DECEMBER 2012 -
www.bowlingworld.com
13
WTBA Partners With USBC
To Study New Specifications
ARLINGTON, Texas -
In an effort to deter-
mine new lines of specifications at the sport of
bowling's elite level, the United States Bowling
Congress will join with the World Tenpin Bowl-
ing Association to look at factors that influence
scoring.
"
Many of our sport's leaders believe it is criti-
cal to look more closely at how equipment and
conditions influence scoring," WTBA President
Kevin Dornberger said. "We need to consider if
there is justification for additional classifications
for equipment or conditions for use by federa-
tions at the elite level. This is an important topic
to explore in an objective and scientific way,
which is why we are joining with USBC in this
study."
A background study and hypothesis testing
will begin immediately, with lab and field testing
beginning next year. The studies will be fol-
lowed by recommendations to be implemented
and tested at world events in 2014. A prelimi-
nary report will be presented to the WTBA Con-
gress in August 2013, while a final recommen-
dation will be presented in August 2015.
"
We will be looking at what factors influence
scoring and at what point those factors change
dramatically," USBC Managing Director of Na-
tional Governing Body Neil Stremmel said.
"
The study will factor in bowling ball specifica-
tions but will not be limited to that. It is impor-
tant to note that the focus of the research will
be aspects that influence competition at the
elite level and that we do not anticipate the re-
sults impacting basic USBC rules."
Stremmel said the study also will include
looking at other aspects of scoring, including
pins, lane conditioners and lane patterns.