The First Time Bowling Tried to Ban Urethane - And Why It Failed

Jul 26, 2025 | By Erikas Jansonas

Editorial

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The First Time Bowling Tried to Ban Urethane - And Why It Failed

Jul 26, 2025 | By Erikas Jansonas

Editorial

This article is based on historical information shared by Gary Beck on Facebook, who provided valuable insight into one of the most debated moments in bowling equipment history.

This week, the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) released an official statement confirming that it is in advanced talks to ban urethane bowling balls from certified competition.

According to USBC, urethane affects lane pattern integrity, creates possible imbalances in competitive fairness, may limit player development, and presents enforcement challenges due to its softness over time.

USBC’s Equipment Specifications Committee is currently reviewing survey feedback and manufacturer input, with a decision expected later in 2025.

But this is not the first time the sport faced such a crossroads with urethane bowling balls.

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Back in 1981, the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) came very close to banning urethane bowling balls entirely.

This wasn’t due to long-term softness or lane integrity concerns, but because of how dramatically the new ball changed performance during competition.

By 1974, AMF, a major bowling brand, was struggling with market share. It had shut down its ball factories and outsourced ball production to competitors. Not satisfied with the results, AMF hired Edmond Leary, MIT engineer, to design a new kind of ball that would dominate the lanes.

Leary began testing his designs at the 1979 Bowling Proprietors' Association (BPAA) U.S. Open and returned a year later with 36 prototypes, tested by six PBA players.

Ten months later, 125 newly built bowling balls were delivered to the 1981 PBA National Championship in Toledo, Ohio.

The ball, later named the AMF Angle, was black with a pancake weight block - just like most of the balls on the market. But on the lanes, it was anything but ordinary. It hooked more and hit harder than anything bowlers had used before.

Within a month, AMF gave away over 2,000 Angles to players on tour. For free, as a marketing campaign. After that, even bowlers known for throwing straight suddenly were hooking like crazy. The change was hard to ignore.

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Concerned about how much the ball was impacting scoring, the PBA Tournament Committee had to make a move. In early April 1981, just a yar after AMF Angle was released,all eleven committee members voted unanimously to ban urethane bowling balls.

But when the PBA Executive Committee met later that month in Las Vegas, the plan was rejected.

The reason was financial. The PBA depended on support from bowling ball manufacturers, and banning urethane would hurt those relationships.

So, despite the serious concern, the ban on urethane never became official. The ball stayed on tour. Over time, it changed how equipment was developed and how the game was played.

More than 40 years later, the debate continues wether should urethane be banned or not.

This article is based on information originally provided by Gary Beck on Facebook.

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The First Time Bowling Tried to Ban Urethane - And Why It Failed

This article is based on historical information shared by Gary Beck on Facebook, who provided valuable insight into one of the most debated moments in bowling equipment history. This article is based on historical information shared by Gary Beck on Facebook Facebook Facebook , who provided valuable insight into one of the most debated moments in bowling equipment history. This week, the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) released an official statement confirming that it is in advanced talks to ban urethane bowling balls from certified competition. in advanced talks to ban urethane bowling balls in advanced talks to ban urethane bowling balls According to USBC, urethane affects lane pattern integrity, creates possible imbalances in competitive fairness, may limit player development, and presents enforcement challenges due to its softness over time. USBC’s Equipment Specifications Committee is currently reviewing survey feedback and manufacturer input, with a decision expected later in 2025. But this is not the first time the sport faced such a crossroads with urethane bowling balls. Back in 1981, the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) came very close to banning urethane bowling balls entirely. This wasn’t due to long-term softness or lane integrity concerns, but because of how dramatically the new ball changed performance during competition. By 1974, AMF, a major bowling brand, was struggling with market share. It had shut down its ball factories and outsourced ball production to competitors. Not satisfied with the results, AMF hired Edmond Leary, MIT engineer, to design a new kind of ball that would dominate the lanes. Leary began testing his designs at the 1979 Bowling Proprietors' Association (BPAA) U.S. Open and returned a year later with 36 prototypes, tested by six PBA players. Ten months later, 125 newly built bowling balls were delivered to the 1981 PBA National Championship in Toledo, Ohio. The ball, later named the AMF Angle, was black with a pancake weight block - just like most of the balls on the market. But on the lanes, it was anything but ordinary. It hooked more and hit harder than anything bowlers had used before. Within a month, AMF gave away over 2,000 Angles to players on tour. For free, as a marketing campaign. After that, even bowlers known for throwing straight suddenly were hooking like crazy. The change was hard to ignore. Concerned about how much the ball was impacting scoring, the PBA Tournament Committee had to make a move. In early April 1981, just a yar after AMF Angle was released,all eleven committee members voted unanimously to ban urethane bowling balls. But when the PBA Executive Committee met later that month in Las Vegas, the plan was rejected. The reason was financial. The PBA depended on support from bowling ball manufacturers, and banning urethane would hurt those relationships. So, despite the serious concern, the ban on urethane never became official. The ball stayed on tour. Over time, it changed how equipment was developed and how the game was played. More than 40 years later, the debate continues wether should urethane be banned or not. This article is based on information originally provided by Gary Beck on Facebook. This article is based on information originally provided by Gary Beck on Facebook Gary Beck on Facebook Gary Beck on Facebook .

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Bowling’s Back in the Arena: The Night It Finally Felt Like a Real Sport Again

The 2025 PWBA Anniversary Open was a massive occasion for bowling. Everyone was talking about it. With so many photos and videos flooding social media, even those who weren’t at the Resch Center on Sunday night could feel like they were part of it. It was a breath of fresh air - just what bowling needed. 2025 PWBA Anniversary Open 2025 PWBA Anniversary Open After WBA, USBC, and BPAA did the math, 6,559 spectators packed the Resch Center - a venue that holds up to 10,200 fans in its standard configuration for basketball, hockey, or indoor football events. That’s over 64% of the seats filled - not too shabby for an event where sitting on the other side of the pin deck (meaning one sector remains unseated) isn’t an option. Of course, the organizers were intentionally aiming for a big crowd: it was an anniversary event, entry was free, several tournaments were merged into one, and thousands of youth bowlers (plus their families) were already in town. It worked. I do wonder what attendance would’ve looked like if it had been a regular PWBA title event. But this piece isn’t about that. This time, let’s take a look back through history - looking at the most attendance-wise successful events, the ones that failed, and reflect on what bowling in arena can mean for the sport. Bowling’s All-Time Attendance Record 6,559 spectators is a lot for bowling - no doubt about that. But it’s not the record. The current attendance record belongs to the other women's bowling event - 2011 U.S. Women’s Open, where 8,017 fans watched the finals inside AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. Built in 2009, the stadium was a perfect fit for bowling. With seating for 80,000, cutting-edge tech, and that “stadium feel,” it gave bowling something it rarely gets - true center-stage energy. Traditional bowling venues typically only fit a few hundred spectators around the lanes and don’t surround players with big-time atmosphere - AT&T Stadium was completely different. The 2011 U.S. Women's Open was a huge success. It smashed the previous record of 7,212 fans, set at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit in 1995 during the BPAA U.S. Open - the most-attended PBA Tour event to this day. So, if I’ve done my math right, the 2025 PWBA Anniversary Open ranks as the third most-attended bowling event in history. Well, at least in modern bowling. It’s followed by the 2004 USBC Masters at Miller Park, which had 4,303 spectators. The BPAA All-Star Tournaments of the 1950s and 60s may have drawn similar numbers - venues like the National Guard Armory in Minneapolis had capacities over 8,000, but without verified public attendance records, those numbers are just speculation. Not Every Bowling In Arena Attempt Worked Stadium-sized bowling events come with big risks. And sometimes, they don’t pay off. After the success of the 2004 Masters at Miller Park, expectations were high. But due to financial limitations and poor turnout in later years, the Masters quickly returned to smaller venues. But in 2007, the organizers took one last shot - bringing the event back to Miller Park. On paper, the timing looked great. The local footbal team played the day after, meaning no sports competition that Sunday. Two lanes were built, four finalists were ready, and 12,000 seats were opened for fans. Everything was in place. Except the crowd. Only 2,712 people showed up, despite tickets ranging from $10 to $75, to watch 25-year-old future Hall-of-Famer Sean Rash win the title and $50,000 top prize. That disappointment left a lasting mark. Since then, no PBA Tour event has returned to a stadium venue - and with Bowlero not focused on arena-style events, there’s little indication that will change soon. But maybe the success in Green Bay will spark some discussions, hope, and courage to change that. Bowling may be a small sport compared to football, basketball, or hockey - sports that fill stadiums every weekend - but it’s big enough to say that the vast majority of people have tried knocking down pins at least once. Big events like the PWBA Anniversary Open are important - not just for fan excitement, but for the sport’s image, growth, and the players themselves. They show what bowling could look like if we all put in just a little more effort. After all, who really wants to sit in a poorly ventilated, rusty bowling alley under a shopping mall for three hours watching bowling without proper seating for fans? We may be small, but we have big hearts. Big enough to fill stadiums. We just need a little more courage to open the big doors - and let the fans walk in.

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Is Bowling a Sport? Facts That Settle the Debate

Is bowling a sport or just a fun activity with family or friends? This question keeps coming up on socials and in private talks. Some say it's clearly a sport. Others think it’s more of a hobby or a leisure activity. In this article, we’ll explore both views and share facts that help answer the question: is bowling a sport? Why People Say Bowling Is a Sport Let’s look at the most common reasons people believe bowling is a real sport. Bowling Has Official Recognition One of the strongest arguments that helps answer the question “is bowling a sport” is its official recognition by major sports bodies. The International Olympic Committee has recognized the International Bowling Federation (IBF) since 1979. The IBF governs the sport worldwide and sets rules and rankings. Professional leagues also exist. The most popular one - The PBA Tour - includes athletes from around the world. Players on PBA Tour follow strict rules, train hard, and earn prize money. FOX Sports, CBS, and ESPN have aired major bowling events to large audiences. That supports the idea that bowling is a sport. Bowling Requires Skill and Effort Bowling may seem simple, but it requires strength, accuracy, and control. The ball can weigh up to 16 pounds and some players throw it faster than 20 mph. A spare ball - up to 35 mph! Bowlers who hook the bowling ball generate strong rotation. Studies show the motion puts stress on the wrists and shoulders. Also, releasing the bowling ball puts strong force on the knees and leg muscles. hook the bowling ball hook the bowling ball Even though bowling is not as physical as contact sports, it also puts stress on the heart. A typical bowler’s heart rate during a session can range from the low 100s to the high 170s. This level of physical and mental effort is exactly why so many agree the answer to is bowling a sport is yes. Bowling Has Real Competition To answer the question "is bowling a sport," we must also look at its competitive structure. Unlike many games, bowling includes leagues, tournaments, and both continental and world championships. It has coaches, training camps, and organized event schedules. Players compete for titles and prize money, just like in other recognized sports. The sport includes junior events, championships, and national team events. This level of structure supports the view that bowling is a sport. Millions Compete Worldwide Over 100 million people bowl in more than 80 countries every year. It’s one of the most played indoor sports on Earth. Also, one of the oldest ones. Archaeologists discovered miniature pins and balls in an Egyptian tomb dated to 3200 BC, proving bowling's ancient origins. By the 14th century, bowling grew so popular in England that King Edward III banned it to keep archers practicing. The modern version of bowling took shape in 1895, when the American Bowling Congress formed in the United States. For decades, bowling has been part of the World Games, Pan-American Games, and African Games. Many national teams take it seriously, with trials and selection criteria in place. Being a sport in these kinds of events often unlocks athlete support and funding from national governments. With funding and millions of people involved, it’s only fair to ask again - is bowling a sport or a pastime? Bowling Has Its Own Industry and Lane Challenges Another angle to explore when asking is bowling a sport is the depth of its equipment and playing conditions. Bowlers face different alleys and oil patterns that can change the strategy entirely. Each pattern changes how the ball moves, which adds strategy and skill to every shot. Bowlers must prepare for varying conditions, which is why the industry offers gear tailored for different patterns. There are many different balls for different conditions, performance shoes, bags, jerseys, lane machines. Everything is built for performance, just like in any other serious sport. oil patterns oil patterns different balls different balls performance shoes performance shoes bags bags This proves that bowling is a sport with its own gear, science, and playing environment. Why Some Say Bowling Is Not a Sport Despite strong evidence, some still believe bowling does not qualify as a sport. Here’s why. Low Physical Intensity Some argue sports must involve hard physical activity. Bowling does not require much running, jumping or canging direction fast. You don’t often sweat or get out of breath. This leads critics to say bowling is not a sport, but rather a skilled game. It Feels Like a Game People often associate bowling with birthday parties or casual nights out. Many people first try it for fun, not for competition. That light setting shapes how the public sees it. If bowling alleys featured more sports visuals, trophies, or televised events, the perception might be different. But because of this casual image, people often ask: is bowling a sport or just a game? Bowling Is Not in the Olympics Another point critics raise is bowling’s Olympic status - and this one hits hard, especially in recent years. Bowling was a demo sport in 1988 but never became part of the official Olympic program. In 2023, organizers unexpectedly removed bowling from the 2025 World Games competition program. Then in 2025, officials excluded bowling from the 2027 Pan American Games. unexpectedly removed bowling from the 2025 World Games competition program. unexpectedly removed bowling from the 2025 World Games competition program. excluded bowling from the 2027 Pan American Games. excluded bowling from the 2027 Pan American Games. A lack of action from decision-makers and limited global youth programs may be part of the problem. However, the Olympic Games still leave out many widely played sports, not just bowling. Still, many wonder: if it’s missing from the Olympics, is bowling a sport or just a competitive game? So, Is Bowling a Sport? Bowling has every trait a sport should have. It has rules, training, rankings, and physical demands. It meets the same standards as many accepted sports. Thus, is bowling a sport? All signs point to yes. Still, public views are mixed. Much depends on how someone first experiences the game. But after learning more, most would agree that bowling is a sport. Conclusion So, is bowling a sport? Yes. It fits the key elements: competition, skill, effort, and official structure. While not everyone agrees, the facts support bowling’s place among real sports. Whether you bowl for fun or compete at a high level, you’re still part of a true sport.

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The much-loved COOLMAXX fabric is back for bowling apparel

If you enjoy bowling for hours, just as we do, you will agree that when it comes to clothing, there is no worse feeling than bowling in damp, sticky and stinky attire. Throughout our years as bowlers, we have experimented with numerous bowling apparel manufacturers and fabrics, so we completely understand the struggle of finding the perfect bowling jersey that provides both unrestricted body movement and breathability, even in the most challenging conditions. Finally, we think we found the one. BowlingLife staff have tried jerseys from VIS SportWear with the much-loved COOLMAXX fabric, and we can approve - COOLMAXX fabric technology stands out as a true game-changer. Throughout our testing, our team focused on three essential elements that, in our view, contribute to an ideal bowling jersey - breathability and sweat control, elasticity and the overall feel of fabric and aesthetics. breathability and sweat control elasticity overall feel of fabric and aesthetics ORDER YOUR JERSEY NOW ORDER YOUR JERSEY NOW Use code BOWLINGLIFE10 to get a 10% discount. Use code BOWLINGLIFE10 to get a 10% discount. Exceptional breathability and sweat control As you know, long-lasting tournaments can really get your heart racing, and that means a lot of perspiration. Not to mention bowling centers without air conditioning. But fear not! COOLMAXX fabric has your back (literally). COOLMAXX fabric is specially designed to wick sweat away from your body like a pro bowler picking up an easy spare. After two hours of intensive training in a poorly ventilated alley, our testers stayed cool and dry, being able to focus solely on their performance, without any uncomfortable moments or distractions from damp, sticky clothing. The breathability was exceptional as well. You probably know that suffocating feeling that can come with other fabrics, making it feel as though you're wearing a grocery bag rather than a high-quality material. Well, say goodbye to that - COOLMAXX fabric boasts unparalleled breathability, allowing you to feel fresh and comfortable, frame after frame. It's like having a personal air conditioner right in your jersey! Unmatched Elasticity If you've ever felt restricted by your bowling apparel, you'll appreciate COOLMAXX's unmatched elasticity. The COOLMAXX jersey is super elastic, allowing to experience the best freedom of movement. It fits the body fine, but leaves the room for body movements at the same time. No more feeling like your clothing is holding you back. With COOLMAXX, you'll feel like you're gliding down the lane with ease, delivering those strikes effortlessly. Overall feel and aesthetics We know that even the tiniest distractions can make a big difference in your game. Including apparel imperfections. VIS SportWear always appears to be one step ahead when it comes to paying attention to the details. One of the best examples of this is their zipper cam lock technology. If, like us, you are sick and tired of fumbling zipper, which constantly needs to be adjusted during a game, you will instantly fall in love with this technology, as it ensures that your jersey's zipper remains securely in place throughout the game. The design of the jersey truly stands out on the COOLMAXX fabric. It is a crucial factor, especially when considering the finer aspects such as the crispness of logos, the vibrancy of pictures, and the tiniest elements within the design – these elements are all brought to their best potential on COOLMAXX fabric. Our testers discovered another remarkable feature in VIS SportWear's apparel featuring COOLMAXX fabric technology - it dries off incredibly quickly. It is as if you can put on your jersey moments after it's been removed from the washing machine. This feature is exceptionally beneficial, when you have to bowl several days in a row. In summary, COOLMAXX technology is a must-have for any bowler looking to combine comfort and performance. Don't let discomfort hinder your success on the lanes. Elevate your game with COOLMAXX and experience bowling apparel like never before. So, what are you waiting for? Head to VIS SportWear and gear up with COOLMAXX today. Your comfort on the lanes will thank you! ORDER YOUR JERSEY NOW ORDER YOUR JERSEY NOW Use code BOWLINGLIFE10 to get a 10% discount. Use code BOWLINGLIFE10 to get a 10% discount. Discover, register, and conquer bowling tournaments across Europe with user-friendly tournament finding tool made by 'BowlingLife'. Discover, register, and conquer bowling tournaments across Europe with user-friendly tournament finding tool made by 'BowlingLife'. Discover, register, and conquer bowling tournaments across Europe with user-friendly tournament finding tool made by 'BowlingLife'. Discover, register, and conquer bowling tournaments across Europe with user-friendly tournament finding tool made by 'BowlingLife'.

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