HANDBOOK FOR
SECRETARIES
OF TBA
ACCREDITED LEAGUES
Index
A Message from TBA for the league Secretary.................................................................................. 2
Summary of the Secretary’s Duties .................................................................................................... 2
Know your TBA................................................................................................................................. 3
Membership Fees & Individual Membership Application Form........................................................ 4
Record Keeping.................................................................................................................................. 4
Individual Average Record Card........................................................................................................ 4
Team Registration Form..................................................................................................................... 6
Team Record Card ............................................................................................................................. 6
League Record Sheet.......................................................................................................................... 7
League Accreditation Application Form ............................................................................................ 8
Individual Average Record ................................................................................................................ 9
Award Application Card .................................................................................................................... 9
Most Improved Average.................................................................................................................... 11
The League Standing Sheet............................................................................................................... 11
Duties of President & Vice-President ............................................................................................... 12
Helpful Information for Better League Management ........................................................................ 13
Organising the Handicap League ...................................................................................................... 13
Arranging Handicaps System ............................................................................................................ 14
Deciding Individual Averages........................................................................................................... 16
Absenteeism and Blind Scores .......................................................................................................... 16
Substitutes ......................................................................................................................................... 17
Point System...................................................................................................................................... 18
Vacancy Scores ................................................................................................................................. 18
Prizes................................................................................................................................................. 19
League Championships ..................................................................................................................... 20
Tied Scores ....................................................................................................................................... 20
Tardy Players .................................................................................................................................... 20
Correction of Errors .......................................................................................................................... 21
Rule Wrangles................................................................................................................................... 21
Bowling Etiquette.............................................................................................................................. 29
Suggested League Rules.................................................................................................................... 30
SPECIAL NOTE
Words importing the masculine gender will include females, words importing the female gender will include the
male. Where used the letters TBA refer to Tenpin Bowling Australia Limited, ACN 085 023 721
This document is not to be reproduced in part or in full unless for the express use of members of Tenpin Bowling
Australia Limited.
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1
A Message from TBA for the league
secretary
The secretary of any group of persons who share a common interest, no matter what form that interest takes, has to
be acknowledged as the cornerstone or backbone of that group. This applies especially to the sport of tenpin
bowling and to be quite specific, to the league secretary. On many occasions the joy and satisfaction members derive
from their involvement in regular weekly bowling can be measured by the efficiency of their league secretary.
Indifference and apathy on the part of the person holding this important position can quickly spread amongst the
players so that before you can say “strike” the league disintegrates. On the other side of the scale, the sociability and
good fellowship in a league, together with the long life span it enjoys, really reflects, to a very large degree, the way
the secretary has been “on the ball” in the performance of their duties.
The aim of this book is to ease the secretary’s workload and enable the records of the league to be maintained to the
satisfaction of the teams and individual members.
TENPIN BOWLING AUSTRALIA LIMITED
June Voukolos,
President
*****************************************************
Summary of the League Secretary’s duties
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
(TBA Rule 208)
Maintain a correct record of all individual scores.
Maintain an accurate record of all team scores.
Display on the notice board of the centre, the weekly standing sheet, showing averages and team position
standings. Note. This may be in the form of a computer generated printout.
Supply each member of the Management Committee with a copy of the league rules.
Display on the notice board of the bowling centre, the league schedule for the season.
To arrange with the President to have the league’s complete prize list approved by the league’s Management
Committee no later than 6 weeks after the commencement of the league.
Required to complete and provide a Quarterly Standing sheet for the league listing the individual averages of
the league members to the association secretary who will then send a copy to the TBAL Awards office.
Collect the prescribed TBA membership fees from each player when such fees become due.
Complete and forward the forms required for accrediting purposes to the association within 42 days after the
commencement of the league schedule.
Keep for at least 12 months, the records of all individual and team scores.
To faithfully carry out any duties specified by the league’s Management Committee.
When vacating office to hand over to his/her successor all league records.
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KNOW YOUR TBA
“WHAT DO I GET FOR MY MONEY”?
In return for the small membership fees received, the services made available to individual members, teams and
accredited leagues and tournaments are extensive.
The costs associated with the pursuit of our favourite hobby, or the active participation in regular weekly league
bowling, are paid for out of any surplus monies which may be available after the essential payments required for the
maintenance of our particular lifestyles have been made.
Because rising prices are our constant companions, we are now very conscious of the “need to know” that in return
for any payments which we make, we must get the maximum value for the money used to make that payment. More
than ever before, we want to get the most for our money so that the “recreation dollar” can cover a wider range of
leisure time activities for us.
Membership in TBA means more value for that dollar.
WHAT DOES ACCREDITED BOWLING AND MEMBERSHIP IN TBA MEAN?
TBA means many different things to many different people according to their personal needs, tastes and ambitions.
Members receive a personal membership card, endorsed with up to nine personal discount offers at various venues.
The services of TBA are many and varied and are very helpful when a particular need arises within the membership
ranks.
The once a week league bowler, beginner, or the high scoring competitor finds that their needs are well catered for
by TBA.
It does not take too long to learn that it pays to belong and it costs so little. When a league becomes accredited with
TBA it proves that the players are serious about their competition
LEAGUE ACCREDITATION AND INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP MEANS
*
The everlasting recognition for the league champion
*
The opportunity to qualify for a variety of special awards. These must be won in accredited competition. (See
page 10 for full particulars) There is a “special quality” about TBA awards, often copied but never equalled.
*
Standardisation of bowling pins and bowling lanes. TBA measures and inspects all lanes in Australia
annually. This ensures that the playing facilities at your favoured bowling centre are maintained not only to
Australian standards but to the standards and specifications of the world organisation Federation Internationale
des Quilleurs.
*
A membership card that includes to up to nine personal discount offers at various venues.
*
Automatic IEA Sports Insurance cover for any injury received whilst participating in accredited competition.
*
Having access to free supplies of all of the necessary printed forms which are used to keep the records of your
league. These range from a special bank book for the league treasurer to individual record sheets, team record
sheets and weekly match result sheets. These are in addition to the average calculators, handicap manuals,
rule books and a standard set of rules for better league operation.
*
All of these are supplied free of charge simply because your league is “TBA accredited.”
TOURNAMENT ACCREDITATION
TBA membership has a special significance for the tournament bowler whether he competes regularly or whether he
is a casual entrant in a handicap or scratch event. Some of the benefits are:
*
Bowlers can enter the tournament with confidence.
*
Opportunity for listing in the Australian Bowler Ranking Programme.
*
Expert assistance to resolve misunderstandings and problems if they arise.
*
Prize fund payment guaranteed.
*
Special recognition for high scores,
*
No changes to tournament rules or entering conditions after the tournament starts.
Remember, when you pick up a tournament entry form, look for the words “TBA accredited.”
The ability of TBA to provide its free services to leagues and to maintain its awards programme, comes from the
support given to it by the individual members, leagues, and from each of the 150 plus recognised associations
throughout Australia.
YOUR LEAGUE’S DECISION TO BECOME ACCREDITED WITH
TBA WAS A WISE ONE
Welcome aboard
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Membership fees and the individual membership
application form.
This is a very simple form and requires no special hints or guidance on how it should be completed. Each
Association needs to determine their procedure for collection of membership fees.
TBA rule 214 requires all bowlers who compete in an accredited league to have paid their annual membership fees
(see page 9). Pads of triplicate forms should be readily available to league secretaries from centre associations or
from TBA.
The subscriptions paid by bowlers for their annual membership dues is divided between TBA and the centre
association.
There is NO SPECIAL joining fee. Bowlers who are joining for the first time only have to pay the same amount as
those who are renewing their previous membership.
Special rates are available for pensioners.
SPECIAL NOTE: TBA membership year extends from 1st January to 31st December. Only one membership fee
payment is required from each bowler per year
Record Keeping
The record cards supplied in TBA league kits have been designed to meet the needs of the vast majority of leagues
now bowling in Australia. These cards can be regarded as “useful tools” which when used by the secretary, serve to
cater for the record keeping requirements of each league.
Some leagues may want to maintain a record of a team’s weekly handicap allowance while others may not need this
information.
It may be important to some leagues to record a “blind or vacancy score” allowance used by a team at any time
during the period of competition, and yet this information is of little importance to other leagues. Therefore, after the
league secretary has been made aware of the league’s requirements, in so far as record keeping is concerned, it is up
to him to decide how he uses this particular tool, especially in relation to blind scores, vacancy scores, or handicap
allowances.
However, whichever way a league expects a league secretary to keep the records, it should always be kept in mind
that blind scores, vacancy scores and handicap allowances should be totally disregarded when calculating averages
whether it be for a team or individual bowler.
There is no TBA rule which compels the league secretary to use these forms in a specific way The requirements of
the league are of first importance and overshadows all other considerations.
The individual average record card
The efficient use of this card is an important item of league operation. The week by week recording of each game
and series bowled by every league member must be maintained by the league secretary.
The league kit received from TBA, through the local association, contains a double sided card for every member,
plus a few spares. Each side of the card has sufficient ruled spaces for a 34 week period. There are two different size
record cards:
a)
for leagues bowling a 4 game series weekly
b)
for leagues bowling a 3 game series weekly
The most common in use today is the 3 game series card which is illustrated in this chapter.
When recording scores on this card the secretary should keep in mind that:
a)
only scratch scores should be listed
b)
blind scores should NOT be listedc)
when listing averages, disregard any fraction - only show whole numbers
Each of the 11 columns on the card, in the illustration, have been numbered for the purpose of quick identification.
Those numbers correspond with the numbered paragraphs below. Each paragraph contains helpful information for
the league secretary, who is “new at his job,” so that he can accurately and faithfully record the weekly scores
bowled in his league by each individual member.
REMEMBER only actual pins knocked down shall be recorded.
THE DATE THE GAMES WERE BOWLED
Column 1
Show the date the actual games were bowled, this applies particularly to postponed matches. The rules
of many handicap tournaments always spell out that the average on which handicaps shall be based
will be the bowlers league average at a specified time of the year, or after so many games, therefore,
the importance of recording the date the games were bowled can be readily understood.
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NUMBER OF GAMES BOWLED
Column 2
For a league starting its competition show on LINE 1 column 2 the number of games bowled by the
member on that particular date. If he has played 3 games then that figure should appear.
For the next league session let’s suppose the number of games bowled in the second week is also 3,
then the figure appearing on LINE 2 column 2 should be 6.
Assume that the league bowls for 34 weeks and the member has bowled 3 games every week, the
progressive total appearing on LINE 34 column 2 should be 102.
For a variety of reasons members sometimes can only play one or two of the scheduled 3 game series
and his team is given a “blind score allowance” for the games in which he did not compete. In column
3, 4 or 5, whichever is appropriate, show a dash thus - for the games not bowled.
RECORDING OF THE SCORES FOR EACH GAME
Columns 3,4, & 5
Only the actual pins knocked down in each game should be recorded in these columns. DO NOT
include handicaps.
NEVER credit a bowler with his “blind” allowance on his individual record card.
If a bowler has to retire from a game before its completion, show the pinfall he had scored at the time
of withdrawal. -- If this occurred, say, in the 6th frame in the 3rd game, the count at the 6th should be
shown on the record card in column 5, but that score not included in the total pinfall for handicapping
purposes.
SERIES
Column 6
Each weekly series total should appear in column 6. The series total is easily obtained by adding
together the scores bowled in each of the weekly games. If a league bowls 2 games weekly then the
series total is found by adding the scratch scores of the 2 games together. If three games are bowled,
the scores for each of the 3 games are added and the total is then listed in column 6. Then, for the
FIRST WEEK only that same total must appear in column 7. NEVER include handicap or blind
scores in the series. It will be impossible to accurately calculate the howler’s average or handicap if
you do.
