AboutWhen it comes to youth sports, you have a wide variety of choices. Baseball. Swimming. Soccer. Karate. Football. Basketball. Tennis. Hockey. And the list goes on. But there's a sport you may not have considered that nearly one million kids participated in last year—bowling. USBC Youth bowling is a unique opportunity to get involved with a sport that you can stay with forever and offers more than $6 million in annual scholarships that reward academic, leadership and on-lanes performance skills.USBC Youth bowling is a unique opportunity to get involved with a sport that you can stay with forever and offers more than $6 million in annual scholarships that reward academic, leadership and on-lanes performance skills. USBC Youth also provides opportunities for coaching and instruction, fun and friendly competition, fair play, teamwork, and leadership development. And there are cool new awards that include updated emblems, trophies, and even rings!To be a bowler, you don't have to be the biggest, tallest or strongest to succeed on the lanes. In fact, the world's best bowlers come in all shapes and sizes – short, tall, heavy, thin. Bowling technique is all about leverage and timing, so your physical size and strength does not matter as much as in sports like football or basketball.Bowling has a lot to offer young people. If you or your child wants to get involved with a cool sport that anyone can play and one that helps build their future, give bowling a try! Join USBC Youth bowling today!Read More-
New youth processing system is now availableThe United States Bowling Congress launched its new Internet-based system for processing youth league bowlers on Monday, Aug. 17.The new system will process membership, awards and averages for youth bowlers starting with the 2009-10 season. WinLABS will no longer be available to process youth leagues.Because the new method is an Internet-based system, associations and bowling centers will be able to process their youth membership from any computer with Internet access. The system also will allow for a more efficient means of system upgrades throughout the year without the need for software downloads. USBC staff is continuing to evaluate the processing system and more features will be available in the near future.If you have questions or feedback with the online system, contact USBC at 1-800-514-BOWL ext. 8973.Before using the new system, please take time to read the Quick Reference Guide to familiarize yourself with the process. While the guide is not a user reference manual, it should provide answers to several scenarios you might encounter.To view the Quick Reference Guide,
click here.To connect to the new youth processing system,
click here.If you have questions or feedback, contact USBC at 1-800-514-BOWL (2695).If you receive a certificate notice, please accept it and continue.Read More
- Youth Program ChangesThe USBC Board of Directors, based on recommendations by the USBC Youth Committee, approved several major changes to the structure of current USBC Youth programs. As participation in youth sports is on the rise in America, the changes set forth for USBC Youth programs will attract more youth bowlers to participate in certified league play.The changes will affect how memberships are processed, offer a new short-season membership product, restructure the awards program and lower the maximum age for youth bowlers.Below are some Frequently asked questions, if you don't see your question, please contact the Youth department and we will be happy to help you out.FAQ's
Standard membership
Q: What benefits come as part of the USBC Youth Standard membership?
A: The membership will cost $17 and be available to all youth who bowl in USBC certified leagues or tournaments. Benefits include:- USBC Youth Membership Card
- Four (4) issues of US Youth Bowler
- USBC recognized average
- USBC Youth Awards Program
- League award emblems
- Access to the USBC Youth Purchasable Awards program
- The ability to participate in USBC certified tournaments
A: Yes. USBC Youth Standard members can participate in USBC Youth Basic leagues with no additional membership charge. However, only awards listed as benefits for USBC Youth Basic leagues will be provided for accomplishments in that league.Q: Can a USBC Youth Standard member bowling in a USBC Youth Basic league earn high score award emblems/honor score rings?
A: No. The USBC Youth Basic membership/league is a distinct league program. Only the limited awards program provided to USBC Youth Basic leagues will be available for any scores bowled during USBC Youth Basic competition.Basic membership
Q: What benefits come as part of a USBC Youth Basic membership?
A: USBC Youth Basic Membership will cost $5 and be available to all youth who bowl in a league that meets for 12 sessions or less. Benefits include:- USBC Youth Membership Card
- One issue of US Youth Bowler
- USBC recognized average
- The ability to participate in USBC certified tournaments
- USBC Basic League award emblems (high game, series, average, champion and most improved average)
- Access to the USBC Youth Purchasable Awards program
A: If a USBC Youth Basic league competes during one of the league-level qualifying windows for the Pepsi tournament, the league members are eligible to conduct qualifying competition. In states that do not hold league level qualifying, ALL USBC Youth members, Standard and Basic, will be eligible for these direct entry events.Q: Will USBC Youth Basic averages be "official"?
