2013 USBC Senior Championships
Tournament Rules
July 1 - 3, 2013
National Bowling Stadium
300 N. Center St.
Reno, Nevada
The USBC Senior Championships is a handicap singles tournament consisting of two separate divisions.
Handicap for each division will be 90% of 220.
- Open Division - men and women
- Women's Division - women only
The tournament consists of six age classifications within each division:
50-54 | 55-59 | 60-64 | 65-69 | 70-74 | 75+
- Each USBC state and CTF provincial association will be permitted to send a maximum of Six Open Division participants and six Women's Division participants, one in each age classification.
- Merged states are required to have qualifiers coming from an open division and a women's division. Female participants will have to determine which division they want to enter at the state level. They will qualify only in that division.
- Non Merged states will conduct an open and women's senior state tournament just as they currently do and advance the winners accordingly.
- If a USBC state and CTF provincial senior tournament is not set up to include the six age classifications, but would like to send six representatives to the USBC Senior Championships, they will have the compile a separate record of the standings in each of the six age classifications in order to qualify the top bowler in each age category.
1. AGE / ELIGIBILITY
- All participants must have a current USBC adult membership card.
- If current membership cannot be verified, a USBC associate membership card must be purchased at the tournament site at a cost of $21.00.
- Must have been at least 50 years of age at the time of participation in their respective certified state or provincial tournament. Age classification for the USBC Senior Championships will be determined on the basis of the participant's age in the state/provincial competition.
- Must have bowled a minimum of six games at their state/provincial senior tournament.
- Must be the first place handicap all-events winner in their respective age classification in their division (Open or Women's). Exception to this requirement is as follows: If the first place winner is unable to attend, the state/provincial association can contact the next place finisher, and going down as far as necessary in order of finish, to find a participant in the age classification. The entry fee from the original bowler is transferable to their replacement.
Each USBC state and CTF provincial should have a tournament rule regarding ties for a championship. For example, "If a tie exists for the champion within an age classification, co-champions will be declared. For purposes of determining who will be elegible for the USBC Senior Championships, the bowler with the highest series/game, with handicap will advance. If a tie still exists, the second highest score, with handicap, will be used, ect."
2. AVERAGE REQUIREMENTS
The average to be used will be determined in the following order:
A. Highest book average from a 2011-2012 USBC/CTF winter or summer league, based on 21 or more games.
B. If no 2011-2012 USBC/CTF winter or summer season average, the highest 2012-2013 USBC/CTF winter season average as of March 1, 2013 based on 21 or more games.
C. When a bowler's current 21 game average as of March 1, 2013 is 10 or more pins higher than the previous season's average, that average must be used. (USBC Rule 319a - 2).
D. Bowlers who do not meet any of the above requirements will be entered with a 220 average.
E. Any bowler who has ONLY a USBC/CTF Sport League average must submit and use their adjusted Sport
Bowling league average utilizing the USBC Average Adjustment Scale. The scale can be found on bowl.com,
(or Page 69 of the USBC Playing Rules).
- Failure to use the correct average shall disqualify score if submitted average is lower than correct average thereby resulting in a higher handicap. Prize winnings shall be based on the submitted average if it is higher than the correct average. However, corrections in averages may be permitted up to the completion of the first game of a series.
- All entrants who have qualified for $600 or more in any tournament event or division of an event during the 12 months prior to participation, must attach a report with the entry form showing actual score bowled and the amount of money won in each case (USBC Rule 319d).
* Failure to use the correct average shall disqualify score if submitted average is lower than correct
average thereby resulting in a higher handicap. Prize winnings shall be based on the submitted average if
it is higher than the correct average. However, corrections in averages may be permitted up to the
completion of the first game of a series.
* All entrants who have qualified for $600 or more in any tournament event or division of an event during
the 12 months prior to participation, must attach a report with the entry form showing actual score
bowled and the amount of money won in each case (USBC Rule 319d).
