Confused about USBC Memberships

[Paralipsis]

I know how to fill out the first page of the sign up, but the second page confuses me. I understand the 2010-2011 season part (as it's the only selection possible), I understand the youth part (as, just like the season part, it's the only selection possible), but the sport or league option confuses me. Can someone explain to me, in layman's terms what those two options mean and what's the difference between the two.

[Graaille]

Basically they want to know if you will be bowling in a Sport pattern league (PBA patterns or Kegel Patterns) or just a normal league pattern (Top Hat, Christmas Tree, Great Wall o' China). The difference in averages between these two can be large for some people as the PBA and Kegel patterns are designed to require more accuracy and control - not having the pattern assist in channelling the ball toward the pocket.

[Paralipsis]

Basically they want to know if you will be bowling in a Sport pattern league (PBA patterns or Kegel Patterns) or just a normal league pattern (Top Hat, Christmas Tree, Great Wall o' China). The difference in averages between these two can be large for some people as the PBA and Kegel patterns are designed to require more accuracy and control - not having the pattern assist in channelling the ball toward the pocket.

Simple enough, and a fine hello from a fellow North Carolinian. Now, what're the age limit's on the Youth League? I turn 18 in august...

EDIT....The second option is Standard or Sport. I do apologize for that.

[Graaille]

Simple enough, and a fine hello from a fellow North Carolinian. Now, what're the age limit's on the Youth League? I turn 18 in august...

EDIT....The second option is Standard or Sport. I do apologize for that.

My understanding (now it's been a great while since I've had to interact w/the Youth rules) is that as long as you're under 18 at the time of application - you can apply as youth. A current youth coach might want to chime in here to confirm my memory.

[Strike Domination]

If you're wondering how long you can bowl as a youth, it's until you're 20. This doesn't apply to you yet but I think if you turn 20 on or after Auguest 1st you can bowl the next season. If you were to turn 20 this august you would still be able to bowl youth.

[Paralipsis]

I messed up in the first post where I said sport or league. It was supposed to be Standard or Sport. Still confused on that.

[Strike Domination]

Graaille covered the sport part. Standard is the regular house shot. That's what you want. Then just join a league without PBA or Sport in the name and you will most likely be in a "Standard" league.

[Paralipsis]

Graaille covered the sport part. Standard is the regular house shot. That's what you want. Then just join a league without PBA or Sport in the name and you will most likely be in a "Standard" league.

Cool beans you guys. Thanks for the help.

[Jord_84]

My understanding (now it's been a great while since I've had to interact w/the Youth rules) is that as long as you're under 18 at the time of application - you can apply as youth. A current youth coach might want to chime in here to confirm my memory.

I believe they changed it recently to 20.
Here's the article from bowl.com:
Age limit
Q: Why not announce the change to begin a few years from now so bowlers can prepare for the change?
A: Delaying the change in the maximum age for USBC Youth eligibility only puts off addressing the key issue of adults bowling as USBC Youth members. Whether it is this year or in the future, the change will at some point be implemented and affect a group of bowlers.USBC's goal is to create a more comfortable environment for youth bowlers and their parents. Allowing 21 and 22 year olds to participate in youth leagues and tournaments, winning scholarship money at the expense of the youth bowlers, does not promote a kid-friendly environment.By adopting a standard of 20 as the maximum age for USBC Youth eligibility, USBC is able to offer enough flexibility to provide USBC Youth opportunities for our members through their high school years.Q: If a bowler is 20 years old at the start of a season, are they eligible for the entire season?
A: An individual who turns 20 on or after August 2 of the current bowling season will be eligible for USBC Youth membership for the entire season. As long as the individual is 19 on August 1, he or she will be eligible for USBC Youth membership for that bowling season.

[Paralipsis]

I believe they changed it recently to 20.
Here's the article from bowl.com:
Age limit
Q: Why not announce the change to begin a few years from now so bowlers can prepare for the change?
A: Delaying the change in the maximum age for USBC Youth eligibility only puts off addressing the key issue of adults bowling as USBC Youth members. Whether it is this year or in the future, the change will at some point be implemented and affect a group of bowlers.USBC's goal is to create a more comfortable environment for youth bowlers and their parents. Allowing 21 and 22 year olds to participate in youth leagues and tournaments, winning scholarship money at the expense of the youth bowlers, does not promote a kid-friendly environment.By adopting a standard of 20 as the maximum age for USBC Youth eligibility, USBC is able to offer enough flexibility to provide USBC Youth opportunities for our members through their high school years.Q: If a bowler is 20 years old at the start of a season, are they eligible for the entire season?
A: An individual who turns 20 on or after August 2 of the current bowling season will be eligible for USBC Youth membership for the entire season. As long as the individual is 19 on August 1, he or she will be eligible for USBC Youth membership for that bowling season.

Soo I'll be bowling in the youth system 'til I'm 20. Coolio. B-day is August 6th. Cool. Thanks for the help guys.