What is a Bowling Membership Card?
A bowling membership card gives a person of any age the ability to participate in leagues, tournaments or clubs. A membership card is available to prospective bowlers on the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) website or by written application through the managing secretary of local bowling leagues.
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Function
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The United States Bowling Congress (USBC) is the governing body of bowling throughout the country and boasts more than 2 million members. A USBC membership card allows any bowler to compete in sanctioned league play at local levels and in local, state and national tournaments. As of June 2010, annual fees for memberships range from $21 for men and women to $17 for youths, according to the USBC website.
Benefits
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Membership benefits, according to the USBC, include earning performance-based awards and the knowledge that league monies are protected by bonding. Leagues sanctioned by the USBC are governed by uniform rules of play. Each USBC member receives a free monthly magazine.
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Effects
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Bowlers cannot enter a majority of leagues or tournaments without a USBC membership card. Membership entitles league members the right to appeal any decision made by the secretary concerning possible rule violations or other problems that might arise. Membership allows bowlers to access a myriad of information on-line through the Bowl.com website.
History
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Bowling was a prevalent pastime in many states throughout the 1800s. The United States Bowling Congress was formed in 1895 and the Women's International Bowling Congress followed in 1917. The sport is played by 95 million people worldwide, according to the International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame.
Other Advantages
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A card allows members the right to receive awards for outstanding performance on the lanes, from bowling a perfect 300 game to the high series and average in your league.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit bowling position image by Geoffroy LEME from Fotolia.com
