TEAM TOURNAMENT AT CLOVERLEAF BOWL, FREMONT

The Gigantic 5 Team Tournament is returning to Cloverleaf Bowl on September 26th. There will be two separate squads each with its own Prize Fund, so your team can bowl twice and cash twice. The Team event entry fee is $160.00 ($32 per bowler) for each event. First Place is $1500.00 to the winning team and there will be 8 places paid if the tournament is sold out. Get your lineup and USBC #'s and averages to Tom Crane by e-mailing to tc9erfan@aol.com. Sign your team up today. Download info here.

COMING SOON - THE 46TH ANNUAL LIVERMORE VALLEY TOURNAMENT AT GRANADA BOWL - DECEMBER 11TH 2010 THRU FEBRUARY 6TH 2011!!

Go to www.granadabowl.com for more information and to download entry forms

OPENING CEREMONIES/FIRST WEEKEND FOR CUSBC OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS
Bowling Column for Tues., May 11, 2010
By: Bette Addington & Mike Hefley

The first weekend of bowlers from all around the state coming to Bakersfield to compete in the 5th annual 2010 CUSBC (Californian United States Bowling Congress) Open Championships took place this past weekend with squads of bowlers at both AMF Southwest Lanes and Regency Bowling Center.

Opening Ceremonies kicked off the event and took place at noon on Saturday, May 8, at AMF Southwest Lanes. On hand were Mayor Harvey Hall along with Don Cohen, Director of the Bakersfield Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Representing CUSBC was President Al Hoffmann and Association Manager Larry Peppers along with Tournament Director Ferenc Schulz. AMF Southwest Lanes was represented by Manager Darlene Sharp, and Regency was represented by Manager Mike Morris. Representing our GEUSBC (Golden Empire United States Bowling Congress) was President DC Williams. Bakersfield High’s ROTC was the color guard and led the ceremony into the presentation of our National Anthem. Then, bowling participant, Wayne Tanaka, of Ridgecrest, was selected as “Joe Bowler” and threw out the first ball to start the tournament.

With Sunday being Mother’s Day, GEUSBC recognized every mom that was participating by giving them a rose.

This tournament will run for the next nine weekends (skipping Convention weekend Jun.12-13) through July 24-25. Team event is at AMF Southwest Lanes and Doubles & Singles is at Regency Bowling Center. Admission is free for spectators and although entries are closed, local bowlers who are not entered can still sign up at either center to be a sub as subs will be needed throughout the tournament. Squad times at both centers are: Team/AMF Southwest Lanes on Saturdays at 12:30 & 3:45; Sundays at 9 & 12:30. Doubles & Singles/Regency Bowling Center on Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30, 12:30 and 4.

ANDERSON, LEWIS & MAYFIELD GO ON TO WIN AT STATE BVL SINGLES CLASSIC
Bakersfield bowlers are ones to get behind BVL (Bowlers to Veteran’s Link) each year when our annual BVL City Roll-Off comes around in early November. Out of this tournament comes division winners who then go on to represent Bakersfield at the State BVL Classic tournament in April each year. We have been fortunate enough to have winners come back from this tournament over the last several years and this year was no different!

Morgan Anderson, representing the Women’s “E” division, Cody Lewis, representing the Youth Boys “B” division, and Gabriella Mayfield, representing the Youth Girls “Classic” division all won!!

For their win, they will each receive a jacket, watch and medal. Congratulations on this great feat!

LEAGUE ROLL-OFF TIME
This week and next week many leagues will be having their final Roll-offs and Sweepers as this winter season comes to an end.

This week the Regency Men’s Handicap will be in the final position round as we roll towards next Monday’s Top 8 Finals. With over $30,000 up for grabs, this should prove to be one of the toughest Roll-Offs we’ve seen! The public is welcome as the elimination Roll-offs start at 6:30pm on Monday, May 17 and should be a couple hours of great action!!

Then the action continues on Tuesday night, May 18, as the final night for the Regency Men’s Handicap 2009-2010 season finishes up with its Sweepers, and with lots of brackets, sidepots, team series, and individual series money up for grabs, it’s sure to be another great night of competitive fun. Can’t wait for Billy Weeks to shout out “4 pin forward!” as we remember our bowling buddy, Leon Stroope.

MEGA BALL 2010 UPDATE
Lots of individuals have already signed up looking for teams to bowl on, as well as 10-plus teams are ready to roll. We hope to see at least 20 teams this summer as we fire up the 15th annual Mega Ball summer classic at Regency Lanes. You can call 325-6428 or 324-6303 for more info or to sign up. The league has its meeting and starts on Tuesday night, May 25th at 6:30pm. Teams for this league are mixed trios and all bowlers will receive a ball of their choice at the end of the league.

YOUTH TOURNAMENTS ON THE HORIZON
With the end of the winter league bowling season comes the end of many of the seasons for the youth tournament clubs down south. Bakersfield’s Jimmy Hefley currently stands at the top of the points standings for the JAT (Junior Amateur Tour) club and their annual Invitational is this weekend (May 15-16) in Fullerton. Also this next weekend is the JBT (Junior Bowlers Tour) Southern California Invitational which takes place at Parkway Bowl in El Cajon. Hefley is the defending champion of this event. Can he keep his title? Good luck to all our local youth who plan to compete in these events.

