2024-2025 HMBS Mercury

1. The Tournament series is open to any adult bowler with an active 2024-2025 USBC Membership.

2. Lanes to be assigned at check-in. Bowlers failing to appear on the lanes prepared to bowl at the scheduled time shall forfeit their entry fee.

3. The tournament will be using Challenge-rated oil patterns from the Kegal Element series.

4. Participation Rules
a. Walk-in entries will be permitted if space is available. No re-entry.
b. Entering averages and handicap will be based on 90% of 220 for each bowler using their 2023-2024 Heavy Metal Bowling Series tournament average as of August 1, 2024.
c. If a bowler does not have a tournament average, then entering average will be the composite book average from 2023-2024. Handicaps will be converted to Challenge rating.

5. Format - Handicap Singles Events
a. All participants will bowl four games in Singles competition.
b. Participants will switch lanes after two games.
c. Participants will be limited to a maximum handicap of 200 pins.

6. Format - Scratch Singles Events
a. All participants will bowl four games in Singles competition.
b. Participants will switch lanes after two games.
c. Participants will bowl scratch.

7. Format - Scratch Doubles Event
a. All doubles pairs will bowl four games in Doubles competition in baker format.
b. Doubles teams will switch lanes after two games.
c. The doubles events will not have a singles event.
d. Participants will bowl scratch.

8. PRIZE FUND MONEY WILL BE RETURNED 100%.
a. Prize Fund: $30.00 per bowler
b. Lineage: $20.00 per bowler
c. Optional Scratch: $10 per bowler
d. Optional High Game: $5 per bowler
e. Optional High Series: $5 per bowler
f. All prize funds will be distributed same day to participants at least 1:5.

9. In the event of a tie for first place, a one-game roll off will be conducted.

10. In the event of a tie for first place after the one-game roll off, a 10th frame roll off will be conducted.

11. In the event of a tie for first place after the final roll off, co-winners will be declared in accordance with USBC Rule 326a.

12. All other ties will result in awards being split equally.

13. USBC Rule 329, a protest or appeal involving eligibility or playing rules, must be filed with Tournament Management within 72 hours of the infraction. Protest or appeal must be in writing and the grounds for the protest or appeal briefly stated.

14. A $35.00 ADMINISTRATIVE FEE, PLUS BANK CHARGES, WILL BE LEVIED ON ANY RETURNED CHECKS.

15. All other USBC rules will apply in accordance with the 2024-2024 USBC rulebook.