Frequently Asked Questions

Junior Gold

The official dress code is listed in the Competitors Guide. Female athletes should be aware that skirt/skort length checks DO happen and there is some differences of opinion between officials at times.

USA Bowling – listed in the rules. One thing to note is that female competitors must have matching bottoms, they must either all wear shirts, or all wear slacks.

Survivor

Same rules as Junior Gold

Youth Open Championships

Can be found in the Youth Open Championships Competitor’s Guide, however generally the same as Junior Gold.

Adult / Youth Baker Tournament

This depends on the local association, but typically there isn’t a requirement. Better safe than sorry – wear at least a collared shirt and slacks / skirt.

JuniorBowling.com DV8 shootout

No requirements other than must have a neat appearance, no rips. “Mom approved”.

Last Updated on September 27, 2019 by John Voorhis

You compete in your actual age division regardless of which division you qualified in. You have the option of competing in a higher age division if you like.

Last Updated on May 19, 2024 by John Voorhis

Competitors are divided into divisions based on age, and gender (male / female). The age divisions are U12, U15, and U18. 

Junior Gold has only scratch divisions and scoring, there are no handicapped divisions.

See the “How do the age divisions work” FAQ for more info.

Last Updated on May 19, 2024 by John Voorhis

For Junior Gold there are currently 3 age divisions – U12, U15, AND U18. The competitor’s age as of August 1st is the determining factor for which age category he falls into. For 2024 the cutoff dates are:
U12: 8/1/11 or later
U15: 8/1/08 – 7/31/11
U18: 8/1/05 – 7/31/08

Example (DoB – Division)
10/15/2013 – U12
9/15/2011 – U12
4/13/2011 – U15
11/14/2006 – U18

The official cutoff dates for the age divisions are found in the tournament directors guides here: Bowl.com – Event Directors Guides.

Last Updated on May 19, 2024 by John Voorhis

To qualify for Junior Gold you must finish highly in a Junior Gold qualifying tournament or league.  See the “Qualifying for Junior Gold” page for more information.

Last Updated on September 30, 2019 by John Voorhis

Beginning in the 2019-2020 season, weight hole are no longer allowed. You can use a ball that has had the weight holes filled.

Last Updated on September 30, 2019 by John Voorhis

No changes are allowed during the competition, or during the warm-up sessions just prior to the start of each squad. This begins when any competitor in the squad throws a ball during the warm-up session, NOT when the player throws a ball. The same rules apply for cleaners and polishes. During competition / warm-up, only a dry cloth is allowed for cleaning, no liquid cleaners may be used. All abrasives must be removed from the bowlers area.

You may change / alter the surface as needed in between squads.

For more information, see the “Use of Abrasives on Ball Surface” section under “Rule 7 – Bowling Ball Specifications” of the Junior Gold Competitor’s Guide.

Last Updated on July 31, 2019 by John Voorhis