PROGRESSIVE TOTAL
Column 7
The progressive scratch pinfall total is recorded in this column. To obtain the current figure, simply
add the series total from column 6 to the previous weeks progressive total in column 7. This figure is
then used to calculate average and handicap, if required.
AVERAGE
Column 8
The total number of pins knocked down divided by the total number of games played, provides the
secretary with a bowler’s average. If a blind or handicap allowance is added to the pinfall total and
then divided by the number of games played, the result will be that the bowler will be credited with a
much higher average that he is capable of playing and will, therefore, receive a handicap well below
his entitlement.
HANDICAP
Column 9
Calculating handicaps is dealt with on page 14 of this book. To make the job easier for the league
secretary, TBA supplies free of charge, a very informative handicap chart or ready reckoner. It is
included as part of the league kit. The chart is very easy to use and provides the correct handicap
allowance for each game of the weekly series just bowled. It is important to understand that the
handicap allowance does not change from game to game during a weekly series. If a change has to be
made it is done after the league’s session is over. The new handicap allowance is then calculated for
next week’s matches.
The handicap chart shows a range of percentage columns. These are included on the chart because the
league has the right to decide which of the different handicap percentage allowances it will adopt.
This subject is dealt with on page 14 of this book.
IMPORTANT: After a league is established and competition play has commenced, the handicap, which has been calculated after each week’s competition, shall be used for the games to be played next week. Refer to
page 14 for TBA guidelines on establishing handicaps at the beginning of a season.
HIGH GAME AND HIGH SERIES
Columns 10 & 11
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Practically all leagues award a prize for high game and/or high series with or without handicaps. Many
leagues give a prize for both scratch and handicap achievements. It is the responsibility of the league
secretary to be able to provide the league, at the end of the season, with the names of the bowlers who
qualify for any of these prizes. Columns 10 and 11 enable him to readily identify a best scratch game
and series of each member at any time.
High Single Game With Handicap: In order to obtain this figure, simply extract from columns 1, 2 or 3 the best
single game scratch score for any particular week and then add to that the bowler’s single game handicap allowance
also for that week. This can be found in column 9.
High Series With Handicap: The relevant figure is obtained by adding together the figures shown in column 6 to
the total handicap allowance for the same week’s series. The series handicap is easily obtained by multiplying the
figure shown in column 9 by 3 or by a figure equal to the number of games bowled in a league’s weekly series.
There is provision on the league standing sheet where individual high game and series with or without handicap can
be listed. If the scores of a bowler show that they are currently the best in the league, they can then be listed on the
weekly standing sheet and be carried forward each week until they have to be removed because of a higher score. As
a matter of fact there is ample space to show on the standing sheet first and second place for male and female if
required.
It is not necessary to make an entry in columns 10 or 11 each week. After recording the best game score of the first
week’s play on LINE 1, column 10, don’t make any further entries in that column until the member has bowled a
higher game. This may not occur for several weeks and when it does, simply enter the score in column 10 on the line
which has the scores for that league session.
The same applies to High Series. After the first week’s series has been listed in Column 11, don’t make any further
entries in that column until a higher series is bowled by the league member whose name appears on top of the record
card.
Team Registration Form
(Team Roster)
The purpose of this particular form is to assist the league secretary to maintain in an orderly and workmanlike
manner an address list of the players in his league who have joined together to make up a team.
This system of registration enables the secretary to conduct periodic or snap checks to satisfy himself that the names
of the players appearing on the weekly result sheets, correspond with the names shown on this team roster.
It can also be used at any time to identify the membership card number of a league member particularly if that
member has qualified for a TBA award, and/or if a membership card is mislaid.
If the president or the league’s Management Committee decide to mail a “Notice of Meeting” to all members, this
form will help to make the job just that much easier. This applies particularly after the Christmas vacation period.
The form is double sided with provision for recording eight names per side. The names of all persons whose scores
count towards games won or lost (with the exception of roving substitutes) must be recorded on this form. The
listing of the TBA membership numbers is particularly important in the case of a teams own substitute because the
scores of a sub may be disallowed if at the time of bowling he is not in possession of a current membership card.
TBA Rule No.214, third paragraph states that:
“After commencement of play and the expiration of the grace period, all new players must be financial TBA
members before they are permitted to play as a regular member of the league or as a replacement/substitute,
lest any points won by them may be forfeited..”
Team record card
The team record card is 9 columns wide. It is designed for use in both scratch and handicap leagues.
It caters for the needs of leagues consisting of two players per team to teams which have a line-up of 5 players.
It also has the “4 column provision” for recording match points won or lost and the progressive total of points won or
lost.
This particular design has been found to be the most popular of the various types of cards which TBA has supplied to
leagues.
USING THE TEAM RECORD CARD 9 COLUMNS WIDE.
This card is not unlike the individual record card which has been dealt with in a previous chapter. Its purpose is to
provide a continuing record of a team’s performance in the league competition.
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WEEK No.
Column 1
DATE
Column 2
This record card which is doubled sided has sufficient space each side for listing the scores of a
team for 35 weeks of play. The number in this column are printed in heavier type readily
identifying the various weeks of a league’s competition, starting with number 1 as the first league
session. These numbers do not refer to the calendar week of the year.
Enter the date the team actually played the match even if the series was postponed and not played
on the date originally scheduled.
TEAM SERIES TOTAL
Column 3
The league prize fund structure significantly influences which scores are to be listed in this
column. If the league awards a prize for high series and makes no provision for including the
handicap allowance then it is only necessary to show the team’s actual pinfall in column 3. In
practically all handicap leagues it is quite common to find that the scores qualifying for the high
team series prize include the handicap allowance for that series. The actual pins knocked down
for the match just played, with or without handicap, blind or vacancy score are to be listed in this
column. The team series total is obtained by adding together the individual series totals of each
member in the team who actually bowled in that match.
TEAM PROGRESS PINFALL (with or without allowances)
Column 4
After the very first league session, the figures shown in columns 3 & 4, on line one, will be
identical. Thereafter, to obtain the team’s progress total, the series just listed in column 3 is added
to the last total shown in column 4.
NOTE: RE PRIZES FOR TEAM HIGH GAME AND TEAM HIGH SERIES
If the league awards a prize for team high game and/or high series, with or without handicap, the required
information to be displayed on the leagues weekly standing sheet can be readily obtained from the figures listed in
columns 3 and 4. This information can also be obtained by referring to the Secretary’s weekly record sheet after
each match.
TEAM PLAYED
Column 5
The weekly opponents of the team named on top of the record card are listed in this column. In
well established leagues, after the complete league schedule has been compiled, the Secretary at
his own discretion, can list in advance and in correct order the name of all opponent teams in the
entire league competition. Further, before doing this he should be reasonably certain that all of
the teams will play right through the entire competition.
POINTS WON AND LOST
Columns 6-9
In column 6 list the number of points won by the team and in column 7 list the number of points
lost by the team in the match just played. The progressive total of points won and lost is
maintained in columns 8 and 9 so that by the end of the season it is just a simple matter to refer to
the very last entry in column 8 to determine the total number of points won by the team during the
league competition.
League record sheet
This is the most important stationery item in the league kit. It is important because every sheet will show the record
of the games and series performances of individuals and teams who have been matched against each other in the
current competition. Only one sheet is required for every two teams on each day of the league competition. The
TBA league weekly record sheet, which is copyrighted, can just as easily be used for scratch leagues as it can for
handicap leagues.
Like the individual record sheet, these are available for leagues bowling 3 or 4 game series. The league secretary is
required to have these forms readily available for the team captains at the time of league competition.
The following information should appear on each sheet prior to the commencement of the weekly matches.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.*
The date of the match.
The names of the teams bowling against each other.
The lane numbers on which the matches are to be played.
The names of all the players on the team’s roster. (This is obtained from the team registration form).
The average of each player (refer to the player’s individual record card).
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6.*
The handicap allowance for each player. (refer to the player’s individual record card).
*
The average and handicap allowance cannot of course be shown until the players named on the list have
established an average in accordance with the requirements of the particular league.
The league secretary should insist that all team captains thoroughly check the additions and the match results, to
satisfy themselves that the figures shown are correct, before signing the record sheet.
It is very important for the league secretary to understand that even though a team captain might verify the
correctness of the figures shown on the sheet there may be a simple error in calculation.
No accredited league or league secretary can allow any obvious error to pass or set a deadline as to when that
error should be corrected. If the results of matches or games are affected after the error has been corrected,
the league records must be amended together with the position standings of the teams, if applicable.
The sheets are the property of the league and form a complete record of the league’s matches as they are held.
They should be clipped together in weekly sets and filed in such a way that they are readily available for examination
at any time should the need arise. These records must be retained for at least 12 months (TBA rule 109) and should
not be destroyed until the league’s Management Committee have authorised their disposal.
League accreditation application form INFORMATION REQUIRED:
An accreditation application form has been reproduced.
There are 18 separate places on this form, which have to be completed by the league secretary when preparing for
TBA accreditation.
Each of these is identified by an index number. The paragraphs below are numbered to correspond with those shown
on the illustrated example.
When the form is being prepared on behalf of the league, the information contained in these paragraphs can be
referred to for guidance.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Indicate clearly the league name and the name of the bowling centre.
Number of teams in the league must be shown.
Indicate with a “X” whether there are 1, 2, 3,4, or 5 players per team. Do not include reserves in the count.
Does the league play a 1, 2, 3, or 4 game series in its regular matches? Place an “X” in the appropriate
square.
Show the day of the week bowled and the time of bowling.
Show the lane number on which the league is playing this competition.
It is very important to clearly indicate the length of the league schedule ie. its starting date and ending date.
Indicate with a “X” whether the league is adult or junior.
If the league is a scratch league indicate this in the appropriate square. If the league makes provision for
handicap this should be indicated in the space provided.
The scratch score on which handicaps are based should be shown, together with the percentage of scratch
which forms the basis of establishing handicaps.
Does this league pay cash or prizes or are trophies or goods offered as prizes at the end of the season?
Clearly show this in the appropriate square.
Number of rounds. This means that if in this league each team plays each other three times, then “3” should
be indicated in the space provided. If they play each other twice then “2” should be shown in that space.
The name and address of each of the league officers should be clearly show. This is extremely helpful
particularly when tournament time comes around because it provides an excellent mailing list for the local
association’s tournament director. Notification of the association’s AGM can also be sent to the addresses
shown on the accreditation application.
It is important for the local association to know the name and address of each team captain.
SINGLE LEAGUES: In the case of singles leagues, the names and address of each player should be listed, if
there is insufficient space, the balance of the names and addresses can be listed on a separate sheet.
The president, secretary and treasurer of the league should individually sign the application in the space
provided on the bottom of the form.
After the form has been filled in, it should be handed over to the association secretary who will arrange for a
photocopy to be returned to the league secretary. The association secretary will send the original to the State Office
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of TBA and retain a photocopy for their records.
MEMBERSHIP LIST: The league secretary is required to list the names and TBA membership numbers of all
bowlers competing in that league. When this form is received by the association secretary the information shown on
that form is checked against the membership application records on file in the local association office.
One of the most important duties of the league secretary is to prepare the league accreditation application form
carefully and send it to the association secretary as soon as possible.
GRACE PERIOD FOR SUBMITTING ACCREDITED APPLICATIONS:
TBA rule 213 provides a six week grace period, counting the first day of competition, for the secretary to lodge the
accredited application form. The grace period is to ensure that award winning scores will receive recognition during
the time required for a league to complete the accreditation application.
An improperly completed form can cause delays, and also problems for the league secretary, particularly if award
winning scores are bowled in the league after the grace period has expired and the accreditation form has not been
received at the TBA office.