A: Yes. Averages established based on nine or more games in USBC Youth Basic leagues will be acceptable for entry into USBC Youth tournaments in accordance with Rule 318. However, only averages based on 21 or more games will be recognized as official as stated in the USBC Association Policy Manual.Q: Will USBC Youth Basic averages be posted on bowl.com?
A: Yes. The youth bowler average information will be available on bowl.com.Q: Does the USBC Youth Basic member pay the $5 USBC Youth Basic membership fee for each league in which they participate?
A: Yes. The USBC Youth Basic membership is paid for each USBC Youth Basic league in which the bowler competes. For example, if the player would compete in two USBC Youth Basic leagues at the same time or during the same season, the $5 USBC Youth Basic fees would be paid by the bowler in each league.Q: When does the USBC Youth Basic membership expire?
A: The USBC Youth Basic membership is valid for the duration of the specific league. In addition, the USBC Youth Basic membership will be recognized for tournament competition for the entire season in which it was purchased.Q: Can a bowler purchase a USBC Youth Standard membership through a USBC Youth Basic league?
A: Yes. While the bowler who purchases a USBC Youth Standard membership would receive the USBC Youth Jersey and additional issues of the USBC Youth Bowler magazine, the awards available to participants in the the Basic league would be limited to those available in USBC Youth Basic League Awards program.Q: Can a 16-session league certify as a USBC Youth Basic league?
A: No. The USBC Youth Basic membership program is limited to league competitions that are 12 or fewer sessions.Q: Will a bowler in a Basic League be able to receive score award emblems?
A: Only the limited award program provided to USBC Youth Basic leagues will be available for any scores bowled during the competition. However, USBC Youth Basic leagues have the ability to provide a supplemental awards program by utilizing the USBC Youth Purchasable Awards program.Awards
Q: How does the processing agent order award inventories?
A: The Processing Agent will order award inventories through the Youth Membership Processing Program. Initial start-up inventory orders will be determined based on league size. Additional award inventories will then be available for ordering in incremental packages.Q: Will the new High Score Awards cause high school eligibility issues?
A: USBC Youth members have the obligation to be aware of any restrictions that might be in place by his/her high school athletic associations and might affect any outside competitions they could compete in or limitations on awards that they may earn. USBC has taken this issue into consideration and, by working with our vendors, can now provide youth awards that meet the eligibility limits of most states. In those limited instances where there might be a conflict, bowlers will have the option to decline the provided USBC Youth award for a given accomplishment to prevent an eligibility issue.Q: Can my child win two 50-game awards during the same season?
A: No. USBC Youth awards are limited to once per season for the same accomplishment.Q: If my child earns a 200 series award, can they later earn a 150 series award?
A: No. Once a player has earned a USBC Youth Award for a specific accomplishment, they are only eligible to receive the next highest, or the highest award, for future accomplishments. Using the example above, once the player has earned a 200 series award, the next award they could earn would be the 250 or higher series.Q: Can my 13-year-old who just started bowling earn the 50-game award?
A: No. USBC Youth awards for bowlers 13 and older begin with a 125 game and a 300 series. Under the USBC Youth Awards program, the 13 year old bowler would not be eligible for a 50-game award.Q: What is a "Qualifying Average"?
A: The established averages that determine eligibility for USBC Youth Awards are listed in Rule 53 which states:The following applies to any award earned based on average:
a. League: 1. If 12 or more games have been bowled in the league in the current season, use the current average.
2. If less than 12 games in the current season, use last season's final average for 21 games or more from the same league.
3. For a new bowler in the league with less than 12 games, use last season's highest USBC average for 21 games or more in any USBC league.
4. For a bowler who has not established an average in the preceding season, the highest USBC average of 21 or more games from the summer league just completed shall be used.
5. In a summer league, when a bowler has not established an average in the preceding season, the highest USBC average of 21 or more games from the regular season just completed shall be used.
6. A new bowler in a league who has not bowled 12 games in the current season can use a current USBC average of 12 or more games from another league.
7. A bowler who does not have an acceptable USBC average for comparison is not eligible for recognition.b. Tournament: 1. In handicap or classified tournaments, compare the score with the USBC average used in the tournament.
