About The CBA

$90.00 Basic Entry Fee

     The Central Bowlers Alliance (CBA) exists to provide a competitive forum for bowlers with advanced skills to test their abilities with their peers in a non-handicap format.

     The CBA is a non-profit organization open to ABC and WIBC members in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota on a non-discriminatory basis.

     The CBA is administered by a board of directors consisting of active CBA members elected by the membership and by a tournament director who serves at the pleasure of the board.

     The CBA strives to present a positive image of the sport of bowling and its participants, and to help bowling and bowlers achieve the level of recognition they deserve as a sport and athletes, respectively.

     The CBA continually seeks ways to strengthen the organization in terms of current stability and future growth in order to best serve its membership.

     The CBA pledges to cooperate with, and assist, to the fullest extent possible, bowling proprietors and others in the bowling industry to enhance the economic health of the industry in the Upper Midwest so that the sport of bowling may continue to provide recreation and competition to bowlers of all skill levels.

Tournament Rules

Central Bowlers Alliance (CBA) Rules & Regulations Revised May 2011

Purpose: The updating and implementation of the rules are for the betterment, growth and upholding the integrity and responsibility of this organization and its members.

Rule I Eligibility

A. The CBA is open to both men and women who are current USBC members. All applicants must be residing in or participating in a sanctioned league in the five state areas consisting of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa.

B. Eligible non USBC. members may participate by purchasing an unattached USBC membership prior to bowling in a CBA tournament (see USBC rule 301.B).

C. Professional bowlers may bowl CBA tournaments if they have not competed in 51% or more

of the national tournaments in the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) in the past 12 months from the date of the current CBA tournament. 

 

D. Lady Professional Bowler's members (LPBT) may bowl if they are a non-LPBT Champion. Any misrepresentations of this rule result in disciplinary action by the Board of Directors.

Rule II Membership

A $50 annual membership fee is required to join the CBA, and our season runs from May through the following April. You must bowl 4 tournaments during the season to qualify for the added money year end tournament.  A non member may bowl by paying an additional $20 entry fee and bowl up to two tournaments as a nonmember that CBA year. The nonmember must join in order to bowl three or more tournaments that CBA year.

Rule III Tournament Entry

1. The tournament field may be limited to a certain number of players dependent upon the lanes available.

2. Entry Fee Member $90.00 Non-Member $110.00

(See Rule IX for distribution of fees)

3. Tournament Expenses Lineage $14.00 Tournament Director $6.00 Year-End Tournament $6.00

 4. Prize Fund Prize Fund without added money Is $54.00 and will be paid out 100%

Rule IV Withdrawal from tournament

A. Deadline for Withdrawal

Notice of withdrawal from a tournament must be at least 24 hours prior to the tournament by calling (763) 496-1354 or email at tomcorbett@centralbowlersalliance.com  to prevent a penalty. If no notice is received after the deadline, the bowler is fined $10 - 1st violation and $25 - 2nd violation in a current CBA year. If no notice is received, the entire entry fee is fined, (subject to Tournament Director) if the tournament is full and your spot could not be filled.

B. Withdrawal while Tournament Is in Progress

Withdrawal by a bowler while the tournament is in progress is not allowed unless the Tournament Director gives permission. The penalty for this infraction is a fine of $10 for the 1st violation, $25 for the second violation, and suspension for the 3rd violation.

Rule V Player Registration at Tournament Site

A. Squad Scheduling

Squads are set up in advance by the tournament director. Squad assignments for bowlers alternate after each tournament. Bowlers may not select their own squad assignment. It is the bowler's responsibility to abide by this rule. Violation can result in a fine and/or suspension.

B. Roll Call

Roll Call is 30 minutes prior to the first block of each squad of bowling including the semifinal. A player missing or late for roll call incurs a $5 fine in qualifying round, $10 fine in semifinal round for each offense.

