06/02/2026
🟢Now that we're in the final stretch for entries to be submitted, this is a great time to review USBC's Rule 319 about reporting of AVERAGES; TOURNAMENT AVERAGES; and TOURNAMENT MONIES WON.
Rule 319 – Averages
319a. Conditions that Apply
The following conditions apply to averages in handicap or classified tournaments, unless the tournament rules state otherwise, except that only USBC averages shall be accepted. (See Rule 319c for average adjustment.)
1. The bowler is required to submit the previous season’s highest average of:
a) A single USBC league average based on a minimum of 21 games; or
b) A composite average of all USBC leagues, including leagues with less than 21 games bowled.
2. When the previous season’s average is used, and at the time of bowling an entrant has a current average for 21 or more games that is 10 pins or more higher than the prior season’s average, the
current average must be used.
3. Bowlers are responsible for verifying his/her own average, whether submitted by the bowler, the team captain or others. If the submitted average is lower than required and results in a lower
classification or more handicap, the bowler’s score is disqualified. If the submitted average is higher than required, prize winnings will be based on the submitted average. In the case of a team of two or more bowlers, the averages will be combined to determine if the correct total is higher or lower than the submitted total.
4. Average corrections can be made up to the end of the bowler’s first game of a series. Or, if an extension of time has been granted in writing by tournament management before the end of the first
game of a series, the correction can be made within 48 hours after the end of the series.
319b. Assigned Averages
A bowler who does not have an acceptable average under tournament rules will bowl scratch, unless the rules specify a minimum average that will be assigned by tournament management prior to participation. Tournament management has the authority to assign an average higher than the minimum average prior to participation.
319c. Average Adjustments (Rerating)
The average of a bowler may be adjusted upward before participation in any event. If the assigned average is not accepted by the bowler, the entry fee shall be refunded. Unless the tournament rules state otherwise, in a handicap or classified tournament, a bowler who has had his/her average adjusted/rerated in accordance with this rule is required to report all previous assigned average adjustments/rerates, whether the bowler accepted the adjustment/rerate or not, at the time of bowling.
The following information must be submitted prior to participation for possible average adjustment/rerate:
1. The name of each tournament in which an average adjustment/rerate was assigned (including date assigned).
2. The adjusted/rerated average.
Failure to comply with these provisions is cause for disqualification and forfeiture of entry fees and prize winnings.
319d. Reporting Prior Prize Winnings
1. Within the last 12-month period, anyone who has qualified* for a cash and/or merchandise prize in the position standings prize list in a tournament, including all-events, special features, special prizes and donated prizes, must give tournament management the following information prior to participation for possible average adjustment:
a. The name of each tournament in which they have been paid the following prizes, or if not yet paid, in which they have qualified for the prize:
1) $300 or more in any event;
2) Total combined prize winnings of $500 or more in any one tournament;
3) Total combined prize winnings of $1000 or more in all tournaments within the last 12 months.
b. The amount of the prize.
c. The actual score bowled to qualify for the prize.
d. The prize position.
2. Failure to comply with these provisions is cause for a forfeiture of entry fees and prize winnings.
NOTE: *Qualified is defined as the date and time the tournament officially ended (completion of the last squad or round of competition), or payment of prizes, whichever comes first.
All bowlers regardless of average must comply with the provision of Rule 319d.
Prize winnings from certified and non-certified tournaments, including those using a modified format of American Tenpins (example: 9 pin tap), must be used in the application of this rule.
319e. Average Adjustment for Entry
NOTE: All certified and non-certified scores from the game of American Tenpins must be used in the application of this rule.
Unless the tournament rules state otherwise, the following applies in a handicap or classified tournament:
1. The bowler is responsible for keeping a record of the names, dates, scores, and prize winnings in all tournaments entered in the previous 12 months, including those still running. These include
all tournament scores bowled in accordance with the game of American Tenpins.
2. A bowler shall adjust his/her entering average if, during the 12-month period immediately preceding the time and date of bowling, the bowler’s accumulated average for all, but not less than
21 tournament games, exceeds the average to be used for entry by 15 or more pins. In that case, the accumulated average must be used for handicapping or classification purposes.
a. A bowler whose tournament scores require an adjustment must submit the adjusted average in writing before the end of the first game in a tournament, unless tournament rules allow for such
adjustment to be made within a specified time after bowling.
b. Failure to use the adjusted average in accordance with the foregoing is cause for forfeiture of entry fees and prize winnings, and the bowler is subject to suspension of membership in USBC.
On appeal or protest, the bowler must promptly supply the record of the names, dates, scores and prizes won — or scores that qualify to win — in all tournaments in which the bowler competed within
the previous 12 months.
Nothing in this rule supersedes tournament management’s authority to adjust the bowler’s average higher prior to bowling.
