Chapter 6: Certified Tournament Rules

Rule 300 - Tournament

300a. Definition

A tournament is a competition, other than a league, in which the game of American tenpins is played.

Competition can include one or more events.

Total pins will decide the champions and other prize winners in each of the events unless another system, based on merit pinfall, is stated in the tournament rules.

300b. Qualifications

On application to USBC Headquarters, a tournament certificate will be issued provided:

1. A copy of the entry form, tournament rules and advertising material is submitted with the tournament application prior to the start of the tournament. USBC Headquarters will determine the amount of coverage, if any, for tournament applications received after the tournament begins.

2. The tournament consists of two or more teams or a singles tournament of two or more individual entrants.

3. The lanes used are USBC certified for the current season.

4. Competition among entrants in an event, except all-events, is held in the same establishment, except as provided in Rule 302b, Mail-o-Graphic Tournament. When an event is divided into two or more divisions, competition in each division is held in the same establishment, except as provided in Rule 302b, Mail-o-Graphic tournament.

Notification that a tournament is certified, along with the starting and ending dates, will be sent to the local associations involved.

A tournament certificate may be refused if the tournament does not comply with the USBC rules, and/or the number or value of the prizes offered or guaranteed, are misrepresented.

300c. Eligibility

All entrants in a tournament must qualify under the rules of the tournament.

1. With the exception of the following, all participants must hold USBC membership or purchase associate membership prior to participation as indicated in Item 2 below:

a. A moral support tournament (see Rule 301a).

b. Tournaments that allow a participation fee of $5 Adults, $2 Youths. Payment of the fee prior to participation entitles the entrant to participate in that specific tournament only and subjects the bowler to the USBC rules and jurisdiction for that tournament. Participants who pay the participation fee are not eligible for USBC awards.

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c. A youth tournament that accepts all youth bowlers. (This would mean no tournament participation fee would be collected from nonmembers of USBC.) Only those who are USBC Youth members qualify for high score recognition. Only entrants who are USBC members before participation in the tournament are eligible for USBC awards.

2. An individual may apply for associate membership by paying:

a. Adults: National dues ($10) plus the actual dues charged by the state and local association the bowler is joining. When state and local dues are not known, adult associate dues will be $21 ($10 national, $10 local, $1 state).

b. Youths: $14 ($9.50 national, $4 local, $.50 state).

When associate membership is obtained after March 15 of any season, the individual shall become a member for the balance of the current season and the next season.

Only entrants who are USBC members before participation in the tournament are eligible for USBC awards.

Rule 301 – Types of Tournaments

301a. Moral Support

A moral support tournament is one in which the tournament is conducted by a single civic, fraternal, benevolent, military service, union or religious organization. At the discretion of USBC, a tournament may be granted moral support status when:

1. It meets all of the requirements of Rule 300b.

2. Participation is restricted to those affiliated with the organization conducting the tournament.

3. Anyone under suspension from, or who has been refused membership in USBC or CTF, will not be allowed to participate.

4. International competition is provided for the bowlers not served by USBC, as long as the equipment conforms to USBC equipment specifications.

USBC members may participate in a moral support tournament with award recognition automatically extended. Eligible nonmembers may qualify for USBC award recognition by paying USBC associate membership dues before participation.

301b. Adult/Youth

An adult/youth tournament is one in which youth members bowl with adults and awards to both adult and youth bowlers conform with USBC Youth Membership Eligibility Rule 400. An adult/youth tournament may:

1. Adopt a rule to allow an adult’s score to be matched to several youths’ scores for the purpose of determining doubles totals. When allowed, all entries must be submitted with the corresponding fees, prior to the adult’s participation. Handicap will be added if applicable.

2. Certify only the youth portion of the tournament and not require the adults to be members of USBC or pay the participation fee. Youth entrants who are USBC members before participation in the tournament are eligible for USBC awards.

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301c. Scholarship

All USBC tournament applications must contain the following:

1. List of scholarship prizes being awarded.

2. Tournament rules and entry forms.

All scholarship tournaments must deposit its scholarship prize awards with the SMART program within 30 days after the end of the tournament.

