b o w l . c o m WELCOME – 1

Dear League Secretary:

Welcome to your 2007-08 United States Bowling Congress season!

This season you can expect USBC will continue to bring the best of bowling to your league. As the national governing body for bowling, USBC ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport. USBC works year-round to provide quality services to our members and to set and enforce standards that improve bowling.

Please remember to fill out all forms and applications clearly and completely to ensure that your league receives USBC services.

Please remind your members to watch their mail for their new 2007-08 USBC membership card. They can use their USBC card with pride at local and national tournaments when a certified average or proof of membership is required. Ask them to keep their USBC membership card in a safe place.

Your role as league secretary is critical. We need to work together to ensure our members have fun competition throughout the season. As a leader in your bowling community, you can count on USBC to deliver the services to help you meet your responsibilities. For information or assistance please call (800) 514-BOWL. Please note, the forms in this handbook also are available on bowl.com.

Sincerely,

Roger Dalkin

USBC Chief Executive Officer

2 – PARENTAL CONSENT FORM b o w l . c o m

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.

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.

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:

b o w l . c o m CONTENTS – 3

League Quick-Start Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Running Successful Leagues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

League Leadership – Duties and Responsibilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Meetings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

League Elections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Managing League Funds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

USBC Awards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Alternative League Formats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Sport Bowling Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Special Programs and Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

USBC Annual Tournaments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

USBC Official Charities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

SMART Enrollment Form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

USBC Adult League Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

USBC Youth League Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

USBC Schedule of Events for the 2007-08 Season. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

4 – QUICK–START CHECKLIST b o w l . c o m

CHECKLIST

This checklist is a quick review of the league’s operational duties. The details of each officer’s duties can be found in

the Playing Rules book and in the following pages of this manual.

League Name: Certification #:

Bowling Center Name: Certification #:

Telephone: ( )

b o w l . c o m RUN SUCCESSFUL LEAGUES – 5

Competition, by nature, is exciting and intriguing. The more teams that battle for a championship, the more interest is created throughout a league. To spark competition, leagues may try several formats:

The board of directors, the governing body of a league, is comprised of officers and team captains. The board makes decisions on all league matters, including adoption of league rules and prize fund and election of officers, unless the league’s rules provide for the members to be involved.

For Youth leagues, the league shall be under the supervision of an adult league supervisor/official who shall operate the youth league in cooperation with the bowling center management and a league board of directors, if applicable.

(See Rule 103a)

Each USBC Youth league where a majority of membership is made up of youth 14 years or older is required to elect a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer from the members of the league. Each team is responsible to elect its own team captain. The offices of secretary and treasurer may be combined.

High school conference leagues are not required to elect a board of directors. (See Rule 103a)

The following also apply to this governing body:

The league application must be submitted within 30 days from the start of the league. Be sure to include all requested information on the league certification application so membership credentials are issued without delay.

Call the local association if you need assistance.

LEAGUES

League secretaries typically make all award presentations. In Youth leagues, awards may be presented by the league supervisor/official. In some associations, an association officer, awards committee member or lane representative visits the league to make the presentations.

Award presentations should take place before the entire league and as soon as possible after the feat is accomplished and the award is available. A long delay, such as waiting for the league’s season-ending banquet, can reduce bowlers’ excitement about earning awards and their appreciation of their membership benefits.

See the Awards section in this handbook for a complete listing of USBC awards.

Unmarried grade school and high school students under the age of 18 must have the written consent of a parent or guardian to compete in any USBC adult league where merchandise valued over $500, or any cash and/or bonds are offered.

Their participation, even pacing, in these situations may jeopardize their eligibility for USBC Youth membership and could affect their eligibility to compete on school sports teams.

The form must be on file with the league secretary at least one week before participation, unless a parent or guardian accompanies the student on their first league session. In that case, the consent form may be filed prior to the start of bowling.

Youth may bowl in singles competitions (including side competitions/brackets) offering cash, bonds or merchandise exceeding $500 in value, 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.

Failure to file the consent form will cause the player to be ineligible and subject games bowled to forfeiture.

The consent form is available as follows:

Youth members who wish to compete in adult singles competitions where cash or bonds are offered and/or merchandise prizes valued greater than $500 must complete and sign a USBC Prize Waiver Form prior to participation. The USBC Prize Waiver is NOT ACCEPTABLE for use in team (two or more players) competition including, for example, adult/youth team competition. A copy of this form can be downloaded from bowl.com.

The form is located in the Forms and Manuals section under Tournament Forms.

The waiver serves three primary purposes. First, it ensures that the USBC Youth member is aware that the event is offering prizes which may be in violation of Rule 400. Second, it provides the USBC Youth member the opportunity to compete in singles competitions without jeopardizing his/her USBC Youth eligibility. And last, it replaces the Parental Consent Form in adult singles competitions.

For a complete explanation of Rule 400, see page 2 in this manual.

6 – RUN SUCCESSFUL LEAGUES b o w l . c o m

Every league must have rules. This task can be simplified by using the “USBC Adult or Youth League Rules” included in this handbook. In adult leagues, the league board of directors or members must vote on each rule. Pay particular attention to rules covering the following items:

Some suggestions are:

In youth leagues, the vacancy score shall be the average of the lowest average bowler on the opposing team’s roster. 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.

Leagues also may set their own vacancy score. To do this, select a figure comparable to your league bowlers’ overall performance and handicap would be figured from that score.

The absentee score shall be the absent member’s current average minus 10 pins, unless league rules specify a different number.

Averages from the previous season are recommended to be used for a bowler’s first night of competition because they are easily verified and they represent the bowler’s true ability. Bowlers who do not have a qualifying average will then establish their average the first session they bowl unless league rules state otherwise.

In youth leagues, a bowler using a two-hand delivery will establish an average with two hands. When the bowler changes to a one-hand delivery, they must establish a new average using that hand. (Rule 118b, Item 4)

b o w l . c o m RUN SUCCESSFUL LEAGUES – 7

Handicapping is a means of placing bowlers and teams with varying degree of skill on as equitable a basis as possible for their competition against each other. USBC recommends that higher handicap percentages such as 100% be used for more equalized matches. The scratch base that handicap is figured from should be greater than the highest team or individual entering average. For example, if the highest entering individual average is 218, handicap should be 100% of 220. Another option is to provide a negative handicap for all bowlers above the base figure. For example, 100% handicap of 200, minus 100% handicap over 200.

Handicap leagues use their adopted handicap system at all times. Leagues failing to adopt a handicap percentage in their leagues shall use a 100% handicap. (See Rule 100g, Item 1)

A league’s board of directors, specific committee, or a youth league supervisor/official decides requests for postponements. Leagues must grant postponements for emergencies. Minimize postponement problems by:

See this handbook’s section on League Leadership Duties and Responsibilities for more information on a postponement committee.

Insist all bowlers pay full fees every session. Team captains are responsible for collecting fees, but are not liable for teammates’ payments. To encourage prompt payment, leagues can adopt a rule that a team forfeits any games when a bowler is present and bowling and not current in paying fees. If adopted, the league arrearage rule must be enforced consistently throughout the season.

