SISBA FORMAT  and GENERAL RULES

FORMAT:

The tournament will consist of five (5) games qualifying with two squads on Sunday (There will be a squad on Saturday depending on how many lanes are in the bowling center). The field will be cut to the top five (29 or less entries) top 10 (with 30 to 48 entries), top 14 (with 49 to 80 entries), or top 18 (81 or over entries). The top qualifier from each squad will automatically draw byes in the first match-game play. If there are less than 29 bowlers in the tournament, the top qualifiers will not draw byes and the top five qualifiers will proceed to a step-ladder format match, eliminating the two- and one-game matches.

Each qualifier will bowl a two-game, head to head match with the top pin total qualifier, other than the first place qualifiers of each squad, bowling against the last qualifier, second pin total qualifier against the second last qualifier, etc. The two top qualifiers who drew byes will bowl with each other during the two-game match play for pin count in the next round.

The winners of the two-game match play along with the top squad qualifiers will advance to a one-game match play round with total pins determining the seeding. Total pin fall for the entire tournament will position the winners of the one-game match play in the step-ladder finals.

In case of ties in qualifying in the top 10/14/18 places, high game will determine the upper position. If 10th, 14th. or 18th place is a tie, then a one-game roll-off will be bowled to determine the winner of this position.

In case of ties in the quarter-final rounds, the highest two-game total will determine the upper position. Ties during the semi-final round and the finals will be determined by a two-frame roll-off.

If there are 29 or less entries the top five qualifiers will advance directly to the step-ladder format, 30 to 48 entries, cut will be to the top ten scores; 49 to 80 entries, the cut will be to the top 14 scores; with 81 or over entries, the cut will be to the top 18 scores. The prize list will be adjusted accordingly.

After qualifying, the number one qualifiers of each squad will draw byes in the two-game match elimination, but will bowl the two games with each other to determine positioning score for the next match. A Super Senior (age 60 and over) will also advance from each squad. There must be at least 12 bowlers participating in each squad for the top qualifier of that squad to win a bye or for a Super Senior to advance to the two-game match.

The third seed will bowl the number last (10, 14, or 18) seed, etc., in the two-game match play. If there are less than 29 bowlers, the match play will be eliminated and the top five qualifiers will proceed to the step-ladder finals to determine the winner.

GENERAL RULES:

1. The administrative fee will be $10.00 per year, payable at the first tournament the bowler enters at the start of each new bowling season. Charter members and those participating in at least eight tournaments in the previous season are exempt.

2. Administrative fees and expense money collected at each tournament shall be used at the discretion of the tournament director for the operation of SISBA.

3. Tournament entry and administrative fees may be paid by check, money order, or cash. If the SISBA receives a bad check from an individual, his/her entry in all future tournaments must be paid by money order or cash. A $15.00 fee will be assessed to any bowler submitting a check that is returned, the fee will be due prior to his/her participation in another tournament.

4. All bowling will be scratch. This tournament is open to members of USBC and their rules and the rules of SISBA will apply. If  bowler refuses to abide by these rules, they will no longer be able to participate in any SISBA tournaments.

5. The SISBA Director will settle all disputes not covered by SISBA or USBC rules.

6. The tournament season will run from September to April with the last Sunday in April or the first Sunday in May being designated the Grand Finals Championship Finals. There will be at least eight (8) qualifying tournaments and the Grand Finals. A bowler must bowl in or pay into at least four (4) tournament entries to be eligible for the Championship Grand Finals Tournament.

7. Tournament fees will be $80.00. $45.00 to the prize fund, $12.00 for the Grand Finals Fund, $15.00 for lineage, and $8.00 for expenses. Each participant will draw for lane assignments.

8. The payoff for each tournament will be as soon after the match as the director can issue the checks. The prize ratio will be at least one (1) in six (6) entries for all the tournaments. All prize fees collected will be returned 100 percent to the participants after each tournament. If a participant has pre-paid an entry but must cancel, the entry can be held for a future tournament or applied to the tournament as an entry.

9. Re-entry is permitted, but a bowler will be eligible for only one spot in the match-play and may cash only once. Re-entry is limited to spots available, at no time will there be more than three (3) bowlers per lane.* Reserved entries will be held until 15 minutes before the squad for which the reservation was made. Re-entry and walk-in entries will be on a first come, first served basis. Re-entries will count toward eligibility in the Championship Grand Finals Tournament.

10. Bowlers are responsible for paying fees, verifying their scores and totals, and using bowling equipment that meet USBC specifications. Inappropriate conduct such as abusive language, profanity and other misconduct on the lanes will not be tolerated. All bowlers must display good sportsmanship.

11. Bowlers who have cashed in the top five (5) in the Professional Bowlers Association and/or the LPBA in the past five (5) years are not eligible to participate in the SISBA.

12. Tournament attire shall be nice shirts and slacks, denim or cords, dress walking shorts are acceptable, name on the shirt is not mandatory. No hats, caps, tank tops, or patched slacks are allowed. The tournament director's discretion on what is appropriate attire will be the final determination.

 13. Bowlers quitting the tournament without good cause and without the permission of the tournament director will be subject to a fine up to the amount of a tournament entry fee, which must be paid before he/she bowls the next tournament.

14. Premature termination of any SISBA tournament brought about by war, national disaster, or emergency causes relating thereto by fire, natural disaster, or any reason, beyond control of SISBA, shall cause all advertised prize, guaranteed or otherwise to be pro-rated in accordance with the number of entrants who have bowled in each of the events up to the time of such determination.

*As there is one squad only during the Grand Finals tournament, it may be necessary to have more than three bowlers per lane to accommodate all members qualified for the Grand Finals tournament.