Treasure Coast USBC Association

Commonly Asked Questions for Leagues

(Located in the USBC Playing Rules book)

Treasure Coast USBC Association

Can a proprietor require our league to use and pay for the secretarial services provided by the center?

Since USBC rules do not govern secretarial services, it is advisable for the league president, secretary, or a committee appointed by the president to meet with the bowling center management to negotiate an agreement.

Although a proprietor can provide the service, it is up to the board of directors to determine if the league will utilize it. However, whether the league uses the service or not, the proprietor may still require payment. In cases where the league utilizes a secretarial service provided by the bowling center, the league is still required to appoint a secretary and treasurer. These officials are required to ensure that all duties as specified in Rules 102e and 102f are fulfilled.

Can the bowling center set the length of our league schedule?

The length of the schedule and other commercial aspects of the game (such as price of bowling, time, number of teams, etc.) are matters to be negotiated by the league and the proprietor. USBC has no jurisdiction over commercial aspects, but does have a vital concern on how leagues are conducted. USBC rules enable a league to decide on the schedule length depending on agreement with the proprietor. It is important to come to an agreement on these matters before the season begins.

When there is no written contract between the league and the proprietor, verbal commitments are just as binding. We urge all USBC leagues to honor their contracts, whether verbal or written. If questions arise about commercial matters, the president, secretary, or committee appointed by the president should meet with the proprietor to discuss the matter.

Is the bowling center required to provide an open lane(s) on either side of a league during league play?

USBC does not have a rule requiring open lanes be provided on either side of a league during league play. Whenever leagues have concerns regarding this issue, it is recommended the league officers, or a committee formed by the league president, address the matter with center management.

May a team or individual come early to practice on the lanes they are scheduled to bowl on later for league play?

USBC does not have a rule prohibiting practice games before league play. If the league wanted to adopt a rule, the proprietor would have to be consulted first. Because the league has no jurisdiction until play has commenced, this type of rule may be an infringement on the proprietor' s rights as an independent business person.

How should a league handle complaints regarding problems occurring within the bowling center?

When the league has concerns regarding lanes, equipment, loud music, etc., the league officers, or a committee appointed by the league president, may discuss the problem with center management in an effort to resolve the matter.

Bowling Center Arrangements and Service

Franchise and Roster

What is a good handicap percentage for a league with members who have a wide range of averages?

According to Rule 100g, Item 1, the percentage shall be 100 percent unless otherwise provided by league rules. USBC recommends using 100 percent handicap because higher handicap percentages equalize competition.

What is the most effective system of handicapping?

The individual method is most effective. A scratch figure should be set higher than any bowler' s average in the league and all bowlers are handicapped from that figure.

For example, if the highest individual average is 222, the base figure for handicapping could be set at 230 allowing for average improvement, and 100 percent of 230 could be adopted by the league. The players' individual handicaps are added together for the team handicap.

With this method, each bowler as well as each team has the benefit of handicap. When the league awards individuals for high handicap game and high handicap series, it is simple for the secretary to determine which league member is in contention because individual handicap is already included.

Some of the higher average teams want us to adopt a rule to limit handicap. Can we set a limit of a 60-pin handicap for any one bowler?

According to Rule 100g, Item 4, to limit handicap a league must adopt its own rule. However, USBC believes leagues should not adopt such a rule.

Although higher average teams believe they cannot be competitive each week while giving the full handicap allowance, they should keep in mind, unless the league is using at least 100 percent handicap, the higher average team still has the advantage. For example, at 85 percent handicap, the higher average team has a 15 percent advantage. With unlimited handicap, the higher average teams may be challenged, but our experience indicates more competitive bowling is stimulating to all teams in the league.

League Fees

Can a league adopt a rule to curtail late or nonpayment of league fees?

According to Rule 110a, a league could adopt a rule stating games will be forfeited if participants in a team' s lineup are not current in their fees. With such a rule, if the members present do not submit their own fees, the games are subject to forfeiture.

