Tenpin Bowling New Zealand, the governing body of New Zealand bowling, has confirmed changes to its equipment rules following the recent update from the International Bowling Federation.
New Zealand will adopt the 78D urethane hardness standard for all TBNZ Sanctioned Events. The rule will take effect from March 23, 2026, after the TBNZ National Team Championships, leaving some time for athletes to adjust their equipment.
From that date, urethane bowling balls used in New Zealand sanctioned events must be manufactured with a minimum hardness of 78D and must comply with the updated IBF guidelines. Balls that appear on the list of non-eligible equipment will not be permitted in ranked events.
In line with IBF policy, random hardness checks may be conducted during competition. If a ball measures below 72D during inspection, it will be considered non-compliant and removed from play.
The regulation will apply to all future TBNZ Sanctioned Events after the effective date. However, the new directive does not apply to league bowling. League competitions will continue to operate under existing USBC conditions, where equipment must be listed on the current USBC Approved Ball list.
