RULE 1. ELIGIBILITY / CERTIFICATION OF TOURNAMENT

·         The MJBT is open to all bowlers whether they are USBC-Youth sanctioned or not USBC sanctioned. Participants are not required to be a Minnesota resident. Non - sanctioned bowlers may participate by paying a $2.00 participation fee for each event bowled. No participant shall have reached his or her 21st birthday as of August 1, 2010. Any member under suspension from MJBT and/or USBC is not eligible to participate in any MJBT event until said suspensions are lifted.

·         This tournament is sanctioned by USBC and shall abide by all rules set by USBC. Any non-USBC sanctioned bowler is expected / required to follow all rules of USBC and MJBT during competition. MJBT players may be asked to show their current USBC sanction card at any given event.

RULE 2. APPLICATION FOR TOURNAMENT ENTRY / CLOSING DATE

·         All entries will be accepted up to and on the day of the tournament. If more than one squad is assigned, entries will close with the starting of the FIRST squad. The tournament field may be limited to a certain number of players dependent on the lanes availability. In the event more entries are received than can be accommodated, a waiting list system will be utilized. Waiting list order will go in the order of the actual entries received. If a player is not checked in by 8:45 am on tournament day, his/her spot may/will be forfeited, and given to the first available waiting list player (if implemented). If no wait list, bowler will receive $2.00 minimum fine.

·         Entries must be mailed in to the MJBT office by Wednesday prior to the event (unless otherwise posted). Entries received after that time (including on-site entries) will subject to a $10.00 late fee. Failure to obtain an approved cancellation by MJBT Staff will result in loss of full entry fee. Entry forms will be available at previous tournament sites, and online at www.mjbt.org.

RULE 3. SITE SELECTION / SCHEDULING

·         Whenever possible, the normal MJBT schedule will be the THIRD SUNDAY of every month with check-in starting at 8:00 a.m., 8:50 a.m. paddock/announcements and 9:00 a.m. actual bowling start. Exceptions will be made for holidays, national events, etc. Site selection will be done by Tournament Management. All sites/dates subject to change at any time. All factors will be considered before announcing any changes to the schedule. They will provide announcements of any changes to the schedule and announcements of those changes will be made at previous tournament sites and/or through our internet site (www.mjbt.org). A current schedule will also be given to the The Metro Bowler, a Twin Cities area newspaper.

RULE 3A. CANCELLATION OF TOURNAMENT

·         It may be possible, due to inclement weather conditions, to cancel an event. This decision will be made by MJBT Staff with the help of the host center, and current weather and road reports. MJBT Staff will make every effort possible to contact all registered players as soon as the cancellation is announced. Notices will also be posted on our 800 hotline and on our website. WCCO-AM radio (Minneapolis/St. Paul area) and radio stations in the area of the host center will also receive notification on any cancellations. Keep in mind that cancellations may occur very late and all players should plan ahead for this.

·         If poor weather is preventing you from attending, but the tournament is still being held, it is your responsibility to call in your cancellation to avoid forfeiture of entry fees. 

RULE 4. WITHDRAWAL FROM TOURNAMENT

·         Withdrawal while the tournament is in progress will be allowed ONLY with the permission of Tournament Management. Any withdrawal without permission of the Tournament Manager(s) shall forfeit their entry fee and be subject to fine. Refunds will only be given in case of injury, sickness, or other emergency. NO refunds will be given after the third game in the qualifying round.

RULE 5. REGISTRATION / CHECK IN

·         All bowlers must be checked in before the start of paddock. When more than one squad is bowling you may choose your squad on a first come - first served basis. Late entries will be assigned a squad. Persons late for paddock or not showing for paddock during the Qualifying Round or Match Play Round will be subject to fine. The tournament field may be limited to a certain amount of players depending on lane/ time availability. Players not checked in by 8:45am on tournament day will forfeit their spot to players placed on waiting lists (if implemented). If no wait list, bowler will be fined minimum $2.00.

·         Lane assignments will be given at time of Check In by random draw. No switching of lane assignments will be allowed by the bowlers but may be done by Tournament Management.

RULE 5A. DIVISIONS OF EVENT

·         Any time an MJBT Regular singles event has 6 or more women entered, a separate women's division will be created for that event. Awards will be based on scholarship monies available.

·         At any time a female bowler may compete in the men's division, but once that decision is made, the bowler must stay in that division for the period of one (1) year from date of decision. A female bowler cannot switch divisions each event she bowls. Choice of division must be made along during registration / check in to an MJBT event. Division change cannot occur during the event.

