CONTACT: Matt Cannizzaro
USBC Communications
matt.cannizzaro@bowl.com
WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIPS CHANGES TO FOUR-PLAYER TEAMS IN 2014
ARLINGTON, Texas - The United States Bowling Congress Women's Championships will undergo a major change in 2014 by shifting to four-player teams, new divisions and a new format.
In addition to the change to four-player teams, from the traditional five, the USBC Women's Championships will return to an all-scratch format.
Teams will be divided into four divisions based on their combined averages, and there will be six average-based divisions for doubles, singles and all-events.
The 2014 event will be held on 44 specially-constructed lanes inside the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nev.
"Bowlers have told us they want four-woman teams," said Brian Lewis, USBC's Managing Director of Tournaments. "Four-player teams will make it easier for teams to travel as a group and set up pairings for doubles. While this is a change from tradition, it clearly is something our bowlers want, and we hope the new format will help lead to a new generation trying the event."
Here is a look at the new divisions for the 2014 Women's Championships:
Team Divisions (based on the combined average of all four bowlers):
* Diamond (725 and above)
* Ruby (650-724)
* Emerald (575-649)
* Sapphire (574 and below)
Doubles Divisions (based on the combined average of the two bowlers):
* Division 1 (380 and above)
* Division 2 (350-379)
* Division 3 (320-349)
* Division 4 (290-319)
* Division 5 (260-289)
* Division 6 (259 and below)
Singles and All-Events Divisions:
* Division 1 (190 and above)
* Division 2 (175-189)
* Division 3 (160-174)
* Division 4 (145-159)
* Division 5 (130-144)
* Division 6 (129 and below)
Along with the format changes, the Women's Championships also will have a new price structure in 2014. The entry fee for a bowler to compete in team, doubles, singles and all-events will be $140 ($44 per event and an optional $8 for all-events).
The total for a four-player team will be $560. There no longer will be a processing fee for teams entering online. Entering by mail, fax or phone will require an additional $10 processing fee per team and $10 for each doubles/singles set.
Registration for the 2014 Women's Championships will begin April 1, 2013. Spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and dates and times can be locked in as soon as a full payment is made.
USBC QUEENS AND SENIOR QUEENS RETURN TO RENO IN 2014
Women bowlers looking for top-level competition will have the chance to bowl in multiple events in one trip as Reno will play host to the USBC Queens and Senior Queens in 2014.
The 2014 Queens and Senior Queens will be held at the National Bowling Stadium from June 27-July 3, 2014.
The Open Championships also will be held at the NBS in 2014, while Women's Championships takes place across town at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.
United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress serves as the national governing body for the sport. USBC is a membership organization that provides standardized rules, regulations and benefits to make bowling fair and fun for everyone.
Last edited by Choc; 02/04/13 11:39 AM.