* A bowler shall adjust their entering average, and shall submit the adjusted average to the tournament
manager, if during the 12 month period immediately preceding the date and time of bowling, the
bowler's accumulated average for all, but not less than 21 tournament games, exceeds such entering
average by 15 or more pins. (USBC Rule 319e)
* All entrants must report any re-rate or adjustments to averages from any other tournament or event prior to participation.
* Failure to report prize winnings (Rule 319d), submit adjusted average under USBC Rule 319e or report
any re-rates shall be cause for disqualification. Nothing in USBC Rule 319e will be deemed to supersede
the authority of tournament management to adjust a bowler's average upward prior to bowling. For
purposes of average adjustment, tournament management will use guidelines including, but not limited
to: USBC averages, previous tournament winnings, and any records of bowler performance from
league(s) and/or tournament(s).
* 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 (Rule 319c).
* Each bowler is responsible for seeing that their average is verified before competition begins.
3. BOWLING EQUIPMENT
Every bowler must have his/her own bowling ball and bowling shoes.
Bowling Balls
* Each entrant will be allowed a maximum of eight bowling balls.
* All bowling balls must meet all USBC specifications.
* Random bowling ball checking may be done by tournament management.
* Any bowler may request to have his/her bowling balls checked prior to competition.
* No ball may be used during competition, including practice, that is not available for sale to the general
public. Penalty for doing so may include disqualification from the tournament without refund.
* The surface of the bowling ball may be altered or cleaned until the start of competition (first ball for
score).
* After the bowler begins competition, the outer surface of the ball may only be cleaned with a dry towel.
Powder/Rosin
* No substance, including talcum powder or EZ Slide, can be applied to a player's shoes.
* No substance may be placed on the outer surface of the bowling ball once competition begins.
4. DEADLINES
April 1, 2013
* State associations to submit their State's Official Entry Form and entry fees.
May 1, 2013
* Players to submit their average verification forms.
* Players to submit shirt order forms (if not ordered by state/provincial).
5. DRESS CODE
Entrants are expected to wear suitable attire. Examples of prohibited attire include but are not limited to:
* Shorts will not be allowed to be worn during tournament competition.
* Hats (medical reasons only)
* Tank tops, halter tops, bare midriffs, spaghetti strap tops, etc.
* Workout attire, short skirts, jeans that are not neat, clean or in good condition
Bowlers will be required to change if attire is deemed inappropriate by tournament management or designee.
Tournament management or designee decision will be final.
6. EATING - DRINKING - SMOKING
Entrants are NOT permitted to eat, smoke, or drink alcoholic beverages while participating in the USBC Senior
Championships. This includes from the start of practice to the last ball thrown for score. Bowlers with a medical
condition who must eat a small snack during competition must obtain permission from a tournament official.
7. ENTRY FEES
* $140 per participant.
* If the state/provincial association is unable to pay the entry fees, participants must be advised that they
are still eligible to participate in the Championships at their own expense.
* All prize fees collected in each age classification in each division will be returned 100% to those
participants in the divisions.
Entry fee breakdown: At least 1 for every 3 entries, per division and age classification.
Prize fee: $100 Expense fee: $40 Total entry fee: $140
8. FORMAT
* Participants compete only with those in their own age classification.
* All participants will bowl 2 three game qualifying blocks, Block 1: July 2nd
Block 2: July 3rd
* A Medal Round will be held after the conclusion of qualifying on July 3rd. The top 6 scores with
handicap in each division/age category will advance to the Medal Round and will bowl 3 more games to
determine the champion. Qualifying pin fall with handicap will carry over to the Medal Round.
* If a tie exists for sixth place after six games of qualifying, there will be a one-game roll-off to determine
who advances to the Medal Round. Should a tie still exist, an additional 9th and 10th frame will be
bowled. This procedure will continue until a tie is broken.
* If a tie exists after the Medal Round for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place there will be a one game roll-off to
determine that position. Should a tie still exist after the one game roll-off, an additional 9th and 10th
frame will be bowled. This procedure will continue until the tie is broken.