·         Male bowlers will not be allowed to participate in the women's division at any time.

RULE 6. EQUIPMENT

·         All bowling equipment used by the bowlers must meet all USBC specifications. All bowling balls used by a bowler must have the serial numbers listed on his/her scoresheet prior to use in competition. If no serial number is available, the bowler must list make and model of ball on scoresheet. Any tournament bowler or Tournament Staff member may request a check of bowling equipment, if he/she has reason to believe it is suspect. These requests must be made to the Tournament Manager. Equipment can be pulled at any time from competition. The Tournament Staff member shall, upon request from a bowler participating in the tournament, hold any questionable ball for a maximum of 48 hours after tournament completion while having it checked for USBC acceptance standards. Any person refusing to turn his/her ball over for inspection will be disqualified and forfeit all entries and awards.

·         Any player may request inspection of equipment before competition starts if such services are available at the hosting center. If not available, the players equipment may/will be held for inspection for a maximum of 48 hours.

RULE 6A. EQUIPMENT ALTERING / CLEANING

·         Altering the surface of a bowling ball by the use of abrasives while bowling in sanctioned competition is strictly prohibited.  All bowling balls so altered will be removed from competition by Tournament Management. The bowler is also subject to disqualification and forfeiture of entries and awards (See Rule 18, USBC Rules and Regulations).

·         The use of approved cleansing agents such as isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and polishing machines during competition is permissible. This also includes water and commercial ball cleaning agents, approved for use by USBC.

·         The surface of any bowling ball may not be altered at any time after competition has started for the day. This includes balls that have not yet been introduced into play (See Rule 18, USBC Rules and Regulations). Altering of surfaces may occur before/during the first practice session of the day, but at no other time during competition.

·         The use of any kind of substance on the bottom of bowling shoes is strictly prohibited. This includes any and all talc/powders, “Easy-Slide”, cigarette ash, or other materials that could potentially cause harm for other players.

RULE 7. PRACTICE BEFORE COMPETITION

·         MJBT bowlers are not allowed to practice on any of the Tournament lanes on the day of the event until the official practice time is announced. All MJBT bowlers will be allowed approximately ten (10) minutes of practice before the qualifying round. Once "Last Ball" is announced, practice has ended. Players on the approach when this is announced can roll their last ball. Any players found going to/on the approach after "Last Ball" has been announced will be fined. After the first five (5) game block in qualifying before match play, bowlers will be allowed approximately 5 minutes of practice. After the match play breaks, two (2) shots of practice will be allowed before restarting competition. No practice will be allowed before the final game of match play. This may vary due to centers with automatic scoring.

·         If players choose not to take practice shots before / during match play, they may do so, but that determination must be made before any shots are taken, and all affected players (on the same pair) must abide by / follow that decision.

RULE 8. BREAKDOWN OR DELAY

·         In case of breakdown or delay caused by machine and/or automatic scorer failure, Tournament Management shall make a decision regarding the continuation or rescheduling of games. In case of delay and/or the bowlers are moved to a different pair of lanes, there will be no practice on the new pair, regardless of time delay. Interrupted games will restart from point of interruption.

RULE 9. PINFALL

·         Tournament Management shall be called in to settle any disputes arising over whether the machine knocked down a pin or whether it fell by its own accord.                                                                                                                                                    

RULE 10. FOULS

·         USBC rules regarding fouls will be followed. Questions or discrepancies regarding rule or operation of fouls shall be directed to Tournament Management for ruling. If a foul line judge is needed, Tournament Management shall appoint an impartial person to act as a judge.

·         When a bowler deliberately fouls, the bowler shall receive zero pinfall for the delivery and shall not be allowed any further deliveries in that frame.

RULE 11. AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL

·         Only authorized personnel (Tournament Staff) and the bowlers will be permitted in the bowler’s area during any/all competition. Players not scheduled for that squad are not permitted in the bowling area. Scorekeepers are permitted for centers without automatic scoring, one for each pair of lanes.

RULE 12. DISTRACTIONS / OBSTRUCTION

·         Distractions on nearby lanes that a bowler feels had adversely affected his/her shot must be called to the attention of Tournament Management before another ball is thrown. However, completed shots may not be re-taken. Shots may be re-taken only if the bowler comes in physical contact with another bowler during his/her approach.

RULE 13. DEAD WOOD

·         Any / all dead wood must be removed before the next ball is to be thrown.

