The European Bowling Federation has confirmed a rules change for the European Bowling Tour.

Beginning with the 2026 EBT season and the 2025–26 EBT Youth season, the 78D hardness rule will be dropped.

According to a letter from EBF President Valgeir Gudbjartsson, sent to manufacturers, hosts and media earlier today, all IBF/USBC-approved balls will again be allowed at every EBT stop.

According to a letter, EBT and EBT Youth tournaments will align with IBF standards. Any ball on the USBC Approved Ball List will be eligible for use. The 78D hardness rule will not be applied at any EBT stop unless the event is officially sanctioned as part of the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour.

Last season, EBT hosts were allowed to enforce the 78D hardness standard to match the PBA Tour policy. That option is now removed for EBT events.

For athletes and organizers, this means urethane and urethane-like balls listed on the USBC Approved Ball List, including Purple Hammer and Storm Pitch Black, are permitted across the tour.

In the United States, discussions around Urethane governance are ongoing. On July 23, USBC released an official statement expressing increasing concerns about the ongoing use of urethane bowling balls in certified competition. 

USBC then surveyed bowlers about potential changes and now USBC's Equipment Specifications Committee is expected to meet in late August or early September 2025 to bring more structured solution.

The article will be updated with EBF’s comment once received.