JUNIOR BOWLERS TOUR RULES  - updated 1/4/10

Note: The following rules apply to Junior Bowlers Tour events conducted in the Southwest and Northwest, and is not affiliated with the east-coast based Junior Bowlers Tour.

1) Eligibility: Junior Bowlers Tour (JBT) tournaments are open to all male and female bowlers age 21 or under as of August 29, 2009, who are not current or former members of the PBA or any other professional bowling organization, regardless of ‘youth’ or ‘adult’ status in any other organization.  JBT events are scholarship events, with all monetary prizes awarded as such, again regardless of bowler’s ‘adult’ or ‘youth’ status outside of JBT.  JBT events are JBT Certified, and are not affiliated with other city or state events, other USBC events, etc.

2) Divisions: There are two divisions, scratch and handicap.  Bowlers can choose to compete in either division.  Any events with formats comprising more or less than two divisions will have separate details announcing that event’s divisions.

3) Handicap: Handicap division bowlers receive 90% of 200 in all rounds.  Events with different handicaps will have separate flyers announcing that event’s handicap.

4) Formats: Standard format: All bowlers roll 5 games across 10 lanes.  The top 50% of each division advance to a 3 game semifinal round matchplay in scratch).  The top 5 bowlers (8 if entries exceed 50) then roll a stepladder finals. ‘PBA’ Format: All bowlers roll 5 games across 10 lanes.  Handicap division remains unchanged.  In scratch, the top 16 bowlers regardless of entries advance. Bowlers then roll a single elimination, bracket-style finals with the #1 qualifier playing #16, #2 playing #15, etc. All matches are best two-of-three games, except the semifinal and title matches, which are one game.  Additional events with other formats are explained on separate flyers.  Survivor Format:   In this format, 'you don't have to be the best, you just have to not be the worst'.  Both divisions bowl the 5 game qualifier, and the cut is to the top 50%.  The top qualifiers receive byes through early Survivor round(s), so you can't be eliminated right away.   In the survivor rounds, an equal number of bowlers are put on each pair.  You then bowl one game.  The LOWEST score on each pair is eliminated.  Surviving bowlers are then reshuffled, and another game is bowled, again with the LOWEST score on the pair eliminated.  Play continues until there is only one survivor- the champion! When three survivors remain, a round of three is played.  Any other rounds with an odd number of survivors will advance the highest non-surviving score.  Eliminated bowlers are ranked by their 5-game qualifying score.  In the round of 4, the highest 5-game total plays the lowest 5-game total.  Drop-or-Not Format: This format is the same as our standard format, except it is a six-game qualifier, and you may DROP any one game you wish from that round to form a 5-game total.  The gimmick is that you have to state at the time you bowl the game you wish to drop that you want to drop it!  So, strategy and luck will figure in here.  If you don't drop any of the first 5 games, you don't bowl game six.  All other details remain the same as standard format.   Mega-matchplay Format: The handicap division format is unchanged from the standard format.  In scratch, you still bowl the 5 game qualifier and cut to the top 50%.  However, in your 3-game semifinals, you bowl EVERY other semifinalist in a match EVERY game.  So, if 20 people make the cut, you bowl all 19 of them every game.  Thus, if you have the high game in the semifinals, you'd go 19-0 in your matches that game and receive 19x10 bonus pins.  This is a super-exciting take on our normal match play!    Mulligan Format: The format is the same as Standard Format, except that in the scratch division, every bowler gets 3 'Mulligans', literally a do-over.  Make the cut and get an extra one, and making the finals gives you one more.  As bowlers, we always say 'man, I wish I had that shot over'-- now you do!     Nerve-wracker format: This format is just like the PBA format, except in the matchplay portion, if the match is tied 1-1 after two games, you go immediately to a one-shot rolloff-- thus the wracked nerves!!    Scratchplay format: We use this format where possible at scratch-only events.  The format is just like PBA format, except each game in the qualifying round is also a head-to-head match with 30 bonus pins for a win.  Exciting!   Pick yer poison- the format works the same (and can be used) with 'pba' or 'nervewracker' formats, with the exception that the #1 seed has the choice of playing ANY of the 15 possible opponents and the lane to start the match on.  #2 then has his/her choice, etc.

        We also have a few events each year with still more different  formats, such as our Doubles Classic, Pro-Ams, our Invitationals, the TPC, and more.  These formats are always explained on separate entry blanks.

                                4a) 8-person stepladder: If there are 50 or more entries in a standard format division, the top 8 instead of 5 will advance to the stepladder, with three three-way matches followed by the title match.  A bowler may only drop one spot from their qualifying seed in a match, regardless of score in that particular match.