RULE 14. SCORING

RULE 14A.  PLAYERS SCORECARD

·         Each player is responsible for his/her own scorecard AND that of the player opposite. After each game, the player's scores, total score and his/her plus or minus totals must be entered on the scorecard by another bowler on the pair. The players must initial their own scorecards and the opposite player's scorecard and check for validity at the completion of each game. Scorecards will be accepted as being correct by the Tournament Director(s), and any errors resulting from incorrect addition or false reporting of scores could result in FINE AND/OR DISQUALIFICATION from the tournament of both the player with the incorrect card and the person initialing the card as being correct. Participants turning in incomplete scorecards at any time during the tournament are subject to a fine for each individual violation.

·         Tournament Management reserves the right to "Spot Check" any/all scoresheets for validity, completeness, etc. at any time during competition and will assess fines when needed.

RULE 14B. OFFICIAL SCOREKEEPING

·         Players are responsible for making sure the computer systems are recording all shots correctly. If an error has occurred with the auto scoring devices, a center employee or Tournament Management must correct the error. Please do not correct it yourself. Errors with standard (written) scoring shall be corrected by the players themselves. Anyone falsifying scores will be automatically fined and disqualified from the event.

RULE 14C. REPORTING OF POSITION / SCORES

·         Each player is responsible for turning in specific copies of their score sheet at different intervals. Players turn in the pink copy of their score sheet after the fifth game of qualifying, and the white copy after the final game of qualifying. During match play, the players will turn in the pink copy of their score sheet after the halfway point thru their matches, and the white/yellow copy before the final game of match play. During these breakpoints, staff will check and announce the top scores to all players.

·         All players making the match play finals will be required to show their plus/minus scores on the scoring display (automatic or manual) during each game. Players not displaying their position or showing bogus numbers will be subject to fine.

RULE 14D. ERRORS IN ANNOUNCING WINNERS

·         Any obvious errors brought to the attention of the Tournament Manager(s) within 24 hours of the tournament will be corrected and the bowlers involved will be notified of any changes in the amount of scholarship won, if any. In the event errors were made in positioning of stepladder / match play finals, all scores and positions will stand as is.

RULE 15. FORMAT(S)

·         The qualifying block shall consist of 8 or 9 games depending upon time available. A nine (9) game block will be the preferred format. EACH PLAYER SHALL START EACH GAME ON THE SAME LANE (ODD OR EVEN) AS THE PREVIOUS GAME. All players will move to a different pair of lanes after each game. The top (6), (8) or (10) male bowlers with the highest scores will advance to match play. Advancement to match play will be as follows: 21 through 31 bowlers, 6 advance; 32 and above, 8 bowlers advance. In the event we have less than 20 bowlers for the men's division, the top 4 will advance to match play.

·         Winners will be determined by total pins in match play plus a 30 point bonus for each match won. Ties count as 15 points per bowler. Points DO NOT carry over from the qualifying round.

·         There will be a separate women's division when there are 5 or more females entered. Advancement to match play will be as follows: 4 through 7 bowlers, 0 advance (top 2 spots paid after Qualifying Round; 8 through 11 bowlers, 3 advance - to stepladder finals; 12 and above, 6 advance to a match play finals. 

·         In the event of television filming of a tournament, the final winners will be determined following a stepladder format. (See rule 15B)

RULE 15A. TIES

·         In the event of a tie at the end of the qualifying round or match play, and breaking that tie determines who advances to match play or stepladder, there will be a 9th and 10th frame rolloff to determine final positioning for match play. The lanes will be chosen by draw, and the starting order will be by flip of a coin: Heads, the person first in the alphabet will start on the even lane; Tails, the person first in the alphabet will start on the odd lane.

·         Ties after the qualifying round will only be rolled off if those bowlers are competing for the last available spot(s) in the match play/stepladder finals.

·         Ties at the end of match play will not be rolled off, unless for tournament championship. The tie will be decided by a one game roll-off, with the lanes chosen by random draw. If not for determination of champion, the scholarships and points earned will be combined and divided evenly among those that have the tied scores.

·         When participants are tied and both are in a stepladder final, the highest single game of the players during the previous round (match play or qualifying round) shall determine proper positioning / seeding.

·         Ties at the end of any stepladder match will be decided by a 9th and 10th frame rolloff.

