Making Adjustments to the Surface of Your Bowling Equipment | USBC Bowling Academy

[bowl1820]

http://youtu.be/khUITPlM5-Y?list=PLo7C-NWRTyXUcP-C9qaMaNeFqPzHEv39l

[Aslan]

So lets say you sand a ball before a match...then the next game you want it back to it's original surface because the lanes. Can you abralon it down to 1000 and then between matches use polish and 2000 abralon to make it smoother? And all of this without a ball spinner?

[bowl1820]

So lets say you sand a ball before a match...then the next game you want it back to it's original surface because the lanes. Can you abralon it down to 1000 and then between matches use polish and 2000 abralon to make it smoother?

No. It's against the rules to alter the ball surface once competition has begun. So you can't change the surface between games.



And all of this without a ball spinner?

But assuming the rules allowed it.

Sure you could change the surface by hand and make it smoother, would it be as good as you could do it on a spinner? No.

[RobLV1]

Al - A question for you. I don't have the latest USBC Rule Book, but according to the 2013-14 Playing Rules, under the Commly Asked Questions about Rule 18 - Altering Surface, under 18/2 c. Polishing, it states:

... "once tournament or league play begins, the use of a ball spinner is strictly prohibited; only an automated, self-contained polishing machine may be used."

As the spinner is prohibited, but the polishing machine is allowed, and there is no reference to hand-polishing. Are bowlers actually allowed to use polish, applied by hand during competition? The rule seems to only apply to adding surface, not taking it away? Any idea?

[bowl1820]

Al - A question for you. I don't have the latest USBC Rule Book, but according to the 2013-14 Playing Rules, under the Commly Asked Questions about Rule 18 - Altering Surface, under 18/2 c. Polishing, it states:

... "once tournament or league play begins, the use of a ball spinner is strictly prohibited; only an automated, self-contained polishing machine may be used."
That part of the rule has been changed, the use of the polishing machine is no longer allowed.

Rule Changes:
USBC Rule 18 – Bowling Ball – Altering Surface
The use of polishing machines during competition will be prohibited.


As the spinner is prohibited, but the polishing machine is allowed, and there is no reference to hand-polishing. Are bowlers actually allowed to use polish, applied by hand during competition?
No. See C.Polishing below

The fact that "Hand polishing" isn't directly referenced doesn't mean that it's allowed, the rule is about altering the surface with abrasives. The majority of all polishes are abrasives, so regardless of how applied couldn't be used.

Now someone could say what about a non-abrasive polish? It would have to be a USBC approved for use during and as far as I know there are none approved for that.


The rule seems to only apply to adding surface, not taking it away? Any idea?

The rule is about "altering" the surface, adding surface and taking away surface are both altering the surface.



USBC Rules 2014-2015
Rule 18 – Bowling Ball – Altering Surface
Altering the surface of a bowling ball by the use of abrasives while bowling in USBC competition is
prohibited.

All bowling balls so altered must be removed from the competition. (See the USBC Equipment
Specifications Manual on BOWL.com.)

NOTE: If it is shown the bowler had prior knowledge his/her actions were in violation of Rule 18, the
game(s) in which the violation occurred is (are) subject to forfeiture. In addition, the bowler is
subject to dismissal from the league and suspension of membership.
Competition is defined as the remainder of the current game and remaining game(s) in the
series being bowled.
The use of approved cleaning agents listed in the Approved Anytime section of the Approved
Cleaners and Polishes list is permissible.

Commonly Asked Questions – Rule 18.
18/1 When can an approved cleaner be used on a bowling ball?
Unless otherwise provided by league or tournament rule, cleaners designated as Approved
Anytime by USBC can be used on bowling balls at any time during USBC competition. During
competition approved cleaners may only be applied by hand and soft cloth. For a complete list of
approved cleaning agents, see BOWL.com.
A cleaner that is Approved for Before/After Certified Competition may only be used outside
competition.

18/2 When may I alter the surface of my bowling ball?
a. Cleaning – Cleaners approved for use any time may be utilized before, during or after
certified competition; cleaners approved for only before and after competition may only
be used during these times. The use of a ball spinner is prohibited during competition.
b. Sanding – You are permitted to sand the surface of your bowling balls prior to certified
competition; however, the use of abrasives is strictly prohibited once the first ball is thrown
in the competition.
c. Polishing – You are permitted to polish the surface of your bowling ball prior to certified
competition. However, once tournament or league play begins, the use of a ball spinner is
strictly prohibited.

18/3 A tournament consists of doubles and singles events. The singles event is bowled first
immediately followed by the doubles. Can I sand my bowling ball between events?
No. Rule 18 does not allow the outer surface of any bowling ball to be altered with an abrasive
after the start of competition. This includes balls that have not yet been introduced into play.
The start of competition is defined as the point the first ball is thrown by any participant for
score. Since the tournament is conducting singles and doubles concurrently, you cannot alter
the surface of the bowling ball (including sanding) between events.

18/4 Can a bowler use an abrasive, cleaner or polish on just the track or only just a portion of
the track of the ball?
No. USBC specifications require that the entire surface of the ball be prepared in a uniform
manner. Preparing the surface of a ball in any other manner would be a violation of Rule 17a,
Item 1. The penalty for a violation of this rule can include disqualification,

[RobLV1]

Thanks for the clarification.

[Aslan]

They need to make a rule that attractive women aren't allowed to practice on the lane next to me. Very distracting.

Last night, I swear a girl that looked like a young Daryl Hannah...spitting image...bowling right next to me in Yoga pants.

Actually, can they also make "yoga pants" illegal as well?

[15lbballs]

I heard that once the first ball of practice is thrown that any adjustment is not legal. Most tournaments now days anyway.

[bowl1820]

I heard that once the first ball of practice is thrown that any adjustment is not legal. Most tournaments now days anyway.


Once the first ball of "Competition" is thrown, you can't make adjustments.

So Unless noted in a League or Tournament rules, you can alter your ball during practice.

See above: 18/2 When may I alter the surface of my bowling ball?