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Format, FAQ, & Rules
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CHANGES FOR 2008-2009:
FOUR NEW AGE DIVISIONS:
Boys Open (16-21), Girls Open (13-21), Boys Mid (12-15), Minor (boys 11-u & girls 12-u). Age as of Aug. 1, 2008.
QUALIFYING AND FINALS:
Regular events are 4 games qualifying (6 if Jr. Gold), immediately followed by the top 3 in each age division bowling in single-elimination one-game match bracket finals. In each div. #3 vs. #2 bowl then that winner faces #1 seed for the div. championship. All 4 div. champions then meet for a bonus scholarship: Boys Open champ vs. Girls Open champ and Boys Mid champ vs. Minor champ; the winners of those 2 matches bowl for the Grand Championship.
QUALIFYING FOR THE TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS:
There are no regions or points standings this season. Every event is a qualifier for the TOC. Any bowler that wins 1 title or makes 3 finals may enter the TOC. To get a TOC 1st round bye, you must win 3 titles or make 7 finals. To get a bye to the TOC final round, you must win 6 events.
OPTIONAL USBC JR. GOLD QUALIFYING:
Select events during the season (6 games qualifying) will have an 'optional' Jr. Gold division, where bowlers can win a paid entry into the national USBC $100,000 Jr. Gold championships in July. There is an additional $25 entry fee for the Jr. Gold division, and entrants must bring their Jr. Gold membership cards.
OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL EVENT SCHOLARSHIPS.
Although most scholarship money is awarded at the TOC, many tournaments will also have 'optional' scholarship entries. Bowlers can pay an additional $10, and the high qualifier in each age division wins the pot.
MONTHLY SPORT DEVELOPMENTAL SERIES.
Separate from regular events, the first Sunday of each month in Mercer PA will feature a competitive training program to prepare bowlers for various sport and PBA conditions. The events will be USBC sport-certified. The age groups are the same as the Keystone Tour, but point standings will be kept and scholarships awarded at every event. $1000 extra will be added to the scholarship prizes. The final season points champ in each age group is guaranteed a spot in the TOC.
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WHICH TOURNAMENTS MAY I ENTER?
Any USBC youth member, or non-USBC member that is still youth eligible (see USBC youth rule 400) that was age 21 or under on August 1, 2008 may enter any event in any of the regions.
WHEN DO I HAVE TO SIGN UP?
There are no advance registrations (except at the Tournament of Champions). You should sign up and pay at least 30 minutes before the starting time listed on the schedule or tournament flyer.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Blank registration cards are located at the registration table in the lobby of the center. Take one, fill it out, and bring it back with your entry fee.
WHAT LANES DO I BOWL ON?
Lane assignments will be announced or posted right before tournament practice begins. Bowlers are grouped by age division. After each game, you will change lanes, moving 1 or 2 pairs to the right.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Bowlers should wear proper bowling attire, including a bowling shirt and pants, but it is not mandatory. Hats are not permitted while bowling.
HOW MANY EVENTS MUST I ENTER?
You may bowl in one, or as many events as you like anywhere in the country. The more events you bowl in, the better chance you have of qualifying for the Tournament of Champions and scholarships.
WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF THE TOURNAMENT?
Singles Scratch (no handicap). All events are one squad. All entrants bowl 4-6 games, immediately followed by the top 3 bowlers in each age group bowling in the single-elimination one-game match bracket finals.
WHAT ARE THE AGE DIVISIONS?
Your age as of August 1, 2008 determines the division you bowl in the entire season, even if you have a birthday during the season: Boys Open (16-21), Girls Open (13-21), Boys Mid (12-15), Minor (boys 11-u & girls 12-u)
MAY I BOWL PRACTICE GAMES BEFORE THE EVENT?
Subject to lane availability, bowlers are permitted paid practice games on any lane up until the end of registration time. All bowlers will receive approx. 8 minutes of practice balls on their starting pair before the 1st game only.
HOW DO I GET DIRECTIONS TO THE CENTER?
You can find directions on the internet with sites such as "maps.yahoo.com", or by calling the host bowling center. The tour office does not keep directions on file.
HOW DO I RECORD MY SCORES?
Be sure that you mark your score on your scorecard as soon as you complete the 10th frame of each game. Also add your total after each game. You should also make sure that the other bowlers on your pair also mark their scores accurately. Please keep your scorecards at the scoretable at all times, and not at the back tables or seats, so standings may be checked during each game. In some events, you may have to turn in your scores after each game. Turn in your scorecard after your final game with the total added and double-checked as soon as possible.
WHAT IF I BOWL A SCORE THAT QUALIFIES FOR A USBC AWARD?
All high game or series awards must be applied for through your local league secretary. Get the USBC tournament sanction number and copy of all your scores to give to your secretary. The sanction number is _____.
