2009 PENNSYLVANIA STATE USBC YOUTH ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT RULES 

1.     All entries and competition in this tournament must be in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Bowling Congress and the PA STATE YOUTH ASSOCIATION.

2.     Each entrant in the Annual tournament must be a member of the USBC within the area served by the state association.

3.     USBC youth membership cards must be presented at check in by bowler. Bowlers not in possession of a USBC membership card must file an affidavit of membership or purchase an affiliate membership.

4.     Multiple Entry is permitted for each event. In order to place more than once in the award standings, Team Event – two players must be different. Doubles Event – at least one player must be different. Singles/All Events – may not place more than once.

5.     Tournament Divisions Based on Combined Bowlers Averages except for Scratch Divisions:
Team Event:                 Class “A”               Class “B”        Class “C”
4 on a Team                 611 & Above           501-610              500 & Below
Scratch Division – entry must check entry form to enter this Division.
Doubles                         Class A                  Class B            Class C 
Any two bowlers          321 & Above         261-320           260 & Below
Scratch Division – entry must check entry form to enter this Division.
Singles & All Events                    Girls                     Boys
Class “A” Handicap                     150 & Above      170 & Above
Class “B” Handicap                     121 – 149           135 – 169
Class “C” Handicap                     120 & Below      134 & Below
Scratch Divisions for both Girls and Boys Singles and All Events - entry must check entry form to enter this division.

Bowlers do not have to enter both the singles and doubles events, you may enter just doubles or just singles.

6.     HANDICAPS for each event shall be based on 100% of the difference between entering average and top of class. For the top average divisions, handicap will based on the following: Team Event: 880, Doubles Event: 440, Singles and All Events: 220. Handicap will be computed on three games series.

7.     AVERAGES: Entrants shall use their highest USBC certified (league/scholastic) average, 21 games or more as of February 1, 2009. If no February 1 league average, entrant may use highest current league average as of the time of bowling, 21 games or more. Proof of average must accompany each entry form. If no proof of average is given, bowler will bowl scratch, a 220 average will be assigned.

8.     It shall be each bowler’s responsibility to verify the accuracy of their average in this tournament, whether originally submitted by the bowler, team captain or others. Failure to use the proper average shall disqualify score if submitted average is lower than correct average, thereby resulting in a lower classification or more handicap. Awards listings shall be based on the submitted average if it is higher than the correct average. However, corrections in average may be permitted up to the completion of the first game in a series. 

9.     SUBSTITUTES may be used when necessary as long as such substitute meets all rules of eligibility. No substitute will be accepted for the ALL EVENTS, unless he/she is replacing the original bowler in all three events and the all-events fee has been paid. Substitute must bowl in same position as original bowler. A Substitute may change the division in which you bowl, see tournament rule 4.

10.   Four person teams and double teams shall bowl in order as submitted on original entry application. Substitution shall be made at least 1/2 hour prior to the time scheduled to bowl, the deadline for reporting to the office by the team captain.

11.   Tournament Management shall schedule Lane assignments for each event of this tournament.

12.   AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIP FEES shall be returned 100% in the way of awards/scholarships. Only those entrants, who pay the $5.00 entry fee, qualify for participation in the All Events scholarship fund.

13.   All-Events – is the combined first bowled scores in the Team, Doubles and Singles Events. Bowler must bowl each event at least once to enter All-Events. (Note: If you also substitute and have paid all-events, if they are the first scores bowled, they will count toward all events.)

14.   In the event of a tie for first place in any event co-champions shall be declared.

15.   AWARD RATIO shall be 1 award for each ten entries in each of the events/divisions.

16.   No practice on any scheduled tournament lanes for that day.

17.   WALK-INS/RE-ENTRIES ACCEPTED, 1-HOUR PRIOR TO EACH SQUAD PROVIDED LANES ARE AVAILABLE.

18.   Improper conduct during the course of your competition shall be cause for disqualification of score in that event.

19.   DRESS CODE: All bowlers must wear suitable attire as per the Pennsylvania State USBC Youth Tournament Dress Code. All apparel worn by bowlers must be loose fitting and not made of Lycra/spandex-like material. Youth participants will not wear apparel or use bowling equipment depicting alcohol, tobacco, gambling, an illegal substance or inappropriate language/gestures during competition. Other non-acceptable items are sweat pants, plumber pants, crop tops, tube tops, halter tops, miniskirts or any clothing with holes or the showing of any under garments. All bowlers will be required to wear full-length jeans/pants/slacks. No electronic devices may be worn during competition. Penalty:  First offense will result in a verbal warning and apparel change or removal of equipment.  Failure to comply will cause the bowler’s scores to be disqualified and the bowler to be removed from the competition.

20.   Failure to comply with the above rules shall result in disqualification of all scores bowled.