WEEKLY SUPER SCORES
--Lance Bowman rolled his second 300 game of his career on April 8 bowling in the Heez & Sheez league at AMF Southwest Lanes. Bowman’s first perfecto was shot about 20 years ago.
--Carlie Medina III competing in the 14th annual Modesto City Masters back on April 11, 2010, tried to again capture the title but ended up placing 3rd this year winning $900. Medina rolled an 827 series during competition.
--Donald Harris, bowling in the African-American league at Regency on Friday, April 16, picked up the 7-10 split.
--Richard Mott added another 300 game to his career on Sunday, April 18 bowling in the Slots of Fun league at Regency Bowling Center.
--Like father, like son! Both Bryan Bumacod and his father, Bill Bumacod bowled 279 games on April 27 bowling in the Regency Men’s Handicap league at Regency and both bowl on the same team!!
--PD Richardson shot a 300 on his Slots of Fun league on Sunday night, May 2, at Regency Bowling Center.
--John Matteson was well on his way to a 300 game on Thursday, May 6, bowling in Marge’s Royal Mixed Five league at Regency but a stubborn 9 pin denied him. Matteson ended up with a 289 game.

BOWLING COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Mon., May 17: Entry deadline for 2010 CUSBC Youth State tournament. www.calusbc.com
Sun., May 23: Youth Traveling Tournament, 10am, Cedar Lanes in Fresno. 661/834-5163.
Thurs., May 27: Marge’s Super Senior No-Tap Tournament, 1pm, Regency Bowling Center. 661/325-6428.

DO NOT LET FEAR AFFECT YOUR GAME OF BOWLING
By: Stan Popovich

Sometimes, fear and anxiety can get the best of us in bowling. The key is to know how to manage that fear and anxiety. As a result, here is a brief list of techniques that a bowler can use to help manage their fears and every day anxieties.

Occasionally, you may become stressed when you have to bowl in an important event. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the task in your mind. For instance, you have to bowl in the championship game in front of a large group of people in the next few days. Before the big day comes, imagine yourself bowling. Self-Visualization is a great way to reduce the fear and stress of a coming situation.

Sometimes we get stressed out when everything happens all at once. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get their mind off of the problem. A person could read the newspaper, listen to some music or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things.

Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that you can carry around with you. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you. Whenever you feel stressed, open up your small notebook and read those statements. This will help to manage your negative thinking.

In every anxiety-related situation you experience, begin to learn what works, what doesn’t work, and what you need to improve on in managing your fears and anxieties. For instance, you have a lot of anxiety and you decide to take a small walk before your bowling event to help you feel better. The next time you feel anxious you can remind yourself that you got through it the last time by taking a walk. This will give you the confidence to manage your anxiety the next time around.

Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your fears and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. By talking to a professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future. Remember that it never hurts to ask for help.

Remember that patience, persistence, and education will go a long way in preventing fear from becoming a factor in the sport of bowling.

BIOGRAPHY: Stan Popovich is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods” – an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to http://www.managingfear.com.

CALIFORNIA USBC “UPDATES”
By Phyl Knoll

The meeting of the Board of Directors was held January 24, 2010 at the Ontario Airport-Marriott in Ontario. President Hoffmann called to order at 9:00 am. All but three members were present.

Association Manager, Larry Peppers presented a letter questioning whether the Star of Tomorrow Scholarship funds were transferable from the recipient to another student. The board approved the motion: “All scholarship funds shall be non-transferable. Any or all of the funds not used will revert back to the California USBC Scholarship funds account”.

The board approved the Tournament Committee’s motion to grant hosting of the:
(1) 2011 Open Tournament to Central California USBC Association, (Team) at Cedar Lanes; (S/D) at AMF Sierra Lanes.
(2) 2011 Women‘s Championship Tournament to Ventura County USBC WBA with (Team) at Buena Lanes and (S/D) at Simi Bowl.

The BVL Committee reported that all funds collected in 2008-09 have been distributed to the various California veteran facilities and to the date of this meeting, $2,300 in donations had been received. March 1st is the deadline for the local associations to turn in the balance of their donations, as well as the names of their qualifiers who will be participating in the 2010 BVL Tournament Roll-offs at Yorba Linda Bowl in Yorba Linda on April 10th. The committee presented the newly designed BVL pin which recognizes the five branches of the US Military. They will sell for $5 each and can be seen on our website.

The board approved the Legislation committee’s proposed amendment to the USBC National Bylaws; Art. VII, Committees, Sec A., Standing Committees, #4 Youth Committee, Paragraph 3, which currently reads: “Committee members are selected by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board; the Chair is elected by the Committee.” Proposed to change to: “At the Annual Meeting, Youth Committee Members are elected to fill open positions on the Committee that are subject to election by the Delegates; election is by a majority vote of the Delegates present from either: (1) A slate provided by the Nominating Committee or: (2) Nominations from the floor provided that the names of the nominees and their qualifications are submitted to the Nominating Committee, in writing, at least 24 hours prior to the opening of the Annual Meeting, and provided that each nominee is offered as an alternative to fill a specified position on the Nominating Committee’s slate. The elected committee members will serve on the Youth Committee for a two year term on a staggered system with a maximum of six years of service to the National USBC Youth Committee and the USBC National Board of Directors.”
Reason for the Proposal: “We feel that it is important to have all USBC Board Members, Committee Members elected by the Delegation, present at the Annual Meeting. It is unfair for a very small entity such as the National Nominating Committee to select the members of any import committee. This should be left to the Delegation.”

