INTERNATIONAL BLIND SPORTS FEDERATION TENPIN BOWLING RULES 1. GENERAL RULES 1.1 The current WTBA (World Tenpin Bowling Association) rules shall apply in all cases, except where additions and modifications shall be specified below. 1.2 The following instructions will be applied by all national IBSA-member associations for all official competitions. 1.3 Affiliation to IBSA by a national association for sports for the blind binds the association to read, apply and follow the present rules and general IBSA rules and policies. 1.4 IBSA is the only organization entitled to make any amendments whatsoever to the present rules. 1.5 Rule Clarification 1.5.1 Should there be any misunderstanding of the IBSA Rules, the English language version shall prevail. 1.5.2 If a country/team manager objects to a rule interpretation, that matter shall be referred to the technical subcommittee for resolution. 2. ELIGIBILITY 2.1 Only nationals of the country of the national IBSA-member association submitting the entry are eligible to represent that association in Championships and shall be certified for the competition by the respective national association holding paid up membership in IBSA. 2.2 In countries where the national IBSA-member association is not governed by blind people, any individual wishing to participate in a sanctioned competition must be nominated for certification by the recognized national organization of blind people that has been actively promoting competitive blind sports, unless special circumstances satisfactory to the IBSA Tenpin Bowling Technical Sub-Committee prevent that from happening. 2.3 If a country cannot agree on whether an organization should be regarded as a recognized national organization of blind people, or on the composition of its contingent to the championships, it should request the assistance of the IBSA Tenpin Bowling Technical Sub-Committee. 2.4 Eligible for competition shall be the IBSA classes B1, B2 and B3 as defined under Section 3, below. All bowlers when entering for a championship will be required to submit a copy of their eyesight classifications. Failing to do so will result in disqualification from the championship. 3. CLASSIFICATION B1: No light perception in either eye up to light perception but inability to recognize the shape of a hand at any distance or any direction. B2: From ability to recognize the shape of a hand up to visual acuity of 2/60 and/or visual field of less than 5 degrees. B3: From visual acuity of above 2/60 up to visual acuity of 6/60 and/ or visual field of more than 5 degrees and less than 20 degrees. Classification shall be based on examination of both eyes with best correction. (i.e. All bowlers who use contact or corrective lenses must wear them for classification, whether they intend to compete wearing them or not.) 4. FACILITY MODIFICATIONS AND EQUIPMENT 4.1 FOR CLASS B1 Guide rails and sighted guides are permitted for bowlers in this class, as specified in this rulebook, below. However, no physical modification to the existing facility is permitted. In B1 events where guide rail assistance is being used, the guide rail shall be positioned on the left or right side of the approach, depending upon whether the B1 bowler is right-handed or left-handed, and it shall be aligned so the inner edge of its base does not cross a line that is even with the inner edge of the gutter or channel. These guide rails must be approved by the IBSA Tenpin Bowling Technical Sub-Committee prior to any sanction competition. In making this decision, the committee shall consider the fact that the B1 bowler using a particular guide rail and his/her teammates from his/her country are probably already familiar with that rail, which shall not be viewed as interfering in any way with bowlers on other lanes. B1 bowlers shall participate on the same lanes with their teammates. In B1 events where sighted guidance is being used no coaching is allowed when the bowler is being aligned on the approach. The only information that may be given to the bowlers shall be the numbered locations of the pins left standing, the side on which standing pins were missed or which gutter or channel a ball was rolled in (if relevant). After the bowler has been aligned on the approach, the guide must move behind the bowler's area before the delivery. The bowler’s area will be defined by the host organizing committee at the managers meeting held prior to commencement of the championship games. The guides must be neutral tournament assistants appointed by the organising committee. NOTE: The general membership established that the goggles used by B1 bowlers at the third world IBSA tenpin championships will be used in all future bowling championships. B1 bowlers must wear the occlusion glasses at all time during competition to ensure a state of equity. The entry fee established by the host committee should include the cost of the occlusion goggles. Tournament officials shall check the occlusion devices of all bowlers in this class before the commencement of practice and, if necessary, during the competition. Bowlers may only make adjustment to his/her occlusion devices in the presence of a tournament official between deliveries. 