prior to participation, for possible average
adjustment:
1. 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.
2. The amount of the prize.
3. The actual score bowled to qualify for the prize.
4. The prize position.
Failure to comply with these provisions is cause for a forfeiture of entry fees and prize winnings.

NOTE: *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.
All bowlers regardless of average must comply with the provision of Rule 319d.
Prize winnings from certified and noncertified tournaments, including those using a modified
format of American tenpins (example: 9 pin tap), must be used in the application of this rule.
319d/1 A tournament requires bowlers to report tournament prize winnings of $600 or more in the
past 12 months. Recently I won $1000 in a non certified tournament. Do I have to report
these winnings?
Yes, all bowlers are required to report prize winnings of $600 or more from certified and non certified
tournaments, including those using a modified format of American Tenpins.
319d/2 Does a scratch bowler bowling in a house tournament have to report prize winnings of $600
or more in accordance with Rule 319d?
Yes, anyone who has qualified for a prize of $600 or more must report this information regardless of
what their average is. By not reporting this information, tournament management was not afforded the
opportunity to review the information for possible rejection of the entry.
319e. Average Adjustment for Entry
NOTE: All certified and noncertified scores from the game of American tenpins must be used in the
application of this rule.
Unless the tournament rules state otherwise, the following applies in a handicap or classified tournament:
1. The bowler is 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. These include all tourna-
ment scores bowled in accordance with the game of American tenpins.
2. A bowler shall adjust his/her entering average if, during the 12-month period immediately preceding the
time and date of bowling, the bowler’s accumulated average for all, but not less than 21 tournament
games, exceeds the average to be used for entry by 15 or more pins. In that case, the accumulated
average must be used for handicapping or classification purposes.
a. A bowler whose tournament scores require an adjustment must submit the adjusted average in
writing before the end of the first game in a tournament, unless tournament rules allow for such
adjustment to be made within a specified time after bowling.
b. Failure to use the adjusted average in accordance with the foregoing is cause for forfeiture of
entry fees and prize winnings, and the bowler is subject to suspension of membership in USBC.
On appeal or protest, the bowler must promptly supply the record of the names, dates, scores and prizes won
— or scores that qualify to win — in all tournaments in which the bowler competed within the previous
12 months.

Nothing in this rule supersedes tournament management’s authority to adjust the bowler’s average higher
prior to bowling.
319f. Canadian Tenpin Federation Averages

USBC will recognize averages established in leagues under the jurisdiction of the Canadian Tenpin Federation
(CTF) for entry purposes in USBC tournaments provided:
1. Adult averages are based on a minimum of 21 games and youth averages are based on a minimum of
9 games, unless tournament rules state another number.
2. All USBC equipment and certification specifications apply to the bowling centers in which the averages
are established.
3. All USBC general playing rules apply to the league(s) in which the averages are established.
4. Tournament rules do not exclude CTF averages.
Rule 320 – Tournament Game/Series
320a. Two Lanes Required

Bowling shall begin in accordance with a previously arranged schedule. Two lanes immediately adjoining each
other shall be used in each game of tournament play.
The first game of a series starts on the lane where the team or individual is scheduled. Succeeding games start
on the lane on which the team or individual finished the preceding game, unless each complete game is
bowled on a different pair of lanes.
320b. Order of Bowling

Members of competing teams, doubles and individual entrants shall successively and in regular order bowl
one frame on one lane, and for the next frame alternate and use the other lane until five frames are bowled
on each lane of the pair.
Rule 321 – Interrupted Game/Series
If equipment failure on a pair of lanes would delay the progress of the game/series, tournament officials can
authorize the completion of a game/series on another pair of certified lanes. The interrupted game/series
must be resumed from the point of interruption.
Rule 322 – Players
322a. Tardy Players

1. Unless the tournament rules allow missed frames to be made up, a player or team missing one or more
frames by not being present and ready to bowl in turn shall:
a. Begin play with the score to count from the frame then being bowled.
b. Not be credited with any pins for the frames missed.

2. If a team refuses to start because a full lineup is not present, tournament management, at its discretion,
can declare the game forfeited.
3. A bowler must bowl on the same lanes and at the same time his/her team bowls.
322b. Absentee/Vacancy Scores

Adult tournaments: No absentee or vacancy scores shall be permitted.
Youth tournaments: Unless otherwise stated in the tournament rules:
1. An absentee score must be accepted in a prepaid four- or five-player team tournament if an individual
does not show.
2. Only one absentee score per team may be used.
3. The absentee score for each game shall be the absent member’s entering average less 10 pins, plus
handicap.
Rule 323 – Pacers
Unless otherwise provided by tournament rules, pacers are permitted subject to the following:
a. Scores bowled as a pacer shall not count in determining prize winners.
b. A pacer cannot later enter or compete in the tournament, unless the tournament rules permit multiple
participation.
c. If a pacer is a USBC member, any scores bowled as a pacer are eligible for USBC individual awards.
Rule 324 – Lineup Changes
324a. Prior to Squad

If a change in a team or doubles lineup is desired, it must be requested at least 30 minutes before the time
the entrants are scheduled to bowl, unless otherwise stated in the tournament rules.
Thereafter, no player shall change position in any team or doubles lineup after the player has been checked
onto the lanes to bowl, unless authorized by the tournament official in charge. Violation may be cause for
disqualification.
If a replacement is needed on each of two teams, the entrants present may be paired together.
324b. Substitutions During Game or Series

