Ice Bowl
Rules & Regulations
Entry Requirements:
1) Non-refundable entry fee is one hundred twenty dollars ($120) if paid by January 31, 2020. Entry fee increases to one hundred forty dollars ($140) on February 1, 2020. All entries should be submitted and paid online at www.icebowlinvitational.org. Mailed entries must be paid by money order or certified check, payable to Ice Bowl Invitational Tournament. An additional fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) is required to enter the Optional Scratch divisions. Personal checks will be returned.
2) All mailed entries must be postmarked no later than January 31, 2020. Online entries must be submitted by February 14, 2020.
3) Entrants acceptance is based on the order in which received. Entry refunds will only be issued at the Tournament Director’s discretion.
4) Partial team entries will be accepted and the tournament management will make every effort to fill the vacancies.
5) Ice Bowl Invitational Tournament is an invitational tournament. Tournament Directors reserve the right to refuse entry for any individual into the tournament.
Sanctioning:
6) The Ice Bowl Invitational Tournament is a mixed handicap competition open to men and women by invitation only.
7) Ice Bowl Invitational is a USBC certified tournament. All participants must be members of USBC and are required to provide proof of membership at tournament check-in.
8) If a participant is not a member of USBC, he/she must pay the current USBC participation fee and concurrently become subject to USBC rules and jurisdiction for the tournament.
9) All participants must be a member of the IGBO organization. Non-members must pay a non-member participant fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) to the Ice Bowl Invitational tournament.
Event Participation:
10) The tournament events shall be handicap events and are as follows: Singles, Doubles and Team. Optional Individual Scratch Divisions will also be offered
11) There will be six (6) divisions of competition in the optional scratch event: averages from 0 - 145, 146 - 160, 161 - 175, 176 - 190, 191 - 205 and 206 and above. Optional scratch event entries will be accepted only up to the beginning of the first scheduled bowling shift.
12) Each participant shall bowl three (3) games per event and must enter all three events. Teams will consist of four (4) members comprising any combination of men and women. Men and women will compete on an equal basis. Doubles partners must come from the same team.
13) Each participant may only bowl once in each event.
14) Only one (1) professional bowler per team will be allowed. A professional bowler is defined as any person who has been a card-carrying member of a professional bowling association (PBA) within the past twelve months preceding the Ice Bowl Invitational Tournament.
15) A team average (4-person team) may not exceed 880.
Entering Averages:
16) Bowlers entering the tournament must use a ten-pin average acceptable to USBC. If competing in more than one (1)
league, the bowler must submit the highest sanctioned average of all leagues bowled. The following rules are used to determine entering average:
a. The highest 2018 – 2019 book average (minimum 21 games).
b. If “a” is not available, use the highest 2019 – 2020 league average as of December 31, 2019 (minimum 21 games).
c. If neither “a” or “b” is available, use the 2019 summer league average (minimum 21 games).
d. If neither “a”, “b” or “c” is available, a current season average (minimum 21 games) as of February 15, 2020 will be accepted.
e. If none of the scenarios above are applicable, then the entering average shall be 240 (USBC rule 319E).
f. The above averages MUST be verified by the use of:
i. League standing sheet, signed and dated by League Officer, or
ii. Letter from League President or Secretary, or
iii. Photocopy of book average (with year noted), signed and dated by league officer if not available on bowl.com.
g. Averages from “Sports Condition” leagues are not permitted.
h. Handicap for the Tournament is based on ninety percent (90%) of the difference of a bowler’s entering average and 240. Negative handicaps will not apply.
i. USBC rules regarding the BOWLER’S responsibility to verify the accuracy of his/her entering average prior to the start of the tournament, whether submitted by the bowler, the team captain, or any other individual, applies to all bowlers. Failure to use proper average shall disqualify scores if the submitted average is lower than the actual average, thereby resulting in a lower classification or more handicap. Event placement and/or prize winnings shall be based on the higher average should the submitted average prove to be higher than the bowler’s actual average.
