Serial Numbers

QUESTION:
There are numbers on the bowling for serial number identification, what do these numbers mean. I have heard each number of the serial number has a meaning. Could you explain the meaning of the serial digits?

ANSWER:

Each ball has a serial number so that it is distinguishable from other balls of the same style and brand. According to ABC/WIBC specifications any bowling ball used in ABC/WIBC sanctioned competition must have the product name as well as the manufacturer's name and ball serial number clearly visible at all times for identification purposes. In the event that the serial number is not visible due to resurfacing or other factors a new one should be engraved. It does not have to be the exact number that was originally on the ball, simply a number that makes it identifiable.

The individual digits on a Columbia 300 ball have the following meaning. The first digit signifies the year the ball was produced. For example in the serial number, 1NV02356, the first digit in this serial number would signify that the ball was produced in 2001. The second character is the month the ball was produced; in this case N would signify January. P is used for February and so on with Z being used for December. The letter O is not used since it could be confused for the year. The next character or digit signifies the line in the plant the ball was produced on. The rest of the serial number is used to produce unique identifiable serial numbers.