After a series has started, substitutions can only be made using the following guidelines:
1. Team or doubles series:
a. The captain can replace any player with a qualified substitute at any time but no changes can be
made in the order of the players.
b. A player removed during a game cannot return to bowl in that game.
c. The score of the game is credited to the starting player.
2. Singles event:

a. No substitutions can be made except in tournaments where two or more series or blocks of
games are bowled. In such events, substitutes may be permitted at the discretion of tournament
management.
b. A player removed cannot return for the balance of the competition.
Scores bowled through the efforts of more than one individual player do not qualify for USBC awards,
tournament individual awards, other than position standings prizes, nor can the scores be included in the
all-events total.
Rule 325 – Team Bowling Alone
The following applies when a team or individual is scheduled alone on a pair of lanes except team tourna-
ments which, by rule, schedule each team alone and permits the members to follow each other immediately
in order on the alternate lane:
a. Games must be bowled as though they were contested.
b. Each player must complete a frame on one lane before the player bowling lead off starts the next frame
on the adjoining lane.
c. Match play tournaments may establish target scores, for purposes of determining whether teams qual-
ify for bonus points, when there is less than a full complement of teams.
Rule 326 – Tie for Championship
326a. Playoff/Co-Champions
When there is a tie for any championship in a tournament, it is optional with tournament management to
have a playoff or declare co-champions. However, if there is a duplication of personnel on the tied teams,
Rule 326b applies.
1. Co-Champions:
a. The cash prizes for the positions affected are to be equally divided.
b. Tournament management is required to supply additional medals or awards it makes to champi-
ons, which are emblematic of co-championships, from a fund other than the prize fund.
2. Playoff:
a. In match game or elimination tournaments, the number of games or frames played in deciding
ties shall be determined by tournament management.
b. In other tournaments, one game shall be played in deciding all ties, unless otherwise specified in
the tournament rules, but under no conditions may the playoff consist of less than one delivery.
c. In playing off a first-place tie, the team or individual scoring the highest is entitled to all first place
prizes, except the optional all-events cash prize is dependent on whether the winner is eligible.
The team or individual with the next highest score is entitled to second prize, etc.
3. Ties for other than first prize and position shall be decided by tournament management.

326b. Multiple Participation Tournaments

When multiple participation is permitted in a tournament and one or more bowlers are members of the teams
tied for the championship, the following procedure applies in deciding the championship.
1. When two or more teams are tied, and the same bowlers are duplicated on all of the tied teams,
co-champions may be declared. If a playoff is conducted, only those members not duplicated on the
teams shall bowl in the playoff series.
2. If three or more teams are tied, and the same bowlers are not duplicated on all of the tied teams,
co-champions must be declared.
Rule 327 – Scoring Process
327a. Scorers
A tournament is required to have official scorers to record all games bowled in the tournament or use a USBC
approved automatic scoring device.
If a full complement of scorers is not available and the bowlers affected cannot be rescheduled, they may be
allowed to record his/her own scores under supervision of tournament management.
In match game tournaments where the pin count is not carried forward, tournament management may
authorize the competing players to keep score.
327b. Scoring Errors

After a score has been recorded, it cannot be changed unless there is an obvious error in scoring or calculation.
Obvious errors must be corrected by a tournament official immediately upon discovery. Questionable errors
shall be decided by tournament management.
Tournament management may, by rule, set a time limit for the correction of errors.
327c. Loss of Scores

A tournament game or frame(s) within a game that is irretrievably lost in the scoring process may be
rebowled with approval of tournament management, unless prohibited by rule. The decision of tournament
management shall be final, except where an appeal is made in accordance with Rule 329, Item b.
Rule 328 – Changing Delivery
In handicap and classified tournaments, once the bowler has taken his/her first shot, he/she shall continue
to use that hand throughout the tournament unless, due to injury, the bowler finds it impossible to continue
bowling with the same hand. The bowler may seek approval of the tournament director to continue with the
opposite hand.

Penalty: Disqualification in the event in which the violation occurs and loss of entry fee for
that event.
Rule 329 – Protests and Appeals
Protests and appeals must be in writing stating the grounds for the protest or appeal.
a. A protest involving eligibility or playing rules must be filed with tournament management and:
1. Adult tournaments: Before tournament prizes are paid.
2. Youth tournaments: Within 72 hours of the infraction.
b. The decision of the tournament management shall be final, unless a written appeal is filed with the local
association or USBC Headquarters and:
1. Adult tournaments: Prior to tournament prizes being paid.
2. Youth tournaments: Within 72 hours of notice of the decision.
Upon notification of a protest or appeal, tournament manager must withhold all affected prizes until the
protest or appeal is resolved.
The decision of the local association may also be appealed to USBC Headquarters. The decision of USBC
Headquarters is final and binding on all involved parties.
329/1 What is the deadline to file a protest?

In accordance with USBC Rule 329, in USBC adult tournaments, a protest regarding eligibility or playing
rules must be confirmed in writing and filed with tournament management, the local association, or to USBC
prior to the payment of tournament prizes.
In USBC youth tournaments, a protest regarding eligibility or playing rules must be confirmed in writing
and filed with tournament management within 72 hours of the infraction.

Chapter 7: Equipment
Specifications and Certifications
NOTE: The following are some of the specifications USBC has implemented. The USBC Equipment
Specifications Manual containing all USBC equipment specifications, including detailed infor-
mation on all revised measurement and material specifications, is available on bowl.com.
Section 1. Bowling Ball Specifications

a. Approved Equipment
1. Bowling balls used in competition must be USBC approved and identifiable as a ball listed in the
“Approved Bowling Balls” list located on the Specifications/Certifications page of bowl.com.
2. For identification purposes, each ball must have some form of serial number (this may be engraved
or re-engraved by the bowler), manufacturer’s name/logo and ball name. Since all bowling balls
manufactured prior to the creation of the ball list (January 1991) have been previously approved,
the acceptance of these balls is at the discretion of the tournament management or league official.
If my bowling ball’s serial number has been removed or is no longer visible on the ball, is it
still legal/acceptable to use in USBC competition?
If the serial number can no longer be identified, it must be replaced by engraving another serial number
provided the ball’s original product name and manufacturer’s name are still visible. The manufacturer’s name,
product name and the serial number must be visible for the ball to be used in USBC competition. These items
must be included to verify that it is an approved ball. (See USBC Equipment Specifications — Bowling Balls)
b. Surface
1. The surface of a ball must be free of all depressions or grooves of specific pattern, except for:
a) Holes or indentations used for gripping the ball
b) Identification letters and numbers,
c) Incidental chipping or marring caused by wear.
2. No foreign material may be placed on the outer surface of the ball.
3. The introduction of metal or any other substance not comparable to the original material used in
the manufacture of the ball is prohibited.
4. If the surface friction of the ball is altered by sanding or polishing, the entire surface of the ball
must be sanded or polished in a uniform manner.
c. Plugs and Designs
1. Must be of material similar to, although not exactly the same as, the original material out of which
the ball was made; and shall otherwise comply with all bowling ball specifications.
2. Plugs may be inserted for the purpose of redrilling a ball.
3. Plugs and grips may not exceed beyond the surface of the ball.
4. Designs may be embedded in a ball as guides, or observation or identification purposes, provided
the designs are flush with the outer surface of the ball.
In all cases there shall be no interior voids.
94 – Chapter 7: USBC Equipment Specifications and Certifications

