Is Urethane Banned From PBA Tour in 2022?
bowlingball.com Staff Writer
3/3/2022; Updated: 3/21/2022
According to a recent information surrounding PBA, the use of urethane balls older than 2 years may now considered illegal on the PBA National Tour only. What does this mean exactly? Let us break it down for you....
- -Professionals on the PBA National Tour may still use urethane, however, it cannot be any more than 2 years old. So for the rest of the current calendar year, pros may not use anything older than a 2020 urethane ball. Next year in 2023, they may only use urethane balls as old as 2021, etc...
- -This would ONLY apply to the PBA National Tour. This new rule does not apply to USBC sanctioned leagues. Using an older urethane ball in USBC-sanctioned leagues and events will still be considered legal, as of 3/3/2022. **(See update below)**
- UPDATE FOR USBC SANCTIONED EVENTS - 3/21/2022: Per USBC, the approval of the Hammer Purple Hammer bowling balls manufactured in the years 2016 and 2017 has been revoked. This means that all over Purple Hammer before these two years and after these two years are STILL LEGAL. Only 2016 and 2017 manufactured Purple Hammers are illegal for use in USBC-sanctioned events. Per USBC, "Purple Hammer bowling balls manufactured during 2016 or 2017 are identified by serial numbers that start with either a "6" or "7."
USBC also released a statement following this announcement claiming they are aware of the "Purple Hammer" allegations. These allegations were what sparked the implementation of this possible new PBA rule. Many in the industry stated that the surfaces of some of the Purple Hammers were below the USBC approved hardness specifications. USBC confirmed in their statement release that they have no evidence of that being true. They also stated, "
USBC has never received a report alleging this conduct nor any evidence supporting such a claim. Nor would or has USBC approved a ball outside specifications."
It has been reported through scientific findings that urethane bowling balls do indeed soften over time compared to when they are initially approved. USBC states that this is true regardless of the brand manufacturer. They have released the full scientific data and findings in a "Hardness Report" conducted in April of 2020. What does this mean for the future of bowling and urethane balls? As of right now, there is no immediate change for league bowlers, but only for pros on the National Tour.
We want to hear from you. What is your opinion on urethane bowling balls?
Do you think they should be allowed in competition or league play?
Do you think they should be banned?
Do you think the same new rule should be applied to bowling as a whole?
Let us know in the comments below! Let's discuss!