While prize/award funds are important, avoid pricing yourself out of members. Large prize/award funds require larger payments by individual members, and can discourage new members and increase league dropouts.

In an effort to improve communications with members, please make sure that bowlers include their e-mail addresses on the form.

8 – RUN SUCCESSFUL LEAGUES b o w l . c o m

The national membership ID number enables USBC to create a history on the member’s league and tournament competition and their award achievements. If the bowler does not currently have a national ID number (for example a new bowler), the local bowling association will assign a number.

Check the application forms as they are returned to you. It is easier to find errors and have them corrected rather than to submit incomplete information, which could cause a delay in the member receiving their card.

Let your members know their national membership ID number will be printed on their membership card and mailed by headquarters directly to their home. This is a permanent number, individually assigned, to be used every season in all USBC competition and will be required when applying for awards.

If a member of your league notifies you that their membership card was lost, stolen or damaged, have them contact our Web site at bowl.com. Using the Find-A-Member feature, the member can download a copy of their current membership card. If further assistance is needed, the member or league official can contact their local association or USBC Headquarters by calling (800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3161.

To complete them, League Secretaries should do the following:

As a free service, USBC allows leagues to post their standing sheets on bowl.com, bowling’s premier Web site.

b o w l . c o m RUN SUCCESSFUL LEAGUES – 9

10 – LEADERSHIP & RESPONSIBILITY b o w l . c o m

The league’s governing body is its board of directors comprised of the officers and team captains. Each board member has one vote — even if they are both a league officer and a captain. If a team captain also is a league officer, they have the option of appointing another team member to attend the board meeting and vote on behalf of the team.

In youth leagues, the league shall be under the supervision of an adult league supervisor/official who shall operate the youth league in cooperation with the bowling center management and a league board of directors, if applicable.

(See Rule 103a)

Each USBC Youth league where a majority of membership is made up of youth 14 years or older is required to elect a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer from the members of the league. Each team is responsible to elect its own team captain. The offices of secretary and treasurer may be combined. Each team is responsible to elect it own team captain.

High school conference leagues are not required to elect a board of directors. (See Rule 103a)

The board:

Board decisions are final, except when appeals are made to the local association, or USBC in accordance with Rule 119.

The president is the league’s chief executive.

In youth leagues that have a board, the president should assist the league supervisor with the duties of the president.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The President/League Supervisor is responsible for:

They lead in the president’s absence, and assist the president as requested.

In youth leagues that have a board, the secretary shall assist the league official in the responsibilities of the league secretary.

The Secretary/League Official is responsible for:

b o w l . c o m LEADERSHIP & RESPONSIBILITY – 11

The treasurer is responsible for all league receipts and disbursements.

In youth leagues that have a board, the treasurer shall assist the league official in the duties of the treasurer.

The Treasurer/League Official is responsible for:

Sergeant-at-arms performs any duties as requested by the president or board.

Team captains are league members who may organize and enter teams. They represent their team and, unless they designate another, serve on the league’s board of directors.

Team Captains in Adult leagues are responsible for:

12 – LEADERSHIP & RESPONSIBILITY b o w l . c o m

Team Captains in Youth leagues are responsible for:

The league supervisor is designated by the organizer of the youth league and is responsible for:

The league official is designated by the organizer of the youth league and is responsible for:

(See Rule 17e)

Typical committees and their functions are:

Also can be tasked with auditing league records, averages and position standings.

b o w l . c o m LEADERSHIP & RESPONSIBILITY – 13

League Elections in this manual for complete details.

14 – LEADERSHIP & RESPONSIBILITY b o w l . c o m

b o w l . c o m MEETINGS – 15

“Members present” equals a quorum for a meeting prior to the start of the season. For all other meetings, a quorum is a majority, in the absence of a specific rule regarding a quorum.

When the president and/or Youth league supervisor plans ahead, meetings are smooth and efficient. The president and/or Youth league supervisor should prepare an agenda outlining scheduled business with the help of the secretary and/or Youth league official. This is a sample agenda:

1. Call to order

2. Roll call of officers and team captains

3. Action on minutes of last meeting (read by secretary and/or Youth league official)

4. Treasurer’s and/or Youth league official’s report

5. Committee reports

6. Correspondence

7. Unfinished business

8. New business

9. Business for which the meeting is called.

10. Other business

11. Adjournment

Once the president and/or Youth league supervisor plans an agenda, it is simple to conduct a meeting. Keep in mind that for all members to participate and hear, only one person should be permitted to speak at a time. Keep order by using common sense, courtesy, fairness and cooperation.

MEETINGS

16 – MEETINGS b o w l . c o m

1. Member addresses chairperson to be recognized before speaking.

2. State the motion, “I move...”

3. Second the motion, “I second...”

4. The Chair states, “It has been moved by (name) and seconded that...”

5. Ask for discussion. Every member has the right to talk.

6. In taking the vote, the league has the following options:

Upon completion, the chair rules on the vote and states the result.

The person making the motion may vote against it, but cannot speak against it. Officers may vote on all issues.

7. A motion is lost on a tie vote.

Thorough and complete league rules are the groundwork for operating a league smoothly. The board of directors and/or Youth league supervisor/official adopts rules prior to a schedule’s start unless the league calls for members to have a say in adoption. Leagues review rules adopted by the board and/or Youth league supervisor/official at their organizational meetings, or ask members to adopt them.

The board of directors and/or Youth league supervisor/official may declare forfeits or null and void any protested/ disputed games. Their decisions are final except when the local association or USBC receives an appeal in accordance with Rule 119.

The board and/or Youth supervisor/official is authorized to make decisions when games are protested or disputed.

Use the following requirements and guidelines in decision making:

the protest, and asks questions as necessary to develop full information.

The board and/or Youth league supervisor/official has three options in handling most protests involving game disposition:

For example, league officers may have misinformed the team captain.

A league board and/or Youth league supervisor/official may dismiss a bowler from a league for misconduct or violation of USBC or league rules. If a league member files a written charge asking for the removal of a league officer or the dismissal of a league member, a meeting must be scheduled and the procedures in Rule 115a followed.

A league must conduct a meeting if an individual is charged with failure to pay league fees and/or withdraws from the league without sufficient cause. When a member is accused of the above, the league should try to resolve the matter prior to disciplinary action. Please see Rule 115b.

League president schedules a meeting of the league board of directors.

b o w l . c o m MEETINGS – 17

League sends written notice to defendant at their last known address or hand-delivers notice informing them of:

Keep minutes of the league meeting containing a roster of those present and absent (quorum must be present).

An accounting of the arrearage must include:

Two-thirds of the league board members present must vote the accused guilty. If two-thirds vote is not obtained, the charges are dismissed.

In youth leagues that do not have a board, the Youth league supervisor/official makes the decision.

Within 30 days of the meeting, submit the file to local association or USBC. The file must include:

18 – MEETINGS b o w l . c o m

b o w l . c o m ELECTIONS – 19

The league must conduct elections during a meeting before distributing awards, unless the league board decides they are to be conducted before the start of the league schedule.