d. Weight – The weight of the ball shall not exceed 16.00 pounds. There is no minimum weight.
e. Hardness
1. The surface hardness of a ball shall be not less than 72 Durometer “D.”
2. The use of chemicals, solvents or other methods to change the surface hardness of the ball
is prohibited. (See Rule 18, Bowling Ball – Altering Surface.)
f. Cleaning – Cleaners may be used provided:
1. They do not affect the hardness of the ball.
2. They are totally removed from the ball before delivery.
Any ball cleaner which does not conform to any of these provisions may not be used in USBC
certified competition.
A complete list of approved/non approved ball cleaners is available on bowl.com.
Section 2. Drilling Specifications

a. Holes - The following limitations govern drilling holes in a bowling ball:
1. Holes or indentations, not to exceed five, for gripping purposes.
2. One hole for balance purposes, not to exceed 1-1/4 inch in diameter.
3. One (1) vent hole to each finger and/or thumb hole, not to exceed 1/4 inch in diameter.
4. One mill hole for inspection purposes, not to exceed 5/8 inch in diameter and 1/8 inch in depth.
b. Balance - The following tolerances are allowed in the balance of the ball:
1. For a ball weighing 10.01 pounds or more:
a) Not more than three ounces difference between the top of ball (finger hole side) and the
bottom (solid side opposite finger holes).
b) Not more than one ounce difference between the sides to the right and left of the finger
holes or between the sides in front and back of the finger holes.
2. For a ball weighing 8.0 pounds to 10.0 pounds:
a) Not more than two ounces difference between the top of the ball and the bottom.
b) Not more than 3/4 ounce difference between the sides to the right and left or between the
front and back of the finger holes.
3. For a ball weighing less than 8.0 pounds:
a) Not more than 3/4 ounce difference between the top of the ball and the bottom.
b) Not more than 3/4 ounce difference between the sides to the right and left or between the
front and back of the finger holes.
Altering a ball in any way, to increase its weight or cause it to be out of balance beyond the tolerances, is
prohibited.
A complete list of drilling specifications is available in the USBC Equipment Specifications Manual which can
be found on bowl.com.
Chapter 7: USBC Equipment Specifications and Certification – 95

Section 3. Bowler Center Certificates

Failure to comply with any equipment specification shall constitute grounds for score denials and suspension or
withholding of membership of all persons involved, including owners, managers and maintenance personnel.
a. Application/Inspection. When a bowling center requests certification, the association manager shall
ensure an inspection is done. The lanes and equipment would be measured and inspected for compliance
with physical specifications.
b. Issuance. On submission of an application, if it is determined that the terms of certification and all
other requirements have been met, a certificate will be issued.
c. Representation. A certificate issued to a bowling center shall be displayed in the center. By doing so,
the owner and all operational personnel represent that its best effort will be given to insure that all
bowling equipment, lane dressing and its distribution meets and continues to meet all requirements for
certified competition.
d. Dressing. If dressing is used, it shall meet specifications and must comply with the following:
1. Dressing must be applied from edgeboard to edgeboard for the entire distance that dressing is
applied.
2. Following any application of dressing, in the dressed portion of the lane there shall be a minimum
of three (3) units of dressing at all points on the lane surface.
e. Suspended/Withdrawn.
1. In the event a certificate is temporarily suspended or withdrawn, any bowler who withdraws from
a league in the bowling center shall be deemed to have done so for a satisfactory reason for the
purposes of Rule 114a.
2. The USBC may authorize issuance of membership to members of leagues desiring to be certified
and committed to bowl in a bowling center in which a bowling center certificate is not in effect. All
members of such leagues must apply for membership.
3. Privileges and services will be provided to members of such leagues, but shall not include recog-
nition of averages, all pins over average awards, all national recognition awards, 11-in-a-row and
300 games and 700 and 800 series or better. Such privileges and services may not be extended
for more than one season, or longer than one.
Section 4. Pins
a. Pins used in competition shall only bear the name and trademark of the original manufacturer or
distributor and be marked “USBC Approved.” Except for reasonable wear and color, the pins in each
set must be uniform in appearance including finish and labels.
b. The coating of the pin must be transparent (clear) or solid color with the exception of the neck markings,
identifying symbols or name which must be clearly visible or of a contrasting color. Standard all wood or
plastic coated pins shall bear the same labels and permit numbers and shall not vary more than four
ounces in each set.
c. Synthetic pins shall bear the same labels and permit numbers and shall not vary more than two ounces
in each set.
96 – Chapter 7: USBC Equipment Specifications and Certifications

Chapter 8: Bonding, Burglary

and Holdup Insurance
The USBC maintains a policy of bonding, burglary and holdup insurance for all chartered associations and the
officers of certified leagues. The bonding, burglary and holdup insurance coverage described in this chapter
is available through a policy of insurance issued to the USBC by an independent licensed insurance company.
The policy covers:
1. Misuse of Funds. A shortage attributable to dishonesty by a league or association officer.

