Bowling ball serial numbers
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Bowling ball serial numbers
The serial numbers and ball manufacturer logos have been worn off on a couple of my bowling balls. Is it true that these balls are illegal to use in USBC sanctioned leagues and tournaments?
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Re: Bowling ball serial numbers
From my understanding they can be re-engraved with ANY serial number and be legal.
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Re: Bowling ball serial numbers
What about the ball manufacturer logo? On one ball that you are gone. The other is just about gone.
My Arsenal: Storm Supernova, Storm Absolute, Storm Phaze 3, Rotogrip Idol Cosmos, 900 Global Zen Master, and Storm Punch Out
Re: Bowling ball serial numbers
This is what I found out awhile back:
The rules regarding the serial numbers and names/logos on a ball, which can go missing over time do to resurfacing etc.
Any bowling ball used in USBC certified competition must be approved and identifiable as a ball listed on the “Approved Ball List” located on the Equipment Specifications page on bowl. com with the exception of House Balls.
For identification purposes, each ball must have some form of serial number, the ball’s original brand and model names or logos must also be on each ball.
So what happens if one or all are missing? Whats required to be legal?
(This was checked with the USBC rules dept. back in 2017)
The Ball serial number:
A serial number is required to keep the ball legal. If this number goes missing you can have it engraved or re-engraved (Note: It doesn't have to be the original number).
The USBC Star Logo:
The USBC Star Logo is a manufacturing requirement not an end user (Player) requirement, So it would not need to be re-engraved. The ball would be legal as this isn’t an player requirement, assuming the ball has the other required markings.
The ball’s original brand and model names or logos:
These may not be re-engraved by the bowler, Once the ball is no longer identifiable by the brand name/logo and ball name it is no longer allowed to be used during USBC certified competition.
Here's from the current 2020-21 USBC Rulebook also:
Chapter 8: Equipment Specifications
Bowling Balls
1. Approved. Bowling balls must be identifiable as a ball listed on the Approved Ball List. Since all
bowling balls manufactured prior to January 1991 have been previously approved, their acceptance
is at the discretion of the tournament or league official.
3. Identification. Each ball must have the original brand name/logo, original ball name and some
form of serial number (the serial number may be re-engraved).
The rules regarding the serial numbers and names/logos on a ball, which can go missing over time do to resurfacing etc.
Any bowling ball used in USBC certified competition must be approved and identifiable as a ball listed on the “Approved Ball List” located on the Equipment Specifications page on bowl. com with the exception of House Balls.
For identification purposes, each ball must have some form of serial number, the ball’s original brand and model names or logos must also be on each ball.
So what happens if one or all are missing? Whats required to be legal?
(This was checked with the USBC rules dept. back in 2017)
The Ball serial number:
A serial number is required to keep the ball legal. If this number goes missing you can have it engraved or re-engraved (Note: It doesn't have to be the original number).
The USBC Star Logo:
The USBC Star Logo is a manufacturing requirement not an end user (Player) requirement, So it would not need to be re-engraved. The ball would be legal as this isn’t an player requirement, assuming the ball has the other required markings.
The ball’s original brand and model names or logos:
These may not be re-engraved by the bowler, Once the ball is no longer identifiable by the brand name/logo and ball name it is no longer allowed to be used during USBC certified competition.
Here's from the current 2020-21 USBC Rulebook also:
Chapter 8: Equipment Specifications
Bowling Balls
1. Approved. Bowling balls must be identifiable as a ball listed on the Approved Ball List. Since all
bowling balls manufactured prior to January 1991 have been previously approved, their acceptance
is at the discretion of the tournament or league official.
3. Identification. Each ball must have the original brand name/logo, original ball name and some
form of serial number (the serial number may be re-engraved).
"REMEMBER, it isn't how much the ball hooks, it's where."
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- Member
- Posts: 49
- Joined: May 19th, 2016, 1:32 pm
- Heavy Oil Ball: Storm Supernova
- Medium Oil Ball: Rotorgrip Idol Cosmos
- Light Oil Ball: Storm Punch Out
- Preferred Company: Storm
Re: Bowling ball serial numbers
Looks like my HyperCell Fused is toast. My Timeless may be also. I need a mid to upper mid
Symmetrical solid cover ball anyhow.
Symmetrical solid cover ball anyhow.
My Arsenal: Storm Supernova, Storm Absolute, Storm Phaze 3, Rotogrip Idol Cosmos, 900 Global Zen Master, and Storm Punch Out