win a ball from Bowling.com
« previous next »
Pages: [1]

Author Topic: Rule Q  (Read 2326 times)

3M Dust Remover

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 206
Rule Q
« on: March 20, 2009, 03:32:53 PM »
Is there any rule for applying slide powder to your shoe during league or tournament play? Every 5 or so frames i take my power slide bag and rub my slide sole and heel. Is this ok during league or tournament? Just making sure, thanks.
Logged

 

TDC57

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1273
Re: Rule Q
« Reply #1 on: March 20, 2009, 11:36:13 PM »
No it's absolutely against USBC rules!
Logged

Strider

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6756
Re: Rule Q
« Reply #2 on: March 20, 2009, 11:44:54 PM »
The rule is that you can't add anything that will deface the approach for others.  There's a wide level of interpretation of this rule.  Some believe a small dose, properly applied, then wiped off before going near the approach won't have any ill effects.  Some believe you should be shot for getting it any where near your shoe.  I fit into the first category, but if you need it every 5 frames, your footwork is poor (may have too much body lean, putting too much weight in front of you), or your shoes stink because no one should need any kind of powder that often.
--------------------
Penn State Proud

Ron Clifton's Bowling Tip Archive
Logged

JessN16

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3716
Re: Rule Q
« Reply #3 on: March 20, 2009, 11:55:55 PM »
It is illegal, and all it will take for you to have to quit is to bowl against someone who objects to it, because you'll have to stop.

If you bowl with a bunch of folks who don't care, you can get away with it. You're not going to have to forfeit your score or anything, but you can be made to quit.

The issue is the "defacing the approach" language of the rule includes you putting a substance on the approach. If you're having to re-powder as often as you say, that means the stuff is coming off your shoe and going somewhere, right? Ergo, the rule.

I would follow Strider's advice and do something different with your footwork. Two easiest things to do are invest in top-of-the-line shoes (and they will cost you steep, but it's a must in today's game), or to buy a "slide sock." A couple of different companies make them.

Jess
Logged

3M Dust Remover

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 206
Re: Rule Q
« Reply #4 on: March 21, 2009, 12:01:01 AM »
Hey thanks for explaining everything. I had a hunch this was illegal but nobody has ever aid anything beings i don't bowl in a very competitive league, but i want to play the right way. How do slide socks work? I don't mind investing in top of the line shoes but if the slide sock will do for now i may do that.
Logged

rockerbowler18

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1352
Re: Rule Q
« Reply #5 on: March 21, 2009, 12:02:41 AM »
Slide socks are definitely slick. I can't wear it, nor can anyone else in my family. Too much slide.

However, in my case, I hate sliding. Less slide + more brake = Mo' Bettah.
--------------------
JAT Junior Amateur Tour

Robb's Pro Shops: Bakersfield, California

Rob Stone Supporters of America!
Logged

KingofKings696

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 465
Re: Rule Q
« Reply #6 on: March 21, 2009, 01:18:46 AM »
I agree to an extent that you shouldnt need powder or anything. However there are some alleys(some locally) that are so bad that even with a good pair of shoes, heck even my old pair that had the teflon slide pad(slides for days) I would still stick and my dad would have the same issue and he would be very sore after a night of bowling.
Logged

JessN16

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3716
Re: Rule Q
« Reply #7 on: March 21, 2009, 01:26:41 AM »
quote:
Hey thanks for explaining everything. I had a hunch this was illegal but nobody has ever aid anything beings i don't bowl in a very competitive league, but i want to play the right way. How do slide socks work? I don't mind investing in top of the line shoes but if the slide sock will do for now i may do that.


Slide socks are standard sock material connected to some kind of strap. It's specially made for bowling. You pull it over your shoe much like a shoe cover. The sock material covers just the front part of the sliding sole, while the heel part remains exposed for you to use as a brake (at least on the kind of socks I've seen).

Your issue, however, may be tied to what part of your foot you slide with. Typically, you want to slide with your weight on the front part of your foot. The heel is there just to lay down for braking purposes. But there are guys who slide on the sole and heel both. That's tricky to me and I can't do it.

Like rockerbowler 18 says, I purposefully don't slide a lot. I slide maybe a couple of inches, tops, and I typically use shoes with the interchangeable soles set up to give me the shortest slide possible. I can even bowl in tennis shoes if I have to.

