Change USBC Ball Regulations

Following three years of research on how technology has affected the sport of tenpin bowling, the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) released a statement in April 2018 regarding proposed new ball drilling and bowling ball coverstock specifications that would assist in sustaining the playing field both now and into the future.

On June 16th, the USBC released a further statement noting that their Equipment and Specifications Committee have revised the implementation dates for the new bowling ball specifications to begin from 1st August 2018 on a two year phased basis.

The Irish Tenpin Bowling Association has received a number of inquiries recently regarding these statements and the ITBA’s position on whether it is to adopt the USBC new rules.  The ITBA would like to confirm that it is awaiting information on the matter from World Bowling who have been discussing the suggested changes to ball specifications.

Pending further clarifications from World Bowling, the Irish Tenpin Bowling Association would like to advise there will be no changes made to the existing ITBA Rules regarding ball weights (drilling) until World Bowling confirms its stance in regard to the matter. The ITBA will then review the information and release a further statement and any changes to the ITBA Rules in regard to ball weights (drilling).