A full-time head coach should be utilized for the bowling program with consideration given to adding an assistant coach. The competitive season for women’s bowling is approximately seven to eight months in length, with regular season competition in October through February and postseason competition in March, April and May. Outside of actual competition, full-time attention is needed for practice, conditioning, player development, recruiting and administrative duties. The additional months would be utilized for continued recruiting and potential revenue generating activities.

The salaries for these coaches can be computed utilizing current salary formulas for coaches of other equivalency sports. To ensure the highest quality of instruction, personnel and equipment utilization is performed, the coaching candidate should have specific credentials. USBC Collegiate suggests that the candidate has previous experience with coaching and students. The candidate should have USBC Coaching credentials, an understanding of bowling ball technology and previous collegiate bowling experience. USBC Coaching Silver and Bronze level certifications are the highest within the sport. Along with this, the candidate should have NCAA coaching, state and sports safety certification.

The NCAA women’s varsity bowling schedule consists of a maximum of 26 competition dates (matches and scrimmages), which may include up to 10 multi-day tournaments. Official NCAA conference championships and national governing body championships are excluded from the competition dates. The size of these events can range from two-team meets (dual meets) up to a large national event certified by USBC Collegiate with competition against NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA and club sport programs.

USBC Collegiate services more than 150 institutions with collegiate bowling programs across the country during each season and can assist in developing a competition schedule right for your institution’s needs and budget requirements. A team can begin competing within its region in conference play but will eventually need to increase travel expenses in order to compete in the larger, advanced intercollegiate bowling events. The coach and athletic director would manage travel and make financially responsible decisions regarding event attendance and program budget.

It is not a requirement for your institution to have an on-campus practice facility for a women’s varsity bowling program. With approximately 6,700 bowling centers in the United States, your institution’s community should have access to championship bowling centers that can be used for these purposes. These facilities allow you the opportunity for team practices and preparation for intercollegiate competitions. It also may be possible for player and on-lane instructional equipment to be stored on-site at minimal or no cost. A fee structure has been included within the following operation expenses for facilities utilization with the understanding that practice fees and storage of program equipment may be negotiated with these bowling centers.

In-kind donations for up to 100 percent of equipment may be secured through bowling industry sources. Today, there are several bowling manufacturers that offer donated or discounted equipment to college bowling programs. For additional information, please contact USBC Collegiate. The coach should have a good understanding of the top bowling equipment manufacturers. Once these deals are in place, it also becomes financially beneficial to have bowling ball maintenance equipment and supplies on hand to ensure proper equipment performance.

For proper bowler analysis and instruction, it is recommended to utilize video equipment in the bowling program. Video equipment could include a simple video camera, tripod and television package and advance up to a specialized digital video analysis system designed specifically for bowling. Utilizing a qualified coach and advanced video equipment provides the proper tools to ensure the highest level of training and coaching for ultimate team performance.