2. The taking of funds from an officer, or the centers messenger, by violence or threat of violence.
3. Funds taken through the forcible entry into the premises or locked receptacle, where the funds are kept,
of an officer or the center’s messenger. There must be visible evidence of forcible entry. An on-site police
report is required.
Any officer authorized by the league or association to sign contracts and act as a signatory on any account
must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
No insurance coverage is available except as specifically set forth in the policies of insurance purchased by
the USBC.
The surety company shall not be held liable for any loss which, on investigation in a given case, may have
existed prior to the time the bond or insurance became effective.
The policies of insurance do not cover funds frozen through insolvency or liquidation of any financial institution.
Further, the policies of insurance do not cover loss of funds due to bowling center insolvency or liquidation.
Dishonest Acts of League Officer

Leagues Officers are automatically bonded for up to $10,000. Leagues with prize funds in excess of $10,000
receive full coverage, provided the full amount of the prize fund is indicated on the league certification
application when submitted to the local association.
The following conditions govern the method by which leagues must handle funds to qualify for 100 percent
protection of any loss caused by the dishonest act of a league officer:
★ The league certification application and membership dues must be received within 42 days of the start
of the schedule (30 days for summer leagues), counting the first day of competition.
★ Funds must be deposited within seven days in an insured bank, credit institution or an in-center banking
service in the name of the league. The banking or credit institution must be a member of the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation or its equivalent.
★ In adult leagues, two officers who are at least 18 years old, authorized by the league must cosign for
all withdrawals. Two members of an immediate family cannot cosign for withdrawals. If the president is
Chapter 8: USBC Bonding, Burglary and Holdup Insurance – 97

not the cosigner for withdrawals, his/her name must be identified with the account to enable the pres-
ident to personally verify the amount on deposit.
★ Officers must be USBC members.
★ In youth leagues, the league supervisor and league official cosign for all withdrawals and cannot be
immediate family members.
★ Signature stamps should not be used nor should checks be pre-signed
★ The league president (youth league supervisor) must personally verify the bank account each month.
(See Rule 102c)
NOTE: “Verify” means the president must not only determine the amount on deposit, but also do
the arithmetic necessary to determine how much should be on deposit. If the account is
found to be short, the president must report the shortage immediately to USBC Headquarters
for possible action under the bonding insurance policy.
Failure to meet the provisions of the policies of insurance will result in a 50 percent reduction
of any documented loss.
The bond and insurance shall remain in force for continuing leagues not only to the end of the season, but
for the so-called off season until the new season begins.
If the league application is not received by the association within the 42 (winter) or 30 (summer) day grace
period, the bonding and insurance become effective when the application and dues are received by the
association, and only for such funds as on deposit at that time, plus funds deposited thereafter. Failure to
submit the league application within the stated time voids protection for all money collected prior to the date
the league application was received.
In-Center Banking Service

The coverage afforded in the policies of insurance is extended to leagues utilizing in-center deposit services
provided:
★ All USBC Rules regarding the handling of league funds are observed.
★ The center deposits the league funds within seven days of receipt in a special trust account in an
accredited, insured banking institution and NOT combined with the center corporate accounts. (Note:
The center may maintain a single account for all leagues; however a separate accounting must be
maintained for each league.)
★ Two cosigners (league officers) from the league (league official and league supervisor for youth) are
registered with the center in order for the league to withdraw its funds.
★ Requests for withdrawals must have the joint signatures of the two cosigners.
★ The center provides the league president (youth league supervisor) with a current statement of the
account verifying the amount on deposit so the president can personally verify the league balance
monthly as required by Rule 102c.
98 – Chapter 8: USBC Bonding, Burglary and Holdup Insurance

Associations
USBC affiliated associations, with the exception of those located on US Military Bases located in foreign
countries, automatically are covered for $10,000 and can obtain additional coverage without cost upon
written request to USBC Headquarters or through the WinLABS program.
The policies of insurance provide coverage for misuse of funds by an association officer and bonds all officers
and directors of the association for loss of funds due to burglary and/or holdup. Coverage is further extended
to a non-board member appointed by the association manager as the tournament manager of a required
championship tournament.
The following conditions govern the method by which associations must handle its funds to qualify for 100
percent protection of any loss caused by the dishonest act of an association officer:
★ Funds must be deposited within one week in an insured bank or credit institution in the name of the
association.
★ Withdrawals require the signatures of two authorized officers who are at least 18 years old; signature
stamps should not be used nor should checks be pre-signed.
★ The president must verify the account monthly.
★ The association account must be audited annually.
Failure to meet any of the conditions of the policies of insurance will result in a 50 percent
reduction of any documented loss.
Burglary and Holdup Insurance

The funds of each USBC league and affiliated association are insured against loss by burglary and holdup
as follows:
★ The taking of funds from an officer, or the centers messenger, by violence or threat of violence.
★ Funds taken through the forcible entry into the premises or locked receptacle, where the funds are kept,
of an officer or the center’s messenger. There must be visible evidence of forcible entry. An on-site police
report is required.
NOTE: A messenger is considered the person from the center depositing league funds using an in-
center banking service.
★ Receipts: Not to exceed one week’s receipts at any one time, with a limit of $2,000.
★ Disbursements: Not to exceed an amount of $10,000 at any one time for a period of seven days.
(Leagues with large prize funds should only pay out a maximum of $10,000 in cash with the balance
paid in checks.)
In the event the league or association fails to deposit the funds in a recognized banking or credit institution
in the name of the organization as specified, the insurance company will be liable for only one week’s receipts
when a loss occurs due to burglary or holdup.
Chapter 8: USBC Bonding, Burglary and Holdup Insurance – 99

The policies of insurance DO NOT cover loss by fire, mysterious disappearance or funds left unattended.
Losses and Claims

Any loss should be reported to USBC Headquarters for guidance within 15 days.
Any attempt to regain funds through an agreement between the principal and offended parties without
authorization from USBC Headquarters creates a legal situation which places the league’s right of recovery
under the bond in jeopardy.
Any officer who misuses the funds of a league, local or state association shall be subject to suspension from
USBC membership. Likewise, the surety company will not extend coverage to any individual who misused
funds in the past or has been convicted of a felony.
The president also may be liable for suspension from USBC membership for failing to make the monthly
verification.
100 – Chapter 8: USBC Bonding, Burglary and Holdup Insurance