5) Entry fee / scholarships: The entry fee is $33.  Entry breakdown: $20.00 Bowling fees (variable depending on house, excess lineage cost go towards scholarship awards), $5.00 awards, $5.00 expenses, $3 year-end scholarship prizes.  Optional scholarship programs are available as explained on additional materials, and are always returned at least 100%.  Scholarships are managed by the Junior Bowlers Tour, and details regarding our program may be found on the ‘scholarships’ section of our website, www.bowljbt.com.  Junior Gold Qualifier events, if any,  have their scholarships administered by USBC's SMART program and will be submitted to SMART account 10760 within 30 days after the completion of each event in which the scholarships have been earned.  $200 for first and $1,000 overall is the guaranteed minimum prize fund at all standard format JBT events.  Other events have prize funds as announced on separate flyers and the website.

6) Reservations: Unpaid reservations are not accepted.    Bowlers may prepay for any or all JBT events, or prepay an amount of their choice to be used as credit at any JBT event.  Prepaid entrants receive a $2 on-site discount per event at regular season singles events.  Walk-in entries also are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.  All bowlers must check in at the latest 30 minutes prior to squad time, or risk losing their spot to wait-listed walk-in bowlers.

7) Returned checks: Returned checks are subject to a $10 return processing fee.  

8) ATTIRE: Collared shirts or bowling related T-shirts are required.  No hats, tank tops, or clothing deemed offensive by the tournament director are allowed.  Shorts ARE permitted, but must be of a khaki-type material. Skirts / skorts are acceptable, and must be of a neat, clean material. Attire or equipment promoting alcohol or tobacco products will not be allowed.  Bowlers not conforming to dress code will not be allowed to bowl beyond the qualifying round, and will be assigned JBT point penalties. Bowlers wearing "PBA Attire", meaning a name shirt and slacks or skirts/skorts for girls, will receive an additional 10 points at each event.

            8b)  Bowlers not is acceptable dress code will not be able to advance to the following round.  Thus, a bowler not in dress code during qualifying may not bowl the semifinals until the problem is resolved.  Egregious violations of dress code will prevent a bowler from competing at all, subject to directors’ discretion.  Bowlers who are out of dress code, whom directors accidentally overlook, will be given sufficient time after being noticed, of at least until the following round, to resolve the issue.  Time allotted is subject to directors’ discretion.

9) Field Size Restrictions: Events are limited to the number of entries that the center can accommodate, in both space and allotted time.  In the event a tournament sells out, additional time or lanes will be requested.  In some centers, the size of the semifinal field must be limited due to space and time restrictions.  Such limitations will be imposed on an equal ratio1 on each division, or at the discretion of the director, and announced before the event begins.

10) Awards: Plaques are awarded to the top 5 finishers in each division, regardless of entries.  Scholarship prizes are awarded based on entry counts in each optional program.  Only 300, 800, and 11-in-a-row awards are automatically awarded.  Other awards are available pending bowler notification.

11) Smoking / Drinking:  There is to be no smoking during the tournament on or behind tournament lanes. Competitors may not smoke or drink (alcohol) at any time while entered in the event.

12) Behavior:   ANY DISPLAY OF FOUL LANGUAGE OR ABUSING EQUIPMENT will result in 1) warning, 2) forfeiture of JBT points, 3) forfeiture of pinfall, and/or 4) disqualification,  subject to the sole discretion of the tournament directors.  Please behave as the young professionals we'd like you to be seen as.  You CANNOT, for example: curse at ANY VOLUME, throw pencils, throw cups, throw ashtrays, slam balls onto ball returns when moving to a new pair, abuse personal equipment, drop personal equipment, abuse center equipment in any way, fold or tear scorecards, berate other bowlers, or impede the concentration of another bowler, physically or vocally.   We have six year olds girls in our events- if your actions would not want to be seen around that girl by that girl's mother, you can't do it.  Moreover, if a Pro can't do it in their event, you can't do it in ours.  Sometimes, officials will miss an act of misbehavior- a bowler will  'get away with it'.  It is regrettable that anybody 'gets away with it', but it happens.  Do not feel 'singled out' if you get caught- be assured that we are trying our best to catch EVERYONE, and know that it was your actions that forced us into action anyway.  Another person’s bad behavior does not excuse yours.  The intention of this rule is not to turn bowling centers into libraries, it is intended to make JBT events a fun experience for all bowlers.  Now smile, it’s just a game. Point penalties will be assigned by the following guidelines: a) minor violation: 5 points/pins; b) worse violation or second offense: 10 points/pins; c) egregious violation or repeated offenses: 20+ points/pins, or disqualification.  All tournament officials may raise of lessen point fines at their sole discretion at any time for any offense of any nature.   Bowlers who bowl non-JBT events, especially adult events, are reminded that JBT events are designed for a professional, yet kid-friendly atmosphere, and to leave ‘adult’ behavior at adult events..

