Generally, no, you cannot perform deep cleaning, sanding, or polishing of your bowling ball between games once a sanctioned league or tournament competition has officially started. While simply wiping your ball with a dry towel to remove oil is permitted, any action that alters the ball's surface is strictly prohibited during play.
Understanding Bowling Ball Cleaning Rules During Competition
Bowling ball maintenance rules are put in place to ensure fair play and maintain a consistent playing field for all competitors. The distinction between cleaning before a competition begins and during a competition is crucial.
When Surface Alteration is Prohibited
Once tournament or league play begins, altering the surface of a bowling ball is strictly prohibited. This means that after the first game of a series or tournament has started, you cannot engage in activities such as:
- Sanding the ball to change its texture.
- Polishing the ball to modify its surface friction.
- Applying liquid cleaners or solvents that could change the ball's surface properties or chemical composition.
These actions are considered "altering the surface" and are disallowed during an ongoing competition, including between games within that same competition. The intent is to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage by constantly modifying their equipment to adapt to changing lane conditions.
When Cleaning is Permitted
While prohibited during active competition, there are specific times when you are permitted to sand, polish, or clean the surface of your bowling ball:
- Prior to the Start of Competition: Before the official start of league play, a tournament, or even during practice sessions, you are free to sand, polish, or clean your bowling ball as needed. This allows bowlers to prepare their equipment for the expected lane conditions.
- Between Different Competitions: After a league night has concluded, or between different tournaments, you can perform any desired maintenance on your bowling ball, including deep cleaning, resurfacing, and polishing.
- During Play (Limited): You are generally allowed to wipe your bowling ball with a dry towel or chamois to remove excess oil and dirt between frames or games. This is not considered "altering the surface" but rather maintaining its immediate cleanliness without changing its physical properties.
Why These Rules Exist
The stringent rules regarding bowling ball alteration during competition are designed to:
- Ensure Fairness: All players should compete under similar conditions without constant equipment modification.
- Maintain Integrity: Prevents players from exploiting changing lane conditions by frequently adjusting their ball's surface.
- Promote Skill: Emphasizes a bowler's ability to adapt to conditions with their chosen equipment rather than relying on mid-competition adjustments.
Permitted Actions During Play
Even though deep cleaning and surface alteration are restricted, bowlers can still perform essential maintenance during an ongoing game or series:
- Wiping with a Dry Towel: Use a dry, absorbent towel or shammy to remove oil, dirt, and scuff marks from your ball's surface. This helps maintain the ball's intended reaction by preventing oil buildup.
- Using a "See-Saw" or Ball Wiper: These devices are typically made of microfiber and are designed for quick, dry wiping between shots.
Quick Reference: Ball Maintenance During Competition
| Action | Timing | Permitted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanding, Polishing, Chemical Cleaning | Prior to competition (practice, warm-up) | Yes | Essential for ball preparation. |
| Sanding, Polishing, Chemical Cleaning | Between games within ongoing competition | No | Strictly prohibited as it alters the ball's surface. Violations may lead to penalties. |
| Wiping with a Dry Towel/Chamois | During frames or between games/shots | Yes | Permitted to remove oil/dirt; not considered surface alteration. |
| Adjusting Grip Inserts or Fingertips | During competition (if done without delaying play) | Yes | These are considered fit adjustments, not surface alteration. |
Consequences of Violating the Rule
Violating rules regarding bowling ball surface alteration can lead to serious penalties, including:
- Fouls: In some cases, an illegal alteration might result in a foul.
- Score Invalidations: Scores obtained with illegally altered equipment may be disqualified.
- Disqualification: Bowlers may be disqualified from the game, series, or even the entire tournament or league.
Always refer to the official rules of the sanctioning body (e.g., USBC) for the most accurate and up-to-date regulations.
Best Practices for Ball Maintenance
To ensure your bowling ball performs optimally and complies with regulations:
- Clean Thoroughly Before and After: Deep clean your bowling ball with an approved cleaner before and immediately after each bowling session to remove embedded oil and dirt.
- Resurface Periodically: Professional resurfacing can restore your ball's original surface texture and extend its lifespan.
- Store Properly: Store bowling balls in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures to prevent cracking or changes in coverstock integrity.
By understanding and adhering to these rules, bowlers can maintain the integrity of the game and ensure fair competition for everyone.
