WBStatues PlayingRules Feb2019

World Bowling
The World Bowling Website: www.worldbowling.org
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World Bowling
Statutes and Playing Rules
Effective as of February 2019
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World Bowling Rules / 2019-02-22 / Page 1
World Bowling
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World Bowling Statues and Playing Rules Content
Chapter 1: Statutes
Chapter Title Page
1.1 Name and office 8
1.2 Purposes 8
1.3 Official languages 8
1.4 Membership 9
1.5 Organisational structure 12
1.6 Congress 13
1.7 Executive Board 15
1.8 Executive Board meetings 17
1.9 Officers 18
1.10 Business year 19
1.11 Financial procedures 19
1.12 World championships 20
1.13 Zone championships 20
1.14 International tournaments 21
1.15 Rules for championships and tournaments 21
1.16 Rules against doping and betting 21
1.17 Amendments 21
1.18 By-Laws (operating procedures) 21
1.19 Dissolution 22
1.20 Revisions 22
Chapter 2: Universal playing rules

Chapter Title Page
2.1 Game definitions 23
2.2 Style of play 23
2.3 Legal pin fall 24
2.4 Illegal pin fall 24
2.5 Other pin actions 25
2.6 Dead ball 25
2.7 Bowling on wrong lane 25
2.8 Foul definitions 26
2.9 Provisional ball 26
2.10 Bowling ball, altering surface 27
2.11 Approaches must not be defaced 27
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2.12 Errors in scoring 27
2.13 Additional tournament information 27
Chapter 3: World Bowling approved international tournaments

Chapter Title Page
3.1 Introduction 28
3.2 Definition of tournaments 28
3.3 Eligibility 29
3.4 Approval fee 29
3.5 Approval requirements 29
3.6 Procedure for World Bowling approval of tournaments 30
3.7 Obligations and liabilities 31
3.8 Penalties 32
3.9 Protests 32
3.10 Appeal procedures 32
Chapter 4: World championships, principle rules

Chapter Title Page
4.1 Introduction 33
4.2 World Bowling official competitions 33
4.3 Application to host championships 33
4.4 Equipment 34
4.5 Inspection certification 35
4.6 Lane dressing procedures 35
4.7 Information and entry procedures 36
4.8 Late changes and withdrawals 36
4.9 Eligibility 36
4.10 Bowling ball, altering surface 37
4.11 Bowling ball procedure 38
4.12 Tournament management 39
4.13 Pre-tournament meeting 40
4.14 Ceremonies 40
4.15 Anti-doping rules 40
4.16 Drinking alcohol 41
4.17 Smoking and using tobacco products 41
4.18 Playing uniforms, advertising 41
4.19 Style of play 42
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4.20 Official scorekeeping 43
4.21 Foul detection 43
4.22 Interrupted game 43
4.23 Slow bowling / Lane Courtesy 43
4.24 Bowling on wrong lane 44
4.25 Tardy athletes 44
4.26 Penalties for rule violations 44
4.27 Protests 45
4.28 Appeal procedures 45
Chapter 5: World Bowling Championships

Chapter Title Page
5.1 Introduction 46
5.2 Eligibility/Qualification 46
5.3 Lane assignment and Registration 46
5.4 Practice 47
5.5 Athlete's area 47
5.6 Events 48
5.7 Singles in WWC, WMC and WC 48
5.8 Doubles 48
5.9 Trios 49
5.10 Team 49
5.11 All Event 50
5.12 Masters in WWC, WMC and WC 50
5.13 WSC format 51
5.14 Procedure for Semi Finals and Finals 52
5.15 Substitution 53
5.16 Tie breaking procedures 53
5.17 Awards 54
5.18 Record stipulations 55
Chapter 6: World Bowling Junior, Youth and Senior Championships

Chapter Title Page
6.1 Introduction 56
6.2 Lane assignment and registration 57
6.3 Practice 57
6.4 Athlete’s area 58
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6.5 Events 58
6.6 Singles 58
6.7 Doubles 59
6.8 Team 59
6.9 All Events 60
6.10 Masters in WJC, WYC and WSrC 60
6.11 Procedure for Semi Finals and Finals 61
6.12 Substitution 61
6.13 Tie breaking procedures 61
6.14 Awards 62
6.15 Record stipulations 63
Chapter 7: World Games

Chapter Title Page
7.1 Introduction 64
7.2 Date and venue 64
7.3 Eligibility 64
7.4 IF Passport 64
7.5 Technical liaison delegate 65
7.6 Bowling centre certification 65
7.8 Tournament format 65
7.9 Awards 67
7.10 Additional rules 67
Chapter 8: Regional games and other global games

Chapter Title Page
8.1 Introduction 68
8.2 Verification audit 68
8.3 Bowling centre certification 68
8.5 Additional rules 69
Chapter 9: Lane specifications

Chapter Title Page
9.1 Introduction 70
9.2 Construction 70
9.3 Approach 70
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9.4 Foul line and detective device 70
9.5 Length and width 71
9.6 Surface 71
9.7 Markings or design 71
9.8 Pit area 72
9.9 Pin setting device 72
9.10 Lane conditioning requirement 72
Chapter 10: Pin specifications

Chapter Title Page
10.1 Introduction 73
10.2 Material 73
10.3 Weight 73
10.4 Finish 73
10.5 Design and measurement 74
10.6 Maintenance of pins 74
Chapter 11: Ball specifications

Chapter Title Page
11.1 Introduction 75
11.2 Markings 75
11.3 Material 75
11.4 Surface 75
11.5 Weight and size 76
11.6 Hardness 76
11.7 Cleaning 76
11.8 Devices 76
11.9 Mechanical aids 76
11.10 Plugs, designs and logos 77
11.11 Manufacturing specifications 77
11.12 Drilling specifications 77
11.13 Balance 77
11.14 Specifications that shall be measured at tournament sites 78
Glossary 80
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Introduction
Background
The Fédération Internationale des Quilleurs (FIQ) was founded in Hamburg, Germany on 27 January
1952 to foster worldwide interest in amateur tenpin and ninepin bowling and international friendship
through the world and zone tournaments and bowling competitions between athletes of different
countries. FIQ maintained two separate membership disciplines known as the World Tenpin Bowling
Association (WTBA) and the World Ninepin Bowling Association (WNBA).
The World Tenpin Bowling Association of the Fédération Internationale des Quilleurs was created to
serve the amateur sport of tenpin bowling throughout the world. Its mandate, therefore, was to
augment the promotional and sportsmanship principles of FIQ and further serve the sport by adopting
uniform playing rules and equipment specifications for its tournaments, or any others to which it
grants approval, thereby providing an example of uniformity for the game.
Any reference in this text to national membership or representative of a country technically refers to
the federation with membership for a country.
At 2015 FIQ and WTBA Congresses the two organisations FIQ and WTBA was merged into one
organisation World Bowling, which from January 1, 2016 is the governing world organisation for
tenpin bowling.
Championships and tournaments
Chapters 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11 of these rules shall prevail for championships conducted by World
Bowling.
For Zone Championships Chapters 2, 9, 10 and 11 shall prevail. Each Zone shall have its own set of
rules for its championships in which variations are permitted from Chapters 4, 5 and 6.
For World Bowling approved international tournaments Chapters 2, 3, 9, 10 and 11 shall apply.
For World Games, Regional Games and Other Global Games Chapters 2, 8, 9, 10 and 11 shall apply.
Equipment
All tenpin tournaments approved by World Bowling shall be conducted with equipment and products,
which have been certified, by an official World Bowling test facility, to comply with all World Bowling
Specifications. Such approval is subject to and contingent upon laboratory examination, testing
procedures and fees established by the World Bowling Executive Board.
Presently, the USBC facility at Arlington, USA is the only official World Bowling test facility. Other
facilities may apply for and receive such official status by submitting detailed information satisfactory
to the World Bowling Executive Board that its testing procedures comply with World Bowling
requirements.
Note
In the World Bowling Statutes and Playing Rules, the masculine gender used in relation to any
physical person shall, unless there is a specific provision to the contrary, be understood as including
the feminine gender.
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1. World Bowling Statutes

1.1 Name and office
a) This organization shall be known as World Bowling.
World Bowling was founded in Hamburg, Germany, on January 27, 1952.
b) World Bowling is an international non-governmental not-for-profit organization of unlimited
duration, in the form of an association of national member federations with the status of a legal
person.
c) World Bowling is an International Federation recognized by the International Olympic
Committee (IOC).
d) The object of World Bowling is to fulfil the mission, role and responsibilities as assigned to it by
the Congress and as specified in the Statutes.
e) The decisions of the Congress are final. Any dispute relating to their application or
interpretation may be resolved by the Executive Board and, in certain cases, by arbitration
before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
f) The location of the principal offices shall be as determined by the Executive Board from time
to time. Its main office shall be established by the Congress from time to time.
1.2 Purposes
1.2.1 To conduct for its member federations
a) A World Bowling Championships for Men every fourth year
b) A World Bowling Championships for Women every fourth year
c) A World Bowling Championship for Men and Women every fourth year
d) A World Bowling Single Championship for Men and Women every fourth year
e) A World Bowling Championships for Youth every second year
f) A World Bowling Championships for Senior every second year
g) A World Bowling Championships for Junior every second year
h) Tournaments/Events/Championships as otherwise decided by the World Bowling
Congress
1.2.2 To require its Zones to conduct at least one championship every fourth year for its members
in the respective Zone.
1.2.3 To grant approval to tenpin bowling tournaments, especially those international events
anticipating entries from different Zones, which comply with World Bowling Rules and
tournament principles.
1.2.4 To recognize the authority of the Olympic movement and to support and adhere to the
fundamental principles, rules, by-laws and the Code of Ethics of the International Olympic
Committee
1.3 Official language

1.3.1 The official language for meetings - Congresses, Executive Boards and Committees- shall be
English and translations shall be made to Spanish, where practicable. The English language shall
apply where there are varying interpretations.
1.3.2 Statutes and Rules shall be published in English.
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1.3.3 Each Zone may determine what language shall prevail in the interpretation of its statutes.
1.4 Membership
1.4.1 World Bowling's membership shall include all national federations which have been admitted
by World Bowling as members. They can be provisional or ordinary members. Only one
organization from a country may be admitted to membership, except that additional national
organizations may be admitted as members
a) where the Congress determines that it is in the best interests of the sport, and
b) World Bowling receives separate applications from traditionally distinct and separate
sporting territories within a country, and
c) provided that other international sports federations consider them as separate
organizations, and
d) provided also that for the Olympics and for the Games under its auspices (e.g., the
Asian, European and Pan American Games) they shall cease to be separate and shall
come under the jurisdiction of the National Olympic Committee of the said country, and
e) provided also that the original World Bowling member federation has no objection to
such application for the separate membership.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, commencing January 1, 2018, no new member shall be
admitted to World Bowling membership unless it has a separate National Olympic Committee
that is recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Any World Bowling members that
were members in good standing as of December 31, 2017 are exempt from this provision.
1.4.2 Supporting documentation. A national organization can qualify for membership only if it submits:
a) A written application with a copy of its own minutes showing that authorization for the
application was approved by an appropriate body of the organization and acknowledging
acceptance of World Bowling’s Articles of Incorporation, Statutes and other organizational
documents;
b) A copy of its own constitution, statutes, rules and other organizational documents;
c) Evidence that the organization is an established national federation, which is recognized
by its National Olympic Committee, government or by another body already recognized
by its National Olympic Committee or government provided that body is not already a
member of World Bowling, and that the majority of its members hold either citizenship of
that country or permanent domicile status; and
d) A list of officers and information as to the number of male, female and/or junior members
of different systems of bowling and bowling facilities in the country;
1.4.3 Action on membership. Action on each application for membership shall be taken by the
Congress following recommendation by the Executive Board. The Congress shall make the
decision regarding acceptance in simple majority. A provisional membership can be given
when the members of the Executive Board have approved it.
1.4.4 Alternative approval process. Notwithstanding the requirements above, the Congress may
accept new member federations in special and exceptional circumstances provided there is
at least a three-quarter (3/4) majority of votes given.
1.4.5 Rights of the ordinary members
a) To take part in the Congress in accordance with the stipulations, propose a motion and
make election proposals. Each member federation has one vote at the Congress. The
vote may be transferred by proxy to another member federation, but only one proxy vote
may be assigned to a member organization
b) To participate in all World Bowling activities
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c) To allow individual athletes to have membership in more than one national federation
which is a member of World Bowling
d) To appeal to the Executive Board in cases of controversies
e) To appeal a decision of the Executive Board or the Congress to the Court of Arbitration
of Sport (CAS); any such appeal must be filed within 30 days of the World Bowling
decision
e) To receive current information about important proceedings within World Bowling
f) To display the membership insignia of World Bowling in rules and correspondence
1.4.6 Provisional members shall have the rights of the ordinary members, except that they shall
not have the right to vote at the Congress or at a Zone Congress.
1.4.7 Suspended member federations shall have the rights of the ordinary member federations
except that they shall not have the right to vote at the Congress or at a Zone Congress, nor
to participate in any World Bowling or Zone activities.
1.4.8 Termination of Membership

a) Voluntary-A member federation may voluntarily surrender its membership by notifying
the President, in writing, of its desire to do so at least one month before the end of the
year.
b) Involuntary – Permissible - The Executive Board, acting on behalf of the Congress, may
terminate a member federation’s membership for the following causes:
i. Failure to pay any annual membership and/or other dues to World Bowling or any
zone(s) of World Bowling for at least a year;
ii. Continued violations of these Statutes or actions that the Executive Board deems to
bring discredit to World Bowling; or
iii. Failure to satisfy the membership admission criteria on an ongoing basis.
c) Involuntary – Procedures - The Executive Board shall notify a member federation that its
suspension or termination is under consideration and accord the member federation an
opportunity to address the issues for which its membership may be suspended or
terminated. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Board will be necessary for any
suspension or expulsion. A suspended member also may appeal any such decision by the
Executive Board to the Congress. The Congress may overrule a suspension or expulsion
decision of the Executive Board where such action is approved by at least a two-thirds (2/3)
vote of all registered for the Congress, including proxies. World Bowling may decide on
procedures for suspension of a member federation, which has failed to pay the stipulated
membership and/or other dues within due time. Such suspension shall be revoked
immediately when all arrears including eventual fines have been paid. If payment has not
been made within one year, it shall be reported to the Executive Board for decision about
eventual termination of the federation’s membership.
1.4.9 Obligations of the member federations

a) To adhere to the World Bowling Statutes and Playing Rules and to decisions taken by
the Congress and the Executive Board
b) To formulate their own statutes in such a way that they are not in contradiction with
World Bowling Statutes and Playing Rules.
c) To adhere to the principles of good sportsmanship at international events
d) To submit immediately the fees, which have been stipulated by World Bowling and its
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Zones
e) Membership fees must be paid to World Bowling and its zones as well as other financial
obligations owed to World Bowling in order to be eligible for vote or voice at the
Congress or participate in championships and/or tournaments conducted by World
Bowling
f) To report immediately to World Bowling and the Zones suspension of any individual
member
A suspended individual member shall be deprived of all his/her privileges. Such a

suspended individual member shall not have the right to vote at the Congress or
Executive Board or at the Zone Congress or Executive Board, nor to participate in any
World Bowling or Zone committees and/or activities.
Such suspended individual member will be relieved of any title or position in World
Bowling or the Zone. An individual suspension can be at most for 2 years. After that
period the individual may be member of any federation.
In the event of loss of title or position in World Bowling, the suspended individual shall
have the right to appeal the suspension of World Bowling title or position to the
Executive Board, which may uphold or reverse only that portion of the suspension.
g) To supply immediately such information as may be required by World Bowling

h) To inform World Bowling Secretary General immediately of all changes of address and
officers
i) To encourage friendly relationships between the members of World Bowling
j) To adopt a regulation which subjects each of their individual members to the jurisdiction
of World Bowling
k) To avoid any sports contact, official or otherwise, with sports federations or athletes of a
country, which follows the principles of apartheid
l) A member federation which does not fulfill its financial obligations to World Bowling after
given a deadline of 30 days will not be allowed to take part in official World Bowling
championships as well as no right to vote in World Bowling Congress until such
obligation is fulfilled
1.4.10 Upon recommendation of the Executive Board, the Congress shall from time to time
prescribe the amount of fees to be paid by its member federations.
1.4.11 The Executive Board may review all matters related to the continued recognition of any
member and may take such action as it deems appropriate, including placing conditions
upon continued recognition of any member. In the event the Executive Board recommends
membership termination, the matter shall be referred to the Congress for a final decision.
1.4.12 Dispute resolutions for championships/tournaments (excluding eligibility)

a) For championships/tournaments conducted by World Bowling or Zones disputes are to
be resolved as described in Chapter 4, with the jury of appeal making all final decisions
b) For tournaments approved by World Bowling or Zones disputes are to be resolved as
described in Chapter 3, with the Executive Board making all final decisions
1.4.13 Eligibility questions and other disputes not arising from tournament decisions
a) All such disputes are to be resolved by submitting a written appeal to the President
b) If a further appeal is desired, it must be submitted in writing to the Executive Board within
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30 days after the receipt of the President’s decision
c) There shall be no further appeal from the final decision making body described above
nor shall there be any right to commence private litigation thereafter
1.5 Organisational structure
1.5.1 World Bowling is divided into five geographical Zones; The American Zone, The Asian Zone,
the European Zone, the African Zone and the Oceania Zone.
1.5.2 The American Zone membership shall include all member federations sponsoring tenpin
bowling from the Americas and adjacent waters otherwise known as the Western Hemisphere.
1.5.3 The Asian Zone shall embrace all member federations sponsoring tenpin bowling bounded in
the North by the Arctic, in the South by Indonesia, in the East by Japan in the North West by
the Continent of Europe and in the South West by the East Coast of the Continent of Africa
and Madagascar.
1.5.4 The European Zone shall embrace all member federations sponsoring tenpin bowling on the
Continent of Europe, British Isles, Israel, and the islands of the North Atlantic
1.5.5 The African Zone shall embrace all member federations sponsoring tenpin bowling on the
Continent of Africa, and bordering islands to the East bordered by Mauritius and to the West
by Cape Verde.
1.5.6 The Oceania Zone shall embrace all member federations sponsoring tenpin bowling in an
area in the Pacific Ocean between the West Coast of the American Continent, the East
Coast of the Asian Zone, the Southern tips of Russia and Alaska, and Antarctica, with the
exception of Hawaii.
1.5.7 Any deviation from Rule 1.5.1- 1.5.6 shall be resolved by World Bowling in consultation with
the Zones involved and the decision shall be recorded in this Rule.
1.5.8 The objectives of the Zones