The board approved the motion from the Awards committee for their selection of Jack Thomas, of Citrus Heights for our 2010 Distinguished Service Award and John Balla of San Diego for the Proprietor/Manager of the Year Award. Both gentlemen will be honored during our Annual Meeting in June. The committee briefed the board on the All-Star Youth Team Award. Interested individuals must submit their application, each which will be graded on a subjective point system. The selected team will be sent to participate in the National Youth Open Tournament in Indianapolis this July. Each team member will receive from California USBC a paid entry fee, a team shirt and a travel stipend.

The Hall of Fame committee moved for approval of their selection for 2010. The board approved Tish Johnson, formerly of Napa and Paula Vidad from Crestline in the Superior Performance category, and for Meritorious Service, Barbara Metzinger of Carmichael and (posthumously) Vern Reilly. All four recipients will be honored at our Annual Meeting in June.

The Product Fair connected with our Annual Meeting will be held in the foyer of the Marriott-Fremont Hotel in Fremont. The hotel will provide the tables to CUSBC at no cost and the table prices for vendors will be eliminated this year. Hours of operation will be announced soon.

The Convention Committee announced plans for a “Social” to follow the Workshop and Product Fair on Saturday. The board approved the committee’s details. Credential information was going out to associations the following week of this meeting with the deadline set for April 14th for each association to return their Credential Forms. The packages to the Delegates will be mailed by 30 days prior to the Convention.

The Youth Committee reported having three vacancies but nominated Karen Brown of Modesto to fill the Youth Director No 3 position. The board unanimously approved the motion. Board members were reminded to check the expiration date on their Registered Volunteer Badge that must be worn when working with the youth bowlers. Renewals can be handled online with Bowl.com. The board approved a Diamond Scholarship in the amount of $500 for 3rd V.P. Matt Cormack, renewable for an additional three years and approved a $250 renewal for prior winner, Anthony Rose of Bakersfield. The committee is soliciting ads for the Youth State Tournament Program Book.

President Hoffmann adjourned the meeting at 12:15 pm with the next committee and board meetings scheduled the weekend of our Annual Meeting June 10-13 at the Fremont Marriott-Silicon Valley, 46100 Landing Parkway, Fremont 94538; (510) 413-3700. It is suggested that all Delegates make their reservations early.

THE CALIFORNIA USBC WILL GUARANTEE $47,000 IN PRIZE MONEY FOR THE
2010 STATE QUEENS & MASTERS EVENTS!

Youth Membership Processing for Northern California

There are three options for processing youth membership for Northern California centers. Please remember that all youth MUST be current USBC certified bowlers in order to participate in the Pepsi Championships, State Championships (North San Diego) and State Scratch (Visalia).

Option: 1

Certify your USBC membership ($17) through Norcal, now known as Youth Bowling Association (YBA). You do not have to purchase their $10 YBA membership in order to get the standard USBC membership.

Option: 2

The bowling center can process the membership directly. If this option is selected, the center must contact USBC, Youth Department to receive a user name and password in order to process their membership online.

Option: 3

The youth league can process their membership through the local USBC association that currently processes the adult membership. If this option is selected, the center must contact USBC, Youth Department and let them know that they will be transferring local associations.

USBC Contact information:

Michael Larsen, USBC Association Development (mike.larsen@bowl.com)
1-800-514-BOWL ext. 8242

or email: usbcyouth@bowl.com

The California USBC will GUARANTEE $47,000 in Prize Money
for the 2010 State Queens & Masters Events - Expectations are High

Everyone has witnessed the decline of bowling nationwide. With this decline, every association, league and tournament has been affected, of course some more than others. California State events have been a victim to this decline in all ten events that we host. The events hit the hardest were the singles scratch events; the State Queens, Masters and Youth State Scratch event. Because these events are targeted to higher averaged bowlers, we are already limited in the playing field. The State Masters event began in 1961 and the Queens event started in 1966. The formats have fluctuated throughout the 40+ years, but the number of qualifiers cut for the finals has remained the same (with the exception of one year in the Queens). We don’t want to change the numbers of qualifiers cut to the finals, nor do we want to change the history of paying prize money to everyone that makes it to the finals. But, during these tough economic times, sponsors are becoming harder to find and if there is no added money coming from sponsors and the participation count is not increasing, what options are left? Not many. It would force us to adjust the formats so that less people make the cut, which will save money in lineage and will bump up the prize fund for the top of the field.

The Queens & Masters (QM) committee has been working hard for two years trying to find sponsors and trying to figure out how to the get funds increased to gain that participation interest. We had no easy or viable solutions and finally went to the board for help. In understanding our dilemma that we can’t get the participants because the prize fund is not there and we can’t payout a nice prize fund because the participants aren’t there, the board decided that they needed to step in and help or else the tournaments will fold and two 40+ historical events will come to an end.

