Young American Bowling Alliance (YABA)

The Young American Bowling Alliance (YABA) was a nonprofit organization prominent in the United States, dedicated to promoting tenpin bowling among young people. Formed in 1982, it resulted from the merger of the American Junior Bowling Congress (AJBC) and the Youth Bowling Association (YBA)[1][3].

History

The history of organized youth bowling in the United States began to take shape in 1936 when Milt Raymer initiated an intramural bowling league in Chicago, which eventually grew into a city-wide program involving over 8,000 participants[1]. The AJBC was later established and co-sponsored by major bowling organizations such as the American Bowling Congress (ABC) and the Women's International Bowling Congress (WIBC)[1]. The YBA was formed for the 1963-64 season by the Bowling Proprietors Association of America (BPAA)[1].

Objectives and Programs

YABA focused on developing healthy competition, physical fitness, sportsmanship, and good citizenship among young bowlers. It provided opportunities for youth to learn bowling skills and participate in organized events, ensuring everyone had the chance to bowl while maintaining amateur status[1]. YABA's programs were designed to promote the game, offer leadership and teaching initiatives, and provide a structured environment for young athletes[3].

Merger and Legacy

YABA operated as the leading youth bowling organization for 23 years until it merged with other major bowling organizations (ABC, WIBC, and USA Bowling) to form the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) in 2005[2][3]. This consolidation aimed to streamline services and provide a unified governing body for bowling in the United States[2].

YABA's legacy continues through its contributions to the development of youth bowling programs now managed by the USBC and other collaborative efforts such as the International Bowling Campus Youth Development[1].