C. Penalties for Late Arrival

1. If a player is late at the official starting time posted for the first round of qualifying, he is automatically disqualified and replaced by the next standby in line. If no standby is available, he may enter play in the same game and frame as his group is then bowling. A score of zero is given for all frames missed.

2. If a player is late starting in a qualifying round after the first round, he must enter in the same game and frames as his group is then bowling. He receives no score for the games or frames missed.

3. If a player is late at the official starting time posted for the semifinals, the alternate or the highest finishing person in the center at the time replaces the late player.

D. Close of Entries & Re Entry

1. Entries close at the starting time of each tournament. 2. No Re Entries Allowed

Rule VI Registration of Equipment

All ABC specifications apply to bowling balls and equipment. Failure to comply with this rule results in disqualification and forfeiture of all winnings for that tournament. The Tournament Director has the authority to spot-check balls to see that they meet specifications.

Rule VII Special Rulings

A. Breakdown or Delay

In case of a breakdown or delay caused by a pin machine, the Tournament Director makes a decision regarding the continuation or rescheduling of games. In case of a delay for more than fifteen minutes, the bowlers are allowed one shadow ball on each lane before resuming.

B. Ruling on Pinfall

The Tournament Director is called in to settle any dispute arising over whether the machine knocked over a pin or whether it fell on its own accord.

C. Fouls

ABC Rules regarding fouls are followed. If there are any discrepancies or questions regarding the rule or function of the machine, a ruling is made by the Tournament Director.

D. Deadwood

ABC Rules regarding deadwood are followed.

Rule VIII Scoring/Format

A. Scorecard

Each player is responsible for his own scorecard and that of the player opposite him. After each game, the player's scorecard and his plus or minus totals must be entered on his scorecard. The player must initial his own scorecard and the opposite player's scorecard at the completion of each game and each block. The overhead score must include each player's plus or minus standing and be visible to spectators.

B. Format

1. Regular Format

Each qualifying block is four, five, six, eight, ten or twelve games depending on the tournament site and format used. Each player alternates starting lanes (odd or even) each game. Bowlers starting on the left lane will move left after each game and bowlers starting on the right lane will move right after each game. Each player moves down one position and the anchor moves to the top after each game.

The qualifying scores are based on total pinfall for both blocks. These players then enter the Semifinal match games the following day or same day on one day formats. The number of bowlers advancing to the semifinals is announced prior to the start of the tournament.

After the completion of the final qualifying squad, the field is cut to the:

Top 8 for 24 entries, Top 10 for 30 entries, Top 12 for 36 entries, Top 14 for 42 entries, Top 16 for 48 entries, Top 18 for 54 entries, Top 20 for 60 entries, Top 22 for 66 entries and Top 24 for 72 or more entries.

2. Doubles format and rules are provided at the tournament site. After the completion of the final qualifying squad, the field is cut to the:

Top 8 doubles teams for 35 entries or less Top 12 doubles teams for 36-63 entries Top 16 doubles teams for 64 or more entries

3. In the event of a tie score in the qualifying rounds for the last position, a one game roll-off, takes place within one hour after the final round. If either player fails to show up for the roll-off, he or she forfeits the roll-off. Total pinfall determines the winner. The Tournament Director selects the lanes on which the roll-off takes place. If the lanes are not available, the tie is settled ½ hour before the paddock meeting the next morning.

4. Sunday's semifinals consist of 11-match games and a 12th game position round. Lane assignments for match play are determined by the Tournament Director.

5. In the event of a tie after eleven matches (prior to the position round) the following procedure is followed to determine which bowler competes against the higher-ranking position.

1st - the bowler that won the regular match between themselves 2nd - total actual pinfall 3rd - flip of a coin 6. In the event of a tie after 12 matches in positions 1-6 a 9th and 10th frame roll-off determines the tie breaker prior to the start of the step ladder finals.

7. In match play, each player starts fresh (dropping their qualifying scores from the previous day). Each victory in the match play is worth 30 bonus pins (15 pins to each player on a tie) to be added to their cumulative pin total. At the completion of all match-play rounds (including the 12th game position round) the five highest players (based on total pinfall plus bonus pins) enter the stepladder finals.

