Bowlers must have a current USBC sanction card in order to be eligible to participate in the tournaments. Bowlers may purchase the card for $15.00. Non-Ames Association Members have to pay $4.00 for Association dues.

Handicap is based on 80% of the difference between a bowler's average and 200.

Average is determined by the highest 2008-09 average bowled in an Ames area bowling center. If no 08-09 average, the highest current average (at least 21 games) in an Ames area bowling center will be used (bowlers are responsible for providing average verification). All others must bowl scratch.

Entry fee is $15.00 per person for singles and $30.00 for a doubles team. The entry fee must be paid before bowlers are allowed to compete. Money will be distributed as follows:

Bowlers may participate in an optional "300" pot for $1 per person, per event. There will be a separate "300" pot for singles and for doubles. In case of multiple "300"s, the pot will be split accordingly. In the event that a participant bowls more than one "300" in an event, he/she will only get credit for one "300". If nobody bowls a "300", the money in the pot will be carried over to the next tournament.

Bowlers may participate more than once in both the singles and doubles events, however, they may only cash once (the highest score will be used). A bowler may cash more than once in doubles if they have a different partner.

All-events prizes will be offered in both singles and doubles. In order to qualify, participants must compete in all three tournaments. First attempt scores will be used in determining all event totals.

Prize money will be 100% returned on a 1-5 ratio.

Participants may bowl in an event anytime during the time listed. Bowlers must pay for and begin (throw the first ball in competition) an event before the ending time listed.  The 9-pin tournament committee reserves the right to disallow a participant from bowling if it is determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the event will extend beyond the time of the lane availability.

The 9-pin tournament committee will be responsible for settling any rules disputes.

Friday night shifts will be allowed if the bowling center feels there is a need to have the additional shift. The bowling center will contact the 9-pin committee prior to the shift.