A Word From President Fred Gordon

It's that time of year - midway through the season. How's your average compared to last year? Do you know why your average is higher or lower than last year? Do you know what spares you miss the most?  Do you know your strike percentage? Do you know which lanes you score highest on? You might have noticed teammates making notes or keeping track of their scores on a printed sheet or a handheld device. Those bowlers know how their average compares to last year, they know which spares they need to work on, they know their bowling statistics.

You might wonder what difference this makes. It's a key to improving your bowling. Picking up spares can add pins to your average. Every national sport keeps track of player's statistics. If you watch bowling on television the commentators cite statistics from current competition and year's past.

There are many software programs you can download, as well as online programs to track your stats. Check out our links page to get started.

Best wishes for your continued bowling success.

   Deadlines

Calendars for Sale by Board Members until March 31

Board of Directors Application - Entries Close March 31

Joseph C Mizda Scholarship Application Qualifications Entries Close February 1

Open State Tournament Entry Form/Rules Entries Close March 24

Women's State Tournament Entry Form/Rules Entries Close March 21

Tournament Rule Changes

Rules for the MSUSBC Open, Women's and Senior tournaments have been amended:

  1. Averages: The ten pin rule applies. If your current average is 10 pins or more higher than your previous year's average for 21 or more games, your entering average will be adjusted. It is the bowler's responsibility to verify the accuracy of his/her average in the tournament. Failure to use the proper average shall disqualify the score if the submitted average is lower than the actual average. Prize winnings shall be based on the bowler's submitted average if it is higher than the bowler's actual average.
  2. Scented body products: Due to respiratory problems of some members, please refrain from using scented body care products.
  3. Bowlers entering the tournament without a previous season average in a Maine league, or without a current season average of 21 games or more in a Maine league MUST BOWL SCRATCH.

Please read the rules. The team captain should pass this information as well as proper dress code along to their teammates.

Non-conforming Bowling Balls

If your bowling ball is on this list, it is not legal for use in USBC leagues or tournaments. Any scores bowled with non-conforming balls will be forfeited. It is the bowler's responsibility to make sure their equipment is approved for USBC leagues and tournaments.

Do You Know the Rules?

Can abrasives be used during certified competition?

No. The outer surface of any bowling ball cannot be altered with an abrasive after the start of competition. This includes balls that have not yet been introduced into play. Further, the start of competition is defined as the point the first ball is thrown by any participant for score. This would allow a bowler to alter the outer surface of a ball during practice and not be in violation of Rule 18. Get to know the rules. Download a copy of the rule book from bowl.com.