This requirement is waived in youth leagues where a majority of the membership is comprised of youth 13 years of age or younger and for high school conference leagues.

The board of directors shall be responsible for electing league officers unless the league rules vest this authority in the general membership.

The president and/or Youth league supervisor should appoint a nominating committee, which prior to an election develops a slate of officers from those choosing to run for office. Each league must elect a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. The office of secretary and treasurer may be combined. The slate should include one or more candidates for each office.

The league secretary and/or Youth league official must give advance notice of the meeting. This can be by simple written notice or a specified date in the league rules with a reminder announcement. The secretary and/or Youth league official also makes arrangements for a meeting room.

Each office has a separate election to enable an unsuccessful candidate for one position to run for another. The presidential election is first, with the vice president and/or Youth league supervisor presiding. After the nominating committee presents its candidate(s), nominations are accepted from the floor.

When nominations close, members should vote. Absentee and proxy voting are prohibited. Members should use written ballots if there is more than one candidate. Elections for other offices follow in the same manner, with the president and/or Youth league supervisor presiding.

Officers are elected by majority vote. A majority vote is more than one-half of the votes cast by those members entitled to vote, excluding blanks or abstentions. For example, if 19 votes are cast, a majority is 10.

ELECTIONS

At the meeting and after the ballots are counted for each election, the sergeant-at-arms, chairman of the tellers committee or Youth league official reports:

If a candidate receives a majority vote, the presiding officer declares the winner of each election. Meeting minutes should reflect the number of votes cast, and names and number of votes each individual receives.

1. Nominations do not require a second.

2. Nominating committee reports are accepted by the league and do not require a motion and second.

3. A nominating committee member may be nominated.

4. The league president and candidates nominated for election are entitled to vote.

5. An election takes effect immediately if the candidate is present and does not decline, or if they are absent and

have consented to their candidacy. However if an election is held before the league schedule ends, the current officers continue in office until the conclusion of the season. At that time, the new officers begin their terms of office.

USBC allows all members to attend and vote at the local association membership meetings. Upon notification, each league secretary should notify all USBC league members of the date, time and location of the membership meeting.

For Youth associations, attendance is open to all members. Voting members, officers, directors and Youth

Representatives must be at least 14 years of age, unless state laws mandate a specific age.

a. Each youth league is entitled to one adult representative and one youth representative who must be at least 14 years of age, unless state laws mandate a specific age. A league is not eligible for representation if it has not submitted a USBC league application.

b. A center having at least one USBC youth league is entitled to one Youth Representative.

c. The following individuals can be considered for Youth Representatives/alternates:

1) Members of a USBC youth league.

2) Youth Leaders.

3) Youth league officials (i.e. supervisors, officials, coaches, etc.).

Youth Representatives, voting officers and directors of this association, at least 14 years of age (unless state laws mandate a specific age) have voice and vote. Members not meeting the above stated criteria may attend with voice only.

20 – ELECTIONS b o w l . c o m

b o w l . c o m MANAGING FUNDS – 21

USBC provides free bonding, burglary/robbery insurance to leagues. They are two valuable services that cover funds when:

When using an in-house deposit service, the messenger is the bowling center employee who takes the deposit to a banking institution.

To ensure leagues receive full coverage under the USBC insurance program:

If a league fails to follow the above procedures, the bonding program only will cover a maximum of 50 percent of the documented loss on a bond claim and one week’s receipts (up to $2,000) for a burglary or robbery.

Other facts about USBC bonding, burglary and holdup insurance:

FUNDS

Leagues should always be concerned about taxes.

Leagues may follow these guidelines:

The form also can be downloaded at IRS.gov. Officers do not have to fill out the form every year if the league continues.

22 – MANAGING FUNDS b o w l . c o m

As President you have a crucial responsibility to your league to verify the league funds. As listed in the USBC Playing

Rules book, one of your duties is to personally verify the league’s bank balance monthly.

“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.

This worksheet is to assist you in making this responsibility easier. We suggest you make several copies for each of your monthly verifications.

Bowler weekly fee X X $ 11

Amount collected = = $ 352

Number of weeks bowled to date X X 5

Amount should be in league account = = $ 635

Additional Collections

50/50 + + $ 230

League fund = = $2,809

Bank balance as of date $2,754

bowlers owe weekly fee

Please note some variables:

It is the President’s responsibility to go to the bank for the monthly statement if not received or to go to the center for a copy of the in-center league activity.

b o w l . c o m MANAGING FUNDS – 23

24 b o w l . c o m

b o w l . c o m MANAGING FUNDS – 25

DATE DESCRIPTION DEPOSIT DEBIT BALANCE

June 1 Balance from previous season. $28.17

Aug. 10 Franchise fee from 12 teams at $50 each. $600 $628.17

Sept. 10 Lineage payment (week #1) – check #077. $195 $433.17

Sept. 11 Membership fees (60 x $10) and League fees (week #1). $900 $1333.17

Sept. 11 Membership fees to local association – check #078. $600 $733.17

Sept. 17 Lineage payment (week #2) – check #079. $195 $538.17

Oct. 2 League fees (week #4). $300 $1108.17

Oct. 2 Hall of Fame Tourn. fees collected. $60 $1168.17

Oct. 2 Hall of Fame Tourn. fees to Assn. – check #082. $60 $1108.17

Oct. 8 Lineage payment (week #5) – check #083. $195 $913.17

Oct. 9 League fees (week #5) 3 short on team #5. $285 $1198.17

Oct. 15 Lineage payment (week #6) – check #084 $195 $1003.17

Oct. 16 League fees (week #6) 3 short on team #5. $285 $1288.17

Oct. 22 Lineage payment (week #7) – check #085 $195 $1093.17

Oct. 23 League fees (week #7) and shortages from teams. $330 $1423.17

Oct. 23 Deposit for holiday party – check #086 $100 $1323.17

Tuesday Night 850

Name of League

1

2

3

1

2

3

4

4

5

4

5

5

5

6

6

A check was written on the night of bowling to the bowling center for lineage. All withdrawals must be co-signed by two officers of the league.

League fees and individual membership fees were deposited the following day after bowling.

A check was written to the local association for individual membership fees the following day after collecting the fees.

League participated in charity tournament and fees were deposited the following day. A check also was written the following day to the association which conducted the tournament locally. Tournament scores also were submitted.

Shortages were allowed for two weeks. (This is not recommended. The league should insist that all bowlers pay their fees on the night of bowling or in advance.)

A check was written for the league’s holiday party. All expenditures of this nature are approved by the league’s board of directors and/or youth league supervisor/official. Again, two signatures must appear on the check for withdrawals.

26 – MANAGING FUNDS b o w l . c o m

DATE DESCRIPTION DEPOSIT DEBIT BALANCE

Name of League

6 Team League

This statement can be used to determine your league’s estimated budget, the estimated amount for the prize fund,

verification of the league account and the end of season financial statement.