2. In scratch tournaments:
a) Compare the score with the bowler's highest current USBC average of 12 or more games.
b) If less than 12 games in the current season, compare the score with the preceding season's highest USBC average for 21 or more games.
c) A bowler who does not have an acceptable USBC average for comparison is not eligible for recognition.
By determining which situation applies to the bowler, you are able to determine what standard is used to determine the bowlers "qualifying average."Q: My child averages 50. Can he/she earn the 50-game award?
A: No. The USBC Youth Awards Program requires the player to have a Qualifying Average that is less than the accomplishment. For example, in order to earn a 75 game award, the player must have a qualifying average of 74 or less. In order to earn a 250 series award, the player must have an average of 83 or less.Q: My child averages 49. Can he/she earn the 100-series award in a 2-game league?
A: Yes. The USBC Youth Awards Program requires the player to have a Qualifying Average that is less than the accomplishment. To determine the maximum Qualifying Average for an accomplishment, simply divide the series award by the number of games bowled in the series.Q: Can my 8-year old earn the 150 game award, even though it is not Bowlopolis-themed?
A: The USBC Youth Bowlopolis themed awards stop with the 125 game award. When a player earns an award that exceeds the available award limitation of the Bowlopolis themed awards, the standard USBC Youth award will be issued.Dues
Q: How can USBC approve a dues increase on the youth without a convention vote, but the adult increase must be approved by the delegates?
A: Youth dues, along with youth awards, league and tournament rules are under the authority of the USBC Board in accordance with Article VIII of the USBC National Bylaws.Q: Why is USBC proposing a delay for any dues increase for the adults due to the economy, but establishing a dues increase this year for the youth?
A: The decision making process that is in place for youth matters through the USBC Bylaws allows for an efficient and expedited process to address significant issues. Without the immediate implementation of these programs and the dues increase to support them, USBC believes the continued slide of USBC Youth membership will continue at an unacceptable drastic rate.Age limit
Q: Why not announce the change to begin a few years from now so bowlers can prepare for the change?
A: Delaying the change in the maximum age for USBC Youth eligibility only puts off addressing the key issue of adults bowling as USBC Youth members. Whether it is this year or in the future, the change will at some point be implemented and affect a group of bowlers.USBC's goal is to create a more comfortable environment for youth bowlers and their parents. Allowing 21 and 22 year olds to participate in youth leagues and tournaments, winning scholarship money at the expense of the youth bowlers, does not promote a kid-friendly environment.By adopting a standard of 20 as the maximum age for USBC Youth eligibility, USBC is able to offer enough flexibility to provide USBC Youth opportunities for our members through their high school years.Q: If a bowler is 20 years old at the start of a season, are they eligible for the entire season?
A: An individual who turns 20 on or after August 2 of the current bowling season will be eligible for USBC Youth membership for the entire season. As long as the individual is 19 on August 1, he or she will be eligible for USBC Youth membership for that bowling season.Q: Is USBC aware that it could be hurting junior tournament organizations which get many 21- and 22-year-old entrants?
A: Tournaments have the ability to adopt rules defining who is eligible to participate in competitions. Tournaments can limit participation to youth only, adults only or adopt eligibility rules allowing USBC Youth members and USBC Adult members to participate. For example, a tournament could allow 21-year-old USBC Adult members and adopt a rule as follows: "This tournament is open to all USBC Youth members and USBC Adult members age 21 and younger."Such a rule would have the effect of allowing those that are no longer eligible for USBC Youth membership to participate, provided they were USBC Adult members and under the age of 22.Q: Can someone run a tournament in which 21- and 22-year-olds can still win scholarship money?
A: There has never been a USBC rule that limited competition for scholarships to USBC Youth members only. Any tournament, youth or adult, has the ability to offer scholarships as the prizes. Historically, there have been few tournaments run exclusively for adults that offered scholarships as prizes. This could be an untapped market for tournament managers.Membership delivery and services
Q: Who determines how memberships will be processed?
A: As the host of youth activities, the bowling center proprietor will have the first option to be the Processing Agent. If the proprietor declines this option or prefers to work through a local association, then the local association would have the option to perform those duties. If the local association chooses not to perform those duties, USBC will utilize the Alliance At Large program for the completion of duties listed in the Processing Agreement.Q: If a proprietor decides to process memberships, who will handle all the other association-based responsibilities for those bowlers once those memberships have been processed?
A: The Processing Agreement consists of three (3) components:
1) Membership Processing. This will consist of the input of data into the Youth Membership Processing Program and the submission of membership dues to USBC.