* Twelve champions will be declared, one in each of the six age classifications in the Open Division and
the Women's Division.
9. GAMBLING
All forms of gambling are prohibited while bowling. This includes but is not limited to card playing, pushing
coins, etc.
10. LATE ARRIVAL
Any participant arriving late for the qualifying blocks will begin play in the frame then being bowled. A bowler
will not be credited with any pins for frames missed.
11. PRIZE CHECKS AND AWARDS
* The IRS requires USBC to furnish 1099 forms to individuals who accumulate winnings of $600 or more
annually in any USBC events in which they participate.
* Failure to furnish a social security number (U.S. citizens) or ITIN (Non US citizens) to USBC at
check-in will result in a 30% tax reduction of the prize check.
* All winners' averages are subject to further verification by USBC tournament management.
* All champions will receive an award.
* Prize checks will be mailed within 30 days of the conclusion of the tournament.
12. SCORING ERRORS
Any claims for errors in scoring or calculation must be filed with the tournament management no later that 15
minutes after completion of the block.
13. SCHEDULE - TIMES
Monday July 1
Participant Check-in 10:00am - 6:00 pm
Practice Session for age 50-54(Open & Women) & 55-59 Women Noon - 1:00 pm
Practice Session for age 60-64(Open & Women) & 55-59 Open 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Practice Session for age 65-69(Open & Women) & 70-74 Women 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Practice Session for age 75+(Open & Women) & 70-74 Open 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Optional Singles Sweeper 6:30 pm
Tuesday July 2
Qualifying for age 50-54(Open & Women) & 55-59 Women 9:00 am (fresh oil)
Qualifying for age 60-64(Open & Women) & 55-59 Open 11:00 am
Qualifying for age 65-69(Open & Women) & 70-74 Women 2:00 pm (fresh oil)
Qualifying for age 75+(Open & Women) & 70-74 Open 4:00 pm
Optional Doubles Sweeper 7:00 pm
Wednesday July 3
Qualifying for age 60-64(Open & Women) & 55-59 Open 9:00 am (fresh oil)
Qualifying for age 50-54(Open & Women) & 55-59 Women 11:00 am
Qualifying for age 75+(Open & Women) & 70-74 Open 2:00 pm (fresh oil)
Qualifying for age 65-69(Open & Women's) & 70-74 Women 4:00 pm
Medal Round 7:00 pm (fresh oil)
Award Ceremonies immediately following Medal Round
*The USBC tournament management has the authority to make decisions regarding anything not
covered by these rules.
TERMINATION CLAUSE
To the Chief Operating Officer of the United States Bowling Congress: I hereby make application to participate
in the 2013 USBC Senior Championships events listed and tender the entry fees required therefore. I warrant
that I am a USBC member. I agree to abide by all tournament and playing rules and regulations prescribed by
USBC, including all provisions set forth on this form. I specifically agree for myself and any replacement
chosen for me that if I am not eligible for participation and/or cannot bowl in the USBC Senior Championships,
then my prize, bowling, and expense fees shall be forfeited and all sums tendered by me as prize, bowling and
expense fee may be retained by USBC as liquidated damages. The entrant whose name appears hereon or their
authorized replacements hereby agree that the USBC, its officers and agents shall be liable only to the extent of
returning entry fees, less expenses, if and when that entrant shall be prevented from bowling any event in the
tournament through premature termination of the tournament, which may be brought about by war, national
emergency or emergencies or causes relating thereto re resulting there from, fires, labor difficulties, terrorism or
threats of terrorism, or other causes beyond the control of USBC. I further agree that USBC may use my name
and likenesses (including video) for promotional purposes at no cost to me and with no fees being paid by me.
The entrant whose name appears on this application and/or authorized replacement hereby agrees that the
USBC, and its officers and agents, shall not be liable for any injury resulting from participation in bowling in
the USBC Senior Championships, absent willful or gross negligence on the part of USBC.
Revised 11/12
2011 Rules | 2011 Schedule | Final Standings