a) Support the efforts of World Bowling
b) To foster international goodwill through their Zone tournaments/activities
c) Otherwise stimulate interest in and development of tenpin bowling
1.5.9 The rights of the Zones

a) To prescribe fees to help finance their activities as authorized by their Congress
b) To suspend member federations, which have failed to pay any prescribed fee in due
time. Such suspension shall be immediately revoked when the arrears have been fully
paid including eventual fines.
c) To recommend to World Bowling the termination of membership of a member federation,
which has failed to settle all arrears within one year.
d) Establish special rules for their activities provided they are not contrary to World Bowling
regulations.
e) To establish such Zone Championships as it deems appropriate for the exclusive benefit
of its members; however, member federations of the African Zone and Oceania Zone
may continue to participate in Zone Championships they have historically been included
in prior to January 1, 2016 upon payment of a fee agreed upon between the federation
and that Zone, provided it cannot exceed normal Zone dues. Commencing January 1,
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2023 all Zone members may only participate in their own Zone Championship events;
provided, however, that two Zones with common boundaries may jointly agree on
combined Zone Championships beyond January 1, 2023.
1.5.10 Ninepin bowling shall fall under the auspices of World Bowling as an Associate Member
Discipline. Ninepin bowling shall be governed by a permanent Standing management
committee.
The Ninepin Committee shall determine and shall be responsible for enforcing separate rules
and regulations for Ninepin bowling.
The Committee may determine any manner of financial arrangements within its Associate
Discipline, including the funding of its Committee governance.
Neither World Bowling nor Ninepin bowling shall have any financial obligation to the other
except that annual dues in the amount of $100.00 USD shall be payable from the Committee
to World Bowling.
Ninepin bowling shall have none of the membership rights and duties as are set forth under
Article 1.4.5 (a), (d) and (e) and 1.4.9.(a), (b), (e) and (f). except that Ninepin Bowling shall
adhere to the World Bowling Anti-Doping Rules and WADA Code.
A maximum of three (3) Ninepin bowling representatives may attend the Congress meetings
without vote.
Member federations of World Bowling that include both Ninepin and Tenpin membership may
continue to remain together, with only the Tenpin portion having voting rights at the
Congress.
1.6 Congress
1.6.1 The Congress is the governing body and shall be composed of delegates (representatives)
from each of the member federations.
1.6.2 The Congress decisions shall be binding on all Zones and member federations and can be
altered only by the Congress.
1.6.3 The authority of the Congress (and thus that of World Bowling) does not extend to the
internal affairs of any member federation.
1.6.4 A member federation may be represented at a World Bowling Congress by a maximum of

four delegates, only one of whom shall have voting rights. The names of the delegates must
be submitted in writing to the World Bowling Secretary General stating the name of the
member federation they represent and signed by an authorized officer of the member
federation. The voting delegate shall retain his voting status until the next Congress, or until
a successor is duly appointed by his respective federation.
1.6.5 A member federation which cannot be represented at the Congress may give its proxy to
another federation. Each federation shall be eligible to vote only one proxy. In all cases, the
written proxy authority must be submitted on federation letterhead; signed by the President,
Secretary General or CEO of the federation: and be sent to World Bowling President or
Secretary General in the presence of the Congress for validation before the proxy can be
exercised. Such proxy must be submitted in writing to World Bowling President or Secretary
General, no less than eight (8) days before start of the Congress, stating the name of the
country to which the vote is to be transferred and signed by an authorized officer of the
federation
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1.6.6 A member of the Executive Board may vote only if he represents a federation
1.6.7 A quorum shall be one-third (1/3) of member federations including proxy votes
1.6.8 Voting at each Congress shall be on the basis of one vote per federation by showing a
Delegate card or using an electronic voting system. In the event that a Delegate voting card
is being used a majority of the delegates can always request a secret ballot. Where a tie
exists the President or Chairman shall call for a second vote. If a tie still exists the motion
shall be rejected.
1.6.9 A majority shall determine decisions of the Congress except as stated in Rule 1.17 and 1.19.
Majority means a number of votes, which is above the total number of all other votes cast.
1.6.10 Guests may participate in the proceedings only at the invitation of the President or upon the
majority approval by the Congress
1.6.11 The Congress shall be held every two years at a time to coincide with the World Bowling
Championships, or
a) When called for by the Congress.
b) When called for by the President with the approval of the Executive Board.
c) When called for by the Executive Board.
d) When called for by the President on receipt of a written request from at least one-third
(1/3) of all World Bowling member federations.
1.6.12 An application to host a Congress shall at a minimum include a guarantee to underwrite the
following expenses:
a) Meeting rooms for the Congress, Executive Board and committee meetings
b) Technicians and the necessary equipment to record the proceedings and provide
audio/visual service for the Executive Board and the Congress
c) Luncheons for Executive Board members (two days)
d) Luncheons for the Congress
e) Morning and/or afternoon refreshment breaks for Executive Board meetings and the
Congress
1.6.13 The President shall require the Secretary General to give at least three months’ notice for a
special meeting and four months’ notice for regular meetings
1.6.14 Only member federations, the Executive Board/Presidium of World Bowling geographic
zones specified in 1.5.1 and the World Bowling Executive Board may submit proposals to be
acted upon by the Congress. Proposals for amendments shall be submitted to the
Secretary General at least three months prior to a regular Congress
1.6.15 The Secretary General shall submit the agenda for the meeting to the member federations at
least two months before the Congress takes place. Together with the agenda the following
documents shall be sent
a) President's report
b) Secretary General’s report
c) Other Officers’ reports
d) Financial report
e) Proposals of the Executive Board
f) Proposals of the member federations
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1.6.16 Only proposals submitted in due time shall be considered unless the Congress decides by a
two-third (2/3) majority that others warrant consideration for emergency reasons.
1.6.17 The agenda for a biennial Congress shall include the following
a) Open the meeting
b) Appointment of Chairman and Secretary of the meeting
c) Roll call, validation of proxies and determination of voting rights. Validation of proxy will
be by the scrutineers
d) Adoption of minutes of the previous Congress
e) Report of President and Secretary General
f) Committee reports
g) Reports of Presidents of the Zones
h) Unfinished business
i) Presentation of Financial report and Auditors’ report
j) Approval of Balance Sheet, Profit& Loss Account and Auditors report
k) Release of Executive Board
l) Legislative Session
m) New business
n) Projection of budget and establishment of dues
o) Elections (where applicable)
- President
- First Vice President
- Second Vice President
p) Close the meeting
1.6.18 Summary minutes of each World Bowling Congress shall be prepared by the Secretary
General for review and approval by the President and/or Chairman of the day within two
months after which they are to be distributed to the member federations and members of the
World Bowling Executive Board. The same shall apply for Zone Congresses
1.6.19 All amendments adopted and new rules shall become effective at the beginning of next business
year unless otherwise specified
1.7 Executive Board
1.7.1 The Executive Board shall be the executive and management body of World Bowling. It shall
consist of 10 persons as follows
a) The President
b) The First Vice President,
c) The Second Vice President
d) The President from each of the three Zones. Each Zone shall designate an alternate
to serve if it’s President cannot attend
e) One Delegate from each of the three Zones. Each Zone shall designate an alternate
to serve if it’s Delegate cannot attend
f) One representative for the athletes, elected in conjunction with World Championships
for men and women. The election procedure shall be as follows:
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(i) Every federation participating at the WC will have one vote each, each gender
being entitled to a vote. The vote will be cast by the captain or another nominated
athlete from that federation.
ii) Other federations not participating in the WC are also entitled to have one vote
each, each gender, however the nominated athletes have to be present at the
athletes meeting to be held during the WC to be able to vote. There are no proxies.
Federations who intend to send athletes to the athletes meeting must submit the
names of the athletes, by email, to the Chairman of the Athletes committee 30 days
prior to the start of the World Championships. The date, time and location of the
athletes meeting will be provided to all federations at least 30 days prior to the start of
the Championships.
iii) Voting will take place once every 4 years (to coincide with the Combined World
Championships), commencing in 2013. The vote will occur at the athletes meeting to
be held during the World Championships.
iv) A majority vote will secure the selection of the athlete Delegate to the World
Bowling Executive Board, who will have such Delegate privileges for a period of 4
years.
v) If the Delegate is unable to attend any Executive Board functions, or otherwise
perform his/her duties, the athlete with the 2nd highest vote total from World
Championships will be called to replace the position, or act as alternate delegate, until
the next election.
vi) To nominate a candidate for athlete Delegate, a submission from the candidate’s
federation must be made at least 30 days prior to the start of the World
Championships and sent by email to the Chairman of the Athletes Committee. It is
highly recommended that a resume, maximum 2 pages, be submitted as well. Any
federation can submit a candidate whether or not that federation is competing at the
World Championships.
1.7.2 A vacancy in the office of the First Vice President shall be filled by the Second Vice
President. A vacancy in the office of the Second Vice President shall be filled by election at
the next Congress. In the interim the position shall remain unfilled.
1.7.3 The World Bowling Secretary General shall be an ex-officio member of the Executive Board
with voice only.
1.7.4 Decisions of the Executive Board shall be by simple majority. If a tie exists the motion shall
be rejected.
1.7.5 A quorum consists of four members of the Executive Board, who must represent at least two
Zones.
1.7.6 Members of the World Bowling Executive Board shall not in any official capacity nor
personally in any way become financially involved as an owner in a firm producing or selling
bowling equipment. Persons employed by or working as honorary officials of a member
organization shall be exempt, providing their duties are only for or on behalf of their member
organization and not of a commercial nature. The Zone organizations shall also have similar
requirements for their Executive Board/Presidium members.
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1.8 Executive Board meetings
1.8.1 The Executive Board should meet at least every year and more frequently when deemed
necessary by the President or by at least four members of the Executive Board. A
teleconference vote, e-mail ballot or postal ballot also may be taken at the discretion of the
President or at the discretion of the Members of the Executive Board calling for the meeting.
1.8.2 The President shall require the Secretary General to give at least three months’ notice for a
meeting of the Executive Board to all members of the Executive Board. Such notice shall
specify the date, time, and place of the proposed Executive Board meeting and in addition it
shall invite committee members and member federations to submit proposals which they
wish to be considered by the Executive Board.
1.8.3 Upon receipt of the notice of meeting all members of the Executive Board shall within two
months’ notify the Secretary General of their intention to attend.
1.8.4 The details of any proposals, whether they arise from Executive Board members or member
federations shall be forwarded to the Secretary General at least one month prior to the
proposed date of the Executive Board meeting.
1.8.5 The Secretary General shall prepare the agenda for distribution to Executive Board
members. It shall be forwarded to them at least two weeks prior to the proposed date of the
Executive Board meeting.
1.8.6 Any proposals, which are tabled at the Executive Board meeting and for which due notice
has not been given, shall be dealt with only after a simple majority decision to discuss the
issue has been taken.
1.8.7 The agenda or regular order of business of Executive Board meetings shall be as follows
a) Opening
b) Agenda adoption
c) Minutes of previous meeting
d) Reports
e) Unfinished business
f) New business
g) Financial matters
h) Next meeting
i) Closing
1.8.8 The World Bowling Honorary President(s) may attend the meeting on their own expenses
and shall be entitled to voice but no vote and shall not be counted as a quorum and their
attendance shall not be deemed as ex-officio capacity.
1.8.9 World Bowling committee members may be invited by the World Bowling President to attend
the meeting or any portion thereof and shall be entitled to voice but no vote.
1.8.10 Guests may participate in the meeting only at the invitation by the World Bowling President
and upon majority approval by the Executive Board.
1.8.11 The Executive Board may recess any meeting to meet in executive session to consider
matters of a sensitive nature including those involving other than Executive Board members.
A motion and majority vote is required to go into executive session. Only voting members
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may participate, however, the Secretary General and required translators may be present.
Minutes of an executive session shall only be distributed to the Executive Board members
and shall only be read and acted upon in executive session.
1.9 Officers
1.9.1 The term of Office of the President, First Vice President and Second Vice President shall
commence immediately after their election at World Bowling Congress and shall continue
until after the 2nd biennial Congress following their election (a term of about four years).
All officers can be re-elected after that period.
1.9.2 The term of office for the Secretary General shall commence immediately after the
confirmation of the Executive Board and shall continue until after the 2nd biennial Congress
following his appointment.
1.9.3 The term of office for Committee Chairmen, Committee Members and other appointees shall
commence at the time specified at the appointment and shall continue until otherwise
directed by the President and approved by majority vote by the Executive Board.
1.9.4 Duties of the President
a) The President shall be the chief executive officer and treasurer. He shall preside at all
meetings of the World Bowling Congress and Executive Board unless he appoints a
Chairman of the day to preside for any part of such meetings.
b) The President shall appoint the Secretary General subject to confirmation by the
Executive Board.
c) The President shall appoint the committees and/or any other appointees he deems
necessary upon approval by majority vote of the Executive Board. In the event that any
committee is not approved by the Board, then the Board members may propose
additions and/or deletions to that committee, which as revised must receive majority vote
of the board to be approved.
d) The President also shall normally represent World Bowling in all legal matters, but
should he be unable to do so a Vice President may represent him.
1.9.5 The First Vice President shall be the President of World Bowling in case of absence, death,
disabilities, resignation, incapacity or for any other reason, which would prevent the
President permanently from lawfully discharging his duties under the Statutes.
1.9.6 The Secretary General shall be the chief administrative officer. He shall handle the
membership correspondence and other administrative matters in co-operation with the
President.
1.9.7 The President and the Secretary General shall be ex-officio members of all committees with
voice but no vote and eligible to attend all meetings of the Zones in their ex-officio capacity.
1.9.8 Elections
a) The elections of officers shall always be conducted by secret ballot unless there is only
one candidate for the position. All elections will be by majority vote, which means a
number of votes which is above the total number of all other votes cast. This term is
sometimes referred to as absolute majority
b) The Executive Board shall be authorized to make recommendations and to provide
reasons therefore
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c) In the event more than two individuals are nominated for the same office, the voting shall
proceed as follows
- If, after the first ballot, one of the candidates has not received the majority of the votes
cast, there shall be successive ballots until one candidate receives the majority of the
votes cast
- If no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast on any ballot, the candidate
receiving the lowest number of votes shall be dropped from the ballot
1.9.9 Nominations
a) All incumbent officers who intend to run for re-election shall so advise the Secretary
General of his interest at least five months before an elective Congress
b) This information will be reported to the member federations at least four months before
the Congress
c) All other nominations shall be submitted to the Secretary General at least three months
before the Congress
d) All incumbent and other nominations will then be reported to the member federations at
least two months before the Congress.
e) If nominations are received pursuant to the above process, no additional nominations
from the floor will be accepted at the Congress.
f) If no nominations are received pursuant to the above process, then nominations from the
floor will be accepted.
g) All candidates must be members of and authorized by their respective federation to be
eligible for election.
1.9.10 An officer elected by the Congress of the World Bowling may be removed from office for
nonfeasance or other just cause by the Congress, upon due process being provided (notice
about the pending action and given an opportunity to be heard)
´
1.10 Business year
1.10.1 The business year shall begin on 1 January and end on 31 December.
1.11 Financial procedures
1.11.1 The Congress will be empowered to determine the fees to be paid by the member
federations. Each federation shall be required to pay the World Bowling and Zone fee as
specified in the annual invoice sent out by their respective zone. Newly admitted federations
are not obliged to pay membership fee in the calendar year they are admitted.
1.11.2 The Zone, to which the member federation belongs, has the right to decide about such
suspension. In order for such a suspension to be revoked and for restoring the membership
rights, there will be annually a 20% fine on payments in arrears. On receipt of all arrears, the
respective Zone will revoke the suspension. If after one year the arrears have not been fully
paid, this shall be recommended to the World Bowling Executive Board that will decide on
termination of the member federation’s membership
1.11.3 The Executive Board is responsible for an audit to be performed before a Congress and that
an Auditor’s report is presented. All fiscal transactions shall be audited by a certified auditor.
Their expenses when on duty for the audit will be paid by World Bowling.
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1.11.4 The President shall submit an annual budget for the approval of the Executive Board.
1.11.5 The travel and accommodation expenses of the President or his designated representative,
when necessary for him/her to carry out his duties, shall be paid by the World Bowling.
1.11.6 The remuneration of the Secretary General and the expenses necessary for him to carry out
his duties shall be paid by the World Bowling.
1.11.7 All other elected and appointed officials’ expenses when on duty are to be paid by the World
Bowling
1.12 World Championships
1.12.1 The World Bowling Championships are the exclusive property of the World Bowling.
1.12.2 Any and all rights and properties of whatever nature or description in, and/or arising from,
and/or in connection with, any of the World Bowling Championships (including any and all
goodwill associated therewith) shall be solely and exclusively owned and/or controlled by
World Bowling, including all advertising, sponsorships (including broadcast sponsorship),
merchandising, internet and licensing. The host shall be encouraged to recoup expenses that
are incurred by hosting a World Bowling Championship event through sponsorship and
marketing, media opportunities and spectators at the World Bowling Championships.
1.12.3 The World Bowling Executive Board shall determine the conditions of access to and the
conditions of any use of data relating to the World Bowling Championships and to the
competitions of the championships.
1.12.4 World Bowling shall manage and conduct the World Bowling championships as specified in
the relevant chapters of the World Bowling Rules.
1.12.5 Following the selection of the host, the World Bowling President or his designee shall:
a) Ensure that a written agreement with the host is prepared and executed.
b) Maintain periodic contact with the host to ensure that all of the host’s obligations can be
achieved.
c) Report the status of the pending Championships to the World Bowling member
Federations at least annually.
d) Report the status of the pending Championships at all Executive Board meetings.
e) Maintain periodic contact with the Federation whose jurisdiction includes the host, to
ensure appropriate involvement of the Federation.
1.13 Zone championships
1.13.1 The format of the Zone championships is to be decided by each zone.
1.13.2 Details to be decided by member federations at the Zone Congress.
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1.14 International tournaments
1.14.1 International tournaments which are organized and conducted by member federations and in
which members of two or more World Bowling zones are invited, shall be approved by the World
Bowling.
The fees required for approving such tournaments shall be decided by the Executive Board.
1.15 Rules for championships and tournaments
1.15.1 Rules and equipment specifications for the World and Zone Championships and for
approved international tournaments shall be defined in the World Bowling Statutes and
Playing Rules.
1.16 Rules against doping and betting
1.16.1 The World Bowling Anti-Doping Rules are approved by the World Bowling Executive Board
and apply to all tenpin bowling championships/tournaments approved by World Bowling,
World Bowling Zones or World Bowling member federations. The World Bowling Anti-Doping
Rules also apply for all licensed athletes for tests in or out of competition.
1.16.2 An athlete or member of the team, such as coach or team manager, must not himself/herself
nor through a representative, bet on a World Championships and/or World Bowling approved
tournaments where he/she participates. The sanction for violence against this rule may be up
to two years suspension.
1.17 Amendments
1.17.1 The World Bowling Statutes and Playing Rules may be altered at any Congress as follows
a) Upon written proposals submitted to the Secretary General at least three months in
advance to the Congress where it is to be considered
b) Notice of such proposal is distributed to all member federations at least two months prior
to the meeting.
c) A proposal to change the World Bowling Statues (Chapter 1) is adopted by two-third
(2/3) majority vote at the Congress.
d) A proposal to change the World Bowling Playing Rules (Chapter 2 and the following
chapters) is adopted by simple majority vote at the Congress
e) When a written notice of proposals is not given, it may be considered provided the
Congress agrees by a two-third (2/3) majority vote to do so
If issues are not covered by World Bowling Statues and Playing rules Roberts Rules of Order
will be effective
1.18 By-laws (operation procedures)
1.18.1 The World Bowling Executive Board may adopt and enforce by a majority vote by-laws,
which are not inconsistent with the World Bowling Statutes and Playing Rules. The By-Laws
may become effective immediately and are subject to ratification by the World Bowling
Congress at its next meeting.
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1.18.2 To ensure the orderly operation of the organization, the World Bowling Executive Board may
modify existing World Bowling Statutes and Playing rules by three-fourth (3/4) affirmative
vote. Such changes may become effective immediately and are subject to ratification by the
World Bowling Congress at its next meeting.
1.19 Dissolution
1.19.1 World Bowling shall not be dissolved except at a special meeting of the Congress convened
upon three months’ notice for the purpose and by a resolution adopted by a four-fifth (4/5)
majority vote of the votes cast.
1.19.2 In the event of such dissolution and after payment of its financial obligations, any remaining
assets are to be divided among the member federations in relation to the last year's
membership fee.
1.20 Revisions
1.20.1 These Statutes were adopted by the WTBA/World Bowling Congress in 1979 and amended
in 1983, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011,
2013, 2015, 2017 and 2018.
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2. Universal playing rules
2.1 Game definitions
2.1.1 A game of tenpins consists of ten frames. A player delivers two balls in each of the first nine
frames unless a strike is scored. In the tenth frame, a player delivers three balls if a strike or
spare is scored. Every frame must be completed by each player bowling in regular order.
2.1.2 Except when a strike is scored, the number of pins knocked down by the player’s first
delivery is to be marked in the small square in the upper left-hand corner of that frame, and
the number of pins knocked down by the player’s second delivery is to be marked in the
upper right-hand corner. If none of the standing pins are knocked down by the second
delivery in the frame, the score sheet shall be marked with a (-). The count for the two
deliveries in the frame shall be recorded immediately.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
X X X 7 2 (8) / F 9 X 7 / 9 - X X 8
30 57 76 85 95 104 124 143 152 180
2.1.3 A strike is made when a full setup of pins is knocked down with the first delivery in a frame. It
is marked by an (X) in the small square in the upper left-hand corner of the frame where it
was made. The count for one strike is 10 plus the number of pins knocked down on the
player’s next two deliveries.
2.1.4 Two consecutive strikes is a double. The count for the first strike is 20 plus the number of
pins knocked down with the first delivery following the second strike.
2.1.5 Three successive strikes is a triple. The count for the first strike is 30. To bowl the maximum
score of 300, the player must bowl 12 strikes in succession.
2.1.6 A spare is scored when pins left standing after the first delivery are knocked down with the
second delivery in that frame. It is marked by a (/) in the small square in the upper right-hand
corner of the frame. The count for a spare is 10 plus the number of pins knocked down by
the player’s next delivery.
2.1.7 When a player fails to bowl down all ten pins after two deliveries in a frame, unless the pins
left standing after the first delivery constitute a split, it is called an open frame.
2.1.8 A split (normally marked with an O around the number of pins) is a setup of pins left,
standing after the first delivery, provided the head pin is down and:
a) At least one pin is down between two or more standing pins; i.e. 7-9 or 3-10
b) At least one pin is down immediately ahead of two or more standing pins; 5-6
2.2 Style of play