2) Youth Awards Processing. This will consist of the input of data for all scores eligible for recognition under the USBC Youth Awards program into the Youth Membership Processing Program.
3) Final Average Submission. This will consist of the input of final average information for all participants in USBC Youth certified competitions into the Youth Membership Processing Program.
These three (3) responsibilities are the only duties that would be removed from the associations list of responsibilities for centers that choose to process directly with USBC. All other duties listed in the USBC Association Policy Manual remain.Q: Who does the proprietor call if a bowler has questions about services?
A: Support questions will go through the USBC Call Center at 1-800-514-2695 ext 3431.Q: If most/all proprietors in an association process their own memberships and the local youth association shuts down, who will service the remaining bowlers?
A: In the past, if a local youth association chooses to discontinue operations, USBC would seek to transfer the responsibilities of the local association to another association within the area. This policy remains the same.Q: What happens when the proprietors change their mind the following year after the youth association has disbanded?
A: USBC would work with the local adult associations to provide these services.Q: How can the local association be expected to run a tournament if most or all of its dues are being collected by the proprietor?
A: USBC tournaments are designed to be self-sustaining through the funds generated by the entry fees. Many associations subsidize their local events through their fund-raising efforts. The importance of being able to raise funds through other means will increase and associations will be encouraged to be innovative in their efforts to raise funds to support the programs they seek to offer.Q: What will happen to extra youth program benefits such as travel leagues that were previously funded out of local dues?
A: Our research indicates the vast majority of travel leagues are funded by the bowling centers and not a subsidy of the local association. The importance of being able to raise funds through other means will increase and associations will be encouraged to be innovative in their efforts to generate revenue to support the programs they seek to offer.Q: How does USBC explain reducing the processing fee for locals, when national dues are going up?
A: USBC records show that most local association currently charge $2 or less in local association dues to youth members. These associations have determined this amount is sufficient to fund their entire operations.The increase in dues for the USBC Youth standard membership will go directly to providing new additional member benefits. Some of these new elements are ready to be rolled out immediately. This includes a new awards program that provides 300 game and 800 series rings, as well as special awards for children ages 12 and under. Additional components of the new youth program are still being finalized that will create significant value for parents, kids, associations and proprietors making USBC certification a more attractive option for everyone. We will be announcing these additional components soon.Q: How will the locals receive member information if a portion of membership in their association is processed by proprietors?
A: Local associations will have the ability to access the membership processing records of all the bowlers within their jurisdiction and create reports of this information as needed.Q: Who runs the local tournament if most or all of the proprietors in an association are processing membership?
A: The requirement of the local associations to conduct an annual championship competition for its members remains as it is stated in Chapter 4 of the USBC Association Policy Manual.Q: Will the proprietor use WinLABS to process membership?
A: As part of the overall changes to the youth program, USBC is developing a Web-based system (not WinLABS) that will allow USBC Youth membership, awards and averages to be processed. This system will be available to make it easier for the bowling centers and the local associations to handle the required processing duties.Q: Why would USBC take away the membership processing from local associations that are doing a good job with their bowlers?
A: There are many successfully-functioning local associations across the nation, but the data indicates in some pockets of the country USBC Youth membership is not being serviced well. For that reason, the USBC board voted to develop a program that gives youth bowling leagues a way to certify directly through the bowling center. We anticipate this option will generally be utilized in areas where the local association has had trouble or is disinterested or ineffective in managing youth programs.Read More - Contact UsBrian Graham, USBC Director of Youth Development
brian.graham@bowl.com
(817) 385-8420* Junior Gold Membership & Tournament
usbcjuniorgold@bowl.com
(800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3171* Pepsi & Youth Championship Tournaments
usbcyouthchampionships@bowl.com
(800) 514-BOWL, ext 8350* Youth
usbcyouth@bowl.com
(800) 514-BOWL, ext. 8350Read More
- Pee Wee Bowling ClubThis coaching tool features an activity guide designed to teach your Pee-Wee bowlers the basics of bowling. As bowlers learn along with their favorite Bowlopolis characters, they will earn special stickers and emblems for each skill they master. There is also a free Coaches Manual available for download that gives you all the tools you will need to help your Pee-Wee bowlers better their skills. Pee Wee Bowling Club kits are now available at a special rate of $3.00 each. To order, please click here to download an order form.
