USBC Announces Rule Modifications For Return Of Leagues And Tournaments

On May 6th, 2020, the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) announced several rule modifications and waivers to allow a safer return to competitive bowling. While local bowling centers will still abide by local heath guidelines set in place due to COVID-19, the USBC hopes that the additional flexibility of competition rules will aid in keeping bowlers safe and healthy.

The first temporary modification is that certified competition may now take place on just one lane for the entirety of a game (Ten frames on one lane of the pair), instead of alternating lanes as done previously (Five frames on each lane of the pair). USBC also temporarily waived the requirement that both lanes be used in order for a bowler to be eligible for High Score Awards or to calculate their official average. Bowlers may now calculate official averages and be eligible for High Score Awards on just one lane.

The second modification to official USBC rules is that bowlers may now use isopropyl alcohol (commonly know as rubbing alcohol) to wipe down their bowling balls during competition. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), isopropyl alcohol is an approved disinfectant against COVID-19. Use of any other liquid cleaner during competition is still prohibited. This temporary exception that allows a "cleaner" to be used during competition is only approved for isopropyl alcohol. Please note that the use of isopropyl alcohol does not aid with removing oil from the surface of your bowling ball. To help remove oil, debris and belt marks from your equipment, you may use USBC-approved cleaners, such as Monster Tac, before or after competition.

The USBC boards continues to closely monitor COVID-19 and may retract these temporary modifications and waivers at any time. Official Rules affected are 106a, 106b, 320a and 320b.


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