Tournament Rules 2011 – 2012
The Tournament is open to each AMF league bowler ("Bowler") who is 18 years of age or older when he or she enters the Tournament and who actively participates in an adult league with a three to four-game format at an AMF center during the 2011-2012 winter season (“AMF League”).
• AMF employees and their immediate family members, including persons who are unrelated but reside in the same household, are not eligible to participate in the Tournament.
• Current national touring PBA members are not eligible to participate in the Tournament.
• A bowler must be active and current with all league fees due to their local AMF League as of the first date of the Center Finals and must have completed and paid for 18 games in an AMF League prior to the District Finals in order to participate in the District Finals.
I. FORMAT
The Tournament is a singles, pins-over-average, in-league, ten pin bowling tournament. Men and women will compete in one of four Divisions based on their averages:
Open Division 200+
Division A 180-199
Division B 160-179
Division C 159 and below
II. AVERAGES
A Bowler will be placed in a Division based on an average as follows:
1. Subject to #6 below, a Bowler will use their HIGHEST USBC certified average from the past two seasons (2009 - 2010 and 2010 - 2011), minimum of 21 games. Summer league averages will NOT be recognized.
2. If a USBC average is not available as noted in #1 above, a Bowler must use their highest verifiable 2010 - 2011 non-USBC winter season average of 21 games or more.
3. If an average is not available as noted in #1 or #2 above, a Bowler must use their highest current 2011 - 2012 winter league average of 21 games or more.
4. A Bowler will not be allowed to move to a lower Division after attempting to qualify for the Center Finals.
5. A Bowler who does not have a USBC average as noted in #1 above and who has a Sport Bowling League average of 21 games or more will use the USBC adjustment scale for determining their Division when competing in the Tournament. Sport League Bowlers who advance to the District Finals will use the adjusted average when determining their pins-over-average score.
6. If a prior season's average is used to determine a Bowler's Division but on the date they enter the Tournament has a current average in the 2011 - 2012 winter season at any center (including an AMF center) which is 10 pins or more higher for a minimum of 21 games above the prior season's average, then the Bowler's current average will be used for the purpose of determining placement in a Division. AMF may confirm a Bowler's current average with a Bowler's league secretary or other official in order to verify the Bowler's new higher average.
7. It shall be each Bowler’s responsibility to verify the accuracy of their tournament average. Failure to use a proper average or make corrections up to completion of the first game of qualifying may disqualify all scores.
8. The average of a Bowler may be adjusted at any time during the Tournament. See Section IX, Rule #14.
III. SCORING
Pins-over-average will be the scoring system used at every level of the Tournament and in each Division.
A Bowler will use their 3-game AMF in-league scores to qualify for the Center Finals. All qualifying pins-over-average scores must be equal to or greater than +1.
For example:
• If a Bowler’s average is 160 (Division B), using that average, a Bowler’s 3-game series average would be 480 (160 x 3 = 480).
• A Bowler enters the Tournament and bowls a 3-game score of 510 in an AMF League resulting in a score of 30 pins over average.
• If a Bowler’s 3-game score is 465, the score would be 15 pins below average, which would not qualify for the Center Finals.
If a Bowler participates in a 4-game AMF League, a Bowler must use their first 3-game scores in an AMF League to qualify for the Center Finals.
NOTE: Tournament games must be rebowled when scores are irretrievably lost in the automatic scoring system.
IV. CENTER QUALIFYING
There will be nine weeks of in-league qualifying for the Center Finals. Qualifying will start on Monday, October 31, 2011 and end on Sunday, January 22, 2012. Center Qualifying will be suspended during the weeks of Thanksgiving (November 21 - 27), Christmas (December 19 - 25), and New Year’s (December 26 – January 1, 2012).
A Bowler must qualify for the Center Finals during normal AMF in-league play. Pre-bowl and post-bowl scores will not be accepted.
