USBC YOUTH PROGRAM TO MAKE MAJOR CHANGES

The United States Bowling Congress Board of Directors has approved several major changes to USBC Youth programs that will take effect in the 2009-10 season. These changes are designed to attract more youth bowlers to certified league play and provide a more efficient and rewarding system for youth bowlers.

"We have seen USBC Youth membership decline at a significant rate," said USBC Youth Development Director Brian Graham. "Our research shows that kids love the sport and a large number are currently bowling in non-certified leagues. These changes aim to provide more value in USBC leagues and make it easier to join."

Key changes to the youth program include:

Membership delivery and processing. Bowling centers will have the option to directly process memberships, averages and awards to USBC. In many areas, local associations will continue this function; however, bowling centers will be able to make the choice to take sole responsibility or continue to work through local associations for Youth processing.

Membership options. A USBC Youth Basic Membership ($5) option has been added for youths in leagues that meet for 12 or fewer sessions. The USBC Youth Standard Membership ($17) and Junior Gold Membership ($30) remain. For the Junior Gold program, the new average requirement for girls has been adjusted to 150; the boys will remain at 175.

Youth Awards Program. The program will undergo significant changes in an effort to better match awards to the skill level of the youth bowler. Included will be special awards for ages 12 and under, and the return of the 300 game and 800 series rings.

Age requirement. USBC Youth membership will be available to bowlers who have not reached their 20th birthday on or before Aug. 1 of the current bowling season.

"Some local USBC associations have fantastic youth programs and we expect these changes will make those associations even stronger," Graham said. "This change also gives bowling proprietors a way to partner with USBC directly to grow their youth participation."
Please visit www.bowl.com for more details on the changes for 2009-10.

United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services to nearly 2.5 million adult and youth members and enhances the bowling experience.