USBC issues new bowling rules for 2016-17 season

Bowling's governing body, the United States Bowling Congress, has issued the amended rules for the 2016-17 season. Only minor changes were made, with the following three most prevalent:

▪ During tournament participation, a bowler is required to report any previous tournament adjustments or rerates.

▪ In processing USBC youth memberships, the modified USBC web portal that was initiated prior to last season must be used.

▪ In open tournament action, a bowler must use the highest average from the past three years of league play or adjusted sport league average. Bowlers using another average will be disqualified.

These rules went in effect Aug. 1.

Central Georgia USBC Board

The Macon-based Central Georgia USBC officers and directors have been elected for the upcoming season. Donna Carroll will continue as association manager. Chuck Huffman was re-elected as president, along with Joe Gary as vice president. Charles Bagley was chosen as sergeant-at-arms. The directors are Bill Abercrombie, Dennis Bieker, Tongala Blocker, Bernice Davis, David Hutcherson, Kathy Jones, Leah Tinsley, Willie Thomas and Shirley Wilday.

Macon action

The Wednesday night bowlers were on top of their game with top scores from Bayne Mallary (779/278 game), William Smith III (708/299 game) and Karley Bowie (613). Another series of interest came from Travis Patterson (697).

Warner Robins action

Amy Handley (675/259 game) and Shirley Bailey (662) were excellent in the Ladies Night Out league. Chuck Hebenstreit (784), Bobby Morgan (756) and Kyle Snell (289 game) excelled in the Men's Commercial. Leading the way for the New Kids in the Alley were Ron Papizan (748), Dennis Craig (726/289 game), Cathy Copeland (641) and Karley Bowie (636). Justin Gordon (758 /279 game) was super in two leagues. Other top sets included Jeremy Vinson (677) and Sandra Harris (597). Posting high scores among the seniors were Mike Mauro (695/268 game), John Trichinotis (650/279 game) and Frank Swader (627/266 game).

Tools of the trade

Q: Do lanes have to be dressed before league bowling?

A: The USBC does not require lanes to be dressed prior to league play. This action can be negotiated with the bowling center prior to the start of a specific league.

Events update

▪ The 36th annual Georgia State WBA Seniors Tournament will be held on weekends from Oct. 22 to Nov. 13 in Newnan. Singles and doubles will be held. The entry fee is $24 per bowler per event, and the deadline to enter is Sept. 30.

▪ The 36th annual Georgia State USBC Seniors Tournament will be held on weekends from Oct. 22 to Nov. 13 in Newnan. Singles and doubles will be held. The entry fee is $24 per bowler per event, and the deadline to enter is Sept. 30.

▪ The 36th annual Georgia State USBC WBA Queens and Senior Queens Tournaments will be held Feb. 25 and 26 in Newnan. The entry fee is $55 per bowler for individual competition, and the deadline to enter is Feb. 3.

▪ The 61st annual Georgia State USBC Women's Handicap Championships will be held on weekends from March 4-19 in Fayetteville and Newnan. Singles, doubles and team events will be held. The entry fee is $24 per bowler per event, and the deadline to enter is Jan. 15.

This story was originally published September 10, 2016 at 5:58 PM with the headline "USBC issues new bowling rules for 2016-17 season."