The USBC was quick to respond, and here is the response (some of which was already supplied by BR members.
This is in reference to your e-mail of September 23, 2014.
The first issue is the rosin on the bowling ball.
It is permissible to use a rosin bag provided the substance does not come out of the pad onto the ball.
If the rosin comes out of the pad and onto the ball, it must be removed so it does not violate the specification, "no foreign material may be placed on the outer surface of the ball."
This can be found in Chapter 8 section 4 under Bowling ball surface specification of the 2014/2015 USBC Rule Book.
“4b No foreign material may be placed on the outer surface of the ball.â€
Therefore, if any powder gets onto the ball it must be wiped off with a towel before a delivery.
USBC allows the league officials to determine whether or not the bowler is in violation of the rule.
If a league official encounters someone applying rosin or any other substance to the outside of the bowling ball, a warning should be issued to the bowler. The ball must be either cleaned of all residue or be removed from the competition. If the bowler complies, all games bowled prior to that time would stand as bowled, and there would be no penalty as long as the bowler complies with the rule.
The exception, if the bowler had prior knowledge that this was a violation or the competition had a rule that covered this matter.
If the bowler was aware the ball did not meet specifications or continues to use the ball without properly removing all the residue, then the games bowled with the ball are subject to forfeiture.
In regards to the rosin on the floor, USBC rule 12 states, " 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 included, but is not limited to, such substance as talcum powder, pumice and resin on shoes; also soft rubber soles or heels that rub off on the approach."
Rosin or any substance that is applied to the shoe could be in violation of rule 12. If a league participant uses these products and somebody complains that it prohibits them from having normal conditions, the officers of the league should request the bowler to stop using the substance.
If a complaint is filed and league official determines the bowler is in violation of rule 12, they should require the individual to immediately stop their action. If the individual refuses, his/her games are subject to forfeiture and they can be dismissed from the league.
If you have questions regarding this information, please feel free to contact me.
John Budnik
Rules Counselor
(o) (817) 385-8391 | (f) (817) 385 -8260
John.budnik@bowl.com
United States Bowling Congress
621 Six Flags Drive, Arlington TX 76011
(800) 514-BOWL | BOWL.COM