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View Full Version : Missing ball logos and serial numbers (Whats legal)



bowl1820
07-21-2017, 06:03 PM
Since this kind of came up in another thread, I thought I'd post the info.

There are rules regarding the serial numbers and names/logos on a ball, which can go missing over time do to resurfacing etc.

Any bowling ball used in USBC certified competition must be approved and identifiable as a ball listed on the “Approved Ball List” located on the Equipment Specifications page on bowl. com with the exception of House Balls.

For identification purposes, each ball must have some form of serial number, the ball’s original brand and model names or logos must also be on each ball.

So what happens if one or all are missing? Whats required to be legal?
(This was checked with the USBC rules dept.)

The Ball serial number:
A serial number is required to keep the ball legal. If this number goes missing you can have it engraved or re-engraved (Note: It doesn't have to be the original number).

The USBC Star Logo:
The USBC Star Logo is a manufacturing requirement not an end user (Player) requirement, So it would not need to be re-engraved. The ball would be legal as this isn’t an player requirement, assuming the ball has the other required markings.

The ball’s original brand and model names or logos:
These may not be re-engraved by the bowler, Once the ball is no longer identifiable by the brand name/logo and ball name it is no longer allowed to be used during USBC certified competition.

got_a_300
07-21-2017, 09:40 PM
bowl1820 that is some good information for people that like to refinish their
bowling balls very often like what to look for so they do not get it to where
their ball is no longer allowed to be used during USBC certified competition.

santos314
07-22-2017, 09:14 AM
That doesnt include leagues as well does it? Or just tournaments/competitions?

J Anderson
07-22-2017, 09:43 AM
That doesnt include leagues as well does it? Or just tournaments/competitions?
Technically it would cover any USBC certified league. However I don't think there is a rule requiring league officers to verify that bowlers are using approved equipment.

bowl1820
07-22-2017, 10:23 AM
That doesnt include leagues as well does it? Or just tournaments/competitions?

As J said it would cover any USBC certified league, it's unlikely it would ever be brought up in a league.

Unless maybe it was in some real highend money league or somebody got really PO'd that sort of thing.

Of course they'd have to know the rules to begin with and most bowlers don't know them except for the basic rules an this one is slightly obscure you virtually never hear about it.