All league secretaries should know that a league accredited for the previous season shall be regarded as temporarily
accredited after the start of its current schedule. This temporary accredited period also extends for six weeks or 42
days counting the first day of competition as the first week.
MEMBERSHIP FEES MUST BE PAID
A completed accreditation application form must be lodged with the Association Secretary together with a copy of
the league’s Constitution and rules for that season.
A complete listing of all players and their individual membership numbers, indicating that they are current financial
members must be included.
After commencement of play and the expiration of the grace period, all new players must be financial TBA members
before they are permitted to play as a regular member of the league or as a replacement/substitute, lest any points
won by them may be forfeited.
Individual average record
Upon request and at the end of every season, a complete list of players who participated throughout the season, in
alphabetical order, together with the number of games bowled, total pinfall and average of each bowler, is to be
forwarded to the Local Association.
Award application card
No matter what reason is given for joining TBA or for accrediting a league or tournament, and there are many, there
is only one that is common to the variety of bowlers who come from all walks of life to make up TBA membership.
The exclusiveness of all TBA awards, given in recognition for a members special achievement whilst bowling,
cannot be matched or duplicated. The knowledge that these awards are not available to non registered bowlers gives
the TBA member that added prestige when proudly displayed by the recipient. It is because of all these things that
this particular TBA service programme provides that fascinating challenge to qualify for an award. The desire to do
better extends throughout TBA membership from the high average veteran to those who bowl once a week.
It is therefore not unreasonable, that when a members score/s qualify, the bowler concerned expects a minimum of
delay before being presented with their award. The responsibility to reduce the waiting time is shared.
Some delays can be avoided, others occur outside the bowling scene. It is the duty of the league secretary to be alert
for any award winning scores being bowled in their league. Once it has been established that a high game/series or a
“Once a Year” TBA award has been won, the league secretary should send a properly completed “Award
Application” card to the secretary of the association without delay. Purchase Awards will be available from the
bowling centre or the local association.
As the awards are a very important part of membership services, TBA welcomes any enquiries concerning them from
league secretaries or individual bowlers.
A simple telephone call to TBA (02 9880 8866) may save a lot of misunderstanding. It is surprising how many
applications arrive at the office for awards which were won several months prior to the mail delivery date.
REMEMBER, WHEN WRITING THE DETAILS ON THE AWARD APPLICATION FORM DO NOT APPLY
FOR MORE THAN ONE AWARD ON THE SAME CARD.
AWARDS PROGRAM
All awards are issued subject to the conditions defined in Chapter 3 of the TBA Rule Book.
The following awards are available to registered TBA members in recognition of various achievements.
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9
Once in a Lifetime Awards
For the following achievements, a suitably engraved plaque together with a watch or ring will be awarded.
These awards will be presented the first time each high score is achieved only.
300 Game
299 Game
298 Game
800 Series
for three games (for bowling 800 to 899 in three consecutive games)
For the following achievements, a suitably engraved plaque will be presented the first time each high score is
achieved only.
1000 Series
900 Series
700 Series
(for bowling 1000 or better in four consecutive games).
(for bowling 900 to 999 in four consecutive games).
(for bowling 700 to 799 in three consecutive games).
At no time will two Series awards be granted for the one series. Eg. if a bowler achieves a score of 1000 or
better for four games, the entitlement will be for the 1000 award. (Not 1000 or 900 for four games and also
700 for three).
Once a Year Awards Free to all membership categories
For the following achievements, a suitably embossed chevron will be awarded. Each achievement is available
once in a twelve month period. Eg. Once awarded, the same award cannot be awarded again until one
calender year has passed since the date of the first achievement.
11 in a row
7 - 10 Split
Big 4
5-7-10 Split
Triplicate
Dutch 200
All Spare
Century Award
800 Series
600 Series
75 Over Average
50 Over Average
(11 strikes in a row where the score is 297 or less).
(for converting the 7 - 10 split).
(for converting the 4-7, 6-10 split).
(for converting the 5-7-10 split).
(for bowling three consecutive games of the same score in a series).
(for bowling consecutive strike/spare or spare/strike in all ten frames).
(for sparing all ten frames in a game).
(for bowling 100 pins over average in a single game.
(for bowling 800 to 899 in four consecutive games).
(for bowling a three games series totalling 600 to 699).
(for bowling 75 pins over average in a single game).
(for bowling 50 pins over average in a single game).
Free Awards to Member Plus and Gold Categories Once a Year, subject to the above rules.
Member Only, Junior and Bumper Categories Purchase Awards - Unlimited Quantities
Gold and Member plus Categories can purchase awards also if they wish.
275 game
250 game
225 game
200 game
175 game
150 game
125 game
100 game
Turkey
550 Series
500 Series
450 Series
300 Series
25 Over Average
Doubles
Scorebuster
12-1-00
(for bowling a game of 275 or more).
(for bowling a game of 250 to 274).
(for bowling a game of 225 to 249).
(for bowling a game of 200 to 224).
(for bowling a game of 175 to 199).
(for bowling a game of 150 to 174).
(for bowling a game of 125 to 149).
(for bowling a game of 100 to 124).
(for bowling three consecutive strikes in a game).
(for bowling a three game series totalling 550 to 599).
(for bowling a three game series totalling 500 to 549).
(for bowling a three game series totalling 450 to 499).
(for bowling a two game series in excess of 300).
(for bowling 25 pins over average in a single game).
(for bowling two consecutive games of the same scores in a 2 game League).
(an encouragement award. Targets are set for bowlers and when they are achieved the
award is won).
10
League Awards
League Champion
League- 2nd Place (for achieving 2nd place in a league).
League- 3rd Place (for achieving 3rd place in a league).
Most Improved Average
High Game
High Series
High Average
League awards are available to all accredited leagues.
Most Improved Average
A Most Improved Average chevron shall be awarded to the bowler who has the most improved average, calculated
as follows:
(a)
A bowler's increase in average is determined by comparing his final average for the current competition and
his final average of at least twenty one (21) games for the preceding competition in the same League.
(b)
For a bowler who entered the League with an average established in another sanctioned League, compare his
final average for the current competition with his highest average shown on the final standing sheet for his
previous League/s.
(c)
For a bowler with no average for the preceding competition, compare his final average for the current
competition with the average he established in his first twenty one (21) games during the current competition.
(d)
Decimal places must be taken into account in the event that two or more bowlers have the same increase in
average.
To be eligible for Most Improved Average, a bowler must have bowled in at least two thirds (2/3) of the leagues
scheduled games in the current season.
The League Standing Sheet
These are available as part of the league kit, for leagues having from 12 to 24 teams in the competition. The
secretary should complete the standing sheet for display on the notice board of the bowl as soon as possible after the
league session.
There is provision now for listing every week, the two leaders, male and female if required, for the more popular end
of season prizes.
e.g. High Team Series Scratch
High Individual Series Scratch.
High Team Series with Handicap.
High Individual Series with Handicap.
High Team Game Scratch.
High Individual Game Scratch.
High Team Game with Handicap.
High Individual Game with Handicap.
Where scratch scores only have to be shown merely list the actual pinfall.
Where scores which include pinfall plus handicap are to be listed, show the combined TOTAL in the appropriate
space on the extreme right hand side of the sheet.
It is now possible when listing the weekly position standings, to display progressive totals for:
Points won and lost.
Progressive total of points won and lost.
The team with the highest progressive numbers of points won is listed in first place each week and the remaining
teams are then listed in numerical order. The progressive total for pinfall can now be listed and there is also a special
column to show a total for each team which includes handicap. This information is very useful for those leagues
which have prizes for total pinfall, with or without handicap.
SPECIAL NOTE:
There is no provision on the top section of this standing sheet to show each team’s WEEKLY series total, scratch or
with handicap. This information can be displayed on the lower section of the standing sheet if it is required by the
league.
INDIVIDUAL AVERAGES
Practically all of the information which has to appear in this section of the standing sheet is taken from the individual
record card of each team member.
The handicap allowance for the NEXT match is listed in the “H’cap” column. Show only the SINGLE game
handicap allowance.
For calculating averages refer to page 13
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11
For calculating handicapping refer to page 14.
Duties of the President and the Vice President GUIDELINES
PRESIDENT & VICE-PRESIDENT: The president of any TBA accredited league shall preside over all meetings
of the league and its Management Committee.
It is his duty to ensure that these meetings are held at a time and place acceptable to the majority of members. The
president should have, or acquire, some basic knowledge of meeting procedure.
DUTIES OF PRESIDENT & VICE-PRESIDENT - GUIDELINES
*
All meetings of the league should be conducted in a manner consistent with established and accepted debating
standards. These call on the president to be addressed by the members respectfully, and for him to respond
likewise. No meeting can successfully deal with its business if these simple requirements are not observed.
*
The most important single duty which the president of any TBA accredited league must perform is to:
REGULARLY VERIFY THE LEAGUE’S BANK ACCOUNT —VERIFY means that the president shall do
some arithmetic to ascertain how much should be on deposit in the bank and then satisfy himself that the
balance shown on the bank statement or in the deposit book corresponds with his calculation.
SHORTAGES must be reported to the secretary of the local association immediately upon discovery.
*
The president should appoint committees from amongst the membership of the league to make arrangements
for, or to submit recommendations, in connection with the following:
(a)
Prizes to be awarded for competition in that league
(b)
The league’s prize presentation function
(c)
Postponement committee
(d)
Rules committee
*
The President should have a good understanding of the first two chapters of the TBA Rule Book. In addition,
he should discuss with the league’s Management Committee any problems which arise and which are not
covered by TBA or the league’s own domestic rules. When problems cannot be resolved within the league’s
membership, advice from TBA or the local association is readily available.
*
If the president ceases to continue in office, any league records which are in his possession must be given over
to his successor.
— CAUTION —
League presidents should be alerted to the danger of calling too many meetings of the entire membership
during the life of any one league competition. As a matter of fact, a league with a good set of rules and about
three efficient committees will very seldom require a general meeting of its membership after the competition
begins.
*
Remember, time taken out for frequent league meetings lessens the amount of time available for the further
enjoyment of the tenpin game which is, after all, the real reason why people get together in league competition.
DUTIES OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT
The league vice-president should:
(a)
Substitute for the president in/for any matters which require attention when the president is absent.
(b)
Gain leadership experience on any of the league’s committees.
(c)
Help ease the burden of the president.
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12
Helpful information for Better League Management
As the tenpin game in Australia has been established for more than twenty years, the various alternatives open to men
and women wishing to compete on a regular weekly basis are now capable of being identified in any of the main
categories. These are:
a)
The Open League which attracts the very high calibre bowler
b)
The Classified League which places a maximum average total that cannot be exceeded by any team.
The total is determined by adding together the averages of each individual team member who will be
bowling in the line-up for any of its matches.
c)
The Handicap League. These leagues provide within their own rules the means by which teams which
don’t have the same scoring ability can be more evenly matched for their competitions against each
other.
A past survey conducted over 3 years across a spread of 4,000 leagues, returned the following information:
1.
The Open League are very few in number and even then are usually for those who prefer playing in
doubles or singles competition. Invariably these are patronised by the high average bowler.
Postponements and the use of substitutes can be the cause of problems within this type of league.
2.
There are not many Classified Leagues in Australia even though the principle of limiting a team’s
average is quite sound. This is because every team in the league will have a line-up of bowlers whose
combined average total does not exceed the limits set by the league at its formation meeting. One very
important quality about the classified league is that if it is a scratch league, as it ought to be, there will
be an absence of deliberately bowling below average at any time during the competition in order to
gain an advantage.
Some problems will arise if the league has not established any rules or guidelines for a team in relation
to:
A team’s average exceeds the acceptable high limit in mid-season due to an unexpected increase in a
player’s average. Determining the means by which the entering average of a mid-season replacement
or substitute is calculated.