RULE 15B. STEPLADDER FINALS

Women's Division

·         Stepladder finals will be conducted anytime there are more than seven (7), but not more than eleven (11) girls entered for any MJBT regular event. The top three (3) girls will roll off one game matches to determine the Champion. Each stepladder match shall be bowled on a different pair of lanes than the previous match, if lanes are available. Depending on available prize fund, scholarships may not be awarded to all stepladder finalists.

General Rules

·         The top three (3), four (4), or five (5) bowlers will go into the step ladder finals with #5 bowling #4 with the winner bowling #3 etc. Stepladder finals are single elimination games with no previous pinfall added. Total pinfall for each game determines advancing bowler and finishing position for scholarships. In the event of a tie during the step ladder, Rule 15A will be in effect and rolled on the same lanes that are being used for step ladder. Each stepladder match shall be bowled on a different pair of lanes than the previous match, if lanes are available.

Year End Event

·         The stepladder finals shall consist of the top half of competitors from the match play field. The stepladder finals will be bowled on the same grouping of lanes used for match play, and each stepladder match shall be bowled on a different pair of lanes than the previous match, for each applicable division.

RULE 15C. LANE ASSIGNMENTS

·         Lane Assignments will be given at time of Check In and Match Play by random draw. No switching of lane assignments will be allowed by the bowlers but may be done by Tournament Management..

·         After each game of the qualifying round, bowlers will move to a different pair of lanes. Bowlers on the EVEN numbered lanes will move 2 pairs to their right, will bowlers on the ODD lanes will move 2 pairs to their left. Example: Bowler A starts on lane 17 and will move to lane 13 for the next game.

·         In centers where there is an EVEN amount of lane pairings, bowlers will not "skip a pair" after game 5 of the qualifying round, to ensure they will not bowl on the same pair of lanes twice. After game 5, bowlers will move one pair right/left, and then resume moving 2 pairs after game 6.

·         In centers where there is an ODD amount of lane pairings, bowlers will continue to “skip a pair” after game 5 of the qualifying round, to ensure they will not bowl on the same pair of lanes twice.

·         Lane assignments for match play will be pre-determined using a USBC League Schedule and will be entered on individual scoresheets before the start of match play. Starting lane determined by random draw by the bowler. The final game of match play will be a position round game, with the higher seeded player for each pairing randomly selecting lane pairing for which to compete.

·         In the event an error is found in lane assignments for match play, all games already completed or in progress will stand. All scores plus bonus points earned will count as normal. Tournament Management will correct any errors by following the USBC League Schedule from that game on. It is possible because of the error, that bowlers will competing against each other more than once (before the final position round game). All scores/bonus will stand as is. Matches will not be re-bowled.

RULE 16. PRIZE FUND AND AWARDS

·         Scholarships will be awarded to anyone making the match play / stepladder round with the last place in match play / stepladder round paying no less than $25.00 during any normal format event. This does not include special / Saturday Nite events.

·         Payout (for standard Sunday events) will be based on a 1:4 ratio, with a maximum of 14 spots paid for each division.

·         "High Qualifier" shall be awarded to the player(s) who led the Qualifying Round. In case of tie, the money will be split evenly.

·         "High Game Out" will be paid to the man and woman having the highest single game in the qualifying round but was unable to advance/ cash in match play/stepladder finals. In case of a time, the money will be split evenly. High Game Out will not be paid for girls if there are less than 3 girls entered in the tournament.

·         Second place will be awarded in this category when there are more than 20 girls or over 60 boys entered in the tournament.

·         Bowlers who participate in all MJBT regularly scheduled (Sunday) tournaments during the season will be awarded a (perfect attendance) scholarship at year-end. This does not include special events (Saturday Nite and CBA/MJBT Doubles) held during the season.

·         Based on available scholarship at any tournament, additional payback may be made upon discretion of Tournament Management.

·         All scholarships will be deposited to the SMART program at USBC National Headquarters in Arlington, TX.

RULE 16A. OTHER AWARDS

·         All trophies and other awards donated for the tournament will be given out according to the wishes of the person(s) donating. Tournament Management will purchase any awards needed that were not donated.

·         Plaques will be given out to each monthly tournament Champion. Symbolic awards will be given for Bowlers of the Year, Rookies of the Year, All Star Team and Sportsmanship Award winners, at the end of the season.