301d. Pro-Am

Pro-am style tournaments conducted for a charitable organization, or in conjunction with a USBC tournament, may be granted a certificate under the following conditions:

1. Participants who are identified as professionals by tournament management may not share in the amateur prize distribution.

2. The score of the professional or organization member counts with the score of each designated amateur.

3. All other USBC rules apply to the competition, including tournament reporting requirements.

A pro-am style format in which pin count is conceded either to the amateur or professional can be certified by USBC as a modified format.

Rule 302 – Modified Formats

302a. Definition

USBC may certify tournament competition in which a modified game of American tenpins is played.

All USBC equipment specifications shall apply to such competition, and the rules for USBC tournaments shall apply insofar as practical.

USBC may permit modifications or variations in team play formats for the purposes of exhibition events, television bowling or playoff matches resulting from USBC tournament competition in the qualifying rounds.

The results of such events should be included in the tournament’s prize or awards programs. Only scores bowled using the standard American tenpin scoring system, as described in Rule 2a, qualify for USBC awards.

Members are not eligible for any award based on his/her average.

302b. Mail-o-Graphic Tournament

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

1. All scores are submitted to the tournament manager who enters the scores and determines team and/or individual standings.

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2. All scores used are from certified competition.

3. USBC will certify such tournaments provided:

a. All USBC equipment specifications apply.

b. All rules for USBC tournaments shall apply insofar as applicable.

c. Application must designate tournament as a mail-o-graphic tournament.

4. As the scores used in mail-o-graphic competition are already recognized in the certified competition in which they are actually bowled, they are not eligible for USBC national awards.

Rule 303 - Management

Tournament management has supervisory control of all technical parts of the operation of the tournament including the following:

a Drafting the schedule and prize list.

b. Adopting and enforcing the tournament rules, provided they are not in conflict with any USBC rules.

c. Deciding all disputes, complaints or protests involving any USBC or tournament rules, or appeals from the decision of tournament personnel.

d. Deciding any matter about the operation of the tournament, when not inconsistent with the tournament rules or USBC rules.

e. Accepting or rejecting any entrant.

The decision of tournament management shall be final except where an appeal is made to USBC Headquarters. (See Rule 329 for appeal procedures.)

Rule 304 - Authority of Team Captain

The acceptance of an entry by tournament management constitutes an agreement by the captain on behalf of the team to abide by all rules of USBC and the tournament. The captain:

a. Is the team representative and is responsible for:

1. The lineup and conduct of the team in tournament play.

2. Paying each member of the team within 30 days after receiving prize money in accordance with verbal or written agreements.

3. Determining who bowls on the team in the team event. If the captain replaces a player originally entered in the team event, ample notice must be given to the player being replaced. If that player paid the entry fee, it must be returned except that any indebtedness may be withheld.

b. Or an authorized representative may replace any team member who is unable to attend or compete at the scheduled time.

c. Can, prior to bowling, request a replacement in the doubles and/or singles event, if the bowler originally entered agrees to being replaced.

d. Cannot be removed except for a rules violation or for failure to appear to bowl when scheduled.

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Rule 305 – Fees

The management of a USBC tournament must publicize fees separately per event on the entry form and advertising material as follows:

a. Prize/Awards Fee.

b. Expense Fee.

c. Total, per entrant, per event.

Prize and expense fees for all-events and special features may be charged, but must be listed separately.

These, and other collections to qualify for participation, such as donations, subscriptions or banquet fees must be stated on the entry form and advertising material.

Rule 306 – All-Events

Participants in a tournament may be charged an optional fee for an all-events contest when two or more events are scheduled or when two or more tournaments are conducted under the same management. When an all-events fee is charged, the following apply:

a. Expense fees may be charged for participation in an optional all-events contest when in accordance with the requirements in Rule 305.

b. The all-events fee must be paid before the advertised closing date for entries or before the participant bowls any of the events, whichever comes first.

c. An all-events entry can be transferred if the transfer is made before either of the bowlers involved have participated in any event of the tournament.

d. Distribution of prizes shall comply with the formula prescribed for payment of regular position prizes and the ratio of return shall be at least one to 20 or major fraction thereof, unless the tournament rules state another prize ratio. Where a trophy or award, other than cash awards, is offered for the all-events championship, the bowler who places first in all-events is entitled to the award even if the bowler did not pay the optional fee. In such instances, the trophy or award cannot be considered as part of the allevents prize fund, and must be purchased from other funds.