MembershipThere has never been a better time than now to become a USBC Youth member. With the new, official USBC Youth Jersey, brand new special achievement awards including the return of award rings for a 300 game or 800 series, and a subscription to US Youth Bowler including the special 8-page pullout section, Bowlopolis the Mag!, your USBC Youth membership is more rewarding now than ever before. A USBC Youth membership now also comes with a redesigned membership card, and don’t forget that you can use your certified average for all USBC Youth competitions! Click "Read more" to learn more about all the cool new options available to you as a USBC Youth bowler.Read More- Youth Special Achievement Awards ApplicationAs a USBC Youth bowler, one of your most memorable moments on the lanes comes when you shoot that first 300 game, log your first season-long 200 average, or, if you’ve really polished up your game, your first 800 series. If this describes a recent achievement of yours, then you’ve come to the right place: Here, you can download forms for both Special Achievement Awards (patches for games from 50-275 or series from 100-750) and High Score Awards (300 Games, 800 Series, or 11 in a Row). Click below to download these forms now.Youth AwardsDownload ApplicationPurchase Youth AwardsHigh Score
- Tournaments
There is a lot more to being a USBC Youth member than a Saturday morning league. As a USBC Youth member, a huge array of opportunities is available to you, from local and state tournaments to the national stage of the Junior Gold Championships and USBC Youth Open. You can even represent your country while bowling with some of the biggest stars on the Lumber Liquidator's PBA Tour as a member of Junior Team USA. And you don't have to be a top notch bowler. No matter what your age or skill level, there's a USBC tournament for all USBC Youth members.
There are lots of benefits to bowling in a USBC Youth national tournament, including:- Big scholarship prizes to jump start your college education!
- Meeting new people from around the country!
- The chance to see new places, because the tournaments are in different cities each year!
2010 USBC Youth Open Presented by PepsiExpo Bowl
5261 Elmwood Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46203
(317) 787-3448
July 9, 10, 15-24, 2010The USBC Youth Open was created to give an opportunity to all USBC Youth members to compete in a national championship tournament. Bowlers do not need to qualify to get to the USBC Youth Open. They may sign up to bowl with anyone that has a USBC Youth membership. Competition consists of a singles/doubles event, team event and an optional all-events category. Bowlers roll 3 games for each event for a total of 9 games (all-events combines their 9 game score for a grand total and ranks bowlers by score). Bowlers compete against others of the same skill level in the USBC Youth Open. There are four average based divisions for each event. Bowlers use their average as of March 1st of the current tournament year to determine what division they will be placed into. Bowlers compete for scholarships and the opportunity to be named a USBC Youth Open champion. In 2008, the inaugural year of the tournament, over $54,000 in scholarships was awarded.Read More
2010 Junior Gold Championships Presented by BrunswickJuly 10-16, 2010
Woodland Bowl – Western Bowl – Expo Bowl
Indianapolis, IndianaThe Junior Gold Championships is the most prestigious national tournament for USBC Youth members in the country. In 2009, the tournament awarded $140,000 in scholarships and saw 1,624 of the nation's top youth bowlers compete in Indianapolis at Woodland Bowl, Western Bowl and Expo Bowl. The 2009 Junior Gold Championships were contested on five of the nine World Tenpin Bowling Association (WTBA) Lane Patterns, all of which are USBC Sport Bowling compliant. Each year, Junior Gold competitors also battle for spots on USBC Junior Team USA. In 2009, the top four male and top four female finishers after match-play competition automatically qualified for Junior Team USA 2010.Read More
2010 Pepsi USBC Youth ChampionshipsThis is the premier nationwide tournament for youth bowlers. All USBC Youth members are eligible to bowl at the league qualifying level with a chance to advance. There is no additional cost to enter at the league level and only a one-time entry fee (typically) for all succeeding levels. Based on age, handicap competition at the Pepsi USBC Youth Championships is 100 percent of 210. Scratch competition also is available. Bowlers of all ages and skill levels have the opportunity to experience competition at the highest level.The Youth Championships has become a stepping stone to encourage new young athletes to become involved in tournament competition. Qualifying competitions are held in six divisions based on age as of Aug. 1: Boys and Girls Handicap, ages 11 and under; Boys and Girls Handicap, ages 12 and above; Boys and Girls Scratch, ages 12 and above. Qualifying begins at the league level with two-week windows between Oct. 1 and Feb. 28, when bowlers have an opportunity to qualify for state/zone competition. Division winners at the league level advance to the center/sectional qualifying (if applicable) and then to the state/zone competition, with some earning scholarships.Read More- Scholarships & HonorsOne of the great benefits of USBC Youth membership is the chance to earn college scholarships so you can pursue your dreams. Did you know that there is more than $6 million in scholarship money offered each season by bowling associations and councils, certified tournaments and proprietors throughout the United States?If you're a young bowler participating in a USBC league, you may be eligible for national bowling-related scholarships. Adults who are active in providing youth programs may be eligible for national recognition awards. To learn more about scholarships that you may qualify for, Click Here .
