by Kevin Lamb

Created on: August 24, 2009

Today there are many different types of ten pin bowling such as: no tap, Monte Carlo, odd/even game, or even bumper bowling for the young. The focus of this article is on the general rules and regulations for sanctioned league play and also regular ten pin bowling in the Unites States.

All of these rules and regulations are sanctioned by the United States Bowling Congress and are followed by: sanctioned events, leagues, and also tournament play. Listed below are several areas of focus which show the general rules for ten pin bowling.

* Playing area. The bowling lane itself must be 60 feet long from the foul line to the head of the number one pin (or the head pin) which must stand on board number 20 of the bowling lane. The width of the bowling lane must be 41.5 inches, and usually consists of 39 wooden boards or a similar type of synthetic surface.

On the approach lane area there must be two sets of approach dots which are measured at 12 and 15 feet from the foul line. Normal application of oil on the lanes is usually started at 4 inches past the foul line to an average of 38 feet beyond the line.

* Bowling pins. According to the rules of the USBC all pins are required to be "15 inches (38 cm) tall and about 4.7 inches (12 cm) wide at its widest point." The single pin must weigh "at least" 3 pounds, 6 ounces, and no more than 3 pounds, 10 ounces.

Weight distribution of these pins is also regulated on a top to bottom balance ratio. All bowling pins must bear the mark of its maker such as: USBC Approved, or BTBA Approved. With a complete set of ten bowling pins, each individual pin's weight must not vary over four ounces.

* Bowling balls. By the rules and regulations of sanctioned play all bowling balls must not be over 2.25 feet in circumference. The weight of bowling balls is not to exceed 16 pounds (7.26 kg). The total surface of the ball must be smooth except for the finger holes or finger tip grips.

* Rules of play. The game of ten pin bowling consists of ten individual frames of play. Each frame the player gets two balls if needed to knock down ten pins. If there is more than one player each player rotates turn until their turn at play arrives. In league play the lane is also rotated in turn; most league games are played with two lanes with two separate teams competing.

If the player knocks down all ten pins in one ball they are awarded a strike and an X is marked in the appropriate box of scoring. If the player knocks

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