4.2 FOR CLASS B2 No physical modification of the existing facility is permitted. However, guide rails may be used. 4.3 FOR CLASS B3 WTBA Rules will be followed in their entirety, except as noted below. NOTE: Bowlers in all classes must be assisted by tournament assistants appointed by the Organising Committee to read out displays and name remaining pins. 5. STYLE OF PLAY 5.1 A game series for a competition event shall be bowled on one lane. There will be no change of lane between games, unless otherwise specified. 5.2 A maximum of 4 bowlers may be scheduled on one lane. After a block of games has started, no changes shall be made in the line-up in that block except that substitutions may be made in accordance with the rules for each specific championship. 6. LEGAL DELIVERY A delivery is legal when a bowler I. With or without assistance picks up the ball from the track or ball return II. Makes the delivery from an upright position with or without an approach III. A B1 bowler may use the guide rail to complete his/her bowling approach and/or delivery of the bowling ball. IV. The ball leaves the player’s possession and crosses the foul line into playing territory 7. ILLEGAL DELIVERY A delivery shall be illegal if the tournament assistant verbally or physically directs the delivery after the bowler has started the approach. 8. DEFINITION OF A FOUL 8.1 A foul occurs when apart of the player’s person encroaches on or goes beyond the foul line and touches any part of the lane, equipment or building during or after a delivery. 8.2 A foul is not committed when a bowler or the tournament assistant crosses the foul line during orientation before a delivery. 9. SLOW BOWLING 9.1 Bowlers preparing to step on the approach and deliver a ball shall have the following rights and obligations: 9.1.1. They may claim right of way only over a player moving to the approach or preparing to bowl on the lane immediately to their left. 9.1.2 They shall yield to a player moving to the approach or preparing to bowl on the lane immediately to their right 9.1.3 Bowlers shall be ready to bowl when it is their turn and shall not delay the start of their approach or delivery if the lane immediately adjacent to them on both the right and left are clear. 9.2 If a player does not observe the procedures outlined in paragraph 1, it may be construed as slow bowling. A warning may be given, if slow play continues and a penalty may be incurred. 10. BOWLING BALL INSPECTION 10.1 Prior to the start of competition all bowling balls used must be checked for compliance with WTBA Bowling Ball Specifications for weight, balance, holes and surface hardness. 10.2 If a bowling ball is removed from the place of the tournament, it must be re-checked before bowling in the next event. 11. EVENTS The recognized events in the IBSA competition programme shall be as follows: 11.1 SINGLES 11.1.1 SCRATCH SINGLES Class B1 Class B2 Class B3 Men Men Men Ladies Ladies Ladies 11.1.2 HANDICAP SINGLES Class B1 Class B2 Class B3 Men Men Men Ladies Ladies Ladies 11.2 DOUBLES In doubles events, the combined class aggregate of the two bowlers may be less, but shall not exceed 4. 11.2.1 Scratch Doubles 11.2.2 Handicap Doubles 11.3 THREE PERSONS TEAM In three person’s team events, the combined class aggregate of the three bowlers may be less, but shall not exceed 6. 11.3.1 Scratch Three Persons Team 11.3.2 Handicap Three Persons Team 11.4 FOUR PERSONS TEAM In four person’s team events, the combined class aggregate of the four bowlers may be less, but shall not exceed 8. There shall be at least one B1 and one lady bowler who may also be a B1 on this team. 11.4.1 Scratch Four Persons Team 11.4.2 Handicap Four Persons Team NOTE: The handicap score of each bowler per game shall be based on 90 percent of the difference between his/her official average and 190. It will be calculated using the bowler’s averages over a minimum of 30 games played in an affiliated league of the IBSA-member association and will be taken from 4 weeks prior to the commencement of the championship. All bowlers when entering for handicap event will be required to submit a copy of their league average from their IBSA- member association for verification. If a bowler fails to provide this information he/she will not be allowed to compete in a handicap event, regardless of his/her average. If recognition or an award is to be given for All Events, it shall be based on the accumulated scores from the first nine sanctioned games bowled by each bowler taking part in that competition. 