3.
Handicap Leagues are by far the most popular in this country. This type of league makes it possible for
bowlers of all averages to combine together as teams and compete against each other on a reasonably
equitable basis. The difference in the playing skill of teams matched against each other can be offset
by the handicap.
Even though the system of handicapping plays a significant role in maintaining a competitive balance
some of the benefits will disappear if the following points are not carefully considered when the league
is being formed.
a)
Some attempt should be made to organise teams consisting of players whose averages are more
or less stabilised. The spread in team averages, in a league consisting of five players per team,
should never be more than 75 or 100 pins at the most.
b)
The absence of rules dealing with replacements and substitutes.
c)
The adoption of rules relating to entering averages.
d)
The admission into the league of replacement players as the competition draws to a close.
Organising the handicap league
Handicap - Definition
Handicapping is a means of placing bowlers and teams with varying degrees of skill on equal as possible basis in
their competition against each other.
How to Calculate a Handicap
In tenpin bowling a handicap is determined by taking a percentage of the difference between a bowler’s average and
the ‘scratch’ or ‘par’ figure previously agreed upon by the league. Take, for example, a league which has adopted a
scratch figure of 180 and a handicap allowance of 80%.
A bowler having an average of 150 would have his handicap determined this way:
League’s scratch figure
180
Less bowler’s average
150
Difference =
30
Therefore, the bowlers single game handicap would be 24, which is 80% of the difference between his average and
the scratch figure of 180.
Here is an illustration showing how the handicap can vary when applying different percentage values even though the
bowlers average is unchanged.
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13
The handicaps listed below are for a 150 average bowler.
Scratch
66 2/3%
70%
75%
80%
Score
Single game handicap (150
average)
180
20
21
22
24
190
26
28
30
32
200
33
35
37
40
90%
27
36
45
100%
110%
30
40
50
33
44
55
SPECIAL NOTE: When calculating averages or handicaps, fractions or remainders are totally disregarded. Only
whole numbers are to be considered.
The Management Committee of any league should give careful consideration to the following when adopting a
scratch figure and a percentage value:
If the percentage value is too great, the higher average team will be disadvantaged.
If the percentage value is insufficient, the medium, low average or novice bowlers will be the losers.
This can be ascertained from the preceding illustration. By preparing a similar chart for a 180 average player the
advantage or otherwise is clearly shown, especially when the two sets of calculations or charts are compared.
A slightly more elaborate chart, can easily be produced, which embraces the same percentage values, averages and
scratch scores, but incorporates a handicap allowance for averages of 130, 180 or whatever figures deemed to be
suitable for the exercise.
Choose the Handicap Value Carefully
For many years virtually no leagues in Australia allocated a handicap based on 100% of the difference between
average and scratch.
In 1979 the 100% handicap was introduced and its adoption was recommended on the grounds that the higher
average bowler was not disadvantaged and that all competitions using that percentage value would be more evenly
balanced. Leagues need to consider the following facts relating to higher average bowlers before adopting a 100%
system:
To maintain their average they have to ”make those spares” more consistently and an extra open frame, because of an
error or an unwelcome split or two, can immediately cut their score potential.
The high average bowlers are somewhat limited in opportunity for improvement. It is far more difficult for them to
improve their average by 5 or more pins than it is for the lower average players who can quickly benefit from the
services of a qualified coach to lift their averages by 10 or 20 pins.
Another important factor to consider is that the 100% handicap value can entirely remove the incentive for the lower
average bowler to improve.
The opportunity is there for some bowlers to ‘loaf’ in order to preserve a high handicap allowance.
Leagues having an 80% allowance represent the very great majority.
Arranging the handicap system
Decide on a “scratch” figure
The organisers of a new league, or the Management Committee of a previously established league, must decide upon
the “scratch” or “par” figure as the basis for handicapping. It is a matter for each league to determine what the
“scratch” or “par” figure shall be.
The figure finally agreed upon should exceed the average of the best bowler in the league as well as making
sufficient allowance for an unexpected increase in average by any individual player.
In a past survey of accredited leagues it is clearly shown that the most popular scratch figure across Australia is 200.
It has also been established that leagues consisting of high average bowlers favour a scratch score of “200.” Leagues
having medium or low average bowlers find that “190” or “180” is sufficient.
Very few leagues select anything lower than “180” as their scratch figure for handicapping purposes.
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14
Leagues should allow at least 10 pins difference between scratch and the known average of the best player in the
league.
Deciding individual averages
The question as to which averages shall be used in a league has to be resolved prior to the commencement of
competition.
The handicap to which a member is entitled can only be calculated AFTER the average has been established.
ALL handicap leagues, whether veteran or newly established, must have a set of simple rules for entering averages.
The points to be taken into account are:
A.
Recognise Averages of Previous League: If the league is being reformed, will the end of season
average in their league be the entering average for the new competition. If so, for how many weeks
will the “final” average be used before being replaced by the newly established average in this
competition
B.
New League Member has recently established average in another league. Will this league accept the
average established in another competition.
C.
New League Member has previous experience but not recently: Will this league accept an average
established sometime ago or will the new member be required to establish an average in this league.
D.
New Member — No Previous Experience: What will be the rules of this league to apply to new
members who have had no previous league experience.
TBA fully recognises that each league shall decide all questions relating to entering averages. However, because
many problems can arise in a league if insufficient attention is paid to this subject, the following information is
provided as guidelines for the benefit of all handicap and classified leagues.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Recognising averages previously established in this league:
This is the most common sense rule a league can adopt as far as entering averages are concerned. The rule
should also carry the requirement that the average was established over at least 12 or more games.
New League Member: (Has current average in another league) It is quite customary to use a recently
established average in one league as the basis for determining handicap in another.
The number of weeks it will be used is determined by league rule.
As players’ averages vary according to the number of players in a team, it would be quite in order for the
league’s Management Committee to make some small adjustment to a player’s entering average if his only
average was established in a doubles league and he. has changed over to a 4 or 5 player team league.
New Member: (Previous, but no recent experience) These cases are not uncommon. The best procedure to
follow is to have the bowler produce reasonable evidence of his previous average and allow him to enter the
league at not less than five pins below that figure. The Management Committee may allow an additional
concession if they are satisfied that the player is not capable of bowling as well as previously.
New Member: (No previous experience) At the start of the competition, the league should have a rule
requiring beginner bowlers to play at least 12 games (18 preferably) in actual competition before being given
a handicap, then at the end of that term the handicap is applied to his team’s score to decide whether the
games, bowled in the early stages of the league, had been won or lost.
Mid season admission of new member: (No previous experience) There is no magical remedy for this
situation although many leagues operate quite successfully with their’ own particular solutions.
Some of these are:
1.
Require the beginner to bowl 9 games, outside of league play, under the supervision of a league officer. The
average arising from those games is then used as a basis for handicapping for at least 3 weeks. After that the
average achieved in competition is used.
2.
The new bowler receives a handicap based on the LEAGUE average. Some say league average less 10 or 20.
Whatever is decided by the league is the rule.
The league average is calculated at the time of admission of the new player. It should be used for at least 3
weeks (the more the better) after which the player should have a partially stabilised average which can be
used for handicapping purposes.
3.
The beginner bowler plays 3 or 4 weeks in actual league, BUT his score does not count and is used only to
establish an average. During this period his team must be given a blind score allowance based on the average
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15
of the player being replaced.
If the beginner is not a replacement, his team should receive the benefit of a vacancy score allowance as
defined on Page 18. Remember, handicaps must be added to the vacancy score.
ENTERING AVERAGES
Many problems arise in leagues because the rules, which have been adopted to cover entering averages, provide
loop-holes which make it possible for some players to gain an unfair advantage.
Consideration should ALWAYS be given to previously established averages irrespective of the time there were
achieved.
RECOGNISE OWN LEAGUE AVERAGES
Tenpin Bowling Australia Limited strongly recommends that averages established in a league should be the entering
average for at least the first twelve games of the succeeding league competition. Twenty-one is even better.
Some leagues, at the start of their new season, totally abandon the average established for the same league which has
just completed its schedule. When this occurs, all members are then given handicaps based on the scores bowled in
the first matches of the new season.
This system makes it possible for enormous average variations to occur in the beginning of the seasons and the
handicaps which are applied are usually grossly inflated.
It is more important for each league to have a system of determining entering averages so that the opportunities of
“loafing” by a minority of bowlers, in order to obtain an inflated handicap at the beginning of the season, be reduced
to a minimum.
Absenteeism & Blind Scores
Absenteeism in leagues should be discouraged, however, it should not be a great problem if the league has adopted
suitable rules to provide for those who are unable to bowl because of unavoidable circumstances.
If the league has some difficulty with a persistent offender, consideration may have to be given, by that person’s team
captain, to finding a suitable replacement because league penalties for the continued use of blind scores may make it
impossible for his team to be listed very high in the final standings. -Where a league has entered into an agreement
with the proprietor for guaranteed lineage, (Contract league) ie., the bowling fees for each member have to be paid
whether the league has a full attendance or not, the league may adopt a rule which requires the absent player or his
team to be responsible for the payment of that weekly fee.
Continued absenteeism may be avoided if the league rule requires the absentee to pay for the games which he does
not bowl. If the league rule calls on the team to pay, the chances of minimising absenteeism will be somewhat
diminished.
BLIND SCORES
The league at its formation meeting has the right to adopt rules which provide for the use of blind scores and
handicaps in order to decide league games and practically all leagues make some provision in their rules which
enables a team, when its full line-up is not present, to have a nominal score added to their pinfall to decide the
outcome of games.
The matter of determining what the “blind” score shall be and how it shall be used is one entirely for each league.
This “blind score” is usually based on the average of the absent player. While this is a method which helps to balance
competition between two opposing teams having a different number of players present, it does not prevent chronic
absenteeism.
It is best suitable for helping out those teams which have a good attendance record but because of unforeseen
circumstances do not have a full line-up, and have to use the contingency allowance.
Continuous use of “blind” scores by teams should not be permitted. Such arrangements have a tendency to cause
most of the league members to lose interest in its activities. Those who develop a habit of being absent are likely to
show little interest in the successful operation of the league. It is difficult too, to expect the members of two teams to
display equal spirit and enthusiasm when one team has its full personnel present and the other has only three or four
members competing against them. Regular attendance creates keener competition and greater interest.
A “blind” score may only be utilised when a legal line-up is present.
No team can take it for granted that it is automatically entitled to use a “blind.” The “blind” score provision must be
written into league rules prior to the start of the season.
When a “blind” score is permitted by league rules, it is added to the scores of the players present to decide games
won or lost or the points at stake for series total.
It must be clearly understood that the “blind” score is never used to establish a team or individual average.
If a league has decided, prior to the start of a season, that prize such as
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16
High Team Series
High Individual Series
High Team Game
High Individual Game
are to be determined by scores which may include the “blind” allowance, then the league rule must apply.
In TBA rule No.120 the Management Committee of an accredited league may adopt rules providing for the use of
blind scores when deciding league games. Blind scores may be utilised only when a legal line-up is present. Here
are some options which a league may consider when deciding their own blind score rules which are to apply when no
substitutes are available:
1.
A blind score shall be the absent player’s average, plus handicap less 10.
2.
A blind score shall be the absent player’s average, less 10.
3.
A blind score shall be the absent player’s average, plus handicap:
less 10 for the 1st time used
less 20 for the 2nd time used
less 30 for the 3rd time and every subsequent time it is used.
4.
The blind score shall be the absent player’s average less:
l0forthe 1st time used
15 for the 2nd time used
20 for the 3rd time and every other subsequent occasion it is used.
NOTE 1
In options 2 and 4, no provision has been made for including the handicap allowance. These rules may be applied to
leagues where absenteeism is abnormally high.
