The USBC has found itself at the center of one of the sport's biggest debates: whether to restrict or ban the use of urethane bowling balls in certified competition. This ongoing controversy has sparked heated discussion and debate among professionals and amateur bowlers alike.
Urethane bowling balls have always been a part of the bowling world as a type of bowling surface that creates a unique and distinct reaction on the lane. The first urethane bowling ball was released in the late 1970s with the AMF Angle. This three-piece bowling ball was revolutionary at the time because it provided the sport with a ball that had a more aggressive hook and better hitting power compared to its polyester predecessor.
Urethane bowling balls have long been popular for their unique performance characteristics. Unlike reactive resin balls, urethane doesn't absorb lane oil - a fact that, according to USBC research, can cause oil patterns to break down quickly and unpredictably. This shifting oil can lead to inconsistent lane conditions and potentially offer unfair advantages to certain play styles.
Beyond lane and oil pattern integrity, USBC leadership has raised concerns that the popularity of urethane balls is limiting player development, especially among young bowlers who use them almost exclusively. USBC is also considering tighter specifications because urethane's softness can change over time, giving it a performance edge not originally intended by manufacturers or governing bodies. An allegation this year about Webber International College and their tampering with the softness of their urethane bowling balls occurred, but after investigations, none of the balls tampered with were used in official competition.
USBC ran a major survey to capture the views of bowlers across the country. The results showed that 57% of respondents supported some form of change to the rule, with 36.6% calling for a complete ban and others suggesting stricter specifications. Meanwhile, 38.7% favored leaving current urethane rules untouched. What are your thoughts on urethane? Change the rule, ban the balls, or keep it the same? Did you vote in the survey?
While no immediate ban is in effect and no rule has been changed or updated, the USBC is actively considering what to do next. Most of these changes will only affect National tournaments; thus, for most league bowlers, these potential changes will not affect them. Stay up-to-date and ear to the ground for any news coming out of the USBC offices regarding urethane, and let me know if urethane is your thing or not your thing.