USBC Rule Changes effective August 1, 2020
General Playing Rules
Rule 400 – Youth Membership Eligibility
Lowers the maximum age for youth membership to 18.
Rule 13 – Consent Form
The USBC Singles Competition Prize Waiver Form and the Parental Consent Form have been replaced with a new document titled Consent Form.
Rule 14 – Supplemental Fees
Rule was removed.
Rule 14 – Emergency Authorization
Allows USBC to temporarily modify the General Playing, Award, League and Tournament Rules under specific circumstances. (See below)
Special COVID-19 Rules
USBC is allowing league competition to be bowled on a single lane. All high score awards and averages will be recognized. Rules 106a, 106b, 320a and 320b, which states two lanes must be used for competition and bowlers must alternate lanes, has been waived for now.
Bowlers will be allowed to use rubbing alcohol to clean their ball(s) during competition. This is the only exception to Rule 18 which restricts the use of liquid cleaners to clean the outer surface of the ball during competition.
Equipment Specifications – Bowling Balls
No balance holes will be permitted. All holes drilled must be used for gripping purposes on every delivery. No more than three (3) ounces of weight on any
Two-Handed Bowlers
Two-handed bowlers must have a marking (“+”) inscribed on the ball where their palm rests.