HOW DO I EARN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS?
Most of the scholarships offered are at the $10,000(est.) Tournament of Champions, but most events offer optional scholarship opportunities.
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS?
By winning one title or making three finals. If you win 3 titles or make 7 finals, you will get a bye to the 2nd round of the TOC. If you win 6 titles, you will automatically be in the TOC finals.
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2 0 0 8 - 2 0 0 9 . R U L E S
TOURNAMENT MANAGER - Jim Kopan, 380 Andrew St., Sharon PA 16146, 724-662-4677, jimkopan@yahoo.com, www.keystonetour.com
1. All USA events are USBC certified. All 2008-09 USBC Youth playing and tournament rules are in effect unless otherwise listed in these rules or on the tournament flyer.
2. Any person age 21-under as of 8/1/2008 may enter any event in any state or province. Events are open to USBC and CTF Youth members and non-members, but only members are eligible for honor score/high score awards. Non-members must not be or have been Adult USBC, ABC, WIBC, or CTF members, and must be otherwise eligible under former rule 400, unless their youth eligiblilty has been re-instated by the USBC.
3. All tournaments are scratch singles (no handicap).
4. AGE GROUPS (age as of 8/1/2008): Boys Open (16-21), Boys Mid (12-15), Girls Open (13-21), Minor (boys 11-u and girls 12-u). If a bowler enters an incorrect age group, it may be corrected up to the start of the first match of the finals. Bowlers discovered to have participated in an incorrect age group of the finals shall be disqualified, and all subsequent places will advance one spot in the standings. (Results of matches will stand; finals matches will not be re-bowled.)
5. ENTRIES OPEN when announced at the event, usually 60-90 minutes before the scheduled starting time. There are no advance mail, phone, or e-mail registrations or payments (except for the T.O.C). Entry fees are paid at registration. Since events are one squad, bowlers may enter only once.
6. ENTRIES CLOSE at the completion of the first game of qualifying. Late arrivals may register up to this point and commence bowling in the frame they arrive at their schedule pair of lanes, receiving zeros for each frame missed.
6A. WITHDRAW: If an entrant must withdraw or no-shows for a qualifying game or finals match, the match is a forfeit (0). There are no substitutions or alternates. Lower seed bowlers do not move up. There are no refunds of entry fees.
7. DRESS CODE: Although not mandatory, proper bowling shirts and attire are requested. The director reserves the right to require entrants to correct any offensive or improper attire before continuing participation. There will be a formal dress code posted for the TOC.
8. BOWLING BALLS not meeting USBC standards concerning weight balance, hardness, or scuffing/surface altering are subject to removal for the remainder of the tournament. Bowlers are permitted to use alcohol or other USBC approved cleaners or polishes during competition.
9. CONDUCT: The Tournament Director may warn or disqualify bowlers for unsportsmanlike or disruptive conduct (rule 406). Tournament Directors reserve the right to refuse any entry. Tournament Directors and/or Bowling Center Management may remove any coach or spectator for disruptive conduct and if necessary, suspend them from attending future tournaments. Bowlers will sign a dress code and sportsmanship acknowlegement when registering for the TOC.
10. SUSPENSIONS: Tournament Directors reserve the right to refuse any entry. The tournament manager reserves the right to suspend bowlers from future events for unacceptable conduct at their discretion.
11. ENTRY FEE BREAKDOWN (average)[$15]: Awards $1, Expenses $2, TOC Scholarships $3, Bowling fee $9. Awards fees returned 100% in the form of prizes and/or Scholarships. Prize ratio will be at least 1 in 10 for all age groups during regular events, and 1 in 5 for the Tournament of Champions.
12. SCORECARDS are recorded and totaled at the completion of each game by each bowler. Bowlers are responsible for the accuracy of their own scorecards and those of the other bowlers on their pair. Corrections may be made by the director up to the start of the finals with no penalty. After the finals start, all scores and seeding positions are final.
13. BOWLER SEATING AREAS may only be occupied by directors or the bowlers on that specific pair. No coaches, parents, or spectators permitted in the settee area. No flash photography is permitted during competition.
14. LANE SCHEDULING is determined by random draw by age group (when possible). After each game, bowlers will move a pre-determined number of lanes to the right.
15. TIES for seeding into the finals, or in a finals match are decided by a one ball rolloff (until the tie is broken).
16. PRE-TOURNAMENT PRACTICE: Paid practice games on any lane (based on availability by the host center) are permitted before the tournament at the discretion of the center.
17. PRACTICE BALLS: Before the first game of qualifying, bowlers receive approx. 8 minutes of practice on their starting pair. No practice balls are permitted between games qualifying.
18. FINALS PRACTICE: Finalists may use the practice lanes (if available) while waiting for their upcoming match. There will be no practice before any finals matches unless otherwise announced.