After gathering a lot of feedback from both events, the committee came up with multiple scenarios to present to the board for approval. The decision came down to this… keep the historical format the same, the Masters will remain with a final field of 64 and prize fund payout to 64. The Queens format will also remain the same with a finals field of 32 and a prize fund payout to 32. The guaranteed payout approved by the state board was $47,000 total – $30,000 to the Masters and $17,000 to the Queens. The committee was extremely confident that in receiving these funds, the bowlers WILL come! For the Masters, a $30,000 guarantee will payout $3,000 for first place + $450 National USBC Masters entry + berths into the 2011 & 2012 State Masters Finals ($3,950 value). Second place will be $2,000 and third place will be $1,500 GUARANTEED! For the Queens, first place will be $1,500 + $300 National USBC Queens entry + berths into the 2011 & 2012 State Queens Finals ($2,100 value). Second place will be $1,350 and third place will be $1,200 GUARANTEED! Along with the bonus awards of High Qualifier from the Championship Qualifier, High Qualifier from the Last Chance Squad, Highest game in the Last Chance Squad, Highest series in the Finals and Highest game in the Finals, we will be offering bonus awards for 300 and 800 sport honor scores for the finals as well as referral fees for those that bring in multiple entries. Entry fees will be increased to $250 for the Masters Last Chance entry; $150 for the Open Championships qualifier; $150 for the Queen’s Last Chance entry and $110 for the Women’s Championships Qualifier. There will be discounts for those that entered the Championship qualifier, didn't qualify and want to re-enter in the Last Chance squad.

Now, with this large investment contract come penalties. We are going to market this event to the best of our ability, but we still need you, the bowler’s help in getting more participants to attend. We want the entries back up and need everyone’s support. We have contacted the West Coast PBA Regional director requesting that our dates of September 10-12, 2010 for the Masters (AMF Southwest Lanes – Bakersfield) and August 14-15, 2010 for Queens (Tyme to Bowl Lanes – Gold Country Casino) be avoided, but all we can do is ask. Unfortunately, if the participation numbers do not significantly increase for 2010, the formats WILL be modified for 2011. If the numbers still do not increase by 2012, the events will have to fold. We are trying to service the bowlers of California, but it goes both ways, so please help us to promote this event. Entries will be finalized and distributed in the fall. They will also be available online at www.CalUSBC.com. Thank you to those that participated this year. We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you next year in Bakersfield and Oroville. Remember…the “Best Bowlers Come from California” and these are the events to prove just that!

Queens Page | Masters Page

The New USBC Youth Membership Card Application Breakdown

The USBC Youth membership card application reflects the changes made to the youth dues structure. Local dues are no longer applicable. A processing fee is paid if additional leagues are joined in another center. The following is a breakdown of the membership choices:

$5 Basic – includes $4 national dues plus a $1 processing fee for each Basic league joined. (Available in Basic league only.)
$17 Standard – includes $14.50 national, $.50 state dues plus a $2 membership processing fee.
$27 Sport – includes $24.50 national Sport, $.50 state dues plus a $2 membership processing fee.
None – bowler has a current Standard or Sport membership in this center.
$10 Upgrade to Sport – includes $10 dues to upgrade a current Standard membership to Sport. Bowler bowls in same center.
$12 Upgrade to Sport plus processing fee – includes $10 dues to upgrade current Standard membership to Sport plus a $2 processing fee. Bowler has paid Standard membership and bowls in another center already.
$2 Processing fee only – Bowler has a current Standard or Sport membership in another center and is paying the $2 processing fee.
$2.50 Processing fee plus state only - Bowler has a current Standard or Sport membership in another state and is paying a $2 processing fee and $.50 state dues.

Notes: If association managers happen to receive a Registered Volunteer Program Center Enrollment Form, please fax it to the attention of Sharon Moen at (817) 385-8262.

Western Women Premier Bowlers

The WWPB is an organization comprised of high average women bowlers who compete on one of the highest levels of competition across the country. We are very proud of our membership as many of these great athletes are past Team USA members or State or National Champions who have greatly raised the level of competition in our organization.

We run six to eight WWPB tournaments each year. Click here for our tournament schedule or you can find advertisements prior to each tournament listed in the Bowling News distributed at your local bowling center. In addition to all of the fun and excitement, the WWPB will donate a percentage of every sponsor contribution to a specified organization, school or charity of your choice. Do your part. Get involved and help us in our journey to help others.

New Member Qualifications:

- USBC adult female member in good standing
- At least 18 years of age
- Have a current season book average and current league average for 60 games or more of 175 or higher (Applicants may use a summer league average of 60 games or more, or may composite consecutive summer and winter league averages to meet the 60 game requirement; Applicants may use a verified composite tournament average (from one tournament organization) of 175 for 60 games or more; The Board of Directors will consider petitions for exceptions to the average requirement)

New Member Applicant Procedures:

- Applicant must complete a membership application
- Applicant must attach evidence of average with application i.e.: a league sheet, a statement signed by league secretary, or average verification by association secretary with any verification to include number of games bowled to attain average
- Applicant must attach required fee to membership application. New member dues when joining Jul-Aug-Sep are $100. This is for the calendar year January 1 through December 31.
- Prorated new membership dues are: Apr-Dec $75, Jun-Dec $50, Oct-Dec $25

NEXT TOURNAMENT:
TBA

SPEAK YOUR VOICE
Local Association Forum

Answers to many of the common questions that have been asked concerning the
recently announced changes in the USBC Youth program

2009-10 Youth Program Q&A
3/6/2009

Standard membership
Q: What benefits come as part of the USBC Youth Standard membership?
A: The membership will cost $17 and be available to all youth who bowl in USBC certified leagues or tournaments. Benefits include:

USBC Youth Membership Card
Four (4) issues of US Youth Bowler
USBC recognized average
USBC Youth Awards Program
League award emblems
Access to the USBC Youth Purchasable Awards program
The ability to participate in USBC certified tournaments

Q: Can a USBC Youth Standard member bowl in a USBC Youth Basic league without paying the $5 USBC Youth Basic membership fee?
A: Yes. USBC Youth Standard members can participate in USBC Youth Basic leagues with no additional membership charge. However, only awards listed as benefits for USBC Youth Basic leagues will be provided for accomplishments in that league.

