Recent "changes" put in place last month by the United States Bowling Congress seem questionable at best.

* Many bowlers and league officers are aware of recent USBC awards "cutbacks," but despite the reduction and "cheapening" of overall awards, the national organization has announced that it will now offer special achievement awards for BUMPER BOWLING leagues.

* Breaking with tradition, bowlers in the USBC Open championships in Reno will be allowed to consume drinks, including alcoholic beverages. That hardly lends credibility or respect to the sport, not to mention potential for altercations, liability problems and slow bowling. Can anyone name a sport in which participants are served alcohol during so-called national championships?

* Also at the USBC Open tournament, there will be a change in the ball-checking policy. Balls will be checked prior to team event, but only balls not present during team event will be checked prior to singles and doubles. But whether a ball was checked the previous day will be on "the honor system."

A question could be rasied as to whether the USBC has any honor left.