Average Adjustment:
17) If a bowler has a current IGBO tournament average (comprised of a minimum of 21 games bowled between February 1, 2019 and February 1, 2020 that is 1 (one) or more pins higher than their Entering Average (as outlined in Rule 16), they must use the higher tournament average as their entering average.
18) A bowler who has qualified for a cash prize of three hundred dollars ($300) or more in any single event in a tournament within the previous twelve (12) month period must report the actual scores, position and amount won to the tournament directors at the time of entry. If the particular tournament average is ten (10) pins greater, they must use the higher tournament average as their entering average.
19) The tournament management has the authority to adjust the entering average of any bowler. Average adjustments will be applied as set forth under USBC rules. All average adjustments will be completed prior to the start of each event. A bowler unwilling to accept an average adjustment is entitled to a full refund for that event.
Attendance and Substitutes:
20) It is solely and entirely the bowler’s responsibility to be present at the assigned lanes at the time of bowling. Each bowler shall have the total responsibility to arrive in time to bowl. Mechanical failures, transportation irregularities, improper directions and related reasons DO NOT alter the application of rules 21 and 22 below (USBC rules will apply). Tournament offered transportation and catastrophic events will be subject to Tournament Management discretion.
21) Complete Doubles and Team entrants must be present for bowling each event. If a team member is not present, the team may use an authorized substitute (Rule 23). If no substitute is available, a zero score will be used for the missing bowler or bowlers.
22) Late bowlers will begin bowling in the frame in which they are ready, with prior frames being scored as zero. No practice balls will be allowed.
23) Substitutes may bowl at the discretion of the tournament management. Their entering average must comply with the rules previously stated.
24) Bowlers will be allowed two (2) practice balls on each lane for Singles and Team events.
Scoring Errors:
25) After a score has been recorded, it cannot be changed unless an obvious error in scoring or calculation has occurred. Obvious errors must be corrected by a tournament official immediately upon discovery. USBC Rule 328 applies.
Prize Fund:
26) Handicap entries for all cash awards shall be based on total pins plus handicap for each event, except for the Optional Scratch event, which will be based on scratch score for each division.
27) Fees for Optional Scratch event and Scratch Masters will remain 100% in each event.
28) A tie in any position will result in equal division of prizes. Prize fund will be based upon 100% participation. USBC rule 311 will apply.
Miscellaneous:
29) All other USBC rules will apply.
30) Participants authorize Ice Bowl Invitational to distribute, copy, post names and standing sheets on the Ice Bowl Invitational, Facebook and IGBO website. Payment and participation is proof of authorization. Participants hold Ice Bowl Invitational harmless of this distribution.
31) Lanes will be oiled once before the start of each singles shift. Fresh oil will not be provided for doubles shifts. Lanes will be oiled for the 8:30 a.m. Sunday team squad and 12:00 p.m. Sunday team squad.
Tournament Rules
Sanctioning
The F.L.I.R.T. 2020 Tournament is a United States Bowling Congress (USBC) sanctioned tournament. The tournament is a handicapped competition open to men and women by invitation only.
All participants must be a member of USBC and be able to provide proof of membership (current sanction card or signed statement from the League Secretary verifying membership).
Event Participation
The Tournament is a USBC Certified tournament. F.L.I.R.T. 2020 is a supporter of IGBO® but IGBO membership is not required to bowl in F.L.I.R.T. 2020.
The tournament events shall be handicap events as follows: Singles, Doubles, and Team.
Additionally, Optional Handicap Best 3 of 9, Optional Scratch, Optional Women’s Handicap, Optional Senior Handicap and Scratch Masters Events will also be offered as separate, optional events. Bowlers wishing to participate in Optional Events may sign-up during Tournament Registration and must pay the associated Optional Event entry fees (advertising during Tournament Registration.)
