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LEAGUE

RULES & BY-LAWS

We focus on healthy competition, encouragement, mentorship, and shared success.

Kids gain friendships, mentors, and experiences that strengthen their confidence — not just as bowlers, but as growing individuals.

From beginner bowlers to tournament-ready players,

every child finds a place to succeed.

Season Times

Registration Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025

10am - Noon

Start Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025

Scheduled End Date: April 11, 2026

 

Each Week Practice Starts at 9:30am

League Play Starts at 9:45am

League Officers & Coaches

James Scales Jr. - President / Coach

Lakia Rutherford - Secretary / Treasurer

Nicole Scales - Sergeant of Arms / Coach

Jim Blyth - Coach

Dana Gomes - Coach

The following rules and by-laws have been reviewed and adopted by the league officers for the Junior Superstars League.  The rules follow USBC Youth standards. Specific items not covered in the Junior Superstars League rules & by-laws will be governed by the current USBC Rulebook.

1. League Structure

League Type

  • This league shall be a Recognition League, focusing on participation, skill development, growth, personal achievements, and team position.

  • Teams will consist of three bowlers for Jr. Superstars  (male, female, or mixed)  & four bowlers for Superstars (male, female, or mixed).

Season Length

  • The season begins September 13, 2025.

  • It will be a 28-week split season, consisting of two 14-week halves.

2. League Finances

Registration Fees

  • Registration Fee: $25.00 per bowler (Bantams, Junior Superstars & Superstars).

    • Includes USBC sanction, membership, and league administration costs.

  • Each bowler must complete a sanction card and submit dues at registration.

  • Registration fee is non-refundable.

Weekly League Dues

  • League Dues: $20.00 per week per bowler (total $560.00 per bowler for full season).

    • Must be paid in full by March 14, 2026 (or by week 26, whichever comes first)

    • Failure to pay by date will make your bowler ineligible for recognition awards.

  • Dues cover:

    • Shoe rental (if needed)

    • Three games of bowling each week (including pre-bowl)

  • Payments:

    • May be made weekly, in advance, or through CashApp ($JrSuperstars) or QR payment link.

    • Bowlers who fall behind more than 3 weeks will not be allowed to bowl until dues are current.

    • If you choose not to pre-bowl, absentee dues will be $12.00.

    • All payments are non-refundable.

    • Financial concerns must be discussed with the League Treasurer (Lakia).

Note: Any bowler who leaves the league without paying all outstanding dues will not be permitted to return in future seasons until all past dues are paid in full.

Additional Costs

  • Personalized bowling jerseys are required as league uniform and can be purchased through the league.  (QR payment link located on page 2)

    • Uniforms should be ordered within one month of joining the league.

  • End of Year Banquet & Awards – Each bowler, guests, volunteers and coaches who plan to attend the banquet must purchase tickets.

Note: Details, costs, and eligibility will be announced prior to the banquet.  This cost includes trophies, recognition awards, and banquet accommodations.

3. League Play Rules

Lane Courtesy & Conduct

  • Bowlers must stay in assigned lanes while bowling.

  • Bowlers must remain seated unless it is their turn.

  • Each bowler is entitled to one-lane courtesy to the left and right.

    • This means, DO NOT wait or stand on the approach until the other bowlers have left the approach and it is your turn to bowl.

  • League uniforms must be worn during league play.

  • No food in the bowling area. Only water or sports drinks are allowed.

  • No headwear, headphones, or electronic devices while bowling (unless medically authorized).

  • Bowlers must show respect at all times; no mocking, taunting, distracting, or swearing.

4. Dress Code

League Uniform

  • All bowlers must wear their official league jersey during league play, tournaments, and position rounds.

  • Jerseys must remain neat, clean, and tucked in when appropriate.

  • League, replacement or additional jerseys may be purchased through the league.

  • Bowlers may wear jeans, sweatpants, slacks, khakis, neat athletic pants or leggings.

  • Shorts, skirts and skorts are permitted but must be an appropriate length (fingertip rule applies per USBC Youth Tournament Rules).

Note: Until bowler’s uniform is delivered, bowler may wear a white, black or red collared polo. 

Footwear

  • Bowling shoes must be worn during league play.

  • No street shoes, sandals, or slides are allowed.

Headwear & Accessories

  • Hats, caps, bandanas, or other head coverings are not permitted while bowling, unless medically or religiously required.