2.2.1 Dual lane style
a) A game shall be played on two lanes (a pair) immediately adjoining each other.
b) Members of competing teams, trios, doubles and individual entrants shall successively
and in regular order bowl one frame on one lane, and for the next frame alternate and
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use the other lane until five frames are bowled on each lane of the pair.
2.2.2 Single lane style
a) A game shall be played on one lane.
b) Members of competing teams, trios, doubles and individual entrants shall successively
and in regular order bowl one frame on one lane until 10 frames are bowled on the lane.
2.2.3 The rules for each specific tournament shall specify which style of play that applies.
2.3 Legal pin fall

2.3.1 A legal delivery is made when the ball leaves the player’s possession and crossed the foul
line into playing territory.
2.3.2 Every delivery counts unless a dead ball is declared.
2.3.3 A delivery must be made entirely by manual means.
2.3.4 No device may be incorporated in or affixed to the ball that detaches on delivery or is a
moving part during delivery.
2.3.5 A player may use special equipment to aid in grasping and delivering the ball if it is in place
of a hand or major portion thereof lost by amputation or otherwise.
2.3.6 Pins following a legal delivery - to be credited to a player, to be termed dead wood and to be
removed before the next delivery - shall include
a) Pins knocked down or off the pin deck by the ball or another pin
b) Pins knocked down or off the pin deck by a pin rebounding from a side partition or rear
cushion
c) Pins knocked down or off the pin deck by a pin rebounding from the sweep bar when it is
at rest on the pin deck before sweeping dead wood from the pin deck
d) Pins that lean and touch the kickback or side partition
2.4 Illegal pin fall

2.4.1 When any of the following occur the delivery counts but the resulting pin fall does not
a) A ball leaves the lane before reaching the pins
b) A ball rebounds from the rear cushion
c) A pin rebounds after coming in contact with the body, arms or legs of a human pinsetter
d) A pin is touched by mechanical pin setting equipment
e) Any pin knocked down when dead wood is being removed
f) Any pin knocked down by a human pinsetter
g) The player commits a foul
h) A delivery is made with dead wood on the lane or in the gutter and the ball contacts such
dead wood before leaving the lane surface
2.4.2 If illegal pin fall occurs and the player is entitled to additional deliveries in the frame, the pin
or pins illegally knocked down must be re-spotted where they originally stood.
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2.5 Other pin actions
2.5.1 When bowling at a full setup or to make a spare, if it is discovered immediately after the
delivery that one or more pins are set improperly, but not missing, the delivery and resulting
pin fall counts. It is each player’s responsibility to determine if a setup is correct. The player
shall insist that any pin or pins incorrectly set be re-spotted before delivering the ball,
otherwise the setup is deemed to be acceptable.
2.5.2 No change can be made in the position of any pins left standing after a delivery. That is, pins
that are moved or misplaced by a mechanical pinsetter shall remain in the moved or
misplaced position and shall not be corrected manually.
2.5.3 Pins that rebound and stand on the lane must be counted as standing pins.
2.5.4 No pins may be conceded and only those actually knocked down or moved entirely off the
playing surface of the lane as a result of a legal delivery may be counted.
2.5.5 Should a pin be broken or otherwise badly damaged during the game, it shall be replaced at
once by another as nearly uniform in weight and condition with the set in use. The tournament
officials shall determine whether pins shall be replaced.
2.6 Dead ball
2.6.1 A ball shall be declared dead if any of the following occur

a) After a delivery (and before the next delivery on the same lane), attention is immediately
called to the fact that one or more pins were missing from the setup.
b) A human pinsetter interferes with any standing pin before the ball reaches the pins
c) A human pinsetter removes or interferes with any downed pin before it stops rolling
d) A player bowls on the wrong lane or out of turn. Or one player from each team on the
pair of lanes bowls on the wrong lane
e) A player is physically interfered with by another player, spectator or moving object or by
the pinsetter as the ball is being delivered and before delivery is completed. In such
case, the player has the option to accept the resulting pin fall or have a dead ball
declared
f) Any pin is moved or knocked down as a player delivers the ball but before the ball
reaches the pins
g) A delivered ball comes in contact with a foreign obstacle.
2.6.2 When a dead ball is called, the delivery does not count. The pins standing when the dead
ball occurred must be re-spotted and the player allowed re-bowling the delivery.
2.7 Bowling on wrong lane

2.7.1 A ball shall be declared dead and the player or players required re-bowling on the correct
lane if no more than a total of 4 individual frames have been bowled on a pair of lanes by the
players for Singles, Doubles, Trios and Team.
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2.7.2 If more than four individual frames have been bowled on the wrong lane, that game will be
completed without adjustment. Any succeeding game must be started on the correctly
scheduled lane.
2.8 Foul definitions

2.8.1 A foul occurs when a part of the player’s person encroaches on or goes beyond the foul line
and touches any part of the lane, equipment or building during or after a delivery.
2.8.2 A ball is in play after a delivery until the same or another player is on the approach in position
to make a succeeding delivery.
2.8.3 When a player deliberately fouls to benefit by the calling of a foul, the player shall be credited
with zero pin fall for that delivery and not allowed further deliveries in that frame.
2.8.4 When a foul recorded the delivery counts but the player is not credited with any pins knocked
down by that delivery. Pins knocked down by the ball when the foul occurred must be
respotted if the player who fouled is entitled to additional deliveries in the frame.
2.8.5 A foul shall be declared and recorded if the automatic foul detecting device or foul judge fails
to call a foul that is apparent to
a) Both team captains or one or more of the opposing players
b) The official score keepers
c) A tournament official
2.8.6 No appeal shall be allowed when a foul is called unless

a) It is proved that the automatic device is not operating properly
b) There is preponderance of evidence the player did not foul
2.9 Provisional ball
2.9.1 A provisional ball or frame shall be bowled by a player when a protest involving a foul, legal
pin fall or a dead ball is made and cannot be resolved by the tournament officials.
2.9.2 When a dispute occurs on a player’s first delivery in any frame, or on the second delivery in
the tenth frame after a strike on the first delivery
a) If the dispute is over whether the player fouled, the player shall complete the frame and
then bowl one provisional ball at a full setup of pins
b) If the dispute involves alleged illegal pin fall, the player shall complete the frame and
then bowl one provisional ball at the setup that would have remained standing had the
disputed pin(s) not fallen
c) If the dispute is over whether a dead ball should have been declared, the player shall
complete the frame and then bowl a complete provisional frame.
2.9.3 When a dispute occurs on a spare attempt, or on the third delivery in the tenth frame, no
provisional ball is necessary unless the dispute is over whether a dead ball should have been
declared. In that case a provisional ball shall be bowled at the same setup, which was
standing when the disputed ball was bowled.
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2.10 Bowling ball, altering surface
2.10.1 Any use of chemicals must be on the ‘Acceptable list” as listed on World Bowling website;
www.worldbowling.org. A full, up to date list of these products is available at World Bowling
website includes anything listed in the "Acceptable during certified competition" sections. It is
not allowed to use anything listed in the "Products Containing Solids or Abrasives" section nor
anything listed in the "Not acceptable at any time" sections. The ball must be wiped clean
after any cleaning.
2.11 Approaches must not be defaced
2.11.1 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.
2.11.2 This includes, but is not limited to, such substances as talcum powder, pumice and resin on
shoes; also soft rubber soles or heels that rub off on the approach are prohibited.
2.12 Errors in scoring
2.12.1 Errors in scoring or errors in calculation must be corrected by a responsible tournament

official immediately upon discovery of such error. Questionable errors shall be decided upon
by the designated official.
2.12.2 The time limit for filing protests on scoring errors shall be one hour from the end of the event
or block of games for each day of tournament, but must be before the prize presentation or
the commencement of the next round (in an elimination event), whichever is the sooner.
2.12.3 Each protest under this rule must be specific in itself and this rule shall not be construed to
cover a previous or similar violation.
2.13 Additional tournament information
2.13.1 A tournament may have a rule limiting the number of re-racks a player may have in a game
and/or block or series.
2.13.2 A tournament may have a rule to cover tardy players.
2.13.3 A tournament may have a rule addressing unfair tactics by a player.
2.13.4 The tournament management should make provision for enforcement and penalty, if any,
for violations.
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3. World Bowling approved international tournaments
3.1 Introduction
3.1.1 This chapter includes requirements and procedures that shall apply to tournaments approved
or recognized by World Bowling.
3.1.2 World Bowling approval of a tournament means that it is open for participation by athletes
who are individual members of World Bowling member federations.
3.1.3 Approval shall not be granted to any tournament, which implies by its title that the winners
shall be designated as World Champions, World Tenpin Champions or World Bowling
Champions. A member federation shall not permit its members to participate in tournaments
using such titles.
3.1.4 Rules 3.3 - 3.10 apply only to World Bowling Approved Tournaments.
3.2 Definition of tournaments
3.2.1 World Bowling Approved Tournaments

a) A World Bowling Approved Tournament is open for athletes from federations from two or
more Zones.
b) A Tournament cannot be open for athletes from more than the Zone, where the
tournament takes place, unless World Bowling approval is given.
c) To achieve World Bowling approval the tournament needs to be approved in advance by
both the national federation where the tournament takes place and the Zone of the
national federation.
3.2.2 World Bowling Recognized Tournaments

a) In addition to World Bowling approval of tournaments, the World Bowling Executive
Board can recognize other tournaments with participation of athletes, who are members
of World Bowling member federations, such as multi-sport games and tournaments
organized for a certain group of athletes.
b) In order for a tournament to be World Bowling recognized all rules specified in Chapter
2, 10, 11 and 12 must be met.
3.2.3 Affinity Tournaments

a) There are also other tournaments organized for specific groups of people, such as events
for persons belonging to a trade union, an organization for disabled persons, etc.
b) If such tournaments have not been approved or recognized by World Bowling, it is the
responsibility of the national federation to decide whether their members are allowed to
participate. In that case World Bowling has no responsibility to protect the rights of
athletes participating or to accept any appeals related to such tournaments.
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3.3 Eligibility
3.3.1 Athletes participating in sanctioned tournaments must be certified by their respective national
federation. The federation must not be under suspension by World Bowling.
3.3.2 An athlete must not be under suspension by any World Bowling member federation.
3.3.3 Athletes from countries, whose federation is not a member of World Bowling, may participate
not more than twice within 24 months following the first entry in a World Bowling or a Zone
Approved Tournament.
3.4 Approval fee

3.4.1 The fee for receiving World Bowling approval is USD 100 in addition to fees for receiving
approvals at the national and the Zone level.
3.4.2 The fee will be collected by the Zone of the organizer together with the fee of the Zone
approval and send to World Bowling in the first week of each quarter.
3.4.3 Once a tournament is approved by World Bowling there will be no refund in case the
tournament is cancelled.
3.5 Approval requirements

3.5.1 Playing Rules
a) The Universal Playing Rules specified in Chapter 2 shall apply
b) The tournament rules shall include a paragraph that covers tie-breaking procedures
c) The tournament rules should include a rule covering the rights and obligations of the
athletes when they step on the approach to deliver a ball. It should also include a
penalty statement in case the rule is not observed
d) The tournament rules should include a rule, which gives the tournament management
the right to authorize the completion of a game on another pair of lanes when equipment
failure would cause serious delay of the schedule
e) It is recommended that the tournament rules include a dress code. In principle most
international tournaments are individual tournaments and the athlete has the right to
wear his shirt but he can also accept an offer from the host to use a sponsor shirt or
badge(s) from the host sponsor
3.5.2 Score keeping
a) All games bowled in the tournament shall be recorded, either manually or by means of
an approved automatic scoring device
b) The score sheets shall indicate the pin fall on each ball so that if necessary a frame-by-
frame audit can be made
c) A tournament game, or frame(s) within a game, that is irretrievably lost in the scoring
system may be re-bowled with the approval of the tournament management.
3.5.3 Smoking and drinking
a) The athletes must not use tobacco products
b) The athletes must not consume alcohol or be under the influence of alcohol
For a) and b) i.e. during the entire period of a block of games.
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World Bowling
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3.5.4 Tournament management

a) A World Bowling approved tournament must have a qualified tournament management,
which has sufficient knowledge of the applicable rules and has sufficient resources to be
able to organize the tournament.
b) Acceptable tournament organizers are
- A Zone
- A national federation
- Any sub-organization, which according to national rules belongs to a national
federation
- An individual person, who is a member of a national federation
- An external organizer, who is accepted by the national federation, in this case the
national federation must take the full responsibility that all rules and obligations will be
met.
3.5.5 Certification and equipment specifications

a) The lanes shall have been inspected and certified by the national federation in reasonable
time before the start of the tournament
b) The lanes on which the competition is to be held must meet the specifications stated in
Chapter 10
c) The bowling pins used during competition shall meet the specifications stated in Chapter
11
d) The tournament management may adopt and use any automatic foul detecting device
approved by World Bowling. When none is available, a foul judge must be stationed in a
position to have an unobstructed view of the foul line. Should a foul detecting device
become temporarily inoperative, the tournament officials shall assign a foul judge or
authorize the official score keepers to call fouls
3.6 Procedure for World Bowling approval of tournaments
3.6.1 The tournament organizer shall in the form in use to apply for Zone approval (a Tournament
Application) indicate that the organizer in addition to Zone approval wants World Bowling
approval. The organizer shall send the Tournament Application and the tournament rules by
e-mail to the national federation.
3.6.2 The national federation shall review the application and the tournament rules to make sure
that all requirements are met. After approval, the application shall be sent by e-mail to the
Zone of the national federation.
3.6.3 The Zone shall review the application and the tournament rules to make sure that all
requirements are met. After approval, the application shall be sent by e-mail to the World
Bowling Secretary General. At the same time a letter of Zone approval will be sent to the
national federation and to the tournament organizer. Furthermore the tournament calendar
on the Zone website will be updated with the tournament information indicating the Zone
approved status and the pending World Bowling status.
3.6.4 The World Bowling Secretary General shall review the application. If all requirements are
met, a letter of World Bowling approval will be sent to the national federation, the Zone of the
federation and to the tournament organizer.
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World Bowling
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3.6.5 On Zone receipt of the World Bowling approval letter the status of the tournament will be
changed from Zone approved to World Bowling approved in the tournament calendar at the
Zone website.
3.6.6 The Zone will invoice the World Bowling approval fee to the national federation.
3.7 Obligations and liabilities

