Bowling Rules
NCASB Bowling Rules
Rule 1: Participation
Rule 2: Equipment
Rule 3: Uniforms
Rule 4: Coaching
Rule 5: Awards
Rule 1: Participation
1.1 Team Bowling: Teams may be comprised of no more than 12 members, broken down as follows:
- Male Team – 4 males
- Female Team – 4 females
- Co-Ed Team – 2 males; 2 females
1.2 A game of American Tenpins consists of ten (10) frames. A player delivers two balls in each of the first nine frames unless a strike is scored. In the 10th frame, a player delivers three balls if a strike or spare is scored.
1.3 Foul lights will be activated during formal competition and will result in a null score for the corresponding throw.
1.4 Virtual Participation: A school choosing to participate virtually must submit an official score card from the Bowling Alley to be counted. Submissions must be received no later than 5:00 pm (time zone based on host school) the day of the in-person competition.
Rule 2: Equipment
2.1 All equipment must be USBC approved.
2.2 Use of ramps and bumpers will not be allowed in formal competition.
2.3 Utilization of Guiderails is permitted during competition. Guiderails maybe adjusted per frame, per bowler. If a team requires use of a guiderail, one must be provided for each team (male, female, coed) by their school.
2.4 When a guiderail is unavailable, a bowler may request human guide to the center of the foul line. The Guide will not be permitted to align the bowler to the pins.
Rule 3: Uniforms
3.1 Teams must wear school issued matching tops.
3.2 Bowling shoes must be worn during competition.
Rule 4: Coaching
4.1 Coaching is not permitted while the bowler is on the lane. Coaches may communicate what pins remain prior to the bowler retrieving their ball for the next throw.
Rule 5: Awards
5.1 Team trophies will be given for 1st – 4th based on the team’s combined total pins (male, female, coed).
5.2 Team Medals will be awarded for 1st – 3rd for individual state team, based on the total combined pins for each team category.
5.3 Outstanding Bowler: Coaches will nominate their top 3 bowlers from the tournament. The Bowler who receives the most votes will be awarded the “Outstanding Bowler” plaque