INCOME:

Beginning balance $10.64

League fees ($168.00 x 24 weeks) $4,032.00

Weekly fees ($7.00 x 24 bowlers) $168.00

Substitute Fees ($2.00 x 24 bowlers) $48.00

USBC ADULT DUES ($18.00 x 12 bowlers) $216.00

USBC YOUTH DUES ($16.00 x 12 bowlers) $192.00

Sweeper/ Trophy fees ($1.00 x 24 bowlers) $24.00

TOTAL INCOME: $4,690.64

EXPENSES:

Lineage ($120.00 x 24 weeks) $2,880.00

Weekly lineage ($5.00 x 24 bowlers) $120.00

Secretary fee ($9.60 x 24 weeks) $230.40

Weekly fee ($.40 x 24 bowlers) $9.60

Sweeper Prizes $72.00

Sweeper fees $24.00

Substitute fees $48.00

USBC DUES $408.00

Trophies $100.00

Misc. Expense (Postage, paper, envelopes) $15.34

EXPENSE SUBTOTAL: $3,907.34

Prize fund:

*Team Prizes/Awards $600.00

*Individual Prizes/Awards $200.00

END of SEASON BALANCE: $16.90*

b o w l . c o m MANAGING FUNDS – 27

28 – AWARDS b o w l . c o m

USBC provides recognition for various bowling achievements.

The completed League Application should be forwarded to the local bowling association. The local association will

enter and transmit the league data to USBC. Once the data is processed, a League Award Kit is shipped to the

league secretary.

The USBC League Award Kit includes awards for league champions, most improved average and high series.

League secretaries have the responsibility of applying for USBC recognized achievements for their league members.

The completed application is forwarded to the local association where the data is processed. The information is

transmitted to USBC.

High Score awards are fulfilled nationally while Special Achievement awards are fulfilled locally with the award

inventory supplied to the association. Awards are issued once per season per achievement, however additional

achievements earned during the season should be added to the member’s personal record

Currently, High Score bowling achievements earned after August 1, 1998, are displayed under the bowler’s record

on bowl.com. Special achievement records are available per request, but not displayed.

The awards programs recognizes the following achievements:

AWARDS

During each fiscal year, an award will be issued by USBC to each member of the team who bowls the highest

scratch game and series scores in the nation for men only, women only, mixed and youth teams. See Rule 51c

for classifications and additional information.

All Baker System teams 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.

7-10 – Conversion of the 7-10 split.

Big Four Split – Conversion of the 4-6-7-10 split.

All Spare Game – Ten consecutive spares in a single game.

Dutch 200 Game – A game of alternating strikes and spares with a game total of 200.

Triplicate Series – Three consecutive games of the same score in a series.

The following applies to any award earned based on average:

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.

b o w l . c o m AWARDS – 29

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.

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. See Rule 54a.

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 bowls the highest series during the season.

See Rule 54b

Scores of: 300 games; an 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.

The league secretary shall notify the local association within 48 hours and submit a completed high score award

application within 20 days. See Rule 51e.

30 – AWARDS b o w l . c o m

b o w l . c o m AWARDS – 31

MA0029 07-08

Forward this application to your local bowling association within 20 days.

Competition Type

Center Name:

Center Address:

Center #:

Competition Name: Competition #:

Competition Official Name:

Competition Official’s Signature:

Phone: E-mail:

National ID#:

Date Bowled:

Member’s Assn. Name: Assn. Number:

✗

–

Phone: E-mail:

National ID#:

Date Bowled:

Member’s Assn. Name: Assn. Number:

–

Phone: E-mail:

National ID#:

Date Bowled:

Member’s Assn. Name: Assn. Number:

–

32 – AWARDS b o w l . c o m

SB0014 07-08

Forward this application to your local bowling association within 20 days.

Competition Type

Center Name:

Center Address:

Center #:

Competition Name: Competition #:

Competition Official:

Competition Official’s Signature:

Phone: E-mail:

National ID#:

Date Bowled:

Bowler’s Assn. Name: Assn. Number:

✗

–

Phone: E-mail:

National ID#:

Date Bowled:

Bowler’s Assn. Name: Assn. Number:

–

b o w l . c o m AWARDS – 33

MA0028 07-08

of 300, 900 or 800 score. Applications must be submitted to local association within 20 days of score.

Competition Type

Center Name: Center #:

Center Address:

Competition Name:

Competition Official:

Competition #:

Bowler’s Name:

Bowler’s Address: Date of Birth:

Bowler’s Signature:

E-mail: Day Phone: ( )

National ID#:

Bowled with:

Gender:

Date Bowled:

* Youth bowlers will be issued medals for all honor scores however, the above awards

are available for purchase.

** Please see bowl.com for pricing and ordering information.

Please ship award to:

Member’s Assn. Name: Assn. Number:

Approval can be found on bowl.com.

(299 or less)

Competition Official Signature:

by style: Majestic 3-15; Monarch 7-18; Regal 3-15; Royal 9-18. Please

REQUIRED FOR ALL RINGS.

✗

✗

Were all rules observed when score was bowled?

Siladium Ring (Size ______) Siladium Ring (Size ______)

Gold Ring (Size ______)** Gold Ring (Size ______)**

Watch Watch

Donate Donate

34 – AWARDS b o w l . c o m

SB0011 07-08

Approval can be found on bowl.com.

Medal (298 or less)

48 hours of 300, 299, 900 or 800 score. Applications must be submitted to local association within 20 days of score.

Competition Type

Center Name: Center #:

Center Address:

Competition Name:

Competition Official:

Competition #:

Bowler’s Name:

Bowler’s Address: Date of Birth:

Bowler’s Signature:

E-mail: Day Phone: ( )

Bowler’s Assn. Name: Assn. Number:

National ID#:

Bowled with:

Gender:

Date Bowled:

* Youth members who throw more than one 300 game in a season will receive a scholarship for each additional 300 game.

** 300 game ring is an “add-a-stone” ring. A diamond can be added for each additional Sport Bowling 300 game shot.

Please ship award to:

Competition Official Signature:

Gold Upgrade Ring (Size ______)

✗

✗

b o w l . c o m AWARDS – 35

MA0030 07-08

Please print the bowlers’ names and scores in line-up position. Verify

membership of all team members.

Team members bowling the highest game or series nationwide, between Aug. 1

and July 31, will receive recognition upon the completion of the season.

League secretary/tournament manager must notify local association within 48 hours of team score. Application

applications for team score achievements by Sept. 1, in order to receive recognition.

Please ship award to:

Team Type

Captain’s Name:

Team Name:

Team Sponsor:

1.

National ID#:

Competition Official Signature:

E-mail:

Gender:

Date Bowled:

Team

Score:

2.

National ID#:

Gender:

3.

National ID#:

Gender:

4.

National ID#:

Gender:

5.