The entry fee is $3.00 per 3-game series and a Bowler must pay it to AMF (NO CHECKS) prior to the start of the 6th frame of the 1st game of in-league play. The Bowler will be given a score sheet which must be completed, signed and returned to AMF by the time league play ends. Failure to return a completed and signed score sheet may result in disqualification. Only original, completed score sheets will be accepted. No facsimile copies.
A Bowler may enter as many times as their AMF League bowls its normal schedule during the nine weeks of qualifying.
A Bowler’s qualifying score will be their pins-over-average score after calculating the 3-game in-league series minus their entering pins-over-average score (as noted above under SCORING).
The top 50 Bowlers in each Division (including ties) with scores equal to or greater than +1 pins-over-average will advance to the Center Finals.
V. TOP 10 BONUS ROUND
AMF will host a two week in-league Top 10 Bonus Round from Monday, January 23 through Sunday, February 5, 2012 during the center's regular AMF league play. The Top 10 Bonus Round is ONLY open to those Bowlers who finish in the Top 10 positions in their Division at the completion of the Center qualifying round, including ties. Bowlers from each AMF center will compete against all other AMF centers nationwide by Division. The Bowler's highest pins-over-average score during the two weeks of the Top 10 Bonus Round competition will be ranked nationally with Bowlers in their same Division.
The entry fee is $3.00 (90% prize fund/10% tournament expense) per 3-game series and the Bowler must pay it to AMF (NO CHECKS) prior to the start of the 4th frame of the 1st game of AMF in-league play. Pre-bowl and post-bowl scores will not be accepted. A Top 10 Bowler may enter as many times as their AMF League bowls its regular schedule during the Top 10 Bonus Round. There will be NO makeups scheduled for the Top 10 Bonus Round. A Bowler's Bonus Round score will be their pins-over-average score after calculating the 3-game AMF in-league series minus their entering pins-over-average score. Prize money collected during the Top 10 Bonus Round will be distributed using the following percentages:
1st Place: 30% 6th Place: 6%
2nd Place: 20% 7th Place: 6%
3rd Place: 10% 8th Place: 5%
4th Place: 7% 9th Place: 5%
5th Place: 7% 10th Place: 4%
AMF will pay all prize money by check. See Section IX, Rule #2 for complete instructions. In the event of ties, the prize money will be combined and divided equally among the tied position winners.
A Bowler must return their completed and signed score sheets to AMF by the time league play ends. Only originals will be accepted. No facsimile copies.
A Bowler's Top 10 Bonus Round scores will not carry over to the Center Final round and will have NO effect on their Tournament ranking.
VI. CENTER FINALS
Each AMF center will host a three week in-league Center Finals from Monday, February 6 through Sunday February 26, 2012 during the center’s normal AMF league play. Pre-bowl and post-bowl scores will not be accepted.
The entry fee is $10.00 per 3-game series and a Bowler must pay it to AMF (NO CHECKS) prior to the start of the 4th frame of the 1st game of in-league competition on each day a Bowler elects to participate in the Center Finals to qualify for the District Finals. The top six Bowlers in each Division, including ties, with scores equal to or greater than +1 pins-over-average from each AMF center will qualify for the District Finals. The Bowler will be given a score sheet which must be completed, signed, and returned to AMF by the time league play ends. Failure to return a completed and signed score sheet may result in disqualification. Only original, completed score sheets will be accepted. No facsimile copies.
Each Bowler who qualifies for the Center Finals has up to three opportunities to enter the Center Finals for each AMF League in which they are an active participant. However, only a Bowler’s highest pins-over-average score will be used to establish their place in the standings. Makeup sessions will only be permitted for those Bowlers participating in monthly and every-other-week leagues or leagues that have completed their season. Exceptions may be granted when ALL opportunities to participate in the Center Finals were missed due to league cancellations caused by weather.
Qualifying scores will not carry over to the Center Finals. A Bowler’s score in the Center Finals will be their pins-over-average score after calculating their 3-game series of AMF League competition minus their entering pins-over-average score (as noted above under SCORING).
Center Level Prizes
Regardless of entries in each Division, AMF guarantees the following prize fund for the top three pins-over-average scores:
Center Final Prizes (per Division)
1st Place $100.00
2nd Place $ 50.00
3rd Place $ 25.00
AMF will pay all prize money by check. See Section IX, Rule #2 for complete instructions.
