USBC Youth Eligibility Rule 400 Questions and Answers
Effective November 2006
Can now be given in USBC Youth competition?
In addition to those previously published under Rule 400, bowling equipment, apparel, gift certificates and other merchandise prizes are now allowed. The total value of prizes a youth could receive in any one event cannot exceed $500. Scholarships do not fall under this limitation.
Can a youth bowl for cash or bonds?
No. Bowling for cash or bonds is still a violation of Rule 400. This change allows the youth to participate in adult singles competitions with cash or bond prizes and/or merchandise prizes valued in excess of $500 provided they submit the USBC Prize Waiver prior to participating in such a competition.
Can bowling centers award items such as free soft drinks, food and free games for bowling accomplishments?
Yes. However the total value of the awards an individual can earn in any one event, with the exception of scholarships, cannot exceed $500.
The former limitation on merchandise prizes was $50. Why did USBC raise this figure to $500?
The USBC Board concluded that the new limit should provide competitions the opportunity to offer prizes of a reasonable value to the participants. The new limit will provide the opportunity for competitions to offer participants the chance to win bowling balls, bowling bags and bowling shoes which will encourage continued participation in the sport of bowling.
Will this result in USBC changing the USBC Youth High Score Awards program?
No. Currently there are no plans to change the USBC Youth High Score Awards program.
Does this change the USBC policy that only the USBC Youth member or his or her parent or guardian may purchase a ring to commemorate a youth's 298, 299 or 300 game or 700, 800 or 900 series?
No. USBC policy only allows USBC Youth members or their parents or guardians to purchase the commemorative high score rings. Bowling centers, USBC associations or other parties cannot purchase the rings as awards for their USBC Youth bowlers. This policy is a proactive approach to prevent offering awards that could jeopardize a USBC Youth member's amateur status and eligibility to compete in high school sports.
How are scholarship awards affected?
There remains no limit on the value of scholarships that can be awarded in youth competition. The scholarship funds will continue to be required to be deposited with SMART.
What is the purpose of the USBC Prize Waiver?
The waiver serves three primary purposes. First, it ensures that the USBC Youth member is aware that the event is offering prizes which may be in violation of Rule 400. Second, it provides the USBC Youth member the opportunity to compete in singles competitions without jeopardizing his/her USBC Youth eligibility. And last, it replaces the Parental Consent Form in adult singles competitions.
Where can we find a copy of the USBC Prize Waiver?
The official USBC Prize Waiver can be found at this link: http://www.bowl.com/downloads/rtf/rules/League/PrizeWaiverForm.rtf. A downloadable copy of this waiver is being sent to all USBC state and local associations, certified bowling centers and certified league/tournament officials. If necessary, you can contain a copy by contacting the Rules Team at (800) 514-2695, ext. 3155.
Can a competition make up its own waiver?
No, only the official USBC Prize Waiver form can be used.
What competitions can a USBC Youth member compete in by signing the USBC Prize Waiver?
The USBC Prize Waiver is acceptable only for use in adult singles competitions which offer cash or bonds and/or any merchandise prizes valued greater than $500. The USBC Prize Waiver is NOT ACCEPTABLE for use in team (2 or more players) competition including, for example, Adult/Youth team competitions.
Must the bowler complete this waiver before they start the competition or can the bowler wait until the prize list is finalized before signing the waiver?
Prior to the USBC Youth member competing, the member must designate their intent either to accept or decline any award they may qualify for.
When a bowler signs the USBC Prize Waiver and earns a prize they have waived claim to, what happens to these prizes?
Any waived prizes shall be returned to the prize fund for redistribution to the other eligible participants.
Can the cash prizes the USBC Youth member waived be given to them in the form of a scholarship?
Yes, prior to the USBC Youth member competing, the competition can agree to award the USBC Youth member an amount equal to the prize earned in the form of a scholarship. The bowler will designate on the USBC Prize Waiver form his/her intent to accept the prize in the form of a scholarship if offered. This policy must be determined before the youth member bowls and must be applied uniformly to all youth participants. All scholarship prizes must be forwarded to the SMART Program within 30 days of the end of the competition.
Once the Prize Waiver is signed, who keeps it on file?
The Prize Waiver would remain on file with each league secretary or tournament manager. The waiver is not sent to USBC.
Can a youth bowl in a singles tournament that gives away a Big Screen TV valued at $2000 and maintain his/her eligibility for USBC Youth competition?
Because this is a singles competition, even though the merchandise is valued over $500, the youth member could participate and maintain his/her USBC Youth eligibility by completing the USBC Prize Waiver prior to bowling.
In a singles tournament with merchandise prizes valued at more than $500, can these prizes be converted into a scholarship and awarded to a youth?
The bowler could receive the prize equivalent in scholarship dollars, regardless of the value of the prize. If the tournament will not give the prize in scholarship dollars the youth must waive the prize or be in violation of USBC Rule 400.
If I have questions regarding the amateurism rules in my state, how can I contact my state high school athletic association?
Locate the contact for your specific state
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