Rules and Dress Code

General Information and Basic Playing Rules

The Amateur Bowlers Tour (ABT) is a private membership organization open to members only. Non-Members must agree to be governed by the Rules, Regulations, By-Laws, Standard Operating Policies and Grooming Standards currently in effect or adopted at any future date to be eligible for membership in this organization.

Open to USBC members 18 years of age or older, or eligible non-members who purchase an individual affiliate card prior to bowling.

Consists of two (2) divisions:

CLASSIC: Must not have a current league average over 199 or have averaged over 199 in the past five (5) years. (See Rule Number 1 of ABT Rule book).

MASTERS: Must not have a current league average over 225 or have averaged over 225 in the past five (5) years. (See Rule Number 1 of ABT Rule book).

The tournament is open to members only. Tournament Director, and/or Board of Directors reserve the right to rerate or reject any application for membership or entry. Membership is revocable without cause.
Highest average over the past three (3) years, current average if it is higher than book average, highest summer average or highest tournament average will be used to determine bowlers entering average in tournament club. One of the above averages must be for forty-five (45) games or more to qualify for membership. Averages of less than forty-five (45) games will be used, if they are higher than book average.
A bowler not having a league average in the last three (3) years can enter and bowl at 194 (CLASSIC) or 220 (MASTERS) providing they meet all of the membership requirements. Non-members of the Amateur Bowlers Tour (ABT) must bring book average verification and current highest average for twenty-one (21) games or more, league sheets of less than forty-five (45) games may be used if they are higher than book average, and present at the time of entry. This is to include all averages. ABSOLUTELY NO ENTRY WILL BE ALLOWED WITHOUT VERIFICATION.
Classic and Masters bowlers (men and women) may be paired together.
The Tournament Director will settle disputes not covered by USBC rules.
Handicaps are based on 70% of the difference between your assigned entering average and 225. Maximum beginning handicap is 60 pins. Scores shall be posted using a plus or minus system including handicap with 200 being used as par. This will reflect how much a bowler is averaging above or below 200 with handicap.

Example: 200 + 20=220, or + 20 or 170 + 20=190 or -10

FORMAT: Qualifying round (Sunday) of three (3) games across six lanes. Re-entries are permitted at the pre-paid entry fee. However, only higher scores will be considered for prize money. One in five (1 in 5) entries will advance in Each Division to the semi-finals on Sunday. There will be no carry-over of pins. Semi-finalists are to report to the tournament site no later than 30 minutes before the designated starting time. They will bowl two (2) games across four (4) lanes. If Pro-Style stepladder finals are used the highest scores, including handicap, will advance to the finals. There will be no carry-over of pins. Finals will immediately follow semi-finals. The top 4 scores, including handicap in the semi-final round are automatically seeded into the finals. Match play finals will be held. Bowlers will draw for pairings. The bowler in the higher position will have his or her choice of starting lane on the championship pair. (If Pro-Style stepladder finals are used. If the finals are held Pro-Style stepladder, i.e. No. 5 bowls No. 4; winner bowls No. 3; winner bowls No. 2; winner bowls seeded bowler for the championship. These games will also be determined with handicap.)
All advertised prizes are the responsibility of the Amateur Bowlers Tour (ABT) Milwaukee Division. All semi-finalists will cash for no less than the posted pre-paid entry fee for that event. All prize money collected will be returned 100%.
PRIZES PAID SAME DAY. (See ABT Rule No 15)
A more complete set of rules governing tournament conditions, conduct, wearing apparel, infractions, penalties, and entering averages is available at the Amateur Bowlers Tour (ABT) office, and will be given to each new member when application has been approved.
All contestants must abide by all Amateur Bowlers Tour (ABT) rules and regulations. If they refuse, membership may be terminated with no reimbursement of fees.
All USBC rules observed. USBC Rules 17 and 319A, D & E will apply to ALL participants.
Champion’s shirt presented to 1st place finisher.
There will be no less than two (2) bowlers and no more than six (6) bowlers per pair of lanes. Six (6) only when necessary.
Twenty (20) or more tournaments per year planned in each area. Two (2) every month if possible.
You must conduct yourself as a lady or gentlemen at all times.
Any member who is employed or owns any portion of the bowling center where an Amateur Bowlers Tour (ABT) tournament is being held, will not be allowed to participate in that tournament.
Current members of professional bowling associations are not allowed to be members of the Amateur Bowlers Tour (ABT). Should a member join a professional bowling organization during the course of their membership, their membership would be immediately terminated with no return of fees.

A Bowler will not be allowed to compete without verification of his or her average. The applicant must verify the correctness of his or her average. If Bowler’s average is published in local association’s average yearbook, and a copy of this is made available to the Amateur Bowlers Tour (ABT), averages can be verified at our office. If we do not have a yearbook, average verification must appear in writing and be verified by local association secretary. Bowler must also bring current league sheet with highest current average 21 games or more. No other verifications will be accepted.

Dress Code

NOTICE: ABT RULES COVERING DRESS CODES AND GROOMING STANDARDS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY.

Bowlers are allowed to compete in only two (2) tournaments without wearing a shirt/blouse with their name on the back and the official logo or official patch permanently sewn or ironed on.

Shirts/Blouses must have standard two (2) piece or Polo collars. No rib neck crew collars.

Shirts/Blouses must have sleeves.

NO T-SHIRTS, TANK TOPS OR SWEAT SHIRTS, NO EXCEPTIONS!!

PANTS, SLACKS, SKIRTS, DRESSES AND JEANS ONLY.

SHORTS that extend to just above the knee are permitted

NO TYPE of athletic wear permitted. No elastic or tie down cuffs. Straight or regular hemmed cuffs only on pants, slacks or jeans. NO WEIGHTLIFTER (ZUMI'S) OR JOGGING PANTS PERMITTED. Pants, Slacks and Jeans must have button down or zipper closure.

Hair must be NEAT CLEAN and WELL GROOMED. NO hair curlers or hair pins for curling purposes permitted. Beards, goatees, moustaches and sideburns will be permitted provided they have a neat and trim appearance.

NO Hats or Head bands permitted during practice and competition.

No bowler will be permitted to bowl, unless they meet the above specifications.