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.

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.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

30 57 76 85 95 104 124 143 152 180

X X X 7 28 F 9 X 7 9 XX8

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.)

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.

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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 temporarily 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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

with Rule 119.

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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

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.

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.

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

or 115c.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.)

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 acceptable

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.

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