8. In the event of a tie score in positions 6-12, the tie is recorded and the prize money for the positions involved are divided equally between the two contestants.

9. In the stepladder finals, all the previous pinfall is dropped. All stepladder matches are one game only with total pinfall determining the winner of each game. The first game of the stepladder is between the number 5 and number 4 bowler with the winner bowling the number 3 bowler etc., until the champion is determined.

10. In the event of a tie score in the stepladder finals, the two players have a 9th and 10th Frame roll-off with total pinfall determining the winner

C. Plus and Minus Scores this is arrived at by adding the amount of pins over 200 or subtracting the pins under 200 on a cumulative basis. It is required to display the plus and minus score each and every game. By not having displayed the plus and minus score by the 3rd frame, a fine of $5.00 per offense may be assessed as determined by the Tournament Director.

Rule IX Prize Fund and Awards

Revision of Prize List

If required, because of a shortage of entries or unforeseen circumstances, the prize list of any CBA tournament may be adjusted so that it adheres as closely as possible to the original breakdown.

Distribution of Prize Fund

Prizes awarded for monthly tournaments are based on a one to three ratio; for the year end tournament it is based on a one for two (see rule XVIII). For all tournaments, the last place pays no less than the entry fee. A special prize of "high game out of money" is awarded to the players who did not make the major prize list but rolled the highest game among them. A minimum of one "high game out of money" prizes for each squad is awarded. Additional "high game out of money" prizes may be awarded at the discretion of the Tournament Director base upon entries. All prize fees collected are returned 100% to the participants. The Qualifying Leader receives a minimum of $1.00 per entry.

Rule X Substitution.

Penalty Procedure

The alternate player (person after the final semifinalist) may enter in the place of a semifinalists (at the Tournament Director's discretion) in case of injury, sickness, or emergency under the following penalty or replacement:

1. In case of a no-show by a semifinalist at the start of the semifinals, an alternate may start without a penalty. A semifinalist is considered a no-show if he or she is not ready to bowl by the first count ball thrown in the semifinals. The alternate bowls in the position of the no-show. The no-show and the alternate then change positions with the no-show becoming the alternate in the prize list. They do not split the combined money.

2. If a bowler is replaced after bowling is in progress, there is a 30-pin penalty to the new bowler. This player and the original player split their combined prize winnings regardless of whether the appointed alternate finished in the prize list or not.

3. If more than one alternate is needed, the Tournament Director appoints the member among the spectators who finished the highest in the qualifying rounds. This player and the original player split their combined prize winnings regardless whether the appointed alternate finished in the prize list or not.

4. Alternate

The alternate (alternates for the Doubles Tournament) is awarded $50.00; however, to collect the monies he must be present and remain in the building until the completion of the semifinal as well as assist with the operations of the tournament as assigned by the Tournament Director.

Rule XI Conduct of Tournament Players

A. Professionalism

The players must at all times behave as professional performers. At no time should a player kick a ball return, make obscene gestures, or use foul language. Such actions result in a fine or fines as decided by the Tournament Director or Board Member and the fine sheet.

B. Lane Courtesy

The CBA allows two lane courtesies to both the left and right of the bowler.

C. Complaints

All complaints must be registered with the Tournament Director. Do not register complaints With the host proprietor, his personnel or the other CBA members. Failure to comply with this rule results in a fine, which is determined by the Tournament Director.

D. Incidents Not Covered

In case of controversy at a tournament, regarding an incident not covered by a specific rule, the Tournament Director makes an on the spot ruling, which is final for that tournament. If the incident is of a nature requiring a permanent rule, the Tournament Director makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors.

E. No smoking in the bowling settee area. Smokers must smoke in back of settee area.

Rule XII Wearing Apparel

A. Shirts and Sweaters with Name and Emblems

All members are required to have their last name and CBA emblem on their shirt while bowling. A sweater may be worn as long as the sweater displays the CBA emblem and the bowlers last name.