3.7.1 It is the responsibility of the athletes to
a) Make sure that the tournament has been duly approved before entering
b) Be aware of the penalties, which apply when entering in an unapproved tournament
c) Be able to show identity evidence, either in the form of a valid license card or a
certification letter issued by the national federation
3.7.2 It is the responsibility of the tournament organizer to

a) Fill in and submit the relevant Zone Tournament Application
b) Guarantee that all requirements specified in 3.5 will be met
c) As a minimum publish the following information in the invitation/announcement of the
tournament.
d) Make provisions for the availability on call of proper medical care and first aid treatment
e) Check the identity of all athletes entering the tournament
f) Make sure that the eligibility requirements are met
g) Make sure that the playing rules are followed
h) Latest one week after the conclusion of the tournament publish a complete results list of
the tournament
3.7.3 It is the responsibility of the national federation to

a) Process the Zone Tournament Application and make sure that all requirements will be
met
b) Make sure that the Tournament Management has sufficient knowledge about the rules
and obligations
c) Submit a written report to the Zone and World Bowling explaining the problem and
actions taken in case of problems related to the tournament
3.7.4 It is the responsibility of the Zone to

a) Process any Zone Tournament Application within two weeks after it has been received
from the national federation
b) Update the Tournament Calendar at the Zone website within two weeks after the Zone
approval of a tournament
c) Keep the Tournament Calendar at the Zone website up to date when corrections of
tournament information are received from national federations and/or World Bowling
d) Advice the national federations to inform their athletes not to take part in tournaments
where it is known that the organiser fails to follow the requirements for an approved
tournament
e) The Zone has the right to refuse approval of a tournament if the organizer has previously
failed to meet the requirements
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World Bowling
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3.7.5 It is the responsibility of World Bowling to

a) Process any Tournament Application within two weeks after it has been received from
the Zone
b) Inform the Zone, the national federation and the organizer when a tournament is
approved by World Bowling
c) Advice the national federations to inform their athletes not to take part in tournaments
where it is known that the organiser fails to follow the requirements for an approved
tournament
d) World Bowling has the right to refuse approval of a tournament if the organizer has
previously failed to meet the requirements
e) The World Bowling approval of a tournament does not mean that World Bowling can be
made liable for any financial disputes or claims, which may occur
3.8 Penalties
3.8.1 An athlete failing to observe the rules shall be warned by an authorized tournament official
with a yellow card for first offence (no penalty).
3.8.2 For a second offence in the same tournament, the athlete shall be disqualified from the
tournament, and will not be allowed to participate in World Bowling or Zone tournaments /
championships for 90 days.
3.8.3 All offences shall immediately be reported by the tournament management to the World
Bowling Secretary General for further action.
3.8.4 Athletes participating in unapproved tournaments, which require approval, as described
herein, may be subject to penalty (for instance denial to participate in tournaments for a
stated period) given by World Bowling and/or the national federation of the athlete.
3.9 Protests
3.9.1 Protests involving eligibility or universal playing rules must be confirmed in writing to a
responsible tournament official not later than 24 hours after the game in which the infraction
occurred or before prize presentation, whichever is the sooner.+
3.9.2 When a protest involving a foul or the legality of pin fall is entered, an official representative
of the parties involved may be present when evidence is taken relative to the protest.
3.10 Appeal procedures

3.10.1 Any appeal from the decision of tournament management shall, within one week, be directed
to the national federation within whose jurisdiction the tournament was conducted.
3.10.2 The national federation shall, within two weeks, review the appeal and make its decision.
Copies of the decision shall be sent to the appellant, the Zone of the federation and to World
Bowling.
3.10.3 An appeal of that decision may be directed to the World Bowling Executive Board within two
weeks, and its decision shall be final. The appellant, the national federation and the Zone of
the federation will be notified by World Bowling of the decision within 30 days.
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World Bowling
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4. World championships, principle rules
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1 The following principal rules apply to the World Bowling Championships; however, similar
procedures shall be followed by the Zones for the conduct of Zone Championships.
4.1.2 Chapter 5-8 covers the rules, which in addition to these principal rules are specific for each
championship.
4.1.3 World Bowling shall operate the World Bowling Championships in accordance with the
published rules and regulations.
4.2 World Bowling official competitions
4.2.1 The following are the official names of the World Bowling Championships
a) World Bowling Championships for Men
b) World Bowling Championships for Women
c) World Bowling Championships for Men and Women
d) World Bowling Single Championships for Men and Women
e) World Bowling Championships for Youth
f) World Bowling Championships for Senior
g) World Bowling Championships for Junior
h) American Zone Bowling Championships
i) Asian Zone Bowling Championships
j) European Zone Bowling Championships
4.2.2 The official names shall be used for all descriptions of these events, though the following
abbreviated names may be used for marketing purposes
a) World Women Championships (WWC)
b) World Men Championships (WMC)
c) World Championships (WC) (Comment: Men and Women together)
d) World Single Championships (WSC)
e) World Youth Championships (WYC)
f) World Senior Championships (WSrC)
g) World Junior Championships (WJC)
and corresponding for Zone Championships
4.3 Application to host championships
4.3.1 Selection of the host of the World Bowling championships shall be made by the Executive
Board.
4.3.2 In selection of a host, the Executive Board shall consider the best interests of the World
Bowling and its member Federations, including, but not limited to, the following:
a) Location
b) Dates, being mindful that the adult World Bowling Championships are recommended for
the last half of August/first part of September
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World Bowling
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c) Availability of one Bowling Center sufficient to hold the World Bowling Championships,
including number and type of lanes; exclusivity during competition; and assurance of
compliance with all World Bowling specifications.
d) Availability of hotels, including price, meeting room space and travel time to the bowling
center. It is the host’s obligation to offer enough space in official hotels at acceptable prices
e) Host’s ability to cultivate local support and communication programs including outside
media, spectator and sponsorship interest.
f) Host’s guarantees, including financial guarantees, and the source(s) of such guarantees.
g) The expertise of the federation whose jurisdiction includes the host to assist in the
coordination and management of the championships
4.3.3 In selecting a host for the World Bowling Championships World Bowling shall insure:
a) Transportation for the official delegation members, including airport, hotel and bowling
center needs.
b) Determining the size of the delegation, at a minimum being:
1) Six male and/or six female athletes (for World Youth and World Senior
Championships four of each gender and World Single and World Junior
Championships two of each gender).
2) One coach for male athletes and one coach for female athletes.
3) One administrator for a male team and one administrator for a female team.
4) Elected and accredited delegates to World Bowling meetings held in conjunction
with the championships.
c) Adequate drug testing facilities.
d) Certified medical personnel on call.
e) Badges of accreditation for members of official delegation and media.
f) Media facilities with appropriate telephone, email, facsimile, high speed internet and
other communication services.
4.3.4 Financial considerations

World Bowling shall be permitted to collect:
a) A registration fee from each member of an official delegation.
b) A congress fee for delegates with vote and for additional congress delegates to cover
congress expenses. The amount of the Congress fees to be decided by World Bowling
Executive Board.
World Bowling may present special awards in one or more events.
4.3.5 All hosts bidding for championships must do their utmost to ensure that all member
federations can participate
4.4 Equipment
4.4.1 All equipment, which is to be used for the championships, shall meet the requirements
specified in Chapter 9, 10 and 11.
4.4.2 If the lanes are constructed of wood, they must have been sanded and resurfaced within the
immediate six months prior to the competition. This requirement may be waived by the World
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World Bowling
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Bowling President for World Championships and by the Zone President for the Zone
Championships if deemed necessary.
4.4.3 New pins or pins of not more than 300 games shall be used. Two sets of pins shall be used
in each automatic pin setting machine.
4.5 Inspection certification

4.5.1 Approximately six months before the start of the championships (as soon as possible
following the required resurfacing of wood lanes), the World Bowling Technical Delegate
shall inspect and certify the lanes.
4.5.2 A detailed report of the inspection shall be submitted to the bowling centre management, the
World Bowling President and the host federation.
4.5.3 An agreement shall be signed by the bowling centre management to correct eventual
discrepancies by a date prior to the start of the championships as determined by World
Bowling.
4.6 Lane dressing procedures
4.6.1 The general goal for all competition shall be to achieve a fair and equitable scoring condition,
which places a premium on athlete accuracy and consistency.
4.6.2 In conjunction with the inspection of the lanes the World Bowling Technical Delegate shall
take into account lane wear and topography while testing, selecting and adjusting the lane
dressing pattern to be used during the championships.
a) In WWC, WMC. WC, WSrC, WSC, WYC and WJC one (1) lane condition shall be
selected from one of the two oiling pattern categories. A bank of patterns shall be
available to the Technical Delegate by the Technical Committee Chairperson. The
bank shall consist of multiple patterns in each of 2 oiling pattern categories – Bank 30
(33'-39') and Bank 40 (40'-47').
The category selected shall be announced at least 120 days in advance of the
tournament. The final selected oil-pattern will be published at the Team Managers
meeting.
Any adjustments shall be made to ensure the original integrity of the pattern is upheld.
These adjustments will be approved by the Technical Delegate in association with the
Lane Maintenance Provider and may include mic-stream adjustment, buff speed
adjustment and/or pattern length adjustment of +/- 1’.
4.6.3 The World Bowling Technical Delegate shall liaise with the bowling centre staff and instruct
them in regard to the lane dressing procedures to be followed.
4.6.4 The lane pattern to be used during the championships shall be circulated to all member
federations at the Team Managers meeting.The pattern used for unofficial practice shall not be
the official tournament pattern.
4.6.5 All of the patterns in the 2 oiling pattern categories will be available to every member
federation. They will be reviewed and posted annually by the World Bowling Technical
Committee. Any changes or additions will be included into the appropriate category and
posted by January 15th of each year and be made available to all member federations.
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World Bowling
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4.6.6 The Tournament Technical Committee shall follow the lane dressing procedures established
by the World Bowling Technical Delegate and shall verify that the same procedures are
followed on a daily basis during the competition.
4.6.7 Whenever it is available and after agreement with the proprietor a LaneMap Guide will be
published on championship website.
4.6.8 The Zones will decide on the implementation date for the Zone Championships.
4.7 Information and entry procedures
4.7.1 World Bowling, or a host appointed by World Bowling, will by email circulate a sufficient
championship information package (a Bulletin) in due time before the championships.
4.7.2 The content of the Bulletin will, together with all later information updates, be published at the
championship website.
4.7.3 If deemed necessary, more Bulletins can be circulated by email closer to the beginning of the
championships.
4.7.4 The first bulletin will include an entry form, in which an entry deadline is indicated.
4.7.5 By submitting the entry form, the federation is accepting to enter the championships with the
number of athletes stipulated in the form. When the entry deadline is passed, the entry is
binding for the federation and penalty fees may be invoiced by the host in case of any later
changes (see 4.8).
4.8 Late changes and withdrawals
4.8.1 Already paid entry fees will not be refunded after the entry deadline is passed.
4.8.2 The host may accept that a federation, which has entered before deadline, can add more
athletes.
4.8.3 A federation will not be allowed to participate in future world championships, until they have
paid the original entry fees, invoiced by the host.
4.9 Eligibility
4.9.1 To be eligible to enter athletes in World Bowling championships, federations must be current
with their World Bowling and Zone membership fees.
4.9.2 Any athlete in the World Bowling championships must be a national of the country of the
World Bowling member federation, which is entering him (subject to the exceptions below).
4.9.3 All disputes relating to the determination of the country which an athlete may represent in the
World Bowling championships shall be resolved by the World Bowling Executive Board.
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World Bowling
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4.9.4 Exceptions
a) An athlete who is a national of two or more countries at the same time may represent
either one of them, as he may elect. However, after having represented one country in
the Olympic Games, in world, continental or regional games or in world or regional
championships recognized by the World Bowling, he may not represent another country
unless he meets the conditions set forth below that apply to persons who have changed
their nationality or acquired a new nationality.
b) An athlete who has represented one country in the Olympic Games, in world, continental
or regional games or in world or regional championships recognized by the World
Bowling, and who has changed his nationality or acquired a new nationality, may
participate in the World Bowling Championships to represent his new country provided
that at least three years have passed since the athlete last represented his former
country. This period may be reduced or even cancelled by the World Bowling Executive
Board, with the agreement of the athlete’s National Olympic Committee and national
bowling federation, which takes into account the circumstances of each case.
c) If an associated state, province or overseas department, a country or colony acquires
independence, if a country becomes incorporated within another country by reason of a
change of border, if a country merges with another country or if a new member
federation is recognized by the World Bowling, an athlete may continue to represent the
country to which he belongs or belonged. However, he may, if he prefers, choose to
represent his country or be entered in the World Bowling Championships by his new
World Bowling member federation if one exists. This particular exception may be made
only once.
d) Furthermore, in all cases in which a competitor would be eligible to participate in World
Championships, either by representing another country than his or by having the choice
as to the country which such competitor intends to represent, the World Bowling
Executive Board may take all decisions of a general or individual nature with regard to
issues resulting from nationality, citizenship, domicile or residence of any competitor,
including the duration of any waiting period.
4.9.5 Age Eligibility for World Championships

a) For WYC and WJC the athlete must have reached the age of 13 years on 1 January in
the year of the championship
b) For WWC, WMC, WC and WSC the athlete must have reached the age of 15 years on
1 January in the year of the championship
c) For WSrC the athletes must be 50 years of age or above in the year of the championship
4.10 Bowling ball, altering surface
4.10.1 Bowling ball surface adjustments by hand are acceptable between games provided they are
done in the designated area and that the adjustment procedure does not delay the athlete’s
next turn. Use of chemicals see 2.10.1.
4.10.2 Altering the surface of the bowling ball, besides what is mentioned in 4.10.1, is allowed in a
designated area only during the official practice session, during the practice session
immediately preceding a competition round, and between competition rounds.
Altering the surface of the bowling ball during a game is not allowed.
If the surface is adjusted during a game the penalty is zero pinfall in that game
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World Bowling
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4.11 Bowling ball procedure

4.11.1 Only bowling balls manufactured on or after January 1, 1991 that are on the USBC approved
ball list latest the day the tournament starts are allowed for use in sanctioned World Bowling
competition.
The online list may be found at World Bowling website www.worldbowling.org and will be
available during all world events.
Acceptance of manufactured balls prior to the inception of the USBC ball list for use in
competition shall not be allowed.
4.11.2 Altering the surface of the bowling ball is allowed per rule 4.10.1.
During a stepladder final format, each match is considered a competition round.
4.11.3 Registration bowling balls
a) Each athlete will be permitted to register a maximum of 6 bowling balls during the
tournament. Prior to the start of the Official Practice the bowling balls to be used during
competition shall be inspected and registered. The inspection shall include but not be
limited to:
i. Eligibility of the ball as specified in the list of approved bowling balls published
latest the day the tournament starts
ii. Serial number
iii. Visual inspection with regard to material, surface, plugs, etc.
b) Immediately following the official practice (latest one hour after the last practice session)
registration shall be made of the bowling balls to be used during the championship
events.
c) Additions of maximum two bowling balls to the athletes’ bowling ball list shall be allowed
(up to the maximum of 6) throughout the tournament provided they pass rule 4.11.1
above.
d) In addition to the foregoing, a maximum of one ball previously registered may be
removed from play during the Championships, and replaced by another ball not
previously registered, upon notice to the Technical Delegate. Once this exchange
process occurs the ball removed may not be returned to play
e) Additions to a athlete’s bowling ball list shall be made no later than 1 hour prior to the
start of the event where the additional bowling ball(s) will be used
f) No modifications of a bowling ball shall be permitted apart from the altering of the
surface as described above
g) In very special circumstances the Tournament Technical Committee may allow a
replacement of a registered bowling ball.
4.11.4 Each day during the events random inspection of the bowling balls may be performed. The
Tournament Technical Committee shall decide on the number of balls and the athletes,
which shall be randomly selected. The inspection shall be limited to a visual inspection of the
serial number of the balls and the size and number of the balance holes (refer rule 11.14.3).
4.11.5 The penalties for violation of the rule above are for a serial number and/or a number of
balance holes violation
a) Daily random inspection, zero score for the event in which the failed inspection was
performed
b) Medalists, zero score for the event
c) Masters Finals, disqualification and all scores null and void.
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World Bowling
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If a ball is in violation regarding the size of the balance hole, the ball shall be removed from
play and cannot be used again until the balance hole complies. No additional balls may be
added to the bowling ball list.
4.11.6 A maximum of five gripping holes are allowed in a bowling ball. The athlete must be able to
reach each set of finger holes (not all four simultaneously) while using the thumb hole. Any
hole, which cannot be reached, is considered a balance hole. The ball must be balanced
twice when one set of finger holes are for fingertip and the other set for conventional grip.
4.11.7 When delivering the ball the athlete must have his/her thumb in or over the thumb hole. It
may not be 180 degrees away from the thumb hole
4.11.8 It is not permissible to use resin/powder products anywhere outside of designated area in
any World Bowling event. The tournament manager shall/will designate such an area
4.12 Tournament management
4.12.1 The host shall select a manager (coordinator) for the tournament. He and his designated
representatives shall supervise and direct the tournament. This shall include responsibility to
the Tournament Technical Committee, Referees, compliance with the World Bowling Rules
and otherwise with the codes of conduct of the World Bowling
4.12.2 The Tournament Technical Committee for World Championships shall consist of
a) The World Bowling Tournament Director
b) The World Bowling Technical Delegate
c) The Host Tournament Coordinator
4.12.3 The World Bowling Tournament Director is the chairman of the committee and is especially
responsible for matters related to the World Bowling Rules. He is appointed by the World
Bowling President and can be from the same Zone but must come from another federation
than the host’s federation.
4.12.4 The World Bowling Technical Delegate is responsible for all matters related to the lanes,
machines, scoring systems etc., and is solely responsible for deciding the lane dressing
procedures. He is appointed by the World Bowling President and must come from another
federation than the host’s federation.
4.12.5 A lane maintenance technician separate from the technical delegate will be appointed to do
lane maintenance and dressing procedures as directed by the technical delegate. He is
appointed by the WB President.
4.12.6 For Zone Championships, the members of the Tournament Technical Committee shall each
be from a different country. The Zone President shall appoint the Zone Tournament Director
and the Zone Technical Delegate
4.12.7 The Tournament Technical Committee shall act as advisory body to the World Bowling with
regard to the operation of the competition.
4.12.8 The Tournament Technical Committee is responsible for handling appeals against decisions
taken by the Referees.
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World Bowling
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4.12.9 The Referees are appointed by the tournament manager and are responsible for enforcing all
the provisions of the World Bowling Rules and those provisions of Chapter 5-8 that apply to
the actual World Bowling championships. In this capacity, the Referees shall circulate
behind the athletes’ seating area and observe the World Bowling championships for
conformance with the rules.
4.12.10 The President of World Bowling shall appoint a three-member Jury of Appeal for the World
Championships and each of the three Zones shall be represented on this body.
4.12.11 The President of the Zone shall appoint the Jury of Appeal for the Zone Championships and
three different federations must be represented on this body.
4.13 Pre-tournament meeting

