Understanding USBC Rules?
By Ron Suttora, Jr.—IGBO Treasurer
Republished from October 2006 IGBO Newsletter
 October 2006—
Have you ever read USBC Tournament Rule 319? I am going to try to make more sense out of what USBC is saying.
Most people do not read or understand tournament rules and are offended when they are questioned about their entering average. Others have their average adjusted and do not understand why or are disqualified from a tournament after participation. My goal is to have you understand the entering average rule and how to report your average correctly.
To start, USBC rules govern certified tournaments. Unless you change or alter a USBC rule (Specific rule number) in your tournament rules or if you do not specify a certain USBC rule number that will not be used in a tournament, then USBC rules will take affect for any rules questioned.
Listed in each section below are the actual word for word rules in bold and italicized from the USBC rules book. After the rules are some responses to help you understand the rule and suggestions on how to implement the rule in your tournament or how you as a bowler must report the information to each tournament you bowl in.
The rules referred to in the following section are from pages 76 thru 79 of the USBC 2006-07 Playing Rule Book. You can also get a copy by going to USBC’s website (http://www.bowl.com/rules/main.aspx)
Entry Rules: Average – Conditions That Apply.
Rule 319a. 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. Interpretation: This rule seems self explanatory but one point needs to be stated. You must report the highest average established even if it is as a substitute in another league if you have bowled 21 games or more in the substitue league.
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. (Commonly Asked Questions (CÁQ) #188) Interpretation: This rule seems to be one of the rules a lot of tournaments forget to use. Example: If your tournament uses a previous season average, you should be verifying that a bowler’s current average of at least 21 games is not 10 or more pins higher than the previous season’s average. Suggestion: Specify in rules and confirmation letter that you require all bowlers to bring their current league sheets (you can specify a specific week (like a week prior to your tournament)).
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. [CAQ#’s 194 and 197]. Interpretation: Note that it is the bowler’s responsibility to verify if his or her average is correct. Suggestion: Have bowlers sign, a Sign in Sheet verifying all information on the page is correct prior to bowling.
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. Interpretation: Note, unless you have stated something different in your rules you can change a bowler’s average before the end of the first game of each series event. Suggestion: Look at your tournament rules and if you have listed all average adjustments and re-rates will be done prior to bowling the tournament, take it out. Also, if you need more time to see if a bowler’s average is correct you need to extend it in writing to the bowler. I also suggest after a tournament representative signs the letter, also have the bowler sign the letter acknowledging extension in time and both the bowler and tournament management keep a copy of the letter. Another suggestion is if you do not think you have enough information to verify a bowler’s average, the bowler should not be permitted to enter any optional events that are paid out in cash prior to final average verification. If a bowler insists on participating in the optional events, have the bowler bowl scratch!
5. When an association publishes a yearbook, a tournament using the 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. Interpretation: and Suggestion: Almost all certified leagues listed in the yearbook book are also listed on www.bowl.com. Type in the bowlers USBC Certification number and you may find out more information on a specific bowler. Leaguesecretary.com is another good resource, too.
Entry Rules: Assigned Averages
Rule 319b. 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. (See Sharon Stump’s article about Moral Support).
Tournament management has the authority to assign an average higher than the minimum average prior to participation. Interpretation: Yes, you read it correctly. Tournament Management can assign a higher average. Suggestion: Be sure your rules read correctly on when you can adjust someone’s average. (See rule 319a4 above and later read more in rule 319c)
Entry Rules: Average Adjustments (Rerating)
Rule 319c. 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. [CAQ #1661] Interpretation: Yes, you can adjust anyone’s average before they bowl an event. If the bowler does not accept the higher average and chooses not to bowl, then the tournament must refund the money for that specific event or any event the bowler does not bowl with the adjusted average. Keep in mind. You can never lower someone’s average.
If you read anything today, Read this next part!
These next two rules are what causes more disqualifications
in tournaments than almost anything else.
The next two rules #319d & 319e will be the most important rules for
anyone that bowls in tournaments.
Entry Rules: Reporting Prior Prize Winnings
Rule 319d. 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.
[CAQ #s 184, 191 and 193]
NOTE:*Qualified is defined as the date and time the tournament officially ended (completion of the last squad or round of competition), or payment of prizes, which ever 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. Interpretation:
Note #1 If the tournament is handicapped or classified and does not have anything written about or has changed any part of rule 319d, then the tournament must refer to USBC rule319D.