19a. FORMAT: Unless otherwise listed, all entrants bowl 4 games (6 if Jr. Gold), immediately followed by the top 3 (total pins scratch) in each age group bowling single-elimination bracket finals (one-game matches). The top 3 finishers in each age group receive awards. The 4 champions then meet for the Grand Championship for an additional bonus award.
19b. ALTERNATE FORMAT: Double-elimination: Brackets for each age group are randomly drawn. The first two rounds of the winners and losers bracket are two-game total pins matches. All following rounds are one game matches. The 4 champions then meet (single-elim.) for the Grand Championship for an additional bonus award. Entries close at the beginning of the first game (Prizes same as rule 19a.)
21a. TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS: Any scholarship amounts publicized are estimates based on entries until posted at the Tournament of Champions. If a qualifying bowler declines their entry, bowlers qualifying below them do attain their position.
21b. TO QUALIFY FOR THE TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS:
- win one title, or
- make 3 finals (top 3 in age group), or
- win developmental series championship
21c. BYE TO SECOND ROUND OF THE TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS:
- win three titles, or
- make seven finals (top 3 in age group)
21d. BYE TO FINALS OF THE TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS:
- win six titles
22. SCHOLARSHIPS will be administered by the USBC SMART program, and amounts are not final until completion of the Tournament of Champions.
2 0 0 7 - 2 0 0 8 . R U L E S
TOURNAMENT MANAGER - Jim Kopan, 380 Andrew St., Sharon PA 16146, 724-662-4677, kopan@nauticom.net, www.keystonetour.com
1. All USA events are USBC certified. All 2007-08 USBC Youth playing and tournament rules are in effect unless otherwise listed in these rules or on the tournament flyer.
2. Any person age 21-under as of 8/1/2007 may enter any event in any state or province. Events are open to USBC and CTF Youth members and non-members, but only members are eligible for honor score/high score awards. Non-members must not be or have been Adult USBC, ABC, WIBC, or CTF members, and must be otherwise eligible under former rule 400, unless their youth eligiblilty has been re-instated by the USBC.
3. All tournaments are scratch singles (no handicap).
4. AGE GROUPS (age as of 8/1/2007): Major Boys (15-17), Junior Boys (12-14), Prep Boys/Girls (11-under), Girls Open (15-21), Junior Girls (12-14), Collegiate Boys (18-21). If a bowler enters an incorrect age group, it may be corrected up to the start of the first match of the finals. Bowlers discovered to have participated in an incorrect age group of the finals shall be disqualified, and all subsequent places will advance one spot in the standings. (Results of matches will stand; finals matches will not be re-bowled.)
5. ENTRIES OPEN when announced at the event, usually 60-90 minutes before the scheduled starting time. There are no advance mail, phone, or e-mail registrations or payments (except for the T.O.C). Entry fees are paid at registration. Since events are one squad, bowlers may enter only once.
6. ENTRIES CLOSE at the completion of the first game of qualifying. Late arrivals may register up to this point and commence bowling in the frame they arrive at their schedule pair of lanes, receiving zeros for each frame missed.
6A. WITHDRAW: If an entrant must withdraw or no-shows for a qualifying game or finals match, the match is a forfeit (0). There are no substitutions or alternates. Lower seed bowlers do not move up. There are no refunds of entry fees.
7. DRESS CODE: Although not mandatory, proper bowling shirts and attire are requested. The director reserves the right to require entrants to correct any offensive or improper attire before continuing participation. There will be a formal dress code posted for the TOC.
8. BOWLING BALLS not meeting USBC standards concerning weight balance, hardness, or scuffing/surface altering are subject to removal for the remainder of the tournament. Bowlers are permitted to use alcohol or other USBC approved cleaners or polishes during competition.
9. HONOR SCORE AWARDS must be submitted and applied for through the bowler's local association. The Keystone Tour does not submit awards applications, but will provide necessary information, verification, and/or signatures.
10. CONDUCT: The Tournament Director may warn or disqualify bowlers for unsportsmanlike or disruptive conduct (rule 406). Tournament Directors reserve the right to refuse any entry. Tournament Directors and/or Bowling Center Management may remove any coach or spectator for disruptive conduct and if necessary, suspend them from attending future tournaments. Bowlers will sign a dress code and sportsmanship acknowlegement when registering for the TOC.
10a. SUSPENSIONS: Tournament Directors reserve the right to refuse any entry. Regional or National Directors reserve the right to suspend bowlers from future events at that level for unacceptable conduct at their discretion. Suspensions will not be appealed to or overturned by the tour management.