Chapter 9: Handicap Information

Handicap Procedures
Handicapping is a means of placing bowlers and teams with varying degrees of skill on as equitable a basis
as possible for their competition against each other. USBC recommends that higher handicap percentages be
used for more equalized matches.
Example, with handicap based on 80 percent of 200: (All fractions are dropped when figuring
handicap.)
Team A Team B
Average Handicap Average Handicap
Jill 160 + 32 = 192 Scott 124 + 60 = 184
Barbara 155 + 36 = 191 Pam 122 + 62 = 184
Paul 140 + 48 = 188 Eric 132 + 54 = 186
Juanita 146 + 43 = 189 Jennifer 141 + 47 = 188
Adam 167 + 26 = 193 Mike 160 + 32 = 192
768 + 185 = 953 679 + 255 = 934
With 80 percent handicap, Team A has a 19-pin advantage over Team B. By basing handicap on 80 percent
of 200, it would be difficult for Team B to win the game. If the members of Team A were to bowl their aver-
age, it would be necessary for the members of Team B to exceed their own team average by at least 20 pins
in order to win the game.
Example, with handicap based on 100 percent of 200:
Team A Team B
Average Handicap Average Handicap
Jill 160 + 40 = 200 Scott 124 + 76 = 200
Barbara 155 + 45 = 200 Pam 122 + 78 = 200
Paul 140 + 60 = 200 Eric 132 + 68 = 200
Juanita 146 + 54 = 200 Jennifer 141 + 59 = 200
Adam 167 + 33 = 200 Mike 160 + 40 = 200
768 + 232 = 1000 679 + 321 = 1000
If the handicap is based on 100 percent of 200, the chances of Team B winning the game would be more real-
istic. The game becomes a most pins over average contest.
Since USBC rules state games with handicap included are to be eligible for league prizes, unless the league
rules otherwise, problems can arise when handicap is based on the difference of the averages of the two
Chapter 9: USBC Handicap Information – 101

competing teams. USBC recommends handicap leagues use the individual or the team method of handicap-
ping, so both teams in a match have the benefit of handicap.
See Rule 100g for the rules which govern handicap leagues.
Individual Method of Handicapping

Set a scratch figure higher than the entering average of any bowler in the league and decide on the percent-
age to be used for computing handicap. The individual handicaps of the bowlers are added together for the
team handicap. In the following example, 100 percent of 200 is used.
Actual Average Handicap 100% of 200

Kathy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 70
Linda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 60 (200 minus average
Ashley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 75 X 100% equals
Keith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 65 bowler’s handicap.)
Ed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 30
300 Handicap for Team
Team Method of Handicapping

Set a scratch figure higher than the entering average of any team in the league and decide on the percent-
age to be used in computing the handicap. The actual averages of the bowlers are added together in deter-
mining the team average. In the following example, 100 percent of 800 is used.
Team C Team D
Kathy . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 Justin . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Linda . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Theresa . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Ashley . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Sara . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Keith . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Todd . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Ed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 Frank . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
700 685
Handicap . . . . . . . . . . 100 Handicap . . . . . . . . . . 115
Handicap for Team C: 800 scratch - 700 team average is 100 X 100 percent = 100 pins handicap for each
game. Handicap for Team D: 800 scratch - 685 team average is 115 X 100 percent = 115. See Rule 100g
for the rules which govern handicap leagues.
102 – Chapter 9: USBC Handicap Information

Index
General League Tournament
Rule Page Rule Page Rule Page
Absentee Scores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 . . . . . . . 49 . . . . . . 322b . . . . . . 90
Adult Youth Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100d . . . . . . 38 . . . . . . 301b . . . . . . 79
All-Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306 . . . . . . . 82
Altering Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17a . . . . . . . 27
18 . . . . . . . 29
Alternating Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4c . . . . . . . 17
Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51e-2 . . . . . . 32 . . . . . . . 119 . . . . . . . 70 . . . . . . . 329 . . . . . . . 93
Approaches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 . . . . . . . 24
Assumed Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17f . . . . . . . 29
Averages
Adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118b-3. . . . . . 68 . . . . . . 319c . . . . . . 87
319e . . . . . . 88
Assigning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319b . . . . . . 87
Canadian Tenpin Federation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319f . . . . . . 89
Cap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118d . . . . . . 70
Computing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118a . . . . . . 68
Entering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118c . . . . . . 69 . . . . . . 319a . . . . . . 86
Establishing Below Ability . . . . . . . . . . . . 17a-3 . . . . . . 27
How Determined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118a . . . . . . 68
How Established . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118b . . . . . . 68
Misrepresentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17a-2 . . . . . . 27
Relief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4e . . . . . . . 18
Rerating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319c . . . . . . 87
Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318 . . . . . . . 86
Awards
Baker 300 Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51d . . . . . . . 32
Eligibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 . . . . . . . 30 . . . . . . 117b . . . . . . 67
Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51a . . . . . . . 30
Individual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117b-2. . . . . . 67
League High Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54b . . . . . . . 35
Merit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52b . . . . . . . 33
Most Improved Bowler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54a . . . . . . . 34
National High Average . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52c . . . . . . . 33
National High Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52d . . . . . . . 33
Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51b . . . . . . . 30
Special Achievement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52a . . . . . . . 32
Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 . . . . . . . 75
Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51c . . . . . . . 31
Baker System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . 17
Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103a . . . . . . 45
Duties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103b . . . . . . 46
Bonding
Associations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Burglary Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Index – 103