Youth tournaments

e. The all-events fee shall not be greater than the highest awards fee charged for any event of the

tournament.

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Rule 307 – Special Features

Prize fees may be charged for one or more optional special feature events, subject to the following:

a. These events are open to all eligible entrants who qualify in accordance with tournament rules.

b. Expense fees may be charged for participation in an optional special feature contest when published in

accordance with the requirements of Rule 305.

c. Distribution of special feature prizes shall comply with the formula prescribed for payment of regular position prizes, unless otherwise stated in tournament rules.

Rule 308 – Distribution of Prize Funds

The sponsor and management of a USBC tournament undertake a fiduciary obligation that all funds provided by that part of the entry fee designated as prize fee, but not including interest thereon, shall be held in trust for the exclusive benefit of tournament participants. Such funds cannot be used for any other purpose.

All prize money collected in an event or division of an event must be returned to the participants in that event or division of that event, except where replacements or correction of averages require a change of classification. In that case, prizes will be distributed to reflect the actual number of participants in the event or division of the event.

USBC may, at its discretion, require a bond or in lieu thereof, a satisfactory assurance that the prize fund obligations will be met.

The following prize fund requirements apply, unless otherwise provided by tournament rule:

a. The last place prize, including those paid for each last place tie, must be equal to at least the amount of the prize fee in the event.

b. In team, doubles and singles events there shall be at least one prize for each 10 entries or major fraction thereof.

c. If special prizes exceed 25 percent of the prize fund in an event or division of an event, and a bowler or team can qualify for both a special and position prize, all prizes won by a bowler or team count as one prize in determining the ratio of one prize for each 10 entries. Special prizes may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Scratch prizes in a handicap event.

2. Single game prizes.

3. Limited group prizes, such as early bird, average category, sponsor and weekend prizes, etc.

Squad prizes to which all participants in an event are eligible are not defined as special prizes.

d. When there are 100 or more entries in an event or division of an event, first place or the amount spent from the prize fund for a first-place prize, shall not exceed 40 percent of the total prize fund.

Second place must be equal to at least one-half of first place or the amount spent from the prize fund for first place.

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e. When special prizes are offered and a team or individual can win a position and a special prize, the total prize paid to second place shall be at least one-half the combined total of first place plus the special prize of greatest value.

Rule 309 - Prize Payment and Report

The following requirements must be met by tournament management within 30 days after the end of the tournament:

a. Distribute all prizes except when USBC Headquarters has authorized delay in payment.

b. Submit the following to USBC Headquarters:

1. A prize list with the name and score of each prize winner and the prize issued.

2. A financial statement listing all prize receipts and disbursements.

3. Associate membership and participation fees received and a list of those paying such fees.

c. For tournaments with scholarship prizes, in addition to the above requirements, all scholarship prize awards must be forwarded to USBC Headquarters for deposit with the SMART program.

Rule 310 - Entries Close

310a. In Advance

If the date for closing entries is before the opening day of the tournament, the following shall apply:

1. Advance notification of time and date of participation must be given to team captains and individual entrants.

2. All entries postmarked the first post office business day after the entry closing date shall be accepted.

Additional entries for any event shall not be accepted after that date.

3. If a schedule is not published, a complete list of entrants must be available for review upon request.

4. Tournament management cannot show in the schedule “partner,” “reserved” or similar term instead of a team or individual entry.

310b. Prior to Last Squad

When the date for closing of entries is set prior to the time the last squad is scheduled, the tournament management shall:

1. Include in the rules the following:

a. Exact time the last squad is scheduled to start;

b. Exact time for closing of entries.

2. Have the following information available upon request:

a. Number of entries to date;

b. The high score in each event or division of each event.

