2014-2015 High Score Awards FAQ

2014-15 SEASON HIGH SCORE AWARDS CHANGES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Effective August 1, 2014, awards for a 300 game, 800 series or 900 series will be given to USBC adult standard members only once in a lifetime and the 11-in-a-row award no longer will be recognized.

Q. Why are the high score awards changing to once-in-a-lifetime awards?
A. A high score achievement, such as a 300 game or 800 series, is an outstanding accomplishment and should be recognized at the national level when the milestone is reached for the first time. However, it is not an appropriate role of the National Governing Body to repeatedly recognize bowlers for the same milestone. As the National Governing Body of the sport, USBC's mission is to provide resources and standards for bowling, not to serve as a supplier of awards.

Q. I have an adult award for a 300 game and 800 series. Will I get another award if I bowl another 300 game or 800 series after Aug. 1, 2014?
A. No. If you have received an adult high score award prior to August 1, 2014, you cannot receive an award for that achievement again. Once you have received a high score award as an adult bowler, you will have the ability to purchase an award for the same subsequent high scores.

Q. If high score awards are now once-in-a-lifetime awards, are the awards being upgraded?
A. No. The awards will be similar to the current awards offered. You still will have the option to purchase upgrades to your award.

Q. I have an adult 300 game, but now I'm bowling in a Sport league. Will I get an award for bowling a Sport 300 game or Sport 800 series?
A. Yes. Awards for Sport Bowling, which uses lane conditions that are more challenging and requires a membership upgrade, will not change, with the exception of the 11-in-a-row award which no longer is a recognized achievement. Sport Bowling members will continue to be eligible for high score awards once each season.

Q. Are there any other ways to receive a high score award?
A. Yes, if you bowl a high score in the USBC Open Championships or USBC Women's Championships. Because these tournaments are the most prestigious and challenging events for USBC members each year, USBC will continue to provide unique high score awards for the tournaments.

Q. Does this change involve youth bowlers?
A. No. USBC Youth membership is a completely separate program governed by the International Bowling Campus Youth Committee. Effective August 1, 2014, high score awards are no longer part of the USBC Youth membership. Because of this, any youth bowler with a 300 game or 800 series will be eligible to receive an award the first time they achieve the high score as a USBC adult member.

Q. Will my high scores still be recognized in my USBC record?
A. Yes. It is important for bowlers to submit high score award forms so their record can be updated with each high score achievement. The records of bowlers are used by local and state associations when determining yearly honors or evaluating Hall of Fame nominees. The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame also uses the information for the Hometown Heroics archive.

Q. Why is the 11-in-a-row award being discontinued?
A. The best achievement in a single game of bowling, and the ultimate goal of a bowler in each game, should be to bowl a 300 game. While 11 strikes in a row is impressive, USBC no longer will recognize falling short of the ultimate goal in a game. Also, for bowlers with multiple 300 games, this removes any incentive to fall short intentionally in order to receive an additional award.