Center Final Ties
When ties occur, the prize money will be combined and divided equally among the tied position winners.
The top six Bowlers, including ties, in each Division at each AMF center with the highest pins-over-average score will advance to the District Finals. If, for any reason whatsoever, any of these Bowlers cannot or will not attend the District Finals, the Bowler’s position will be forfeited.
A Bowler may qualify for only one position in the District Finals. In the event a Bowler bowls in an AMF League at more than one AMF center, qualifies for the Center Finals in more than one AMF center and advances to the District Finals at more than one center, their highest position at only one AMF center (determined by their pins-over-average score) will be the score used to advance them to the District Finals. The Bowler with the next highest pins-over-average score in the unrepresented AMF center will then advance.
VII. DISTRICT FINALS
District Finals will be held in an AMF center on March 17 or 18, 2012 at times selected by AMF. Bowlers from each of the four Divisions will advance to the District Finals. Advancing Bowlers will be provided with the date and times their respective Division will compete at the District Finals. Scores in the Center Finals will not carry over.
There is no entry fee for participating in the District Finals. A Bowler must participate in person at the designated AMF District Finals location and provide photo identification at check-in.
The District Finals will consist of three games. Winners in each Division will be determined by the highest pins-over-average score for their three game series minus their entering three game series average score. If no Bowler exceeds their average, the closest score to a Bowler’s average will determine a winner.
NOTE: Tournament games must be rebowled when scores are irretrievably lost in the automatic scoring system.
Every District winner in each of the four Divisions will advance to the National Finals.
AMF guarantees the following District Final prize fund:
District Final Prizes (per Division)
1st Place $375.00
2nd Place $225.00
3rd Place $150.00
AMF will pay all prizes by check. See Section IX, Rule #2 for complete instructions.
District Finals Tie Breaker
In the event of a tie for the winner in any Division at the end of the District Finals, a 1-game roll-off will be bowled immediately following the District Finals to determine the Division Winner. The Bowler with the highest pins-over-average score will be the winner of the Division. If no Bowler exceeds his or her average, the closest score to the Bowler’s average will determine the winner. A 1-game roll-off will continue until a winner is determined.
Once a winner is determined, they will be awarded the first place prize money. When ties occur for second or third place, the prize money will be combined and divided equally among the tied position winners.
If a Division winner cannot or will not attend the National Finals for any reason whatsoever, they will be required to sign a waiver forfeiting their position and the Bowler with the next highest pins-over-average score will advance to the National Finals.
VIII. NATIONAL FINALS CHAMPIONSHIPS
The National Finals Championships will be held at The Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28, 2012.
All winners from each of the four Divisions in 27 districts (total of 108 Bowlers) will travel to Las Vegas on Thursday, April 26. AMF will pay airfare, three nights of hotel accommodations and pre-scheduled meals from dinner on Thursday, April 26 through breakfast on April 29, 2012. AMF will also pay all reasonable baggage fees of up to $75.00. “Reasonable” would include one checked bag plus one checked equipment bag.
Twenty-seven Bowlers from each Division will compete in an eliminator format to determine the National Champions.
Day One - Round #1
Twenty-seven Bowlers in each Division bowl four games. The top 16 Bowlers from each Division with either the highest pins-over-average score or the closest to average score for the 4-game series will advance to Round #2.
Day One - Round #2
Sixteen Bowlers in each Division bowl three games. The top eight Bowlers from each Division with either the highest pins-over-average score or the closest to average score will advance to Round #3.
Day Two - Round #3
Eight Bowlers in each Division bowl two games. The top four Bowlers from each Division with either the highest pins-over-average score or the closest to average score will advance to the National Championships, Round #4.
Round #4 – National Championships
Four Bowlers from each Division will be seeded 1 thru 4, according to their pins-over-average score from Round #3. These four Bowlers will participate in a PBA-style stepladder format to determine the National Champion in each Division.
