Following the announcement of the new USBC urethane restriction at nationally conducted events, 32-time PBA Tour champion Jason Belmonte has spoken out about the rule changes.

USBC recently confirmed that beginning December 31, 2025, urethane bowling balls must be manufactured at a minimum 78D hardness to remain approved for sale in the United States. Meanwhile, starting January 1, 2026, restrictions will apply to national tournaments, including complete urethane bans at the U.S. Open, USBC Masters, PWBA Tour events, and others.

In his recent post on social media, Belmonte described the rule as unclear and difficult to follow. He pointed out that while urethane will be banned at national events, they remain allowed in leagues and other certified competitions, emphasizing that the changes will affect only a small part of bowlers

"My head is spinning at just how poor this is, let alone confusing," Belmonte said. "The majority of bowling will see zero change. The ‘soft’ urethane balls will still continue to roam free amongst the bowling community."

After USBC decision on urethane restriction, urethanes are allowed in certain tournaments, like certified leagues and tournaments, but banned in others, and in some cases allowed only during qualifying before being restricted in later rounds.

Belmonte expressed that the rule changes are very confusing. He also noted that the USBC had the chance to provide clarity and move the sport forward, but the Australian two-hander believes the decision fell short.

"78D hardness balls are allowed, but are also banned, but are also allowed and then banned within the same tournament. Then the only people who are trying to make a living are the ones who see the biggest change. If it’s ‘bad’ for the pros, why not bad for everyone else? This governing body had a chance to give clarity, correct their previous mistakes and lead forward. They have not done that here!"

According to the USBC, The new urethane restriction aims to address issues such as lane condition integrity, competitive fairness, and player development.

USBC is not the only governing body to take action against urethane bowling balls. In May, we reported that the Norwegian Bowling Federation (NBF) introduced a new rule banning the use of certain urethane bowling balls in major national competitions. This includes the Norwegian National Championships and the National League.