USBC Board adjusts rule on High Score awards

8/4/2006

By Patrick Brettingen

USBC Communications

The United States Bowling Congress will no longer issue High Score awards for scores rolled during unopposed bowling sessions before or after regularly scheduled league times.

More information

The USBC Board of Directors has adopted the interim rule change, which takes effect immediately and will be enforced for the 2006-07 season.

"Issuing USBC High Score awards for scores bowled unopposed has become a growing concern," said USBC President Michael Carroll. "USBC member delegates voted about a decade ago to allow awards for honor scores bowled without a league officer or appointed representative present. The objective of this rule change is to protect the credibility of the sport and the USBC awards program."

The following USBC High Score awards will not be offered if rolled in unopposed pre- or post-bowled sessions:

* 11 strikes in a row

* 298, 299 and 300 games

* 800-900 three-game series

* National high series

* National team high game

* National team high series

* Baker 300 game

* Merit awards

The flexibility of USBC Playing Rules allows members to bowl their league sessions before or after their scheduled league times as individuals or teams, commonly referred to as "pre-bowling" or "post-bowling."

USBC will continue to recognize several accomplishments performed in unopposed pre- or post-bowling sessions with its line of "Special Achievement" awards, including game and series honors not in the High Score category. High Score awards will still be issued to teams that pre- or post-bowl their head-to-head matches.

USBC bylaws give the Board authority to amend rules subject to review by USBC delegates, who will have the opportunity to consider the issue at the next USBC Annual Meeting, scheduled for March 2007.

Q/A: USBC rule change for High Score awards

8/4/2006

1. What did the USBC Board adopt?

The Board adopted an interim change to Rule 111f, Item 8, Procedure for Prebowl - Postponements, that eliminates High Score award recognition for unopposed pre- and post-bowled scores. The following awards will not be issued if bowled in an unopposed pre- or post-bowled match:

Rule 51a - 300, 299, 298 and 11 in a row

Rule 51b - 900 and 800-899

Rule 51c - National Team High Game and Series

Rule 51d - Baker 300 Game

Rule 52b - Merit Awards

Rule 52d - National High Series

2. When does this take effect?

This change takes effect immediately and will be enforced for the 2006-07 season.

3. Why did the Board decide to act at this time?

The actions of the delegates, while supportive of this concept at the last annual meeting left this issue unresolved for the 2006-07 season. The Board determined that protecting the credibility of the USBC Awards program was important and therefore warranted its' immediate attention and action. As individual bowling unopposed becomes increasingly popular in adult and youth play, the board believed this measure was needed to protect the credibility of our sport.

4. Was this action taken in response to the recent approval of the 900 series bowled by youth bowler Robert Mushtare in New York?

No. This issue has been at the forefront of the continuing efforts of USBC to address challenges to the credibility of the USBC Awards program. While the Mushtare situation is the most recent and most publicized, the circumstances surrounding previous scores submitted for award consideration were the impetus for the development of the proposal adopted by the board.

5. Why did the Board adopt this rather than requiring a witness for unopposed pre- and post-bowling as the delegates amended USBC's original proposal in April of 2006?

The Board believes the change was necessary to protect the credibility of the sport and the USBC Awards program.

6. Under what authority did the Board adopt the change?

Article IV, Section E, Item 14 of the USBC Bylaws, gives the board the authority to waive or suspend league rules.

7. What is the role of the delegates now that the Board has made this change?

In accordance with the USBC Bylaws, the Board has the authority to amend the rules subject to review by the delegates. The Board's actions are subject to review and either ratification or rejection by the delegates. Since this proposal is effective immediately, the rule will remain in effect until such time as the delegates have the opportunity to consider the issue at the next Annual Meeting. In addition, the delegates will have the deferred amendment LR6 available for their consideration.

8. If an individual bowls both a 300 game and a 700 series while pre- or post-bowling unopposed will both awards be issued?

The 700 series will be recognized and an award issued because it is an average-based award not affected by the change. The 300 game is a High Score award and will not be recognized.

9. Are the scores affected by this rule change the calculation of averages?

Yes. Although High Score awards will not be issued when pre- or post-bowling unopposed, the scores are official for league scores and are included in a bowler's average record.

10. Will individuals receive any USBC awards when pre- or post-bowling unopposed?

Yes, average-based single game and series awards and those listed in USBC Rule 52a will be issued for accomplishments. Pictures of these awards can be found in the Special Achievement awards section in the center of the USBC Playing Rules book and the Awards link on bowl.com.