However, games cannot be forfeited if fees are not paid when a member is absent or the team has a vacancy. If the absent member does not pay in full upon return, then all games the member bowls while in arrears would be subject to forfeiture if a timely protest is filed. The league board should not hesitate to enforce the rule when there is a violation.

Can the league simplify things and adopt a rule to require automatic dismissal when a bowler misses two weeks in a row without an explanation?

No. A member cannot be dismissed without following Rule 115a or 115b. The rule could state that a bowler who owes league fees will be subject to dismissal, but not automatically.

Written charges must be filed with the board, and the member must be notified of the meeting and be given the opportunity to defend themselves.

A league rule states members cannot be more than a week behind in paying their league fees. If any member comes the second week in a row and can' t pay, can a league officer tell them they can' t bowl?

Yes. If more leagues had such a rule and enforced it, there would be far fewer instances of nonpayment of league fees and fewer suspended members. Just be sure to explain this rule to every member. You may have a few disgruntled members early in the season, but the word will spread that the league is serious about everyone keeping their fees current. A league should not allow debts to accumulate for more than two weeks without taking action.

How should the league handle a member whose checks are constantly being returned because of insufficient funds?

When a member' s check is returned because of insufficient funds, the treasurer should contact the member and insist on cash payment for the amount of the check plus any service charges incurred. If payment is not received, the member could be charged with nonpayment of league fees under Rule 115b. We also suggest that no further checks be accepted and the player notified that league fees can only be paid in cash. If checks are a problem, the league may adopt a rule stating checks will not be accepted for payment of league fees.

In instances where a league has an arrearage rule, the member issuing the check is considered in arrears. Games bowled by the member are subject to forfeiture if payment is not received.

What if fees are never paid and the prize fund is short? What course of action can the league follow?

This would be a matter for referral to the board under Rule 103b. Generally, when a shortage occurs because a team member did not pay fees, the shortage is deducted from the individual' s share of the team prize money at the end of the season. If the shorted amount is excessive and not covered by the individual' s prize money, the loss could be prorated and a small amount would be taken from the prize money of each team in the league or the loss could be taken from the team' s prize money. In either case, charges should be filed against the member who did not pay fees under Rule 115b.

Who is responsible for the league fees when a team is unable to find a bowler to fill a vacancy?

When there is a vacancy on a team for a prolonged period, and the team has made a serious effort to obtain a member but is not successful, it becomes a league problem and not just a team problem. In this situation, the board should agree to absorb the shortage caused by the vacancy. All league members should be encouraged to help recruit bowlers to fill vacancies.

Postponements and Prebowls

What are the different types of prebowls or postponements?

Rule 111b states there are three types of prebowls and/or postponements:

1. Bowling in direct opposition.

2. Team unopposed bowling.

3. Individual unopposed bowling — ONLY if allowed by league rule.

Who grants postponements or prebowls?

According to Rule 111e, Item 1, the board or a postponement committee appointed by the president decides whether to grant a prebowl or postponement. This is inclusive of any postponement requests for the league' s playoffs. The committee or board also grants emergency postponements. All protests regarding postponements or prebowls are decided by the board. (See CAQ# 139 on protests.)

Can a league allow an officer to grant postponements?

A committee consists of one or more individuals. Although we recommend a postponement committee of three, including the league secretary, it is acceptable for the president to appoint an officer to make the decision. All protests regarding postponements or prebowls are decided by the board. (See CAQ# 139 on protests.)

If a team cannot bowl at the regularly scheduled time, can they call the bowling center, bowl and turn the scores into the desk or league secretary?

No. A team cannot pre or post bowl without permission. Contacting the center does not fulfill the requirement to receive permission to pre or post bowl as stated in Rule 111e, Item 1. Only a committee or the board of directors can grant a prebowl or postponement.

Can a league adopt a rule allowing the opposing team captain to grant postponements?

No. According to Rule 111e, Item 1, when a request for a postponement is made, it is up to the league' s board of directors or postponement committee to decide what is sufficient cause to grant the postponement.

