2024 Tournament Rules
1. The annual Greater Indianapolis Fall Classic (hereinafter referred to as TGIF Classic) will be held August 17th and 18th, 2024. This tournament is open to USBC members and nonmembers by invitation. Award recognition will be automatically extended to USBC members; nonmembers may qualify for USBC awards at their option by paying a $5.00 participation fee. Tournament will be sanctioned by USBC as a Moral Support Tournament as defined in USBC rule 301a. By completing this application, each bowler or their representative indicates that they are a member or supporter of the International Gay Bowler’s Organization (IGBO). Any bowler holding PBA membership is ineligible for entry in the TGIF Classic. The TGIF Executive Board has the right to refuse any application for entry for this event. TGIF Classic 2024 will adhere to USBC tournament rules, except as noted in the rules below.
2. TGIF Classic 2024 will consist of handicapped singles, doubles, and team events. Each bowler will bowl three games per event. Bowlers may bowl only once in each event. Doubles pairs must come from the same team. Teams will consist of four members of any combination of men and women. Men and women will compete on an equal basis.
3. Entries will only be accepted via the on-line registration and payment systems prescribed by the statistician and can be found at www.tgif-classic.org. Early bird entry fee is $125.00 for all entries received on or before July 1st, 2024. Participant entry fee is $135.00 for all entries received after July 1st, 2024. Entries must be accompanied by the full amount of fees due to be considered complete. The deadline to enter the tournament is August 4th, 2024. The statistician reserves the right to accept late entries to fill positions as needed. The registration fee for non-participants is $60.00
4. All prize monies collected as a portion of the tournament entry fee will be returned 100% as tournament payouts. The prize to participant ratio will be a minimum 1 in 8. Total tournament winnings paid to an individual exceeding $600 will require us to submit a 1099 to the IRS and to the bowler.
5. Handicaps will be calculated at 90% of 230 less the bowler’s average, with no negative handicap. Entering league averages will be determined as follows:
A. Bowler’s highest 2023-2024 sanctioned league average as of April 30th, 2024 (minimum 21 games).
B. If no 2023-2024 average exists, bowler’s highest sanctioned league average for the 2022-2023 season (minimum 21 games).
C. If neither exists, a sanctioned summer league from 2024 (minimum 21 games) could be used.
D. If none of the above applies, the bowler will enter with a 230 average.
E. Averages from USBC Sport Bowling leagues will not be accepted for tournament average calculations.
F. Sanctioned league average verification must be submitted with all entries. Average verification must be signed by the secretary or other league officer if the secretary is unavailable, and it must contain that officer’s area code and telephone number or email address. In accordance with USBC Rule 319a-3, the bowler is responsible for his/her own average verification.
6. Any bowler having participated in 18 or more tournament games within the 12 months prior to June 30th, 2024 must submit all tournament scores pursuant to USBC rule 319e. Any tournament scores not reported, falsified, or altered, will cause the bowler to be disqualified from participation in TGIF Classic, and any prize monies won, and entry fees paid will be forfeited. The bowler’s tournament average will be used for any bowler who has bowled 18 or more tournament games within the 12 months prior to June 30th, 2024 if the bowler’s tournament average exceeds their highest league average (rule 5 above).
7. Ten minutes of practice will be permitted prior to the start of each event. Late bowlers will start bowling in the frame in which they arrive, with prior frames scored as zero. Substitutes will be allowed to participate at the discretion of the tournament committee.
8. Bowlers will not be allowed to bowl on their assigned lanes on their scheduled day of bowling. All games will be hosted at Royal Pin Expo Bowl, 5261 Elmwood Ave, Indianapolis IN 46203.
9. All claims of error in scoring must be submitted in writing to the Tournament Manager within 24 hours after the bowler or team has completed bowling. In any matter of dispute, the tournament committee, guided by USBC rule 329, will have final judgment and jurisdiction.