2008 GBUSBCA OPEN CITY TOURNAMENT RULES

1. A participant in this tournament must be a member of the Greater Birmingham USBC, Inc., for the 2007-2008 season. All non-members living within the jurisdiction of this association who are not members of another association may enter by paying an unattached membership fee.

2. Multiple participation in team event only is permitted provided no more than three (3) players compete together more than once. The highest score bowled in the team event will count towards the individual’s All Events scores. An individual may participate only once in the singles and doubles events, and must enter in both if entered in either. (USBC Rule 315).

3. Handicap will be based on 90% of the individual average and 210 for each three game set.

4. Participants will use their highest GBUSBC, Inc. certified average based on a minimum of 21 games for the 2006-2007 season. For participants without a previous GBUSBC, Inc. season average, verifiable GBUSBC, Inc. summer league averages based on 21 games or more are acceptable. Those without a previous GBUSBC, Inc. 2006-2007 winter or summer league average may use their current GBUSBC, Inc. average as of January 4, 2008 based on 21 games or more. The 10 pin average rule is waived for this tournament. All others will bowl scratch. Any entry failing to comply with the above rules shall forfeit all claims to any prize money and/or return of their entry fee. The team captain signing the entry form shall be responsible for the correctness of all averages of their team members. The averages must be listed on the entry form. USBC Rule 319 a-b will be strictly enforced. Tournament rerate committee reserves the right to rerate or amend any entry prior to bowling.

5. Rule 319(a)(3). It shall be each bowler’s responsibility to verify the accuracy of their average in handicap or classified tournament whether originally submitted by the bowler, the team captain, or others. Failure to use proper average or make a correction prior to or up to completion of the first game of a series shall disqualify score if submitted average is lower than the actual average or base winnings on submitted average if it is higher. Rule 319d. Any bowler who has qualified for a prize of $600 or more cash or merchandise in any event in a tournament within the previous 12 month period, must report their actual score, position, and the amount to the tournament manager at the time of entry in handicap or classified tournament for possible re-rating. Failure to comply with either of these provisions shall be cause to forfeit entry fee and prize winnings. Bowler should be aware of USBC Rule 319e.

6. The total fee will be $19.00 per bowler per event for team, singles, and doubles, and $5.00 for both handicap and/or scratch All Events (optional). *The prize fund portion will be dispersed with 100% per bowler per event to those placing in handicap division , excluding both scratch and handicap all events. Awards and USBC Championship Chevrons will be awarded winners in both handicap and scratch divisions of each event. The handicap team event, doubles and singles event prize will be awarded on a ratio of one (1) prize for each six (6) entries. ALL events prizes will be awarded on a ration one (1) out of (10) ten entries, both scratch and handicap.

7. No change in the team line up will be permitted unless substitution is involved. If substitution is required, the only changes made will be that of the individuals involved and these changes shall be made at least one hour prior to scheduled time to bowl.

8. Proper fees must accompany entry or it will not be accepted. Checks covering entry fees shall be made payable to Greater Birmingham USBC, Inc. A $30.00 fee will be charged for any NSF check and must be paid in cash prior to bowling your first event.

9. Singles and Doubles will normally be scheduled three (3) bowlers to a lane. Singles and Doubles will be bowled on the same squad.

10. All entries must be submitted to the tournament manager via the address on front, post marked on or before midnight January 4, 2008 and received by January 5, 2008.

11. Errors in scoring must be reported to the tournament manager for corrections within 24 hours after games have been bowled. Official scores will be taken from computer printout per USBC Rule 327a. It shall be each bowler’s responsibility to initial their average as being correct on recap sheet.

12. Bowlers Tournament Equipment: Each bowler must have a bowling ball for their exclusive use. Only one ball per bowler allowed on the rack at any given time. 13. Student Participation: Unmarried grade and high school students who have not attained the age of eighteen (18) must have written consent of their parents or guardian in order to participate in any USBC sanctioned league or tournament where cash or merchandise prizes are offered. Said written consent must be on file with the tournament manager at least one week before the bowler is eligible for league or tournament competition unless the student is accompanied by their parent or guardian in which case the parental consent form may be filed up to the time student is to bowl. (USBC Rule 13).

14. No bowler shall be allowed to bowl with two teams scheduled to bowl on the same shift during this tournament.

15. Premature termination of the tournament brought about by war, national emergency or emergency causes relating thereto or therefrom, fire, natural disaster and any other reason beyond the control of the Greater Birmingham USBC, Inc. shall cause, to the extent required thereby, as advertised prizes, guaranteed or otherwise, to be prorated in accordance with the number of entrants who have bowled in each of the respective events up to the time of such termination.

16A. In accordance with USBC Rule 18 the use of abrasives on surface of bowling ball during tournament play will result in disqualification and suspension of membership.
16B. In accordance with USBC Rule 12 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. This includes, but is not limited to, such substances as talcum powder, pumice and resin on shoes; also soft rubber soles and heels that rub off on the approach.

17. Additional squads may be added during the course of the tournament; however, no squad may be added after final squad scheduled for 2:00 PM February 10, 2008.

18. All United States Congress rules regarding tournament play shall govern this tournament.

19. The Greater Birmingham USBC, Inc. will furnish a Free Team entry into the Alabama State USBC, Inc. Open for the following year to the winners of scratch and handicap team events.