The United States Bowling Congress (USBC)is rolling out major rule changes for 2026. The new rule change will directly target urethane and slow oil-absorbing high-performance bowling balls, and create one of the biggest shifts in tournament equipment standards in recent memory.
Starting January 1, 2026, USBC national tournaments will either ban urethane ball outright or require them to meet tough new specifications, including a minimum 78D hardness rating for any slow oil-absorbing high-performance ball; those with oil absorption times over 90 minutes.
So what does this rule mean:
The USBC will completely ban all urethane and slow-absorbing high-performance bowling balls from the prestigious events of the U.S. Open, USBC Masters, and all major PWBA events. The strict 78D minimum hardness requirement will be in place for urethane balls at other national championship events such as: USBC Open Championships, USBC Women's Championships, Bowler's Journal Championships, USBC Senior Masters, USBC Super Senior Classic, USBC Senior Queens, and Youth Open Championships. Junior Gold Championships can use 78D hardness urethane ONLY in qualifying but not in match play or beyond. Lastly no change to anyother event or league regarding the use of urethane. This means urethane can still be purchased and used in most cases for most bowlers. The USBC on their website bowl.com released a list of ball that are categorized under urethane or slow absorbing high-performance bowling balls.
The USBC are making these changes to the rule in a better effort to promote fair competition, preserve intended lane oil patterns, and encourage skill development among bowlers. The balls under the restricted list can create uneven lane transitions compared to reactive resin balls; leading to imbalances and affecting lane integrity mid-event. The rule also aims at standardizing equipment at tournaments, creating a more level playing field for a diverse styles. Moreover, pushing bowlers to develop versatility across different ball types than the over reliance on one equipment type.
The new rule impacts not only bowlers but also manufacturers. For the ball brands, this means new releases like the need be up-to-date with the new standard, and force manufacturers to become new innovators in their formulas, coverstocks and technologies. Average league bowler don't have to worry because the new rule does not affect them.
For all and more information about the new rule visit bowl.com.