RULE 17. SUBSTITUTIONS

·         The first available alternate player may be substituted for one of the finalists in match play, in case of injury, sickness, or other emergency. The alternate should remain in the building while the match play or stepladder is being held. An alternate coming in assumes the right to all scholarships for the position he/she finishes in, while the person stepping out assumes the alternate's scholarship position, if they receive any scholarship. If the replacement player bowls less than half of the remainder of games, the two scholarship positions will be combined and split evenly, between the original and replacement player. The bowler stepping in will start at whatever point the first person left. He/She will not start out from zero.

·         In case of a bowler being gone at the start of match play or stepladder finals, the alternate may be put in and the late or missing bowler will assume the alternate position in standings. THE DECISION OF TOURNAMENT MANAGEMENT IS FINAL!

·         If more than one alternate is needed, the director shall appoint the person(s) in the audience who finished highest in the standings to fill the vacant position(s).

·         Substitutions will not be allowed during the qualifying round.

RULE 18. UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

·         Any unsportsmanlike conduct will result in a minimum $10.00 fine and/or removal from the tournament. Hitting/Kicking of ball returns or other center equipment, foul language, distracting other bowlers, intentional fouls, and obscene gestures are considered unsportsmanlike and are forbidden. Failure to turn in scoresheet and the intentional re-setting of pins to avoid spare or fill shots will also be considered unsportsmanlike conduct. See Rule 18A, B for further conduct rules. Withdrawal from any MJBT event without permission will be subject to a $10.00 minimum fine.

·         Conduct fines will be enforced for the duration of the tournament, including those players that have not advanced to match play/stepladder finals but have stayed to view the rest of the competition.

·         PENALTIES: For any infraction of MJBT conduct rules, a bowler will be warned and fined ONE time; the second time (within season) will bring suspension for two tournaments. Another infraction (within season) will result in loss of eligibility for rest of season or six (6) months (whichever is greater), and all fees paid to MJBT will be forfeited.

RULE 18A. SLOW BOWLING

·         Meet the other bowlers as they come off the approach. Do not delay the game. Single lane courtesy is mandatory during the qualifying round. Any ball not delivered within 20 seconds of stepping on the approach may be declared dead and the bowler will be given a (0) zero for that frame. Failure to use one lane courtesy during the Qualifying Round will be fined.

RULE 18B. COMPLAINTS

·         All complaints regarding the host center (lane conditions, maintenance, service, food, etc) should be taken to Tournament Management. DO NOT register your complaints to the center proprietor, his/her personnel, or other bowlers. The MJBT does not control lane conditions or maintenance. IN CASE OF CONTROVERSY AT AN EVENT, TOURNAMENT MANAGEMENT WILL MAKE A RULING WHICH WILL BE BINDING ON ALL PARTIES AT THAT TOURNAMENT. If the incident requires a permanent rule be added, Tournament Management will make a recommendation to the Tournament Staff.

·         Any MJBT bowler registering a complaint with the Center Host or his/her employees will be subject to fine.

RULE 19. RERACKS

·         A player will be allowed up to 2 reracks per game. If more are necessary, Tournament Management must be called in to make a decision.

RULE 20. FINES

·         All fines must be paid along with entry to the next tournament. Any monies generated from fines will go directly to the Year End Tournament prize fund. Any participant that violates the same fines repeatedly will be more severely fined and/or suspended by Tournament Management. Tournament Management will have the final decision in any fine or suspension levied. The dollar amounts listed are only MINIMUMS. Tournament Management will determine the dollar amount, within reason, of each fine based on the severity of the incident. All unpaid fines will be tracked throughout the year. Every effort will be made by the Tournament Management to be as fair as possible to everyone. Any / All unpaid fines at season's end will carry over into the new season(s). Unpaid fines will not be “cleared out" at the end of a season. Fines are DOUBLE what is listed for any MJBT Staff Member.

·         Tournament Management reserves the right to "Spot Check" scoresheets at any time for completeness, validity, etc. Repeated occurrences of fines (ex. dress code, conduct) will automatically DOUBLE the minimum fine amount listed (ex. first offense $4, second $8, third $8, etc)

RULE 20A. ASSESSMENT OF FINES

·         Fines can be assessed by any adult member of the MJBT Tournament Staff. Tournament Staff may also issue warnings (without fine) of rules violations, at their discretion. It is the bowler's responsibility to inform the adult MJBT Staff of any violations of other bowlers that they (staff) may not have witnessed. Tournament Staff shall not be required to announce any fines to the individual bowlers, unless in the event of Unsportsmanlike Conduct fines. Any conduct fines shall be brought to the attention of all involved within a timely period of the incident, and shall be treated respectfully and / or discreetly, based on the individual incident.