Note #2 Cash and/or Merchandise winnings in a single event: Example: if you bowl a tournament event and they pay $575 and you get a trophy and the trophy is worth more than $25 you are considered to have won over $600. The same thing holds true if a tournament pays you say $550 in an event and you win a bowling ball that is worth more then $50 or any other merchandise including trips, you are considered to have won over $600. Note: Tournaments can change the $600 reporting amount to any amount they like. Example: Tournaments can change the threshold amount won to $300 or even $1,000. You must remember to include all monies and merchandise won to determine if you fall under this part of the rule 319d.
Note #3 The last paragraph states (Certified and noncertified tournaments) A modified format tournament could be No-Tap, 40 framer, Scotch Doubles, etc. That is any tournament including those using a modified format of American tenpins. Your score from these modified tournaments will not be included in determining your tournament average but, if you did win over that magic number $600 or the amount the tournament lists in their 319d rule, you must report it.
Note #4 Special features This includes such events as Mega brackets, brackets Dark Horse doubles, etc. when the amount one is for a single event or entry. Example: If you win $600 from a single entry in a Mega bracket that involved bowling two games, that must be reported. If you win $600 in brackets from 10 entries for singles, that does not need to be reported.
Entry Rules: Average Adjustment for Entry
NOTE: All certified and noncertified scores from the game of American tenpins must be used in the application of this rule. Interpretation: The bowler is responsible for keeping a record of all scores certified and noncertified.
Rule 319e. 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. Interpretation: The bowler is responsible for keeping a record of the names, dates, scores, and prize winnings in all tournaments from the previous 12 months, including those still running. Taking into consideration of rule 319d. Example 1: If you bowled a tournament on September 2, 2005 and then bowl a tournament on September 1, 2006, you have to report the above mentioned information to the tournament when you bowl on September 1, 2006. Example 2: You bowl in a tournament on Friday September 8, 2006 and you decide you are going to bowl another tournament on Saturday September 9, 2006, you must include the scores you bowled on September 8, 2006 even though the tournament is still bowling, and has not printed out the final standings, and/or not paid out any monies (In this case you are reporting the scores only).
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. [CAO #192]
Interpretation: On the first line of Rule 319e2 states “A bowler shall adjust his/her entering average if,….” Since the tournament entries are sent days, weeks, and even months before the tournament takes place, the bowler is responsible at registration and/or before the start of bowling to report names, dates, scores, and prizes won from the previous 12 months. Remember the earlier example. If you bowl on Saturday September 9, 2006 tournament you must include all the scores bowled in the previous 12 months including the tournament scores bowled on Friday September 8, 2006 even though the tournament is not final. A bowler can not use an excuse that they do not remember what they bowled or how much they won. Again it is the bowler’s responsibility to keep track of all tournament scores and monies won. Unfortunately, if a bowler claims they did not know the rule or they do not know the winnings and scores they are subject to disqualification. This not only affects the bowler, it also affects their doubles partner and teammates in other events. Suggestion: At registration on the sign in sheet, have written, (Per USBC Rules It is the individual bowlers responsibility to make sure they are using the correct average.) “By signing this sign in sheet you have verified that all information listed on the sign in sheet is true and you are familiar with the [Name of Tournament] Rules and USBC rules regarding what your correct entering average should be.”
Nothing in this rule supersedes tournament management’s authority to adjust the bowler’s average higher prior to bowling.
Entry Rules: Canadian Tenpin Federation Averages
Rule 319f. 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.
(These rules seems self explanatory.)
Conclusion:
IGBO has resolved Rule 319d by eliminating the need for reporting how much money a bowler has won. If a bowler’s tournament average of at least 21 games (certified or uncertified) is at least 1 pin higher than their submitted entering average or adjusted average from the game of American tenpins, the bowler must use the higher tournament average for the tournament. Interpretation: Even if the bowler has not won a dollar in a tournament within the last 12 months, the bowler must still use their tournament average. Note: This also helps reduce all the information that needs to be submitted with your tournament entry form.
Some of you may feel this is not fair. What is the difference if someone has substituted in a league and has established a 21 game average or bowled 21 tournament games? The average person bowls 9 games in a tournament but if you bowl Scratch Masters, you can bowl as many as 20 games at the same bowling house. By requiring a 21 game tournament average, the average bowler must bowl well in 3 tournaments in one year to raise his/her average.
Additional rules discussion will take place during the General Membership Meeting in Detroit as well as during the Tournament Forum.
See the IGBO website for an example of how to keep track of your tournament average, monies won, and dates of the tournament bowled. The format is in Microsoft Excel and there are sample pages and a working spreadsheet for your use. Check out the IGBO Website under forms.
|