Jess
Logged

10PinGod

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 30
Re: Rule Q
« Reply #8 on: March 21, 2009, 04:29:04 AM »
I  take the powder wipe it on slideing show them brush it off with a shoe brush
Logged

ValentinoBowling

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 801
Re: Rule Q
« Reply #9 on: March 21, 2009, 04:51:41 AM »
here's my ULTRA CLASSIFIED SECRET TIP.

I apply a more slick sliding sole to my dexters and I lick my finger and dab the sole in two spots about every 5 to 8 frames, the wet spot allows me to get the perfect amount of slide. It is what I consider my best tip.

Spit when applied to the sole of a shoe does not deface the approach, is not tacky, slick or illegal.

-Kevin
--------------------
www.ValentinoBowling.com
makers of Snake Oil, Remedy RX & Resurrection


Edited on 3/21/2009 4:52 AM
Logged

Smash49

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2136
Re: Rule Q
« Reply #10 on: March 21, 2009, 11:11:14 AM »
Not all slide socks are the same.  There are many different types of materials used in their construction.  Most socks use some kind of flannel bottom.  This material is slick and inconsistent.  The Bowlers Slide Sock by SLSM Designs does not use flannel or felt in any way.  It's heavy duty bottom and construction provide a consistent natural slide regardless of surface condition.  Slick, tacky, wood or synthetic it does not matter.  Even spotty approaches are usually no problem.  Construction and quality in slide socks are not the same.  Many are single layer thin materials that wear out quickly.  The SLSM Designs Bowlers Slide Sock is high tech.  The sock is cut with laser precision on an Epilog Helix laser cutting table for consistency.  We use heavy duty materials and average life expectancy is MONTHS not weeks or days.  People ask me, "your in the bowling slide sock business"?  Yes we are 8 years now with the finest bowling slide device on the planet!  Our products are patented, tested and quality made in Southern Oklahoma.

Smash49
--------------------
Smash49

Slick, tacky, wood or synthetic it does not matter your slide is correct with SLSM Designs Bowlers Slide Sock. The Finest Slide Sock on the Planet!!!
www.bowlersslidesock.com
Striking Cat Bowling Pro Shop, Duncan Oklahoma!  IBPSIA Certified Technician
www.strikingcatbowling.com
Logged
Top 100 Coaches by Bowler's Journal International 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012!  Outstanding Coach in the state of Texas by Bowler's Journal International 2006.
IBPSIA Certified Pro Shop Technician
SLSM Designs Bowling Accessories.
www.bowlersslidesock.com

JohnP

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5819
Re: Rule Q
« Reply #11 on: March 21, 2009, 11:49:36 AM »
I second Smash49 - I've been using the Bowler's Slide Sock for over 5 years and love it.  Follow the directions for breaking it in and be careful for the first game or two and you'll never bowl without it again.  --  JohnP
Logged

michelle

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4913
Re: Rule Q
« Reply #12 on: March 21, 2009, 06:45:48 PM »
It should be stressed that it is not ILLEGAL but may be interpreted as being contrary to the USBC rules.  I seriously doubt that anyone will be leaving a bowling center in cuffs for using any sort of powder on the soles.

That being said, the key is to keep it out of the pit area.  Applied in the concourse area, it is far less likely to be dragged through the pit and onto the approach.  And when not in the pit and on the approach, you have fewer chances for people to get pissed and raise a ruckus with the league or tournament officials.
Logged

LuvThatWhiteDot

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3025
Re: Rule Q
« Reply #13 on: March 21, 2009, 07:34:58 PM »
Plucked from the USBC Rule Book from bowl.com:

12. Approaches Must Not Be Defaced

The application of any foreign substance on any part of the approach that detracts from the possibility of other players having normal conditions is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to talcum powder, pumice and resin on shoes, and/or soft rubber soles or heels that rub off on the approach.

Commonly Asked Questions – Rule 12

12/1

One of the bowlers is having a difficult time sliding on the approach and applies a commercial product purchased at the center pro shop to the bottom of his/her shoes. The product is designed to help a bowler slide. The secretary says she has received a complaint from the opposing team and notifies the individual to stop using the substance or the game will be forfeited. Can an officer tell a bowler to stop using the substance and declare the game forfeited?

Commercial products, talcum powder or any substance applied to the shoe or approach could be in violation of Rule 12. If a league participant uses a substance and somebody complains that it prohibits him/her from having normal conditions, the league officer should require the individual to immediately stop his/her action. If the individual refuses, his/her games are subject to forfeiture.
--------------------
White Dot
Every time I hear the word exercise, I wash my mouth out with chocolate.
www.luvthatwhitedot.bowlspace.com
Logged
Pages: [1]
« previous next »