13) AVERAGES:  Returning bowlers of 15+ games in 08-09 JBT competition will use their finishing 08-09 JBT average at their first event, prior to October 1.  Otherwise: Bowlers are to submit the highest average of: 1) his / her highest 09-10 league average, including JBT, of 15 games or more.  If none, 2) his / her highest 2008-09 winter league average, 15 games or more, AND highest 2009 summer league average, 15 games or more, if any.  Summer league averages higher than 08-09 averages will be split at your first event.  Bowlers will use their JBT average after they have 15 games of JBT competition.  Bowlers with less than 15 games of JBT competition will split the difference between their current JBT average and their entering average.  Bowlers with none of the above must use 200 as an average.  Bowlers who have entered 2009-10 JBT events but have less than 15 games in JBT competition as of January 1 and / or April 1 must re-declare their current high average as stated above before they can enter another JBT event. IF THIS IS YOUR 1^st JBT EVENT PLEASE BRING AVERAGE VERIFICATION WITH YOU!!   Any average discovered to be falsified or incorrect will result in that bowler’s forfeiture of all awards, JBT points and scholarship monies earned in that tournament and/or others affected by the discrepancy, and suspension from future JBT events, subject to the tournament director’s discretion.  

14) JBT POINT SYSTEM: Points are awarded based on each bowler’s final standing in a tournament in the following system:  1^st=100, 2^nd=80, 3^rd=70, 4^th=60, 5^th=50, 6^th=48, 7^th=46, 8^th=44, 9^th=42, 10^th=40, 11^th=38, 12^th=36, 13^th=34, 14^th=32, 15^th=30, 16^th=28, 17^th=26, 18^th=24, 19^th=22, 20^th=20, 21^st=18, 22^nd=16, 23^rd=14, 24^th=12, 25th=10.  Bowlers making the semifinals but not finishing in the top 25 receive 5 points.  

Additional points are also awarded in the following fashion: All bowlers who compete in an event receive 10 points.  The five highest games in the qualifying round, with handicap in the handicap division, receive 25-20-15-10-5 points respectively; bowlers may earn more than one award.  In events that have round-by-round leaders, the leader after each round earns an additional 5 points, including all ties. 

The top point scorers in each division at season’s end qualify for JBT Invitational Tournaments.  The top overall combined all-conference point scorers qualify for the JBT Touring Players' Championship.  Details on these events will be made available during the season.    

    14a) point ties:  If a tie exists for the 5th and final exemption spot heading into an Invitational, the exemption will go to the higher finisher in the qualifying round of the Invitational.  If there is a tie for the final spot into the Invitational, all tied bowlers are eligible.  If there is a tie for points within the top 5 for seeding purposes, tie will be broken by: wins, then top 5s, then cuts, then coin flip.

    14b) Invite top 5 no show:  If a bowler earning a top 5 bye does not compete in an Invitational, the 6th place bowler does not then get the exemption, etc.  Instead an additional spot will be available through qualifying.  Similarly, if all eligible bowlers do not attend an Invitational (or TPC), the "first bowler out" does not receive a spot into the Invitational.

            15) Year-end events and awards: Plaques are given at the end of the season in each Conference (Arizona, New Mexico-Texas, Mojave, California, Pacific Northwest) in each division (scratch and handicap) for the following awards: Bowler of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Bowler, and Sportsmanship.  Scholarship awards may accompany these awards if funds permit.  Plaques are awarded for the All-Star team in each category above.  Bowler of the Year, All-Star Team, and Most Improved Bowler are figured solely on a mathematical formula, while the other awards are based on a decision of Tournament Management.  The top 5 point scorers in each division going into each Conference's Invitational will receive a bonus scholarship, regardless of whether they compete in the Invitational.    

16) Fouls: Foul lights are turned on at the start of all JBT events.  Foul lights found to be malfunctioning may be turned off.  In either case, it is up to the bowlers on the pair to dispute a foul where the light does not go off, or a non-foul where the light does.  Procedures are as follows: A) If a bowler fouls, and decides to dispute it, it will remain a foul unless either 1) ALL bowlers on the pair who say they witnessed the shot agree that the bowler did NOT foul, or 2) the foul light is determined to be malfunctioning by the discretion of the tournament director through 'card tests' and 'step tests'.  A new shot will be granted.   B) If a player is accused of fouling by another bowler on the pair (nobody else can accuse that bowler) but the foul lights have not gone off, it will remain a non-foul if the foul lights are determined to be working properly through card and stomp tests.  If the foul lights were determined to be malfunctioning, and the player denies that he fouled, it will be ruled a non-foul , and a tournament assistant or parent who is not a parent of any bowler on that pair will be assigned to be a foul judge for that pair for the remainder of the game.  Note that in either case, it is the bowlers' responsibility, not the parents' to be aware of a fouling situation.  In either case, arguments over a foul are VOID if play has continued beyond the frame in question.  Be alert!