Each participant shall bowl three (3) games per event and must enter and bowl all three events. No substitutes permitted for a specific event other than that covered in Rule 14. Teams will consist of four (4) members comprising any combination of men and women. Men and women will compete on an equal basis. Doubles partners must come from the same team.
Each participant may bowl only once in each event.
Entering Averages
The following rules shall be used to determine the entering average:
The HIGHER of:
The highest 2018-2019, Winter, bowl.com book average with a minimum of 21 games, or;
The bowler’s IGBO tournament average, with a minimum of 18 games.
If none of the above is available, use the highest summer average 2019 minimum of 21 games.
If none of the above highest fall league 2019/2020 average with a minimum of 21 games prior to 01/01/2020.
If none of the above is available, the entering average shall be 240.
Five pin, candlepin, duck pin, sport leagues and composite averages will not be accepted.
The above averages must be verified by the use of these resources (as appropriate for the type of average being verified):
bowl.com, and/or;
The IGBO website, and/or;
leaguesecretary.com, and/or;
As a last resort, when none of the above is available, league standing sheet(s), signed and dated by a League Officer or a letter from the League President or Secretary.
The bowling hand (Right or Left) that a bowler registers with must match the bowling hand used to obtain the bowler’s rated average.
Bowlers must use the same bowling hand throughout competition. If a bowler changes hands at any point during competition, the bowler will be DISQUALIFIED.
All other USBC rules pertaining to Average Relief, gripping operations, and ball deliver apply. Bowlers not abiding by these rules will be disqualified.
Any bowler entering the F.L.I.R.T. 2020 Tournament must establish a (10) ten-pin average acceptable to USBC. (As per USBC rule 319)
319a. Conditions that Apply
The following conditions apply to averages in handicap or classified tournaments, unless the tournament rules state otherwise, except that only USBC league averages shall be accepted. (See USBC Rule 319c for average adjustment.)
The bowler is required to submit the previous season’s highest average of:
A single USBC league average based on a minimum of 21 games; or
A composite average of all USBC leagues, including leagues with less than 21 games bowled.
When the 2018-2019 bowl.com book average is used, and at the time of bowling an entrant has a current average for 21 or more games that is 10 pins or more higher than the 2018-2019 bowl.com book average, the current average must be used.
Bowlers are responsible for verifying his/her own average, whether submitted by the bowler, the team captain, or others. If the submitted average is lower than required and results in a lower classification or more handicap, the bowler’s score is DISQUALIFIED. If the submitted average is higher than required, prize winnings will be based on the submitted average. In the case of a team of two or more bowlers, the averages will be combined to determine if the correct total is higher or lower than the submitted total.
Average corrections can be made up to the end of the bowler’s first game of a series. Or, if an extension of time has been granted in writing by tournament management before the end of the first game of a series, the correction can be made within 48 hours after the end of the series.
When an association publishes a yearbook, a tournament using previous season averages to determine handicap or classification, shall use the yearbook to verify averages, if furnished, and not require the association to verify averages from that association.
PROFESSIONAL BOWLERS OR PBA CARD HOLDERS:
PBA card holders MUST BE current IGBO members to participate in F.L.I.R.T. 2020
Only ONE PBA cardholder per team
PBA exempt bowlers cannot participate in F.L.I.R.T. 2020 (PBA exempt bowlers mean those PBA bowlers who have previously won a national PBA tournament title.)
ANY BOWLER WHO FAILS TO DISCLOSE THEIR PBA STATUS WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM F.L.I.R.T. 2020.
Any issues not covered in these rules will be resolved by USBC protocol for a final decision to be made by F.L.I.R.T. 2020 tournament directors.
The handicap for the tournament shall be based at 90% of the difference between the bowler’s entering average (see Rule 7) and a scratch score of 240. Negative handicap will NOT apply.