Tournament management shall not accept additional entries after the closing of entries.

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Rule 311 – Submitting Entries

Acceptance of a written entry by tournament management for one or more events regulates the number of players who are eligible to participate. The entry form must contain the names of the players entered. The required fees must be received by tournament management by the closing date or the time entrants are scheduled to bowl, whichever occurs first.

Rule 312 – Conditions Cannot Change

The conditions under which entries are accepted cannot be changed or modified after the tournament starts, unless otherwise directed by USBC Headquarters. This includes entry fee charges and the rules governing the competition.

Rule 313 – Free or Reduced Entries

When a free or reduced entry is given, an amount equal to the prize fee for such entry must be paid into the tournament prize fund by management.

Rule 314 – No Fees Returned

After an entry has been received, and the dates assigned by tournament management are not refused before preparation of the schedule, the entry fee cannot be refunded.

Rule 315 – Multiple Participation

Unless the tournament rules state otherwise:

a. Participation in each event shall be limited to one time.

b. In order to place more than once in the prize list for positions standings:

1. Five- and four-player team event. At least two players in the lineup must be different.

2. Three-player team and doubles event. At least one player in the lineup must be different.

c. In a singles event, the same individual may not place more than once.

d. The bowler’s first appearance in each event counts toward the all-events total.

Rule 316 – Singles Event Squad

In singles tournaments, a minimum of two entries constitutes a squad and these entries must bowl on the same pair of lanes. If a bowler competes alone as a squad, the score shall be disqualified.

Rule 317 – Handicap – Youth Competition

When tournament winners are determined by using a handicap system, the following requirements must be met:

a. Handicap must be based on a known average prior to the start of competition.

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b. Handicap may not be limited and the full handicap allowance must be given.

c. When handicap is assigned on a game basis, fractions must be dropped prior to determining the

handicap.

d. When handicap is assigned on a series basis, the handicap shall be calculated on the difference of the

player’s series average and the scratch series handicap basis. Rounding up is prohibited.

Rule 318 – Averages – Youth Competition

The following applies to all youth competitors unless tournament rules state otherwise:

a. When a bowler has more than one youth league average, and the individual average is used to determine

the handicap or classification of the bowler or his/her team, the highest USBC youth league average

based on a minimum of nine games shall be used.

b. If an error occurs in the classification of an individual or team, which is detected prior to the awards distribution,

correction to proper placement must be made and the score recalculated, with no penalty,

unless the tournament rules indicate disqualification.

c. Rules 319a and 319c through 319e do not apply.

Rule 319 – Averages

319a. Conditions that Apply

The following conditions apply to averages in handicap or classified tournaments, unless the tournament

rules state otherwise, except that only USBC league averages shall be accepted. (See Rule 319c for average

adjustment.)

1. Individual averages must be based on a minimum of 21 games in a USBC league. Averages established

in USBC leagues which start its schedules after March 15 for the summer season shall be accepted as

official, provided the bowler does not have an acceptable regular season average.

2. When the previous season’s average is used, and at the time of bowling an entrant has a current average

for 21 or more games that is 10 pins or more higher than the prior season’s average, the current

average must be used.

3. Bowlers are responsible for verifying his/her own average, whether submitted by the bowler, the team

captain or others. If the submitted average is lower than required and results in a lower classification or

more handicap, the bowler’s score is disqualified. If the submitted average is higher than required, prize

winnings will be based on the submitted average. In the case of a team of two or more bowlers, the

averages will be combined to determine if the correct total is higher or lower than the submitted total.

4. Average corrections can be made up to the end of the bowler’s first game of a series. Or, if an

extension of time has been granted in writing by tournament management before the end of the first

game of a series, the correction can be made within 48 hours after the end of the series.

5. When an association publishes a yearbook, a tournament using previous season averages to determine

handicap or classification, shall use the yearbook to verify averages, if furnished, and not require the

association to verify averages from that association.

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319a/1 The tournament rules require bowlers to use their highest average from the previous season.

