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boatman37
03-08-2019, 12:39 PM
So I know you aren't allowed to change the surface during a game but what about at a tournament? The one I'm in Sunday has a qualifier at 9:00 and another at 11:00, each 3 game sets. Would you be able to change the surface in between those sets?

Similar question...I have Motiv Gel Polish. Are you allowed to use that on your ball in between sets? Or even during a game? By hand obviously. What got me wondering was that the Polish also says cleaner on it. So you are allowed to use cleaner during a game if it is an approved product, which the Motiv is. So would the hand polishing be permitted?

I don't plan on doing any of this Sunday but was just curious. Anytime I try to outsmart myself it backfires so I will use what I show up with but just got me to thinking this morning.
JasonNJ
03-08-2019, 04:25 PM
I believe once the first ball of the competition is thrown, you are not allowed to alter surface. That means first ball from anyone, not just yourself.

If the cleaner is approved for use any time, then you can use it anytime during competition. Usually the bottle will have a logo stating approved for any time use. If it contains polish, then same rule applies as altering surface. No polish after first ball is thrown.


It's rule 18 in the USBC rule book.

http://usbcongress.http.internapcdn.net/usbcongress/bowl/rulebook/2018-2019Rulebook.pdf
boatman37
03-08-2019, 06:20 PM
Cool. Was just curious. I know the Conspiracy usually gets a rubbery type of buildup after 2 games so I have been using cleaner on it before the last game. I only used it 2 games Tuesday night but there was none of that buildup on it at all that night.
bowl1820
03-08-2019, 07:09 PM
Cool. Was just curious. I know the Conspiracy usually gets a rubbery type of buildup after 2 games so I have been using cleaner on it before the last game. I only used it 2 games Tuesday night but there was none of that buildup on it at all that night.

Something to note is that Tournaments can have their own rules regarding altering and cleaning the balls surface. Make sure to read the tournament rules and if you have any questions check with the tournament director/official first.
boatman37
03-10-2019, 08:59 PM
So a guy a few seats from me was sanding his ball 1/2 way through the first game. Another bowler pointed it out to the director and the guy got a lecture. A little later another guy was sanding his. I asked the director and he said in between qualifying sessions it was ok but once a session started it was no-go. We had3 qualifying sessions to make eliminations