As of the beginning date of the F.L.I.R.T. 2020 Tournament, any bowler who has qualified for a cash prize of five hundred dollars ($500 US) or more in any single event MUST report all positions, all amounts won and all scores for the previous 12 month period to the Tournament Directors no later than at the time of registration for possible re-rating. Such re-rating must be done before the entrant bowls (in compliance with IGBO AND USBC rules). Failure to report this information shall result in AUTOMATIC disqualification and loss of all winnings. No refunds will be issued for bowlers disqualified.
The Tournament Directors have the authority to adjust the entering average of any bowler. Average adjustments will be applied as set forth under IGBO and USBC rules. All average adjustments will be completed prior to the start of each event. A bowler unwilling to accept an average adjustment is entitled to a refund for that event.
USBC rules regarding the bowler’s responsibility to verify the accuracy of his/her entering average applies to all bowlers, whether submitted by the bowler, the team captain, or other. Failure to use the proper average shall disqualify scores if the submitted average is lower than the actual average, resulting in a lower classification and/or increased handicap. Prize winnings shall be based on the higher average if it is higher than the entering average. (USBC rule 319)
Conduct
F.L.I.R.T. has zero tolerance for unsportsmanlike conduct, which includes, but is not limited to:
Actions which are unbecoming to an ethical, fair, or honorable individual, consisting of acts of deceit, abuse, disrespect, vulgarity, or taunting (words or actions designed to embarrass, ridicule or demean others under any circumstances including the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin.)
Improper tactics in connection with the sport of bowling, including, but not limited to, physical abuse of the house, equipment, or physical and verbal abuse towards other persons.
Per F.L.I.R.T. Tournament Directors:
Anyone engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct is subject to immediate removal from the premises.
Additionally, any participant is subject to disqualification from all F.L.I.R.T. events and is entitled to no refunds, including any brackets or optional events entered.
Attendance and Substitutes
It is solely and entirely the bowler’s responsibility to be present at the assigned lanes at the time of bowling. Each bowler shall have the total responsibility to arrive in time to bowl. Mechanical failures, transportation irregularities, improper directions and related reasons DO NOT alter the application of Rules 14 and 15 below (USBC rules will apply).
Complete doubles and team entrants must be present for bowling each event. Substitutes can only be used in the case of absence due to a medical emergency. Once a substitute is installed for medical emergency that substitute must complete all remaining games for all remaining events. All non-emergency absences will result in a zero score for the missing bowler or bowlers.
Late bowlers will begin bowling in the frame in which they are ready, with prior frames being scored as zero. No practice balls will be allowed.
Substitutes may bowl at the discretion of the Tournament Directors. Their entering averages must comply with the rules previously stated. Substitutes must complete an entry form.
Bowlers will be allowed ten (10) minutes of practice before the start of the Singles, Doubles, and Team events.
Awards and Prizes
All cash awards shall be based on the Total Pins PLUS assigned handicap for each event (with exception of the Optional Scratch and Scratch Masters Divisions).
Awards will be given in the Handicap Division for the best Singles, Doubles, Teams and Individual All Events. Individual All Events is defined as the nine (9) game total including handicap of an individual bowler.
The award ratio for the Handicap Division shall be a minimum of 1:10.
Awards in the Optional Scratch Divisions shall be given for the Best Single Game from any of the events, Best Three (3) Game Series from any of the events, and Best All Events (nine game totals).
The award ratio for the all Optional Events (Optional Handicap Best 3 of 9, Optional Scratch, Optional Women’s Handicap, and Optional Senior Handicap) shall be at a minimum of 1:8 per event.
The prize fund and payout details for Scratch Masters will be posted prior to the start of the Scratch Masters competition.
Prizes will be distributed via check payable in U.S. currency within thirty (30) days of the completion of the tournament, barring any protests. A tie in any position will result in the sum of the prizes being aggregated for the tie positions and divided equally by the number of ties for that placing. Prize funds will be based on 100% participation.
100% of the prize fund from each division in the optional Scratch Divisions shall be returned to that division.