RULE 21. MEMBERSHIP FEES

·         Any MJBT membership fees generated during the current season shall be used to cover operating expenses. Any excess at season end will go to the year end tournament. Annual membership fee is $25.00. You may bowl one time only as a non-member. The second time you bowl you must become a member. Memberships are valid for (1) year from date of purchase. Membership due dates are posted monthly on tournament statistic postings. Scholarships will not be paid out if the bowler has not paid membership, has any NSF checks, has any unpaid fines or is under suspension.

·         Current MJBT members may be eligible to receive special offers and / or discounts. Please see the MJBT Tournament Manager for the latest details.

RULE 22. ENTRY FEE BREAKDOWN

·         Prize funds will be awarded 100%.

·         An additional $1.00 will be paid per bowler for lineage fees for first time entries. Money for this will derive from annual membership fees.

·         For bowlers that have never bowled an MJBT event, the entry fee will be $35.00. See breakdown above. This fee is good for ONE (1) event only. Bowler will pay full $40.00 entry fee at next event and all following MJBT events.

·         The proprietor(s) of the host center may elect to donate part or all of the lineage fee back to the tournament prize fund. Donated lineage will go back to that day's prize fund. Other donations made by outside sponsor(s) will be used however they (the donator) wish it to be used within the prize fund or within the MJBT general expense account.

RULE 23. LATE FEE

·         A late fee of $10.00 will be charged for any entry not received by the Wednesday prior to the tournament. Entries received on event day will also be subject to a $10.00 late fee. This applies to all players. Revenue collected from the late fees will go toward the Year End event prize fund ($5.00), expense fund ($2.00) and directors fees ($3.00)

RULE 24.  YEAR END TOURNAMENT - MEN'S AND WOMEN'S DIVISION (JUNE 2011)

To qualify for the Year End tournament, which includes additional prize money, you must;

·         Men: have bowled in at least 5 MJBT tournaments during the 2009-2010 season (not including Year End); OR have a regular event championship during the current season along with 3 other event entries; be a member in good standing at the time you bowl, and have no unpaid fines or NSF checks.

·         Women: have bowled in at least 3 MJBT tournaments during the 2010-2011 season (not including Year End); OR have a regular event championship during the current season along with 2 other event entries; be a member in good standing at the time you bowl; and have no unpaid fines or NSF checks.

·         Note: Special events such as Saturday Night events and MJBT/CBA Doubles events do NOT count as YE qualifying events.

·         The format will be an (8) or (9) game qualifier followed by a set number of match play games and a stepladder finals to determine the overall winner. Based on monies available, additional payback may be made upon discretion of the Tournament Staff.

RULE 24A.  NON - QUALIFIERS EVENT (JUNE 2011)

·         This event will be held for all bowlers, male and/or female, that did not qualify for the MJBT Year End Event. Format will be the same as the regular events, but Tournament Management reserves the right to alter the format depending on division size. The number of qualifying round games will be either (8) or (9). Payback will not be guaranteed to those advancing depending on monies available. High Game out will also be given a scholarship award, but High Qualifier will not, unless additional scholarship is available.

·         In the event there is less than 5 bowlers competing in the Non-Qualifiers group, tournament management may allow these players to enter into the standard Year End event. This decision will be made on the day of the tournament.

RULE 25. MJBT BOWLING HONORS

·         Each year the MJBT shall award / honor bowlers based on their participation and performance during the MJBT season. These recipients will receive plaque/ trophy and scholarship monies for their efforts and will be awarded at the end of the season. Points accrued at the Year End tournament do apply to all of the following awards, except for Sportsmanship Award.

RULE 25A. BOWLERS OF THE YEAR

·         Each year the MJBT shall announce the Bowler of the Year for both men and women. The award will be earned by a point system with the bowler(s) collecting the most points for the year receiving scholarship and a trophy / plaque. In order to qualify for Bowler of the Year, you must be a member in good standing, and must have: finished at least once in the top five, and bowled at least (7) of the scheduled tournaments (See below for point distribution).