Q: Can a USBC Youth Standard member bowling in a USBC Youth Basic league earn high score award emblems/honor score rings?
A: No. The USBC Youth Basic membership/league is a distinct league program. Only the limited awards program provided to USBC Youth Basic leagues will be available for any scores bowled during USBC Youth Basic competition.

Basic membership
Q: What benefits come as part of a USBC Youth Basic membership?
A: USBC Youth Basic Membership will cost $5 and be available to all youth who bowl in a league that meets for 12 sessions or less. Benefits include:

USBC Youth Membership Card
One issue of US Youth Bowler
USBC recognized average
The ability to participate in USBC certified tournaments
USBC Basic League award emblems (high game, series, average, champion and most improved average)
Access to the USBC Youth Purchasable Awards program

Q: Can a USBC Youth Basic league participate in the Pepsi Tournament?
A: If a USBC Youth Basic league competes during one of the league-level qualifying windows for the Pepsi tournament, the league members are eligible to conduct qualifying competition. In states that do not hold league level qualifying, ALL USBC Youth members, Standard and Basic, will be eligible for these direct entry events.

Q: Will USBC Youth Basic averages be "official"?
A: Yes. Averages established based on nine or more games in USBC Youth Basic leagues will be acceptable for entry into USBC Youth tournaments in accordance with Rule 318. However, only averages based on 21 or more games will be recognized as official as stated in the USBC Association Policy Manual.

Q: Will USBC Youth Basic averages be posted on bowl.com?
A: Yes. The youth bowler average information will be available on bowl.com.

Q: Does the USBC Youth Basic member pay the $5 USBC Youth Basic membership fee for each league in which they participate?
A: Yes. The USBC Youth Basic membership is paid for each USBC Youth Basic league in which the bowler competes. For example, if the player would compete in two USBC Youth Basic leagues at the same time or during the same season, the $5 USBC Youth Basic fees would be paid by the bowler in each league.

Q: When does the USBC Youth Basic membership expire?
A: The USBC Youth Basic membership is valid for the duration of the specific league. In addition, the USBC Youth Basic membership will be recognized for tournament competition for the entire season in which it was purchased.

Q: Can a bowler purchase a USBC Youth Standard membership through a USBC Youth Basic league?
A: No. Only USBC Youth Basic memberships and membership benefits can be issued through a USBC Youth Basic league.

Q: Can a 16-session league certify as a USBC Youth Basic league?
A: No. The USBC Youth Basic membership program is limited to league competitions that are 12 or fewer sessions.

Q: Will a bowler in a Basic League be able to receive score award emblems?
Only the limited award program provided to USBC Youth Basic leagues will be available for any scores bowled during the competition. However, USBC Youth Basic leagues have the ability to provide a supplemental awards program by utilizing the USBC Youth Purchasable Awards program.

Awards
Q: How does the processing agent order award inventories?
A: The Processing Agent will order award inventories through the Youth Membership Processing Program. Initial start-up inventory orders will be determined based on league size. Additional award inventories will then be available for ordering in incremental packages.

Q: Will the new High Score Awards cause high school eligibility issues?
A: USBC Youth members have the obligation to be aware of any restrictions that might be in place by his/her high school athletic associations and might affect any outside competitions they could compete in or limitations on awards that they may earn. USBC has taken this issue into consideration and, by working with our vendors, can now provide youth awards that meet the eligibility limits of most states. In those limited instances where there might be a conflict, bowlers will have the option to decline the provided USBC Youth award for a given accomplishment to prevent an eligibility issue.

Q: Can my child win two 50-game awards during the same season?
A: No. USBC Youth awards are limited to once per season for the same accomplishment.

Q: If my child earns a 200 series award, can they later earn a 150 series award?
A: No. Once a player has earned a USBC Youth Award for a specific accomplishment, they are only eligible to receive the next highest, or the highest award, for future accomplishments. Using the example above, once the player has earned a 200 series award, the next award they could earn would be the 250 or higher series.

Q: Can my 13-year-old who just started bowling earn the 50-game award?
A: No. USBC Youth awards for bowlers 13 and older begin with a 125 game and a 300 series. Under the USBC Youth Awards program, the 13 year old bowler would not be eligible for a 50-game award.

Q: What is a "Qualifying Average"?
A: The established averages that determine eligibility for USBC Youth Awards are listed in Rule 53 which states:
The following applies to any award earned based on average:
   a. League:
      1. If 12 or more games have been bowled in the league in the current season, use the current average.
      2. If less than 12 games in the current season, use last season's final average for 21 games or more from the same league.
      3. For a new bowler in the league with less than 12 games, use last season's highest USBC average for 21 games or more in any USBC league.
      4. For a bowler who has not established an average in the preceding season, the highest USBC average of 21 or more games from the summer league just completed shall be used.
      5. In a summer league, when a bowler has not established an average in the preceding season, the highest USBC average of 21 or more games from the regular season just completed shall be used.
      6. A new bowler in a league who has not bowled 12 games in the current season can use a current USBC average of 12 or more games from another league.
      7. A bowler who does not have an acceptable USBC average for comparison is not eligible for recognition.
   b. Tournament:
      1. In handicap or classified tournaments, compare the score with the USBC average used in the tournament.
      2. In scratch tournaments:
         a) Compare the score with the bowler's highest current USBC average of 12 or more games.
         b) If less than 12 games in the current season, compare the score with the preceding season's highest USBC average for 21 or more games.
         c) A bowler who does not have an acceptable USBC average for comparison is not eligible for recognition.