Entry Requirements
Only online entries will be accepted. Once an entry is received there will be NO REFUNDS except as stated in Rule 10. Entries shall be limited to a maximum 328 bowlers. Once this maximum has been reached, no more entries will be accepted. F.L.I.R.T. 2020 will sell out at 82 teams. Entries will be accepted on a first come first served basis. Entrant acceptance will be based on the order the entries are received using THE COMPLETE team payment. Entry deadline is January 1, 2020.
Partial team entries will be accepted and the Tournament Directors will make every effort to fill vacancies.
Entry Fee for F.L.I.R.T. 2020 will be $115.00:
Prize Fund $20.00
Lineage $26.25
Awards $18.00
Banquet $50.00
IGBO Dues $0.75
Total $115.00
Payments can only be made online using PayPal when registering, no checks or money orders accepted. A $0.00 fee will be applied for using PayPal.
Deadline for payment of Entry Fee is November 15, 2019. After November 15, 2019, a $25.00 per bowler late fee will be assessed.
Any person attending requiring special needs MUST notify the Tournament Directors in writing when the application is submitted.
The team captain MUST sign the entry form acknowledging he/she has read and understands the rules.
All rules will be covered by USBC.
Protests
Any claims of errors or disputes must be submitted in writing by the protesting bowler(s) to Tournament Directors within (1) one hour (60 minutes) after completion of last match. The Tournament Directors shall settle the dispute according to F.L.I.R.T. 2020 Tournament rules and USBC Tournament rules.
All other USBC rules will apply.
Optional Scratch Division
Optional Scratch Divisions will be offered to all participants using six (6) divisions as determined by entering average (see Rule 7).
The Optional Scratch Divisions shall be as follows:
Division Average
A 0 to 159
B 160 to 179
C 180 to 194
D 195 to 204
E 205 to 214
F 215 and above
Scores used for the Optional Scratch Divisions shall be those Scratch games (without handicap) as bowled in the Handicap Division of the tournament. Entry Fee is $25.00 for all Divisions.
Scratch Masters Rules
The Scratch Masters event, in conjunction with the F.L.I.R.T. 2020 Tournament, is a competition open to men and women by invitation only.
Tournament Directors may place a bowler in a higher division at their discretion. Any adjustments of this type will be made before the entrant bowls. The six (6) game scratch Singles/Doubles totals will be used to determine the top six (6) qualifiers in each division. Scores do not carry over into Scratch Masters. In case of a tie for the last qualifying spot a 9th and 10th frame roll off will be bowled. If a tie remains, sudden death, one ball/high count will determine top six.
Scratch Masters Divisions will be offered to all participants using six (6) divisions as determined by entering average (see Rule 7). The Scratch Masters Divisions and Entry Fees for the divisions are as follows:
Division Average Entry Fee
A 0 to 159 $35.00
B 160 to 179 $35.00
C 180 to 194 $40.00
D 195 to 204 $45.00
E 205 to 214 $50.00
F 215 and above $50.00
The top six (6) qualifiers in each division will bowl step-ladder format starting with 6th and 5th place with the winner moving on. The higher ranked player chooses to finish first or last. Two (2) practice balls will be allowed before each game for the two players bowling that game. A warm-up lane will be provided for the players waiting to bowl.
A lane schedule will be given to each division prior to the start of competition. No exceptions. The bowlers are responsible for checking if they have qualified. Sheets will be posted at the bowling center, on the FLIRT Facebook group, and at the Host Bar Saturday, January 18, 2020.
Payout will be 100%.
The match game competition will begin at 12:00 Noon on Sunday January 19, 2020 at Sawgrass Lanes for all Divisions.
A bowler who is not available to bowl at the scheduled time will be disqualified and the alternate will replace him/her.
Bowlers must check in fifteen (15) minutes before the scheduled shift (11:45 AM).
Any claims of error in the roll-off competition must be submitted before the start of the next match. In case of an error in the final match, any claims of error must be reported within one (1) hour after the end of the last match.