NOTE 2
It is very important to understand that a “set” blind score figure such as 125, 130, as a standard “blind” for each
player in the league, regardless of average, is not a satisfactory method because it is not based on the ability of the
absent bowler.
Substitutes
For any number of reasons a situation will occur in a league which can only be resolved by allowing the use of
substitutes. In scratch leagues, it would be quite practical for the league to include in its rules the requirement that
the average of the substitute shall not be more than five or ten pins greater than the average of the absentee.
The same rule can also apply in handicap leagues as it is consistent with the philosophy of trying to keep teams
evenly balanced so that handicapping will not lose its significance.
Leagues should accept that, sooner or later, a team will need to have the services of a substitute. A few well thought
about rules adequately caters for most situations when they arise.
Recruiting substitute players at short notice can be a problem but this can be partially resolved if it is agreed that the
absent player pays all of the fees for the substitute. When a sub can bowl at no cost, the problem of finding suitable
bowlers must be significantly reduced.
When the season is well under way it is better if the average of the substitute players can be readily verified so that
their handicap allowance, to which that average is entitled, will apply at the start of the match in which the substitute
plays.
The admission of substitutes towards the end of the season can create numerous difficulties particularly if it is
obvious that there is going to be a very close finish between two or more teams. In these cases, a league could
incorporate a “five or ten pin” rule, where either one requires the average of any substitute to be within five or ten
pins of the average of the person being temporarily replaced.
ROVING SUBSTITUTES
Roving substitutes are bowlers who do not belong to a particular team in a league but are prepared to make
themselves available to bowl as a sub when required. The league secretary should compile a list of roving
substitutes, a copy of which should be given to each team captain. A roving sub can bowl in one team at one league
session and a different team the next time he is required. There will be very little difficulty in compiling a list of the
names of roving substitutes as well as their averages if the principle is adopted that the sub will not be required to
contribute to the prize fund or pay bowling fees.
Unless a league has adopted a rule specifically precluding the roving substitute from being counted as part of a legal
line-up, the sub can be regarded as a member of a team and consequently that team can have a legal line-up.
Point system
As the league championship is always awarded to the team which has won the most number of points during the
season, it is most important for each league to adopt, prior to the commencement of the competition a points system
which is based on the outcome of matches between teams opposed to each other. Some leagues which do not have a
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17
handicap system, award points on actual pinfall, while others have “pinfall points,” plus some form of bonus system
which enables additional points to be won. A bonus system at times can get a little complicated.
Leagues which employ a handicap system always add the handicap allowance to a team’s pinfall in order to decide
which of the competing teams have won their matches.
Leagues can choose from a variety of methods when deciding the points system which will be used in their own
competition.
THREE POINTS SYSTEM
If a league plays a 3 game series one point is at stake in each game of the series. In a handicap league the handicap
allowance must be added to the team pin-fall. The point is awarded in each game to the team having the highest
total.
FOUR POINTS SYSTEM
In this method one point is awarded for each game won and another point, known as the “pinfall point,” is given to
the team which has the highest total of the series. In handicap leagues, the team’s handicap must be included for
each game, and must be part of the series total when the count is being taken to decide which team won the fourth
point.
This system is favoured by many because the pinfall point plays a significant part in deciding the league
championship. A team can recover lost ground, so to speak, by bowling one very good game in a series.
Vacancy Scores
At the start of some leagues it is not unusual to find a team which is incomplete and is in some difficulty because no
one can be found to fill the vacancy in order to bring the team up to full playing strength.
In this situation it is only fair for the league to give the incomplete team some form of assistance by way of
“standard” or “set” score which can be included in the team’s total when deciding games won or lost.
Because this score can only be applied to teams which have a gap in their line-up, it is known as a “vacancy score.”
All leagues when considering the allowance for the vacancy score must remember that the figure agreed upon is the
basis for handicapping and, therefore, the usual handicap allowance must always be added onto the vacancy score so
that it is part of a team’s score for game and series. So that a team does not have a “bowler” in their team that always
bowls exactly to average, it would not be unreasonable to adopt a “vacancy score less ten” plus handicap system for
teams using a vacancy score.
TBA Rule 218 provides that no vacancy score be used if the league has not decided on its own figure.
A league may permit a team which started off at full strength, but loses a player sometime during the season, to have
the benefit of a vacancy score. This applies particularly to those leagues which have a rule limiting the number of
times a blind score can be used by any team (although that practice is not recommended by TBA). It would be quite
unfair for such teams not to have the benefit of a vacancy score if their efforts to obtain a replacement have not been
successful.
If the league awards prizes for high series or high single game etc, the team relying on a vacancy score should be
able to qualify. It must be remembered that scores used to determine games won or lost should rank for
consideration when the special team prize winners are being determined. Remember that there is a clear cut
distinction between vacancy scores and blind scores. The blind score is always based on an absent players’ average
and this varies with the ability of the individual bowlers in the league.
The vacancy score is not based on the skill of any particular individual. It is a nominal figure which applies
uniformly throughout the league for those teams which do not have a full membership.
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Prizes
As this is a matter for self determination by each league, there are no TBA rules on this subject except Rule 110
which calls on the league treasurer to distribute prizes within 30 days after the completion of the league schedule or a
competition, and Rule 212 which directs the team captain to divide the prize money according to a verbal or written
agreement.
One of the features of the tenpin game is that there are several different achievements which can be singled out for
special attention. The prize committees of the various leagues, after examining all of the possibilities, usually
recommend that prizes be awarded for the following:
1.
League championship team
2.
2nd place team, 3rd place, etc.
3.
Highest series bowled in the league (with or without handicap)
5.
Most improved average
6.
Most number of pins over average in a single game
As each team member is called upon to pay a specific amount each week to the league’s prize fund, it does not take
very long for a reasonably large amount of money to be held on deposit in a bank account or building society, in the
name of the league.
Sometimes there are disagreements as to how this money can be divided. This applies especially in those cases
where the complete prize list has not been established within five weeks after the start of the season as required of the
president under Rule 206. The amount of prize money to be paid or the amount of money to be spent on the various
trophies can always cause some spirited discussion if no prior agreement was made.
Some problems can be avoided if the league adopts a policy at its formation meeting to award prizes on the basis of
points won. Each point is to have a cash value and this is quite easily determined by some simple arithmetic — for
instance:
a)
b)
c)
If there are 10 teams of 5 in a league playing for 18 weeks and each player’s weekly prize fund contribution is
50c, the amount in the prize fund at the end of the competition should be $450 (10 x 5 x 50c x 18).
If the league uses the 4 point system it means that during each league session there will be 20 points at stake.
(5 matches at 4 points per match). As this league bowls for 18 weeks, a total of 360 points will have to be
shared one way or another between the teams.
To obtain the value of each point simply divide $450 by 360. Therefore each point won by any team has a
value of $1.25
Let us assume that the winning team accumulates 90 points, then that team’s share of the prize fund would be 90 x
$1-25, which is $112-50. Each team would receive the cash or trophies to the value of $1-25 for each point it won
during the competition. This is a popular method because every team in the league shares in the prize fund
distribution.
However, this particular system does not make any provision for special prizes such as high single game or high
series etc. The league prize committee can set aside a certain amount of total prize fund for special prizes and the
remainder can be distributed in accordance with the principle just outlined.
There is another variation which has some appeal. If it is decided long before the identity of the leading teams is
known, that first, second and third place should receive a much larger share of the prize, the following procedure can
be quite easily adopted.
Set aside half of the total prize fund for the three top teams. Using as an example the same league as previously, there
will be a total prize fund of $450. This means that the three top teams will share $225. This can be divided on the
principle that first receives twice as much as second and second receives twice as much as third. Therefore, the prize
pay out for the first three places, where the cents are evenly rounded off, would be:
1st place receives
2nd place receives
3rd place receives
Total
$128.50
$64.25
$32.25
$225.00
If the league sets aside $45 for special prizes, which is 1/10 of the total prize fund, the balance to be distributed
amongst the teams on cash for points basis will be $180. Therefore, all of the teams including first, second and third
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places will receive 50c for each point won in the competition.
Many leagues have adopted this system of giving a cash value for points but have varied the proportion payable for
special prizes as well as making some changes to the percentage and ratio of the prize fund payable to the teams
finishing in the top three positions.
Here are a few matters which all leagues should consider when discussing the rules relating to prizes:
1.
2.
Spell out how many games must be bowled by any player before qualifying for any of the special individual
prizes.
Can the same person qualify for high series award and the high single game award.
Another rule which is regarded by many as being very important is that substitutes scores shall or shall not count
towards any of the special individual prizes. Important to remember is that a team using a substitute should not be
disqualified from receiving the high series or high single game prize. Additionally it is necessary to state in the rules
whether or not a substitute, standing in for the same person for several weeks, can qualify for special prizes and if so
how many games should the substitute have bowled before being eligible for one of those prizes.
League Championships
All leagues should provide for the designation for the champion team and individual champion by the games bowled
in that league’s competition during its season.
The number of games bowled in each league session is a matter for the league’s general meeting to decide prior to
the start of their season. TBA Rule 201 spells out that:
“Three consecutive games shall be played by each team every time the league is scheduled to bowl, unless otherwise
decided by the leagues Management Committee. The Committee must also determine the manner in which all league
games shall be decided.”
Of the several thousand leagues bowling in Australia, only a few of these do not bowl a 3 game series. Some
daytime ladies and junior leagues bowl 2 games for their competition while other singles and doubles leagues
consisting of very high average bowlers usually bowl anything up to six games in their weekly competitions.
Tied Scores
GAMES
The rules of TBA do not make any provision for allowing a roll-off for any games bowled during a league series
which may end in a tie.
When a tie occurs for any point, each of the two teams involved shall be credited with having one half of the point or
points normally awarded in any of the matches. Some leagues arrange their points system so that half points do not
appear on the standing sheet, for example, a league which formerly used the three point system now all allocates two
points per game (six for the series) so that when a tie occurs the teams involved share one point each. The same
applies to leagues favouring the four point system. All they have to do is to give two points per game and two for the
series total.
There is nothing wrong with this as it is a matter for each league to decide how they will maintain their own records.
LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP TIES
If two or more teams tie for first place in the league championship, it will be necessary to break the tie by bowling an
additional series. This series must be identical to those which have been bowled in the league during the
championships. If the league plays a three game series, then the tie breaker shall be three games.
In handicap leagues the handicap as at the date the tie breaker games are bowled shall be the handicap to apply in
any roll-off situation.
Tardy players
Prompt attendance should be the practice as well as the rule in each accredited league. This can be accomplished to a
large extent by the league’s Management Committee providing fixed starting times for all teams in the league. There
can be no deviation from this rule unless the delay in starting is unavoidable.
It would be impossible to spell out, and include in the league rule, all of those situations which arise in the lives of
league members, and which could be the cause of unavoidable delays.
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The degree to which the league’s rule is enforced is a matter for the league concerned. However, allowances should
be made in the application of the rule for emergencies, which were not covered when the rule was originally framed.
For instance, it would be unreasonable for a team to commence its second frame if one of the opposing players, who
happened to be a tardy, was in the playing area getting ready to bowl his first frame. Likewise, it would be
unreasonable for that player to insist on being allowed shadow or warm-up bowling before commencing the series.
Correction of errors
No accredited league can allow any apparent error to pass or set a deadline as to when an error that is obvious to all
concerned can be corrected.
An apparent error in scoring or calculation of one’s handicap or average, must be corrected if the conditions
surrounding the situation are fully apparent and proved, although it may not be discovered until considerable time
has elapsed.
If any team matches are affected, the team standings must be rectified accordingly.
