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How can I enter a PBA tournament?
Where can I find a schedule?
How much does it cost to bowl in a PBA tournament
How can I pay for the event?
How much money can I make?
Do I have to join if I cash in a tournament?
What is the average requirement for Non-Members?
What do I need to do before I bowl in a tournament?
What equipment can I use?
What do we have to wear during the tournament?
What are the pre-tournament procedures?
What is the rule for lane courtesy?
What are the rules for scorekeeping during a PBA Tournament?
May I alter my bowling ball during competition?
What are the Post-Qualifying Weigh in procedures?
What is product registration?
What is the policy for dead ball situations?
What is PBA's policy about coaching?
What is the locker room policy?
What is PBA's policy about alcohol/smoking?
What is PBA's policy about injuries?
Can I earn an exemption as a non-member?
When do I have to be at the bowling center?
What credit cards does the PBA accept?
Will I receive a ring if I bowl 300?
How do I apply for a Commissioner’s Exemptions?
Who do I contact when I get to a tournament site?
When is my payment due? ( for tournament?)
What is the correct procedure to withdrawal from a PBA tournament?
Do I qualify to become a PBA Member?
How do I reinstate my membership?
Do I have to be a member in good standing with the USBC?
What is a PBA Tour Qualifying Round (TQR)?
How can I become an Exempt bowler?
Q: How can I enter a PBA tournament?
A: PBA Tour (Except Masters)
Fill out a PBA Tour entry form (click here to download). The entry form should be mailed to the PBA offices. This does not guarantee you a spot in the tournament.
USBC Masters and USBC Senior Masters
To enter this tournament you will need to contact the United States Bowling Congress at 1-800-514-2695 x3415 and ask for Tom Boedecker or you can go to www.bowl.com.
PBA Senior Tour
Fill out a PBA Senior Tour entry form (click here to download). The entry form should be mailed to the PBA offices. All non-members are placed on standby until 30 days prior to the tournament at which time you will be placed in the tournament if spots are available.
PBA Regional Tour
Fill out a PBA Regional entry form (click here to download). The entry form should be mailed to the appropriate Regional Manager. This does not guarantee you a spot in the tournament. Spots are held for PBA members first and are on a first-come, first served basis. Non-members are confirmed into the event the Tuesday prior to the event, based on date of paid entry.
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Q: Where can I find a schedule?
A: PBA Tour Schedule
PBA Senior Tour Schedule
Central Region
East Region
Midwest Region
Northwest Region
South Region
Southwest Region
West Region
Complete PBA Regional Tour Schedule
Complete PBA Regional Senior Tour Schedule
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Q: How much does it cost to bowl in a PBA tournament
A: Regional Tour - $200 Regional Tour - $275 (non-members) Regional Players Championship - $275
Senior Tour - $400, Senior Tour - $475 (non-members)
PBA Tour - $500, PBA Tour Qualifying Round - $300 (both members and non-members) Bowlers who qualify will have an additional $200 taken out of the prize check to cover the rest of the entry fee. Tour Trials-$1,300 (30 days prior), $1,500 (after 30 days), Open tournament non-member spots-$600 (except U.S. Open which remains $500)
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Q: How can I pay for the event?
A: PBA Tour
Non-members may pay by credit card, money order or cashiers check, or cash on-site (for PBA Tour qualifying rounds only). For the U.S. Open, the entry fee is to be paid to the PBA.
PBA Regional Tour
The PBA accepts only money orders or cashiers checks for non-member entries. These should be made out to the PBA and mailed to the appropriate Regional Manager or given to the Regional Manager at the tournament site if spots are available.
PBA Senior Tour
Non-members may pay by credit card, money order or cashiers check, or cash on-site.
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Q: How much money can I make?
A: PBA Regional and Senior Tour prize funds are based on the number of entries. Beginning April 1, 2004 the minimum cash spot in PBA Regional Tour events is $400. First-place prizes vary from tournament to tournament. In PBA Senior Tour events the minimum cash spot is $800 ($600 for Super Seniors out of the cash). First-place prize in Standard Senior Tour events is $8,000. In Regional and Senior Tour competition places are paid on a 1 for 3 ratio (1 for 4 in Senior Tour events that exceed 160 entries).
PBA Tour Prize Funds
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Q: Do I have to join if I cash in a tournament?
A: PBA Tour
Non-members may cash in an unlimited number of PBA Tour qualifying rounds but may only advance once per season. The U.S. Open and USBC Masters do not count as a cash on tour.
