logo UREC HOME UA HOME Facilities Mission Staement

Bowling Rules

Intramural Sports General Information

The Intramural Sports Office is located in the atrium of the Student Recreation Center.
Office Hours:  Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Phone Numbers: 
205-348-8055
205-348-3906
Rain Hotline: 205-348-2708

Email address:imsports@bama.ua.edu

 

Rule 1: The Game

Section 1: Definition
Bowling is an indoor sport in which a ball between 6 and 16 lbs. in weight is rolled down a lane approximately 42 inches wide by 60 feet long from the foul line to the head pin, in an effort to knock down 10 pins set in a triangular array at the other end of the lane.  Two teams of four (4) players each compete to knock down the most pins.

Section 2: Match
A match consists of two (2) games. The team with the highest total pin count [Total Pin Count = Team Pin Count (Game 1) + Team Pin Count (Game 2)] at the end of both games is declared the winner. However, should the teams’ Total Pin Count end in a tie, then a third game must be played to establish a winner. The third game will ONLY be played in an event of a tie.

Section 3: Scoring
There are 10 frames in a game, each frame consisting of two balls thrown unless a strike is recorded.  Scoring is based on the number of pins knocked down with the highest possible score being 300.   Knocking down all ten pins on the first try results in a strike, needing the second ball to knock down remaining pins is referred to as a spare. On a strike, the player is awarded 10 points plus the total of the next two balls thrown. For a spare, the player is awarded 10 points; plus the value of the next ball thrown. If any of the ten pins remain after two balls are thrown, it is considered an open frame and pin count is the score for that frame.

Section 4: Scorekeeping
Each team should follow these guidelines for scorekeeping:

  1. Each team is required to keep their score. The IM staff only requires that each team list each player on the score sheet and keep track of the total scores of each player for game 1 and game 2 and a total team score. It is not necessary for the team to keep score on a frame by frame basis.
  1. After completing the required two games, the players must return the score sheet to the Intramural Supervisor or Event Assistant located on-site at Bama Bowl.

Section 5: League Play
Teams bowling in the league must follow the general league play guidelines in which a team will first bowl on their own lane for the first frame and then bowl on their opponents’ lane for the second frame, continuing this rotation until the game ends.
A team can verify that they are bowling on the correct lane by viewing the name showing at the bottom of the monitor hanging above each lane. The monitor above the lane showing the bowler’s name is the correct lane that bowler should be bowling on.

 

Rule 2: The Court

Section 1: Play Area
Bowling league games are held at Bama Bowl (located at the corner of 15th Street and Hackberry Lane). Players should arrive on location for their game at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to game time.

Rule 3: Player Equipment and Uniform

Section 1: Equipment
Bowling balls and shoes are provided on site at Bama Bowl the evening of the event. Players are permitted to bring their own equipment, but it is not required.

Section 2: Legal Uniform    
All players on a team shall wear:

  1. Bowling shoes (provided by Bama Bowl)
  2. Uniforms are not required for bowling

Rule 4: Teams

Section 1: Team Players
A team shall be consisted of four (4) players. Co-Rec teams are required to have two (2) men and two (2) women per team. Teams who do not have the minimum four (4) players to start a game will be given a forfeit.

Rule 5: During Play

Section 1: Conduct of Players
All players are required to follow the etiquette rules of bowling listed below:

  1. Be ready to bowl when the pins are set. Do not bowl until the pin setting machine has completed its cycle and the sweep bar is raised, otherwise you may damage the ball or machine.
  2. Do not use another player’s ball without his/her permission.
  3. Observe one lane courtesy. The bowler on the right should bowl if both reach the approach at the same time. Stay off the approach while you wait.
  4. Stay on your approach while delivering the ball. Return to the settee area after making each delivery.
  5. Good bowling requires concentration. Bowlers should always keep in mind when others are preparing to bowl, excessive movement or noise could be distracting. When a player is ready to bowl, give them the courtesy of making their shot without interference, as you will want the same courtesy when it is your turn.
  6. Excessive “lofting” hurts your game and damages the lane.
  7. Refrain from using abusive language or obscene gestures.
  8. At the end of the game, return all shoes to the front desk of Bama Bowl and the bowling balls to the ball racks.

Section 2: Lane Malfunctions & Score Issues
Should a team have lane malfunctions or score issues, have one player inform the on-site Intramural Supervisor or Event Assistant and he/she will assist with the problem.

Section 3: Sportsmanship
The Bama Bowl staff is considered an extension of the Intramural staff during the bowling season, and any rudeness and/or other unruly conduct performed by players or teams to this staff will result in a decreased sportsmanship rating or possibly more severe consequences.

Section 4: Alcohol and Tobacco Products
Alcohol and Tobacco products are prohibited during the competition. Any player found using either of these products will be ejected and permanently ineligible to bowl during the duration of the season.

Section 5: Playoffs
Teams are required to have a .500 or better record, and a sportsmanship average of 2.85 or better in order to reach the playoffs.

Section 6: Pre-bowling during Playoffs
Once in the playoffs, teams may pre-bowl their game if they cannot play at their specified times. In order to pre-bowl, the team must first contact the Intramural Sports office and notify the staff. During bowling, the team must have at least one member there at the time of the match. After bowling, the team must get an official printed scorecard from Bama Lanes. This scorecard must be turned in to the IM sports office before 4 p.m. on the day of the playoff game.