Bonding (cont.)
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
In-Center Banking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Leagues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Losses and Claims. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Bowling Ball
Altering Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 . . . . . . . 29
Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sec 1-f. . . . . . 95
Holes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sec 2-a. . . . . . 95
Maximum Weight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sec 1-d. . . . . . 95
Surface Hardness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sec 1-e. . . . . . 95
Bowling on Wrong Lane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 . . . . . . . . 23
Bowling Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106d . . . . . . 51
Bowling Pins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sec 4 . . . . . . 96
Champions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113a . . . . . . 61 . . . . . . 326a . . . . . . 91
Change in Lineup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106b-1. . . . . . 50 . . . . . . 324a . . . . . . 94
Change in Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 . . . . . . . 72 . . . . . . . 312 . . . . . . . 85
Changing Deliveries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118e . . . . . . 70 . . . . . . . 328 . . . . . . . 92
Closed Leagues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100f . . . . . . 38
Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102c . . . . . . 42
Competition Limited to One Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107a . . . . . . 51
Competition Types
Adult/Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100d . . . . . . 38 . . . . . . 301b . . . . . . 79
Closed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100f . . . . . . 38
Handicap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100g . . . . . . 39
Mail-o-Graphic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100l. . . . . . . 40 . . . . . . 302b . . . . . . 80
Managed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100m . . . . . . 41
Match Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100k . . . . . . 40
Mixed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100b . . . . . . 37
Modified Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100j. . . . . . . 39 . . . . . . 302a . . . . . . 80
Moral Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100c-5. . . . . . 37 . . . . . . 301a . . . . . . 79
Pro-Am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301d . . . . . . 80
Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100c-4. . . . . . 37 . . . . . . 301c . . . . . . 80
Senior. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100h . . . . . . 39
Summer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100i. . . . . . . 39
Traveling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100e . . . . . . 38
Conceding Pins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6a . . . . . . . 21
Dead Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . . . . . . . . 22
Delay of Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . . . 20
Delivery
Alternating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4c . . . . . . . 17
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118e . . . . . . 70 . . . . . . . 328 . . . . . . . 92
Legal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4a . . . . . . . 17
Mechanical Aids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4c . . . . . . . 17
Special Consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4d . . . . . . . 18
Special Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4b . . . . . . . 17
104 – Index

Disciplinary Actions
Adult Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17c . . . . . . . 28
Improper Conduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17b . . . . . . . 27
Infractions of Rule 400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17e . . . . . . . 28
Misuse of Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17b-4 . . . . . . 27
Unfair Tactics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17a . . . . . . . 27
Using Assumed Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17f . . . . . . . 29
Youth Conduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17d . . . . . . . 28
Disciplinary Procedures
Dismissal – League Officer or Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115a . . . . . . 54
Nonpayment of Fees/
Improper Withdrawal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115b . . . . . . 55
Youth Limited Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115c . . . . . . 56
Distribution of Tournament Prize Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308 . . . . . . . 83
Draw System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104d-2. . . . . . 48
Duplication of Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326b . . . . . . 92
Duties
Board of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103b . . . . . . 46
League Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100m . . . . . . 41
President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102c . . . . . . 42
Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102e . . . . . . 43
Sergeant-at-Arms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102g . . . . . . 45
Team Captain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104a . . . . . . 47 . . . . . . . 304 . . . . . . . 81
Tournament Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 . . . . . . . 81
Treasurer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102f . . . . . . 44
Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102d . . . . . . 43
Youth League Official. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102i. . . . . . . 45
Youth League Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102h . . . . . . 45
Earn the Points System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104d-1. . . . . . 48
Elections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102a . . . . . . 42
Eligibility – League Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102a . . . . . . 42
Entries
Closing Date. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310a . . . . . . 84
310b . . . . . . 84
Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 . . . . . . . 82
Submitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311 . . . . . . . 85
Equipment Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106c . . . . . . 51 . . . . . . . 321 . . . . . . . 89
Equipment Tampering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17a-1 . . . . . . 27
Errors in Scoring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116a-6. . . . . . 66 . . . . . . 327b . . . . . . 92
Failure to Complete Game
Missed Frames. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108c . . . . . . 55
With Cause . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108a . . . . . . 54
Without Cause. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108b . . . . . . 55
Fees
Associate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300c-2. . . . . . 79
Failure to Pay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17b-3 . . . . . . 27 . . . . . . 17b-3 . . . . . . 27
League . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 . . . . . . . 72
Index – 105

Fees (cont.)
Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . . . 101 . . . . . . . 41
Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300c-1. . . . . . 78
Foreign Substance on Approach. . . . . . . . . . . . 12 . . . . . . . 24
Forfeit
Delay of Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . . . 24
Failure to Appear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109b . . . . . . 56
Lack of Legal Lineup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109b . . . . . . 56
League Fee Arrearage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110a . . . . . . 56
Procedure for Bowling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110c . . . . . . 57
Refusal to Bowl – Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110b . . . . . . 57
Suspended Bowler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 . . . . . . . 26
Foul
Apparent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5d . . . . . . . 20
Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5a . . . . . . . 19
Deliberate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5b . . . . . . . 20
Detection/Judge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5c . . . . . . . 20
Free or Reduced Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313 . . . . . . . 85
Gambling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 . . . . . . . 26
Handicap
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chap 9 . . . . . 101 . . . . . . 100g . . . . . . 39
Youth Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317 . . . . . . . 85
Illegal Pinfall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6b . . . . . . . 21
Improper Conduct. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17b-1 . . . . . . 27. . . . . . 115a-1. . . . . . 63
Injured Bowler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108a . . . . . . 54
Interrupted Game or Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106c . . . . . . 51 . . . . . . . 321 . . . . . . . 89
League Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106a . . . . . . 50
League Qualifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100a . . . . . . 36
Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100c . . . . . . 37
Legal Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4a . . . . . . . 17
Legal Lineup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109a . . . . . . 55
Lineup Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100k-2 . . . . . 40 . . . . . . 324a . . . . . . 90
106b . . . . . . 50
Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103a . . . . . . 45 . . . . . . . 303 . . . . . . . 81
Mechanical Aids to Grip Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4c . . . . . . . 17
Membership
Associate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300c-2. . . . . . 79
Collegiate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Dues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . . . 101 . . . . . . . 41
Effective Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
High School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
How Obtained . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Junior Gold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Lifetime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Sport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
201 . . . . . . . 73
Youth Membership Eligibility . . . . . . . . . . . 400 . . . . . . . 14
106 – Index