11. ENTRY FEE BREAKDOWN (average) REGIONALS ($15): Medals $1, Expenses $2, TOC Scholarships $3, Bowling fee $9. NATIONALS ($35): Prizes $3, Expenses $3, Event Scholarships $10, TOC Scholarships $3, Bowling fee $16. Awards fees returned 100% in the form of Medals and/or Scholarships. Prize ratio will be at least 1 in 10 for all age groups during regular zone events, and 1 in 4 for the Tournament of Champions.
12. SCORECARDS are recorded and totaled at the completion of each game by each bowler. Bowlers are responsible for the accuracy of their own scorecards and those of the other bowlers on their pair. Corrections may be made by the director up to the start of the finals with no penalty. After the finals start, all scores and seeding positions are final.
13. BOWLER SEATING AREAS may only be occupied by directors or the bowlers on that specific pair. No coaches, parents, or spectators permitted in the settee area. No flash photography is permitted during competition.
14. LANE SCHEDULING is determined by random draw by age group (when possible). After each game, bowlers will move a pre-determined number of lanes to the right.
15. TIES for seeding into the finals, or in a finals match are decided by a 9th/10th frame rolloff.
16. PRE-TOURNAMENT PRACTICE: Paid practice games on any lane (based on availability by the host center) are permitted before the tournament at the discretion of the center.
17. PRACTICE BALLS: Before the first game of qualifying, bowlers receive approx. 8 minutes of practice on their starting pair. No practice balls are permitted between games.
18. FINALS PRACTICE: Finalists may use the practice lane (if available) while waiting for their upcoming match. If available, all finalists will receive 5 minutes of practice on their finals pair before the first match (if time permits). After the first match, oncoming bowlers receive 2 practice balls on each lane.
19a. NATIONAL FORMAT: Unless otherwise listed, all entrants bowl 8 games, immediately followed by the top 5 (total pins scratch) in each age group bowling in the stepladder finals (single game matches). Each age group champion receives a scholarship and special shirt or towel. Second and Third also receive small awards. At least 1 out of 8 in each age group will win scholarships.
19a. ALTERNATE NATIONAL FORMAT: Double-elimination: Brackets for each age group are randomly drawn. The first two rounds of the winners and losers bracket are two-game total pins matches. All following rounds are one game matches. Entries close at the beginning of the first game (Prizes same as rule 19a.)
19b. REGIONAL FORMAT: Unless otherwise listed, all entrants bowl 4 games (depending on the region), immediately followed by the top 5 (total pins scratch) in each age group bowling in the stepladder finals (single game matches). The top 3 finishers in each age group receive medals.
19d. LOW ENTRIES: If there are less than 3 entrants in an age group, the stepladder finals for that group will be combined with the next higher age group of the same gender. If there are less than 3 College Boys, their stepladder finals will be combined with Major Boys. Points awarded for place of finish will not change or cross age groups. Example: If Major and College Boys finals are combined, the highest finishing College AND the highest finishing Major BOTH receive 8 points.
20. POINTS are compiled for each age group in each national and regional tours, and are awarded based on the place of finish: 1st=8, 2nd=6, 3rd=5, 4th=4, 5th=3, 6th or rest of top 33%=2, 7th or rest of top 50%=1.
21a. TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS: Any scholarship amounts publicized are estimates based on entries until posted at the Tournament of Champions. If a qualifying bowler declines their entry, bowlers ranked below them do not move up in rank; they remain the same seed.
21b. TO QUALIFY FOR THE TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS:
- finish in the top 5 points in any Region, or
- finish in the top 15 points on the National Tour, or
- win the 6/27/08 TOC qualifier, or
- win a National Tour event (at least 5 in age group).
21c. BYE TO SECOND ROUND OF THE TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS:
- finish in the top 2 points in any Region, or
- finish in the top 5 points on the National Tour.
21d. BYE TO FINALS OF THE TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS:
- finish first on the National Tour points.
22. SCHOLARSHIPS will be administered by the USBC SMART program, and amounts are not final until completion of the Tournament of Champions. Any bonuses awarded to National or Regional tour champions are part of their Tournament of Champions earnings and are contingent on the bowler entering and competing in the Tournament of Champions. Bonuses are not transferable to subsequently ranked bowlers on the points lists.
23. Points standings posted on the web site are FINAL as of May 31. Bowlers sending in their entry after May 31 will not be penalized if there was an error in the calculation of their points. In the event, due to technical problems or similar circumstances, final points for a particular zone are not posted on the web site by May 31, bowlers are authorized to send in their Tournament of Champions entry based on the most current standings posted for their zone. The tour management reserves the right to adjust a Tournament of Champions entrant's squad if it is affected by a Regional Director's error or omission in points publication.
24. Some regions may offer additional opportunities, such as Junior Olympic Gold qualifying, optional brackets for scholarships, etc. These are not under the jurisdiction of the Keystone Junior Bowlers Tour, and any inquiries must be refered to the individual regional directors, who must transfer any applicable scholarship money into the SMART fund within 30 days.
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