By determining which situation applies to the bowler, you are able to determine what standard is used to determine the bowlers "qualifying average."

Q: My child averages 50. Can he/she earn the 50-game award?
A: No. The USBC Youth Awards Program requires the player to have a Qualifying Average that is less than the accomplishment. For example, in order to earn a 75 game award, the player must have a qualifying average of 74 or less. In order to earn a 250 series award, the player must have an average of 83 or less.

Q: My child averages 49. Can he/she earn the 100-series award in a 2-game league?
A: Yes. The USBC Youth Awards Program requires the player to have a Qualifying Average that is less than the accomplishment. To determine the maximum Qualifying Average for an accomplishment, simply divide the series award by the number of games bowled in the series.
.
Q: Can my 8-year old earn the 150 game award, even though it is not Bowlopolis-themed?
A: The USBC Youth Bowlopolis themed awards stop with the 125 game award. When a player earns an award that exceeds the available award limitation of the Bowlopolis themed awards, the standard USBC Youth award will be issued.

Dues
Q: How can USBC approve a dues increase on the youth without a convention vote, but the adult increase must be approved by the delegates?
A: Youth dues, along with youth awards, league and tournament rules are under the authority of the USBC Board in accordance with Article VIII of the USBC National Bylaws.

Q: Why is USBC proposing a delay for any dues increase for the adults due to the economy, but establishing a dues increase this year for the youth?
A: The decision making process that is in place for youth matters through the USBC Bylaws allows for an efficient and expedited process to address significant issues. Without the immediate implementation of these programs and the dues increase to support them, USBC believes the continued slide of USBC Youth membership will continue at an unacceptable drastic rate.

Age limit
Q: Why not announce the change to begin a few years from now so bowlers can prepare for the change?
A: Delaying the change in the maximum age for USBC Youth eligibility only puts off addressing the key issue of adults bowling as USBC Youth members. Whether it is this year or in the future, the change will at some point be implemented and affect a group of bowlers.

USBC's goal is to create a more comfortable environment for youth bowlers and their parents. Allowing 21 and 22 year olds to participate in youth leagues and tournaments, winning scholarship money at the expense of the youth bowlers, does not promote a kid-friendly environment.

By adopting a standard of 20 as the maximum age for USBC Youth eligibility, USBC is able to offer enough flexibility to provide USBC Youth opportunities for our members through their high school years.

Q: If a bowler is 20 years old at the start of a season, are they eligible for the entire season?
A: An individual who turns 20 on or after August 2 of the current bowling season will be eligible for USBC Youth membership for the entire season. As long as the individual is 19 on August 1, he or she will be eligible for USBC Youth membership for that bowling season.

Q: Is USBC aware that it could be hurting junior tournament organizations which get many 21- and 22-year-old entrants?
A: Tournaments have the ability to adopt rules defining who is eligible to participate in competitions. Tournaments can limit participation to youth only, adults only or adopt eligibility rules allowing USBC Youth members and USBC Adult members to participate. For example, a tournament could allow 21-year-old USBC Adult members and adopt a rule as follows: "This tournament is open to all USBC Youth members and USBC Adult members age 21 and younger."

Such a rule would have the effect of allowing those that are no longer eligible for USBC Youth membership to participate, provided they were USBC Adult members and under the age of 22.

Q: Can someone run a tournament in which 21- and 22-year-olds can still win scholarship money?
A: There has never been a USBC rule that limited competition for scholarships to USBC Youth members only. Any tournament, youth or adult, has the ability to offer scholarships as the prizes. Historically, there have been few tournaments run exclusively for adults that offered scholarships as prizes. This could be an untapped market for tournament managers.

Membership delivery and services
Q: Who determines how memberships will be processed?
A: As the host of youth activities, the bowling center proprietor will have the first option to be the Processing Agent. If the proprietor declines this option or prefers to work through a local association, then the local association would have the option to perform those duties. If the local association chooses not to perform those duties, USBC will utilize the Alliance At Large program for the completion of duties listed in the Processing Agreement.

Q: If a proprietor decides to process memberships, who will handle all the other association-based responsibilities for those bowlers once those memberships have been processed?
A: The Processing Agreement consists of three (3) components:
         1) Membership Processing. This will consist of the input of data into the Youth Membership Processing Program and the submission of membership dues to USBC.
         2) Youth Awards Processing. This will consist of the input of data for all scores eligible for recognition under the USBC Youth Awards program into the Youth Membership Processing Program.
         3) Final Average Submission. This will consist of the input of final average information for all participants in USBC Youth certified competitions into the Youth Membership Processing Program.

These three (3) responsibilities are the only duties that would be removed from the associations list of responsibilities for centers that choose to process directly with USBC. All other duties listed in the USBC Association Policy Manual remain.

Q: Who does the proprietor call if a bowler has questions about services?
A: Support questions will go through the USBC Call Center at 1-800-514-2695 ext 3431.