Youth FunUSBC Youth bowlers as young as five have earned scholarship awards through USBC certified leagues and tournaments.USBC Youth bowling is a unique opportunity to get involved with a sport that you can stay with forever and offers more than $6 million in annual scholarships that reward academic, leadership and on-lanes performance skills. USBC Youth also provides opportunities for coaching and instruction, fun and friendly competition, fair play, teamwork, and leadership development. And there are cool new awards that include updated emblems, trophies, and even rings!View Photo Gallery
2009 PABCON Youth Championships2009 PABCON Youth Championships – Britnie Hamilton and Christine Baker earned the US gold medal.The PABCON Youth Championships is one of the most anticipated youth tournaments of the year and consists of competition in singles, doubles, trios, team, all-events and Masters. This year, bowlers from 17 countries—more than 120 bowlers in all—competed in the event, which features two divisions, one for bowlers 20 and younger and the other for bowlers 16 and younger. After finishing in second place in the singles and trios events, Junior Team USA dominated Masters match play in 2009, sweeping the boys and girls gold and silver medals while also taking a boys bronze.View Photo Gallery
Youth Open Championships 2009Alaina Smalley and Alexis Regalado won the Division 4 doubles title at the 2008 Youth Open Championships in Detroit.More than 3,000 bowlers compete in the USBC Youth Open in 2009, which featured 16 days of competition at Expo Bowl. in Indianapolis, The USBC Youth Open is patterned after the USBC Open Championships and USBC Women's Championships. Youth bowlers compete in team (four players), doubles, singles and all-events. The Youth Open has four average divisions (129 and below, 130-159, 160-189 and 190 and above). One out of every five entrants in team, doubles and singles receive scholarships in 2009 while one in six received scholarships in all-events.View Photo Gallery
2008 Pepsi ChampionshipsIn 2008, the Pepsi Youth Championships featured nearly 200 bowlers from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada and U.S. military zones competing for tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships. The top 16 players in each of four divisions took part in single-game, double-elimination match play to determine the champions. Four players from across the country earned national titles in 2008. The state of Illinois swept the Division 1 boys and girls titles as Adam Keith of Bloomingdale, Ill., and Katie Jones of Downers Grove, Ill., fired strike after strike to win their respective titles.Adam Keith, 2008 Pepsi Championships.View Photo Gallery
Junior Gold Championships 2008Kristie Petravich of West Palm Beach, Fla., and Geoffrey Young of Denton, Texas, beat a field of the best youth bowlers in the country to win U.S. Junior Amateur titles at the 2008 United States Bowling Congress Junior Gold Championships. The championships featured nearly 1,500 bowlers from across the country competing for $100,000 in scholarships, individual titles and spots on Junior Team USA. Young struck on the first ball of the final frame to lock up the title with 10,345 for 46 games, including 220 bonus pins for match-play victories. He defeated second-place finisher Daniel Spink of Florissant, Mo., 211-208 in the final game of match play.View Photo Gallery- Registered Volunteer ProgramUSBC created the Registered Volunteer Program (RVP) to assure parents that we provide as safe an environment as possible for USBC youth. The program ensures that any volunteers who work with USBC Youth are qualified to do so, and gives proprietors, coaches and prospective volunteers alike an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the safety of youth bowlers by either registering in the program themselves or inviting registered volunteers to take part in local USBC Youth activities. Click here to learn more.
- Youth LogosIndividuals wishing to use USBC Youth Logos need to contact marketing@bowl.com or call (800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3160.All USBC logos are copyrighted and owned by the USBC. This includes but is not limited to printed and/or electronic images and marks. USBC logos are the property of the USBC and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of USBC.