Stepladder Format: The #4 and #3 seeds bowl first, the winner facing the #2 seed, and that winner facing #1 seed for the title. The Bowler with the highest pins-over-average or closest to average score will determine the winner.
National Finals Prizes (per Division)
1st Place $50,000
2nd Place $25,000
3rd Place $10,000
4th Place $5,000
5th through 8th Place $1,500
9th through 16th Place $500
17th through 27th Place $250
AMF will pay all prize money by check. See Section IX, Rule #2 for complete instructions.
National Finals Tie Breaker
Rounds #1 and 2
In the event of a tie for an advancing position, the Bowler with the highest pins-over-average score (or closest to average if both Bowlers bowl under average) in the final game in that Round will advance to the next Round. If the tie is not broken, previous bowled scores in that Round will be used.
At the end of round #3, if there is a tie for 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th position, there will be a 1-game roll-off. A Bowler with the highest pins-over-average (or closest to entering average if Bowlers bowl under average) will receive the higher seeded position. Bowlers who are tied will bowl only for the place for which they are tied and will not move above the standing for which they are tied.
Stepladder Tie Breaker
In the event of a tie during the stepladder finals, a 1-game roll-off will be bowled. The bowler with the highest pins-over-average score (or closest to entering average if Bowlers bowl under average) will be determined the winner. A 1-game roll-off will continue until a winner is determined.
IX. RULES
1. By entering the Tournament, a Bowler agrees to the terms and conditions contained in the following Tournament Rules ("Rules").
2. AMF will pay all prize money by check and will be mailed to the Bowler’s home address. The IRS requires AMF to furnish 1099 forms to individuals who receive prize money of $600.00 or more annually from AMF. Therefore, to receive a prize, a Bowler must provide their social security number (as required by IRS regulations). To receive any prize, each winner must submit a completed and executed W-9 form. The information contained on the W-9 form is subject to AMF verification.
3. A Bowler gives permission for their name, scores, photographs or videos taken of them to be published in AMF's promotional materials, on its web sites, and its social media pages (i.e. Facebook, YouTube, etc.).
4. Each Bowler agrees and accepts the following AMF safety requirements (which are part of and incorporated into the Rules). Each Bowler agrees that if, in AMF's opinion, they violate these Rules (including the AMF safety requirements), AMF may terminate their participation in the Tournament.
(a) Bowl at your own risk. There can be dangerous situations and the risk of serious injury.
(b) Approach. Do not have or eat food or drink on the approach. Slippery, wet or sticky spots or substances can affect your slide and delivery and cause a fall and serious injury. Humidity can also make the approach slippery or sticky. Wear shoe covers if you leave the approach. Inspect the approach each time before bowling and make adjustments to your game. If it is sticky or slippery, stop bowling and ask a staff member to clean it. Take a few practice slides.
(c) Ball and shoes. You must wear bowling shoes while bowling. Have the correct fit for your bowling ball and shoes. See a staff member for help selecting or changing a ball or shoes. Clean the soles of your shoes before bowling, after going to the restroom or anywhere else in or outside of the center. Moisture, humidity or a slippery or sticky substance on the sole of a shoe can cause a fall and serious injury.
(d) Foul line. Lanes are treated with oil and are extremely slippery. Crossing the foul line can cause a fall and serious injury. If you do cross the foul line, clean the soles of your shoes before you bowl. If you need help, ask a staff member for assistance.
(e) Tripping hazards. Watch for step-ups to and from the approach, settee and concourse and store and keep all coats, bags and personal belongings out of the walking paths to avoid tripping. If you see a tripping hazard, tell a staff member right away.
(f) Equipment problems. If a ball or pin is stuck, ask a staff member for assistance. Do not try to fix the problem. Mechanical equipment is dangerous and can cause injuries.
(g) Ball return. The ball return has moving parts. Serious injury can result from reaching into the ball return opening. Keep hands away from the ball return and ball return tray and watch children.
(h) General. Do not use profanity or foul language. No outside food or drinks (except as approved in advance by AMF) or items which, in AMF's opinion, may be dangerous or disruptive are not allowed in the AMF center.
