Young American Bowling Alliance

The Young American Bowling Alliance (YABA) was a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting youth bowling in the United States. It was formed in 1982 through the merger of the American Junior Bowling Congress (AJBC) and the Youth Bowling Association (YBA)[1][3][5].

Formation and Purpose

YABA was established to provide youth with opportunities to learn and participate in organized bowling, emphasizing sportsmanship, physical fitness, and good citizenship. It offered various programs and competitions for young bowlers, aiming to develop their skills while maintaining amateur status[1].

Activities and Achievements

YABA was instrumental in organizing national junior bowling championships and other events that encouraged healthy competition among young bowlers. It also included the Collegiate Division, which it took over and later returned to the American Bowling Congress (ABC) in 1998 as College Bowling USA[4].

Merger into USBC

In 2005, YABA merged with other major bowling organizations, including the American Bowling Congress (ABC), Women's International Bowling Congress (WIBC), and USA Bowling, to form the United States Bowling Congress (USBC). This merger unified the governance of bowling in the U.S., creating a comprehensive structure for both youth and adult bowling[1][2].

Legacy

Although YABA is no longer a separate entity, its contributions to youth bowling remain significant. The programs it established and the competitions it organized continue under the umbrella of the USBC, ensuring that young bowlers have opportunities to participate in the sport nationwide. YABA's efforts helped pave the way for current youth bowling programs and championships in the United States.