A bowler has an established previous season left-handed average of 150 and a 175 righthanded

average. He plans to bowl with his left hand in the tournament. Which average would

he use?

The tournament rules require all bowlers to use their highest average. Therefore, he would have to use

his 175 average, regardless of whether he bowled with his right or left hand.

319b. Assigned Averages

A bowler who does not have an acceptable average under tournament rules will bowl scratch, unless the rules

specify a minimum average that will be assigned by tournament management prior to participation.

Tournament management has the authority to assign an average higher than the minimum average prior to

participation.

319c. Average Adjustments (Rerating)

The average of a bowler may be adjusted upward before participation in any event. If the assigned average

is not accepted by the bowler, the entry fee shall be refunded.

319c/1 I entered a house tournament with my 175 league average. Prior to bowling they adjusted

my average to 190. Can I appeal this adjustment to USBC?

No, USBC is not in a position to substitute our judgment for that of tournament management in that they

would have first hand knowledge of the situation at hand. In accordance with Rule 319c, the only condition

USBC can impose is that the adjustment must be accomplished before the entrant bowls, and if the adjustment

is not accepted by the entrant, his/her entry fee shall be returned. The exception is the local and state

championship tournament conducted by the association. Such adjustments may be appealed to USBC within

15 days of the date of bowling or prior to the payment of prizes, whichever comes first.

319d. Reporting Prior Prize Winnings

A handicap or classified tournament may require a bowler to report any previous tournament prize winnings

as a condition for entry.

In a handicap or classified tournament that does not have such a rule, anyone who has qualified* for a cash

and/or merchandise prize of $600 or more in the position standings prize list in any event in a tournament,

including all-events, special features, special prizes and donated prizes, within the last 12-month period,

must give tournament management the following information prior to participation, for possible average

adjustment:

1. The name of each tournament in which they have been paid such a prize, or if not yet paid, in which

they have qualified for the prize.

2. The amount of the prize.

3. The actual score bowled to qualify for the prize.

4. The prize position.

Failure to comply with these provisions is cause for a forfeiture of entry fees and prize winnings.

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the last squad or round of competition), or payment of prizes, whichever comes first.

All bowlers regardless of average must comply with the provision of Rule 319d.

Prize winnings from certified and noncertified tournaments, including those using a modified

format of American tenpins (example: 9 pin tap), must be used in the application of this rule.

319d/1 A tournament requires bowlers to report tournament prize winnings of $600 or more in the

past 12 months. Recently I won $1000 in a non certified tournament. Do I have to report

these winnings?

Yes, all bowlers are required to report prize winnings of $600 or more from certified and non certified

tournaments, including those using a modified format of American Tenpins.

319d/2 Does a scratch bowler bowling in a house tournament have to report prize winnings of $600

or more in accordance with Rule 319d?

Yes, anyone who has qualified for a prize of $600 or more must report this information regardless of

what their average is. By not reporting this information, tournament management was not afforded the

opportunity to review the information for possible rejection of the entry.

319e. Average Adjustment for Entry

application of this rule.

Unless the tournament rules state otherwise, the following applies in a handicap or classified tournament:

1. The bowler is responsible for keeping a record of the names, dates, scores, and prize winnings in all

tournaments entered in the previous 12 months, including those still running. These include all tournament

scores bowled in accordance with the game of American tenpins.

2. A bowler shall adjust his/her entering average if, during the 12-month period immediately preceding the

time and date of bowling, the bowler’s accumulated average for all, but not less than 21 tournament

games, exceeds the average to be used for entry by 15 or more pins. In that case, the accumulated

average must be used for handicapping or classification purposes.

a. A bowler whose tournament scores require an adjustment must submit the adjusted average in

writing before the end of the first game in a tournament, unless tournament rules allow for such

adjustment to be made within a specified time after bowling.

b. Failure to use the adjusted average in accordance with the foregoing is cause for forfeiture of

entry fees and prize winnings, and the bowler is subject to suspension of membership in USBC.

On appeal or protest, the bowler must promptly supply the record of the names, dates, scores and prizes won

— or scores that qualify to win — in all tournaments in which the bowler competed within the previous

12 months.