·         Points (only) earned during special events (Saturday night events, MJBT/CBA Doubles, etc.) do count toward Bowler of the Year qualification 

RULE 25B.  ALL STAR TEAM

·         Each year the MJBT shall announce the All Star Team. The award shall be earned by a point system based on the bowlers completing in at least (7) of the regular Sunday scheduled tournaments in the current season, and be a member in good standing. TOTAL POINTS QUALIFY TOP 10 BOWLERS (6 men, 4 women). (See below for point distribution). Based on overall participation, the amount of All-Star Team members awarded may be adjusted (to a lower number only). Points (only) earned during special events (Saturday night events, MJBT/CBA Doubles, etc.) do count toward All-Star Team qualification.

RULE 25C. MJBT SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD (JAMIE TISCHER MEMORIAL)

·         Each year the MJBT shall announce 1 male and 1 female for the Sportsmanship Award. This award is for the male and female bowlers who participated in at least five (5) Singles events during the current season, and displayed an overall good attitude and good sportsmanship on and off the lanes. Selection of the Sportsmanship Award shall be decided by a majority vote of the current MJBT Staff, and Adult Advisory group, at least one event before the award is to be given. No Staff member shall cast more than one ballot. The tournament manager will not vote in this process. However, in the event of a tie in voting, the Tournament Manager shall decide the final winner.

·         No player shall win this award more than one time during their MJBT career.

RULE 25D. MJBT ROOKIES OF THE YEAR

·         Each year the MJBT shall announce 1 male and 1 female for Rookie of the Year. All eligible bowlers will have joined the MJBT after August 1, 2011 and have bowled at least (6) regular scheduled events during the current season. The same point scale used for the Bowler of the Year and All Star Team. The male and female accruing the most points at the end of the season shall be awarded Rookie of the Year. Points (only) earned during special events (Saturday night events, MJBT/CBA Doubles, etc.) do count toward Rookie of the Year qualification.

·         For players that have joined the MJBT in previous seasons, but have not competed in a career total of 4 MJBT regular events, shall still be eligible for this award. Once the bowler has competed in their 4^th event, that season shall be considered their “Rookie” season.

RULE 25E. POINT DISTRIBUTION

·         Anytime a bowler participates in an official MJBT event, they are awarded points based on their participation / finishing position. Points accumulate during the year and will be used to determine Bowlers of the Year, Rookies of the Year and the All Star Team. Point distribution shall be same for both men and women.

·         In event of tie for High Game Out or High Qualifier, full points will be awarded to all players involved in the tie. If there is a tie in final positioning, the points awarded for the two positions will be combined and split evenly among the players involved.

·         Tournament Management shall keep track of all points and publish the standings on a regular basis. Points are accumulated in the following manner:

RULE 25F. YEAR END AVERAGE POINTS

·         These points will be added on to the BOY points as a "bonus" at the end of the year. Only the qualifying block games will be used to determine final averages. To qualify for average points a bowler must have bowled in at least 6 of the regular scheduled Sunday tournaments, one being the Year End tournament, and be a member in good standing. Saturday night special events or the MJBT/CBA Doubles does not count toward official averages. Tournament Management shall keep track of all yearly averages and publish them on a regular basis. Points are awarded as follows:

RULE 26. ELIGIBILITY RULE

·         Any bowler who participates in an MJBT tournament and violates USBC Eligibility Rule #400 during the tournament will be automatically suspended from the MJBT for two (2) months from date of violation and shall forfeit any / all accumulated player points. A report shall also be generated to the bowler’s home USBC association. Further suspension action may occur from USBC, and will carry over into the MJBT. Consult the 2010-2011 USBC Rule Book for definition of Eligibility Rule # 400. Any questions or discrepancies of Rule 400 will be directed to USBC Headquarters in Arlington, TX.

·         This rule will be applied to all USBC sanctioned and Non USBC sanctioned members.

RULE 27. DRESS CODE

·         Clothing that has advertisements, pictures depicting alcohol, tobacco, gambling or inappropriate pictures or language will not be allowed at any time during MJBT competition.

Shirts

·         All bowlers must wear a shirt with their name printed or sewn on the back and the MJBT logo securely attached to either the shirt sleeve or above the breast pocket area. New players may bowl the first TWO tournaments without an official MJBT shirt. Sponsor / Company names and / or logos are permitted to be on the shirt as long as they are not alcohol/cigarette/drug related.

·         Shirts must be neat and clean with no rips or tears. Sleeve-less dress shirts may by worn by the women, as long as they are neat, clean, and of appropriate design. This does NOT include tank tops, muscle shirts, etc.

·         MJBT logos are for sale at each event by Tournament Staff. Cost is $3.00 per emblem. Purchase of emblems will NOT substitute restitution for any assessed fines.

