United States Bowling Congress Inc.

The United States Bowling Congress Inc. (USBC) is a nonprofit sports membership organization dedicated to ten-pin bowling in the United States. It serves as the national governing body for the sport, overseeing standardized rules, equipment specifications, and competition standards.

History

Founded on January 1, 2005, the USBC resulted from the merger of several historical organizations: the American Bowling Congress (ABC), the Women's International Bowling Congress (WIBC), the Young American Bowling Alliance (YABA), and USA Bowling. Prior to its formation, these entities managed different segments of the bowling community, with the ABC established in 1895, the WIBC in 1916, and the YABA in 1982.

Mission and Vision

The USBC's mission is to provide services, resources, and standards for the sport of bowling. It aims to be the leading authority in bowling, ensuring the sport's continuous growth by celebrating its past, being mindful of its present, and planning for its future.

Activities and Programs

The USBC manages numerous programs designed to support and grow the sport of bowling:

• USBC Youth: This program focuses on making bowling appealing to children through tournaments, scholarships, and leadership opportunities.
• USBC High School: Supports the development of bowling as a high school sport, recognized across the country.
• USBC Collegiate: Provides opportunities to enhance students' academic, athletic, and personal growth through collegiate bowling.
• USBC Coaching: Offers quality training programs and instructional tools for both youth and adult bowlers.
• Team USA and Junior Team USA: Manages these teams as they represent the United States in international competitions.
• Tournaments: Organizes several national tournaments for bowlers of all ages and skill levels.
• SMART: Manages a scholarship system recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee and the National Collegiate Athletic Association for youth bowlers.

Governance and Structure

The USBC is headquartered in Arlington, Texas. It operates with approximately 258 employees and serves about 1 million members nationwide. The organization is responsible for maintaining bowling lane specifications, conducting research on bowling-related products, certifying coaches, and regulating high school and collegiate bowling programs.

Revenue and Financials

The USBC generates an estimated annual revenue of about $45 million. This revenue supports its diverse activities, including membership services, tournaments, and equipment standards enforcement.

Hall of Fame

The USBC Hall of Fame was established in 2005, combining the ABC Hall of Fame (founded in 1941) and the WIBC Hall of Fame (founded in 1953). As of 2022, the hall of fame includes 446 inductees across categories such as Superior Performance, Meritorious Service, Veterans, Pioneer, and Outstanding USBC Performance.

Legal Information

The United States Bowling Congress Inc. operates under the Employer Identification Number (EIN) 56-258-1665.