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Nothing in this rule supersedes tournament management’s authority to adjust the bowler’s average higher

prior to bowling.

319f. Canadian Tenpin Federation Averages

USBC will recognize averages established in leagues under the jurisdiction of the Canadian Tenpin Federation

(CTF) for entry purposes in USBC tournaments provided:

1. Adult averages are based on a minimum of 21 games and youth averages are based on a minimum of

9 games, unless tournament rules state another number.

2. All USBC equipment and certification specifications apply to the bowling centers in which the averages

are established.

3. All USBC general playing rules apply to the league(s) in which the averages are established.

4. Tournament rules do not exclude CTF averages.

Rule 320 – Tournament Game/Series

320a. Two Lanes Required

Bowling shall begin in accordance with a previously arranged schedule. Two lanes immediately adjoining each

other shall be used in each game of tournament play.

The first game of a series starts on the lane where the team or individual is scheduled. Succeeding games start

on the lane on which the team or individual finished the preceding game, unless each complete game is

bowled on a different pair of lanes.

320b. Order of Bowling

Members of competing teams, doubles and individual entrants shall successively and in regular order bowl

one frame on one lane, and for the next frame alternate and use the other lane until five frames are bowled

on each lane of the pair.

Rule 321 – Interrupted Game/Series

If equipment failure on a pair of lanes would delay the progress of the game/series, tournament officials can

authorize the completion of a game/series on another pair of certified lanes. The interrupted game/series

must be resumed from the point of interruption.

Rule 322 – Players

322a. Tardy Players

1. Unless the tournament rules allow missed frames to be made up, a player or team missing one or more

frames by not being present and ready to bowl in turn shall:

a. Begin play with the score to count from the frame then being bowled.

b. Not be credited with any pins for the frames missed.

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2. If a team refuses to start because a full lineup is not present, tournament management, at its discretion,

can declare the game forfeited.

3. A bowler must bowl on the same lanes and at the same time his/her team bowls.

322b. Absentee/Vacancy Scores

1. An absentee score must be accepted in a prepaid four- or five-player team tournament if an individual

does not show.

2. Only one absentee score per team may be used.

3. The absentee score for each game shall be the absent member’s entering average less 10 pins, plus

handicap.

Rule 323 – Pacers

Unless otherwise provided by tournament rules, pacers are permitted subject to the following:

a. Scores bowled as a pacer shall not count in determining prize winners.

b. A pacer cannot later enter or compete in the tournament, unless the tournament rules permit multiple

participation.

c. If a pacer is a USBC member, any scores bowled as a pacer are eligible for USBC individual awards.

Rule 324 – Lineup Changes

324a. Prior to Squad

If a change in a team or doubles lineup is desired, it must be requested at least 30 minutes before the time

the entrants are scheduled to bowl, unless otherwise stated in the tournament rules.

Thereafter, no player shall change position in any team or doubles lineup after the player has been checked

onto the lanes to bowl, unless authorized by the tournament official in charge. Violation may be cause for

disqualification.

If a replacement is needed on each of two teams, the entrants present may be paired together.

324b. Substitutions During Game or Series

After a series has started, substitutions can only be made using the following guidelines:

1. Team or doubles series:

a. The captain can replace any player with a qualified substitute at any time but no changes can be

made in the order of the players.

b. A player removed during a game cannot return to bowl in that game.

c. The score of the game is credited to the starting player.

2. Singles event:

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a. No substitutions can be made except in tournaments where two or more series or blocks of

games are bowled. In such events, substitutes may be permitted at the discretion of tournament

management.

b. A player removed cannot return for the balance of the competition.

Scores bowled through the efforts of more than one individual player do not qualify for USBC awards,

tournament individual awards, other than position standings prizes, nor can the scores be included in the

all-events total.

Rule 325 – Team Bowling Alone

The following applies when a team or individual is scheduled alone on a pair of lanes except team tournaments

which, by rule, schedule each team alone and permits the members to follow each other immediately

in order on the alternate lane:

a. Games must be bowled as though they were contested.

b. Each player must complete a frame on one lane before the player bowling lead off starts the next frame

on the adjoining lane.

c. Match play tournaments may establish target scores, for purposes of determining whether teams qualify

for bonus points, when there is less than a full complement of teams.

