The World Tenpin Bowling Association’s study on factors that influence scoring in the sport will now be joined by the Hong Kong Sports Institute in addition to the United States Bowling Congress.
The study is being conducted to determine new lines of specifications at the sport of bowling’s elite level. WTBA, USBC and the Hong Kong Sports Institute will work jointly on the project and make recommendations to the WTBA Congress.
“The HKSI is privileged to have the opportunity to join this project,” said Dr. Trisha Leahy, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Sports Institute.
“With the Hong Kong Sports Institute’s Elite Training Science and Technology Division working together with the expertise of the Hong Kong Tenpin Bowling Congress, at the state-of-the-art, purpose built, scientific base at the HKSI, we are confident that the data gathered in the Hong Kong Training Centre will contribute to the overall development of tenpin bowling.”
WTBA President and CEO Kevin Dornberger said: “We look forward to working closely with the Hong Kong Sports Institute on this project. The knowledge of the staff at USBC, combined with the excellent staff at the HKSI will help to bring together a cohesive, beneficial study.”
“This study will make recommendations that will impact the sport on a global scale, so it makes sense to have another partner join in the study,” USBC Managing Director of National Governing Body Neil Stremmel said.
“The Hong Kong Sports Institute will help us achieve the end result and will offer valuable alternative opinions as the study progresses.”
Some details of the study have already been determined and are listed below.
The following on-lane tests will be done utilizing 12 USBC members at the International Training and Research Center in Arlington, Texas, while the same tests will be done using 12 members of the Hong Kong national team.
- Top 12 bowlers – 6 games on pattern A using any ball the bowler wishes.
- Same 12 bowlers – 6 games on pattern B using any ball the bowler wishes.
- Same 12 bowlers – 6 games on pattern A using any ball the bowler wishes.
- Same 12 bowlers – 6 games on pattern B using any ball the bowler wishes.
- Same 12 bowlers – 6 games on pattern A using only balls on a specific list created by USBC.
- Same 12 bowlers – 6 games on pattern B using only balls on a specific list created by USBC.
- Same 12 bowlers – 6 games on pattern A using only balls on a specific list created by USBC.
- Same 12 bowlers – 6 games on pattern B using only balls on a specific list created by USBC.
Bowlers are to compete two per lane (four per pair) on three adjacent pairs, right lane moves right one pair after each game, left lane moves left one pair after each game.
Bowlers start in a random position for each testing session. Testing sessions should be at least one day apart but no more than 7 days apart. All games are to be conducted on Brunswick Pro-Lane.
Bowler session sheets will be required during each session. Bowler general information sheets will be required once for each bowler participating in the testing sessions.
Pattern A and B will be determined after some discussion with USBC, HKSI and WTBA, and some research and testing. They will be from the WTBA pattern banks (Medium and Long).
Before and after tapes at 15′, 22′ and 2′ before the end of the pattern will be taken with each session randomly on one of the 6 lanes. A Kegel Ion Sport lane machine will be used. A typical Kegel lane conditioning oil and cleaner will be agreed upon and selected as well. All of these items will be determined by February 28, 2013.
Bowler session sheets will be required for all eight sessions and will include name, session number, pattern name, score for each game, ball used for each game including any changes during games, ball surface of each ball used (ie, 500 abralon, etc.), picture of the drilling of each ball used, starting lane and position, and comments from the bowler following each testing session. These forms will be available by March 1, 2013.
One bowler general information sheet will be required for each bowler. The Bowler information sheet will include name, bowler hand, rank on team, list of accomplishments, description of style, axis of rotation, axis of tilt, speed and rev rate. These forms will be available by March 1, 2013.
USBC will provide the list of balls following testing with oil absorption equipment as well as RG and differential tests. HKSI and USBC may need to purchase equipment to accommodate a reasonable “arsenal” of equipment for each bowler. This will be completed by May 31, 2013.
Analysis will begin at the completion of all 16 testing sessions. Additional data will be gathered in 2013 on pins, lane patterns and lane conditioners.
Pin testing will be verified on heavier pins, lower cg pins and higher RG pins (if available) utilizing BowlScore at the ITRC. Lane patterns and conditioners will be tested during the above test as well as with E.A.R.L. for depletion data at the ITRC.
A status report will be given on all items in August 2013 during the World Championships by the WTBA technical committee with support from the USBC Equipment Specifications department.
Results will lead to a recommendation of equipment restrictions for 2014. WTBA can select any number of events from that year to conduct the testing. Further analysis of the 2014 field test will be conducted and any changes or additional recommendations will be presented at that time (late 2014).
Further tests could then be conducted in the first half of 2015 with the final recommendation presented to the WTBA Congress in the summer of 2015.
As posted on digitalbowling.com
