USBC Open Championships Checklist

Pre-Checklist

Is your equipment legal? – With the new rules regarding static weights (3oz. limit), your equipment should fall under this legal limit. Ask your PSO if you are unsure. As of August 1^st 2020, the use of balance holes is no longer accepted. Get your weight holes plugged! (see USBC Rule Changes)
Maintenance – No better time to get your equipment serviced than right before the biggest tournament of the year. (see Maintain Your Bowling Ball's Life and Performance)

Resurface
Oil Extraction
Replace Grips

Registration

ID
Money
USBC Membership card

The Bowling Essentials

Bowling Balls - The number of balls you bring is up to you (max limit of 8) but remember that you’ll be bowling on two different patterns: one for team event, one for singles & doubles. Assuming you are unfamiliar with the patterns, you’ll want to make sure your arsenal is prepared for any situation. We recommend choosing between 3-8 balls from the descriptions below.

Benchmark ball – This is the first ball out of your bag. Something controllable and smooth that you know you can count on. Use this ball to determine how the lanes will play and make the right ball change if necessary.
Heavy oil ball – It’s not uncommon to face heavy volume while bowling the Open Championships. Make sure you have a ball that can handle heavy oil in case your benchmark ball isn’t quite enough.
Light oil ball – On the flip side, it’s not uncommon to see your ball hook off your hand. Pack a weaker ball for this scenario.
Spare ball – With strikes harder to come by, spares are incredibly important! Prepare to shoot straight at your spares – even ones you would normally throw your strike ball at.
Fill the gaps – If you plan on bringing more than 4 balls, fill the gaps in your arsenal where needed. Remember, the limit is 8 balls per bowler.

Bowling Bag – The type of bowling bag(s) you bring is going to be determined by how many balls you bring. If you’re flying, here are a few things to note:

Most airlines have a 50lb limit per bag. Any bags exceeding this limit are subject to additional (outrageous) charges. Flying with a 4-ball bag is usually out of the question.
Low profile bags such as totes usually stack up to the rough handling of air travel. A few bag options for flying:

Carry 6 balls with (2) 3-ball totes and a backpack for your shoes and accessories
Carry 4-5 balls with (2) 3-ball totes using the empty space for shoes and accessories
Carry 5 balls with (1) 2-ball tote and (1) deluxe 3-ball tote with a shoe/accessory pouch (be mindful of the 50lb limit)

Bowling Shoes - Forgetting your bowling shoes would be almost as bad as forgetting your ball. Pack your shoes and their accompanying accessories.

Soles – Extra soles to adjust your slide as needed
Heels – Extra heels to adjust your brake as needed
Shoe covers – Shoe covers to walk from the squad room to the lanes
Extra shoelaces – Be prepared for an unexpected break during competition
Smooth Slide – Smooth slide is always good to have on hand to help with sticking on the approach, as well as in your thumbhole

Bowling Accessories

Extra IT or Switch Grips – If you use an interchangeable thumb, it’s important to have extras on hand in case one breaks. Having a slightly bigger and a slightly smaller option is a great way to deal with swelling
Extra finger inserts – Keeping a spare pair of finger inserts in the bag allows you to replace your grips quickly if needed
Rosin bag – Dry your hands with your favorite rosin bag
Towel – Wipe your ball in between each shot
Abralon pads – These are a hot commodity in the squad room! Adjust your surface as needed before you hit the lanes
Ball cleaner / polish – Liquid cleaners can only be used before/after competition. Clean your equipment after the first day and be ready for day 2
Thumbhole tape – White tape or black tape; have some on hand to quickly snug up your thumbhole
Thumb tape – This is a protective tape designed to go on the back of the thumb and can also work to tighten up a loose thumbhole
Wrist Support / Glove – If you use a glove or wrist support, don’t forget to pack it
Ball cup – The ball returns fill up fast! Bring an extra ball cup for your spare ball
Tool kit – Rasp, bevel knife, workout tool, IT tool, super glue, tape insert tool, etc.
Accessory case – To organize this long list of accessories, keep everything together in an accessory case

Dress Code

Excerpt from the USBC Open Championships official rules, policies, and playing information:

“Entrants are expected to wear attire suitable and representative of participation in a national championship event. Participants are requested to wear a shirt with a polo, sash or butterfly collar and casual slacks, trousers or jeans that are neat and in good condition. Collarless bowling jerseys will be permitted, but they may not be worn with jeans. Women may wear Capri pants, provided the length is below the knees. Female participants also can wear culottes, skorts or skirts, provided the length is beyond the fingertips when their arms are extended down their sides. Neither ordinary cotton T-shirts, nor shorts, will be permitted. Other examples of prohibited attire include, but are not limited to, hats, tank tops, halter tops, bare midriffs, spaghetti- strap tops and sweatpants”

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