Rule 326 – Tie for Championship

326a. Playoff/Co-Champions

When there is a tie for any championship in a tournament, it is optional with tournament management to

have a playoff or declare co-champions. However, if there is a duplication of personnel on the tied teams,

Rule 326b applies.

1. Co-Champions:

a. The cash prizes for the positions affected are to be equally divided.

b. Tournament management is required to supply additional medals or awards it makes to champions,

which are emblematic of co-championships, from a fund other than the prize fund.

2. Playoff:

a. In match game or elimination tournaments, the number of games or frames played in deciding

ties shall be determined by tournament management.

b. In other tournaments, one game shall be played in deciding all ties, unless otherwise specified in

the tournament rules, but under no conditions may the playoff consist of less than one delivery.

c. In playing off a first-place tie, the team or individual scoring the highest is entitled to all first place

prizes, except the optional all-events cash prize is dependent on whether the winner is eligible.

The team or individual with the next highest score is entitled to second prize, etc.

3. Ties for other than first prize and position shall be decided by tournament management.

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326b. Multiple Participation Tournaments

When multiple participation is permitted in a tournament and one or more bowlers are members of the teams

tied for the championship, the following procedure applies in deciding the championship.

1. When two or more teams are tied, and the same bowlers are duplicated on all of the tied teams,

co-champions may be declared. If a playoff is conducted, only those members not duplicated on the

teams shall bowl in the playoff series.

2. If three or more teams are tied, and the same bowlers are not duplicated on all of the tied teams,

co-champions must be declared.

Rule 327 – Scoring Process

327a. Scorers

A tournament is required to have official scorers to record all games bowled in the tournament or use a USBC

approved automatic scoring device.

If a full complement of scorers is not available and the bowlers affected cannot be rescheduled, they may be

allowed to record his/her own scores under supervision of tournament management.

In match game tournaments where the pin count is not carried forward, tournament management may

authorize the competing players to keep score.

327b. Scoring Errors

After a score has been recorded, it cannot be changed unless there is an obvious error in scoring or calculation.

Obvious errors must be corrected by a tournament official immediately upon discovery. Questionable errors

shall be decided by tournament management.

Tournament management may, by rule, set a time limit for the correction of errors.

327c. Loss of Scores

A tournament game or frame(s) within a game that is irretrievably lost in the scoring process may be

rebowled with approval of tournament management, unless prohibited by rule. The decision of tournament

management shall be final, except where an appeal is made in accordance with Rule 329, Item b.

Rule 328 – Changing Delivery

In handicap and classified tournaments, once the bowler has taken his/her first shot, he/she shall continue

to use that hand throughout the tournament unless, due to injury, the bowler finds it impossible to continue

bowling with the same hand. The bowler may seek approval of the tournament director to continue with the

opposite hand.

USBC Playing Rules and Commonly Asked Questions

Chapter 6: Certified Tournament Rules – 93

that event.

Rule 329 – Protests and Appeals

Protests and appeals must be in writing stating the grounds for the protest or appeal.

a. A protest involving eligibility or playing rules must be filed with tournament management and:

b. The decision of the tournament management shall be final, unless a written appeal is filed with the local

association or USBC Headquarters and:

Upon notification of a protest or appeal, tournament manager must withhold all affected prizes until the

protest or appeal is resolved.

The decision of the local association may also be appealed to USBC Headquarters. The decision of USBC

Headquarters is final and binding on all involved parties.

329/1 What is the deadline to file a protest?

In accordance with USBC Rule 329, in USBC adult tournaments, a protest regarding eligibility or playing

rules must be confirmed in writing and filed with tournament management, the local association, or to USBC

prior to the payment of tournament prizes.

In USBC youth tournaments, a protest regarding eligibility or playing rules must be confirmed in writing

and filed with tournament management within 72 hours of the infraction.

USBC Playing Rules and Commonly Asked Questions