17) Respots:  If a machine malfunctions and pins need to be reset, it is the bowlers' responsibility to know which pins need to be reset.  If a bowler does not know which pins need to be reset, and it can not be determined by all the bowlers of the pair which pins need to be reset, that frame will be erased.  Any disputes about pinfall are VOID if play has continued beyond the frame in question.  Be alert!

18) Late entrants: A bowler arriving late may enter the first game of the tournament if a pair is still available that has not fully completed its fourth frame of play by the time the late bowler is ready to throw a ball.  That bowler IS allowed to catch up play, i.e. will not receive zeroes.  A bowler arriving later than that may still enter, but will receive a net +/- score of -100 for each game missed. 

19) Distractions: Requests for a re-shot due to interference will be granted on a case by case basis, subject to the sole discretion of the tournament director.  Interference from another bowler will rarely be given- be aware of you surroundings!  Interference from flash bulbs will rarely be granted- be aware of your surroundings! In general, only extreme circumstances will receive a re-shot.

20) Lane Breakdowns: Tournament management reserves the right to take whatever steps necessary to have all bowlers complete their games as quickly as possible.  In some instances, this may mean that bowlers will roll games on a pair of lanes they bowled on earlier, but never the same pair twice in a row.  In some instances, a pair will be 'dissolved', with bowlers moving to different pairs, if this is the quickest method of play, especially if only one pair is a game or more behind the rest of the field.    In delays of 15 minutes or more, bowlers may be granted warm-up balls subject to the tournament director’s discretion.  One pair at each event may be 'open' when possible with no bowlers in case of breakdowns, and will be used in the normal rotation of the day- in this way lane conditions will be similar to others if usage of the breakdown pair is necessary.

21) Ties: Stepladder ties are all broken by one ball rolloffs in scratch; two frame rolloffs in handicap.  Ties for the final spot in the scratch semifinals are broken by two frame rolloffs.  Ties for the final spot in the handicap semifinals will advance all bowlers where space and time permits, otherwise a two frame rolloff.  Ties for position in ranking are determined by high game throughout all previous rounds, unless otherwise posted.

22) Bowlers’ Responsibility: Entry into any JBT event constitutes acceptance of and adherence to all JBT rules.  Each tournament or league can and does have its own rules- it is the bowlers’ responsibility to be aware of all rules and regulations.  Each bowler is responsible for the accuracy of his/her scorecard.

23) Event change / cancellation: In extremely rare occasions, an event may need to be cancelled, or the date or time changed.  Notice of any changes to published schedules will be published online and sent to email list subscribers as soon as any changes are finalized.  Although, events may be changed at any time, it is the policy of the JBT to avoid schedule changes whenever possible.  JBT events will go on in any kind of bad weather, provided 1) the center is open or will open for us, and 2) the director can reach the center.  

24) Scorecard last call: At the end of the each round, an announcement will specifically be made stating "All Scorecards must be in at this time."  30 seconds after that, any scorecard not returned to the JBT office will be considered abandoned.  This is so we do not announce a bowler for the semifinals or finals, only to find a better scorecard turned in later, and to remove the ambiguity from that situation.

25) Legal delivery, scratch division.  In scratch JBT events, bowlers may make any legal delivery with either hand at any time (i.e., a righty shooting a 2-8-10 lefthanded; switching to a 'both-hands' style, etc.).  Note well, however, that doing this will prevent that bowler from returning to handicap division JBT competition of any type at any time (including the handicap division of doubles events). It is the purpose of this rule to allow bowlers who have the ability to potentially improve their standing because of this skill to do so, not to 'fool around'.  Bowlers who abuse this privilege at the expense of the image of the tournament will be asked to stop, with their right to 'switch hands' revoked upon further offense.   Handicap division bowlers must declare a 'dominant hand' before bowling (dominant hand is defined as the hand in which a- the fingers of which are in the ball, and/or b) the shoulder by which the delivery passes by).

26) Other rules: All rules not specifically covered will follow the USBC rulebook.  The tournament director reserves all rights. Management begs participants to come to us with problems DURING the event, WHEN they happen, so an agreeable solution can be reached immediately, instead of having bowlers leave unsatisfied.  

For more info, feel free to write us at jbtsouthwest@aol.com.