USBC bowling ball task force holds initial meeting

10/3/2005

By Patrick Brettingen

USBC Communications

Positive dialogue and cooperation characterized the initial meeting of the United States Bowling Congress Bowling Ball Specifications Task Force Oct. 1 at USBC Headquarters in Greendale, Wis.

USBC representatives and technical volunteers from 13 bowling ball manufacturers held positive discussions about several different bowling ball performance issues and how those can impact the credibility and integrity of the sport. Among the discussion items:

• Bowling ball compliance agreements
• Review of new and existing bowling ball specifications
• Possible modification or elimination of existing bowling ball specifications
• Credibility issues in bowling
• Ball motion and dynamic ball performance
• Possible recommendation of additional bowling ball specifications
• Discussion and investigation into the possible adoption of dynamic bowling ball performance measures
• Future meetings

The task force agreed to pursue testing procedures and testing parameters concerning bowling ball motion.

"We are excited about the potential of working with ball designers and manufacturers in an effort to develop a system of ball specifications that help define our sport," said USBC Chief Operating Officer Jack Mordini. "This meeting was a good first step in making that happen. We appreciate the input from the task force and will report developments as they unfold."

"This initial meeting was quite positive and productive," said USBC Technical Director Neil Stremmel. "We hope to continue the cooperative relationship with the bowling ball manufacturers as we work together in the interest of bettering the sport."

Representatives from bowling ball manufacturers described the meeting as constructive.

"It was a very productive meeting. There was great dialogue," said Lane 1 Bowling Chief Executive Officer Richie Sposato. "The concerns of both sides were heard. Now we can start testing on common ground and that is a step in the right direction."

"We as manufacturers realize we benefit by having more bowlers, so it makes sense that we work together with the USBC," said Storm Technical Director Steve Kloempken. "I'm relieved on how well things went. We're moving in the same direction."

"It was a very good meeting, bringing together every key person to begin a cooperative effort," said MoRich Enterprises, Inc. President Mo Pinel. "We'll now begin working together in an efficient and productive manner. The right people were here. We were represented by our best."

Representatives from the following bowling ball manufacturing companies have agreed to sit on the task force: Brunswick, Circle Athletics, Columbia Industries Inc., Dyno-Thane, Ebonite International, Hammer, Lane #1, Lane Masters, MoRich Enterprises, Inc., Roto Grip, Storm Products Inc., Track Inc. and Visionary Bowling Products.

The task force is an advisory body that will work together with the USBC Equipment Specifications Committee, which has final authority on any proposed equipment specification changes.

Plans were discussed for a future meeting but no specific date was set.