5. Each Bowler recognizes that they bowl at their own risk and that bowling, especially in an AMF League and the Tournament, is an active, competitive sport requiring physical conditioning, coordination and experience in order to limit the likelihood of a fall or injuries and that falls, and any resulting injuries, may occur regardless of the condition of the approach and other areas or facilities of the AMF center. In consideration of paying the AMF League fees, paying the Tournament entry fee and participating in an AMF League and the Tournament, each Bowler acknowledges these risks and releases, discharges and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless AMF, its affiliates, directors, officers and employees from any and all losses, claims, liabilities, demands, damages, actions, causes of action or suits of any kind or nature whatsoever (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) with respect to (i) all injuries to the Bowler or any person or property, which may result or arise from or relate or be connected with bowling and/or participating in an AMF League (including free practice) and the Tournament (including travel related to the Tournament), the condition of the approach and other areas or facilities of the AMF Center, any incident that may occur during an AMF League (including free practice) and the Tournament (including travel related to the Tournament), (ii) any violation of these Rules (including the AMF safety requirements), or (iii) any negligent or intentional act or omission of the Bowler or any other bowler or person.
6. AMF reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to delay, suspend, cancel or end the Tournament in whole or in part at any AMF center and at any time or to terminate the participation of any Bowler for any reason without penalty or refund of any kind except as provided in these Rules.
7. AMF may satisfy its obligation to a Bowler with respect to any claim or dispute relating to the Tournament, including the termination of the Tournament in whole or in part or a Bowler’s participation or AMF’s conduct of the Tournament or the conduct or actions of any other Bowlers in the Tournament or the decision or action taken by AMF or any Tournament Official, by refunding the entry fee to a Bowler.
8. If a Bowler has special needs, they agree to provide any necessary equipment or sufficient persons who will be dedicated to providing them with any assistance they need in order to participate in the Tournament.
9. AMF is not liable for delays, postponements or other circumstances related to or caused by circumstances beyond its control including but not limited to loss of electricity, inclement weather, scheduling, fire, earthquake or flood.
10. Neither AMF nor any of its affiliates, directors, officers, employees or agents will have any liability or responsibility for injury to, or loss, theft or property damage suffered by a Bowler or any guest while at an AMF center participating or observing the Tournament, except to the extent such loss/damage is caused by AMF’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.
11. AMF will not keep score for Bowlers except by its automatic scoring equipment. AMF is not responsible for equipment failure or any administrative error in conducting the Tournament.
12. AMF or any Tournament Official designated by AMF may make any and all decisions regarding the Tournament or the play or participation of any Bowler or the interpretation of the Rules and all such decisions will be final.
13. A Bowler who has a dispute related to the Tournament must notify (A) a Tournament Official, if one is present at the AMF center, and if not, the GM or (B) by calling AMF at 1-800-DIAL-AMF within 24 hours from the time the dispute happens. A Bowler must tell the GM, if present, or leave a message at 1-800-DIAL-AMF explaining in detail the nature of the dispute including their contact information for return communication. The National Tournament Director, Kathy Hart, will review the dispute and notify the Bowler of her decision within two business days after she receives the message from 1-800-DIAL-AMF. A decision of the Tournament Director is final and not subject to appeal.
14. In its sole discretion, AMF may re-rate, suspend or disqualify any Bowler at anytime during the Tournament (i.e. Center Qualifying, Center Finals, District and/or National Finals Championships, including any tiebreakers) for any reason including but not limited to the following:
• Any mistake, error or omission relating to a Bowler’s average.
• A Bowler was previously re-rated by any recognized tournament organization.
• If AMF, the Tournament Director or a Tournament Official determines that the skill level indicated by a Bowler in entering the Tournament is misrepresented.
• A Bowler fails to provide satisfactory evidence in support of their average.
• If AMF, the Tournament Director or a Tournament Official determines that a Bowler intentionally bowled below his or her skill level for the sole purpose of gaining any advantage including entering a less difficult Division.