Surface adjustment during practice

[ckelly02]

What is the rule on making surface adjustments during the practice period before league? I know that it is against USBC rules to make any changes during league play or any other certified competition. But is the practice time considered to be during competition?

[J Anderson]

What is the rule on making surface adjustments during the practice period before league? I know that it is against USBC rules to make any changes during league play or any other certified competition. But is the practice time considered to be during competition?

Unless the league has its own rule saying that you can’t change the surface during practice you should be able to. I have only seen tournaments that specified no surface changes after the start of practice.

By the way, I hate calling the ten minutes of lane time before the start of the first game practice. Almost no one uses this time as practice. Most bowlers check the vicinity of their favorite line to try and find a decent strike shot. If they do, they keep throwing on it so everyone will have to start adjusting by the third frame. If they don’t find one they will start complaining about how wet or dry the lanes are. Rant over.

[bowl1820]

What is the rule on making surface adjustments during the practice period before league? I know that it is against USBC rules to make any changes during league play or any other certified competition. But is the practice time considered to be during competition?

No, Unless specified by a League or Tournament rule. You are allowed to alter your balls surface during the warm-up.

Note: Certified competition begins when the first ball is rolled for score by ANYONE in the League or Tournament. So if your still in warm-up on lane 32 and someone on lane 1 is done and starts bowling for score, you can't change it.


Commonly Asked Questions – Rule 18.
18/1 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.

[1VegasBowler]

During the 10 minutes of practice I throw 2 or 3 different balls to see which reaction I like the best.

I don't adjust my surfaces. I just prefer OOB.

[Blomer]

During the 10 minutes of practice I throw 2 or 3 different balls to see which reaction I like the best.

I don't adjust my surfaces. I just prefer OOB.

Same here.