Modified Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100j. . . . . . . 39 . . . . . . 302a . . . . . . 80
Multiple Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315 . . . . . . . 85
Nonpayment of League Fees . . . . . . . . . 17b-3 . . . . . . 27
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115b . . . . . . 64
Order of Bowling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106b . . . . . . 50 . . . . . . 320b . . . . . . 89
Pacers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107d . . . . . . 54 . . . . . . . 323 . . . . . . . 90
Parental Consent Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 . . . . . . . 24
Pinfall
Illegal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6b . . . . . . . 21
Legal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6a . . . . . . . 21
Pins
Improperly Set. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7a . . . . . . . 21
May not be Conceded. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6a . . . . . . . 21
Rebounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7b . . . . . . . 22
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7c . . . . . . . 22
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sec 4 . . . . . . 96
Playoffs
Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113a . . . . . . 61
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113b . . . . . . 62 . . . . . . 326a . . . . . . 91
Position Matches (Rounds). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 . . . . . . . 71
Prebowls/Postponements
Granting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111d . . . . . . 59
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111e . . . . . . 60
Reason . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111b . . . . . . 59
Request. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111c . . . . . . 59
Time Limit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111f . . . . . . 60
Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111a . . . . . . 58
Prize Earning – Requirement to Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319d . . . . . . 87
Prize List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117a . . . . . . 67 . . . . . . 303-a . . . . . . 81
309-b . . . . . . 84
Prize Qualification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117b . . . . . . 67 . . . . . . . 308 . . . . . . . 83
Pro-Am Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301d . . . . . . 80
Protest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 . . . . . . . 70 . . . . . . . 329 . . . . . . . 93
Provisional Ball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 . . . . . . . 23
Quorum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 . . . . . . . 72
Refusal to Bowl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . . . . . . . 24 . . . . . . 110b . . . . . . 57
Replacements
Individual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107c . . . . . . 52 . . . . . . 324b . . . . . . 90
Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104c . . . . . . 48 . . . . . . 324b . . . . . . 90
Rerating (Average Adjustment). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118b-3. . . . . . 68 . . . . . . 319c . . . . . . 87
Removal from Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104a-3. . . . . . 47 . . . . . 304-a-3 . . . . . 81
115a . . . . . . 63
Scoring
Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116a-6. . . . . . 66 . . . . . . 327b . . . . . . 92
How to. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2b . . . . . . . 16
Lost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116b . . . . . . 66 . . . . . . 327c . . . . . . 92
Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116a . . . . . . 66
Index – 107

Scoring (cont.)
Scorers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327a . . . . . . 92
Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307 . . . . . . . 83
Sport Bowling
Average Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202b . . . . . . 74 . . . . . . 202d . . . . . . 74
202c . . . . . . 74 . . . . . . 202e . . . . . . 75
Average Adjustment Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 . . . . . . . 75
Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200a . . . . . . 73 . . . . . . 200b . . . . . . 73
Equipment Restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 . . . . . . . 75
Lane Dressing/Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 . . . . . . . 75
Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 . . . . . . . 73
Sport Centers
Requirement to Host . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206a . . . . . . 76
Retention of Certificate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206b . . . . . . 76
Submission of Scores/Prize Winnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319d . . . . . . 87
Substitutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107c . . . . . . 52 . . . . . . 324a . . . . . . 90
During Game/Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107c . . . . . . 52 . . . . . . 324b . . . . . . 90
Supplemental Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 . . . . . . . 26
Suspended Bowler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 . . . . . . . 26
Tardy Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109c . . . . . . 56 . . . . . . 322a . . . . . . 89
Team Bowling Alone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325 . . . . . . . 91
Team Captains Authority. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104a . . . . . . 47 . . . . . . . 304 . . . . . . . 81
Team Franchise/Roster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104b . . . . . . 47
Ties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 . . . . . . . 61 . . . . . . 326a . . . . . . 91
Two Lanes Required. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320a . . . . . . 89
Transferring Team Membership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107b . . . . . . 52
Uneven Number of Teams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104d . . . . . . 48
Unfair Tactics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17a . . . . . . . 27
Vacancy – League Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102b . . . . . . 42
Vacancy Scores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 . . . . . . . 49 . . . . . . 322b . . . . . . 90
Withdrawal from League
Improper Withdrawal Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115b . . . . . . 64
Procedure for Returning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114b . . . . . . 63
Procedure for Withdrawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114a . . . . . . 63
Wrong Lane – Bowling On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 . . . . . . . . 23
Youth Membership Eligibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400 . . . . . . . 14
108 – Index
109
110
Bowling Directory
American Blind Bowling Association Federation Internationale des Quilleurs National Women’s 500 Club, Inc.
(ABBA) (FIQ) 731 Conch Shell Manor ★ Plantation, FL 33324
P.O. Box 17588 ★ Raleigh, NC 27619-7588 Green Valley Country Club ★ Valle Verde I (954) 473-1417 ★ (954) 747-3777
(919) 828-0945 E. Rodriguez Avenue natl500sec@aol.com
abbasecretary@earthlink.net Pasig City, Manila Philippines nationalwomens500club.org
americanblindbowlers.com (632) 671-2436 ★ FAX: (632) 671-7031
fiqwebby@fiq.org ★ fiq.org National 600 Bowling Club
American Wheelchair Bowling 819 North Street ★ Jackson, NJ 08527
Association (AWBA) N.A.I.R: International Association of (732) 833-6811 ★ pamsfishin@aol.com
c/o Dave Roberts – Exec. Sec./Treas. Bowling Lane Specialists national600.com
P.O. Box 69 ★ Clover, VA 24534-0069 5806 W. 127th St. ★ Alsip, IL 60803
(434) 454-2269 ★ FAX: (434) 454-6276 (708) 371-8237 ★ FAX: (708) 371-8283 National 700 Bowling Club
Bowlawba@aol.com ★ awba.org nairbowlanecare@msn.com ★ nairbowl.org 1144 East Columbia
Davenport, IA 52803-1939 ★ (563) 324-7304
Billiard & Bowling Institute of America International Bowling Museum &
(BBIA) Hall of Fame Professional Bowlers Association (PBA)
P.O. Box 6573 ★ Arlington, TX 76005 111 Stadium Plaza ★ St. Louis, MO 63102 719 Second Ave. Suite 701
(8001) 343-1329 ★ FAX: (817) 633-2940 (800) 966-2695 or (314) 231-6340 Seattle, WA 98104 ★ (206) 332-9688
answer@billiardandbowling.org FAX: (314) 231-4054 FAX: (206) 332-9722 ★ pba.com
billiardandbowling.org hofm@bowlingmuseum.com
bowlingmuseum.com The National Bowling Association, Inc.
Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) (TNBA)
Elizabeth Montanya International Bowling Pro Shop and 9944 Reading Road
11350 Random Hills Road, Suite 800 Instructors Association (IBPSIA) Evendale, OH 45241-3106
Fairfax, VA 22030 615 Six Flags Drive ★ Arlington, TX 76011 (513) 769-1985 ★ FAX: (513) 769-3596
(703) 934-6039 ★ FAX: (703) 591-3049 (817) 649-0079 ★ FAX: (817) 633-2940 Annette.samual@tnbainc.org ★ tnbainc.org
epmontanya@bowlforveterans.org ibpsia.com
bowlforveterans.org United States Bowling Congress
Les Dames de 700 Bowling Club, Inc. 5301 S. 76th Street ★ Greendale, WI 53129
Bowling Proprietors Association of 29282 Whalebone Way (800) 514-2695 ★ FAX: (414) 421-8560
America (BPAA) Hayward, CA 94544-6446 ★ (510) 785-9499 bowl.info@bowl.com ★ bowl.com
615 Six Flags Drive ★ Arlington, TX 76011 Toy300@sbcglobal.net ★ lesdames700.org
(800) 343-1329 ★ FAX: (817) 633-2940 United States Deaf Bowling Federation
bpaa.com Multi-Unit Bowling Information Group Connie Marchione, President
(MUBIG) 8071 Cherrystone Ave.
Bowling Writers Association of America 8463 Castlewood Drive Panorama City, CA 91402-5414
(BWAA) Indianapolis, IN 46250 TTT/TDD (818) 785-1478
8501 N. Manor Lane ★ Fox Point, WI 53217 (317) 576-5174, ext. 207 FAX: (818) 785-1478 ★ kchodak@aol.com
(414) 351-6085 • FAX: (414) 351-6085 FAX: (317) 576-5173 ★ jdoty@royalpin.com
sjames2652@wi.rr.com ★ bowlingwriters.com bpaa.com (select MUBIG icon) World Bowling Writers (WBW)
122 S. Michigan Ave. #1506
Canadian Tenpin Federation, Inc. National Deaf Bowling Association Chicago, IL 60603
916-3 Avneue N (NDBA) (312) 341-1110 ★ FAX: (312) 341-1469
Lethbridge Alberta, Canada T1H 0H3 111 Snow Lane ★ McGehee, AR 71654-9356 bobj@bowlersjournal.com
(403) 381-2830 ★ FAX: (403) 381-6247 TDD: (870) 222-5640 ★ FAX: (870) 222-5641 bowlersjournal.com
stanmay@gotenpinbowling.ca Rvasel@earthlink.net
gotenpinbowling.ca
National Duckpin Bowling Congress
4991 Fairview Ave. ★ Linthicum, MD 21090
(410) 636-2695 ★ FAX: (410) 636-3256
nationalduckpin@aol.com ★ ndbc.org
Bowling Directory – 111