Q: If most/all proprietors in an association process their own memberships and the local youth association shuts down, who will service the remaining bowlers?
A: In the past, if a local youth association chooses to discontinue operations, USBC would seek to transfer the responsibilities of the local association to another association within the area. This policy remains the same.

Q: What happens when the proprietors change their mind the following year after the youth association has disbanded?
A: USBC would work with the local adult associations to provide these services.

Q: How can the local association be expected to run a tournament if most or all of its dues are being collected by the proprietor?
A: USBC tournaments are designed to be self-sustaining through the funds generated by the entry fees. Many associations subsidize their local events through their fund-raising efforts. The importance of being able to raise funds through other means will increase and associations will be encouraged to be innovative in their efforts to raise funds to support the programs they seek to offer.

Q: What will happen to extra youth program benefits such as travel leagues that were previously funded out of local dues?
A: Our research indicates the vast majority of travel leagues are funded by the bowling centers and not a subsidy of the local association. The importance of being able to raise funds through other means will increase and associations will be encouraged to be innovative in their efforts to generate revenue to support the programs they seek to offer.

Q: How does USBC explain reducing the processing fee for locals, when national dues are going up?
A: USBC records show that most local association currently charge $2 or less in local association dues to youth members. These associations have determined this amount is sufficient to fund their entire operations.

The increase in dues for the USBC Youth standard membership will go directly to providing new additional member benefits. Some of these new elements are ready to be rolled out immediately. This includes a new awards program that provides 300 game and 800 series rings, as well as special awards for children ages 12 and under. Additional components of the new youth program are still being finalized that will create significant value for parents, kids, associations and proprietors making USBC certification a more attractive option for everyone. We will be announcing these additional components soon.

Q: How will the locals receive member information if a portion of membership in their association is processed by proprietors?
A: Local associations will have the ability to access the membership processing records of all the bowlers within their jurisdiction and create reports of this information as needed.

Q: Who runs the local tournament if most or all of the proprietors in an association are processing membership?
A: The requirement of the local associations to conduct an annual championship competition for its members remains as it is stated in Chapter 4 of the USBC Association Policy Manual.

Q: Will the proprietor use WinLABS to process membership?
A: As part of the overall changes to the youth program, USBC is developing a Web-based system (not WinLABS) that will allow USBC Youth membership, awards and averages to be processed. This system will be available to make it easier for the bowling centers and the local associations to handle the required processing duties.

Q: Why would USBC take away the membership processing from local associations that are doing a good job with their bowlers?
A: There are many successfully-functioning local associations across the nation, but the data indicates in some pockets of the country USBC Youth membership is not being serviced well. For that reason, the USBC board voted to develop a program that gives youth bowling leagues a way to certify directly through the bowling center. We anticipate this option will generally be utilized in areas where the local association has had trouble or is disinterested or ineffective in managing youth programs.

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Youth Scholarship Events...

The Junior Bowlers Tour (JBT) began in 1996 as an offshoot of the 34 year-old east coast based JBT. In our twelve seasons since, we have conducted over 500 tournaments, and awarded over $1,300,000 in scholarships to youth bowlers of all ages and averages. Over 3,000 members have attended our tournaments. In 2007-08 we plan on conducting over 89 tournaments in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, California, Washington, and Oregon! JBT events are unlike anything else you've ever bowled in... we offer a lot!

ARE YOU GOOD ENOUGH FOR THE JBT? YES! Any youth bowler with any average can do well in the JBT- that's what the handicap division is for. Bowlers with averages under 100 regularly enter and succeed in our events. Any age youth bowler may compete - we have 8 year olds, for example, that love playing against the big boys and girls. Don't miss out on the JBT because of a misconception that you're not good enough - YOU ARE!!!

We're always keeping things lively with new formats, so be ready! We also have a few events each year with still more different formats, such as our Doubles Classic, Pro-Ams, our Invitationals, the TPC and more. These formats are always explained on separate entry blanks. Each event also offers our included and optional scholarship programs. Check our website for the upcoming schedule of events http://www.juniorbowlerstour.com. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at jbtsouthwest@aol.com.

Become a Youth Leader!
www.bowl.com

Who are USBC Youth Leaders? These young bowlers, age 12 and up, are the sparks that add excitement and a sense of ownership to USBC Youth activities. The Youth Leaders Program gives youth the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and enhance local bowling opportunities through promotion, education and involvement. Youth Leaders are young bowlers who love the game. They attract others to bowling and make it a better sport.

USBC Youth Leaders can make life-long friends; enjoy fun tournaments and events; enhance leadership skills; build resumes; introduce new people to the sport; and have a positive impact.

Youth Leaders are the energy that fuel all of our youth bowling efforts. They are the future of the sport and their growth is an essential part of making bowling successful and expanding the USBC Youth membership. The Youth Leaders Program give youth the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and enhance the sport of bowling through promotion, education and involvement.

The best Youth Leaders aspire to win the Youth Leader of the Year Award and the $1,500 scholarship that goes with it. Only two are handed out each year - one to a female and one to a male. One of these two winners, selected in an interview process, will really have a say in what goes on in bowling as he or she sits on the USBC Youth Committee and has voting rights for two years. Each local association with an operating Youth Leaders Program should select a male and female each year and enter them into the Youth Leader of the Year competition.

