USBC TO REVIEW 'SYSTEM OF BOWLING'; GOVERNING BODY ADDRESSES CREDIBILITY ISSUES IN SCORING ENVIRONMENT
GREENDALE, Wis. - The United States Bowling Congress is concerned with the degree of influence technology is having over player skill as the primary factor for success in bowling today at all levels.
As the national governing body, the USBC has begun a thorough review of the entire "System of Bowling," which includes the lanes, lane conditions, bowling balls and pins. Through improved set standards following ongoing research by the USBC Equipment Specifications Team, the USBC will ensure the future of bowling does not suffer from a lack of sporting credibility.
The greatest evidence of this concern is the disproportionate rise in scoring over the past 20 years in certified league play. Similar damage has been inflicted to the credibility levels of specific aspects of the game that made it an endearing lifetime sport, such as bowler-produced power and accuracy.
"Bowling is suffering from a lack of credibility in the scoring environment," says Jeff Henry, USBC Director of Sport. "Advancements in technology together with the artificial assist allowed by current lane dressing specifications have led to an environment which minimizes the influences of player ability and skill development."
Bowling is unique in that it has approximately three million certified league bowlers competing at differing skill levels, with a maximum score for a game at 300. While not all certified bowlers possess the abilities to take advantage of today's technological advances, perceptions of the sport are driven by them.
Among the goals of the USBC's efforts to reset the parameters of the game will be to:
- Grow the sport through the respect that a credible playing field provides.
- Enhance the 'risk vs. reward' element to bowling.
- Better define the stars of the game.
- Develop a renewed level of pride in accomplishment.
- Improve the perception of bowling as a sport.
- Place a higher value on coaching and practice for success.
- Be sure technology does not progress to overwhelm player skill as the key ingredient for success.
Statistical data illustrating the recent scoring boom, along with a detailed explanation of the USBC's philosophy towards addressing these issues can be found on
www.bowl.com.
The Web site also features testimonials from Hall-of-Fame bowlers Marshall Holman and Mike Aulby and current Team USA member Diandra Asbaty on the need to bring credibility back to the game today.
Two changes to bowling ball specifications are already in effect. One involves the coefficient of restitution, the other the radius of gyration differential, which affects the dynamics of a bowling ball.
At the upcoming Bowl Expo, the USBC will hold an industry forum for all bowling manufacturers concerning a set of three additional equipment specification modifications under consideration on June 28 from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Wyndham Orlando Resort in Orlando, Fla. Detailed explanations of the current proposed equipment specifications modifications can also be found at
www.bowl.com.
The USBC will host a press conference for accredited media immediately following the closed industry discussion, scheduled at the Wyndham Orlando Resort on June 28, to answer questions about the process and timetable for decisions on the three modification proposals. Requests for credentials can be made to USBC Director of Communications Tom Clark by e-mail at tom.clark@bowl.com.
At any time, interviews with key USBC officials involved with the effort of reviewing the system of bowling are available upon request:
- Roger Dalkin, Chief Executive Officer.
- Michael Carroll, President.
- Jeff Henry, Director of Sport.
- Neil Stremmel, Technical Director.
- Bob Maki, Director of Coaching.
- Steve Wunderlich, Sport Bowling Director.
All interested parties may send objective comments to: USBC Equipment Specifications Department; 5301 South 76th Street; Greendale, WI 53129; Fax (414) 421-5860; or e-mail: TechComments@bowl.com.
Bowl Expo
International Bowl Expo 2005, scheduled June 26-July 1 in Orlando, Fla., is the largest annual convention and trade show for the bowling industry. The convention includes a series of seminars and educational sessions geared towards bowling center proprietors, managers and pro shop operators.
United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services and enhances the bowling experience.
USBC officially launched Jan. 1, 2005, as an organization serving more than three million adult and youth bowlers in the United States. It resulted from the merger of the American Bowling Congress, Women's International Bowling Congress, Young American Bowling Alliance and USA Bowling.
