Equipment Specifications

All basic equipment specifications referring to bowling pins and bowling balls can be found in Chapter VI of the CTF Playing Rules. Link: https://tenpincanada.com/home/playing-rules-and-bylaws/

For more detailed technical specifications and explanations, please refer to the USBC Equipment Specifications Manual, available at: http://www.bowl.com

There was a major announcement regarding new specifications for bowling ball drilling, balance holes, and static weight allowances. Please refer to the announcement below, that was made on Feb 11, 2019.

CTF to Follow World Bowling’s Ball Specification Rules

World Bowling, recognized as the world governing body for bowling, has decided on some rule changes in regards to the specifications for bowling balls that can be used in their competitions. CTF has decided to implement the same rule changes.

Effective February 11, the following rules will be in effect for all CTF-sanctioned leagues and tournaments.

Bowling Ball – Drilling Specifications:

Up to August 1, 2020, up to one balance hole is allowed on a bowling ball. After August 1, 2020, no balance holes will be allowed on a bowling ball.

The following limitations, as specified, shall govern the drilling of holes in the ball.

  1. Holes or indentations for gripping purposes shall not exceed five and shall be limited to one for each finger and one for the thumb, all for the same hand. The athlete is not required to use all finger holes in any specific delivery, but they must be able to demonstrate, with the same hand, that each gripping hole can be simultaneously used for gripping purposes. Any thumb hole that is not used for gripping purposes during the delivery would be classified as a balance hole.
  2. Until August 1, 2020, one hole for balance purposes not to exceed 1 ¼ inch (31.8 mm) diameter. (Including the surface opening).
  3. No more than one vent hole to each finger and/or thumb hole not to exceed ¼ inch (6.4 mm) in diameter. (Including the surface opening).
  4. One mill hole for inspection purposes not to exceed 5/8 inch (15.9 mm) in diameter and 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) in depth.

Bowling Ball – Balance:

The following tolerances shall be permissible in the balance of a bowling ball used in sanctioned competition.

A1. Weight more than 10 pounds (4.53 kg) – With a Balance Hole (which is only allowed until August 1, 2020)

  1. Not more than 3 ounces (85 grams) difference between the top half of the ball (gripping holes side) and the bottom half of the ball (side opposite the gripping holes).
  2. Not more than 1 ounce (28 grams) difference between the half of the ball to the left and the half of the ball to the right of the center of grip (side weight).
  3. Not more than 1 ounce (28 grams) difference between the half of the ball toward the thumb hole side of the center of grip and toward the finger holes side of the center of grip (thumb/ finger weight).
  4. A ball used without any gripping holes or indentations may not have more than 1 ounce of difference between any two halves of the ball.

A2. Weight more than 10 pounds (4.53 kg) – Without a Balance Hole (balance holes are not allowed as of August 1, 2020)

  1. For balls without a balance hole, not more than 3 ounces (85 grams) between any two halves of the ball. A ball used without any gripping holes or indentations may not have more than 3 ounces (85 grams) of difference between any two halves of the ball.

B. Weight 10 pounds to 8 pounds (4.53 – 3.62 kg)

  1. Not more than two (2) ounces (57 g) difference between top half of the ball (finger hole side) and the bottom half (side opposite the finger holes)
  2. Not more than three quarters (3/4) ounce (21 g) difference between the sides to the right and left of the finger holes or between the sides in front and back of finger holes
  3. A ball drilled without a thumbhole may not have more than three quarters (3/4) ounce (21 g) difference between any two halves of the ball
  4. A ball drilled without any finger holes or indentations, may not have more than three quarters (3/4) ounce (21 g) difference between any two halves of the ball
  5. A ball used without any hole or indentations may not have more than three quarters (3/4) ounce (21 g) difference between any two halves of the ball.

C. Weight less than 8 pounds (3.62 kg)

  1. Not more than three quarters (3/4) ounces (21 g) difference between top half of the ball (finger hole side) and the bottom half (side opposite the finger holes)
  2. Not more than three quarters (3/4) ounce (21 g) difference between the sides to the right and left of the finger holes or between the sides in front and back of finger holes
  3. A ball drilled without a thumbhole may not have more than three quarters (3/4) ounce (21 g) difference between any two halves of the ball
  4. A ball drilled without any finger holes or indentations may not have more than three quarters (3/4) ounce (21 g) difference between any two halves of the ball
  5. A ball used without any hole or indentations may not have more than three quarters (3/4) ounce (21 g) difference between any two halves of the ball.

Please note that the rules book s will be altered to reflect this change.