Frequently Asked Questions

When does the PWBA Tour season begin?

The 2024 national season starts with the PWBA GoBowling! Twin Cities Open at Cedarvale Lanes in Eagan, Minnesota, on May 2, 2024. The season will conclude with the PWBA Tour Championship Week, which will take place from Aug. 6-13, 2024, at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park, Michigan.

When does the PWBA Regional Tour season begin?

The 2024 regional season starts with the PWBA Myrtle Beach Regional at Myrtle Beach Bowl in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Jan. 21, 2024. The regional season will conclude with the PWBA Regional Showdown, which will take place Dec. 5-7, 2024, at Aloma Bowl in Winter Park, Florida.

Do I have to be a PWBA member to compete in an event?

How much does it cost to enter each event?

The entry fee for PWBA Standard events is $300 for members and $400 for non-members. PWBA Classic Series events are $900 for members and $1,000 for non-members. Entry for the USBC Queens is $500 until April 14 and $550 beginning April 15. The entry fee for players earning a spot at the U.S. Women's Open is $500. The entry fee for a PWBA Regional event is $100 for members and $150 for nonmembers.

How much does a PWBA membership cost and what are the benefits?

A PWBA membership costs $300 for the 2024 season. PWBA members will receive the following benefits:

• $100 entry-fee discount for PWBA Standard/Classic events
• $50 entry-fee discount for PWBA Regional events
• Entry priority for PWBA Standard/Classic events
• Discounted practice rates at official PWBA Practice Centers
• A free PWBA award ring for a player’s first 300 bowled during a PWBA event
• The right to receive a PWBA champion banner for winning a PWBA national tour event
• The right to transport equipment on the PWBA Player Services truck (transport fees apply)
• A personalized membership card
• PWBA embroidered blanket
• Five PWBA bag tags
• The right to wear the logo of a pro shop or business they own (subject to PWBA Product Registration rules)
• Complimentary subscription to Bowlers Journal International and BowlTV
• Discount on PWBA merchandise through ShopPWBA.com

 
Go to PWBA.com to learn more and to submit a PWBA application.

Is there a limit on the number of players for an event?

Yes, but the limit is based on the number of lanes in the host center and varies by event. PWBA members also have a 21-day priority over guests for all PWBA events, excluding major championships (USBC Queens and U.S. Women’s Open) and the PBA/PWBA Striking Against Breast Cancer Mixed Doubles.

How do entries work at PWBA Regional events?

PWBA members and female guests who average 180 or higher (excluding past PWBA National Tour champions) may enter a PWBA Regional event. 
 
The entry field for PWBA Regional events will be set to accommodate the maximum number of competitors, subject to the number of lanes available and no more than five (5) competitors assigned to any pair of lanes. PWBA members will enter PWBA Regional events at member pricing. Guests will enter at guest pricing. Entries will close 48 hours prior to the start of the event; however, the tournament director has the right to accept entries after the 48-hour deadline.

What equipment can I use during PWBA competition?

Only registered products may be used during PWBA competition. A complete list can be found on the Product Registration page of PWBA.com.

What rule changes were made for the 2024 PWBA season?

A complete copy of the Official PWBA Rules and Regulations can be found on PWBA.com. Here are some key rule changes that will be in effect at the start of the 2024 season:
 
Rule 4-E PWBA Standard Event and Classic Series Event Qualifiers – Removed host center lane requirements. Any PWBA event may have a PTQ.
 
Rule 4-I - Tour Championship Eligibility – Clarity on eligibility requirements.
 
Rule 4-J - Regional Showdown Eligibility – Clarity on eligibility requirements.
 
Rule 7. Formats – Added for clarity on structure/schedule of PWBA events.
 
Rule 11. Wearing Apparel, Logo Placement and Appearance Guidelines – The name on a competitor’s jersey must be the name they used when registering for the event. The BowlTV logo is now required under the PWBA logo on the right sleeve.
 
Rule 18-I – Dead Wood – This rule was added as it was not previously addressed.
 
Rule 24. Substitution of Alternate Competitor – Clarity on the substitution process/more in line with shortduration event rules.

What other changes were made for the 2024 PWBA season?

• The BowlTV logo is required under the PWBA logo on the right sleeve of all competitors’ jerseys regardless of membership status. (This does not apply to the USBC Queens or U.S. Women’s Open)
• Columbia300 logos are no longer allowed on competitors’ jerseys.
• New partners whose products are allowed during competition are Compass Sportswear, KR Strikeforce, and Royal Flush Apparel.

How do I enter a PWBA event?

Links to enter PWBA events can be found on the tournament details pages under the Schedule section of
PWBA.com. Tournament registration opens Jan. 31, 2024, for all PWBA National events, excluding the USBC Queens and U.S. Women’s Open. Event registration links for the USBC Queens and U.S. Women’s Open are available on BOWL.com when those events are open for registration.

I think my center would be a great place for a PWBA tournament. How are venues determined?

If you or someone you know would like to host a PWBA tournament, please contact PWBA staff at PWBA@bowl.com.

If I have other questions, who can I contact?

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