·         Lettering for names should be at least 1.25” in height, and can be first/last name or just last name. Nicknames will not be accepted without proper last name displayed.

·         Temporary name placards for shirts may be used as long as they are securely fastened to the shirt. Placards must be made of a cloth material and have a professional look. Placards made of towels, paper, cardboard, tape, etc. will not be acceptable.

Pants / Skirts

·         Denim or corduroy will not be allowed to be worn by any player.

·         Dress / casual slacks must be neat and clean and the seat and knees must be intact. Skirts of appropriate design for bowling will be allowed for the women.

·         Dress shorts may be worn during the tournaments if they are not distracting to the other bowlers. Dress shorts are considered to be with pockets, and a zipper or button fly. Drawstrings/velcro is not acceptable.

·         Sweat pants / shorts, tank tops and muscle shirts are not acceptable.

Other

·         Caps or hats are not allowed to be worn during any tournament. This includes Saturday/special events.

·         Portable music players are acceptable for use in the settee areas, but may not be worn onto the lanes.

RULE 27A. Saturday Night Events

·         The above criteria applies to all Saturday (optional) events, with the exception that players will not be required to wear a shirt with their name or MJBT logo attached, although this dress style is preferred.

RULE 27B. CBA / MJBT Doubles Event

·         Dress code will be the same as all regularly scheduled MJBT (Sunday) events.

RULE 28. AWARDS FROM USBC

·         Any awards (minus honor scores) earned while bowling an MJBT tournament will be sent for by the bowler earning the award or his/her coach to go to the local division / association manager for processing.

·         Should an honor count or special achievement award be earned (299, 300, 800, etc) the Tournament Director(s) will take care of the paperwork process for the bowler.

·         For other awards, forms are available from the Tournament Manager.

RULE 29. APPOINTMENT OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE

·         Each year the MJBT Staff shall recruit/appoint an advisory committee made up of adults related to the MJBT (parents, sponsors, etc).This Advisory group shall work with Tournament Staff in enforcing all of the rules of the MJBT and give other assistance when requested.

RULE 30. OTHER RULES

·         United States Bowling Congress (USBC) rules will apply if no specific MJBT rule applies. If needed, the USBC national office will be contacted if any major conflicts arise, that the rulebook cannot clarify and/or solve.

RULE 31. MJBT RELATED TOURNAMENTS

·         The MJBT, from time to time, may conduct other tournaments throughout the year. Formats will be determined / approved by Tournament Staff. Scholarships will be awarded based on monies available. Player points will be awarded (for participation only) for these events, but will not affect official MJBT averages by these separate events. These events also do not count toward eligibility for the Year End event.

RULE 32. COMMUNICATIONS

·         The MJBT web site (www.mjbt.org) is the official location for news and event information for the organization. This site shall include event results, schedules, rules and statistical data (player points, averages, etc) for the season. It may also include historical data from previous season for archival purposes. Most of this information is available for download free of charge to all site visitors.

·         The Tournament Staff will publish on a regular basis: previous tournament results, player point standings, earnings, averages and match play averages. Copies will not be made for individual people, but can be accessed at the tournament site, or by visiting our website.

·         The Metro Bowler, a Twin Cities newspaper, will be given the results on a monthly basis along with a current schedule. Please refer to this for event information.

·         The MJBT shall also make effort to have MJBT related information published in other publications, both locally and nationally.

RULE 33. BANKING / AUDITING

·         All banking transactions will be conducted through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A

o    Various locations of Wells Fargo Bank may be used for various banking transactions (deposits, etc).

·         All deposits must be made within 72 hours after the tournaments completion. Any/All checks written against the account are required to have two (2) signatures.

·         The MJBT is subject to audit at any time.

·         All scholarships awarded will be deposited into the USBC SMART scholarship program (Account #8587). All withdrawals from this program will be the responsibility of the bowler(s) requesting the scholarship. The MJBT assumes no responsibility for errors committed by USBC and its employees. Any interest gained from MJBT funds are used to defray accounting costs at USBC. Remaining funds left over after accounting costs are deducted may be awarded back on a percentage basis to the scholarship organizations. Returned funds will be re-used as future scholarship awards.

RULE 33A. WITHDRAWAL OF SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS

·         No scholarships will be ever paid directly to the bowler by the MJBT. All awarded scholarships will be deposited into the USBC SMART scholarship program at USBC National Headquarters. It will be the bowlers responsibility to contact USBC SMART program about the withdrawal of funds.