  • Jewelry should not interfere with safe play.

  • Earbuds, headphones, or cell phone use are not allowed during active bowling.

5. Code of Conduct Toward Coaches & Bowlers

Respect & Sportsmanship

  • All bowlers and spectators must show respect to fellow teammates, opponents, and coaches at all times.

  • Unsportsmanlike behavior—such as mocking, taunting, or intentionally distracting another bowler—is prohibited.

  • Good sportsmanship includes congratulating others, encouraging teammates, and maintaining a positive attitude.

Respect Toward Coaches & Officials

  • All Bowlers and spectators must listen to and follow the instructions of coaches, league officials, and tournament directors.

  • Disputes or disagreements must be addressed calmly and respectfully by league officers/coaches.

  • Verbal abuse, arguing, or ignoring directions from coaches or officials may result in warnings, loss of frames, suspension, or dismissal from the league.

  • Spectators must remain outside the bowling area and behind the high-top tables.

Zero Tolerance for Harassment & Bullying

  • Any form of harassment—verbal, physical, or online—toward coaches or bowlers will not be tolerated. 

  • Bullying (including intimidation, gossiping, or exclusion) is grounds for disciplinary action, up to removal from the league.


SafeSport & Youth Protection

  • All coaches and volunteers must comply with USBC SafeSport & RVP requirements.

Penalties

  • First Offense: Verbal warning, documented.

  • Second Offense: Loss of frames or asked to leave for the day.

  • Third Offense: Removal from league (no refunds).

  • Severe incidents (threats, violence, harassment) will result in immediate removal from the league (no refunds).

Note: All misconduct must be reported immediately to the Sergeant of Arms (Coach Nicole) or any other league officer.

6. League Competition

Averages

  • Returning bowlers: Use last season’s average (minimum 21 games).

  • New bowlers: Average established after 3 games.

  • Summer league averages are not accepted.

  • Vacant bowler average of 120, with 72 pin handicap.

Point System

  • Each bowler bowls 3 games; team scores are combined.

  • Scoring breakdown:

    • 2 points per game (team total with handicap).

    • 2 points for overall series (team + handicap).

    • Maximum: 8 points per match

Tardiness

  • Bowlers must be present before the start of the 4th frame.

  • If late beyond the 4th frame, they will be considered absent for that game and may bowl in the next game.

Absences & Pre-Bowls

  • Absentee score = current average minus 5 pins (for Jr Superstars) and minus 10 pins (for Superstars).

  • Officers must be informed of all pre-bowling prior to scheduling.

  • Pre-bowling is only allowed if arranged with the house.

  • Pre-bowl must be completed within 1 week before the absence.

  • Pre-bowls cannot be used for position rounds.

  • Officers may deny pre-bowls, if they conflict with position rounds.

  • If a bowler cannot continue mid-game, remainder frames will be marked as zero (0) and following games will be marked as absent.

  • Pre-bowl scores do not count towards awards.

Note: Bowlers should retain a copy of their pre-bowl scores printout from the front desk and present to the League Treasurer (Lakia).

7. Recognition

To celebrate achievement and encourage continued growth, the Junior Superstars Youth Bowling League recognizes bowlers for their participation, skill, sportsmanship, and improvement throughout the season.

General Requirements for Awards

  • Bowlers must bowl more than 65 games to be eligible.

  • Pre-bowl scores do not count towards awards.

End-of-Year Banquet

  • Awards will be presented at the End-of-Year Banquet, where bowlers and sponsors are recognized.

  • Banquet costs are included in additional league fees as outlined in League Finances.

  • Sponsors may also be invited for public acknowledgment of their contributions.

  • Each bowler, guests, volunteers and coaches who plan to attend the banquet must purchase tickets as stated in League Finances.

8. League Officer Discretion & Authority

To maintain fairness, balance, and the smooth operation of the Junior Superstars League, league officers reserve the following rights:

Team Assignments & Adjustments

  • Teams are assigned with the best interest of bowler’s development, safety and well-being in mind and will remain throughout the season.

  • The only adjustments made thereafter will be for new bowlers filling vacancies.

Financial Enforcement

  • Any bowler who leaves the league without paying all outstanding dues will not be permitted to return in future seasons until all past dues are paid in full.