National ID#:

Gender:

Competition Type

Center Name:

Center Address:

Center #:

Competition Name: Competition #:

Competition Official:

Youth Team Score Requirement Adult Team Score Requirement

Game Series Game Series Game Series Game Series Game Series Game Series Game Series Game Series

2-Player 140 420 200 600 260 780 350 1050 420 1260 550 1550 500 1350 525 1500

3-Player 210 630 300 900 390 1170 525 1575 630 1890 825 2250 725 2075 750 2200

4-Player 280 840 400 1200 520 1560 700 2100 840 2520 1050 2900 950 2750 1000 2800

5-Player 350 1050 500 1500 650 1950 875 2625 1050 3150 1325 3700 1175 3425 1250 3600

36 – AWARDS b o w l . c o m

MA0031 07-08

Please print the bowlers’ names and scores in line-up position. Verify membership of all team members.

League secretary/tournament manager must notify local association within 48 hours of team score.

Application form must be mailed to local association within 20 days of score.

Please ship award to:

Team Type

Captain’s Name:

Team Name:

Team Sponsor:

1. National ID#:

Competition Official Signature:

E-mail:

Serial Number on Ball:

Date Bowled:

Team

2. National ID#: Serial Number on Ball:

3. National ID#: Serial Number on Ball:

4. National ID#: Serial Number on Ball:

5. National ID#: Serial Number on Ball:

Competition Type

Center Name:

Center Address:

Center #:

Competition Name: Competition #:

Competition Official:

b o w l . c o m 37

38 b o w l . c o m

b o w l . c o m ALTERNATIVE FORMATS – 39

You may wish to add some variety to your league play by considering some of these popular alternative formats.

All can be USBC leagues. If you have any questions concerning the application of these formats, contact Rules at

USBC Headquarters (ext. 3155).

The Baker System format places emphasis on the team effort rather than individual accomplishments of team

members. All team members follow each other in regular order to bowl a single game. For a 5-player team, Player

#1 bowls frames 1 and 6; #2 bowls 2 and 7; #3 bowls 3 and 8; #4 bowls 4 and 9; and #5 bowls the 5th and

10th frames. The order of bowling is set by the team captain and may be adjusted at the conclusion of any game.

There are two types of no-tap formats commonly used, and the league board of directors must determine by rule

which procedure will be followed.

1. A strike is recorded when an individual knocks down a designated number of pins or all ten pins on the first

delivery. For any other pin count, the individual receives the actual value and a second delivery is required.

2. A strike is recorded when an individual leaves a specific pin(s) (such as a 5-pin or a 7-pin) or knocks down all

ten pins on the first delivery. If any other pin(s) remain standing, the bowler receives the actual value and a

second delivery is required.

In a 3-6-9 league, each bowler automatically receives a strike in the third, sixth and ninth frames of each game

designated by league rule.

League competition in which a supplemental fee is charged and scores bowled in other USBC competition are

compared to qualify for prizes in one common prize list.

Any combination of two bowlers is allowed. A three-game series is bowled with Bowler A bowling first in each frame

and Bowler B bowling at whatever pins are left. If a strike is bowled, the same bowler would continue. Bowler A

starts the first and third games, Bowler B starts the second game. Scoring is the same as regulation tenpins.

Bowler A would roll the last ball. If no strike on the second ball, Bowler B rolls the last ball.

Since the second player only bowls if pins remain standing after the lead-off bowler’s delivery, it is possible that

the lead-off player could bowl the entire game without the second player participating in the game.

FORMATS

40 – SPORT BOWLING

b o w l . c o m

Many USBC members are looking for new, exciting and challenging bowling experiences. Bowling is a lifetime

passion for many because they enjoy competing against both opposing bowlers and themselves.

USBC Sport Bowling — an optional level of league and tournament play conducted on challenging lane conditions —

offers bowlers a chance to try a new challenge and satisfy their competitive nature. Sport Bowling promotes the

credibility of the sport and is recognized as the competitive standard in bowling today. Almost every premier

bowling tournament — including all Professional Bowlers Association events — are contested on Sport Bowling lane

conditions.

Whether or not you’re a high-average bowler, Sport Bowling can help you improve and refine your game. It is

designed for bowlers who want to improve their accuracy, make consistent shots, develop the ability to adjust to

changing lane conditions and possess a strong mental makeup. You can determine where your weaknesses lie

and what you need to do to correct them.

Sport Bowling members are taking advantage of many exclusive benefits they receive for their Sport Bowling dues,

such as additional tournament opportunities, unique awards, national score postings, instructional tips, discounts and

rebate coupons from many bowling manufacturers. They can also read latest news and feature articles on the Sport

Bowling section of bowl.com.

Despite the fact that Sport Bowlers may see a decrease in average, it will make them better bowlers. By competing

on Sport Bowling’s challenging lane conditions (including the Denny’s PBA Tour oil pattern) that require more focus

on consistent technique and spare shooting, many Sport Bowling members are seeing noticeable, significant

improvements in their games, which is translating into higher tournament scores and more prize winnings.

Sport Bowlers are enthusiastic about their experience. Most said they joined a Sport Bowling league for the challenge

and as they bowled on the condition, they discovered their game was improving. The hard evidence is seen when

Sport Bowlers have put their skills to use under tournament conditions.

Additional reasons for a league to bowl on Sport Bowling conditions include:

and most of today’s elite tournaments

BOWLING

Organizing an official Sport Bowling league is easier than you may think. It’s not too late for your league to get on

board for the upcoming season.

The best time to start is at the beginning of the season. However, Sport Bowling membership upgrades are available

for current standard members and your league can step up to a Sport Bowling league after the beginning of the

season. Just remember that separate averages will have to be maintained. For more information contact us…we’re

ready to help!

What steps are needed?

The key is getting together with your proprietors, bowlers and local association officials and certifying a league as

an official Sport Bowling league. Then visit bowl.com, click on the “Forms/Manuals” link and follow the

directions or call USBC Headquarters at (800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3177.

By stepping up to the challenge, Sport Bowling members have displayed their tremendous passion and commitment

to remain informed about the game they love. Through the Sport Bowling section of bowl.com, Sport Bowlers can

take advantage of the items listed above, plus the following:

Visit the Sport Bowling section of bowl.com or call (800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3177. Remember — it’s never too late to

step up to the challenge.

b o w l . c o m SPORT BOWLING – 41

42 – SPECIAL PROGRAMS b o w l . c o m

Every USBC Youth member is entitled to participate in the league qualifying level of the Pepsi USBC Youth

Championships, with the possibility to advance to state and national levels of the competition. The USBC Youth

members 12 and older must select whether they will compete in the scratch or handicap division; all 11 and

younger bowlers play in handicap competition. Youth league supervisors and officials must run Pepsi USBC Youth

Championships league qualifiers in accordance with the league qualifying information provided by their local

association manager or state Pepsi tournament director. A complete list of state Pepsi tournament directors is

posted on bowl.com.

At the state level, every year approximately $300,000 in scholarships are awarded nationwide. From the state

level, scratch division finalists advance to compete in the USBC Junior Gold Championships, while age 12 and

older handicap division finalists face off in the international finals of the Pepsi USBC Youth Championships.

More than $115,000 in college scholarships are awarded at these two annual championship events.

For more information, see the Pepsi USBC Youth Championships pages on bowl.com, call (800) 514-BOWL,

ext. 3171 or e-mail USBCyouthchampionships@bowl.com.