Naturally, it must be proved that an error was actually committed, for only where the mistake is so apparent as to be
self evident and beyond question, such as failure to give any count on a spare to strike, or more or less than the
bowler could possibly make, should a correction be made.
In all other instances, where it involves a question of whether a bowler actually recorded a strike or spare, or a
greater or lesser number of pins than shown on the scoresheet, there must be a preponderance of evidence in favour
of those making the claim to reduce or increase the bowler’s score, before a decision can be rendered by the
Management Committee of the league. In the majority of instances that body should be able to decide upon the
matter without finding it necessary to refer the matter to the Executive Committee of their Association or the Tenpin
Bowling Australia Ltd, except perhaps for concurrence in the action taken by the league.
RULE WRANGLES
Dead Wood (pins down) not removed (RULE 8)
On the first ball delivery a pin is projected beyond the sweep bar onto the lane and comes to rest in the gutter. The
bowler delivers his second ball at the 10-pin left standing without having the pin in the gutter removed. He converts
the 10-pin for a spare but the opposing team claims he must accept zero that delivery because the pin was not
removed.
Solution:
While TBA Rule 8, paragraph three, states that “all dead wood must be removed before the next ball is bowled,”
there is no provision for the imposing of any penalty if this requirement is not observed. The claim that the bowler
must receive zero for that delivery cannot be allowed because his ball did not come in contact with the dead wood
and was not obstructed in any way before reaching the standing pin.
Pinsetter topples standing pin (TBA RULE 9)
A bowler leaves a rocking 10-pin on a solid pocket hit and it falls. The opposing team claims the pinsetting machine
knocked it over. The bowler’s team says the pin fell before the machine could touch it. How is the issue resolved?
Solution:
Such a dispute requires a judgment be made so it must be referred to the league’s Management Committee (Rule
211) for a decision. The Committee must hear the testimony of witnesses and it would be inclined to give greater
weight to observations from individuals who could be termed to be disinterested.
Perhaps the testimony is such that it may not be possible to come to a decision. In that event any reasonable doubt is
resolved in favour of the bowler.
The bowler should have rolled a provisional ball at the 10-pin as is specified in TBA Rule 18. If he did not, and it
was later decided the machine did knock over the 10-pin, the bowler is credited with only nine pins in that frame.
Any time the machine touches a standing pin and it falls it must be reset on the pin spot where it originally stood
before delivery of the ball.
Pin missing from a setup (RULE 10)
After a bowler rolls a strike a league member two lanes away claims the 5-pin was missing. The bowler maintains all
ten pins were set. The opposing team submits a written protest because the strike decides the outcome of the game.
Solution:
The issue is referred to the league’s Committee for a decision (Rule 211) and the Committee must hear all the
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testimony from witnesses. If the Committee decides the pin was missing and the bowler did not bowl a provisional
frame, he receives zero for that frame. If he bowled a provisional frame it counts If the evidence is inconclusive,
any reasonable doubt is resolved in favour of the bowler. If it is decided there was a full setup, the bowler receives
credit for his strike.
The word “immediately” in Rule 10 is important. Sometimes little or nothing is said about a missing pin until later
when the outcome of the game is in doubt. The longer the delay, the more difficult it is to establish a pin was
missing.
Interference (Rule 10d)
As a bowler releases his ball to make a spare in the 10th frame the man on the desk turned out the lights. The bowler
misses and claims interference. The pins are reset and he converts the spare thus enabling his team to win the game.
Can he claim interference?
Solution:
He cannot. A dead ball can be declared whenever there is interference with the bowler, the ball or the pins, but such
interference must be physical. Otherwise a bowler could claim any kind of distraction as interference every time he
failed to strike.
Machine on second cycle - bowler rolls first ball (RULE 10)
Somehow the pinsetting machine is on its second cycle when a bowler rolls his first ball. He knocks down nine pins
but the machine sweeps the remaining pin into the pit and sets up ten pins. Some bowlers argue a dead ball should be
declared, others maintain the pin left standing must be reset.
Solution:
Rule 10 governs those instances where a dead ball must be declared. There is no provision for declaring a dead
ball when the pinsetting machine is on the wrong cycle. In this situation the pins that remain standing after the first
ball, are reset and the bowler is required to complete the frame.
Splitting points to settle a dispute (RULE 11)
When a dispute arises in a league over the bowling of a match, there is general approval that splitting the points
between the two teams involved would be the best way to settle the matter. However, one bowler objects and
submits an appeal to TBA.
Solution:
While splitting the points may be approved as an easy way of settling an involved situation nevertheless, when an
appeal is directed to TBA, the problem must be handled according to the applicable rules. There is no rule that
would allow for splitting the points because the points awarded could effect the position standing of other teams and
could eventually decide the league championship. The procedure is in violation of Rule 11.
Deliberate foul after a missed spare (RULE 17)
A bowler deliberately stamps on the foul line whenever he misses a spare. Since he doesn’t benefit by the calling of
the foul, Rule 17 is not applicable. However, this is a source of irritation to many of the league bowlers. What can
be done about it?
Solution:
The league can adopt a rule imposing a fine. If it costs the bowler a dollar, or two, or five each time, he’ll soon
discontinue the practice. Some leagues ask if the game can be forfeited. There is nothing in the rules to allow for
this. A forfeit could seriously affect the position standing of other teams.
Protest on a provisional ball (RULE 18)
An argument occurs in the first game as to whether a player who scored a strike fouled and continues until the match
is completed. It is decided at that time the bowler indeed fouled. He is given the opportunity to roll a provisional
ball at a full setup and knocks down all tenpins for a spare. His team wins the game by three pins, but the opposing
team then submits a written protest claiming that Rule requires a provision ball or frame to be bowled “immediately.”
Solution:
The provisional ball is allowed. Since many disputes of this type continue through a match, as a practical
administration of the rule TBA holds that a provisional ball or frame bowled at the end of the match or that same
night is reasonable because this allows for the issue to be settled in any orderly manner. It would, however, be
impractical to allow for a provisional ball or frame to be bowled at any time in the indefinite future so some time
limit must be imposed.
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Foul lights not operating (RULE 20)
A game and a half is bowled before it is noticed the desk has not turned on the foul lights. At that point they are
activated but what about the first two games?
Solution:
The game stand as bowled. There is no provision in TBA rules for nullifying the scores or re bowling the games
because foul lights may be inoperative. However, high score recognition is affected and an award winning score
could not be approved by TBA administratively. Any appeal is referred to TBA Rules and Ethics Committee for a
decision if the question involves recognition of “300,” 299” or “298” games or 800 three game series.
The administration of rules has to be tempered with common sense applications. For instance, you could have a
situation in a league or tournament where the foul lights were inoperative for only a couple of frames and the
evidence was conclusive, no player had fouled. A penalty would be extremely difficult to justify.
Figuring handicaps (RULE 22)
A league secretary in figuring handicaps each night gives an extra pin where the fraction is greater than one-half. Is
this right?
Solution:
It is a violation of Rule 22. The last paragraph of the rule states that in all cases extra pins or fractions must be
disregarded when using averages for handicapping or classification purposes. The league secretary should be
required to review the records to determine whether the outcome of any close games are affected. If there are such
games, and the outcome is different using the correct handicap, the appropriate changes must be made in the position
standings. There is no time limit on this. Incorrect handicaps are classified as obvious errors under TBA Rule 228.
72-Hour time limit on protest (RULE 24)
A team uses an ineligible player. The opposing team complains to the secretary but no action is taken. The
following week, however, the Management Committee meets and decide the games must be forfeited. A month later,
the team using the man agrees he was ineligible but states the games won must stand because a written protest was
not submitted within 72 hours.
Solution:
Rule 24 requires a written protest in order to establish evidence that a protest was submitted. If, however, the
league’s Management Committee considers a verbal protest or the secretary posts the results of forfeited games
within the 72 hour period a written protest is not necessary because the validity of the action is established by the fact
of the meeting or the posting in the league standings. In this case the league’s action in forfeiting the games is not
upheld. If a protest is made verbally and no further action is taken within 72 hours, the game stand as bowled. No
forfeit could be imposed at that time. If a team uses an ineligible player for several weeks before a written protest is
submitted, only those games bowled within the 72 hours previous to the date of the protest could be forfeited. Those
bowled beyond the 72 hour period stand as bowled.
Obvious errors (RULE 24)
A bowler takes the scoresheet from a league match home with him. He finds a ten pin error that enables his team to
win the last game. Can the score be corrected after the captains have signed the scorebook? And what about the
possibility the bowler may have altered the markings?
Solution:
Rule 24 states that obvious errors must be corrected when discovered. There is no time limit. In this case the
obvious error is corrected. However, TBA agrees that bowlers should not be allowed free access to scoresheets.
These should be collected either by centre personnel or the secretary. If a bowler wishes to check a score-sheet, he
should be given that opportunity but witnesses should be present. It is true a bowler could alter the score marking,
but we have to take people on good faith and presumed honesty. In addition, it is difficult to falsify a score-sheet and
make it look authentic.
Changing league rules during the season (RULE 216)
At the half way mark in the schedule a league decided to change the handicap from 80 to 100 per cent. When the
league members were polled there were several who objected. Doesn’t TBA Rule 216 require a unanimous vote?
Solution:
It does. A unanimous written approval of all of the team captains. If only one captain voted to retain 80 per cent, the
rule could not be changed. In this case all games bowled would have to be re figured to reflect the 80 per cent
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handicap. Prior to the time a league begins bowling its schedule rules are adopted by a majority vote. A majority
vote only is required because if anyone objects to any rules he has the alternative of refusing to bowl. Once the
schedule begins each and every bowler has entered into an agreement to bowl the entire length of the schedule under
the rules adopted. Any change then requires unanimous approval. The unanimous vote prevents a majority from
changing the rules at will, possibly to its advantage and to the detriment of the minority.
NOTE:
Protests on rules changes during the season must be prompt. If any protest is delayed several weeks, or
possibly until the last couple of weeks of the schedule, it might be impossible or unfair to make any
corrections.
Changing the league schedule (RULE 216)
Halfway through the schedule the officers decided to eliminate certain weeks and substitute position matches, four in
all. There were objectors to the effect that a unanimous vote is required.
Solution:
The objections are valid. The schedule is in the same category as the league rules. Once adopted it cannot be
changed except through the unanimous written approval of the team captains. There may be an added consideration.
The league has an agreement with the centre to bowl a certain number of weeks. Therefore, the league must secure
the approval of the proprietor before it can either shorten or lengthen the schedule. TBA schedules provide, so far as
it is possible, for teams moving uniformly across the lanes while meeting each other an equal number of times. The
schedules are not compulsory and a league can make any changes it desires prior to the beginning of the bowling
season. Once the league begins bowling its schedule, however, it cannot be changed.
Protest on excessive use of authority by league officers (RULE 211)
A bowler complains that his league officers do whatever they like. They set the prize money, decide how much to
pay for trophies, provide for extra prizes at Christmas, plan a banquet and even hire a band. If there is a dispute the
officers give a decision and that’s it. Neither the Management Committee nor the general membership is consulted.
Solution:
Although Rule 211 sets up the Management Committee as the governing body, some leagues seem content to leave
everything to the officers. The Committee, by its inaction, actually transfers all of its responsibility and authority to
the officers. Unless the Committee does assert its authority it is difficult for the local association or TBA to handle
such a complaint. The league is approving the officers’ action, and to effect any changes the complainant would
have to obtain support from the team captains or the rank and file members. If, however, there have been rule
violations, funds mishandled or improper decisions given, the local association or the national office must follow up
on a written appeal.
Team qualifies a legal lineup after start of game
In a five-man team league Team A has two players present for the start of the first game. The opposing team claims a
forfeit. A third man begins bowling at the start of the fourth frame and makes up the three frames missed. Team A
totals more than Team B and claims the win saying it in fact had a legal lineup and it cites a league rule which states
a tardy player may bowl the entire game providing he begins bowling before the start of the fifth game.