4.13.1 Prior to the start of the official practice, a meeting shall be held to provide all necessary
information about the competition and related activities, and to answer questions.
4.13.2 The World Bowling President or designee shall chair the meeting.
4.13.3 The World Bowling Technical Delegate and the Host Tournament Manager shall attend the
meeting.
4.13.4 Participating federations may attend the meeting.
4.13.5 For Zone Championships the Zone President or designee shall chair the meeting.
4.14 Ceremonies
4.14.1 Opening Ceremony

a) The Opening Ceremony shall, at a minimum, include an athlete parade with flag display
and appropriate remarks as designated by the World Bowling President.
4.14.2 Award Ceremony

1. Medals shall be of consistent design and quality and shall have prior approval of the
World Bowling President.
2. The award ceremonies should be conducted after each event and preferably before the
commencement of the next event.
3. National anthems shall be played for the winners.
4. Medal presentations shall follow a plan established the World Bowling President.
5. The plan shall designate the dignitaries who will be accorded the honour of participating
in the presentations
4.14.3 Closing Ceremony

a. There shall be a Closing Ceremony that shall, at a minimum, include appropriate
remarks by the World Bowling President.
4.15 Anti-doping rules
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World Bowling
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4.15.1 Anti-doping regulations as appearing in the World Bowling Anti-Doping Rules will be
applicable for the World Bowling Championships.
4.15.2 Anti-doping regulations might appear in other championships as decided by the Executive
Board from time to time.
4.16 Drinking alcohol

4.16.1 Athletes must not consume alcohol or be under the influence of alcohol while in competition;
i.e. during the entire period of a block of games. The penalty for violation of this rule shall be
expulsion from the tournament
4.16.2 Athletes, coaches or administrators may not consume alcohol while wearing the standard
uniform of their national federation in the bowling centre during the period commencing with
the start of official practice through the completion of the Masters competition. The penalty
for violation of this rule shall be
- a warning for the first violation
- 100 USD for a second violation (paid by the federation before the next event) and
- for any subsequent violation, suspension for the duration of the Championships.
4.17 Smoking and using tobacco products
4.17.1 During championships smoking is not permitted in the bowling centre. However, it may be
allowed in a closed area, provided it does not affect the environment in the athlete's and
spectator's areas
4.17.2 Athletes and their coach/es must not smoke, use tobacco products or use any kind of
synthetic cigarettes or e-cigarettes while in competition; i.e. during the entire period of a
block of games.
4.17.3 The athlete penalty for smoking during a game will be zero pinfall for the game currently
being played. The penalty for smoking in between games will be zero pinfall for the
succeeding game. The penalty for the second offence by the same athlete shall be
exclusion from the rest of the championship by the Tournament Technical Committee
4.17.4 The coach penalty for smoking during a game shall be suspension from the block of games
in which he violated the rule. The penalty for a second violation is suspension from the rest
of the Championship
4.17.5 Athletes, coaches or administrators may not smoke, use tobacco products or any kind of
synthetic or e-cigarettes while wearing the standard uniform of their national federation
during the period commencing with the start of official practice through the completion of
the Masters competition. The penalty for violation of this rule shall be
- a warning for the first violation,
- 100 USD for a second violation (paid by the federation before the next event) and
- for any subsequent violation, suspension for the duration of the Championships.
4.18 Playing uniform, advertising
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World Bowling
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4.18.1 Athletes shall wear a standard uniform approved by their national federation. In a team event
(Doubles, Trios and Team) athletes of the same Doubles, Trios or Team must wear uniforms
of the same colour and type
4.18.2 The name of the country must appear on the back of the uniform. The name of the country
may be printed
- In English or in the country’s language
- As abbreviation recognized by IOC or ISO 2000 if no IOC abbreviation (abbreviations
published on website)
4.18.3 The following may appear on the uniform
a) Name of athlete
b) Logo of the country or member federation, which the athlete represents
c) Advertisement:. The number of advertisements is decided by each federation.
d) A place on all federations uniforms, situated on the left side of the breast, is reserved for
a World Bowling sponsor. No later than six months before the start of the championship
World Bowling has to inform all member federations if this right will be used by World
Bowling and provide all federations with an original design for printing
4.18.4 IOC rules should apply for tournaments conducted under the auspices of IOC
4.18.5 Coaches and officials in the athlete’s area should be in the uniform specified by the national
federation
4.19 Style of play

4.19.1 Match play style
a) In the match play style each athlete bowls two frames at a time
b) However, the athlete starting on the left (odd numbered) lane bowls one frame only
c) Thereafter both athletes bowl first on the right lane, then immediately bowl another frame
on the left lane
d) The athlete who bowled first will finish his game by bowling the tenth frame on the right
lane
e) When match play consists of more than one game, in succeeding games athletes
alternate in starting on the left lane
4.19.2 Baker format
a) In the Baker format, members of competing teams, trios and doubles successively and
in regular order bowl complete and consecutive frames within the same game.
b) They shall alternate lanes within the pair after each game.
4.19.3 Round Robin format
a) In the round robin the qualifying format of the event determines the number of athletes
who will advance to round robin competition
b) Each athlete bowls one match against every other athlete
c) Matches may consist of one or more games
d) A final position round match may be added. In a position round pairings are determined
by the position in which an athlete finished the initial matches
e) In case of a tie before the position round between places 2-3, 4-5, 6-7 and so on, the
athlete with the higher position is the one who in the round robin has
- The higher total scratch pin fall
- Won their match
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- Won more matches
- The least difference between the highest and the lowest game
- The higher game
4.19.4 Order of bowling
a) One or more athletes may be scheduled on a pair of lanes
b) After a block of games has started, no changes shall be made in the line-up in that block
except that substitutions may be made in accordance with the rules for each specific
championship
4.20 Official scorekeeping
4.20.1 The tournament is required to have official score keepers to record all games bowled in the
competition.
4.20.2 An automatic scoring device, which has been approved by the World Bowling, may be used.
This device shall provide a printed record of the score which can be audited frame by frame
and otherwise comply with the scoring and playing rules of the tournament.
4.20.3 Written (printed) score sheets shall be maintained indicating the pin fall on each ball so a
frame-by-frame audit may be made. Each individual athlete, coach or team manager shall
receive a copy of the scores bowled and will be required to sign the official copy immediately
after bowling to acknowledge the score.
4.20.4 After a score has been recorded, it cannot be changed unless there is an obvious error in
scoring or calculation. Obvious errors must be corrected by a tournament official
immediately upon discovery. Questionable errors shall be decided by the Referees.
4.20.5 A tournament game, or frame(s) within a game, that is irretrievably lost in the scoring
process may be re-bowled with approval of Tournament Management.
4.21 Foul detection
4.21.1 The tournament management may adopt and use any automatic foul detecting device
approved by World Bowling.
4.21.2 When none is available, a foul judge must be stationed in a position to have an unobstructed
view of the foul line.
4.21.3 Should a foul detecting device become temporarily inoperative, the tournament officials shall
assign a foul judge or authorize the official score keepers to call fouls.
4.22 Interrupted game
4.22.1 The tournament officials may authorize the completion of a game and block of games on
another pair of lanes when equipment failure on the starting lanes would delay the normal
progress of the block
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4.23 Slow bowling / Lane Courtesy
4.23.1 Athlete s shall be ready to bowl when it is their turn and shall not delay the start of their
approach or delivery when the pairs immediately adjacent to them on both the right and left
are clear (one (1) pair lane courtesy).
4.23.2 Competitors must observe one (1) pair lane courtesy at all times. Competitors on the same
pair may not bowl consecutive deliveries without allowing one (1) competitor from the pair to
the right and one (1) competitor from the pair to the left have made a delivery, unless those
competitors are not ready to bowl or they give way.
4.23.3 If an athlete does not observe the procedures outlined in paragraphs 4.23.1 and 4.23.2, it
shall be construed as slow bowling. An athlete failing to observe these procedures shall be
warned by an authorized tournament official as follows
a) A white card for the first offence (no penalty)
b) A yellow card for the second offence (no penalty)
c) A red card for the third and each succeeding offence in any block of games (six games
for singles and doubles, three games for trios or five-person team and all games of
match play in a day). the penalty shall be a zero pin fall for the frame
4.23.4 For interpretation of the enforcement of this rule, the Referees shall specifically monitor any
athlete or team that gets more than four frames behind the leader in a singles, doubles or
master event; or more than two frames behind in trios or team, not counting the end pairs of
lanes. In Baker format competition the same rule applies as for the singles event.
4.23.5 Whenever there is any question concerning the enforcement of this rule, or lack thereof, in
the Masters Grand Finals, the World Bowling President or his designee, notwithstanding the
reference to the Referees, shall make the final decision.
4.24 Bowling on wrong lane
4.24.1 In singles match play competition, where a athlete bowls two frames each time it is the
athlete’s turn to bowl, and the other athlete bowls on the wrong lanes, a dead ball shall be
called and the athlete required re-bowling on the correct lanes, providing the error was
discovered before the opposing athlete has made a delivery.
4.24.2 Otherwise, the score stands as bowled, with all subsequent frames in the game bowled on
the correct lanes.
4.25 Tardy athletes

4.25.1 Any athlete or team arriving late shall begin play with the score count beginning with the
frame then being bowled on the lane or lanes to which they are assigned.
4.25.2 If they are scheduled alone, they will start in the earliest frame then being bowled on the
squad.
4.26 Penalties for rule violations
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4.26.1 When not specified in any rule, the penalties for rule violations are governed as stated
below.
4.26.2 An athlete/team failing to observe a rule(s) shall be warned by an authorized tournament
official with a yellow card for first offence (no penalty).
4.26.3 For a second offence in the same tournament, the athlete/team will be disqualified from the
tournament, and will not be allowed to participate in World Bowling /Zone approved
tournaments and conducted championships for 90 days.
4.26.4 All offences shall immediately be reported by the Tournament Manager to the World Bowling
Secretary General, who will report to all member federations.
4.27 Protests
4.27.1 Protests involving eligibility or general playing rules must be confirmed in writing to a
responsible tournament official not later than 24 hours after the game in which the infraction
occurred or before prize presentation, whichever is the sooner.
4.27.2 When a protest involving a foul or the legality of pin fall is entered, an official representative
of the federations involved may be present when evidence is taken relative to the protest.
4.27.3 If no written protest is entered prior to the expiration period as stated, the game or games
shall stand as bowled.
4.27.4 Each rule under this rule shall not be construed to cover a similar or previous violation.
4.28 Appeal procedure
4.28.1 All matters, which cannot be settled by the Referees, shall be heard and reviewed by the
Tournament Technical Committee. The decision of the Tournament Technical Committee is
final unless there is an appeal to the Jury of Appeal within 24 hours after the decision is
announced, or before prize presentation, whichever is the sooner.
4.28.2 Protests on eligibility arising after the conclusion of the championships shall be filed directly
with the Jury of Appeal within 30 days.
4.28.3 All appeals from the Tournament Technical Committee’s decisions must be filed in writing
with the Referees or with a member of the Jury of Appeal, or with the Secretary General of
World Bowling or the Zone. Each appeal must be specific and include a fee of USD 100. If
the Jury of Appeal does not uphold the appeal, the fee will be forfeited to the World Bowling.
The foregoing also applies to protests filed directly with the Jury of Appeal.
4.28.4 The Jury of Appeal shall be empowered to cite before it all papers and persons involved in
the appeal at a regularly scheduled meeting or if deemed appropriate, the Jury of Appeal
may decide an issue by a mail vote after all material involved in the matter has been studied
by each of its members.
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5. World Bowling Championships
5.1 Introduction
5.1.1 The rules specified in this chapter apply to the World Bowling Championships (for women
and/or men) in addition to the rules specified in Chapter 2, 4, 9, 10 and 11.
5.1.2 Each federation shall be limited to a team of not more than six athletes in WWC, WMC and
six athletes of each gender in WC.
5.1.3 Each federation shall be limited to a team of not more than two athletes of each gender in
WSC.
5.2 Eligibility/Qualification
5.2.1 In WWC, WMC and WSC all federations meeting the conditions in 4.9 are eligible to
participate
5.2.2 In WC (for men and women) 36 men’s team and 36 women’s team will qualify to participate
a) The host federation is qualified with one men’s and one women’s team
b) The remaining 35 teams will be distributed among the zones and the number of teams
from each zone will be decided by how many member federations there are in each zone
relative to the total number of member federations in good standing on 1st of January
two years ahead of the year of the championship
c) Each Zone decides the qualification process in its zone.
d) Two deadlines will be defined by World Bowling
i) for each Zone to present to World Bowling the standing of zone qualification of
teams/federations
ii) a final date for invitation of teams/federations
e) World Bowling invites the federations according to the qualification rules above following
the standing in each zone qualification. If there are any vacant spots the World Bowling
may fill these vacancies for one zone by team(s) from any zone
f) The minimum number of athletes from each participating team must be five (5) athletes
g) No wild card system will be used
5.3 Lane Assignments and Registration
5.3.1 In due time before the start of the championships, the Tournament Director will decide the
number of squads for each event and the number of lanes in use for each squad.
5.3.2 Lane assignments shall be determined by lot for Singles, Doubles, Trios and Team, and
subject to special pre-arranged schedule requirements for Masters round robin and the
position round.
5.3.3 For Singles and Doubles, once competition is under way, the number of athletes scheduled
on a pair of lanes must be consistent throughout the tournament.
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5.3.4 An impartial lane assignment should be performed in due time prior to the Pre-Tournament
meeting in order for it to be announced at the meeting.
5.3.5 Verification of the number of athletes from each participating federation and spellings of their
names must be done latest in conjunction with the Pre-Tournament meeting. No changes will
be permitted thereafter.
5.4 Practice
5.4.1 The athletes of each federation shall be nominated prior to the start of the official practice.
5.4.2 Minimum one day of official practice must be provided immediately prior to the start of the
championship. One hour practice is required for each federation. However, if the competition
lanes are not available for unofficial practice immediately prior to the official practice, two
days of official practice will be required with two hours for each federation the first day and
one hour for each federation the second day.
5.4.3 Each federation will have one session of official practise
5.4.4 After the lanes have been prepared and the official practice concluded, no play whatsoever by
the participants of the championships shall be allowed on the competition lanes during the
entire duration, except the championships proper. This will not preclude efforts (e.g. exhibition)
to promote bowling before, after or in between events. However, this does not allow any play
by participants on the competition lanes after the last event of the day when the bowling centre
is available to the public for open bowling. Violators are subject to disqualification.
5.4.5 Warm-up for events in each block