PBA Regional Tour
Non-members are allowed to cash twice during the calendar year without having to become a PBA member. If a player cashes twice and chooses to bowl again during the season he will be required to join if he cashes again and accepts the prize money. The Member/Non-Member Doubles event in each region does not count toward the two cash rule.
PBA Senior Tour
Non-members are allowed to cash once during the season (excluding the Senior U.S. Open and USBC Senior Masters) without having to become a PBA member. If a player cashes once and chooses to bowl again during the season he will be required to join if he cashes again and accepts the prize money.
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Q: What is the average requirement for Non-Members?
A: To bowl in a PBA event as a non-member you must meet the average requirement to become a PBA member. You must average at least 200 in an USBC sanctioned league or 190 in a sanctioned Sport or PBA Experience league.
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Q: What do I need to do before I bowl in a tournament?
A: All non-members competing in PBA events must fill out a non-member voluntary acknowledgement form prior to bowling, which you will receive at the tournament site. You will need your Social Security number and your USBC Sanction card to fill out the form. All tournaments are USBC sanctioned.
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Q: What equipment can I use?
A: The PBA follows most USBC guidelines regarding bowling ball specifications, with a few exceptions. Plugged balls can be used in PBA Regional Tour, PBA Senior Tour, and PBA Tour Qualifying Rounds competition. Only balls with clear plugs that adhere to the guidelines below can be used in PBA Tour competition.
As for finger and thumb inserts, the following guidelines apply:
• In PBA Tour competition, clear plugs and solid inserts (slugs) may be used in finger and thumbholes, provided they do not exceed three fourths (3/4) of an inch across the diameter of the hole. When manufactured inserts are used in conjunction with clear plugs or solid inserts, the total thickness cannot exceed three fourths (3/4) of an inch.
• In PBA Senior Tour, Regional Tour, PBA Tour Qualifying Round, U.S. Open, and PBA World Championship competition, there will be no specific plug limitations for plugged equipment. However, no foreign matter may be placed in the plug area, and all equipment shall otherwise comply with PBA regulations.
• In all phases of PBA competition other material may be used solely for gripping purposes provided it can be readily removed for spot checks.
• In all phases of PBA competition materials used for gripping purposes cannot exceed one quarter (1/4) of an inch across the diameter of the hole.
• In all phases of PBA competition manufactured inserts cannot exceed three fourths (3/4) of an inch across the diameter of the hole.
Go here to find a complete listing of approved equipment.
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Q: What do we have to wear during the tournament?
A: As a non-member competing in a professional event, you should make every effort to maintain a professional appearance in both clothing and personal grooming at all times. While competing in all PBA events the following guidelines must be adhered to during the practice session and all phases of competition. During PBA Tour events these guidelines must be adhered to at all times while in the center:
• Jeans, draw strings or parachute type pants may not be worn during competition.
• Shorts may not be worn during competition.
• T-Shirts may not be worn during competition.
• Earrings are permitted as long as they are in good taste.
• Items that hang or protrude from apparel may not be worn in competition.
• Hats may not be worn during competition.
• If a shirt is tucked into pants with belt loops, a belt must be worn.
• Any shirt that does not button down top to bottom must be tucked in.
• While in competition, your last name (first names are optional) must appear in permanently attached letters at least two (2) inches high in the central back area of the shirt.
• The back of the shirt (yoke) is reserved for PBA logo use (no fashion logos are allowed).
• Small fashion logos Are not permitted during PBA Tour competition.
• You must wear a PBA logo on the lower right sleeve position of your shirt. Other logos may be required and will be provided at the tournament site along with the PBA logo.
• All logos must be approved by the PBA. Displayed logos may not be more than six square inches in size. The right sleeve shall be reserved for the PBA logo and corporate tour sponsors. A total of four logos may be displayed as follows:
Two logos on the left sleeve
One logo on the left breast
One logo on the right breast
Logos may not be worn anywhere other than the three designated areas on the shirt
Competitors may not display more than two (2) logos of any (1) manufacturer or commercial sponsor
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Q: What are the pre-tournament procedures?
A: Before participating in the tournament, there are several things that you must know to ensure that your tournament experience is a smooth one.
A mandatory non-member meeting is scheduled prior to all tournaments to go over rules and procedures. The time and place will be listed on the schedule.
Find out your squad assignment and what time your squad is scheduled to compete. An alphabetical assignment sheet will be posted in the player locker room and a copy placed at the host center control counter the afternoon prior to the scheduled practice session for the event.
