USBC Guidelines Open Doors For Bowling Return
Wes Weisser sets up for a roll at Wawasee Bowl. Local alleys are preparing for a prospective re-open in mid-June. InkFreeNews file photo by Curtis Smeltzer
By Mike Deak
InkFreeNews
WARSAW – In combination of the Back On Track plan from Indiana governor Eric Holcomb as well as updates issued from the United States Bowling Congress, bowling alleys in the Hoosier state are anticipating opening in about a month.
The Bowling Alley in Warsaw is one of the lanes planning on opening its doors in the vicinity of June 14 as part of the re-opening. General manager Jennifer Stichter stated the leagues that were already in place before the shutdown have been canceled for the remainder for their seasons, but the possibility of a summer season could be constructed.
“We are still working on processing through the vast information we have received from the BPAA (Bowling Proprietor’s Association of America) and the USBC guidelines to allow for changes to competitive league format,” Stichter said. “The changes allowed by USBC will be conveyed, however, we don’t typically sanction our summer league program, so those rule changes will not likely apply. We will meet with our league officers sometime later this summer to talk about current rules. We always have a league meeting in the fall, prior to leagues, and will talk with our league members at that time regarding the latest information.”
As with everything, adaptations are being made seemingly daily as the state and national governments update and fluctuate their information. One change that has been made in recent days is the option to remain on one lane and use isopropyl alcohol to clean bowling balls during league play. Typically no surface changes can be made during league play. Some lanes have noted they will alternate lane usage, where lane 1 would have bowlers, lane 2 would be empty, and lane 3 would be used and so on.
Stichter added, “We have already deep cleaned, including the carpet, walls, game room games and all surfaces. We are calling our employees back soon to begin the process of teaching and training for this new normal.”
The Bowling Alley is also keeping track of the updating news in hopes of returning the Kid’s Bowl Free summer program.
Other area locations, such as Wawasee Bowl and Warsaw Bowl, are still in planning phases for reopening and did not offer concise dates or actions. Contact them directly for more information on possible league and recreation play.
USBC Press Release
On Wednesday, the United States Bowling Congress issued a press release updating its rulings for bowling centers looking to re-open. It states:
The United States Bowling Congress Board of Directors approved waivers and modifications to USBC Playing Rules to allow certified leagues and tournaments more flexibility to return to bowling while adhering to local health guidelines related to COVID-19.
The modifications allow certified competition to take place on one lane for the entirety of a game. Additionally, bowlers will be allowed to use isopropyl alcohol, more commonly known as rubbing alcohol, to clean their bowling ball during competition. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists isopropyl alcohol as an approved disinfectant for use against COVID-19.
“As bowling centers around the country are reopening, USBC intends to give operators the most flexibility possible to resume bowling within their local guidelines,” USBC Executive Director Chad Murphy said. “We have been listening to proprietors and members as they prepare to resume certified play and made these changes based on that input. Our goal is to facilitate bowling again in a way that meets the need locally and USBC is ready to quickly consider and activate additional changes based on feedback from centers and associations.”
The USBC Board has the authority to temporarily amend or suspend league and tournament rules in emergency cases. With the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, USBC reviewed its rules and policies to identify areas of concern relating to player safety and to determine how it could promote efforts while centers adjust operations to meet local guidelines.
Effective immediately, USBC has temporarily waived USBC Playing Rules 106a, 106b, 320a and 320b, which state two lanes must be used for competition and bowlers must alternate lanes – bowling five frames on each lane of the pair. It also waived the requirement that both lanes must be used for a bowler to be eligible for awards and average recognition.
The temporary waiver allows competitions to use one lane for the entirety of a game and allows recognition of scores bowled on a single lane for USBC High Score Awards and for a bowler’s official average.
USBC will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and can rescind the waiver of Rules 106a,106b, 320a and 320b at any time.
USBC also created an exception for Rule 18, which restricts the use of liquid cleaners to clean the outer surface of the bowling ball during USBC certified competition. The exception for Rule 18 applies only to isopropyl alcohol – no other USBC-approved cleaners will be allowed during competition.
The USBC Board, which has the authority over General Playing Rules, was able to make the rules waivers following the adoption of General Playing Rule 14 – Emergency Authorizations. Rule 14 states USBC may authorize temporary modifications to the General Playing Rules, Award, League and Tournament Rules in cases of emergency and that such authorizations will be for a specified period.
Visit BOWL.com/Rules for more information on USBC Rules.