a) Singles, 10 minutes practice time
b) Doubles, 10 minutes practice time
c) Trios, 10 minutes practice time
d) Team, 15 minutes practice time
e) Masters, 5 minutes practice time
f) Semi Finals and Finals, 10 minutes practice time for Team and Trios; 5 minutes practice
time for Doubles and Singles.
5.5 Athlete's area
5.5.1 The Tournament Manager, using methods of identification, which are obvious to spectators,
shall define the athletes’ area.
5.5.2 Only one coach or official from any federation will be permitted in the athletes’ area in the
immediate vicinity of each pair of lanes on which their athletes are competing.
5.5.3 It is not permissible to bring in or consume food in the athletes’ area. This does not include
candy bars or fruit.
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5.6 Events
5.6.1 For the WWC, WMC and WC the 6 championship events are the same as follows:
a) Singles, 6 games
b) Doubles, 6 games
c) Trios, 6 games
d) Team (of five athletes), 6 games
e) All Events, a total of the foregoing 24 games
f) Masters, in 4 steps described in 5.13
5.6.2 In Singles, Doubles, Trios and Team, athletes assigned to commence bowling on odd
numbered lanes will move left and athletes assigned to commence bowling on even
numbered lanes will move right for each successive game. The Tournament Manager will
determine the number of lanes to be moved each game during the event.
5.6.3 One game Semi Finals and Finals in all events except in the Team Event, All Events and
Masters (1 vs. 4 and 2 vs. 3 in each event standing to be matched for the Semi Finals) In the
Team events, the Semi Finals and Finals will be played in Baker’s format, best of three (3)
games. The two losers in the Semi Finals will get bronze medals
5.6.4 For WSC there is only a Single event
5.7 Singles in WWC, WMC and WC
5.7.1 Maximum six athletes per federation.
5.7.2 Six games in one block across 12 lanes.
5.7.3 Each game shall be played on a different pair of lanes.
5.7.4 Top 4 in the final standing is qualified for two one game Semi Finals, where the singles
positioned 1 meets the singles positioned 4 and the singles positioned 2 meets the singles
positioned 3.
5.7.5 The winners of the two Semi Finals will play a one game final
5.7.6 The two losers in the Semi Finals will both get bronze medals
5.8 Doubles
5.8.1 Maximum three Doubles per federation.
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5.8.4 Top 4 in the final standing is qualified for two one game Semi Finals, where the doubles
positioned 1 meets the doubles positioned 4 and the doubles positioned 2 meets the doubles
positioned 3.
5.8.5 The winners of the two Semi Finals are playing a one game Final.
5.8.6 Line-up changes are permitted only between the qualification and the Semi Finals and
between the Semi Finals and the Final.
5.8.7 Change of athletes is not permitted at any moment during the Doubles event
5.9 Trios
5.9.1 Maximum two Trios per federation.
5.9.2 Six games in two three-game blocks across 12 lanes.
5.9.3 Trios from the same federation shall be scheduled on different squads, in case more than
one squad is necessary in the first block.
5.9.4 Top 4 in the final standing is qualified for two one game Semi Finals, where the trios
positioned 1 meets the trios positioned 4, the trios positioned 2 meets the trios positioned 3.
5.9.6 Line-up changes are permitted only between the blocks, between the qualification and the
Semi Finals and between the Semi Finals and the Final.
5.9.7 Change of athletes is not permitted at any moment during the Trios event.
5.10 Team
5.10.1 One Team per federation.
5.10.2 Six games in two three-game blocks
5.10.3 A team may change one athlete at the start of the second block.
5.10.4 In the second block teams shall be seeded, based on the results from the first block. The
teams with the highest results shall be scheduled to the last squad.
5.10.5 Line-up changes are not permitted during a block.
5.10.6 All extra athletes shall be scheduled for make-up teams to bowl toward their All Events total.
Athletes from different federations shall be combined for such teams
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5.10.7 Top 4 in the final standing is qualified for two Semi Finals, where the team positioned 1
meets the team positioned 4 and the team positioned 2 meets the team positioned 3. The
Semi Finals nals will be played in Baker’s format best of three (3) games
5.10.8 The winners of the two Semi Finals are playing a final. The Final will be played in Baker’s
format, best of three (3) games
5.10.10 Change of athletes is permitted only between the blocks, between the qualification and the
5.11 All Events
5.11.1 Maximum six athletes per federation.
5.11.2 Standing to be decided based on a total of the 24 played games in the foregoing 4 disciplines
(Singles, Doubles, Trios and Team).
5.12 Masters in WWC, WMC and WC
5.12.1 The Masters includes five steps (1-5), all starting from scratch.
5.12.2 The Masters will be played on one lane condition,
5.12.3 The 24 highest positioned athletes in the Final all event standing are qualified for the Masters
event, seeded 1-24. The athletes will retain their seeding throughout the entire final.
5.12.4 In all steps there will be head to head matches, where the highest seeded athletes will be
matched against the lowest seeded athlete, match play style (see 4.19.1)
5.12.5 Each match will played as best of 3 games. If the same athlete is the winner of the first two
games, the 3rd game will not be played.
5.12.6 In each match the highest seeded athlete will choose whether he wants to begin the first
game on the left or on the right lane. In the second game the starting lane of the athletes will
be opposite to the first game and in a possible third game the starting lane of the athletes will
be the same as in the first game.
5.12.7 In step 1, the 16 athletes seeded 9-24 will bowl 8 matches with the winners of the matches
continuing to step 2.
5.12.8 In step 2, the 8 athletes seeded 1-8 and the 8 winners from step 1 will bowl 8 matches with
the winners of the matches continuing to step 3.
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5.12.9 In step 3, the 8 winners from step 2 will bowl 4 matches with the winners of the matches
5.12.11 In step 5, the 2 winners from step 4 will bowl 1 match with the winner of the match being
declared the champion.
5.12.12 Lane Assignments in the Masters Event

a) The Tournament Director will perform an impartial draw for matches to be assigned to
lanes in Step 1 and Step 2 of the Masters event
b) Unless the same pair of lanes is in use for more than one match, there will be seven
different pair of lanes in use for Step 3, Step 4 and Step 5 of the Masters event
5.13 WSC format
5.13.1 Step 1: All athletes will bowl 12 games – in three blocks of 4 games each - to determine their
seeding. In due time before the start of the championships, the Tournament Director will
decide the number of squads and the number of lanes in use for each squad.
5.13.2 Step 2: The top 32 athletes will advance and bowl according to the bracket below:
Group A Group B Group C Group D

1 2 3 4
8 7 6 5
9 10 11 12
16 15 14 13
17 18 19 20
24 23 22 21
25 26 27 28
32 31 30 29
5.13.3 If there is a tie for any of the positions 1-32 then a one ball Roll Off will be played, repeated
until the tie is broken.
5.13.4 Each qualifying group shall bowl eight qualifying games over 4 adjacent pair of lanes, in one
block.
5.13.5 Each athlete in the qualifying group shall bowl against every other athlete in the group every
game. Points shall be awarded on the following basis:
5.13.6 The highest scoring athlete in each game shall be awarded 7 points, the second highest
scoring shall be awarded 6 points, the third highest 5 points etc. down to the eighth highest,
who will receive 0 points.
5.13.7 If there is a tie in a game the points will be awarded on the following basis;
The points available to the tied athletes shall be added together and then divided by the
number of athletes that have tied.
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(Example: If there is a tie between 3 athletes at positions 3, 4 and 5, the sum of points for the
three athletes is 12 (5+4+3 points), which divided by 3 will give each athlete 4 points.)
5.13.8 Top 2 from the point standing of each group will advance to Step 3.
If there is a tie for position 2 in a group, a 9th and 10th frame Roll Off will be played, repeated
5.13.9 The 8 athletes in step 3 will play 8 games in one group with a system as specified in 5.13.4 –
5.13.7 above.
5.13.10 Top 4 athletes from the point standing of this group will advance to the Semi Finals, seeded
1-4. If there is a tie for position 4 in the group, a 9th and 10th frame Roll Off will be played,
repeated until the tie is broken.
If there is a tie for any other qualifying position, the highest qualified athlete is the athlete with
the highest pin fall in Step 3, if there is still a tie, a 9th and 10th frame Roll Off will be played,
5.13.11 The athlete seeded one from Step 3 shall play a one game match against the athlete seeded
four, and the athlete seeded 2 shall play a one game match against the athlete seeded 3,
with the higher ranked athletes having choice of starting lane. The losers of both matches will
receive Bronze medals.
5.13.12 The winners from Semi Finals shall play a one game match for the Championships, with the
higher ranked athlete having the choice of starting lane. The winner of this match will receive
a Gold medal, and the loser a Silver medal.
5.13.13 In case of a tie in the Semi Finals or Final, a one ball Roll Off will be played, repeated until
the tie is broken.
5.13.14 The athletes will be positioned on the lanes, where they ended the game. The highest
seeded athlete will choose the order of play. For a second Roll Off delivery, the athletes will
switch lanes and order of deliveries. A third Roll Off delivery will be played like the first Roll
Off delivery etc.
5.14 Procedure for Semi Finals and Finals
5.14.1 In the Team event, all 6 athletes from the federation can participate in the first half of the
practice session.
5.14.2 After half of the practice period, the highest seeded Singles, Doubles, Trios or Team will
decide which lane to start.
5.14.3 After half of the practice period all Doubles, Trios or Teams must decide their line-up for the
match.
5.14.4 In case of withdrawals from any Semi Final or Final, the athlete, Doubles, Trios or Team
without opponent will be declared the winner of the match.
5.14.5 In the Team events, the Semi Finals and Finals will be played in Baker’s format.
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5.15 Substitution
5.15.1 A athlete who has already started in an event shall not be replaced.
5.15.2 In case of an injured athlete having to leave the game, the remaining athletes on the team
shall continue their games for all event purposes
5.16 Tie breaking procedures
5.16.1 Ties for scores for the following positions;
(a) Position 4 & 5 before the Semi Finals of the Singles, Doubles, Trios, Teams or
Masters;
(b) Position 8 & 9 in the Masters;
(c) Position 24 & 25 in the Masters;
will be broken with a one game Roll Off.
In the case of a further tie, the tie will be broken by allowing each athlete involved in the tie to
play a one ball Roll Off on a full set of pins.
This procedure will be repeated until the tie is broken.
The Roll Off in the Doubles, Trios and Teams will use the Baker format.
The pair of lanes to be used for the tie breaking as well as the warm up time will be decided
by the Tournament Director.
A draw will decide on which lane in the pair the Roll Off will be played, and another draw will
decide which team shall start. When the Roll Off includes more than one athlete, athletes of
the competing teams shall alternate after each shot.
Ties for either position 1 or 4 before Semi Finals in Singles, Doubles, Trios or Teams, will be
broken by the individual or team with the highest game in that event.
The team with the highest accumulated score will be the winner of the tie.
The line-up of both teams must be the same as the line-ups in the last game of the event.
Ties for positions in the top 24 of the Masters, will be broken by the individual with the highest
game during all events of the Championships. If there is still a tie then the second highest
game, continuing until the tie is broken.
5.16.2 Ties in the Semi Finals or Finals of any event shall be broken by allowing each athlete
involved in the tie to play a one ball Roll off on a full set of pins.
In case of a further tie, the procedure will be repeated on the second lane of the pair and the
order of teams to start will be opposite to the first Roll Off.
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The line-up of both teams must be the same as the line-ups in the game where the tie
occurred.
The highest ranked athlete or team will decide on which of the lanes in the pair the Roll Off
will be played and which of the teams will play the first shot. When the Roll Off includes more
than one athlete, athletes from the competing teams shall alternate after each shot.
order of teams to start will be opposite to the first Roll Off. This procedure will be repeated
5.16.3 In case of tie for the medal positions in All Events there will be no tie-breaking for the medals.
The athletes will be declared co-winners.
5.16.4 In case of a tie in Step 1 to Step 4 of the Masters in WC, WMC or WWC, a one ball Roll Off
will be played, repeated until the tie is broken.
The highest seeded athlete will choose the order of play and the lane, where both athletes
are delivering their shots. For a second Roll Off delivery, the athletes will switch lane and
order of deliveries. A third Roll Off delivery will be played like the first Roll Off delivery etc.
5.16.5 In case of a tie in any game in the Masters of WSC, a one ball Roll Off will be played,
The athletes will be positioned on the lanes, where they ended the game. The highest
positioned athlete, by the conclusion of the qualification, will choose the order of play. For a
second Roll Off delivery, the athletes will switch lanes and order of deliveries. A third Roll Off
delivery will be played like the first Roll Off delivery etc.
5.17 Awards
5.17.1 World Bowling medals of Gold; Silver and Bronze shall be presented to each of the
individuals winning those positions in the following events
a) Singles
b) Doubles
c) Trios
d) Team
e) All Events
f) Masters
5.17.2 In addition to the medals for the individual athletes, a medal shall be given to the coach of
the medallists and to the national federation the medallists represent.
5.17.3 Special awards – see 4.3.4
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5.18 Record stipulations
5.18.1 High score records will be maintained for World Bowling Championships for women and men
respectively.
5.18.2 The records are as follows

a) One game in Singles, Doubles, Trios and Team
b) Three games (1-3 or 4-6) in Singles, Doubles, Trios and Teams
c) Six games in Singles, Doubles, Trios and Team
d) 24 games individual All Events
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6. World Bowling Junior, Youth and Senior Championships
6.1 Introduction
6.1.1 The rules specified in this chapter apply to the World Bowling Junior Championships (WJC),
World Bowling Youth Championships (WYC) and World Bowling Senior Championships
(WSrC) in addition to the rules specified in Chapter 2, 4, 9, 10 and 11.
6.1.2 Each federation shall be limited to a team of not more than four male and four female
athletes in WYC and WSrC, and not more than two male and two female athletes in WJC.
6.1.3 Age limits

a) The athletes in WJC must not have reached the age of 18 years on 1st January of the
year of the championships. Also see 4.9.5 a
b) The athletes in WYC must not have reached the age of 21 years on 1st January of the
year of the championships. Also see 4.9.5 a
c) The athletes in WSrC must be 50 years of age or above in the year of the championship.
Also see 4.9.5 c
6.1.4 The official delegation shall include no more than four male and four female athletes for WYC
and WSrC and two male and two female athletes for WJC, one coach for male athletes, one
coach for female layers, one administrator for a male team and one administrator for a
female team. The host federation may increase the size of the official delegation with the
approval of the World Bowling President.
6.1.5 In order to determine the viability of an alternate scoring system for future limited purposes,
such as competition in the Olympic Games Programme, the 2018 World Youth
Championships shall be conducted under the alternate scoring system set forth herein. This
statute shall expire at the conclusion of the 2018 World Youth Championships.
a) A game of tenpins consists of ten frames. A athlete delivers two balls in each frame
unless a strike is scored. Every frame must be completed by each athlete bowling in
regular order.
b) Except when a strike is scored, the number of pins knocked down by the athlete’s first
delivery is to be marked in the small square in the upper left-hand corner of that frame,
and the number of pins knocked down by the athlete’s second delivery is to be marked
in the upper right-hand corner. If none of the standing pins are knocked down by the
second delivery in the frame, the score sheet shall be marked with a (-). The count for
the two deliveries in the frame shall be recorded immediately.
c) A strike is made when a full setup of pins is knocked down with the first delivery in a
frame. It is marked by an (X) in the small square in the upper left-hand corner of the
frame where it was made. The count for one strike is 30.
d) If a second consecutive strike occurs, the count for each succeeding strike is 30. If 10
consecutive strikes occur, the score is 300, the maximum available.
e) A spare is scored when pins left standing after the first delivery are knocked down with
the second delivery in that frame. It is marked by a (/) in the small square in the upper
right-hand corner of the frame. The count for a spare is 10 plus the number of pins
knocked down by the athlete’s first delivery in that frame.
f) When an athlete fails to bowl down all ten pins after two deliveries in a frame, the count
for that frame shall be the total number of pins knocked down.
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6.2 Lane Assignments and Registration
6.2.1 In due time before the start of the championships, the Tournament Director will decide the
number of squads for each event and the number of lanes in use for each squad.
6.2.2 Lane assignments shall be determined by lot for Singles, Doubles and Team, and subject to
special pre-arranged schedule requirements for Masters round robin and the position round.
6.2.3 For Singles and Doubles, once competition is under way, the number of athletes scheduled
on a pair of lanes must be consistent throughout the tournament.
6.2.4 An impartial lane assignment should be performed in due time prior to the Pre-Tournament
meeting in order for it to be announced at the meeting.
6.2.5 Verification of the number of athletes from each participating federation and spellings of their
names must be done latest in conjunction with the Pre-Tournament meeting. No changes will
be permitted thereafter.
6.3 Practice
6.3.1 The athletes of each federation shall be nominated prior to the start of the official practice.
6.3.2 Minimum one day of official practice must be provided immediately prior to the start of the
Singles. One hour practice is required for each federation. However, if the competition lanes
are not available for unofficial practice immediately prior to the official practice, two days of
official practice will be required with two hours for each federation the first day and one hour
for each federation the second day.
6.3.3 Each federation will have one session of official practice – each second pair of lanes dressed
with short oil condition and the lanes between dressed with long oil condition
6.3.4 After the lanes have been prepared and the official practice concluded, no play whatsoever
by the participants of the championships shall be allowed on the competition lanes during the
entire duration, except the championships proper. This will not preclude efforts (e.g.
exhibition) to promote bowling before, after or in between events. However, this does not
allow any play by participants on the competition lanes after the last event of the day when
the bowling centre is available to the public for open bowling. Violators are subject to
disqualification.
6.3.5 Warm-up for events in each block

