{"id":57720,"date":"2024-10-06T20:34:39","date_gmt":"2024-10-07T00:34:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/?p=57720"},"modified":"2024-10-06T20:34:39","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T00:34:39","slug":"usbc-to-institute-open-championships-adjustments-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/videonewsservice.net\/index.php\/2024\/10\/06\/usbc-to-institute-open-championships-adjustments-in-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"USBC to institute Open Championships \u2018adjustments\u2019 in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Participants in the annual USBC Open Championships will be greeted by several adjustments to the tournament structure when they fly or drive into Reno, Nev., in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a press release earlier this week, United States Bowling Congress officials announced the following \u201ckey changes\u201d that will take effect in two years (not at the 2025 event in Baton Rouge, La.):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— An adjustment to the average ranges for each of the tournament\u2019s three divisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— An increase in the entry fee, which goes solely to the prize fund.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— An adjustment to the rules for team\/doubles composition impacting past national team members, collegiate athletes and professional bowlers age 60 and older.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the first point, the new average ranges are based on a bowler\u2019s Championships Average (based on the most recent 27 games at the tournament over a specific time frame) or league\/composite average (highest from the previous three seasons based on 21 or more games) converted down to a Sport average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Championships Average is listed first below, followed with a comparison to a bowler\u2019s average on a typical league condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the 2026 Open Championships, the average-based divisions will be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— Classified \u2013 160 and below (185 and below on a typical league condition).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— Standard \u2013 161-181 (186-210 on a typical league condition).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

— Regular \u2013 182 and above (211 and above on a typical league condition)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the second point, the changes to the price structure will include a $10 increase to the entry fee for each event (team, doubles and singles) and $5 increase for all-events (optional entry). Each of those increases will go completely to the tournament\u2019s prize fund.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And on the third point, the rules in place for team and doubles composition will have a new look in 2026 with an update to the designations for those who have represented their country, collegiate bowlers and professionals age 60 and older (Rule No. 21).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For past adult national team members, a bowler no longer will fall under the designation of Rule No. 21 once they have been out of the program for 10 consecutive years. Those who represented their country as part of a junior team will have no restrictions starting in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Collegiate bowlers will not fall under this designation in 2026 and will be encouraged to compete as a full team or doubles pairing. There still will be limitations for competing with professionals, adult national team members and past national tour titlists, however.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bowlers age 60 and older will be free of any designation under Rule No. 21 in 2026, regardless if they have applied for or hold membership in a professional bowling organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

REID COLE ROLLS 300 GAME<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Albion resident Reid Cole came up with one good game this week in the Thursday Men\u2019s Triples League at Oak Orchard Bowl. Fortunately for him, it was the best anyone could do \u2013 a 300 on lanes 7-8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n