You are not required to register your bowling equipment for use in PBA competition. However, you are responsible for ensuring that your equipment meets PBA specifications. You may be subject to random spot checks at anytime during the tournament. PBA staff is available to assist you in checking your equipment, as needed.
Roll will be called thirty (30) minutes prior to the start of the first qualifying round. Your presence is required in roll call to confirm tournament entries, and obtain any information that may be touched on by the Tournament Director.
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Q: What is the rule for lane courtesy?
A: PBA lane courtesy may be somewhat different than to what you are accustomed. That’s because the PBA uses a one (1) pair lane courtesy at all times.
This rule is also referred to as the “Double Jumping” rule.
A “Double Jump” occurs when, following another player’s delivery on your pair, you step onto the approach before one (1) competitor on the pair to your left and one (1) competitor on the pair to the right have thrown a shot.
When you master this rule, you will find that the pace of play is much smoother and faster than when using the ordinary two (2) lane courtesy rule.
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Q: What are the rules for scorekeeping during a PBA Tournament?
A: Your score is the most direct way for you to measure your success in a PBA event. It is extremely important for you to ensure the accuracy of your scores, as well as attesting the scores of one other player on your pair.
The player finishing the game first should record the game scores and complete the plus/minus totals for everyone on the pair during all phases of the tournament. During match play, make sure to verify and initial your opponents score sheet directly following the match.
The PBA scoring system is derived by adding or subtracting the amount of pins from a 200 score for each game, on a cumulative basis.
Record all equipment used during competition by the end of the first game it was put into play. The documentation of each ball on the score sheet should include:
1. The last four digits of the serial number
2. Grips used (if any)
3. Extra holes or any holes have been drilled deeper
4. Slugs or plugs used
The Tournament Director (as well as your fellow competitors) has the right to spot check any ball for compliance with specification guidelines.
Your opponent must verify and record all re-racks that you take. You are permitted only two re-racks per game during competition and must verify each re-rack with an opposing player before taking it.
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Q: May I alter my bowling ball during competition?
A: Sanding or polishing equipment is not permitted after a player throws his first ball for score during each round of competition. If the ball is not subsequently used then a Minor Penalty ($100) will be imposed. If the equipment is used during that round, the player will be disqualified.
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Q: What are the Post-Qualifying Weigh in procedures?
A: After qualifying rounds, players finishing in certain positions must produce score sheet copies along with all equipment listed on their score sheet documented thereon for an official spot check thirty (30) minutes prior to the start of the semifinal round (weigh-in positions will be dependant on the number of cash spots). If you fail to comply with the above mentioned rules, you may be subject to an improper weigh-in fine or disqualification.
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Q: What is product registration?
A: The PBA owns the exclusive right to regulate the use of its name, trademarks and logos. The PBA will provide opportunities, in the form of licensing and sponsorships, for companies to promote and display their products, product names, trademarks and logos to consumers. Companies that desire to take advantage of these opportunities must first register their products with the PBA, so that these products might be cleared for use in PBA competition. A current list of product registered companies can be found here:
Product Registered Companies. This list is also posted at every PBA tournament.
Basic rules:
1. Competitors may not use any non-registered bowling products in PBA competition.
2. Competitors may not use a non-registered bowling ball in PBA competition. Failure to comply will result in immediate disqualification. Locate approved equipment list here.
3. Competitors may not display non-registered company names and/or product logos in PBA competition.
4. Competitors may not darken or in anyway obstruct any product registered logo.
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Q: What is the policy for dead ball situations?
A: The Tournament Director must be notified whenever someone has bowled on the wrong lane, out of turn, or when a pin must be removed from the lane or gutter. It is always best to ask rather than continue without being sure of the rule.
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Q: What is PBA's policy about coaching?
A: Coaching is defined as, but not limited to, any advice given to a competitor regarding ball selection, lane strategy, mental thought processes or physical mechanics. Coaching shall not be allowed once competition for score begins. Additionally there shall be no exchange of competitive information between competitors from the start of a specific round, until that round is complete (warning for first offense, disqualification for second offense). This also includes the use of cell phones or other texting devices during competition.
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Q: What is the locker room policy?
A: A maximum of nine (9) bowling balls per competitor will be allowed in the locker room during qualifying. During match play all finalists will be allowed an unlimited number of bowling balls in the locker room. Loose bowling balls will not be permitted in the locker room.
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Q: What is PBA's policy about alcohol/smoking?