12. ENTRIES 12.1 SINGLES The maximum number of singles entered by each country shall be twelve. 12.2 DOUBLES The maximum number of doubles teams entered by each country shall be six. 12.3 THREE PERSON TEAM The maximum number of three person’s teams entered by each country shall be four. 12.4 FOUR PERSONS TEAM The maximum number of four person’s teams entered by each country shall be three. 13. COMPOSITION OF CONTINGENT The composition of a national contingent to any IBSA sanctioned competition shall be comprised of the following: 13.1 BOWLERS The number of bowlers in a national contingent may be less, but shall not exceed twelve. Each bowler must be sanctioned by his/her national IBSA member association to compete. 13.2 COACH Each national contingent shall have only one coach, registered with his/her national association. The coach is responsible for the technical needs of his/her bowlers. He/she may be requested by the host association to volunteer as tournament assistants. 13.3 TEAM MANAGER Each national contingent will be technically managed by a Team Manager, registered with his/her national association. He/she will be held responsible for his/her coach and bowlers in official IBSA competitions. 13.4 INTERPRETER Each national contingency can include at least one interpreter. 14. COMPETITION VENUE The bowling centre or centres selected for any IBSA sanctioned competition must agree to: 14.1 Reserve all lanes needed for exclusive use of the Host Association. At least 24 lanes are required if the Tournament is conducted in one establishment. If two bowling centres are needed, the smaller must have at least 20 lanes and the other must have a minimum of 24 lanes. 14.2 Provide adequate space for the overnight storage of bowling balls and guide rails. If two centres are used for the competition, arrangements must be made for the transfer of bowling balls and guide rails between the two centers. 14.3 Allow the installation of guide rails on lanes. 14.4 Assist the host association in securing scorekeepers, referees and tournament assistants. 14.5 Use bowling pins approved by the WTBA. 14.6 Keep the bowling lane surfaces clean throughout the Tournament and have the lanes properly dressed according to WTBA specifications. IBSA prefers the oil extend at least 30 feet beyond the foul line. 14.7. Provide the maximum amount of lighting available on the lanes and on the concourse throughout the competition. 14.8 Work with the Host Association in publicising the competition, but restrict the use of flashbulbs or bright television lights during competition. 14.9 Work with IBSA member nations to schedule an IBSA world tenpin championship every four years and a regional competition every four years, occurring two years before the world competition. 15. TOURNAMENT MANAGEMENT 15.1 The Host Association shall appoint a qualified tournament manager. He/she and his/her designated representatives shall supervise and direct the tournament. This shall include responsibility to assign scorekeepers, referees, and tournament assistants. 15.2 The tournament management committee shall consist of I. The tournament manager II. The IBSA representative III. One qualified Technical specialist, jointly appointed by the tournament manager and the IBSA representative 16. SMOKING AND DRINKING 16.1 The bowlers must not smoke, eat, consume alcohol or be under the influence of alcohol while in competition; i.e. during the entire period of a block of games. In those instances where it is established that a bowler is in breach of this rule, he/she may be suspended for the block of games then being played. 16.2 Non-alcoholic beverages are allowed provided they are not consumed in the player’s area. 16.3 During the championships alcoholic beverages may not be served or consumed in the player’s area or the spectators area. 16.4 During the championships smoking is not permitted in the bowling centre. However, it may be allowed in a closed area, provided it does not affect the environment in the players' and spectators areas. 