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Author Topic: Extra finger hole vs Balance hole?  (Read 1682 times)

johns811

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Extra finger hole vs Balance hole?
« on: November 29, 2003, 07:35:08 PM »
I have a ball with really high topweight, right at the 3 oz limit after drilling. The finger holes, and thumb are both drilled deep. There is currently a balance hole for side weight.

If I have a extra finger hole drilled for pinky (for the purpose of removing topweight) is this legal? I understand there is one balance hole limit, but could a finger hole be drilled to serve as a balance hole?
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charlest

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Re: Extra finger hole vs Balance hole?
« Reply #1 on: November 30, 2003, 09:32:29 PM »
Since you already have a balance hole, technically, if you drill a hole for a finger, you have to use it. You are allowed a hole for each finger taht you use for bowling and a balance hole and an air or vent hole for each finger. Someone could get technical and complain to officials in a tournament if you don't use it. However, 999 times out of 1000, I doubt if anyone would complain if you didn't use it, but they can.
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Ishmael

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Re: Extra finger hole vs Balance hole?
« Reply #2 on: December 01, 2003, 09:28:09 AM »
quote:
The following limitations govern drilling holes in a ball:
1. Holes or indentations, not to exceed five, for gripping purposes.


charlest, could you point me to the section in the rule book that requires that all finger holes be utilized?  I don't think that is the letter of the law.

By your assessment, it would be illegal to shoot at a 10 pin with only 1 finger and the thumb in the ball although many players do this.
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charlest

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Re: Extra finger hole vs Balance hole?
« Reply #3 on: December 01, 2003, 11:58:38 AM »
quote:
quote:
The following limitations govern drilling holes in a ball:
1. Holes or indentations, not to exceed five, for gripping purposes.


charlest, could you point me to the section in the rule book that requires that all finger holes be utilized?  I don't think that is the letter of the law.


Sorry, no, I can't, right now. Check the ABC website.
I say that, because many of the "rules" people here have quoted this situation several times.

Addendum:
See page 15 of
http://www.bowl.com/bin/pdf/specsmanualaug2003.pdf
quote:

By your assessment, it would be illegal to shoot at a 10 pin with only 1 finger and the thumb in the ball although many players do this.

Yes, technically it would. But that is why the rule says you're only allowed one weight hole besides the ones for your fingers. If the hole is for your fingers and you do not use it, then that would seem to be to be an illegal hole. That just follows. However, how often this "foul" is called is another matter.

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Edited on 12/1/2003 1:04 PM
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da Shiv

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Re: Extra finger hole vs Balance hole?
« Reply #4 on: December 01, 2003, 01:08:32 PM »
I'm not dead sure, but I believe that you do not have to use all of the finger holes in your ball.  The holes just have to be drilled in a position where they CAN be used as a finger hole.  You cannot have a hole somewhere on the ball and say that it is for your forefinger or pinkie if it is not possible for the hole to be used when throwing the ball.  Bowlers who throw the ball without inserting their thumb can have a thumbhole in the ball, as long as it's position is such that their thumb can be inserted in it for ball throwing purposes.

I believe the rule is no more than twelve holes in the ball--one for each finger and thumb, small vent holes for each, a balance hole, and one of those shallow mill holes usually seen only on pro's balls.  As I said, finger and thumb holes have to be positioned so they can be used  even if you don't actually use them.

If this is wrong, somebody please post a correction.  I don't have the rule book with me here at work.

Shiv
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