The USBC Junior Gold Program was developed to encourage high-average youth

bowlers to maintain an interest in USBC Youth bowling, help them refine their

skills, and create more opportunities to earn scholarships at Gold events and at

the USBC Junior Gold Championships. The Junior Gold Program helps athletes

build a lifelong loyalty to the sport as they continue to progress to higher

recreational and competitive levels.

To apply for Junior Gold membership, USBC Youth bowlers must have a minimum USBC average of 165 for girls

or 175 for boys and pay the Junior Gold membership fee. Athletes may join the Junior Gold Program at any time

through the season. Junior Gold membership is valid for one year from the date of purchase (i.e., May 2007 through

May 2008) and includes a Sport Bowling upgrade of their regular membership as well as a year’s free

downloaded from bowl.com. For more information on Junior Gold membership, call (800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3171.

Gold qualifying events (leagues and tournaments) are run to provide Gold members with additional chances for

scholarship awards and to earn an entry into the USBC Junior Gold Championships. (Scratch divisions of state

level competitions of the Pepsi USBC Youth Championships are automatically registered as Gold events.)

Interested in running a Gold event for high-average youth bowlers in your area? Refer to the USBC Junior Gold

Program Handbook delivered to centers and local USBC associations or download a copy of the handbook from

the Junior Gold pages of bowl.com. Call (800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3171 or e-mail USBCjuniorgold@bowl.com for

further information.

PROGRAMS

USBC Coaching provides quality training programs, instructional tools, and service for bowling instructors, coaches

and the bowling community.

USBC Coaching certification is available for individuals interested in coaching youth and/or adult bowlers at the

following levels:

For more information on coaching opportunities or to view a variety of instructional materials available

to teach bowlers of all skill levels, please visit the coaching pages of bowl.com or call (800) 514-BOWL,

ext. 3169.

Attract more young people to your bowling program with this colorful 15-page

USBC Youth program organizers. Use the brochure at school meetings, youth fairs,

sports shows and in bowling centers to show the benefits of USBC Youth bowling.

The brochure also is helpful in attracting new coaches or other volunteers to devote

time to youth bowlers in your community.

Determine the quantity of Youth Bowling: The Cool Sport brochures you need

and request your shipment by calling (800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3161 or e-mailing

bowlinfo@bowl.com and specify product number MA0002.

b o w l . c o m SPECIAL PROGRAMS – 43

44 – NATIONAL COMPETITION b o w l . c o m

The United States Bowling Congress Open Championships is the world’s

largest participatory sporting event consisting of team, doubles and singles

competition, plus optional all-events. The event is conducted in an arena

or convention center setting, allowing USBC members to experience

competition in a stadium-like atmosphere.

Open to all USBC adult members (except PBA Touring professionals), the

open championships has two divisions — Classified for bowlers with 180

and under averages (360 combined doubles average; 900 combined team

average) while the Regular Division is for those who average 181 and higher.

Attracting 60,000 to 90,000 participants annually, the tournament features

prize funds exceeding $4.5 million.

The Championship Tournament is held at the National Bowling Stadium

in Reno, Nev., every third year and in select cities nationwide during

non-Reno years.

The United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships is the world’s

largest bowling tournament for women. The annual tournament attracts tens

of thousands of women bowlers from every U.S. state and Canada as well

as other international participants competing for an estimated prize fund in

excess of $2 million.

Women of all ages and levels of ability are seeded into one of five divisions:

Classic for bowlers with averages of 190 and above; Division 1 for averages

of 170-189; Division 2 for averages of 150-169; Division 3 for averages of

131-149; and Division 4 for averages of 130 and below. Division 4 was

created in 2003 to give lower-average bowlers an opportunity to compete

with other bowlers of similar abilities for prize money and international

championships.

The Championship Tournament is held at the National Bowling Stadium

in Reno, Nev., every third year and in select cities nationwide during

non-Reno years.

TOURNAMENTS

The ultimate in amateur competition is to become a member of Team USA

or Junior Team USA and represent the United States in international

competition. The adult team is selected from the participants at the USBC

Team USA Championships each winter. The top five finishers, both men and

women, automatically make the team and the national selection committee

adds up to three additional members for each team. The youth team is

selected in the same way at the USBC Junior Gold Championships each

summer.

The USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships, held in April, is the pinnacle

event of the college bowling season. The ITC brings together the top 16

men’s and top 16 women’ s teams in the country to compete for national

titles on national television.

Teams advance to the USBC Intercollegiate Team Championships by being

among the top four finishers in their respective division at one of four sectional

competitions, which take place in March. Sectional assignments are

based on the Team Ranking System points earned in USBC Collegiate competition

throughout the season.

The USBC Intercollegiate Singles Championships, which debuted in May

2004, features the top 16 male and top 16 female collegiate bowlers in

the country competing for individual national titles. The event replaced the

Association of College Unions International National Championships as the

premier individual college bowling event supported by USBC Collegiate.

Qualifying for the national finals is held at the four USBC Intercollegiate

Team Championships Sectional Qualifier sites. The top four finishers in each

division (male and female) at each site advance to the USBC Intercollegiate

Singles Championships.

The United States Bowling Congress Masters is one of professional bowling’s

richest and most prestigious events and one of the four majors on the

Professional Bowlers Association Tour.

Open to USBC members who hold at least a 190 average, the Masters features

more than 500 of the sport’s top professional and amateur players

who compete for an estimated $350,000 prize fund.

b o w l . c o m NATIONAL COMPETITION – 45

The Masters consists of 15 games of qualifying with the top 63 players

joining the defending champion in double-elimination match play to

determine the finalists for the televised stepladder finals.

The United States Bowling Congress Senior Masters is one of professional

bowling’s richest and most prestigious senior events.

Open to USBC members who hold at least a 190 average and who are at

least 50 years old, the Senior Masters features more than 300 of the sport’s

top professional and amateur players who compete for a prize fund of

approximately $140,000.

The Masters consists of qualifying and double-elimination match play

competition.

The Senior Masters adopts the same format as the regular Masters, except

the double-elimination match play format determines the champion.

The USBC Queens showcases the world’s top women bowlers who

compete for the richest and most prestigious title in women’s bowling.

A field of approximately 300 bowlers competes in regular format qualifying

with the top 63 scorers plus the defending champion advancing to doubleelimination

match play finals. The field is ultimately narrowed to the top five

for the televised finals

Open to adult USBC female members, the 2006 Queens featured a

$200,000 prize fund with $30,000 going to the winner. The winner also

receives a jeweled tiara, diamond pendant necklace and crystal trophy.

The USBC Senior Queens attracts some of the world’s top women bowlers

age 50 and over.

The Senior Queens, which began in 2000, is conducted concurrently with

the Queens and features a similar qualifying and double-elimination match

play format.

The Senior Queens champion also receives prize money, a jeweled tiara, a

crystal trophy and seeding into the next year’s Queens.