- Youth EligibilityTo be eligible to be a USBC Youth Member, a bowler must:
Turn 20 on or AFTER August 2 of the current bowling season. As long as the individual is 19 on August 1, he or she will be eligible for USBC Youth membership for that bowling season. Eligibility (Rule 400)Youth bowler may not bowl in any activity (substitute or pace included) which offers any of the following as prizes such as:- cash or bonds
- merchandise exceeding $500 in value
- the competition agrees to award the youth's prize in the form of a scholarship; or
- the youth signs the USBC Singles Competition Prize Waiver waiving his/her rights to any prize in violation of this rule.
- BowlopolisWelcome to Bowlopolis, an imaginary bowling center that's just for kids. If you haven't you checked out this great new place, you're missing out on a lot of fun.Visit www.bowlopolis.com to start your adventure. At Bowlopolis, you'll meet characters such as Layne, his dad Mr. Kegler, their dog Reset and others. You can also play fun games like puzzles, bowling and wardrobe mixup, send e-cards to your friends, get coloring book pages, download cool wallpapers and ringtones and much more. There's also a Bowlopolis Kid's Club you can join!So what are you waiting for? All the fun and excitement is waiting for you in Bowlopolis at www.bowlopolis.com!
- People to PeopleThe USBC Youth Program is an affiliate of People to People. People to People Sports Ambassador Programs offer student athletes in grades 5-12 the opportunity to compete internationally, train with world-class coaches, and develop leadership skills, self confidence, and a foundation for success in a globalized world. Program delegations come from local communities, so students make friends locally before they travel globally.click here to learn more.
- US Youth BowlerEnjoy all the fun and interesting features of your US Youth Bowler magazine online once each season at www.usyouthbowler.com , including news, interviews and feature stories on a wide variety of topics in youth bowling, including scholarships and Junior Gold. You can also participate in the youth forum, play games, find a coach and more. And if you're a current USBC Youth member, remember to check the mail, because you will receive up to 4 issues each year!Join in the fun on www.usyouthbowler.com - the online version of US Youth Bowler – for all kinds of cool features such as:
- Member Spotlight
- Games
- Youth Forums
- Scholarship Tournament section
- Find a Coach
- Calendar with important dates for tournaments and scholarship application deadlines
- Check your SMART account (can this be done from USYouthBowler.com?)
- Much more
USBC Youth Leaders ProgramIf you're enthusiastic, energetic and ready to take a leadership role in promoting and expanding bowling, then USBC wants you to become a Youth Leader. Put your leadership skills to use and earn scholarship money for college through the USBC Youth Leaders program.As a USBC Youth Leader, you'll be a key part of the USBC's youth bowling efforts, helping to shape the future of our sport and expand USBC Youth membership. By becoming a USBC Youth Leader, you'll learn important skills and have a dynamic role in making important decisions for bowling, including coordinating and leading meetings, coordinating youth programs and recruiting bowlers, fund raising, planning tournaments, awarding scholarships, and coaching, training and mentoring youth bowlers.The best USBC Youth Leaders aspire to win the Youth Ambassador of the Year Award and the $1,500 scholarship that goes with it, only two of which are handed out each year to one male and one female. One winner may be chosen to have a say in what goes on in bowling as a voting member of the USBC Youth Committee for two years. Every local association with an operating Youth Leaders Program should enter a male and female each year into the Youth Leader of the Year competition.Get started on your future as a USBC Youth Leader today by contacting Association Services.Local Bylaws: USBC Youth Leaders Chapter
State Bylaws: USBC Youth Leaders ChapterRead More- BowlTVOnce you visit BowlTV for the first time you will quickly find that it becomes a part of your daily routine. There you will find advice on how to play the Cheetah or the Scorpion from the pros who won Lumber Liquidator's PBA Tour tournaments on those very patterns such as Chris Barnes, Rhino Page or Wes Malott, classic videos of legends such as Marion Ladewig, Dick Weber and Barry Asher in their prime, highlights of Team USA competition from around the world, and much, much more. Click Here for BowlTV.
