I am throwing the BS flag....

We are bowling and everybodys ball is checking up from the start early because of the oil pattern...  One of the guys we are bowling against works in the proshop and struggling like everybody else.... He gets a ball out of his bag and goes to the proshop and changes the surface or put some polish on a ball that has not been thrown..  I think this is legal but nobody is able to do this because he was the only person running the proshop and its normally not available during league.... 

Is this legal or not...

I don't see anything wrong with it "legally".  I think that would be a perk of working in the pro shop?

I think the biggest question is, did this person win all the money that night?  If not, then who cares.  It gives you an extra reason to tease them the rest of the year

So let me get this straight!

Rule 18 – Bowling Ball – Altering Surface
Altering the surface of a bowling ball by the use of abrasives while bowling in USBC competition is prohibited.

That should take care of it. Then you get this:

The use of approved cleaning agents such as isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and polishing machines is permissible.

along with 18/2 c.

However, once tournament or league play begins, the use of a ball spinner is
strictly prohibited; only an automated, self-contained polishing machine may be used.

I guess if you have the money to own a polishing machine, then it is okay.

So USBC grants a loop hole in the rule based on the bowling center earning a little extra cash at the end of the night.

I think it would matter as to when he did the polishing.  I don't believe there is anything wrong with someone throwing a ball or two in practice and then altering the surface.  Isn't it only when the scorers come on?  Then you can't alter the surface?  I could be wrong.

I think it would matter as to when he did the polishing.  I don't believe there is anything wrong with someone throwing a ball or two in practice and then altering the surface.  Isn't it only when the scorers come on?  Then you can't alter the surface?  I could be wrong.

Yes you can alter the surface during practice, but once anyone in the house throws a ball for score You can't change it because competition has been.

And it doesn't matter if a ball had not been thrown and just taken out of the bag you can't change it.

This question has came up before and that was the answer they got from the rules dept.

You could write them and verify it.


Here ran across this:
By Gene J. Kanak, USBC Communications
Due to recent confusion, the United States Bowling Congress is clarifying its rules regarding the use of bowling ball cleaners, polishes and surface-altering abrasives before, during and after USBC certified league and tournament competition.

During competition, bowlers may apply bowling ball cleaners and polishes by hand in the bowling area only; they cannot be applied outside of the bowling area (i.e. in the pro shop, locker room or equipment paddock) or with the use of a ball spinner. Cleaners and polishes used during competition must contain no solids or abrasives and be found on the list of acceptable Commercial Ball Cleaners/Polishes

Rules and rules and he violated them.  I would hold pro shop workers to a bit more higher understanding of the rules.  I would question what other things he might possibly do from time to time.  That is the zero tolerance stance. 

However I think the rule is a bit crazy personally.  There isn't a limit of x amount of bowling balls so if I wanted to I could have plenty of equipment to get around this rule.  I think it is a bit humorous that a proshop guy would do that.  That guy is a prick at the very least.

Was the league sanctioned?

If not then they don't really have any rules.

This is Sanctioned league...