46 – NATIONAL COMPETITION

b o w l . c o m

b o w l . c o m NATIONAL COMPETITION – 47

Senior bowlers become eligible for the United States Bowling Congress

Senior Championships by entering their state association senior tournaments.

To be eligible for the Senior Championships, a bowler must have won the

state association senior handicap all-events division in his/her respective

age division. Each state association is permitted to send a maximum of

five participants for the open division (male or female) and five female

participants for the women’s division. The five age classes are (Super

Seniors: 75 and over, Class A: 70-74, Class B: 65-69, Class C: 60-64 and

Class D: 55-59).

The USBC Senior Championships is a handicap singles event which consists

of six games of qualifying and a stepladder final to determine the champion.

Bowlers interested in entering their state senior tournaments should contact

their respective state associations.

USBC Youth members who also join USBC’s Junior Gold Program may earn

their entry in the USBC Junior Gold Championships through their superior

performance in a Gold Qualifying Event. Contested on challenging Sport

Bowling lane conditions, the USBC Junior Gold Championships features over

1,300 of the best youth bowlers in the United States. At stake in this scratch

competition is approximately $80,000 in college scholarships, individual

national titles, and berths on USBC Junior Team USA.

The Pepsi USBC Youth Championships is one of bowling’s premier international

competitions for USBC Youth members. All USBC Youth members

compete in league qualifying competitions in either scratch or handicap

divisions with the chance to advance ultimately to the international finals.

At the state/zone level, every year approximately $300,000 in scholarships

are awarded nationwide. From the state/zone level, scratch division finalists

advance to compete in the USBC Junior Gold Championships, while age 12

and older handicap division finalists face off in the international finals of the

Pepsi USBC Youth Championships. Approximately 200 handicap division

athletes compete in this annual event for $20,000 in college scholarships in

two average-based divisions each for boys and girls. Youth league supervisors

and officials must run Pepsi USBC Youth Championships league qualifiers in

accordance with the league qualifying information provided by their local

association manager or state Pepsi tournament director. A complete list of

state/zone Pepsi tournament directors is posted on bowl.com.

A new national scholarship tournament, the USBC Youth Open

Championships, is set to debuted last summer as the first truly national

youth competition that does not require earlier success in qualifying events

at league, interscholastic, regional or state levels. All USBC Youth members

are eligible to enter!

The 2008 USBC Youth Open Championships will be conducted July 7-15

(unless extended) in Detroit, which also is the site of the 2008 USBC Junior

Gold Championships July 5-11 and 2008 Pepsi USBC Youth Championships

July 14-16. Athletes bowling in either the Gold or the Pepsi also may bowl

in the new USBC Youth Open Championships, along with their friends and

siblings who are USBC Youth members.

The USBC Youth Open Championships will be conducted at Skore Lanes

and include four-player team, doubles, singles and all events competition

in four average divisions. Boys and girls will compete together, except for

all-events which will have separate boys and girls divisions. Teams and

doubles pairs may be mixed or all the same gender.

The 2007 Storm National Mixed Tournament, presented by USBC, is

conducted at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev., during selected

weekends in August, October, and November. The Mixed Tournament

consists of mixed team (2 men and 2 women), mixed doubles (1 man

and 1 woman) and singles (separate men’s and women’s divisions) and

all-events. The Festival of Bowling events include open trios (3-person teams

any combination), open doubles ( 2-person teams any combination), senior

doubles (2-person teams ages 50 and over — any combination), senior

singles (age 50 and over — separate men’s and women’s divisions) and

adult/youth doubles (1 adult and 1 youth). There are separate handicap

and scratch divisions in each event with their own entry fee and prize fund.

For entry information, call (800) 304-2695 or visit

nationalmixed.com.

48 – NATIONAL COMPETITION

b o w l . c o m

b o w l . c o m USBC OFFICIAL CHARITIES – 49

Bowl for the Cure is a nationwide breast cancer awareness and fund-raising

initiative conducted in partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Through the efforts of bowlers, more than $6 million has been raised

since Bowl for the Cure was launched in 2000. Members are encouraged

to participate in February, which is Bowl for the Cure month, however,

events may be held at any time of year. League secretaries will receive a

special participation packet that includes ideas for fun fund-raising activities

that can be held during regular league sessions. Also included are sample

pledge sheets, tax receipts, merchandise info, breast health basics, and a

handy pink envelope for reporting and submitting your group's donation.

Leagues that participate in Bowl for the Cure fund-raising activities will

be recognized on the Bowl for the Cure section of bowl.com. For more

information, visit the Bowl for the Cure section of bowl.com or call

(800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3125. Learn more about Susan G. Komen for

Bowlers can honor a military man or woman — active duty, reservist or

veteran, living or deceased — through Operation Honor Force. Participation

in Operation Honor Force is easy: an individual or group chooses a level

of contribution and makes a donation in the honoree’s name. Contributing

individuals or groups have the opportunity to share why they selected their

honoree. The name of the service man or woman is posted on the BVL Web site and a note acknowledging the

contribution is sent to the honoree or his or her family.

In 1942, the sport of bowling organized the Bowlers to Veterans Link and made a promise to our nation’s military

men and women — we won’t forget them. Since then, that commitment has been cemented with more than $30

million to support hundreds of recreational and therapeutic programs and services for active duty military, veterans,

and their families. Funds collected through Operation Honor Force will help sustain these critical, on-going programs.

Call (301) 881-8333 or visit bowlforveterans.org for an Operation Honor Force contribution form.

CHARITIES

Scholarship Management and Accounting Reports for Tenpins

This United States Bowling Congress program began operation in August, 1994. The program offers the bowling

community a centralized location to manage their bowling scholarship funds, as well as providing USBC members

a resource for inquires about bowling scholarships. Participating in this program is at no cost to our members

and/or organizations.

It is easy to enroll in the SMART program. Just fill out and send us this enrollment form.

That’s it, but make sure you fill out the form completely. When we receive the form, we

will assign and notify you of your new SMART account number. For your convenience,

this account number should be referenced in all future correspondence or contact with

the SMART program staff.

scholarships to forward those funds for deposit with the SMART program

and/or print a copy of the manual at bowl.com or if you do not have access to the Web, just contact us at

(800) 514-BOWL, ext 3168 and we will send you a copy. If you have any questions or problems in your review

of the procedures, they can also be resolved by contacting us at the above telephone number.

50 – SMART ENROLLMENT FORM b o w l . c o m

League or Tournament Name:

League or Tournament Certification Number:

League or Tournament Contact Person:

Daytime Telephone: ( )

E-mail Address:

Address:

Signature:

✗

b o w l . c o m ADULT LEAGUE RULES – 51

Other options may be available as provided in the rules outlined in Chapter 4 of the USBC Playing Rules book. Other rules

may be added, but cannot in any way conflict with USBC Rules.

