July 20, 2007

By: Mark Martin

RULES ARE THE FOUNDATION OF BOWLING

Rules are the foundation of every sport especially bowling. The American Bowling Congress & Women’s International Bowling Congress were founded to develop and enforce uniform rules for the game. The United States Bowling Congress (USBC) as the successor carries on the work of the former organizations. As the local arm of the USBC the Metro Detroit USBC Association (MDUSBC) serves the local membership.

Before the rules and specifications were developed, the physical aspects of our game could vary dependent upon the area of the country or bowling alley. Once the specifications were established, the game became more of a sport, with which competitors from across the country could compete. By defining those rules and specifications, competitors could refine their "game" to compete with others on the same playing field.

The rules have changed throughout the 100+ years of the organized bowling, but the physical characteristics have remained virtually unchanged. This is one of the items that makes the game great.

Rules have to be updated to keep up with some changes in society. Each year changes are proposed to the USBC Convention delegates for their action.

Each year the changed rules in the book are marked with brackets ([]) to denote a change. The MDUSBC is dedicated to helping members; league officers and leagues understand the rules. Because of this the MDUSBC office staff answers many questions surrounding the rules, which is one of the support functions to the membership.

Many of the rules questions the association gets center around league fee arrearages, postponements, forfeits, position rounds, etc. Each situation has its own merits and many times determinations need to be made whether a particular rule fits the situation, which is where the MDUSBC can be helpful in that determination.

It is important for all members and bowlers to be aware of the rules, so that they can comply and enjoy the sport of bowling more. If someone is bowling in an uncertified league, think about the rules support you receive as a member of the MDUSBC that you'd miss. The real problem in bowling in an uncertified league is that you never realize what you're missing until you need it and it's not there.

The Metro Detroit USBC Association is committed to making the game more enjoyable for everyone involved. One of the ways we do that is to participate in the rules making process at the convention and by helping the members understand the rules. The final way we help is to resolve issues regarding the rules.

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HONOR SCORES
300 Games
Date, Name, Hometown, Center, League
July 11, Peter Wagner, Southfield, Country Lanes, Wednesday Youth Trio
July 15, Jay Lang, Sterling Hts., Hazel Park Bowl, Hamtramck Singles Classic
July 16, Edward DeGraaf, Madison Hts., Sunnybrook Lanes, Monday Adult/Youth



800 Series
Date, Name (Score), Hometown, Center, League




Mark Martin writes a weekly bowling column on Fridays for The Daily Oakland Press and is the association manager of the Metro Detroit USBC Association. He can be reached at (248) 443-2695, faxed at (248) 443-2690 or e-mailed at mark.martin@mdusbc.com.