The opposing team captain has neither the authority nor the responsibility to make that decision. The requirement is to assure that a team' s right to request a postponement is protected and to be certain a team is not required to forfeit points because the opposing team might not grant a postponement.

Can a league adopt a rule allowing individuals/teams to prebowl for an undetermined date and have the scores held by the league secretary until needed?

No. According to Rule 111a, all league games are to be bowled as scheduled unless they are postponed or prebowled by committee or board authorization. For a postponement to take place, a request must be made and permission granted. Requests are made for a specific date and are made up at a time agreed upon by the committee or board.

If a team is granted a prebowl or postponement and the opposing team is not notified, are the games forfeited?

When bowling unopposed, the opposing team does not have to be notified (or agree to a date) prior to the time of bowling, unless otherwise provided by league rule. If the league rules are silent regarding team bowling unopposed, the games stand as bowled. As a courtesy, the opposing team should be notified.

How is the decision made to grant a prebowl or postponement?

The committee and/or board should carefully consider the reasons for each postponement request and be consistent in their decision-making. Although reasons for requests do not have to be catastrophic or an emergency, it is the committee or board' s decision whether or not to grant the prebowl or postponement.

When a committee consists of more than one person or the board makes the decision, a majority vote is required. The decision can be made at a meeting or via a telephone poll of all committee/board members. Decisions regarding protests must be made by the board at a meeting.

What is considered sufficient cause for an emergency postponement?

An emergency is defined as an unforeseen combination of circumstances, making it impossible for a team to field a legal lineup. The reasons for not being able to bowl would not have to be catastrophic, just beyond the control of the team members.

Although each reason by itself might not be considered an emergency, the combination of circumstances happening at the same time is considered an emergency. For example, if a five-person team knew a player was to be out of town and thought they could field a legal lineup, but prior to bowling, another bowler fell ill and the next had to work late, the team could request an emergency postponement.

After a bad storm, all but two teams were able to field legal lineups. Are these two teams entitled to emergency postponements when all the other teams in the league were able to get to the lanes?

Yes, weather conditions which prevent a team from appearing are classified as emergencies under Rules 109b and 111c, Item 3. Rule 111c, Item 3 states, leagues must grant postponements for emergencies when a team fails to appear for its scheduled match due to reasons beyond its control. Adverse weather conditions are sufficient reason to grant a postponement without advance notice.

Members must realize all bowlers do not face the same driving conditions or circumstances, so the ability of an individual to drive under adverse conditions cannot be used as a basis for declaring games forfeited.

Does a postponement have to be requested prior to the scheduled night?

According to Rule 111d, a team must request a postponement at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled match, except for emergencies. If an emergency exists, the request should be made as soon as possible although it can be made after the scheduled match within the time lines of Rule 119.

What happens when a team cannot field a legal lineup or does not appear and no prebowl or postponement is requested?

According to Rule 109b, if a team does not field a legal lineup and does not request a postponement, a forfeit is given. However, the forfeiting team has up to 15 days to protest the forfeiture and request an emergency postponement according to Rule 119. If the scheduled games are within the final two weeks of the schedule, the team must protest and request an emergency postponement within 48 hours of the final date of that schedule.

If a team cannot field a legal lineup because some of its members are participating in the USBC National Championships or Annual Meeting, or any USBC local or state association tournaments or annual meeting, is the league required to grant the team a postponement?

Yes. According to Rule 111c, Item 1, the postponement must be granted as long as it is requested at least 48 hours in advance.

How long do teams have before they are required to make up postponed games?

According to Rule 111g, the games must be made up before the last night of league competition for standings or each segment of a split season. If the postponement is granted for the last night of competition for standings or each segment of a split season, the games must be made up within seven days of the final date. The exception is when the league has adopted a rule placing a time limit on unopposed postponements; then the league rule applies.

Can a league adopt a rule placing a time limit on postponed games?