a) Singles, 10 minutes practice time
b) Doubles, 10 minutes practice time
c) Team, 15 minutes practice time
d) Masters, 5 minutes practice time
e) Semi Finals and Finals, 10 minutes practice time for Team; 5 minutes practice time for
Doubles and Singles.
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6.4 Athlete's area
6.4.1 The Tournament Manager, using methods of identification, which are obvious to spectators,
shall define the athletes’ area.
6.4.2 Only one coach or official from any federation will be permitted in the athletes’ area in the
immediate vicinity of each pair of lanes on which their athletes are competing.
6.4.3 It is not permissible to bring in or consume food in the athletes’ area. This does not include
candy bars or fruit.
6.5 Events
6.5.1 For the WJC, WYC and WSrC the male and females shall compete in separate divisions but
the scheduled events shall be the same for all as follows
a) Singles, 6 games
b) Doubles, 6 games
c) Team (of four athletes), 6 games
d) All Events, a total of the foregoing 18 games
e) Masters, in 5 steps described in 6.10
6.5.2 In Singles, Doubles and Team, athletes assigned to commence bowling on odd numbered
lanes will move left and athletes assigned to commence bowling on even numbered lanes
will move right for each successive game. The Tournament Manager will determine the
number of lanes to be moved each game during the event.
6.5.3 One game Semi Finals and Finals in all events except in the Team event, All Events and
Masters (1 vs. 4 and 2 vs. 3 in each event standing to be matched for the Semi Finals). In the
Team events, the Semi Finals and Finals will be played in Baker’s format, best of three (3)
games
The two losers in the Semi Finals will get Bronze medals
6.6 Singles
6.6.1 Maximum four athletes in each gender in WYC and WSrC and two athletes in each gender in
WJC per federation.
6.6.4 Top 4 in the final standing is qualified for two one game Semi Finals, where the singles
positioned 1 meets the singles positioned 4 and the singles positioned 2 meets the singles
positioned 3.
6.6.5 The winners of the two Semi Finals will play a one game final
6.6.6 The two losers in the Semi Finals will both get Bronze medals
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6.7 Doubles
6.7.1 Maximum two Doubles in WYC and WSrC and one Doubles in WJC per federation in each
gender.
6.7.4 Top 4 in the final standing is qualified for two one game Semi Finals, where the Doubles
positioned 1 meets the Doubles positioned 4 and the Doubles positioned 2 meets the
Doubles positioned 3.
6.7.6 Line-up changes are permitted only between the qualification and the Semi Finals and
between the Semi Finals and the Final.
6.7.7 Change of athletes is not permitted at any moment during the Doubles event
6.8 Team
6.8.1 One Team per federation in each gender, and for WJC a mixed team of two male and two
female athletes.
6.8.2 Six games in two three-game blocks
6.8.3 In the second block team shall be seeded, based on the results from the first block. The
teams with the highest results shall be scheduled to the last squad.
6.8.4 Line-up changes are not permitted during a block.
6.8.5 All extra athletes shall be scheduled for make-up teams to bowl toward their All Events total.
Athletes from different federations shall be combined for such teams
6.8.6 Top 4 in the final standing is qualified for two Semi Finals, where the team positioned 1
meets the team positioned 4 and the team positioned 2 meets the team positioned 3. The
Semi Finals will be played in Baker’s format best of three (3) games
6.8.7 The winners of the two Semi Finals are playing a Final. The Final will be played in Baker’s
format, best of three (3) games
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6.9 All Events
6.9.1 Maximum four athletes per federation in WYC and WSrC and two athletes per federation in
WJC, in each gender.
6.9.2 Standing to be decided based on a total of the 18 played games in the foregoing 3 disciplines
(Singles, Doubles, and Team).
6.10 Masters in WJC, WYC and WSrC
6.10.1 The Masters includes five steps (1-5), all starting from scratch.
6.10.2 The Masters will be played on one lane condition,
6.10.3 The 24 highest positioned athletes in the Final all event standing are qualified for the Masters
event, seeded 1-24. The athletes will retain their seeding throughout the entire Final.
6.10.4 In all steps there will be head to head matches, where the highest seeded athletes will be
matched against the lowest seeded athlete, match play style (see 4.19.1)
6.10.5 Each match will played as best of 3 games. If the same athlete is the winner of the first two
games, the 3rd game will not be played.
6.10.6 In each match the highest seeded athlete will choose whether he wants to begin the first
game on the left or on the right lane. In the second game the starting lane of the athletes will
be opposite to the first game and in a possible third game the starting lane of the athletes will
be the same as in the first game.
6.10.7 In step 1, the 16 athletes seeded 9-24 will bowl 8 matches with the winners of the matches
6.10.8 In step 2, the 8 athletes seeded 1-8 and the 8 winners from step 1 will bowl 8 matches with
the winners of the matches continuing to step 3.
6.10.11 In step 5, the 2 winners from step 4 will bowl 1 match with the winner of the match being
declared the Champion.
6.10.12 Lane Assignments in the Masters Event
a) The Tournament Director will perform an impartial draw for matches to be assigned to
lanes in Step 1 and Step 2 of the Masters event
b) Unless the same pair of lanes is in use for more than one match, there will be seven
different pair of lanes in use for Step 3, Step 4 and Step 5 of the Masters event
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6.11 Procedure for Semi Finals and Finals (except Masters)
6.11.1 After half of the practice period, the highest seeded Singles, Doubles or Team will decide
which lane to start. After half of the practice period all Doubles or Teams must decide their
line-up for the match.
6.11.2 After half of the practice period all Doubles or Teams must decide their line-up for the match.
6.11.3 In case of withdrawals from any Semi Finals or Final, the athlete, Doubles or Team without
opponent will be declared the winner of the match.
6.11.4 In the Team event, the Semi Finals and Finals will be played in Baker’s format
6.12 Substitution
6.12.1 An athlete who has already started in an event shall not be replaced.
6.12.2 In case of an injured athlete having to leave the game, the remaining athletes on the team
shall continue their games for all event purposes.
6.13 Tie breaking procedures
6.13.1 Ties for scores for the following positions;
(a) Position 4 & 5 before the Semi Finals of the Singles, Doubles, Teams or Masters;
(b) Position 8 & 9 in the Masters;
(c) Position 24 & 25 in the Masters;
will be broken with a one game Roll Off.
In the case of a further tie, the tie will be broken by allowing each athlete involved in the tie to
play a one ball Roll Off on a full set of pins.
The Roll Off in the Doubles, and Teams will use the Baker format.
The pair of lanes to be used for the tie breaking as well as the warm up time will be decided
by the Tournament Director.
A draw will decide on which lane in the pair the Roll Off will be played, and another draw will
decide which team shall start. When the Roll Off includes more than one athlete, athletes of
the competing teams shall alternate after each shot.
Ties for either position 1 or 4 before Semi Finals in Singles, Doubles or Teams, will be broken
by the individual or team with the highest game in that event.
The line-up of both teams must be the same as the line-ups in the last game of the event.
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Ties for positions in the top 24 of the Masters, will be broken by the individual with the highest
game during all events of the Championships. If there is still a tie then the second highest
game, continuing until the tie is broken.
6.13.2 Ties in the Semi Finals or Finals of any event shall be broken by allowing each athlete
involved in the tie to play a one ball Roll Off on a full set of pins.
order of teams to start will be opposite to the first Roll Off.
The line-up of both teams must be the same as the line-ups in the game where the tie
occurred.
The highest ranked athlete or team will decide on which of the lanes in the pair the Roll Off
will be played and which of the teams will play the first shot. When the Roll Off includes more
than one athlete, athletes from the competing teams shall alternate after each shot.
order of teams to start will be opposite to the first Roll Off. This procedure will be repeated
6.13.3 In case of tie for the medal positions in All Events there will be no tie-breaking for the medals.
The athletes will be declared co-winners.
6.13.4 In case of a tie in Step 1 to Step 4 of the Masters in WJC, WYC or WSrC, a one ball Roll Off
will be played, repeated until the tie is broken.
The highest seeded athlete will choose the order of play and the lane, where both athletes
are delivering their shots. For a second Roll Off delivery, the athletes will switch lane and
order of deliveries. A third Roll Off delivery will be played like the first Roll Off delivery etc.
6.14 Awards
6.14.1 World Bowling medals of Gold; Silver and Bronze shall be presented to each of the
individuals winning those positions in the following events
a) Singles
b) Doubles
c) Team
d) All Events
e) Masters
6.14.2 In addition to the medals for the individual athletes, a medal shall be given to the coach of
the medallists and to the national federation the medallists represent.
6.14.3 Special awards – see 4.3.4
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6.15 Record stipulations
6.15.1 High score records will be maintained for World Bowling Championships for female and male
respectively.
6.15.2 The records are as follows

a) One game in Singles, Doubles and Team
b) Three games (1-3 or 4-6) in Singles, Doubles and Teams
c) Six games in Singles, Doubles and Team
d) 18 games individual All Events
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7. World Games
7.1 Introduction
7.1.1 The International World Games Association (IWGA) owns all rights of the World Games.
The IWGA is an association of independent International Sports Federations (ISF), which
administer sports or disciplines of sports that are not on the programme of the Olympic
Games. FIQ is a member of the IWGA.
7.1.2 The rules specified in Chapter 2, 4, 9, 10 and 11 shall apply.
7.2 Date and venue
7.2.1 One of the major purposes of the IWGA is to provide, at regular four-year intervals, an
international top class multi-sport event for sports or disciplines of sports of the IWGA
Member Federations known as the World Games.
7.2.2 The IWGA Annual General Assembly makes the decision on the venue and the dates of a
World Games event.
7.3 Eligibility
7.3.1 In the World Games 16 federations will qualify to participate.
a) The host federation is automatically qualified with two male and two female athletes.
b) The remaining 15 federations will comprise 5 federations both male and female
from each zone.
c) Each country will be required to send 2 male athletes and/or 2 female athletes.
d) Two deadlines will be defined by World Bowling;
i) for each Zone to present to World Bowling the standing of zone qualification
of teams/federations
ii) a final date for invitation of teams/federations
e) World Bowling invites the federations according to the qualification rules above following
the standing in each zone qualification. If there are any vacant spots the World Bowling
may fill these vacancies for one zone by team(s) from any zone.
7.4 IF Passport
7.4.1 The IF-Passport is a document issued by the IWGA, in which are recorded the following
elements relating to the participation of the ISF concerned
a) Number of competitors
b) Number of officials (judges, referees, delegates, technicians, Technical Delegate)
c) Arrival and departure dates
d) Number of beds/nights
e) Allocated venue
f) Number of medals
g) Dates of competitions
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7.4.2 The World Bowling President, World Bowling Secretary General, World Bowling Tournament
Director and World Bowling Technical Delegate shall be included as officials in IF-Passport.
All officials should be appointed by the World Bowling President.
7.5 Technical liaison delegate
7.5.1 It is a requirement of the IWGA that for each World Games event the participating ISF must
appoint a Liaison Delegate who should, if possible, have his residence in the country where
the event takes place.
7.5.2 During the Games the Liaison Delegate is the responsible person for the following activities
a) Forwarding all information to the participants of his ISF
b) All announcements in the catering centers about meals
c) The control of all accommodations in the housing area of the participants of his ISF
d) The determination of responsibilities in case of breakages or damages
e) The ISF shall be held responsible for such damages and breakages and it is advised
that they request compensation from their national associations or from the participants
of their sport
f) Assisting with the accreditation procedure for all participants of his ISF
g) Checking the technical installations of the training and competition venues for his sport
Assisting his ISF in providing adequate technical officials for the control of the
competitions
7.6 Bowling centre certification
7.6.1 World Bowling shall pay the expenses of the appointed World Bowling Technical Delegate
for the certification visit.
7.6.2 The expenses to be paid include cost of travel, board and lodging, and a daily per diem as
specified by the World Bowling Executive Board.
7.7.1 The host federation shall pay the cost of travel and a daily per diem as specified by the World
Bowling Executive Board for the World Bowling Tournament Director.
7.7.2 The host federation shall pay the cost of travel and a daily per diem as specified by the World
Bowling Executive Board for the World Bowling Technical Delegate.
7.8 Tournament format
7.8.1 The following format should be used. However, the final decision will be made by the IWGA
Executive Committee for each specific World Games event, and will be listed in the IF-
Passport.
7.8.2 The World Games will be conducted in two separate divisions Men and Women.
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7.8.3 The events will be men's and women's singles and men's and women's doubles. A total of
four gold medals will be awarded.
7.8.4 Singles
a) Both male and female athletes will bowl one 6 game block.
b) The 16 highest positioned athletes (male and female) after the 6 games will qualify for
the finals, seeded as 1-16 in all steps of the finals.
c) The finals will be single elimination format and will be played in accordance with a pre-
determined 16 person single elimination schedule.
d) The single elimination finals will be the best of 3 games. Once an athlete loses a match
they are eliminated.
e) In each match of the finals the highest seeded athlete will choose starting lane (i.e. left lane
or right lane). In the second game the order of athletes will be opposite to the first game
and in a possible third game the order of athletes will be the same as in the first game
f) The losers of the Semi Finals match will proceed to the Bronze Medal match. The
winner of this match will be awarded the bronze medal.
g) The winners of the Semi Finals match will proceed to the Gold Medal Match. The winner
of this match will be awarded the gold medal and the loser will be awarded the silver
medal.
h) If there is a tie for positions 1-16, a 9th and 10th frame Roll off will be played, repeated
i) In case of a tie in a game in a match, a one ball Roll Off on a full set of pins will be
played, repeated until the tie is broken.
7.8.5 Doubles
a) Played in two stages with 16 federations represented in both male and female
divisions.
b) Federations will be seeded according to the last World Championships results
(top two athletes in All Events).
c) Ties in seedings will be broken by the federation which has the higher position of
their third highest ranked athlete in the All Event standing.
d) The top 8 seeded Federations will be placed into pools based on the table below.
e) The remaining 8 Federations will be allocated to the various pools by a draw.
Pool 1. Pool 2. Pool 3. Pool 4.
Seed 1. Seed 3. Seed 4. Seed 2.
Seed 5. Seed 7. Seed 8. Seed 6.
Draw 1. Draw 2. Draw 3. Draw 4.
Draw 5. Draw 6. Draw 7. Draw 8.
Stage 1. Elimination round.

f) 3 matches in each pool where each team will play each other once over two
games.
g) Points will be allocated on the following basis
1 point for each individual game win = 4 points
1 point for total pinfall
Total 5 points per match
h) The top two point-scorers from each pool will continue to the Stage 2 finals.
i) If there is a tie for position 2 in any pool then a 9th and 10th frame Roll Off will be
played by both members of the team, repeated until the tie is broken.
j) An impartial lane draw will be conducted before the start of the matches. Each
match shall be played on a different pair of lanes if possible under the physical
conditions of the host bowling centre.
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Stage 2. Finals.
k) The top 8 teams from the Stage 1 Elimination Round will contest the finals.
The finals will be played over 3 rounds using the following draw, in which the matches
will be played in Baker format, best of three (3) games.
l) Round 1
Match 1 - Pool 1 winner v Pool 2 second place (winner to round 2 - loser out)
Match 2 - Pool 1 second place vs Pool 2 winner (winner to round 2 - loser out)
Match 3 - Pool 3 winner vs Pool 4 second place (winner to round 2 - loser out)
Match 4 - Pool 3 second place vs Pool 4 winner (winner to round 2 - loser out)
m) Round 2
Match 5 - Winner Match 1 vs Winner Match 3 (winner to Gold Medal Match - Loser to
Bronze Medal Match)
Match 6 - Winner Match 2 vs Winner Match 4 (winner to Gold Medal Match - Loser to
Bronze Medal Match)
n) Round 3
Bronze medal Match – Loser Match 5 vs Loser Match 6
Gold Medal Match - Winner Match 5 vs Winner Match 6
o) In each match of the finals a coin toss will be used with the winner to choose starting lane.
p) If there is a tie in any match then a 9th and 10th frame Roll Off will be played by both
members of the team, repeated until the tie is broken.
7.9 Awards
7.9.1 IWGA medals of gold; silver and bronze will be presented to each of the individuals winning
those positions in the Singles.
7.9.2 IWGA medals of gold; silver and bronze will be presented to each of the individuals winning
those positions in the Doubles.
7.10 Additional rules

7.10.1 In addition to the above, the following rules shall apply
a) Rule 4.5: Inspection certification
b) Rule 4.10 Bowling ball, altering surface
c) Rule 4.11: Bowling ball procedure
d) Rule 4.12: Tournament management
e) Rule 4.13: Pre-tournament meeting
f) Rule 4.16: Drinking alcohol
g) Rule 4.17: Smoking and using tobacco products
h) Rule 4.18: Playing uniforms, advertising
i) Rule 4.19: Style of play
j) Rule 4.20: Official scorekeeping
k) Rule 4.21: Foul detection
l) Rule 4.22: Interrupted game
m) Rule 4.23: Slow bowling
n) Rule 4.24: Bowling on wrong lane
o) Rule 4.25: Tardy athletes
p) Rule 4.26: Penalties for rule violations
q) Rule 4.27: Protests
r) Rule 4.28: Appeal procedures
s) Rule 5.17: Tie breaking procedures
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8. Regional games and other global games
8.1 Introduction
8.1.1 The Games Organizing Committee shall organize and operate these events under the
guidance and approval of the World Bowling.
8.1.2 The World Bowling Rules Chapter 2, 4, 9, 10 and 11 shall apply.
8.1.3 The respective Governing Bodies will determine the date and place of the Games.
8.1.4 The tournament format for the Regional Games shall be specified in the Playing Rules of the
respective Zones.
8.2 Verification audit
8.2.1 At least 8 months prior to the tournament date, the Organizing Committee of the Games shall
pay the expenses of the World Bowling President or his designated representative, to verify
the adequacy of the preparations such as organization structure, accommodation,
transportation and bowling center facilities.
8.2.2 If it is found that the preparations are inadequate, the World Bowling President or his
designee shall determine the appropriate corrective action in cooperation with the Organizing
Committee.
8.3 Bowling centre verification
8.3.1 The Organizing Committee shall pay the expenses of the appointed World Bowling Technical
Delegate for the certification visit.
8.3.2 The expenses to be paid include cost of travel, board and lodging, and a daily per diem as
specified by the World Bowling Executive Board.
8.4.1 The host federation shall pay the cost of travel, board and lodging and per diem as specified
by the World Bowling Executive Board for the World Bowling Tournament Director.
8.4.2 The host federation shall pay the cost of travel, board and lodging and per diem as specified
by the World Bowling Executive Board for the World Bowling Technical Delegate.
8.4.3 The host federation shall pay the accommodation for the World Bowling President and the
Secretary General during the whole competition period.
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8.5 Additional rules
8.5.1 In addition to the above, the following rules shall apply

a) Rule 4.5: Inspection certification
b) Rule 4.10 Bowling ball, altering surface
c) Rule 4.11: Bowling ball procedure
d) Rule 4.12: Tournament management
e) Rule 4.13: Pre-tournament meeting
f) Rule 4.16: Drinking alcohol
g) Rule 4.17: Smoking and using tobacco products
h) Rule 4.18: Playing uniforms, advertising
i) Rule 4.19: Style of play
j) Rule 4.20: Official scorekeeping
k) Rule 4.21: Foul detection
l) Rule 4.22: Interrupted game
m) Rule 4.23: Slow bowling
n) Rule 4.24: Bowling on wrong lane
o) Rule 4.25: Tardy athletes
p) Rule 4.26: Penalties for rule violations
q) Rule 4.27: Protests
r) Rule 4.28: Appeal procedures
s) Rule 5.17: Tie breaking procedures
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9. Lane specifications
9.1 Introduction
9.1.1 In this chapter only basic specifications are given. For detailed technical specifications and
testing procedures reference is made to the USBC Equipment Specifications Manual.
9.1.2 The World Bowling Executive Board is authorized to take final action on all provisions
contained in this chapter.
9.1.3 In the following specifications metric dimensions are stated within brackets for reference
only. In case of a dispute the imperial dimensions prevail. The following conversion factors
apply
a) 1 inch = 25.4 mm
b) 1 foot = 12 inches = 304.8 mm
c) 1 pound = 0.453 kg
d) 1 ounce = 28.349 g
9.2 Construction
9.2.1 A regulation bowling lane, including flat gutters, kickbacks and approach, must be
constructed of wood and/or synthetic materials.
9.2.2 The material must have been tested according to, established procedures for the specified
time period and approved.
9.3 Approach
9.3.1 Extending from and exclusive of the foul line there shall be unobstructed level approach not
less than 15 feet (4 572 mm) in length and free from depressions exceeding ¼ inch (6,4 mm).
9.3.2 The approach must not be less in width than the lane.
9.4 Foul line and detective device

9.4.1 The foul line shall not be less than 3/8 inch (9,5 mm) nor more than 1 inch (25,4 mm) in width
and must be distinctly marked upon or embedded between the lane and the approach. It
shall minimum be of the same width as the lane.
9.4.2 It may be required that the foul line be plainly marked on the walls, posts, division boards or
any point on a line with the regular foul line.
9.4.3 Each certified bowling centre must have a foul detecting device in operation or a foul judge
stand conveniently located directly on a line with or immediately beyond the foul line so that
the foul judge may have an unobstructed view of all foul lines.
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9.5 Length and width
9.5.1 The overall length of a regulation lane, including the pin deck has a reference dimension of
62 feet 10 3/16 inches (19 156 mm), measured from the lane side of the foul line to the rear
end of the pin deck (not including the tail plank).
9.5.2 It must be 60 feet plus/minus ½ inch (18 288 +/-13 mm), from the lane side of the foul line to
the center of the No.1 pin spot.
9.5.3 It must be 34 3/16 inches plus/minus 1/16 inch (868.5 +/-1,5 mm), from the center of the
No.1 pin spot to the rear edge of the pin deck (not including the tail plank).
9.5.4 The lane shall be 41 ½ inches plus/minus ½ inch (1 054 +/- 12.7 mm) wide.
9.6 Surface
9.6.1 The surface must be free of all continuous grooves or ridges. There shall be no depressions or
crown in excess of 0,040 inch (1 mm) on the surface of the lane over a 42 inch (1 067 mm)
span. There shall be no crosswise tilt in excess of 0,040 inch (1 mm) over the width of the lane.
9.6.2 The same lane finishing coating shall be applied from edge board to edge board. The
coefficient of friction of all lane surfaces shall not exceed .29 when measured with an
approved device.
9.6.3 All bowling lane finish coatings as well as all synthetic lane surfaces must be submitted for
laboratory testing of coefficient of friction before use in sanctioned competition.
9.7 Markings or design

