For kids still in high school it is virtually unheard of for a kid to be bowling pba regional events.  That isn't to say that it hasn't been done, but if you're that young it requires a ton of talent and for a kid to have a quite hefty bank account.  I guess what i'm trying to say is:  If the average kid put in enough time and got good enough would it be in any sense practical for them to bowl some regional events if they were still in high school?
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The self proclaimed "confined mind"

"I've got to stop Babara Striesand from taking over the world" - Robert Smith

Snowboarders kick @$$!

We have a couple of teenage boys who compete regularly on the PBA Regional circuit here in the south region.  Michael Wall & his brother (can't remember his name at the moment) from Fayetteville, NC.

As for cost, practice not included, each entry costs $200 for members and $250 for non-members.  You have to be ready, however, to make it out there so add a few hundred bucks a month for practice.
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Nut
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None are more hopelessly enslaved, as those who falsely believe they are free....

And don't forget the other necessary expenses- food, travel and lodging.  It is very easy to come out on the short end of the stick even when you cash a check.  And, as others have noted, there are equipment issues to contend with, which amount to additional expenses that you have to be ready to cover.  

That said, if one is truly attempting to advance their abilities, there is much to be learned from the experience.  However, I do not know if it would be worth foregoing the ability to earn scholarship money via YABA events.

I'm still YABA/USBC youth but I am positive that both a friend and I could go to the regional PBA tournaments around here and do quite well.  Maybe not the very first couple of tournaments, but we would definately give the other bowlers there a run for their money.  I know a couple that usually place in the top 5-10 every tournament and I consistently beat them on all different shots.  Sport shots, house shots, PBA patterns.  But what can I say, I would rather stay a junior for a couple more years, and earn about $1500 in scholarships every year.  It all just depends on what you want to do.  I figure that I'd rather be basically guaranteed the money rather than having to pay $200 a tournament and end up losing money on my first year.  But it is all really your choice.  Hope you choose well for yourself.

Jeremy
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"Strive to be perfect,  that is afterall the only way to become perfect."

Conversation between me and my girlfriend.

Her(what I hear):Blah blah blah blah blah BOWLING blah blah.
Me: What did you say about bowling?
Her: I didn't say bowling I said, DRIVING, I'm tired of driving.
Me: Ohhh. Nevermind.

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