Commonly Asked Questions for Youth Participants
(Located in the USBC Playing Rules book)
| Topic |
Question # |
Youth Bowling: |
|
Average |
182 |
Bank Account |
179 |
Eligibility |
175
176 |
League Fees |
180 |
Membership |
173 |
Postponements and Prebowls |
183 |
Prizes and Awards |
174 |
Sponsors |
176 |
Vacancy Score |
178 |
Introduction
Commonly Asked Questions is a series of rule interpretations most commonly answered by the United States Bowling Congress Rules Department. The response indicated herein are specific to the facts presented and do not necessarily apply in all or similar situations.
For easy reference, the manual is organized by numbered questions under specific topics. Please use Commonly Asked Questions in conjunction with the USBC Playing Rules Book. Any question not covered in the manual can be answered by contacting Rules at:
(800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3155 • Fax number (414) 421-1650 • e-mail – rules@bowl.com |
Youth Bowling
173. My son quit bowling a youth league a year ago and is currently bowling in an adult league. Now he would like to bowl with the school in a USBC Youth league. How can he get USBC Youth membership?
He can apply by sending a letter requesting membership to USBC, Attn: Rules. USBC will contact the local association for additional information. After review of the information, USBC decides whether or not to grant membership. The individual is not allowed to compete in USBC Youth leagues or tournaments until membership is granted. (See Rule 17e.)
174. My son wants to bowl in our USBC Mixed Foursome league where money is awarded; can this jeopardize his USBC Youth membership?
Youth bowlers would not be able to bowl in an adult team league that has any type of cash award. It is not a question of whether or not they are collecting prize money in the league; it is whether or not any member in the league collects prize money.
The exception, youth may bowl in singles competitions (including side competitions or brackets) offering money prizes, provided, prior to bowling the competition agrees to award the youth’s prize in the form of a scholarship; or the youth signs a form waiving his/her rights to any prize in violation of Rule 400.
175. Our center is starting a league that will give NFL jackets to all members who remain the full 30 weeks. The jackets will cost over $100. Can my children join with me without violating their USBC Youth membership eligibility?
Yes, since receiving the jacket has nothing to do with bowling skill, score or position standing. Actually, the league members are paying toward the cost of the jacket in league fees each week. The same holds true for ball, bike or merchandise leagues as long as they follow Rule 400 and every bowler receives the same item.
176. Some of the teams in my daughter’s league have sponsors who give them bowling shirts and help with other expenses. Is this acceptable?
Yes, however, USBC would prefer the entire league be sponsored so each team is treated the same. Sponsors can cover normal expenses, such as providing team shirts, travel expenses to tournaments, etc.
177. In my son’s league, there are many youths who win money playing bingo. One boy has won quite a bit of money in golf tournaments. Doesn’t this affect his USBC eligibility?
No, USBC Youth membership eligibility is determined only by what they do when bowling. Bingo and golf have nothing to do with bowling; therefore, it does not affect their membership status.
178. My son bowls in a league with four-member teams, but his team has only three members and a vacancy. How will their vacancy score be determined?
According to Rule 105 Item d, (2)(a), the vacancy score will be the average of the lowest average bowler on the opposing team. This is used unless the league rules specify a constant vacancy score.
179. Our youth league has such low award fees, we can’t open a bank account as required. What can we do about this situation?
When a league’s funds are too small to meet banking requirements, we suggest they request the center to set up in-house banking. If this is done, the funds must be deposited in a separate account, and the center must provide monthly accounting to the league.
180. I have been told my son must pay league fees each week even if he is absent. Is this permitted in a youth league?
The league may have this requirement, however, if a league wishes to do this we recommend the league’s rules clearly indicate the specific amount of fees that must be paid on a weekly basis.
If a league member is behind in paying league fees, the league has the authority to prohibit them from competing until the arrearage is paid.
181. A 14- year old boy quit my son’s team owing fees for several weeks. Now he has joined a league in another center. Can anything be done to prevent such incidents?
As the boy is not an adult, he cannot be forced to repay the money; however, he can be suspended for nonpayment of league fees, which violates Rule 115b. If the league cannot collect the money, the procedures as outlined in Rule 115b must be followed.
182. A girl joined my daughter’s league and bowled only two games, then quit. How will they calculate her average to determine team standings, as she never established an average?
According to Rule 118c, youth bowlers establish their average based on the games bowled in their first league session. Therefore, her average and handicap are computed using the two games.
183. Can an individual or team bowl unopposed for prebowl games or postponements?
Yes. Rule 111b, Item 3(b) allows for both individuals and teams to bowl unopposed.
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