9.7.1 Markings or designs on the lane and approaches shall be permitted in accordance with the
specifications as specified in this chapter.
9.7.2 Measured from the foul line, a maximum of 7 guides may be embedded in or stamped on the
approach at each of the following points: 2-6 inches (51-152 mm); 9-10 feet (2 743- 3 048 mm);
11-12 feet (3 353-3 658 mm); 14-15 feet (4 267-4 572 mm). Each series of guides shall be
parallel to the foul line and each guide shall be uniform, circular in shape, and shall not exceed
¾ inch (19 mm) in diameter.
9.7.3 At a point 6-8 feet (1 828 – 2 438 mm) beyond the foul line and parallel thereto, there may be
embedded in or stamped on the lane a maximum of 10 guides. Each guide shall be uniform,
circular in shape and shall not exceed ¾ inch (19 mm) in diameter.
9.7.4 At a point 12-16 feet (3 658-4 877 mm) beyond the foul line, there may be embedded in or
stamped on the lane a maximum of 7 targets. Each of the targets shall be uniform and may
consist of one or more dowels, darts, diamonds, triangular or rectangular designs. The
overall surface covered by each target shall not be more than 1¼ inches (31,8 mm) in width
and 6 inches (152,4 mm) in length. Each target must be equidistant from one another and set
in a uniform pattern.
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9.7.5 At a point 33-44 feet beyond the foul line, there may be a maximum of four targets. Each
target must be uniform in appearance and shall not be wider than a single board or longer
than 36 inches.
9.7.6 Embedded markings or designs shall be of wood, fiber or plastic, and shall be flush and level
with the surface of the lanes approaches. When the markings are stamped on, they shall be
applied to the bare wood and then be covered with lacquer or similar transparent material
generally used in resurfacing. All such installations in any one establishment shall be uniform
as to design and measurement and at least on natural pairs of lanes.
9.7.7 For World Bowling Championships there shall be a reference marking placed on each side of
the approach at distances of both 12 and 15 feet (3 658 and 4 572 mm) from the foul line
respectively
9.8 Pit area
9.8.1 Detailed specifications related to the Pin Deck, Gutters, Kickbacks, Rear Cushion and Pit are
found in the USBC Equipment Specifications Manual.
9.9 Pin setting device
9.9.1 All automatic pin setting devices must be tested and approved in accordance with
established procedures.
9.9.2 They must be designed to operate under all situations normally arising in sanctioned
competitions.
9.10 Lane conditioning requirements
9.10.1 The following lane conditioning requirements shall apply to all competition conducted or
approved by the World Bowling.
9.10.2 The same type/brand of dressing shall be used across the entire width and length of the
dressed portion of the lane, and the same product shall apply to all lanes used in
competition. Following any application, in the dressed portion of the lane (including any
buffed portion); there shall be dressing at all points on the lane surface. As guidelines the
crosswise ratio of oil should be 2.5:1, and the lengthwise ratio should be tapered.
9.10.3 The minimum and maximum dressing distances, including the buffed portion, shall neither be
less than 33 feet (10 058 mm) nor more than 47 feet (14 326 mm). This rule should not be
interpreted to mean that 33 or 47 feet are recommended distances. Any distance between 33
feet and 47 feet may be used to dress the lanes. All championship tournaments shall use
patterns and lane dressing procedures as noted in section 4.6.
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World Bowling
________________________________________________________________________________
10. Pin specifications
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Material
10.2.1 Approved pins shall be made of new, sound, hard maple.
10.2.2 Each pin may be constructed of one, or laminated of two or more pieces, provided the pins
meet with specifications herein.
10.2.3 Pins constructed of material other than hard maple may be used in World Bowling
sanctioned competition provided they comply with the technical specifications and have been
laboratory tested and approved.
10.3 Weight
10.3.1 Each standard wood pin and plastic coated pin must weigh neither less than 3 pounds 6
ounces (1531 grams) nor more than 3 pound 10 ounces (1645 grams).
10.3.2 Non wood (synthetic) pin will set its own weight limit at time of testing. The weight range may
not exceed a total of 2 ounces from minimum to maximum and any pin out of its approved
weight range is unacceptable for World Bowling sanctioned competition.
10.4 Finish
10.4.1 Single piece or laminated tenpins shall be finished with regularly accepted wood finishes and
this coating shall be transparent (clear) and/or white pigmented with the exception of neck
markings, identifying symbols or names. Regular wood finishes of four thousandths (0.004)
inch film thickness are acceptable.
10.4.2 Pins used in World Bowling competition shall only bear the name and trademark of the
original manufacturer or distributor and be marked “USBC Approved”.
10.4.3 Except for reasonable wear, neck markings and color, the pins in each set must be uniform
in appearance including finish and labels.
10.4.4 In sanctioned tournaments it is permissible to use colored pins, provided they are uniform
within the whole set.
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World Bowling
________________________________________________________________________________
10.5 Design and measurement
10.5.1 The height of each pin shall be 15 inches, plus /minus 1/32 inch (380 - 382 mm).
10.5.2 The biggest diameter is 4.755 - 4.797 inches (121 – 122 mm) at 4.5 inches (114 mm) above
the base.
10.5.3 The top of the pin shall have a uniform arc with a radius of 1.273 inches, plus/minus 1/32
inch (31.5 – 33 mm).
10.5.4 Base attachments must be approved and manufactured in accordance with the specifications
established in the USBC Equipment Specification Manual.
10.6 Maintenance of pins
10.6.1 The use of steel wool or sandpaper to remove dirt and surface splinters, the application of
supplementary finish and/or the patching of plastic coated pins are permissible preservative
measures providing these practices conform to the procedures outlined in the USBC
Equipment Specification Manual.
10.6.2 At no time may a pin be painted or any supplemental finish be applied that has not been
evaluated and approved.
________________________________________________________________________________
World Bowling
________________________________________________________________________________
11. Ball specifications

11.1 Introduction
11.2 Markings
11.2.1 Any bowling ball used in World Bowling sanctioned competition must have the product name
as well as the manufacturers name and ball serial number clearly visible at all times for
identification purposes.
11.3 Material
11.3.1 The ball shall be constructed of solid material (i.e. no liquids) without voids in its interior and
be of a non-metallic composition except for minute reflective particles or flakes for decorative
purposes, provided such particles or flakes are made a part of the ball at time of manufacture
and are evenly distributed in a uniform pattern under a transparent shell of at least ¼ inch
(6.4 mm) in thickness. This material shall be so distributed as not to have any effect on the
balance of the ball and the total amount of such material shall not exceed ½ ounce (14 g) per
ball.
11.3.2 The introduction of metal or any other substance, which is not comparable to the original
material used in manufacturing a bowling ball, is prohibited. Likewise, altering a bowling ball
in any way so as to increase its weight or cause it to be off balance outside the specifications
is prohibited.
11.3.3 No foreign material may be placed on the outer surface of the ball.
11.4 Surface
11.4.1 The surface of the ball shall be free of all depressions or grooves of specific pattern, except
for holes or indentations used for gripping the ball, identification lettering and numbers, and
incidental chipping or marking caused by wear.
11.4.2 Engraved pictures are not considered grooves of specific pattern.
11.4.3 If the surface friction of the ball is altered by sanding or polishing, the entire surface of the
ball must be sanded or polished.
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World Bowling
________________________________________________________________________________
11.5 Weight and size
11.5.1 The weight of the ball shall not exceed 16.00 pounds (7.25 kg). There is no minimum weight.
11.5.2 A bowling ball shall not have a circumference of more than 27.002 inches (685.8 mm) nor
less than 26.704 inches (678.3 mm). The corresponding diameters are 8.595 inches (218.3
mm) and 8.500 inches (215.9 mm) respectively.
11.6 Hardness
11.6.1 The surface hardness of bowling balls shall not be less than 72 duro meter D at room
temperature (20 - 25 degrees C).
11.6.2 The use of chemicals, solvents or other methods to change the hardness of the surface of
the ball after it is manufactured is prohibited.
11.7 Cleaning
11.7.1 Cleaners may be used provided they do not affect the hardness of the ball, and that they are
totally removed from the ball before delivery.
11.7.2 Any ball cleaner, which does not conform to any of these provisions, may not be used in
World Bowling sanctioned competition.
11.8 Devices
11.8.1 Movable devices are not permitted in a ball except that a device for changing the finger span
or the size of finger and thumb holes may be inserted, providing the device is locked in
position during delivery and cannot be removed from the ball without destroying the device.
11.8.2 Removable devices shall be permitted, provided

a) Such devices are used for changing the span, pitch or size of the gripping holes
b) Are constructed of a non-metallic material
c) Are locked in position during delivery
d) No device shall be employed for the purpose of adjusting the static balance of the ball
e) No voids shall be permitted under the device
f) Density not to exceed 1.5 grams per cubic centimeter
11.9 Mechanical aids
11.9.1 A bowling ball must be delivered entirely by manual means and shall not incorporate any
device either in the ball or affixed to it which is either detached at time of delivery or is a
moving part in the ball during delivery, except that any person who’s hand or major portion
thereof has been amputated may use special equipment to aid in grasping and delivering the
ball provided the special equipment is in lieu of the amputee’s hand.
________________________________________________________________________________
World Bowling
________________________________________________________________________________
11.10 Plugs, designs and logos

11.10.1 Plugs may be inserted for the purpose of re-drilling the ball.
11.10.2 Designs may be imbedded in the ball for guides, observation, or identification purposes,
provided such designs are flush with the outer surface of the ball.
11.10.3 In all cases there shall be no interior voids.
11.10.4 Plugs and designs must be made of material similar to, although not exactly the same as the
original material of which the ball was made, and shall otherwise comply with all other
specifications for a bowling ball. Density not to exceed 1.5 grams per cubic centimeter.
11.11 Manufacturing specifications
11.11.1 The manufacturing specifications such as size, roundness, hardness, radius of gyration,
coefficient of restitution, coefficient of friction are stated in the USBC Equipment
Specifications Manual.
11.12 Drilling specifications

11.12.1 The following limitations, as specified, shall govern the drilling of holes in the ball.
11.12.2 Holes or indentations for gripping purposes shall not exceed five and shall be limited to one
for each finger and one for the thumb, all for the same hand. The athlete is not required to
use all finger holes in any specific delivery, but they must be able to demonstrate, with the
same hand, that each gripping hole can be simultaneously used for gripping purposes. Any
thumb hole that is not used for gripping purposes during the delivery would be classified as a
balance hole.
11.12.3 (until August 1, 2020) One hole for balance purposes not to exceed 1 ¼ inch (31.8 mm)
diameter. (Including the surface opening).
11.12.4 No more than one vent hole to each finger and/or thumb hole not to exceed ¼ inch (6.4 mm)
in diameter. (Including the surface opening).
11.12.5 One mill hole for inspection purposes not to exceed 5/8 inch (15.9 mm) in diameter and
1/8 inch (3.2 mm) in depth.
11.13 Balance
11.13.1 The following tolerances shall be permissible in the balance of a bowling ball used in
sanctioned competition.
11.13.2 Weight more than 10 pounds (4.53 kg)

a) Not more than 3 ounces (85 grams) difference between the top half of the ball (gripping
holes side) and the bottom half of the ball (side opposite the gripping holes).
________________________________________________________________________________
World Bowling
________________________________________________________________________________
b) (not valid on or after August 1, 2020) Not more than 1 ounce (28 grams) difference
between the half of the ball to the left and the half of the ball to the right of the center of
grip (side weight).
c) (not valid on or after August 1, 2020) Not more than 1 ounce (28 grams) difference
between the half of the ball toward the thumb hole side of the center of grip and toward
the finger holes side of the center of grip (thumb/ finger weight).
11.13.3 For balls without a balance hole not more than 3 ounces (85 grams) between any two halves
of the ball. A ball used without any gripping holes or indentations may not have more than 3
ounces (85 grams) of difference between any two halves of the ball.
11.13.4 Weight 10 pounds to 8 pounds (4.53 - 3.62 kg)

a) Not more than two (2) ounces (57 g) difference between top half of the ball (finger hole
side) and the bottom half (side opposite the finger holes)
b) Not more than three quarters (3/4) ounce (21 g) difference between the sides to the right
and left of the finger holes or between the sides in front and back of finger holes
c) A ball drilled without a thumbhole may not have more than three quarters (3/4) ounce (21
g) difference between any two halves of the ball
d) A ball drilled without any finger holes or indentations, may not have more than three
quarters (3/4) ounce (21 g) difference between any two halves of the ball
e) A ball used without any hole or indentations may not have more than three quarters (3/4)
ounce (21 g) difference between any two halves of the ball.
11.13.5 Weight less than 8 pounds (3.62 kg)

a) Not more than three quarters (3/4) ounces (21 g) difference between top half of the ball
(finger hole side) and the bottom half (side opposite the finger holes)
b) Not more than three quarters (3/4) ounce (21 g) difference between the sides to the right
and left of the finger holes or between the sides in front and back of finger holes
c) A ball drilled without a thumbhole may not have more than three quarters (3/4) ounce (21
g) difference between any two halves of the ball
d) A ball drilled without any finger holes or indentations may not have more than three
quarters (3/4) ounce (21 g) difference between any two halves of the ball
e) A ball used without any hole or indentations may not have more than three quarters (3/4)
ounce (21 g) difference between any two halves of the ball.
11.14 Specifications that may be measured at tournament sites
11.14.1 Gross weight. Shall not exceed 16 pounds (7.25 kg).
11.14.2 Holes or indentations for gripping purposes. Shall not exceed five.
11.14.3 One hole for balance purposes is allowed. Shall not exceed 1¼” in (31.8 mm) diameter.
11.14.4 Vent holes to the finger and/or thumb holes are allowed. Shall not exceed ¼” in (6.4 mm)
diameter.
11.14.5 One mill hole for inspection purposes is allowed. Shall not exceed 5/8” in (15.9 mm) diameter
and 1/8” in (3.2 mm) depth.
________________________________________________________________________________
World Bowling
________________________________________________________________________________
11.14.6 Static balance. Shall be within the tolerances as specified above.
11.14.7 Ball hardness as specified above.
________________________________________________________________________________
World Bowling
________________________________________________________________________________
Glossary
World Bowling / FIQ / WTBA
World Bowling is since 2015 Congress the organization recognized and accepted as the world body
of bowling sports and for the purpose of this Statutes, tenpin bowling. Until 2015 Fédération
Internationale des Quilleurs, was the name of the organization.
WTBA (World Tenpin Bowling Association) was until 2015 under FIQ the responsible body for tenpin
bowling.
Federation
The national organization within a given country
Zone
A geographical area, the boundaries of which are defined by the World Bowling
Bowling
The participant sport known as tenpin bowling
Athlete
Anyone who plays the game of tenpin bowling
Member
A national association, congress or federation, which has been granted membership
Congress
The body considering legislation, determining policies and providing guidelines for, its Zones, and its
member federations, it consists of delegates from the member federations gathered at a duly
convened meeting
Delegate
A person authorized by member federation to be its representative at any Congress
Executive Board
The board of management whose members are elected by the Congress or appointed in accordance
with the terms of Rule 1.7
Masculine and female gender

The masculine gender used in relation to any physical person (for example, name such as member,
official, participant, competitor, athlete, player, referee, member of a jury, or pronouns such as he,
they, them) shall, unless there is a specific provision to the contrary, be understood as including the
feminine gender.
________________________________________________________________________________

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World Bowling

The World Bowling Website: www.worldbowling.org

Chapter 2: Universal playing rules

Chapter 3: World Bowling approved international tournaments

Chapter 4: World championships, principle rules

Chapter 5: World Bowling Championships

Chapter 6: World Bowling Junior, Youth and Senior Championships

Chapter 7: World Games

Chapter 8: Regional games and other global games

Chapter 9: Lane specifications

Chapter 10: Pin specifications

Chapter 11: Ball specifications

Championships and tournaments

1. World Bowling Statutes

1.3 Official language

1.3.2 Statutes and Rules shall be published in English.

1.4.8 Termination of Membership

1.4.9 Obligations of the member federations

A suspended individual member shall be deprived of all his/her privileges. Such a

g) To supply immediately such information as may be required by World Bowling

1.4.12 Dispute resolutions for championships/tournaments (excluding eligibility)

1.5 Organisational structure

1.5.8 The objectives of the Zones

1.5.9 The rights of the Zones

1.6.4 A member federation may be represented at a World Bowling Congress by a maximum of

1.7 Executive Board

1.10 Business year

1.11 Financial procedures

1.12 World Championships

1.13 Zone championships

1.13.1 The format of the Zone championships is to be decided by each zone.

1.13.2 Details to be decided by member federations at the Zone Congress.

1.15 Rules for championships and tournaments

1.16 Rules against doping and betting

1.18 By-laws (operation procedures)

2.2 Style of play

2.3 Legal pin fall

2.3.2 Every delivery counts unless a dead ball is declared.

2.3.3 A delivery must be made entirely by manual means.

2.4 Illegal pin fall

2.5 Other pin actions

2.6 Dead ball

2.6.1 A ball shall be declared dead if any of the following occur

2.7 Bowling on wrong lane

2.8 Foul definitions

2.8.6 No appeal shall be allowed when a foul is called unless

2.9 Provisional ball

2.10 Bowling ball, altering surface

2.11 Approaches must not be defaced

2.12 Errors in scoring

2.12.1 Errors in scoring or errors in calculation must be corrected by a responsible tournament

2.13 Additional tournament information

2.13.2 A tournament may have a rule to cover tardy players.

2.13.3 A tournament may have a rule addressing unfair tactics by a player.

3.2 Definition of tournaments

3.2.1 World Bowling Approved Tournaments

3.2.2 World Bowling Recognized Tournaments

3.2.3 Affinity Tournaments

3.4 Approval fee