Although leagues can adopt rules placing a time limit to make up games bowled unopposed, they cannot adopt a rule for make-up games bowled in direct competition (Ref. Rule 111f).

Rule 111g states, postponements must be made up before the date of the scheduled competition for final team standings or each segment of a split season or seven days of the final date of the schedule or segment. The only exception is when a protest or appeal is pending finalization under Rule 119.

Therefore, a league wanting to place time limits on direct competition make-up games, can adopt a rule indicating the game " should" be made up within a specified time period.

What if a team granted a postponement does not make up the games within the league' s time limit?

A team can request an additional postponement if they do not make up games within the time limit set by league rule. The committee or board considers the reason the games were not made up and decides whether to grant an additional postponement or not.

What happens if a postponement is not made up before the end of the season?

If games are not made up before the end of the season (end of the half, quarter, etc.) as required by Rule 111g, the games are subject to forfeiture, unless the board rules otherwise.

The board considers the reason why the games were never made up, and determines whether a forfeiture is in order or if the games should be declared null and void, and the final position standings for all teams computed on percentages.

What average and handicap is used for a prebowl and/or postponement?

The averages and handicaps as of the date the games are bowled must be used in both postponed and prebowled games, as provided in Rule 111f, Item 4. All games bowled prior to the postponed or prebowled games are used to determine average and handicap.

When teams or individuals bowl unopposed, does the team or individuals qualify for USBC and league awards?

Unopposed pre or post bowled scores qualify for USBC Special Achievement Awards only. USBC High Score awards will not be recognized. The following achievements are not eligible for recognition: 300, 299, 298 games, eleven (11) strikes in a row when the score is 297 or less, 900 series, 800-899 series, national team high game and series awards outlined in USBC Rules 51c and 52d, Merit Awards and Baker 300 Game Awards.

According to Rule 111f, Item 7, the scores qualify for league awards, unless otherwise provided by league rule.

When teams prebowl or post bowl unopposed, can the opposing team see the scores bowled by the team bowling first?

There is no USBC rule to prevent the opposing team from seeing the scores. When a league allows teams to bowl unopposed, rules can be adopted to govern this situation.

When an individual prebowls, do the scores count toward the legal lineup requirement?

If the league allows for individual unopposed bowling, the scores count towards the legal lineup requirement unless the league rules require a specific number of regular members and/or substitutes are present. If the league has a rule allowing an individual to bowl unopposed in accordance with Rule 111b, Item 3, and permission is granted as stated in Rules 111d and 111e, the individual' s scores must be added to the team score.

Our league rules allow both individuals and teams to prebowl. Can the league secretary hold the prebowled scores and apply them to individual average records on the date the prebowled games are bowled for?

No. When individuals or teams are granted permission to prebowl for a specific league session, the scores at the time bowled become an immediate part of the bowler' s average record. Upon any successive competition in the league, the individual' s average must include all prior games bowled for purposes of determining handicap. (See Rule 111f, Item 4, for reference.)

We had an individual/team prebowl for the December 15th league session because they had to work. Just prior to the date they prebowled for, they found out that they would not have to work on that date so they appeared at the lanes to bowl. Can the league secretary throw out their scores and allow them to bowl?

No. When an individual or team receives permission from the league to bowl unopposed and completes their prebowl, Rule 107a provides that they have exhausted their eligibility with regard to recording their scores for that league session. The league' s board of directors has the authority to declare the prebowled scores null and void only if a rule was violated or due to mitigating circumstances. However, the change in the individual' s work schedule does not fall into either of these categories, therefore, the scores would stand.

The league had a team prebowl for a specific league session. The team prebowled and then, due to severe weather, the league cancelled bowling on that date and resumed the following week. What happens to the prebowled scores?

The prebowled scores must be applied to the league session they were intended for. If the team prebowled and the league session was subsequently cancelled, the prebowled scores are then applied to the rescheduled league session. The team would not be permitted to rebowl that week as their scores have already been recorded and their eligibility exhausted as stated in Rule