Ana KoffStats- Medaled in every event at 2008 Tournament of the Americas
- Named to Miami Herald's Girls First Bowling Team
- Outstanding Scholar Award for Excellence, Gulliver Prep. High School (Miami, FL)
But if you think this means that Ana does not have a competitive streak when it comes to her brother, think again. "I wouldn't go down without a fight," she says when asked who would win a best of five match between herself and her brother—though she does concede that Andrew would be more likely to win because of his 3-hour-a-day practice regimen. When she credits Andrew as an inspiration for her successes as a bowler, Ana undoubtedly has in mind the experience that she calls the best of her life. "To me, all of the awards and trophies that I received are only secondary to the two awards that I won at the Tournament of the Americas," Ana says of representing her country. Like her brother, Ana may be interested in bowling for Wichita State collegiately and shares a great friendship with the PBA's Chris Loschetter and his family. "I love to paint and to make greeting cards. In fact, it was Mrs. Loschetter that got me into making
cards," Ana says. "Chris is very kindhearted, always willing to help youth bowlers." One pleasure Ana has discovered on her own, though, is roller coasters. "Best roller coasters ever," she says of Cedar point in Sandusky, Ohio. "The Dragster is about 420 straight up and then down. This morning I got 1st row!"Read More
Jessica BeachStats- Founded bowling program at Western Michigan University
- 2009 Junior Gold Championships Qualifier
An aspiring accountant who won the Division Two team event at the 2008 Youth Open, one of the fondest memories of Kayla Blanchard's young bowling career occurred when she met two-time Team USA member and 2007 Women's World Champion, Shannon O'Keefe, at the 2009 USBC Queens Tournament in Detroit. "I was waitressing there, and all the bowlers were there," Kayla explains. "The one person I liked the most was Shannon O'Keefe. I thought she was the easiest person to talk to. She was the most personable." Though Blanchard identifies O'Keefe as her favorite professional bowler, the person she credits the most for her success at the Youth Open and in making the All-Conference Team in the American Heartland Intercollegiate Bowling Conference during her Freshman season with the Grand Valley State bowling program is her father." "I have been bowling since I was 2," Kayla explains. "He has been at the bowling alley every night with me,
working with me. I was planning on going to McKendree but when financial aid fell through they could only give me so much. My Dad said 'If you really want to do this I will pay for it,' but I wanted to stay home." Blanchard may have opted to stay closer to home rather than bowling with a high-profile collegiate program, but with another appearance at the USBC Youth open this year, she has no plans of hanging up her bowling shoes anytime soon.Read More
Kayla BlanchardStats- Bowled one season with Grand Valley State, 2007-2008
- Selected for 2007-2008 All-Conference Team in American Heartland
- Intercollegiate Bowling Conference
- Dean's List at School Craft College, 2008-2009
- 1st Place 2008 Youth Open Championships Team Event, Div. 2
Andy SoukupStats- Won $3,000 in scholarship funds as leading qualifier among 2008 USBC Junior Gold Pepsi Advancers
- Graduated High School with a 4.0 GPA
- Accepted into the University of Wisconsin—Madison
- Bowls with the University of Wisconsin—Madison Bowling Club
Jenn BoisselleStats- 11th at 2009 USBC Team USA Trials
- 23rd at 2008 USBC Junior Gold Championships
- 2nd at 2008 Pepsi USBC Youth Championships
- Competes collegiately for the University of Central Florida
Jessica EarnestStats- 11th at 2009 USBC Team USA Trials
- 23rd at 2008 USBC Junior Gold Championships
- 2nd at 2008 Pepsi USBC Youth Championships
- Competes collegiately for the University of Central Florida
Anthony SimonsenStats- Bowled two sanctioned 300 games in one day on Saturday, May 30 2009 at just 12 years old
- Bowled first sanctioned 300 game in January 2009
- Placed 323rd in field of 1020 bowlers at Jr Gold Championships at just 11 years old
- Submit a BowlerTo submit a bowler, send us the following:
(Note: Parental consent is required for nominees under the age of 18)The name of the bowler you would like to nominate:
Bowler's Phone Number:
Bowler's Email Address:
Bowler's Age:
Bowler's Gender:
Bowler's Ethnicity:
Tell us why you think this person should be a featured bowler on bowl.com:
email to YouthSubmit@bowl.comThank you for your nomination! While we are unable to respond to each individual submission due to the volume of submissions we receive, we will be contacting you if your nominee is chosen to be featured on bowl.com.Read More
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- WePlayDo you want to connect with other youth bowlers online, post photos and videos from your league, join fan clubs and blog about your bowling? Then Weplay.com is the Web site for you!USBC Youth and Weplay are joining forces to offer youth bowlers like you a fun, safe online community. Weplay is the official online community and social networking service of the USBC. Just go to weplay.com to sign up and get started!Read More
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