Solution:
Team A must forfeit the first game unless its failure to have a legal lineup present was caused by an emergency
situation beyond its control under Rule 219. If a league has a tardy player rule as stated, such a rule presupposes that
a legal lineup of three men will be present at the start of the game. If the league wishes to have tardy players count
towards a legal lineup, it must have another rule which states this specifically and the rule must specify the frame
when tardy players must be present.
Team does not have a legal lineup to finish game (RULE 217)
In a five-man team league Team A is bowling with only three players. In the sixth frame of the first game one of the
players suffers a muscle cramp and cannot continue. Rule 217 requires a minimum of three players and now there
are only two. The opposing Team B claims a forfeit of the match because Team A does not have a legal lineup.
Solution:
No forfeit is allowed for the first game. Team A fulfilled the requirement in Rule 217 which specifies three eligible
players must be present to complete the first frame of any game of the series. So, the first game is legally contested.
Further, serious consideration must be given to the question of whether Team A is granted a postponement for the
last two games. A decision would have to be made by the Management Committee according to the reasons given
for the absence of the remaining members.
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Handicaps - absentee and vacancy scores
A team is short a man to fill its roster and must use a vacancy score, but the secretary refuses to allow a handicap.
The league rules state no handicaps will be allowed on either a vacancy or absentee score. The team appeals the
secretary’s action claiming it didn’t have a chance and therefore lost all three games.
Solution:
The handicap is applied because the league rule is in conflict with TBA Rule 221. This states in handicap leagues,
all results will include handicap. A team is already in trouble if it does not have a complete roster. A refusal to grant
a handicap compounds the problem.
Changing players during a game.
A captain in a five-man team league which allows for a roster of seven men uses the extra players for substitutions
during a game and the lineup therefore changes during each game and at the beginning of each game. The league and
the secretary say this causes much confusion and maintain it is a violation of Rule 230.
Solution:
It is not a violation but leagues strongly object to the confusion caused by a captain juggling his lineup. Rule 230
merely states that no changes shall be made in the order of players in a lineup during a game. The order may be
changed at the beginning of each game and a captain may replace any of his players at any time during or at the
beginning of each game.
However, the rule also states that, “.......... unless the league has adopted specific rules governing the use of players
and substitutes prior to the start of the season, in which case the league rule will apply.” Therefore, the league has
the right to impose a limit on substitutions and procedures for the use of players, with the exception that in an
emergency situation a captain must be allowed the use of eligible players.
Bowler quits bowling during a game (RULE 229)
In the first game of a series a bowler discontinues bowling after the sixth frame because he is disgusted with his
score. Since no substitute is available, the league holds that the man be given a zero for the remaining frames
because injury, disability or emergency is not involved. The league also stipulates that no absentee score can be used
in the second and third games. The team appeals to the local association objecting that the penalty cannot be
imposed in the second and third games.
Solution:
The appeal is upheld. Rule 229 only allows for a zero score in the remaining frames where the bowler quits during
the game. The team is entitled to an absentee score in the second and third games according to procedures outlined
in the league rules. An added penalty would in many cases have too great an effect on the position standings and
penalise a team unnecessarily for a temperamental bowler.
Two teams bowling on one lane.
After a game and a half is bowled there is an equipment breakdown and the two teams by mutual consent finish the
match on one lane. One of the bowlers who objected to the procedure files a written protest.
Solution:
The protest is upheld because bowling on one lane is a violation of both Rules 225 and 226. The match is
rescheduled from the point of interruption according to the requirements specified in Rule 225.
Time limit on bowling postponements (RULE 220)
A league adopts a rule stating postponements must be bowled within seven days. A match cannot be bowled until
three weeks later. What does the league do?
Solution:
The match should be bowled. Many leagues have adapted such a rule but TBA has consistently held that it is
impossible of enforcement. Often it is difficult to get the two teams together or to obtain lanes. TBA agrees
postponed matches should be bowled as soon as possible but it isn’t necessary for the league to have such a rule.
The league has all the authority it needs under Rule 216 to handle postponements according to the circumstances in
each case. The league shouldn’t burden itself with restrictive rules which would hinder it in administering
postponements in a fair and practical manner.
Handicaps in postponed games
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Because of a breakdown with the pinsetting machine at the end of the fifth frame of the first game a match must be
postponed. When it was bowled three weeks later from the point of interruption a controversy arises as to whether
averages of that date are to be used for handicaps or whether the handicaps originally listed when the first game was
started are in effect.
Solution:
Rule 220 states in bowling postponed or prebowled games in handicap leagues the handicap as of the date the games
are bowled shall be used. Therefore, since five frames were completed on the original date, the averages as of that
date are used for the first five frames to establish the handicaps. The averages as of the date the postponement is
bowled are used to establish handicaps in the last five frames of the first game and in the last two games. In the first
game five-tenths of the original handicap and five-tenths of the handicaps as of the date the postponed portion is
bowled are added together to establish the full handicap for the first game.
Forfeit if scorebook is not completed (RULE 228)
A league has a rule which specifies a team forfeits its games if the captain fails to record all game scores and totals in
the scorebook. When the penalty is applied in one case it causes a controversy amongst other teams and a protest is
filed.
Solution:
The forfeit is not allowed. TBA consistently has held that such rules are improper because completing the scorebook
has nothing to do with the actual competition. Further, a rule of this type is not a practical solution because a forfeit
effects the position standings of other teams and could even decide the championship. TBA recommends the league
impose a fine where captains are not co-operative in recording scores and totals. This approach has proved to be
quite effective.
Lost scoresheet (RULE 228)
After a league match is completed the scoresheet cannot be found and the scores are not recorded in the scorebook.
The teams agree on games won and lost but the bowlers cannot remember their individual scores. How do you
handle something like this?
Solution:
If there is no scoresheet there is no way to validate the scores. The only remedy is to re bowl the games. Rule 228
requires that there be a scoresheet as an official record until the scores are entered into the scorebook If the incident
occurred quite late in the schedule and the games had a bearing on deciding first place, it would be quite difficult to
justify entering the games into the records over the inevitable objections from other teams.
Rules for special prizes (RULE 206)
Most leagues award prizes for first, second and third positions etc. and in addition give special recognition for
individual high game and high series, with or without handicap. If a league has no rule or set of rules governing the
distribution of prizes, particularly the individual game and series, problems are likely to arise.
Solution:
There is a common belief amongst bowlers, which is insupportable, that TBA rules say that a person can only win
one such prize and must have bowled at least two thirds of the league’s competition games. No such rule exists;
therefore, in the absence of any limiting rules imposed by the league, individual game and series prizes can be won
by the same person if he or she bowls the qualifying scores.
TBA Rule 206 contains the following provision in the final paragraph: “The president shall arrange for a prize list,
together with conditions and eligibility requirements, to be presented to the league’s Management Committee for
approval, within five (5) weeks of the start of the league schedule.”
It is important to understand that it is possible for one person to take out all of the individual prizes if the league has
not bothered to draft a simple set of rules which have the aim of providing a fair and reasonable distribution.
Bowler fails to obtain TBA membership (RULE 214)
A team brings a new member 10 weeks into the league schedule. He bowls four weeks at which point the opposing
team protests that the player is ineligible because he has not obtained TBA membership as specified in Rule 214.
The league decides the team must forfeit all games in those four weeks.
Solution:
Rule 24 requires a written protest be submitted within 72 hours. Therefore only games bowled 72 hours previous to
the date of the protest can be forfeited. Games bowled before that time stand as bowled. The bowler, since he is
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not an TBA member, is ineligible. The universal penalty for the use of an ineligible player is the forfeiture of the
games in which he bowls. However, forfeiture is not automatic. There may be extenuating circumstances in regard
to the failure of the bowler to obtain TBA membership, so the Management Committee must decide whether the
protest is upheld or denied.
Banquet refunds (League rule)
Each member of a league contributes 50 cents each week towards a banquet at the end of the year. Several bowlers
say they cannot attend and claim they are entitled to a refund. The league feels if it gives refunds more people will
demand them and this will ruin the banquet. Does the league have to refund the money?
Solution:
If the league has not committed itself to a contract or guarantee to a restaurant and providing there is no league rule
against making refunds, TBA holds that the bowler is entitled to a return of his money. In order to eliminate
arguments, many leagues have adopted a rule specifying no refunds will be given. However, TBA recommends the
league leave the door open to the extent that exceptions be made for emergencies. If a substantial number of bowlers
prefer the refund, this item should receive a good discussion at the organisational meeting to determine whether a
banquet should be scheduled.
Restrictions on adding new players to team rosters (League Rule)
A five-man team league has a rule which states no new players may be added to team rosters during the last round.
Two bowlers from one team must move to another city because of job transfers. The league will not allow the team
to pick up replacements although ten weeks of the schedule must still be bowled.
Solution:
Leagues commonly adopt such rules to prevent teams from bringing in higher average players in the latter part of the
schedule when the race for the championship becomes increasingly competitive. However, TBA has consistently
held such a rule must allow for the addition of new players when there is an emergency. TBA would hold for the
addition of two men in this situation. The league retains control against the possibility of a team bringing in players
that might give a team an advantage or upset the league’s competitive balance because the additions are subject to
the approval of the Management Committee.
Establishing averages the first night (League rule)
A league rule sets up the procedure whereby everyone bowls three games without handicap the first night to establish
averages. Every year there are complaints that some bowlers always bowl extremely low scores, supposedly to
qualify for a higher handicap in succeeding weeks.
Solution:
Since there is a common complaint, the question arises as to why leagues bowl from scratch the first night. In
addition to encouraging players to avoid bowling high scores, the lower average teams, without handicap, are at a
severe disadvantage. For some it might almost be the equivalent of having them forfeit their games. If the league
has a close race at the end of the year those games bowled the first night could be basic in deciding the
championship. TBA recommends that previous season averages be used for at least the first 12 games. 21 is
even better. This eliminates the great fluctuations in averages and handicaps in the beginning of the schedule when
averages are based on as little as three, six or nine games. League rules should allow for premiership points to be
allocated from the beginning of the season using last seasons finishing average until after at least 12 games have been
completed and a new average is calculated. It is important for each league to have a system for calculating entering
averages that is sensible so that the possibility of sandbagging in order to obtain an inflated handicap at the beginning
of the season be reduced to a minimum. All leagues should be using the Suggested Rules which are available in
pamphlet form from all association secretaries.
Practice bowling on scheduled lanes (League rule)
A league has a rule which states that members cannot practice on the same lanes on which they are scheduled for
league play on that particular night. Two bowlers from the same team refer to the wrong week in the schedule and
do practice on the lanes on which they are scheduled. The opposing team later files a protest claiming a forfeiture of
the games. The league’s Management Committee, however, refuse the forfeit and directs the games be entered into
the record as bowled. The opposing team appeals to TBA.
Solution:
TBA upheld the league’s decision. The league rule provided for no penalty but, regardless, TBA has always pointed
out that such rules, as well as being unnecessarily autocratic, are too difficult to administer. To make such a rule
effective it is necessary to have a league officer supervise practice games to make sure bowlers do not bowl on their
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assigned lanes. Leagues which have adopted, or are about to adopt which a rule, should ask the question: “Does the
rule really achieve any worthwhile results?”
Length of schedule and price of bowling
Our league has always bowled 33 weeks, but now the proprietor tells us we must extend it to 35 or pay a higher
price. Can the proprietor tell us how many weeks we must bowl? Can TBA do anything for us?
