BallReviews

General Category => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: SneakyAsianMan on January 26, 2016, 01:51:11 AM

Title: Ball cleaner rule
Post by: SneakyAsianMan on January 26, 2016, 01:51:11 AM
Got a question regarding rules... I currently have a 32oz bottle of Power Wash and use it after every session. Right now I don't carry the 32oz bottle in my bag, I just put it in a small 4-5 oz unmarked bottle. Is there a rule where any cleaners I use have to be in their original container? Am I allowed to just simply put my cleaner in an unmarked bottle or do I have to leave it in a correctly marked bottle?
Title: Re: Ball cleaner rule
Post by: MaidenheadBandit on January 26, 2016, 03:39:33 AM
The basic answer would be no... It has to be recognisable.
This leads me onto the other side of the coin.. A sanctioned cleaner labled bottle could be filled up with what ever you wanted, without a scientific test laboratory at every sanctioned event who actually knows what is in every bottle of cleaner ...!!! Now there's another story.
Title: Re: Ball cleaner rule
Post by: itsallaboutme on January 26, 2016, 05:17:32 AM
Here is the equipment specification for cleaning. 

Cleaners may be used provided:
1. They do not affect the hardness of the ball
2. They are totally removed from the ball before delivery
Any cleaner or polish that is used in certified competition must be approved by USBC and be found on the “Approved Cleaners and Polishes” list in the Equipment Specifications page on www.BOWL.com. All cleaning products must display the appropriate logo. (See figures 1,2)
Title: Re: Ball cleaner rule
Post by: SneakyAsianMan on January 26, 2016, 05:52:13 AM
Thanks for the info guys, will either try to find an empty/almost empty bottle from a friend... if that doesn't work out I'll just bring the big bottle lol
Title: Re: Ball cleaner rule
Post by: tuckinfenpin on January 26, 2016, 07:17:14 AM
If you are using after bowling (or even before with a different towel), it shouldn't be an issue. If you use during bowling, I feel this could potentially lead you towards some complications.

Title: Re: Ball cleaner rule
Post by: spmcgivern on January 26, 2016, 07:57:36 AM
If you are using after bowling (or even before with a different towel), it shouldn't be an issue. If you use during bowling, I feel this could potentially lead you towards some complications.
There are unapproved products that cannot be used at any time so you would still have to have the correct packaging.  Though it would be more difficult to police.
Title: Re: Ball cleaner rule
Post by: SG17 on January 26, 2016, 08:42:10 PM
If you are using after bowling (or even before with a different towel), it shouldn't be an issue. If you use during bowling, I feel this could potentially lead you towards some complications.
There are unapproved products that cannot be used at any time so you would still have to have the correct packaging.  Though it would be more difficult to police.

"anytime"??  This implies that USBC has the power to stop me from using a product of my choice at my home.  I fully recognize that there are many products we are banned from using during competition but it seems very presumptuous to think that USBC can dictate to me what I use on my bowling balls in my garage.
Title: Re: Ball cleaner rule
Post by: sawsemdown on January 26, 2016, 09:52:47 PM
Then cheat! where has the integrity. gone?
Title: Re: Ball cleaner rule
Post by: spmcgivern on January 27, 2016, 07:48:15 AM
"anytime"??  This implies that USBC has the power to stop me from using a product of my choice at my home.  I fully recognize that there are many products we are banned from using during competition but it seems very presumptuous to think that USBC can dictate to me what I use on my bowling balls in my garage.
I guess you could use anything you want and cheat.  Why follow rules, after all, they don't mean anything.  As another topic has claimed, USBC is full of stupid idiots so anything they suggest is hogwash.
Title: Re: Ball cleaner rule
Post by: trash heap on January 27, 2016, 02:37:22 PM
Not all cleaners are good for bowling balls. Go ahead and take a chance with an unapproved cleaner, but I don't know why you need to use them. There are really good cleaners out there that are approved.
Title: Re: Ball cleaner rule
Post by: cory867 on January 27, 2016, 02:38:37 PM
because some individuals think they know better.
Title: Re: Ball cleaner rule
Post by: astrodanco on January 27, 2016, 05:35:42 PM
Locally some of the proshop guys use acetone to clean balls. When the ball return scuffs up balls and bowlers complain, the lane man trots out a rag and a can of acetone to clean their balls. Acetone is banned. Tell them this and all you get is a blank stare.
Title: Re: Ball cleaner rule
Post by: SG17 on January 27, 2016, 07:25:33 PM
and woosh.  that was the sound of the point going over your heads.  But I wasn't clear either.

I never said I wanted to use banned cleaners or that I did.  When you look at my shelf you see clean and dull, black magic, reacta clean, storms step 2 and 3, a couple bruns finishing compounds and an ebo/power house polish that name escapes me at the moment.

My point before was that why try to regulate something that USBC has no chance of enforcing?   At the lanes it is easy, assuming league managers and tournament directors pay attention.  in the pro-shop it is doable, but not as easy.   At home, it is impossible.  USBC if they thought someone used an illegal cleaning product/polish, ect cant come into a bowlers home.  Unless there is some non-evasive test at the lanes (perhaps the test of the hardness of the surface) how can anyone prove an illegal compound was used on a ball in pre-tournament preparation?

USBC trying to fully regulate this just seems to be a fools errand; and a place that perhaps USBC could find a better use of their time.

atleast the example given by Astro of a banned substance being used is a situation that can be and should be stopped.
Title: Re: Ball cleaner rule
Post by: kidlost2000 on January 27, 2016, 09:39:49 PM
People over think things. Anything can be put into a bottle with a different label and used and never proved.

There are plenty of illegal bowling balls used in league as well. From predrilled house ball like options on the non approved list,  to many with illegal static weights.

The rules are there for a reason and most fall under the honor system. Most violations of said rules is a warning on the first offense. If continued then scores will be forfeited.
Title: Re: Ball cleaner rule
Post by: spmcgivern on January 28, 2016, 07:39:05 AM
and woosh.  that was the sound of the point going over your heads.  But I wasn't clear either.

I never said I wanted to use banned cleaners or that I did.  When you look at my shelf you see clean and dull, black magic, reacta clean, storms step 2 and 3, a couple bruns finishing compounds and an ebo/power house polish that name escapes me at the moment.

My point before was that why try to regulate something that USBC has no chance of enforcing?   At the lanes it is easy, assuming league managers and tournament directors pay attention.  in the pro-shop it is doable, but not as easy.   At home, it is impossible.  USBC if they thought someone used an illegal cleaning product/polish, ect cant come into a bowlers home.  Unless there is some non-evasive test at the lanes (perhaps the test of the hardness of the surface) how can anyone prove an illegal compound was used on a ball in pre-tournament preparation?

USBC trying to fully regulate this just seems to be a fools errand; and a place that perhaps USBC could find a better use of their time.

atleast the example given by Astro of a banned substance being used is a situation that can be and should be stopped.
Last time I checked, I don't think USBC is trying their hardest to enforce the rule.  If you ask if you can use a banned substance due to ignorance, they will tell you not to.  Do it anyway in front of them then you get what you deserve.

But USBC has this rule only as a suggestion.  If you are stupid enough to get caught then you are an idiot.  If you want to use acetone, use it at home.  No one will know.  In the end, it is the honor system, much like the rules of golf.