A: Competitors may not consume alcohol products on the tournament host center premises until their competition is completed for the day. Competitors may not consume tobacco products on the tournament host center premises during competition. Competitors may only consume alcohol and use tobacco products in a designated area to be determined by the Tournament Director. Competitors may not consume alcohol or use tobacco products while wearing their name shirt.
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Q: What is PBA's policy about injuries?
A: You must finish all qualifying blocks. Should you become injured, you must notify the other bowlers on your pair and contact the tournament director immediately. Unauthorized withdrawal is not permitted.
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Q: Can I earn an exemption as a non-member?
A: Only members are eligible to earn exemptions.
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Q: When do I have to be at the bowling center?
A: There is a mandatory non-member meeting prior to each event. It will be held ˝ hour before roll-call at each tournament unless otherwise indicated on the PBA website or your tournament confirmation.
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Q: What credit cards does the PBA accept?
A: Visa, Mastercard and Discover
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Q: Will I receive a ring if I bowl 300?
A: Not as a non-member. Only PBA members receive a PBA ring when bowling their first 300 game.
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Q: How do I apply for a Commissioner’s Exemptions?
A: The weekly Commissioner’s Exemption spot is being dropped, giving the Denny’s PBA Tour a total of 59 exempt bowlers. PBA Commissioner and CEO Fred Schreyer still reserves the right to award a Commissioner’s Exemption under special circumstances, with the spot now being taken from the weekly Denny’s PBA Tour Qualifying Round in such situations.
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Q: Who do I contact when I get to a tournament site?
A: If you have entered and paid and attended the mandatory non-member meeting you may go directly to the locker room for roll-call. If you are entering on site or owe your entry fee, please see the Tournament Director.
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Q: When is my payment due? ( for tournament?)
A: All non-member’s entry fees are due upon entry.
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Q: What is the correct procedure to withdrawal from a PBA tournament?
A: If you withdraw from a tournament, please do the following:
1.) Confirm your withdrawal in writing to the Seattle office or Regional Manager.
2.) If it is after the deadline date, contact the tournament director on the road.
There will be a fee for withdrawing from a tournament of $25.
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Q: Do I qualify to become a PBA Member?
A: You have three different options to qualify for membership in the PBA:
1. Average 200 or better with 36 games.
2. Average 190 or better with 36 game in an USBC certified Sports League
3. Cash in one of the PBA's more than 180 Regional Tournaments; PBA Tour Qualifier Rounds or open PBA tournaments.
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Q: How do I reinstate my membership?
A: Download and fill out the reinstatement application on line. Anyone who was a member before January 1, 2001 pays a reinstatement fee of $99.00. If you were a member on or after that date you must pay a fee equal to twice the current PBA initiation fee.
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Q: Do I have to be a member in good standing with the USBC?
A: You must be a member in good standing with the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) in order to participate in PBA events.
If for some reason your USBC membership is suspended, you will not be permitted to bowl in PBA events until your USBC membership has been reinstated.
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Q: What is a PBA Tour Qualifying Round (TQR)?
A: During the Denny's PBA Tour season, the PBA holds four(4) open tournaments including the USBC Masters, Dick Weber Open, U.S. Open and Denny's World Championship. There is one (1) invitational (Tournament of Champions).
The remainder of the tournaments are Standard tournaments. The entry field in these tournaments is 64 bowlers. This includes the 58 Exempt players. These players received theirs exemptions for the season in the following ways.
1. Standard event titlists from the previous season and Major titlists with multi-season exemptions.
2. Top 40 on the Denny's PBA Tour Point List
3. Top point leader in each of the PBA's seven (7)regions
4. Top 10 from the Denny's PBA Tour Trials
The remaining six (6) spots are determined in a PBA Tour Qualifying Round or TQR. Members and non-member bowl seven (7) games of qualifying on Wednesday. The top four (5) members and the top non-member qualify and go on to bowl in the tournament. If for some reason an exempt bowler must withdraw from the tournament, the additional qualifying spot will come from the TQR, but it will be awarded to the next highest member. There will never be more than one non-member bowling in the tournament.
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Q: How can I become an Exempt bowler?
A: HOW DOES A PBA MEMBER BECOME EXEMPT?
To earn an exemption on the PBA Tour you bowl and meet the following criteria:
1. Win a Denny's PBA Tour event
2. Finish the previous season in the top 40 from the PBA World Point Rankings and those receiving multi-season exemptions.
3. Finish as the leading point earner from one of the PBA’s seven regions
6. Finish as the top non-exempt PBA member from the PBA World Point Rankings
7. The remaining exemptions, up to 10, will be awarded at the Denny’s PBA Tour Trials
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