Solution:
TBA is non-profit and non-commercial. In this position it recognises proprietors as independent agencies under the
free enterprise system. This means that terms of agreement are matters of negotiation between the proprietor as an
independent businessman and the bowlers as independent customers. Neither TBA nor its local associations can
enter into these negotiations either to council or advise. Any type of regulation of the commercial aspects of the
game would be the function of appropriate governmental agencies. A league, therefore, agrees to the terms under
which it will bowl. The proprietor agrees to the terms under which he will provide his facilities and equipment. Any
differences have to be negotiated.
Mix-up in schedule
A mix-up occurs in the schedule so that none of the teams bowl against their properly scheduled opponents. This
isn’t discovered until all the matches are bowled. How is this corrected?
Solution:
TBA consistently holds that games stand as bowled since they were bowled under league and TBA rules on certified
lanes. TBA holds in this manner because some leagues may go for several weeks before they discover they are
bowling the wrong schedule. Since it is impossible to make corrections, in the interests of consistency, TBA holds
all matches stand as bowled regardless of the number of weeks involved. This creates another complication in that
the league’s Management Committee must make some alteration in the remaining part of the schedule. For instance,
let’s say all teams meet the wrong opponents just one night and the league is bowling 35 weeks. A decision must be
made to eliminate the matches from the night the mix-up occurred, or the league might vote to eliminate matches
from another date, or possibly one night of position round matches. If the mix-up occurs early in the schedule,
sometimes it is possible to make corrections for some or all of the matches by switching matches in future rounds. In
any event, prompt action should be taken so that everyone knows what will be done. Conflicts result when the league
fails to act and questions arise later on.
Carrying league funds over to the following season
A league ends its schedule but leaves $400 in the account to start next season. What does TBA recommend?
Solution:
Most leagues will leave a token amount in the account to eliminate the need for opening another when they
reorganise. TBA counsels against the carry-over of large amounts. Funds contributed by present members should
not be used for the benefit of bowlers in the following season because the personnel in most leagues will change,
sometimes substantially. Still another consideration is the risk factor. It is increased considerably where funds are
lying idle awaiting the start of the new season.
Damaged bowling balls
A bowler has just bought a new ball and finds a deep gouge in it while bowling in league play. The proprietor
disclaims any responsibility so the bowler appeals to the local association or TBA.
Solution:
The issue is between the bowler and the centre because neither the local association nor TBA is in a position to
assess the merits of the bowler’s claim or force a settlement from the proprietor. Many centres post notices to the
effect that they will not assume any responsibility for plastic balls inasmuch as such balls are vulnerable to damage.
If, as so often happens, no cause can be found for the gouge, the proprietor may raise the question as to whether ball
may be defective or whether the damage was done at some other time or possibly in another centre. The bowler can
attempt to have the issue handled through the league in an effort to add more weight to his claim, particularly if other
bowlers have had similar experiences.
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BOWLING ETIQUETTE
Etiquette and sportsmanship are winning partners in any sport. In the game of tenpins, a code of etiquette has been
established and has been accepted by bowlers everywhere. Few of its rules are official, but respect for these
“unwritten laws” gives consideration at all times to the rights of the other bowler. Here are some of the rules for
study and application:
1.
Prepare to take your turn promptly on the lane. Remember, the player to your right has the right of way.
2.
Take your time, but don’t waste time by posing or waiting until everyone else is off the approaches.
3.
Stay on your own approach at all times.
4.
Step back off the approach after making each delivery.
5.
Do not use another player’s ball without permission.
6.
The approaches may not be exactly to your liking, but DON’T use chalk, resin or talcum powder to condition
them. Your fellow bowlers may like them as they are.
7.
Good bowling requires concentration. When players are ready to bowl, give them the courtesy of making
their shot without any interference, as you will want the same courtesy when it is your turn to bowl. Save the
“kidding” for the bench or locker room.
8.
Be ready to bowl, but wait until the pinsetting machine has completed it cycle and the sweep-bar is raised.
Other wise you may damage the ball or machine.
9.
Respect the equipment. Getting the ball out on the lane is good bowling, but “lofting” hurts your game and
damages the lane.
10.
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Play the game to win, but be a gracious loser if you are on the short end of the count when the game is over.
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SUGGESTED LEAGUE RULES
The following are suggested, “tailor made” rules which can be adopted by scratch or handicap leagues. They can be
adopted without change or can be modified to include any optional points that may be listed in Chapter Two of the
TBA Rule Book.
GENERAL
(a)
The ....................................................... Bowling League at ....................................centre shall consist of up
to ........... teams with a playing strength of .......... players. The number of extra members allowed in teams
varies with circumstances. The League will bowl on .................................. for .................... weeks,
commencing on ......................... Bowling will commence no later than ..........................am/pm for the
selected schedule. It will be accredited with Tenpin Bowling Australia Limited.
(b)
Lanes shall be turned on no later than .................. Each player may have only one practice ball on each of
the Teams scheduled lanes, unless Management allows a specific warm up time.
1.
MANAGEMENT
The Management of the League shall be vested in the Management Committee, which shall consist of the
Officers and the Team Captains. The entire League membership shall elect Officers and adopt League rules.
A majority of Teams shall constitute a quorum.
2.
FEES
The amount to be paid by each bowler each night shall be bowling fees for ................... games plus
...................... to the Secretary, .......................... to the Prize fund and .......................... to the Social fund.
Each team shall pay the .................................., made up of .......... Secretary, $............ Prize and
$............Social, each time it is scheduled to bowl, regardless of the number of members present. There
shall be no arrearages. The Team Captain is to pay all team bowling fees to the Treasurer before the
commencement of play.
4.
FUNDS
A cheque or savings account shall be opened in the name of the league in a Recognised Banking Institution,
in which funds will be deposited weekly. The President, Secretary and the Treasurer shall be signatories,
with any two to sign cheques. The President shall verify the balance each week.
5.
PRIZES
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
6.
The prize list will be as defined in Rule 21.
To qualify for individual average, game or series prizes, a bowler must have bowled in at least
.......... percent of the scheduled games in the current season. (Excluding Most Improved Average).
To qualify for any Team trophy, a bowler in the team must have bowled in at least ............ percent
of Leagues scheduled games for that team since the team joined the League.
Each team shall have the opportunity to purchase a trophy for any bowler in the team ineligible
under the rules to receive a trophy, providing that the League must purchase a minimum of two
............... trophies for any team award.
A team can qualify for only ............. special prize for series or game.
A bowler can qualify for ............ individual series and .......... individual game trophy.
Rules (e) and (f) do not include Premiership, Runner-up, Individual Team award, most improved
average or high average trophies.
ENTERING AVERAGES
(a)
Previously Bowled 21 or More Games in this League:
The previous seasons finishing average in this League.
(b) Previously Bowled 21 or More Games but not in this League:
Highest current average in any League in which 21 or more games have been played. If no current
average, then the highest yearbook average over 21 games.
(c) Previously Bowled, but not 21 Games in one League:
Current average in the League in which the most games have been bowled or the highest Yearbook
average, whichever is the highest.
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(d)
The above averages shall be used for the first nine (9) games of the new season. After nine games
have been bowled, the total current seasons pinfall will be divided by nine (9) to determine the new
average.
(e) No Previous Experience:
A Bowler shall bowl three (3) games and have the total pins divided by three (3) to determine the
average to be used.
(f)
Premiership points will be allocated to teams from the beginning of the season using the above
averages.
7.
HANDICAP
The handicap allowance shall be ............... percent and shall be figured on the difference between each
individuals average and ................ scratch.
e.g.
If the average calculated
For handicap calculation: .......... - 134
Handicap (..........%)
=
=
=
134
.........
.........
8.
TEAM ROSTERS
Captains will turn in rosters of team members to the Secretary on the first night of the season. New players
cannot be added to a team roster after the start of the last schedule, without the approval of the Management
Committee.
9.
LEGAL LINE - UP
............. player/s from a teams current roster must be present at the start of any game or the game will be
forfeited.
10.
ROVING SUBSTITUTE
(a)
Must be registered with the League.
(b)
Any Captain, knowing he will not have a full line-up for any match, may ask a roving spare to
report for that match. Providing all teams have a legal line-up, the roving spare shall be taken as a
member of that team for that match.
(c)
Any team having only one member present shall have first call on any roving spare registered with
the league.
(d)
The score of a roving spare shall be used to calculate the results of a match.
(e)
League entering average rules shall apply.
(f)
Shall carry his own average in the League.
11.
BLIND SCORES
A blind score shall be allowed when a team has a legal but less than full line-up at the start of any game in a
series. The blind score shall be the average less ............ pins of any absent bowler on the team roster. The
absent bowlers handicap must be added to the Blind Score.
12.
VACANCY SCORES
When a team is incomplete at the beginning of the schedule and cannot present a full line-up, a vacancy
score of ........................... shall be used if the bowlers absent have no previous League experience. A
handicap shall be allotted to suit the vacancy score. The score used for the match result is taken as the
Blind score of the Vacancy allowance plus handicap.
13.
TARDY (LATE) PLAYERS
(a)
A tardy player shall be permitted to begin bowling from the first frame with the score to count,
provided the game has not progressed beyond the .......... frame.
(b)
Should a bowler have to take emergency leave, one tenth of the bowlers blind score shall be used
for each frame not completed in that game, and the bowlers blind score for each game after.
(c)
Games using any part of a blind score shall not be credited to the players average.
(d)
A bowler who has to leave early, may, with the permission of both Captains, complete the game
bowling frames on alternate lanes with one of the opposing players, providing the match has
progressed up to the .......... frame of the third game.
14.
MATCH FORMAT
The league may decide on any Point System that it feels will suit it.
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15.
POSITION STANDINGS
Shall be determined on the basis of games won and lost.
16.
REPLACEMENT TEAMS
A team which enters the competition after the season is in progress shall assume a position equal to the team
it replaces/the team on the bottom of the table.
17.
BYES / FORFEITS
(a)
When a bye or a forfeit occurs, due to any reason whatsoever, the team present and not at fault
must bowl all games as though they were actually contested.
(b)
Every member bowling on such team must have completed his frame on one lane before the team
shall commence its frame on the adjoining lanes.
(e)
When a team forfeits a series, the members of the team are still responsible for all fees except
actual bowling fees.
18.
PLAY - OFFS
Total pinfall plus handicap in one game shall determine the winners of any play-off for the 1st or 2nd place,
on a pair of lanes to be selected by draw.
19.
PREMIERSHIP
The team with the highest number of points at the end of the completed schedule shall be the winner.
20.
ADOPTION AND AMENDMENTS
These rules have been adopted by a majority vote of the League members prior to the start of the schedule.
After the start of competitive play, the rules may be amended or repealed at any meeting of the Management
Committee. Such action must be governed by a unanimous vote of the members of the Management
Committee.
21.
TROPHIES
Trophies shall be awarded for the following:
(The President shall arrange for a prize list, together with conditions and eligibility requirements, to be
presented to the league’s Management Committee for approval, within five (5) weeks of the start of the
league schedule.)
All eligible members of the Premiership team shall receive a League Champion chevron.
A Most Improved Average chevron shall be awarded to the bowler who has the most improved average,
calculated as follows:
(a)
A bowler's increase in average is determined by comparing his final average for the current
competition and his final average of at least twenty one (21) games for the preceding competition
in the same League.
(b)
For a bowler who entered the League with an average established in another sanctioned League,
compare his final average for the current competition with his highest average shown on the final
standing sheet for his previous League/s.
(c)
For a bowler with no average for the preceding competition, compare his final average for the
current competition with the average he established in his first twenty one (21) games during the
current competition.
(d)
Decimal places must be taken into account in the event that two or more bowlers have the same
increase in average.
To be eligible for Most Improved Average, a bowler must have bowled in at least two thirds (2/3) of the
leagues scheduled games in the current season.
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