Foul Rule 5a. Definition
A foul occurs when a part of the player’s body encroaches on or goes beyond the foul line and touches any part of the lane, equipment or building during or after a delivery. A ball is in play after a delivery until the same or another player is on the approach in position to make a succeeding delivery.
The certification and inspection committee of a local association can require that the foul line be plainly marked on the walls, posts, division boards or any other structure in a bowling center on a line with the regular foul line.
When a foul is recorded the delivery counts, but the player is not credited with any pins knocked down by that delivery. (See Rule 6b.)
NOTE: The foul line is of infinite length including walls, flooring, posts and ball returns. A foul is not committed when foreign objects such as pens, jewelry, coins, cigarettes, etc., drop from a bowler’s pocket or fall from a person’s body or clothing. (Footwear and clothing are considered part of the body.) A player should request permission to cross the foul line to retrieve any items that have fallen beyond the foul line.
5a/1
What happens when there is a dispute over a foul call?
According to Rule 10, a provisional ball should be thrown when there is a controversy. A provisional ball or frame shall be bowled when a protest involving a foul, cannot be resolved by the two team captains.
When a dispute over a foul occurs, the player shall complete the frame and then bowl one provisional ball. The score sheet or printout and a record of both scores for the frame in which the provisional delivery is made, shall be kept. The protest must be referred to the league’s board of directors for a decision.
5a/2
A player goes over the foul line while retaining possession of the ball. Is this considered a foul?
No, a legal delivery must be executed for a foul to be committed. A legal delivery is made when the ball leaves the player’s possession and crosses the foul line into playing territory.
5a/3
A member of a team crosses onto an adjacent approach when making a delivery. Is this considered a foul?
A foul is not called when a bowler crosses onto an adjoining approach area. However, if the bowler steps over the foul line on that lane, it is considered a foul.
5a/4
Is a foul called when the ball rolls over the foul line during delivery and the foul detector is activated?
The bowling ball is not considered a part of the bowler’s body. If the bowler did not step on or go beyond the foul line, a foul is not recorded.
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Scott
