No, it's not legal! USBC states that all bowling balls be free of grooves or indentations of a specific pattern except for gripping holes and manufacturing logos/labels!

According to the USBC Rulebook, Chapter 7: Equipment Specifications and Certifications CAQ’s, page 115:

Can I use a ball with a crack in it?
If a crack is located within your track area, it is not permitted for use during USBC competition. A crack is defined as a narrow opening or crack of considerable length and depth usually occurring from some breaking or parting.

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So, if it is in the track area, it is not legal to use.

Let me also say this is a small handicap league, not a big money league. He is a middle of the road bowler average wise.

Let me also say this is a small handicap league, not a big money league. He is a middle of the road bowler average wise.

You say that until he beats you or goes on a run of strikes. Lol! If he and afford to bowl league he can afford to buy a new ball. Bring it up with him and tell him its illegal, whether he can afford to or not, he can throw a plastic house ball for a while. If it splits in half what then? He would have to buy one anyways. Take to him, his team, and the league president. Not so much for competition sake, but ive seen the mechanic in the back when a balls cracked in half in the ball return. It aint fun and it aint pretty, and all because some cheap skate didnt want to replace a ball. There are ways around no time.

I did speak to him last night. He has bought a new ball, just waiting for it to come in and be drilled. Thanks for all your replies.

I agree that the ball is illegal according to USBC rules but I'll play the devil's advocate here and ask why you care and how his using this ball affects you? I doubt he's gaining an advantage over anyone using it. I'm the president of my league and I always wonder why some guys get concerned about things that make no difference to them. This is more a proprietors problem than a league problem!

I've taken care of our local lanes for 30 years and saying it could affect scoring conditions may be the most ridiculous thing I've heard in a long time. I guess you've never bowled on old worn wood lanes before? Pins will not be affected any more than finger or weight holes affect them. The holes in a bowling ball can leave marks in the lanes if the lanes are wood but I don't see anyone complaining about them. Synthetics? Forget about it, they are nearly strong as steel. Think of a new excuse a bowler should be concerned. I still can't believe anyone would have the guts to tell the bowler he must get a new ball, except the proprietor.