  • Officers may suspend participation for bowlers who are more than three weeks behind on dues until balances are made current.

Conduct Oversight

  • Officers have authority to investigate reports of misconduct and enforce penalties as outlined in the League Code of Conduct.

  • Misconduct must be reported immediately to a league officer, who will document and review the incident in accordance with league by-laws and USBC rules.

Cancellations & Emergencies

  • In the event of severe weather, lane conditions, or unforeseen circumstances, league officers may cancel or reschedule play as needed.

  • Makeup games or adjusted schedules will be determined and communicated by the officers in a timely manner.

9. Tournaments

Purpose & Benefits of Tournament Participation

The Junior Superstars Youth Bowling League encourages participation in tournaments to provide bowlers with valuable experiences that go beyond weekly league play. Tournaments allow youth bowlers to:

  • Compete in a higher-level, structured environment against peers from other leagues.

  • Build confidence, sportsmanship, and teamwork by facing new challenges.

  • Gain exposure to scholarship opportunities offered through USBC events, including SMART scholarship funding that helps bowlers save for their future education.

  • Develop lifelong skills such as focus, discipline, and performing under pressure — all while celebrating their achievements in the sport of bowling.

Participation Requirements

To be eligible to represent the Junior Superstars League in tournaments, bowlers must:

  • Be an active, sanctioned USBC Youth member in good standing.

  • Be current on all league dues and fees at the time of the tournament.

  • New bowlers require 12 games of league play to develop and average.

  • Dress code is same as league play (Section 4: Dress Code)

Upcoming Tournaments - 2025-2026 Season

Jr. Superstars participate in the following tournaments:

  • Youth State Singles Tournament

    • Wonderbowl New Bedford

  • 2026 Adult/Jr Tournament & Youth Leaders Tournament

    • Bowlero Somerset

  • 2026 MA Spring Single Championship & 2026 USBC Youth Scratch Championships Tournament

    • Bowlero Chicopee

  • 59th Annual Championship Tournament

    • Bowlero Worcester

Find tournament information on MAUSBCYOUTH.ORG

Note: Details, costs, and eligibility will be announced prior to each tournament. Some events may be included in league dues; others may require additional entry fees.

10. League Coaches & Volunteers

To ensure the safety, development, and success of youth bowlers, all coaches and/or volunteers in the Junior Superstars League must meet the following requirements:

Registered Volunteer Program (RVP) & Background Checks

  • All adults working with youth must be part of the USBC Registered Volunteer Program (RVP) and pass the required background screening.

  • No adult may coach, volunteer, or interact with bowlers in an official capacity until clearance is confirmed.

SafeSport Training

  • All adult coaches and volunteers must complete USBC SafeSport Training in compliance with national youth sports safety guidelines.

  • Training must be renewed annually, and proof of completion must be submitted to the League Secretary.

USBC Coaching Certification

  • All coaches are required to complete, at least, USBC Level 1 Coaching Certification within four (4) months of beginning coaching duties.

  • Certification ensures consistent teaching methods, safety awareness, and age-appropriate skill development.

  • Coaches who fail to complete certification within the required timeframe may be restricted from active coaching until certification is verified.

Code of Conduct for Coaches & Volunteers

  • Coaches and volunteers must serve as role models of sportsmanship, professionalism, and respect.

  • Inappropriate behavior, language, or interactions with youth will not be tolerated and may result in immediate removal from the league.

  • Any misconduct involving coaches or volunteers must be reported to league officers and will be investigated in accordance with USBC and SafeSport policies.

Ongoing Education & Mentorship

  • Coaches are encouraged to pursue higher-level USBC certifications (Bronze, Silver, Gold) to further enhance the development of league bowlers.

  • Volunteers should participate in league meetings, training sessions, or workshops as offered, to stay aligned with league values and youth development goals.

11. Amendments

  • These by-laws may be amended by a majority vote of league officers.

  • Any issues not covered in this document shall defer to the current USBC Rulebook.

Let’s Have A Wonderful Season !

Weekly Bowling Schedule

Saturdays, September 13, 2025 - March 28, 2026

9:30am - League Bowling Begins

Location

Westgate Lanes

65 Westgate Dr,  Brockton, MA

Location

Westgate Lanes

65 Westgate Dr,  Brockton, MA

Location

Westgate Lanes

65 Westgate Dr,  Brockton, MA

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