05/03/2026
For anyone bowling in league or tournament, changing the surface of a ball is not allowed after the first ball for score has been thrown, throughout the day's competition, including multiple squads. Here is USBC tournament rule 18:
Rule 18 – Bowling Ball - Altering Surface
While bowling in USBC competition, a bowling ball cannot:
a. Have the surface altered by the use of an abrasive.
b. Be cleaned with any liquid substance or cleaning agent.
c. Have any foreign material on it including, but not limited to, powder, rosin, marker or paint.
All bowling balls so altered or cleaned must be removed from the competition.
NOTE: Should a foreign substance appear on the outer surface of a bowling ball which cannot be removed with a dry
towel, an approved cleaner may be used with consent from a league or tournament officer.
Commonly Asked Questions – Rule 18.
18/1 When may I alter the surface of my bowling ball?
You are permitted to sand, polish, or clean the surface of your bowling ball prior to the start of competition.
However, once tournament or league play begins, altering the surface of a bowling ball is strictly prohibited. This
includes balls that have not yet been introduced into play.
18/2 When does competition start?
Competition starts once any bowler throws a ball for score in a league or tournament.
18/3 Can I pat my ball with rosin or powder if I wipe the ball before it is delivered?
No. Wiping the ball with a towel does not make the ball compliant to the rule. Patting a ball with a product is
adding a foreign substance to the ball and cannot be done during competition. A product can only be applied to
a bowler's hand and not leave residue on the surface of the ball.
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18/4 Can I clean my ball with an approved cleaner during practice?
You can clean your ball with an approved cleaner during practice, unless otherwise specified by league or
tournament rules.
18/5 If I take a ball out of my bag that I have not bowled with, can I clean it with an approved cleaner?
No, approved cleaners cannot be used once competition has begun. This rule applies to balls from a bowler's
bowling bag, locker or car, etc. We suggest you clean all your bowling balls prior to the start of competition.
18/6 A tournament consists of doubles and singles events. The singles event is bowled first immediately
followed by the doubles. Can I "alter the surface of" my bowling ball between events?
No. Rule 18 does not allow the outer surface of any bowling ball to be altered after the start of competition. Since
the tournament is conducting singles and doubles concurrently, you cannot alter the surface of the bowling ball
between events.
18/7 Can a bowler use an abrasive, cleaner or polish on just the track or only just a portion of the track of
the ball?
No. USBC specifications require that the entire surface of the ball be prepared in a uniform manner. Preparing the
surface of a ball in any other manner would be a violation of Rule 17a, Item 1. The penalty for a violation of this
rule can include disqualification, forfeiture, removal from the league, and/or suspension of USBC membership.
18/8 What happens if a bowler uses a cleaner, abrasive, or puts a foreign substance on the ball?
If the bowler was not aware of the rule, the ball is removed from competition. The bowler also should be given
an explanation of the rule. Conversely, if the bowler knows a ball cannot be cleaned, patted with rosin or powder
or use an abrasive, the ball must be removed from competition and the games are subject to forfeiture. If there is
a question as to whether a bowler knew the rule or not, the league board of directors make the determination. If
the bowler refuses to remove the ball from competition, the games are subject to forfeiture.
18/9 If my ball comes back with residue on it and I cannot clean it with my dry towel, rag or shammy, can I
use an approved cleaner?
Yes, provided you get permission from a league officer or tournament official. If you clean your ball without prior
permission, you may be asked to remove the ball from competition, and/or the games may be subject to forfeiture.
18/10 When I have permission to clean my ball, may I clean the entire ball?
Yes, you may clean the entire surface of a bowling ball.
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