I'm the President of our league and we had a problem with two teams regarding
running out a potential strike.
 
The bowler on lane 13 threw the ball starting running out the potential strike
went past lane 14 and onto lane 15. The bowler on lane 15 was on the approach beginning his approach toward the foul line when he caught the bowler running toward him as he was running out the potential strike.  This made the bowler on lane 15 mad and an argument was started.  I don't know if there is a rule to cover this, but some say he has the right to run out a strike.  If true, how many lanes?  If a bowler is suppose to stay in his own lane and not run out strikes to and though other lanes, is it in writing in the USBC handbook?  If not, the "just be courteous" will not work.  If there isn't something in writing that says they can't run out strikes and should stay in their own lane, then this will be a continuing problem.
 
Thank you,
 
               
 

--------------------
Nicanor (Ten On The Deck)

Edited on 9/16/2009 9:46 AM

I also haven't seen a rule covering this officially. I do not think that it is forbidden, but in case of an argument I'd (from a referee's point of view) call it a foul because of distraction/hindrance of lane play on other lanes, esp. when there is just an (official) 1 lane courtesy rule or agreement?
--------------------
DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany

Confused by bowling? Check out BR.com's vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section

In a league setting, when everyone that steps up to the approach is fully aware that bowlers to either side are always looking around to see who was up on the lane first in order to determine the right of way, common sense should dictate that there should be no running out strikes as it will likely interfere with bowlers on other approaches.

The bowler that got mad was right (and a bigger problem could've occurred had there been a collision), and the clown running out the strike should've gotten his lights punched out for arguing.
--------------------
We will be known forever by the tracks we leave.

I agree, but without anything in writing, I have no ammunition to prevent this from happeing again in the future.

thanks for the replies.


--------------------
Nicanor (Ten On The Deck)

I can't stand it when people run out shots 3 or more lanes away.  I can understand kinda stepping onto the next lane a bit, but not running the shot out.

Make it a league rule.  Unless he touched the bowler on 15, there is no interference.  In junior league, an idiot intentionally ran up behind another kid who had a 300 going.  Needless to say the kid missed his strike.  While the perpetrator was suspended for his behavior, the bowler does not get that shot back.
--------------------
Where is the bait?  I'm goin' to jail!!! - Chocolate GAYzer