Youth Leaders Programs offer enthusiastic, energetic, young bowlers an opportunity to take a leadership role in promoting and expanding bowling while having fun. Youth learn important life skills as they take on future leadership roles. Youth will have a dynamic role in lots of activities at the decision-making level of bowling, including:

- setting goals
- building teamwork
- coordinating and leading meetings
- promoting and recruiting youth bowling programs
- holding fund-raisers
- planning tournaments
- coaching in USBC Youth leagues
- training and mentoring other youth bowlers
- awarding scholarships

If you are interested in starting a Youth Leaders Program, contact the CUSBC Association Office at (415) 492-8880.

The California Bowling Writers (CBW), formed in 1998, is open to all California bowling journalists, promoters and supporters of the sport of bowling. The purpose of the organization is to encourage and educate both members and non-members in communication through print, promotion and use of electronic media. At the same time, CBW will recognize and reward those who create media awareness by providing outstanding bowling photography and journalistic excellence. For more information, visit: http://www.calbowlingwriters.org.

FEBRUARY 2011
Feb.-June (Tent.) USBC Open Championships, Host City to Be Announced; bowl.com

APRIL 2011
April-June (Tent.) USBC Women’s Championships, Syracuse, N.Y.; bowl.com; Convention Center at Oncenter

FEBRUARY 2012
Feb.-June (Tent.) USBC Open Championships, Baton Rouge, La.; bowl.com; Baton Rouge River Center

Youth Coaching Program
Quality coaches equal quality athletes. Coaching is essential to developing high quality athletes in any sport, including bowling. USBC has developed a quality youth coaching program to train youth bowling coaches who will help more bowlers develop their skills.

The sport of bowling will benefit through this program. Coaches trained in the USBC program will develop strong athletes, sending them through USBC’s developmental pipeline and encouraging their growth as future quality adult USBC members.

The United States Bowling Congress Board of Directors has approved the modification of Youth Membership Eligibility Rule 400, effective immediately, to expand the awards deemed acceptable under the terms of USBC Youth membership. In addition to previously allowed symbolic awards, USBC Youth members are now eligible to be awarded bowling equipment, gift certificates, apparel and other merchandise prizes with a total value not greater than $500 in any one event, excluding scholarships.

The modifications also allow for USBC Youth members to compete in singles competition where cash and/or bonds are awarded, as well as merchandise prizes exceeding $500 in total in any one event, but must waive rights to these awards by signing and completing the USBC Prize Waiver form prior to their participation in that competition.

Acceptance of awards of cash or bonds of any amount or any merchandise prizes with a total value higher than $500 per event remain prohibited for youth members under USBC's revised Rule 400. Violations of the terms of Rule 400 could result in the loss or suspension of youth membership.

There also remains no limit on the value of scholarships that can be awarded in youth competition. The scholarship funds from USBC certified events and leagues will continue to be required to be deposited with USBC's SMART program. USBC Youth members may be awarded scholarships from singles competition in which cash and/or bonds are awarded.

“The USBC Board determined that the former Rule 400 placed unnecessary restrictions on everyone associated with USBC Youth membership and concluded the best course of action to alleviate this issue was to modify Rule 400 effective immediately,” USBC President Michael Carroll said.

The previous version of Rule 400 intended to protect the current and future interscholastic sports eligibility of USBC Youth members through the most restrictive interpretations and limitations. The USBC Board concluded that placing these restrictions on all USBC Youth members was unnecessary due to the lack of uniform eligibility standards for interscholastic sports nationally.

“The new structure of USBC allows for addressing of significant issues to be handled in an expedited manner,” said USBC Chief Executive Officer Roger Dalkin. “The previous version of Rule 400 placed undue and unintended restrictions on USBC Youth members, league and association coordinators and proprietors. The USBC Board modified Rule 400 to address these restrictions and expand acceptable awards that promote and enhance the participation in youth bowling.”

The USBC Board concluded that compliance with local/state interscholastic eligibility rules and policies is the responsibility of the individual member and his/her legal guardian. However, USBC will continue to educate USBC Youth members and their legal guardians that competing in USBC certified competitions and acceptance of some awards now acceptable under Rule 400 could jeopardize individual member’s interscholastic sports amateur eligibility.

“USBC’s Youth membership program, certified tournaments and leagues, as well as USBC’s dedication to the growth of high school and collegiate bowling, offer youth of all ages many choices to be active in the sport of bowling,” said Mitch Mitchell, chairman of the USBC Youth Committee.

For help with interpretation of the USBC youth eligibility Rule 400, contact USBC's Rules department at (800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3155 or visit bowl.com.

Rule 400
A. Except as provided in Item B, a youth may not bowl or substitute in any bowling activity which offers any of the following as prizes:
1. Cash or bonds.
2. Merchandise exceeding $500 in value.

B. Youth may bowl in singles competitions (including side competitions/brackets) offering such prizes, provided, prior to bowling:
1. The competition agrees to award the youth’s prize in the form of a scholarship; or
2. The youth signs a form waiving his/her rights to any prize in violation of this rule.

Buying or selling of earned prizes is prohibited.

Any youth bowler deemed in violation of this rule is subject to disciplinary action including the potential loss of youth membership.

NOTE: There are no limits on scholarship amounts or entry fees (must be paid directly to the tournament director/manager) and reimbursement of actual travel expenses into the next higher level of competition or any tournament or event. (Receipts must be provided upon request.)

The prizes authorized by a state high school athletic association or a collegiate athletic association recognized by USBC and USBC Collegiate are not subject to the limitations of this rule.