Rules of Play
League 101
Teams
4 bowlers per team, up to 6 on your roster.
Current team count: 32 teams
Season Length
15 weeks: Two 7-week halves and a 1 final Sweeper night
League Format
Handicap League: Averages are based on 90% of 200 point base score.
Legal Line-Up
Minimum one (1) rostered bowler per night. New bowlers cannot be added during the last two (2) weeks of each half, due to Sweeper placements.
‘Betta Have My Money
$25 Weekly Fee Breakdown
Lineage = $14
Prize Fund = $10
Admin Fee = $1
$25 Annual Sanction Fee
The Annual USBC Sanction Fee is required for all bowlers, including substitutes, and is due at the first game played.
Payment Rules
Fees must be paid weekly, even if you’re absent.
Non-payment Procedures
All seasonal dues must be paid by the 12th week. Bowlers who are more than 4 weeks behind cannot bowl until outstanding weekly fees are paid. Unpaid dues will be deducted from the team's prize money.
Pins & Points
Team Scoring
Each game (with handicap) = 1 point
Total series (with handicap) = 1 point
Tie game = 0.5 point
Max per night = 4 points
Pre-bowling
With 48 hours’ notice, teams may pre-bowl the week before regular bowling to avoid an absence. Teams cannot split between pre-bowl and regular bowling. Pre-bowling is not allowed during positions or playoffs week.
Individual Score Terms
Spare = 9 points
Strike = 10 points
Absentee and Blinds
Absentees (Blind) receive their average minus 10 points
If no established average, Blind = 120 points
The Big Finish
Segment Winners
One (1) team may only win each half. If the same team wins both, the team with the next highest total season wins advances.
Sweepers Night (Playoffs)
In the 15th week, the two (2) segment winners compete for the Season Winner title. All other bowlers will play for the final prize standings.
Sweepers Game Structure: 3-game rolloff, highest total pins + handicap wins!
Awards
Awards distributed on the 15th week include:
1st and 2nd Place Teams
High Game Scratch & Handicap (Men/Women)
High Series Scratch & Handicap (Men/Women)
Eligibility
21 games required for awards and Sweeper Night. Bowlers may only win one individual award (team awards excluded)
More Ways to Play
Side Games
Poker = $5 per week
Brackets = $5 per week
IGBO Membership
A portion of all side game funds goes towards administrative costs, including our Members’ annual IGBO membership.
Special Events
No-Tap Tournament = $25
At the end of each season, SCPB will host an end-of-season No-Tap Tournament. The entry fee is the same as standard bowling, creating a separate prize pot. When 9 points count as 10, why wouldn’t you join?!
Social Events
SCPB may host social events at the bowling alley or in separate locations, open to current, previous, and non-Members.
Participation is Voluntary
All participation in side games, special events, and fundraisers is voluntary, not required for membership. All proceeds go to Sonoma County Pride Bowling 501(c)(7), unless otherwise disclosed.
The Official Stuff
USBC
The Sonoma County Pride Bowling League abides by the rules established by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) and the International Gay Bowling Organization (IGBO). These rules include:
Every drilled hole in a ball must be occupied by a finger or thumb upon delivery.
Double Decker (Bowlero) House Rules
Housekeeping rules include:
Only team members are allowed in the settee area.
Teams are responsible for replacing all furniture moved.
No outside food or drinks allowed. Anyone caught with outside alcohol is subject to removal and/or membership revocation.
Governance
The Sonoma County Pride Bowling league is led by league-elected officials, elected annually at the start of the Fall season, and is governed by the Board of Directors of the Sonoma County Pride Bowling (SCPB) 501(c)(7) nonprofit corporation.