USBC Equipment Specifications Department to Hold Forum On Proposed
Equipment Changes
4/27/2005
An open discussion forum concerning equipment specification
modifications under consideration will be held by the United States
Bowling Congress on June 28 from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Wyndham Orlando
Resort in Orlando, Fla. The USBC Equipment Specifications Committee has
requested the forum in hope of gathering input from all interested parties
regarding several topics, including three proposed specification changes.
USBC is inviting two representatives from each ball manufacturer to
participate. The industry forum will also include two IBPSIA board members
and two BPAA Board representatives, to be appointed by their respective
organizations.
"USBC recognizes that manufacturers and other interested industry parties
should have the opportunity to present facts and information, and provide
comment and recommendations regarding proposed specification changes,"
said USBC Director of Sport Jeff Henry. "We value the industry's opinions.
This forum will provide the means for manufacturers and others to address
issues affecting the credibility and integrity of the sport."
The proposals under review, but for which no decision has been made, are
as follows:
- Eliminating all balance holes in all balls manufactured/drilled
after January 1, 2006.
Elimination of balance holes in order to reduce the ability to
manipulate the dynamics of the bowling ball. Bowling balls manufactured
with balance holes prior to January 1, 2006 will be grandfathered in and
will be able to be used in certified competition up until January 1,
2008.
- Requiring all balls drilled after January 1, 2006 to have the
center of gravity (CG) mark to be within one inch of the center of grip.
In conjunction with the proposed change of the balance hole
specification, this new specification would allow league and tournament
officials to verify a ball is within the current specifications for
static weights. Bowling balls manufactured prior to January 1, 2006 will
be grandfathered in and will be able to be used in certified competition
up until January 1, 2008.
- Requiring all balls to be manufactured with the USBC logo and
year made as of January 1, 2006.
In addition, USBC is establishing a new Mohs' hardness specification for
particles in the cover stock of a bowling ball. This scale was developed
by Fredrich Mohs in 1812. This new manufacturing specification will become
effective August 1, 2005. The current durometer "D" specification will
remain in effect.
While the forum will focus on the three proposed equipment specification
changes set forth above, USBC also will seek feedback on recent
specification changes (RG Diff and COR). USBC will explain why these
changes were made and seek information on whether future changes are
desirable.
"As you can tell due to some other recent changes, we have been reviewing
various aspects of the game and implementing specification changes," said
USBC Director of Research Neil Stremmel. "However, we also feel that all
interested parties need to have a voice in this. We want to make sure we
have everyone's point of view before we move forward with any changes. The
proposed specifications are under consideration due to considerable
changes over the last several years."
In addition to the industry forum, USBC is also conducting an open comment
period on the proposed changes. USBC would like to receive comments from
any and all interested parties and in accordance with this goal an open
comment period will be offered from June 1 through June 25. Any objective
comments may be forwarded to: USBC Equipment Specifications Department;
5301 South 76th Street; Greendale, WI 53129; Fax (414) 421-5860; E-mail
TechComments@bowl.com.
A final decision regarding all proposed specification changes will be
issued by July 29.
USBC Equipment Specifications Department The USBC Specifications
and Certification testing facility, opened in 1977, is an eight-lane
center in a climate-controlled building where team members regulate and
standardize bowling equipment by concentrating on pin and product testing,
research work, bowling center certifications and lane dressing
inspections. The staff provides lane-conditioning support for a variety of
tournaments and Sport Bowling events. The Specifications and Certification
team consists of engineers, technicians and support staff.
Since the mid-1980s, Specifications and Certification also has approved
products for international competition such as the World Tenpin Bowling
Association and the Federation Internationale des Quilleurs.
United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body,
ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides
programs and services and enhances the bowling experience.
USBC officially launched Jan. 1, 2005, as an organization serving more
than three million adult and youth bowlers in the United States. It
resulted from the merger of the American Bowling Congress, Women's
International Bowling Congress, Young American Bowling Alliance and USA
Bowling.
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