If you are joining a league (see chapter 6), you will probably need to join the USBC. This is so that USBC awards can be presented to those achieving them, and averages are listed in your association’s (see chapter 8) book (usually called your “book average”). If a league is not sanctioned by the USBC, the average that you obtain in that league will not be recognized by most tournaments. It is very unusual for a league to not be sanctioned.

For a league to be sanctioned, every bowler in the league must pay a fee to the USBC at the beginning of the year. This is the “sanctioning fee” and usually can be paid in with your regular league dues during the first week of bowling. The league secretary usually takes care of sending the sanctioning fee to the USBC for sanctioning of the league.

USBC Rules

The USBC has created a rulebook to govern the game of bowling. This rulebook is very extensive (over 120 pages) and can not be covered in this book. For the complete rulebook, visit your local bowling center, or the USBC website (www.bowl.com).

As examples, the rules below are sited in average calculations for tournaments a lot:

319a-2
When the previous season’s average is used, and at the time of bowling an entrant has a current average for 21 or more games that is 10 pins or more higher than the prior season’s average, the current average must be used.

319c
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.

The rulebook is very complete, covering everything from the approaches and equipment, to scoring and bowler’s etiquette. I highly recommend reviewing the rulebook before starting to bowl, but most bowlers are familiar with the necessary rules, and if there is a dispute, every team captain on a league should have a copy of the rulebook, and at the very least the secretary will have one.