Bowling

1. Bowling Training Guide

2. Events Offered • Singles • Doubles • Team Bowling • Ramp Bowling Singles • Ramp Bowling Doubles • Unified Doubles Bowling • Unified Team Bowling

3. Bowling Uniforms • All bowling team members should wear shirts and shorts/pants that are identical in color and style. • Shoes: Bowling shoes must be worn by all competitors and in most cases are available at the event venue.

4. Ramp Bowling • All bowlers who utilize a ramp for bowling competition must register as a ramp bowler • With ramp doubles competition, if a partner of a ramp bowler does not utilize a ramp, the regular bowler must register as a regular bowler. A special form to list ramp bowlers with non-ramp partners in the doubles bowling competition will be included with State Summer Games registration materials. • The ramp bowling doubles teams with be places in the age category of the oldest bowler. If one team member is male, the team bowls in the male category. (Example: If one male athlete/one female athlete comprises a doubles team, the team must bowl in the male division).

5. Doubles and Team Bowling • Competition will be offered for all male and female doubles and teams. Male and female competition will be separate. • Doubles bowling involves a two-member team. Team bowling involves a four-member team. • The participation of a male athlete I neither doubles or team bowling places the team in the male division. (Example: If one male athlete/one female athlete comprises a doubles team, the team must bowl in the male division). • The doubles team handicap is based on 80% of the difference in the team average and 400 scratch. The team handicap is based on 80% of the difference in the team average and 800 scratch. (Example: John and Jim area a doubles team. John has an average of 83 and Jim has an average of 101 that makes their team average 184. The difference between 400 and 184 is 216. 80% of 216 is 173 (rounding up 172.8). This means John and Jim’s handicap is 173.) • Doubles and team bowling will consist of a one-game series, except at the 27+ Bowling Finals and Unified Competition, where they will bowl two games. • Final doubles and team series scores will be determined by adding the actual pin fall and the doubles and team handicap.

6. Doubles and Team Bowling • All potential bowlers must be registered in pool of alternates. If an alternate bowler is utilized, the team will bowl during the originally-scheduled bowling time no matter what the age and gender of the new bowler. Combining ages and/or genders should not be a problem since handicaps are utilized. (Example: An 18 year-old male and a 21-year-old female comprises a doubles male team. A 45-year-old alternate bowls for the male. The team still bowls in the male division in the 16-21 age group). If there are no alternate bowlers available, single bowlers will be permitted to bowl and zero (0) will be recorded for the partner. • In doubles and team bowling, a bowling team should be made up of similar age and gender. If an area must submit a coed team, that team will bowl in the male division. If an area must submit doubles or a team made of two age groups, the doubles or team will bowl together in the older bowler’s age group and time frame. (Example: A 32-year-old female and a 27-year-old male comprises a doubles team. The team will bowl in the 30-39 year-old male division). If an alternate is utilized, the team remains in the same time slot and division. • Five age groups will be utilized 8-11, 12-15, 16-21, 22-26 and 27+. • Conflicts must be avoided between the singles, doubles and team times when entering your athletes. • Bowlers may enter two of the three bowling event offered at the State Summer Games, although one of the two events must be singles. • For State Events the average of 10 games is required at registration.

7. General Rules: Ramp Bowling • Bowling ramps and other assistance devices may be used with the approval of the Special Olympics Bowling Competition Committee. These may include modifications such as retractable handles, etc. As per ABC/WIBC or YABA Rules, and aid may not incorporate a mechanical device with moving parts that would impart a force or impetus to the ball. • A ramp bowler may be allowed to bowl three frames consecutively. • Athletes using ramps shall be placed in separate divisions from other bowlers for singles competition.

8. Unified Bowling • Unified Bowling will be offered at the Unified Basketball & Bowling Tournament. The events that will be offered are Unified Doubles and Unified Team Bowling. • A unified doubles team will consist of one Special Olympics athlete and one unified partner. A unified team will consist of two Special Olympics athletes and two unified partners. • The same handicapping formulas as used in traditional doubles bowling and team bowling (listed previously) will apply. • Athletes may enter both events offered. • Bowlers on a unified team may be assigned to bowl in any order. • All athletes must follow uniform guidelines.

9. Bowling Tips • Set up a routine when you bowl. Some bowlers use a three-step approach. Others like a four or five step approach. Whichever one you use stick to it. Many people who struggle change it up often. One of the keys to getting a higher average is consistency and following a consistent routine. Many people may try to change it, but always stick with the same routine. Over time you will be glad you did. • Always think positive thoughts. Sure sometimes the ball will not go where you want it to, but stay positive. Over time these positive thoughts will give you more confidence and you become a better bowler. The end results of these positive thoughts will be a higher average, so always stay positive.

10. Bowling Beginner Skill Tips • 1. A player may pick up the ball and walk straight towards the foul line. This will be his/her starting position; or they may turn with his back to the pins before turning to face the pins. • 2. It is not advisable to position the ball in the center of the body; it is better if the ball is held at his side so that it will be easier for him to execute a straight arm swing. • 3. Before turning to face the pins and aiming before the delivery, relax and take a deep breath to take away the tension and pressure in the body that affects the way a player will deliver the ball. • 4. If the person is right handed, they must use their right foot as the first step position and left handed bowler would use his left foot. These positions are to favor the strong side of the body so that he can deliver the ball comfortably. • 5. Hold the ball away from the body, make a consistent out, and down movement with the ball. When the ball is positioned for the back swing take the third step, and then swing the ball for the release as his final step.

11. Bowling Hook Technique • Use a conventional by putting your fingers down to the second knuckle. You can hook a ball this way, you want to make sure your thumb comes out first then your fingers up the side of the ball as if you are going to shake hands with another person. • The next way is to finger tip, by putting your fingers into the first knuckle. First put in your fingers then your thumb. When your thumb comes out you get more roll the ball back onto your wrist when you release the ball it comes off you wrist and your fingers come up the side of the ball.

12. Terms • Hook: A ball that breaks sharply to the left for a right-hander, to the right for a left-hander • Leave: Pins that remain standing after the first ball delivery • Mark: A strike or a spare • Scratch: A bowler’s actual score. Non-handicap bowling • Span: The distance between the thumbhole and the finger holes on a ball