The ___________________________________ League will bowl on ______________ (day of week) at __________ am/pm at ______________________________

(name of bowling center). The league will have a scheduled starting date of _________ and a scheduled ending date of _________ and will

participate for a total of _________ weeks. The league will not bowl on the following dates: _________________________________________________ .

will be placed in the last segment.

directors/full membership (select one) adopts the league rules. (Refer to USBC Rules 103a, 103b, and 122)

President ____________________________________________________ Vice President ____________________________________________________

Secretary ______________________________________________________ Treasurer _________________________________________________________

Sgt.-at-Arms _________________________________________________

The names of players, as well as any changes in the roster during the season, are to be reported by the team captain to the league secretary

before a player competes.

$ __________ is for the secretary/treasurer’s salary, and the balance of $__________ to be placed in the league account. Games shall be forfeited

by any team whose participating members are not current in league fee payments. The secretary’s salary shall be paid at the completion of

the league schedule.

the franchise for the next season by _____________________ (date). (Refer to USBC Rule 104b)

the account may only be made with the joint signatures of at least two officers as designated by the league board of directors. The league

president shall verify the account monthly.

directors/full membership (select one) within five weeks after the start of the schedule. (Refer to USBC Rule 117a)

All league members must bowl at least 2/3 of the league’s scheduled games to be eligible for individual league prizes or awards. (Refer to

USBC Rule 117b, Item 2a). Special individual/team high series and game prizes shall be awarded on a scratch/handicap basis.

1. Average established in this league last season, based on 21 games or more.

2. Highest average from the previous season in any USBC league, based on 21 games or more.

3. Current average from another USBC league, based on 21 games or more.

4. Bowlers who do not have a qualifying average outlined in items a-c will establish their average the first session they bowl.

5. The maximum entering average per team is _________ (delete if this does not apply).

LEAGUE RULES

52 – ADULT LEAGUE RULES b o w l . c o m

between a bowler’s average and a scratch figure of __________. (The scratch figure should be higher than the highest average in the league and

shall not be limited unless otherwise provided by league rule.)

Men $_______________ Women $_______________ Youth $_______________

The league will be certified through USBC. Adult membership fees must be paid before completion of the bowler’s first series.

Youth membership fees must be paid before completion of the bowler’s third session of competition.

Substitutes will/will not be permitted to participate in the league (select one).

Pacers will/will not be permitted to participate in the league (select one).

A substitute or replacement may be a male/female/male or female (select one). (Refer to USBC Rule 107c, Item 6)

members and substitutes (unless league rules provide otherwise) count toward a legal lineup. (Refer to USBC Rule 105a for minimum legal

lineup provision.)

less 10 pins per player to earn the points. (Refer to USBC Rule 110b, Item 2 and 114c)

Handicap will be figured on the average of absent member. The absentee score will be the absent member’s average minus 10 pins. (Unless

otherwise provided by league rule.)

Teams having an incomplete roster (vacancy on the team) will use a score of __________ for the vacant position, which shall be used for the

basis of determining handicap. (Refer to USBC Rule 105d, Items 1a and 1b)

of a postponement committee, the league’s board of directors is responsible for making decisions on all prebowl/postponement requests.

Teams may request to bowl unopposed before or after a regularly scheduled match. All requests must be made through the league at least 48

hours in advance of the scheduled league session except for emergencies. Procedures outlined in Rule 111a-g must be followed. (See USBC

Rule 111c for information regarding emergency postponements.)

may be made up. (Refer to USBC Rule 106d)

point(s) awarded for the high team series in each match.

accordance with USBC Rule 114a.

b o w l . c o m YOUTH LEAGUE RULES – 53

way conflict with USBC Rules.

The _______________________________________ league will bowl on ______________ (day of week) at ________ am/pm at _______________________________

(name of bowling center). The league will have a scheduled starting date of _________ and a scheduled ending date of _________ and will

participate for a total of _________ weeks. The league will not bowl on the following dates: _________________________________________________.

more information.)

The (supervisor/official/board of directors/membership) adopts these rules. (Refer to USBC Rules 102a, 103a, 103b and 122).

The officers serving on the league board of directors are as follows:

August 1 of the current bowling season. Anyone under suspension by the responsible league official and/or USBC is

ineligible to participate in the league.

league’s account. All league members must pay their bowling fees on time to remain in the league. Award fee will be returned to the bowlers

100% in the form of (scholarships/awards). (Ref. USBC Rule 121)

awards will be awarded on a (handicap/scratch) basis.

All league members must bowl at least two-thirds of the league’s schedule games to be eligible for individual league prizes or awards. (Refer

to USBC Rule 117b, Item 2a).

with two hands. When the bowler changes to a one-hand delivery, they must establish an average using that hand. (Ref. USBC Rule 100g,

Item 3b)

bowler’s average and a scratch figure of ________. (Ref. USBC Rule 100g-1)

LEAGUE RULES

Position Name Home Phone Work Phone

League Supervisor

League Official

President*

Vice President*

Secretary*

Treasurer*

Sgt.-at-arms (optional)

competition. The USBC Membership fee required to participate in the league is $________. (Ref. USBC Rule 101b, Item 2)

may bowl with more than one team for the regularly scheduled games each week. (Ref. USBC Rule 107a)

and substitutes count toward a legal lineup. (Refer to USBC Rule 105a for minimum legal lineup provision.)

less 10 pins per player to earn the points. (Refer to USBC Rule 110b, Item 2 and 114c)

will be figured on the average of absent member. The absentee score will be the absent member’s average minus 10 pins. (Unless otherwise

provided by league rule.)

Teams having an incomplete roster (vacancy on the team) will use the average of the lowest average bowler on the opposing team’s roster.

If two vacancy scores are required, the average of the next-to-the-lowest-average bowler on the opposing team’s roster is used for the second

vacancy score. These averages are the basis for the handicap. (Ref. USBC Rule 105d, Items 2a and 2b)

supervisor, unless authority is granted by an appointed committee or the league official. (Ref. USBC Rule 111e, Item 2)

The league supervisor/official/committee must grant a postponement when a team is unable to field a legal lineup due to reasons beyond

its control.

Team and individual unopposed bowling is/is not allowed and scores are recognized for league awards. (Ref. USBC Rule 111f-7)

may be made up. (Refer to USBC Rule 106d)

point(s) awarded for the high team series in each match.

If all teams in the league have not bowled an equal amount of games, position standings are figured using a percentage basis.

emergency or being prearranged based on a good cause. The league supervisor/official will make the determination. Such scores

will count in deciding the game and bowler’s average, and for qualifying for USBC Youth awards and league awards.

averages or special prizes offered by the league.

averages for all bowlers will be continued.

The first place winners of each segment will bowl in a playoff to decide the league champion.

trophies are awarded for second place, the two second place teams will bowl a playoff

to decide the runner-up position.

trophies are awarded for second place, the second place teams will bowl a playoff to

decide the runner-up. If the same team wins two of the thirds and loses the playoff,

another playoff shall be bowled to decide the champion.

54 – YOUTH LEAGUE RULES b o w l . c o m

b o w l . c o m EVENTS SCHEDULE – 55

2007

Oct. 1:

2008

April 1:

56 – EVENTS SCHEDULE b o w l . c o m

four average-based divisions, open to all USBC Youth members!

Future USBC Open Championships:

Future USBC Women’s Championships: