CONSTITUTION 

of the 

NATIONAL TRAVELING BOWLING LEAGUE 

Revised June 2025 

ARTICLE 1: NAME 

 The name of this organization shall be The National Traveling Bowling League. 

ARTICLE 2: PURPOSE 

The purpose of this league shall be to further the spirit of good sportsmanship, fellowship, and friendship, thus placing greater emphasis on our motto, “Let’s Have Fun”; to increase interest in the game of bowling; and to adopt and enforce uniform laws and rules to govern the overall operations and management of the National Traveling Bowling League. 

ARTICLE 3:  MEMBERSHIP: ORGANIZATION 

Section 1.  The National Traveling Bowling League shall consist of representative teams from member cities and those cities shall be divided into divisions.  Such cities shall hold membership as long as they comply with the requirements of their divisions and the rules and regulations of the League, TNBA and USBC.  All male members and all female members are required to join TNBA and USBC. 

Section 2.  Application for city membership shall be filed with the National Secretary of the League by the city representative who shall be responsible for filing names and addresses of each member of the teams with the National Secretary. 

Section 3.  Team franchise fees shall be determined by the Executive Committee before each bowling season. 

Section 4.  Each team will not be permitted to carry more than eight (8) members on its roster.  This roster will constitute its team for official League competition.  No new members, additions or changes shall be accepted after January 20th of the current season, except in the event of accident or illness which would reduce any team to less than full strength (5 members).  Prior to January 20th, any additions or changes must be sent to the National Secretary and Statistician at least forty-eight (48) hours before official League competition begins. (See League Play Rules, Section 3. c.)  (Rev. 6/24 ) 

Section 5.  Associate Membership is available to non-Traveling League members at the prevailing rate per year, entitling such members to participate in the Annual Tournament but excluding voting privileges at meetings.  Associate members cannot hold City or National Office.  

Section 6. Active Non-Bowler Membership is available to a non-bowler male or female, with all other benefits as a bowler with the exception of bowling at Bowlarama. An active Non-bowling Member will be eligible to hold city or national office and have all voting privileges. Applicant must be a current or previous member of NTBL. Non-Bowler Membership fees will be the same as NTBL National Dues and the local City Dues where the membership is held. (Rev. 6//17) 

Section 7. Any member or city that demonstrates an infraction of any rules/Bylaws of the Constitution will be subject to disciplinary action from the Executive Board, which can include city fines, forfeiture of games won, and/or suspension or expulsion from The National Bowling Traveling League. 

ARTICLE 4:  OFFICERS 

Section 1.  National Cabinet Officers shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Statistician. 

Section 2.  Officers of member cities shall be elected according to the city’s requirements.  Each member city shall elect a President who is responsible for that city’s compliance, either directly or through delegation to the appropriate officer(s), to the rules and regulations of the TNBA, USBC and the National Traveling Bowling League. 

ARTICLE 5:  DUTIES OF OFFICERS 

Section 1 - President.  The President’s duties shall include                        (a) administration, (b) coordination, (c) promotion, and (d) public relations.   The President shall preside over all meetings of the League and the Executive committee; is the Chief Executive and, as such, enforces all rules and regulations thereof; shall make a written report with recommendations at each meeting of the League; shall sign all warrants drawn on the Treasury; shall appoint chairpersons of all committees; shall appoint a Tournament Director; may appoint a Public Relations Director;  may appoint an Area Director; may appoint a Benevolent Chairperson; may appoint a Trophy and Awards Chairperson; may appoint a Parliamentarian; and may appoint a Publications Director. 

Section 2 – Vice President.  In the absence of the President, shall perform all duties assigned to the President, shall be listed on bank account as a co-signer with duties of signing of drafts and warrants drawn on the National Treasury; shall perform public relations duties when necessary; shall perform all other duties assigned by the President; shall make an annual written report at the Convention.  

Section 3 – Secretary.  Shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings; shall take care of all correspondence; shall perform all functions required for League sanctioning by USBC, and TNBA; shall apply for special association (USBC, and TNBA) awards upon receipt of information; may sign checks along with the President as an official co-signer; shall correspond with the President monthly; shall make annual written report at the Convention.  Shall inform the Executive Committee of all Board Meetings in writing.  E-mail may be used, however, if e-mail is not available, notice must be sent by regular mail. (Rev. 6/11) 

Section 4 – Treasurer.  Shall receive team franchise fees, dues, assessments, and other League income; shall keep accurate records of all financial matters; shall deposit all funds in a bank approved by the League within five (5) days after receipt of same; shall forward receipts for all monies received.  Duplicate deposit slips are to be made for President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Treasurer shall pay out all monies upon presentation of proper warrants signed by the President; shall sign all checks along with the President and Vice President as an official co-signer. Shall make an annual written financial report; shall be the League Budget Officer; shall present a proposed budget at the August meeting. NTBL shall establish online banking for all cities to deposit monies that are due to NTBL. (Rev. 6/19) 

Section 5 – Statistician.  When league rosters are received at the beginning of the season, the National Statistician shall compile an average  

roster and shall send a copy to each team; shall keep an accurate record of  

team matches and individual averages; shall make necessary changes and  

post or publish team standings and individual averages; shall draw up the  

annual schedule of League matches and post same after approval of the Executive Committee; shall send standing sheets prior to the next scheduled match to appropriate city representatives, with copies to all divisions, National Directors and Chairpersons, League Presidents and National Officers; may in coordination with the National Secretary, compile rosters and send periodic roster updates and/or other notices as required.  Statistician shall give a written report at the appropriate meeting(s). 

Section 6 – Area Director.  Shall be appointed only if there is no National Officer in that division; shall be responsible for the operation of the League in his/her area and/or such special duties as assigned by the President.  All complaints in the area are first sent to the Area Director.  If he/she cannot resolve the matters, they are forwarded to the President for action by the Executive Committee.  The Area Director shall make a written report at the annual Convention. 

Section 7 – Public Relations Director.  Shall work under the supervision of the President and shall be responsible for all Public Relations of the League and any other duties assigned by the President.  Shall make a written report at the annual Convention. 

Section 8 – Tournament Director.  Shall be responsible for all operations of the annual Tournament; shall appoint a Tournament Committee; shall furnish bowling schedules to tournament participants at the Spring Board Meeting; is directly responsible to the President; shall make a written report at the annual Convention. 

Section 9 – Trophy and Awards Chairperson.  Shall be responsible for purchasing all trophies and awards of the League; shall be directly responsible to the President; shall make a written report at the annual Convention. 

Section 10 – Benevolent Chairperson.  Shall notify the League of any sickness, death, marriage, etc., and send appropriate card for the occasion; shall be directly responsible to the President; shall make a written report at the annual Convention. 

Section 11 – Publications Director.  Shall be responsible for all operations of the annual Souvenir Program of the League; shall be directly responsible to the President; shall make a written report at the annual Convention. 

Section 12 – Parliamentarian.  Shall be responsible for all the legal aspects of the League and shall be present at all official meetings of the League; shall be directly responsible to the President. 

Section 13 – Member City Presidents.  Directly and/or through delegation to appropriate representatives, shall ensure compliance with and conformance to the Constitution of the NTBL; shall meet all financial obligations to the National within the prescribed timelines; shall submit team rosters to the National Secretary, Statistician, and Treasurer on or before the date of the August Board Meeting; shall forward sanction applications to the National Secretary on or before September 30; shall forward TNBA, and USBC card numbers to the National Secretary on or before January 20th; shall ensure submission of the specific amount set at Convention in ads to the Souvenir Program by the set deadline.  

Any city requesting money from the National Treasury must provide bank statements for the current year and 3 years prior to be reviewed by the Executive Board for approval prior to issuing the city any funds. (Rev. 6/25) 

Section 14 – Compensation.  All compensation for officials of the League shall be determined by the Executive Committee. 

ARTICLE 6:  COMMITTEES 

Section 1 – Executive Committee.  The Executive Committee shall consist of League Officers, National Directors, National Chairpersons, and two (2) representatives for each city having four (4) teams in the League and one (1) representative for each city having two (2) teams in the League.  During the interim between meetings and for purposes of a mail vote, the Executive Committee city representatives shall consist of the President and Secretary of cities having four (4) teams and the President of the cities having two (2) teams. 

The Executive Committee shall determine all compensation for League officials.  This Executive Committee shall be the governing body during the interim between General Meetings of the Body and shall have and exercise all the power granted it by the Constitution, By-Laws, Rules and regulations.  It shall receive, in writing, all protests and complaints which cannot otherwise be resolved and act upon them at its regular meeting or special meetings or, if necessary, by mail vote.  The Executive Committee shall be empowered to fine or set penalties upon individuals or teams for the violation of the Constitution and By-Laws of the League. It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to regulate the starting and ending of the League playing season.  The Executive Committee shall meet in the months of April and August. 

The Executive Committee shall be empowered to approve expenses up the allotted amount, with approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the voting members present. 

Section 2- Auditing Committee.  The President will choose an Auditing Chairperson who does not have any financial responsibility in NTBL, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee.  The Auditing Chairperson shall choose a committee of persons who are not National Officers, Directors, or Chairpersons.  The Auditing Committee shall audit the books and accounts of the Treasurer once a year and provide a written report of its findings at the Spring Board Meeting. 

Section 3 – Special Awards committee.  The Committee shall be composed of the Secretary, Treasurer, Statistician, and one other person appointed by the President.  The Chairperson of this committee (Secretary) is empowered to increase the size of the Committee when necessary.  

Section 4 – Website Committee.  NTBL shall establish and maintain a Website which will demonstrate the history of the organization, describe the goal of NTBL and depict the motto, “Let’s Have Fun”. This website will include information of internal city activities (local city tournaments and bowling achievements) This website would be developed and maintained by a select person(s). All fees incurred for this website would be paid by NTBL. (Rev.6/19) 

ARTICLE 7:  MEETINGS 

Section 1- Annual Meeting.  The Annual Meeting of the National Traveling Bowling ​ ​League shall be held during the weekend of the Annual Tournament.  This meeting shall consist of the entire League membership with each member having voting power.  Minutes of this meeting must be approved at the next regularly scheduled meeting.  City secretaries shall provide the national secretary with their reports before the Spring/Annual/Summer board meeting. This will allow all reports to be compiled into a single packet and emailed to the city presidents and secretaries in advance.(Rev. 6/25) 

Section 2 – Summer Executive Committee Meeting.  Shall be held the fourth weekend in August, when possible.  All Executive Committee members shall be compensated from the National Treasury for travel and per diem as prescribed by this Constitution with the exception of Executive Committee members from the host city.  Minutes of this meeting must be approved at the next regular scheduled meeting. 

Section 3 – Spring Executive Committee Meeting.  Shall be held fourth weekend in April, when possible, at the close of the season.  Executive Committee members, with the exception of Executive Committee members from the host city, shall be compensated from the National Treasury for travel and per diem as prescribed by this Constitution.  Minutes of this meeting must be approved at the next regular scheduled meeting. 

 Section 4 – Special Executive Committee Meetings.  Shall be called by the President, Executive Committee, or upon written petition of two-thirds (2/3) of the League Membership.  The President shall call the special meeting providing the petition gives reasons and nature of the business to be transacted.  Only the business specified therein shall be discussed and voted upon.  No expenses are to be paid by the League other than per diem and compensation for those delegates traveling in the excess of 250 miles as prescribed by this Constitution.  Minutes of this meeting must be approved at the next regular scheduled meeting.   

Section 6 – Quorum.  A quorum to transact the business of the League shall consist of those voting members present. 

Section 7 – Opening Words.  All meetings shall be opened by the Chairperson quoting the words of Alexander Hall at his only meeting in 1960. 

“We are to consider ourselves as an informal group, gathered for the purpose of getting work out for the benefit of the organization.  This organization is bigger than anyone in it. We have no room for personal grudges, or animosities, etc.  I am here, not as an individual, but as the ‘chair’.  My job is to see that your wishes are put into the record books.  First, if you have anything to say, say it.  Secondly, try to say it in the fewest words possible.  When your point is made, finish.”  

Section 8 – Order of Business 

Call to Order 

Invocation 

Roll Call 

Reading of Minutes 

Communications 

Officers’ Reports 

Committee Reports 

Unfinished Business 

New Business 

Election of Officers 

Selection of Tournament Cities 

Adjournment 

Section 9 – Compensation.  Rates generated from GSA.GOV (General Services Administration- US government agency) utilizing the standard Lodging and M&IE rate shall be paid to the executive committee for their attendance at the official executive committee meetings as prescribed by their respective section. Executive committee members from the host city shall not receive travel and per diem.(Rev. 6/25) 

ARTICLE 8:  ELECTION 

Section 1.  Election of Officers shall be held at the Annual Meeting. 

Section 2.  Elected officers, consisting of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Statistician shall serve two-year terms. 

Section 3.  President and Statistician shall be elected in Odd years; Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer in Even years.  They shall hold office until their successors are installed. 

Section 4.  Vacancies occurring in the line offices by resignation, or otherwise, shall be filled by appointment by the President with a two-thirds (2/3) approval of the Executive Committee.  Should the President be stricken by death, the office shall out of respect shall remain vacant for the remaining term, and the duties of the office shall devolve to the Vice President. 

Section 5.  Nomination of candidates shall be made from the floor.  The nominee having the majority of votes shall be declared elected. 

Section 6.  Voting methods shall be determined by the delegates present, with the exception of officers who shall be voted on by secret ballot. 

ARTICLE 9:  DUES AND ASSESSMENTS 

Section 1.  Dues in the National Traveling Bowling League shall be determined at the Annual Meeting by the membership present. 

Section 2.  (a) Each city shall be responsible for the collection of its dues and remittance to the National Treasurer on or before the last day of each month.  All dues not postmarked by the last day of the month or returned checks will result in forfeiture of all games bowled in that month.  The opposing team will automatically win the points for games forfeited. 

  (b) Any returned checks are repayable through certified checks, bank checks, or money orders only.  Any city writing a bad check cannot submit any more checks during that season.  The city will be responsible for all bank fees charged to NTBL as a result of a returned check. 

Section 3.  Franchise fees must be paid on or before September 20th of the year of the current season.  If not, there will be a penalty at the prevailing rate.  All franchise fees are to be sent to the National Treasurer.  Any team not paying franchise fees by the deadline shall forfeit all games played from the deadline until payment is received by the National Treasurer.  Forfeiture will be applied as in Section 2(a). 

Section 4.  May 1st is the deadline for payments of all financial matters of the season to the National Office.  Cities not paid up in full will not be eligible for banquet tickets or trophies. 

Section 5.  When a new member takes the place of a previous member, the new member will assume all unpaid dues to the National.  When a new member is added to the roster, the new member will be responsible for the full year’s dues. 

Section 6.  Monthly dues are assessed for eight (8) months according to the number of members maintained on the official roster sheet. 

Section 7.  Checks and monies paid to the League shall be made payable to the National Traveling Bowling League and mailed to the National Treasurer.  All National financial obligations must be paid by city checks, certified checks, bank checks, or money orders only. 

Section 8.  At the completion of the League fiscal year, all funds in the National Traveling Bowling League shall be carried over to the next fiscal year as long as the NTBL is in existence. 

Section 9.  All USBC and TNBA membership cards shall be purchased by each member city through their local association, where possible. 

Section 10.  Each Division shall have a Position Round, known as a Bowlarama, on the last bowling date of the League’s schedule.  Each member shall be assessed on a National level.  The assessment will be levied through the monthly dues.  The assessment is to be determined by the Spring Executive Board and approved at the Annual Meeting by a majority of the members present.  The assessment will be distributed to the division's Host City at a per-member rate.  The Host City shall use these assessments to pay for the bowling, food, and entertainment.  Any part of the assessment not used must be returned to the National in the usual manner.  Any expenses over the assessed amount shall be shared equally by all cities in that division.  

 The Host Cities shall make a written Financial Report, accompanied by the appropriate receipts, at the Spring Executive Board meeting.  The Host Cities of each division shall be determined on an alphabetical round-robin order. 

Article 10:  AWARDS 

Section 1.  There shall be no cash awards in the NTBL.  To be eligible for individual high single and high series, a bowler must have a minimum of twenty-one (21) games.  To be eligible for high average, a bowler must have rolled two-thirds (2/3) of league games. 

Section 2.  Trophies or suitable awards are determined by the Trophy and Awards Chairperson and Committee.  These trophies and awards will be given to League Champs, Runners-up to League Champs, National Champs, and Tournament Winners.  Duplicate board prizes will be awarded to the Male and Female having the highest average.  Duplicate board prizes for highest series and highest single game will be awarded in both handicap and actual divisions.  No bowler may win these awards in both divisions; if a bowler qualified for the top award in both scratch and handicap divisions; he or she will receive the scratch award. 

Section 3.  Every member of the National Traveling Bowling League in good standing will receive a Participation Award.  

Section 4.  Active, Life, and Honorary members are eligible for flowers or a monetary memorial from the National. This is extended to their birth/step/immediate family (mother, father, grandparents, siblings, children, and spouse). Benevolence should be handled by the city, and receipts should be sent to the National Treasurer for reimbursement 

Article 11:  SPECIAL AWARDS 

Section 1.  The winners of the Eastern Division men's and women's championships will be presented the ALEXANDER HALL AWARD at the Awards Dinner.  This award was given to the League by the Buffalo Branch in honor of our former President, Alexander Hall, who died before completing his sole term.  The award will be passed on each year by the past winners to the new winners. 

Section 2.  The winners of the Central Division men's and women's championships will be presented the MEL GARDNER AWARD at the Awards Dinner.  This award was given to the League by the Detroit Travelers in honor of a member who contributed to forming the Central Division of this League.  This original award will be passed on each year by the past winners to the new winners. 

Section 3.  The BIG CAL TROPHY was presented to the League by the Youngstown Travelers to be presented to the most improved bowler, male or female.  The award is presented according to USBC rules, with the following exceptions: 

The recipient shall be a member of the National Traveling Bowling    

       League for at least two (2) years. 

The trophy is to be handed down from year to year, with a replica to be given by the National to the past winner 

Section 4: The JESSE DuBOIS AWARD was presented to the League by the Buffalo Branch in memory of Mr. DuBois (deceased), a long-time League member.  It is awarded annually at the Awards Dinner to the member making the most outstanding contribution to the League  

during the preceding year. The Cabinet Officers make this choice. The award is to be handed down from year to year, with a replica given to the past winner by NTBL. 

Section 5: The ARRIE SMITH “SENIOR CITIZENS” AWARD was provided in 1989 by Arrie Smith, a former Youngstown Traveler, and is presented each year to the “senior” (55 or older) with the highest game plus handicap. 

Section 6: The LEN HUGHES MEMORIAL AWARD was presented in 1993 by the Cleveland Travelers as a memorial to their President.  The award is presented each year to the male and female bowler who bowls the most pins over their current average. 

Section 7: The HANK PAYNE MEMORIAL SECRETARY–OF–THE YEAR AWARD was initiated in 1998 in memory and honor of past president Hank Payne.  The award is presented each year to a secretary who has been exemplary in performing their duties. 

Section 8: DIVISION AND LOCAL AWARDS: 

(a) Division Awards, including the WILLIE “CROOKED ARM” McCOY MEMORIAL AWARD  (Penn-Ohio, Eastern Division), the ELGIN TRAVELERS MEMORIAL AWARD (Elgin- Western Division), and the CONNIE L. DUNBAR AWARD (Glass City–Central) will be presented each year at the Bowlarama to the most improved bowler, Male and Female, of the Glass City Travelers. (Rev. 6/16) The RUBBER CITY MEMORIAL REWARD (Rubber City-Central Division), CHUCK BUTLER MEMORIAL AWARD (Inkster-Central Division). 

(b) Local Awards, including the ROBERT FAULKNER MEMORIAL AWARD (Detroit- Central Division) and the LIZ DAUGHERTY MEMORIAL AWARD (Rochester- Eastern Division), are presented each year at each division Bowlarama to local members for outstanding league participation. 

Section 9: TYPES OF MEMBERSHIPS: 

LIFE MEMBERSHIP: 

Life membership may be awarded to any member or past member who has contributed significantly to the association and said member meets (2) two of the following criteria: 

Nominees should possess 25 years of concurrent active association membership. 

Nominees should possess a minimum of 10 years of service in specific roles that contribute to the benefit of the league.  These roles may include, but are not be restricted to: service on a committee, project coordinator, or a member who renders special services to the league. 

 Nominees should possess a strong record of leadership in key positions such as President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer or key Committee Chair for a minimum of 10 years of service on the executive board. 

Resumes for these nominees for Life Membership (other than an outgoing President), shall be presented to the Chairman of the Life Membership Nomination Committee and the Life Membership Nomination Committee by April 1st for review and recommendation by a committee of three others – one appointed from each division. The committee’s selection shall be presented to the April Board for a vote to take to the June meeting, where acceptance will be determined by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of delegates present.  There shall be only one (1) Life Membership awarded per year. (Rev. 6/18)  

 Life Members shall have the right to take part in deliberations brought before the Convention and/or Executive Committee and may have voting privileges. 

Life members shall receive tickets to all NTBL functions, including Bowlerama Friday Night and the Awards Banquet. (Rev. 6/22) 

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP: 

Honorary membership may be awarded, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the delegates present at a regular meeting, to members who, for health, relocation, or similar reason,s can no longer actively participate, or to non-members or associate members who have rendered outstanding service to the League.  Honorary members may take part in all League festivities but are not entitled to vote or hold office in the League.           

(c) FIFTEEN-YEAR MEMBERSHIP.  After fifteen (15) years of active participation in the NTBL, a member will be recognized and honored at the Annual Banquet, Names of Fifteen-year members should be submitted to the National Secretary each year at or before the April Board Meeting. 

(d) TWENTY–FIVE-YEAR MEMBERSHIP. After twenty-five (25) years of active participation in the NTBL, a member will be recognized and honored at the Annual Banquet. Names of Twenty-Five-year members should be submitted to the National Secretary each year at or before the April Board Meeting. 

(e) FIFTY-YEAR MEMBER: Any member who has fifty (50) years or more will be presented with a fifty-year pin and automatically becomes a life member.  (Rev. 6/12) Fifty-Year members will be recognized and honored at the Annual Banquet.  Names of each Fifty-Year member should be submitted to the National Secretary each year before the April meeting.  (Rev. 6/22) 

Section 10:  HALL OF FAME                                                                                          Any member in good standing who has contributed to the success of the National Traveling    Bowling League (NTBL) for ten (10) years is eligible for the Hall of Fame. Only one (1) Male and one (1) Female inducted per year.       There shall be three (3) categories                                                  Bowling Achievements 

Male Candidates must have carried a 200 average for ten (10) years in the N.T.B.L. 

Female Candidates must have carried a 175 average for ten (10) years in the N.T.B.L. 

Candidates must have won one (1) of the three (3) NTBL’s Tournaments. 

Team National Tournament 

Singles National Tournament 

Doubles National Tournament 

Service 

Candidates must have twenty-five (25) years of dedicated service to NTBL. 

Candidates must have served in the area of administration for NTBL: National or City elected office. 

Posthumous (Deceased) 

Candidates must have made exceptional contributions and service in the past that furthered the growth and success of National Traveling Bowling League for ten (10) years. 

All applications and resumes must be in to the Hall of Fame Chairperson by April 1.  The committee’s selections shall be presented to the Spring Board for a vote to take to the Annual Meeting in June, where acceptance will be determined by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of delegates present.  The Hall of Famers will be inducted at the Annual Convention Banquet. (Rev. 6/18) 

                       ARTICLE 12: AMENDMENTS 

Section 1. Proposed amendments shall first be presented, in writing, at the Spring Executive Committee Meeting. 

Section 2. This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members present at the Annual Meeting. League Play rules may be changed by a majority of the voting members present. 

Section 3.  In addition to this Constitution, only the laws of the TNBA and USBC shall be applicable to this League. Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern (any instances not covered in this Constitution). 

LEAGUE PLAY RULES 

Section 1 – Bowling Schedule.  Each division shall have a schedule devised by the Statistician with the approval of the Executive Board.  The schedule shall include a Position Round on the last bowling date of the League’s season. Known to the League as a Bowlarama, with all teams in each division competing under the same roof. 

Section 2 – Scoring. This League shall be based on the seven-point system: two (2) points for each game won and one (1) point for three-game total pins, including handicap. 

Section 3 – Handicap Averages and Use of Default Average 

(a) This League shall be a handicap league, based on 80% of the difference between the two teams' bowling.  Handicap shall be unlimited. 

(b) Handicap at the beginning of each season shall be based on the previous year’s official National Traveling Bowling League average. 

               (c)   New bowlers’ names must be submitted to the National Secretary and to the Statistician forty-eight (48) hours before official League competition.  New bowlers use the highest previous year’s winter average based on twenty-one (21) games, provided that the average has been verified by the NTBL, the member city’s secretary, and forwarded to the Statistician forty-eight (48) hours before official competition. (Rev. 6/10) Current or past members of the NTBL who have not bowled due to injury or sickness must bowl (3) consecutive games to establish an average.  The established average is to be applied to those (3) games bowled. This established average will be used in computing the team’s average and handicap for that three (3) game set. This will establish their league starting average and will be used for the first twelve (12) games (Rev. 6/13)  

      (d) A new bowler who joins the league and does not have a previous year’s average will use the same average for twelve (12) games.  The handicap will be computed by the statistician and applied to the next three game sets. For women, the average used will be 180, and for men, the average of 220 will be used. (Rev. 6/25) 

(e) A bowler with an established average in the National Traveling Bowling League from the previous year shall use that average and handicap until he/she has bowled at least twelve games into the new season, at which time he/she shall use the current twelve-game average.  Bowlers with established averages must use said averages for the entire match (Saturday and Sunday).  (Rev. 6/08)  

All members in good standing and paid fees/dues shall bowl at least one set per match if the member chooses to bowl. (Rev. 6/10) 

Bowlers without a verifiable average with -0- game bowled; average cannot be used as an absentee score. (Rev. 6/12) 

Section 4 – Blind and Vacancy Scores. 

The League BLIND SCORE shall be ten (10) pins less the highest            

                     absentee bowler’s average plus that handicap based on actual  

       average. 

When a team does not have enough players on its roster for a full lineup, a VACANCY SCORE of 150 shall be used for men and 130 for women.  Such a score shall be the basis for handicap. 

Section 5 - Substitutions.  

(a) When substituting, while the game is in progress, the opposing team's Captain must be notified prior to the insertion of a substitute in the lineup, and the higher average shall be used in computing handicap. 

(b) The team member who starts the game shall be credited with that score for his/her average. 

(c) A player, once removed, cannot bowl again in the same game. 

(d) Any city while visiting, except during position round, may use a substitute from their other team, except when they have five men or women present, or it leaves the substitute’s team with less than five bowlers. 

(e) Any infraction of the above rules will result in forfeit of games. 

Section 6 – Score sheets.  

(a) A League contest should be recorded on an official Traveling League score sheet, the original of which shall be forwarded to the Statistician within twenty-four (24) hours after said match.  This responsibility shall be the duty of the Host City’s Secretary. All teams shall file their original score sheets for one season. 

(b) In completing score sheets, Team Captains must use first and last name of all bowlers (no nicknames): must record lane numbers on which matches are bowled, must total all columns; and must ensure that their scores match those of the opposing Captain before sheets are signed by both Captains. 

Once signed by both Captains, no score sheet of the League match shall be changed except by the Statistician for obvious errors without the written consent of both Captains or upon a ruling due to a formal protest of one of the Captains. 

Section 7 – Starting Time. 

(a) Where it is possible to do so, Saturday matches start no later than    7:00 p.m. and Sunday matches start no later than 1:00 p.m. 

(b) The Host City sets the starting time for play; the visiting team will be given fifteen (15) minutes' grace from the time set previously by the Host City for Saturday matches. After the grace period, League bowling must start with the players present; the time set for Sunday bowling must be strictly adhered to. There will be no grace period for home or visiting teams for Sunday games. 

(c) When a team is unopposed due to a forfeit, the unopposed team must bowl seventy-five (75) pins within their team average in order to win points, even if the lineup is changed in all three (3) games.  This rule will apply on both Saturday and Sunday. 

(d) A legal lineup shall consist of three (3) eligible bowlers. Vacancy scores may not be used to make a legal lineup.  (Rev.6/17) 

Section 8 – Tardiness.  A tardy player may enter the game any time up to and including the third frame.  However, scoring starts in the frame entered.  Any player arriving after the third frame is completed cannot enter the game. 

Section 9 – Postponements. 

(a) Any postponements or changes by both cities involve a written agreement that must be made in quadruplicate (4 copies) and signed by representatives of both cities involved.  One copy should be retained by each city, the third copy sent to the Statistician, and the fourth copy to the National Secretary. 

All League games not postponed because of weather conditions must be bowled within the month scheduled.  Games postponed because of weather conditions must be bowled before the last scheduled bowling date.  

If the visiting teams are no-shows for the match game play, the host team must start to bowl after the grace period. 

​​​​​ 

Section 10 – Position/Standings. 

(a) Positions for teams having the same point total at the end of the season will be determined by the total pinfall at the end of the season, with the exception of the League Champs. 

(b) In the event the first and second place teams have identical won and lost records at the end of the season, there must be a one (1) game roll-off on a neutral pair of lanes immediately after league play.  If lanes are not available, the roll-off must be completed within one week. Games won and lost will be the determining factor for league Champs. (Rev. 6/18) 

Section 11 - Protests. 

(a) All protests must be made in writing within five (5) days after the game(s) in question have been played or other situations to be protested have occurred.  The protesting Captain must notify the opposing Team Captain of the intention to protest.  (b) Protests must be addressed to the National President, as Chairman of the Executive Committee, with copies to the remaining Cabinet Offices (Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Statistician).  In collaboration with Cabinet Officers, the President shall attempt to resolve the conflict and may rule on obvious infractions and impose such penalties as set forth in the Constitution. Such a ruling must be provided in writing to the parties involved within fifteen (15)  days from the postmark of the protest.           

 (c) If the protesting parties feel that the rule is not satisfactory, they must notify the Cabinet of their desire for an Executive Committee ruling within fifteen (15) days from the postmark of the President’s ruling.  The National Secretary shall then request a mail vote from the standing Executive Committee.  The majority vote of the Executive Committee shall be final and binding on all parties. 

Section 12 - Entertainment/ Hospitality. 

(a) Fourteen (14) days’ notice must be given to Host Cities as to the number of persons to be entertained. The Host City should be furnished the number of guests a minimum of fourteen (14) days prior to the scheduled match for the Host City’s approval.  The Host City reserves the right to assess the visiting team for their guests. The Host City must respond to the visiting city’s request seven (7) days prior to the scheduled match. 

(b) Each Host City shall provide a hot balanced meal, liquid re, and some type of musical entertainment for the visiting city and their guests. 

(c) Cooperate with the Host City by being on time for the Saturday night meal. 

Section 13 – Bowlarama/Position Round 

(a) The Host City will secure a contractual agreement with the bowling establishment. 

The bowling establishment should have enough lanes to accommodate all the teams in the division. 

Lanes should be secured prior to the Summer Board Meeting. 

The Host City will secure the best possible price per lane for their area and will not pay more than the cost for open bowling. 

Do not contract a bowling establishment if the bowling time is after 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. 

(b) There will be no substitutions during any position matches.  A team must bowl with members of its team only.  When a team has less than five members, they will use the League’s blind score as prescribed in the Constitution and bylaws. 

(c) After the first three-game block, standings shall be computed again, and the teams shall bowl the second three-game block according to the new standings.  

(d) A National Officer, Director or Chairperson shall handle the re-matching of teams for the second set, or an individual designated by the President. 

Forms and instructions will be sent to each designated individual for tallying the team score sheets. 

All Team Captains must give the original team score sheet from the first set to the designated person immediately after he or she finishes bowling. 

The designated person shall check all team score sheets for errors in calculation, team handicap, and team lineup, and correct obvious errors.  When obvious errors are discovered, they must be corrected even though the correction might mean a change in games won and lost.  It is not necessary to receive permission or approval from either of the Team Captains to correct an obvious error. 

In the event the first-place team cannot be caught, the first-place team will bowl against the last-place team. Second and third place teams will bowl each other, and fourth and fifth place teams will bowl each other. (Rev.6/16) 

Section 14 – Match Play/Annual Tournament and Banquet. 

(a) The Annual Tournament is a closed tournament for members and associate members.  Members will be used 100% from their local cities before associate members are placed in any event(s). 

(b) All Traveling League members are urgently requested to take part in every event in the Annual Tournament.  The Tournament Director, with the approval of the Executive Board, shall establish a fee. 

(c) Completed tournament entry blanks are to be sent in with fees paid in full by the deadline, or they will not be scheduled. 

(d) The men's and women's team champions of each division shall be bowling for the National championships as well as for the tournament championship. Total pins with handicap will be the deciding factor in both instances. 

(e) President or authorized representatives of member cities are responsible for picking up their own banquet tickets for the members present. 

(f) Banquet Dress Code: Women – After Five dresses or Capri sets; Men - dress slacks, shirt, and jacket. (Rev. 6/10)                                 Bowling Dress Code:  Men must wear casual slacks, trousers, or shorts.  NO Sagging, pants are to be at the waist. Collared, mock collared or collarless shirts. Clothes are to be neat, clean, and in good condition (no holes). 

WOMEN: Must wear casual slacks, trousers, Capri pants, culottes, skirts, and shorts. Jeans and Leggings are allowed. No jeans with holes and leggings cannot be sheer (see-through) or show skin. Skirts and Shorts must be at fingertip length while standing. Collard, mock collared, or collarless shirts. Clothes are to be neat, clean, and in good condition (no holes with skin showing) 

MEN: Must wear casual slacks, trousers, or shorts. NO Sagging, pants are to be at the waist. Collared, mock collared or collarless shirts. Jeans are allowed (no holes/no skin showing allowed) with a belt if needed. Clothes are to be neat, clean, and in good condition.     

             Examples of prohibited attire:  

              T-shirts, Tank tops, halter tops, bare midriffs, spaghetti strap tops, 

         hats (except for medical reasons), workout attire, bib overalls, Sagging    

        pants.) 

           The dress code will be enforced at all leagues and tournaments.  During    

               Convention, Tournament Director, and or Tournament staff (whoever        

is designated) will make the judgment calls relative to the dress code questions or concerns. (Rev. 6/11) 

Section 15 – General Rules. 

(a) SHADOW BALLS must be allowed prior to the time of League bowling. Any expense charged is the responsibility of the Host City. 

(b) No bowler shall be allowed to bowl in another league in the same house at the same time he or she is competing in the NTBL. 

The Host City shall be responsible for lane assignments.  

No headgear is permitted on any NTBL member during match     

games except for medical reasons only 

Changes in the bowling order (team lineups) may be made at the  

               beginning of each game. 

Uniforms: All teams’ Saturday bowling shirts must display NTBL on the shirt.  

Any member or city that demonstrates an infraction of any rules/By-laws of the Constitution will be subject to disciplinary action from the Executive Board, which can include city fines, forfeiture of games won and/or suspension or expulsion from The National Bowling Traveling League. Written notification must be submitted to the Executive Board. (Rev. 6/23) 

INDEX 

Absentee (Blind) Scores …………………………………………...……….14 

Amendments……………………………………………………. 12,13 

Annual Meeting ……………………………………………………………...5 

Application for Membership………………………………………………...1 

Assessments……………………………………………………....3,7,8 

Associate Members…………………………………………………….2,11,16 

Auditing Committee………………………………………………………… 5 

Averages 

Established…………………………………………………………………..13 

New Bowler………………………………………………………….13 

Substitutions………………………………………………………………...14 

Awards………………………………………………………………2,3,8,9,10 

Awards Committee………………………………………..…..……………...5 

Banquet Tickets……………………………………………………………..17 

Benevolent Chairperson……………………………………………………..2 

Big Cal Trophy……………………………………………………………….9 

Blind Scores…………………………………………………13 

Board Prizes………………………………………………………………….9 

Bowlarama Position Round…………………………………….15,16 

          Assessment for…………….………………………………….8 

Bowlarama Host City Determination………………….……9 

Hosting…………………………………………………...15,16 

Procedures for………………………………..……..…………...16,17 

      Schedule…………………………………..………………13 

   Bowling Schedule………………………….……………4,13 

Bowling Unopposed………………………………………………………...14 

Captains:  

  In Protests……………………………………………..…………...15 

       Score sheet Responsibility………………….....……14,17 

Championship: Local Division…………………………………………………………..…9,18 National……………………………………………………9,18 Tournament…………………………………………….…9,18 Checks, Returned………………………………………………………….…7 

Committees…………………………………………………………………2,4 

Compensation 

For Meetings………………………………………………………………….7 

For Officers……………………………………………………………….4,5,6 

Competing in another League………………………..…………………….1 

Division Special Awards………………………………………………….9,10 

DuBois, Jessie: Award……………………………………………………...10 

Dues and Assessments……………………………………………………..7,8 

Duties of Officers…………………………………………………………2,3,4 

Election of Officers……………………………………………………………………...2,7 

Entertainment/Hospitality……………………………………………….8,16 

Established Averages……………………………………………………12,13 

Executive Committee………………………………………………………...4 

Compensation………………………………………………………5,6 

Meetings…………………………………………………………..2,5,6 

Special Meetings……………………………………………………...5 

Fifteen-Year Membership…………………………………………………..11 

Fifty-Year Member………………………………...……………………….12 

Forfeiture of Games 

     In Bowling Unopposed………………………..………..…...…...14 

                 In nonpayment of fees……………………………………...…...7,8 

                 In substitution…………………..…………………….…………14 

      Franchise Fees………………………...………………….…………..1,3,8 

     Funds:  Fiscal carryover………………..…………..…………… 8 

Gardner, Mel: Award………………………………………………………...9 

General Rules……………………………………………………………….18 

Grace Periods……………………………………………………………….15 

Hall, Alexander: Award……………………………………….……………..9 

   Words of ………………………..…………………………...……...6 

Hall of Fame .…………………………………………………………….…12 

Handicap……………………………………………………..9,10,13,14,17,18 

HeadGear……………………………………………………………………18 

High Average, Series, Single………………………………………………8,9 

Honorary Membership……………………………………………………..11 

Hughes, Len: Award………………………………………………………..10 

Lane Assignments…………………………………………………………..18 

League Champs………………………………………………………..9,15,16 

League Play Rules……………………………………………..13,14,15,16,17 

Let’s Have Fun” (Motto)..............................................................................1,5 

Life Membership……………………………………………………………11 

Local Special Awards…………………...………………………………………………..9,10 

 Meals……………...………………………………………………………...16 

Meetings...…………………...………………...…………….……...2,3,4,5,6,7 

Minutes of ………………………………………………………..3,5,6 

Opening words of…………………………………………………….6 

Order of Business…………………………………………………….6 

Quorum for…………………………………………………………...6 

Special……………………………………………………………... 4,5 

Member Cities Application………………………………………….1 

Officers of…………………………………………………………….2 

President’s duties…………………………………………………….2 

Membership: Application for 

Associate………………………………………………………………2 

Fifteen year………………………………………………………….11 

Honorary…………………………………………………………… 11 

Life…………………………………………………………………...11 

New Members ………………………………………….…………1,11 

Twenty-Five year……………………………………………………11 

Membership: Organization………………………………………………… 1 

Minutes of Meetings……………………………………………………...3,5,6 

(Motto) “Let’s Have Fun” ………………………………………………...1,5 

Name of League……………………………………………………………... 1 

National Championship…………………………………………………….18 

New Bowlers/Members  

Added to roster……………………………………………1,12 

Averages, verifications……………………………………...13 

Replacing previous member ………………………………...8 

Nomination of Officers………………………………………………………7 

No Shows…………………………………………………………………….14 

Obvious Errors……………………………………………...14 

Officers 

National Cabinet……………………………………………..2 

Compensation…………………………………………….4,5,6 

Duties of…………………………………………………….2,3 

Election of ……………………………………………………7 

Nomination of………………………………………………...7 

Member Cities…………………………………………..1,2,18 

Terms of office……………………………..…………………7 

Vacancies……………………….……………………………..7 

 Opening Words for         Meeeting…………………..……….…………….…………………...6 

Order of Business…………………………………………………….6 

Parliamentarian……………………………………………………2,4 

Participation Award………………………………………………… 9 

Payne, Hank: Award………………………………………………..10 

Penalties (nonpayment of dues)......................................................................7 

Petition (for meetings).....................................................................................6 

Point System……………………………………………………...…………13 

Points (in bowling unopposed)..................................................................... 15 

Position Round (Bowlarama)........................................................................16 

Positions/Standings…………………………………………………………15 

Postponements………………………………………………………………15 

President……………………………………………..……………………….2 

Presidents, Member Cities…………………………………………………..2 

Protests………………………………………………………………………15 

Public Relations Director……………………………………………………3 

Publication Director………………………………………………………… 4 

Purpose of League……………………………………………………………1 

Quorum……………………………………………………………………….6 

Refreshments………………………………………………………………..16 

Returned Checks…………………………………………………………...7,8 

Robert’s Rules of Order……………………………………………………13 

Roll off ………………………………………………………………………16 

Rosters……………………………………………………………….1,3,4,8,14 

Saturday & Sunday Matches…………………………………13,14,15,16,17 

Schedule……………………………………………………………………..13 

Score sheets………………………………………………………………….15 

            In Bowlarama……………………………………………………….17 

Scoring System……………………………………………………………...13 

Secretary……………………………………………………………………...3 

Secretary-of-the-Year Award………………………………………………10 

Seven Point System…………………………………………………………13 

Shadow Balls………………………………………………………………..18 

Smith Arrie: Award………………………………………………………...10 

Souvenir Program……………………………………………………………4 

Special Awards…………………………………………………………... 9,10 

Spring Executive Board Meeting6 

Standings…………………………………………………………………….15 

  In Bowlarama ………………………………………………………17 

Summer Executive Board Meeting………………………………………….6 

 Tardiness…………………………………………………………………….15                                                                                                                                             

Teams:  Players permitted…………………………………………………...1 

Ties…………………………………………………………………………..16 

TNBA Cards…………………………………………………………………8 

Membership In………………………………………………………1 

Rules and Regulations…………………………………………...1,2,4  

Tournament (Annual)....................................................................................16 

Tournament Director………………………………………………..2,3,15,17 

Treasurer…………………………………………………………………….. 2 

Trophy & Awards Chairperson……………………………………………..3 

Twenty-Five Year Membership ……………………………………………11 

USBC Cards …………………………………………………………………8 

Membership in……………………………………………………….1 

Rules and Regulations…………………………………………...1,2,5 

Vacancies of Office…………………………………………………………...7 

Vacancy Scores ……………………………………………………………..14 

Verification of Averages…………………………………………………….13 

Vice President…………………………………………………………..2,3,5,7 

Voting: At Annual Meeting………………………………………………….5 

By Mail…………………………………………………………….5,16 

Life Members…………………………………………………….10,11 

Methods………………………………………………………………7