49 USBC
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2. Youth leagues:
a) The vacancy score shall be the average of the lowest average bowler on the opposing team’s roster.
b) If two or more vacancy scores are required, the average of the next-to-the-lowest bowler on the opposing team’s
roster shall be used for the second vacancy score.
c) In handicap leagues, the handicap must be based on the vacancy score used. Handicap shall not be limited.
d) The vacancy score is used until an individual bowls and establishes a current average.
e. An absentee score is to be used when a member is absent and a substitute is not obtained. The following provisions
apply unless otherwise provided by league rule:
1. The absentee score for each game shall be the absent member’s current average less 10 pins.
In handicap leagues, the handicap shall be based on the absent member’s current average.
2. Teams with additional players on the roster shall use the absentee score of the absent player with the:
a) Most games bowled.
b) Lowest absentee score when the absentees have the same number of games bowled.
c) Next highest number of games bowled when two scores are needed.
3. When a team has an absent member without an established average, according to league rules or USBC Rule 108c,
a score of 120 will be used. In handicap leagues, the handicap shall be based on the score of 120.
Commonly Asked Questions – Rule 112.
112/1 What is the dierence between absentee and vacancy?
As defined in Rule 112, Item e, an absentee score is used when a regular member is absent and a substitute is
not available. Unless otherwise provided by league rule, the absentee score for each game shall be the member’s
current average less 10 pins and, in handicap leagues, the handicap is based on the member’s current average.
According to Rule 112, Item d, a vacancy score is used when the team’s roster is less than the playing strength of
the league. The vacancy score shall be 120 unless otherwise provided by the league rules. In handicap leagues,
handicap for vacancy scores is calculated using the same handicap percentage the league utilizes for its regular
members unless the league rules state otherwise. For example, if the league’s regular handicap is 100% of 220,
vacancy scores must be calculated on the same basis unless the league rules state otherwise.
112/2 If a rostered bowler is absent the first night of bowling, is an absentee or vacancy score used?
An absentee score is used unless otherwise provided by league rules or past precedent established in the league.
If there is a question as to whether the absent individual is a member of the team’s roster, the league board of
directors decides the matter.
112/3 If two members are absent and only one substitute is obtained, which absentee score is used?
According to Rule 104h, Item c, the team captain is responsible for the eligibility of the team and determines
whom the substitute will replace. First, the captain determines whom the substitute will replace and then the
absentee score is determined.
When the team has a limited roster, the process is easy. The captain selects the player the substitute replaces,
and the absentee score of the other player is used.
When a team has additional players on its roster, the captain decides whom the substitute is replacing. Whoever
the substitute is replacing, the absentee score for that absent member cannot be used. According to Rule 112,
Item e(2), the absentee score of the player with the most games is used for the other player. If two absentee
scores are needed after the substitute is in place, the absentee score of the absentee with the next highest
number of games is used and when two absent members have the same number of games, the lower absentee
score is used. (See CAQ 108d/1 for cap information.)
112/4 Can a substitute's absentee score be used?
No. When a substitute completed frames and withdrew from play or did not bowl all games in a series, the
absentee score for the remaining frames (see Rule 116)/games must be based on the average of the absent
bowler. If there are additional players on the roster, see Rule 112, Item e(2).
112/5 If a member resigns from the league and the spot is not filled within two weeks (fees were paid, but
there is no substitute), what score should be used... absentee or vacancy?
The absentee score should be used. In the situation described, the member resigned, but was not replaced
immediately. Therefore, the player is still a member for those two weeks. Once the two weeks expire and a
replacement has not been obtained, the vacancy score provided for in the league rules is used.