B. No wearing of shorts, hats, shirts without collars, nor ripped, torn or frayed clothing.

C. No jeans on Sunday.

Rule XIII Re-racks

A player is allowed two re-racks per game. If more is needed, the Tournament Director is called for approval.

Rule XIV ABC Rules

ABC and WIBC rules and regulations apply in all CBA tournaments unless otherwise defined in CBA rules.

Rule XV Fines

A. All fines must be paid prior to participating in the next CBA tournament unless specified differently in rules. All fines and decisions are subject to final decision on the Tournament Director.

Any appeals of such fines or decisions must be made on the day the fine is levied to the CBA Board of Directors Executive Committee. Three members of a said committee must be present. Outstanding fines are posted in the paddock. All fines are payable to the CBA. The money collected for fines are allocated by the Board of Directors for the benefit of the CBA. B. Board members are fined "double" for any infraction of the rules to help set a positive example for the rest of the organization.

C. The schedule of fines:

* Late for roll call at the paddock: Qualifying $5.00 Semi-finals $10.00

* Failure to sign or initial a score sheet $5.00

* Failure to turn in a score sheet $10.00

* No last name of shirt (members) $10.00

* No CBA logo on a shirt (members) $10.00

* Not paying an entry fee before throwing first ball in a tournament unless OK'd by Tournament Director. $10.00

* Leaving bowling equipment on concourse $10.00

* Wearing "jeans" on Sunday $10.00

* Withdrawal by a bowler without approval of the Tournament Director $10.00 (1st) $25.00 (2nd) Suspension (3rd)

* Stepladder finalist leaving before the tournament is over and pictures are taken $25.00

* Bad conduct as determined by the Tournament Director *********

E.g. Kicking ball returns, swearing, tearing up or switching score sheets, complaining about conditions, etc

*********Amount to be determined by Tournament Director who is authorized to double the fine each time an act of misconduct of similar severity is repeated by a bowler during the tournament year.

* Returned check charge $25.00

If any check is returned to the CBA office for insufficient funds, stopped payment or closed account, that member is placed in a cash-only basis until further notice. This means all entries, dues, etc. must be paid in cash, cashiers check, or money order. If the bank had made an error, a letter from said bank to the CBA office is necessary to remove the member from a cash-only status.

Rule XVI All-star Team Selection

Each year the CBA announces the first and second all-star teams, "rookie of the year" and "bowler of the year."

The awards are earned by a point system stemming from performance throughout the CBA year.

Points are awarded in the following manner.

20 - 1st place, 18 - 2nd place, 16 - 3rd place, 14 - 4th place, 12 - 5th place, 10 - 6th place

Decrease by 1 point from 7th place to 12th place. Remainder of semifinals (13th to possible 24th) the same as 12th in the semifinals

Qualifying Leader = 2 points 

Doubles points count toward All-star Team selection and Hall of Fame.

Tournament of Champion points do not count toward All-star Team selection; however, do count for Hall of Fame points.

Rule XVII Financial Report

A financial report is a part of every newsletter regarding the previous tournament's financial information.

Rule XVIII Year End Tournament

A year-end tournament is held as the last tournament of the CBA year (May). Bowlers must bowl four tournaments in the CBA year to be eligible for the year-end tournament. Six dollars from each entry in CBA tournaments that are held prior to the year-end Tournament is added to the year-end tournament prize fund. Cash ratio is 1-2.

Rule XIX Annual Meeting

An annual membership meeting is held in conjunction with the June CBA tournament to elect CBA members to the Board of Directors. The term of service on the CBA Board of Directors is two years. In any one year, half of the Board of Director seats are up for election. After the June meeting and before the next CBA tournaments, the Board of Directors meet to elect the CBA officers: President, Vice President and Secretary Treasure. The President appoints two other members of the Board of Directors who, along with the officer of the CBA, make up the Executive Committee. The CBA President as required also makes other committee assignments.

Revised May 2011.

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