Changes to the TBA Lane conditioning policy prior to the beginning of the year has changed the way lane conditions are set for All Double Ranked events this year.
The policy as it currently is (for double ranked):
National Ranked Events attracting Double Ranking Points are required to utilize Kegel Sanction Technology.
The promoters for these events are required to supply the TBA Technical Advisory Committee with details of the
event center, lane surface, conditioner, cleaner, oiling machine type and model no less then than 30 days prior
to the event.
In consultation with Kegel USA the TBA Technical Advisory Committee will put forward pattern(s) for use in
these events.
The centre will be required to do an oil volume test, to confirm that the machine is calibrated correctly prior to
applying the pattern.
A tape reading of the pattern prior to play in accordance with Clause 7 will still be required.
There has been some confusion by bowlers and centers about what this actually means. And why did it change.
What it means is that the lane condition for Double Ranked events will be set by Kegel based on the center information supplied, the tournament format and the scoring conditions requested by the TBA High Performance Manager.
Why did it change?
We need to ensure that the skill level of our athletes continues to improve and keeps pace with the rest of the world, and the best way to do this is to follow the trend where patterns are forcing people to be able to play the entire lane. One event you may need to play the edge, and the next event might see you playing deep inside.
The intention is to increase the level of difficulty in the double ranked events, as these are our MAJORS, and much like on the PBA Tour our expectations are that it requires a great level of skill and tenacity to win a Major, hence aiding to build the image and prestige of all Double Ranked events.
Further to this, it is our intention not to advertise the pattern for the Double ranked events with the exception of the 3D Graph, which will only give you a general view of the pattern and a pattern length etc, it will not have the figures available so that people can practice prior to the event. All centers holding a Double Ranked Event will be encouraged to hold and advertise official practice sessions on the pattern in the 3 days leading up to the event.
Further Changes to come in 2007
Our intention moving forward into 2007 is that the policy for Double Ranked events remain as it currently is, but that the policy for all other ranked events be scraped as it is in it current 3:1 etc form.
For 2007 we intend to have a pool of 5 patterns, one of which must be used if you are to host a ranked event. When the ranked event is accredited it will be given a pattern to use for the event. The pattern will most likely be chosen using a draw system of some sort.
The patterns will be advertised on the TBA website and they will be available to all. Our hope is that centres will run leagues using all 5 rankings patterns, giving players the experience they need to be more competitive in a ranked event, and hopefully helping to build the numbers in ranked events around the country.
What this means though is that all centres that host a ranked event of any kind, will need to use a sanction technology lane machine for the event (Kegel or similar).
One of the key drivers behind these changes is that we need to demonstrate that we have a clear and organised approach towards our ranked events, and probably the area that has received that greatest amount of criticism over the last few years is the lane conditions.
Currently we as a national body have no or little input in to the conditions on which our sport is played, and in the eyes of the Australian Sports Commission, and any potential corporate sponsor, we are sure this goes against us.
So at a time where we need as much outside help as possible, and not to mention a need to increase the level of professionalism within our sport, the TBA and High Performance feel that these changes for 2007 are for the better and we all hope that with the support of the bowlers and centre managers and owners from around the country that together we can all drive our sport to a higher level.
The policy as it currently is (for double ranked):
National Ranked Events attracting Double Ranking Points are required to utilize Kegel Sanction Technology.
The promoters for these events are required to supply the TBA Technical Advisory Committee with details of the
event center, lane surface, conditioner, cleaner, oiling machine type and model no less then than 30 days prior
to the event.
In consultation with Kegel USA the TBA Technical Advisory Committee will put forward pattern(s) for use in
these events.
The centre will be required to do an oil volume test, to confirm that the machine is calibrated correctly prior to
applying the pattern.
A tape reading of the pattern prior to play in accordance with Clause 7 will still be required.
There has been some confusion by bowlers and centers about what this actually means. And why did it change.
What it means is that the lane condition for Double Ranked events will be set by Kegel based on the center information supplied, the tournament format and the scoring conditions requested by the TBA High Performance Manager.
Why did it change?
We need to ensure that the skill level of our athletes continues to improve and keeps pace with the rest of the world, and the best way to do this is to follow the trend where patterns are forcing people to be able to play the entire lane. One event you may need to play the edge, and the next event might see you playing deep inside.
The intention is to increase the level of difficulty in the double ranked events, as these are our MAJORS, and much like on the PBA Tour our expectations are that it requires a great level of skill and tenacity to win a Major, hence aiding to build the image and prestige of all Double Ranked events.
Further to this, it is our intention not to advertise the pattern for the Double ranked events with the exception of the 3D Graph, which will only give you a general view of the pattern and a pattern length etc, it will not have the figures available so that people can practice prior to the event. All centers holding a Double Ranked Event will be encouraged to hold and advertise official practice sessions on the pattern in the 3 days leading up to the event.
Further Changes to come in 2007
Our intention moving forward into 2007 is that the policy for Double Ranked events remain as it currently is, but that the policy for all other ranked events be scraped as it is in it current 3:1 etc form.
For 2007 we intend to have a pool of 5 patterns, one of which must be used if you are to host a ranked event. When the ranked event is accredited it will be given a pattern to use for the event. The pattern will most likely be chosen using a draw system of some sort.
The patterns will be advertised on the TBA website and they will be available to all. Our hope is that centres will run leagues using all 5 rankings patterns, giving players the experience they need to be more competitive in a ranked event, and hopefully helping to build the numbers in ranked events around the country.
What this means though is that all centres that host a ranked event of any kind, will need to use a sanction technology lane machine for the event (Kegel or similar).
One of the key drivers behind these changes is that we need to demonstrate that we have a clear and organised approach towards our ranked events, and probably the area that has received that greatest amount of criticism over the last few years is the lane conditions.
Currently we as a national body have no or little input in to the conditions on which our sport is played, and in the eyes of the Australian Sports Commission, and any potential corporate sponsor, we are sure this goes against us.
So at a time where we need as much outside help as possible, and not to mention a need to increase the level of professionalism within our sport, the TBA and High Performance feel that these changes for 2007 are for the better and we all hope that with the support of the bowlers and centre managers and owners from around the country that together we can all drive our sport to a higher level.