2007 - 08 Bowling Season
August 2007 September 2007 October 2007 November 2007
S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S
1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
26 27 28 29 30 31 23/30 24 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30
December 2007 January 2008 February 2008 March 2008

1 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23/30 24/31 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 23/30 24/31 25 26 27 28 29
April 2008 May 2008 June 2008 July 2008

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31
2008 - 09 Bowling Season

August 2008 September 2008 October 2008 November 2008
1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 1
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
24/31 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31 23/30 24 25 26 27 28 29
December 2008 January 2009 February 2009 March 2009

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31
April 2009 May 2009 June 2009 July 2009

1 2 3 4 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 24/31 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 31
Circled dates are Delegates Meetings at the USBC Conventions. USBC Convention dates for 2008-09 are to be determined.
112

2007-08 USBC PlayingRules

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USBC Playing Rules and Commonly Asked Questions

Jeff Bojé, President Darlene Baker, Vice President

United States Bowling Congress - Board of Directors – 1

USBC Executive Team

Roseann Kuhn Tom Clark

Jack Mordini Tim Payne

2 – United States Bowling Congress - Executive Team

United States Bowling Congress

USBC Contact List – 3

2007 Legislative Update

Changes to the Rule Book

Commonly Asked Questions

General Playing Rules

Chapter 2: General Playing Rules

Chapter 4: League Rules

Rule 114 – Withdrawals/Resignations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Chapter 5: Sport Bowling

Chapter 6: Certified Tournament Rules

Rule 321 – Interrupted Game/Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Chapter 7: Equipment Specifications and Certification

Chapter 8: Bonding, Burglary and Holdup Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Chapter 9: Handicap Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Chapter 1: USBC Introduction

Chapter 1: USBC Introduction – 11

12 – Chapter 1: USBC Introduction

USBC Lifetime Membership

The association must offer all levels of membership as established by USBC.

Youth Membership Eligibility

14 – Chapter 1: USBC Introduction

Buying or selling of earned prizes is prohibited.

Chapter 1: USBC Introduction – 15

Chapter 2: General Playing Rules

Rule 2 – The Game

2b. How Scored

2e. Triple or Turkey

16 – Chapter 2: General Playing Rules

Rule 3 – Baker System

Rule 4 – Delivering the Ball

4a. Legal Delivery

4b. Special Equipment to Grip the Ball

4c. Mechanical Aids to Grip the Ball — Alternating Delivery

Chapter 2: General Playing Rules – 17

2. Permission may be granted if the following is submitted to USBC Headquarters:

This resolution is effective through July 31, 2008.

4d. Special Considerations to Deliver the Ball

4e. Tournament Average Relief

18 – Chapter 2: General Playing Rules

Permission may be withdrawn for cause.

5a/1 What happens when there is a dispute over a foul call?

Chapter 2: General Playing Rules – 19

5c. Foul Detection

5c/1 What happens if our foul lights are not available?

If there is a dispute, refer to Rule 10, Provisional Ball.

20 – Chapter 2: General Playing Rules

6a. Legal Pinfall

6b. Illegal Pinfall

7a. Improperly Set

Chapter 2: General Playing Rules – 21

Rule 8 – Dead Ball

Parental Signature: _________________________________ Date: _