17. BOWLING UNIFORMS - ADVERTISING 17.1 Bowlers shall wear a standard uniform approved by their national association. Individual variations are not permitted. Men must wear pants or slacks. Women may wear skirts, shorts, pants, slacks or dress shorts, however no variation is allowed within a team. 17.2 The following may appear on the uniform: Name of player Name of country Logo of the country or member association, which the player represents. Advertisements, provided the size is not more than half the size of the largest text on the players back and the advertisement does not conflict with the law of the country of the host association and the rules of the International Olympic Committee. 18. PENALTIES 18.1 Any bowler who commits an infraction of the rules, or is guilty of aggressive, or insulting behaviour during or after an event; may be disqualified or banned from further competition in that event. 18.2 Penalties will be determined by the Jury of Appeal. The Jury shall consist of three members and two alternates, appointed by the representative of the IBSA Tenpin Bowling Technical Sub-Committee from among representatives of different countries present at the Championships site. 18.3 Any additional measures may be determined and enforced by the IBSA Sports Technical Committee upon the advice of the Tenpin Bowling Technical Sub-Committee. 18.4 A medical committee may carry out drug testing at the end of each day’s competition. Any bowler who refuses the test or who is tested positive will be relegated to the last place in the day’s competition, or removed from the competition all together. All doping cases will be reviewed by the IBSA disciplinary panel. 18.5 The list of banned substances is the one provided by the IOC. Specific regulations exist for the accomplishment of medical testing (see WTBA rules) 19 PROTESTS 19.1 Protests involving general playing rules must be confirmed in writing to a responsible tournament official not later than 24 hours after the game in which the alleged infraction occurred or before prize presentation whichever is the sooner. 19.2 When a protest involving a foul or the legality of pin fall is entered, an official representative of the association involved may be present when evidence is taken relative to the protest. 19.3 If no written protest is entered prior to the expiration period as stated, the game or games shall stand as bowled. 19.4 Each rule under this rule shall not be construed to cover a similar or previous violation. 20. PRE-TOURNAMENT MEETING 20.1 Prior to the start of the competition, a meeting of the team managers shall be held to provide all necessary information about the competition and related activities, and to answer questions. Lane draws and the appointment of a Jury of Appeal shall take place during the meeting. 20.2 The tournament manager and the technical specialist shall attend the meeting, which shall be chaired by the IBSA representative. The IBSA representative may designate a representative to chair the meeting. 20.3 In addition to other personnel specified above, only team managers and coaches should attend this meeting. 20.4 The meeting may not be scheduled during official practice and translation services must be available. Materials circulated during the meeting must be available in alternative formats, such as in braille, large print or cassette tape. 21. CEREMONIES 21.1 OPENING CEREMONY 21.1.1 The Opening Ceremony shall, at a minimum include a bowler parade with flag display and appropriate remarks by representatives of the Host Association and IBSA. The host committee should plan an appropriate theme for the opening ceremonies. Country anthems should not be played during the bowler parade in respect to some member nations who cannot march while their anthems are being played. 21.1.2 The program is subject to the approval of IBSA. 21.2 AWARD CEREMONY 21.2.1 Medals shall be of consistent design and quality and shall have prior approval of IBSA. 21.2.2 The Award Ceremonies should be conducted after each event and preferably before the commencement of the next event. 21.2.3 National anthems shall be played for the winners. 21.2.4 Medal presentations shall follow a plan established by the Host Association and approved by IBSA. In addition to the usual medals, eight additional medals shall be awarded. Those medals are for highest pins over average, highest game, highest series for 4 games, and highest series for 3 games. These awards are for both handicap and scratch games. These awards will be competed for by B1, B2 and B3 bowlers. 21.3 CLOSING CEREMONY 21.3.1 There shall be a Closing Ceremony, which shall, at a minimum, include appropriate remarks by representatives of the Host Association and IBSA. 21.3.2 The program is subject to the approval of IBSA. IBSA Tenpin Bowling Rulebook