Mission Statement:
The X-League was designed to offer bowlers a high-end traveling league in which to compete in. The goal is simple…to create a one-of-a-kind league that promotes transparency, faster and higher payouts, awards for accomplishments, and to promote the sport of bowling. Bowlers will be encouraged to submit suggestions to X-League to improve the league itself.
The league will be run by the Executive Board of Directors, with input from the bowlers themselves, and something other traveling leagues fail to do…listen. We plan to run this league with common sense and professionalism.
The X-League looks to expand well past the local bowling alleys. Over time, we plan to have franchises in all lower 48 states, giving way to the first ever true recreational National Championship, and giving these bowlers something like never before…NATIONAL MEDIA ATTENTION.
X-League Administration:
The X-League will be run by the X-League Administration. Administrators are appointed only by the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.). Administrators are an extension of the C.E.O. and have the final say in all related matters. In the future, anyone may become an Administrator by submitting, in writing, that they would like to be an Administrator. In addition to a background check, the current Administrators will meet to discuss approval.
How To Start A Franchise:
Franchise Owners must fill out two short forms. Those forms are:
- Application of Registration Form
- Team Roster Form (minimum 15, maximum 36)
A “Future Franchise Owner Checklist” is made available to all Franchise Owners to make it much easier. All these forms can be simply downloaded from www.MyXLeague.com
Once the Administrators approve the application for Franchise Ownership, a one-time payment of $500 shall be made to X-League. This payment goes towards the registration and data entry of all members of the franchise. Any cash left over goes towards improving technology in the future to make membership, upgrades to the servers and to make the website easier to use for sanctioned members.
Once completed, Franchise Owners will then have access to multiple X-League approved jersey manufacturers as well as logo services, if needed.
Membership Year:
The X-League membership year begins September 1st and ends July 31st of the following
year. Membership is considered “being sanctioned by the X-League AND in good standing.” To obtain membership, you must be a part of a franchise, and all annual dues must be paid. Membership allows all bowlers to participate in all X-League Tour Stops and X-League Tournaments. Individual X-League Membership sanction fees are $30 annually and due no later than September 1st. Each franchise owner will be responsible for collecting from each member of the team, and one payment shall be made to the X League. For bowlers added during the bowling season, a one-time $30 sanction fee is due prior to competition via the website.
The purpose of sanction fees allows members to receive awards for honor scores (no limit per year), allows X-League to keep track of total pin fall, and keep track of all averages. Bowlers who are NOT sanctioned may not bowl in any Tour Stops or Tournaments run by X-League
Franchise Owner Guidelines:
Franchise Owners run their team and are responsible for all administrative functions, to include:
- submission of lineups, match payments and maintaining professionalism of their members.
If the franchise is owned by multiple individuals, one must be named as their Chief Owner to deal with Administrators. The Administrators need to have one contact to communicate with instead of multiple individuals when talking about X-League.
Franchise Owners are solely responsible for all payments to X-League, including:
- the $500 initial franchise fee
- the $30 per bowler sanction fee
- the $40 per bowler who participates in all tour stops
- the $300 annual team payment
- Ensuring each tour stop member is wearing their X-League jersey with their last
name - Deescalating any possible issues from members of the franchise
- Properly disperse any winnings to bowlers at season’s end, promptly
- Fill out any required federal tax forms where the IRS says it is mandatory
- Ensure that all members are properly sanctioned.
- Ensure that all team members know and abide by the rules
Ineligible Bowlers:
If a team uses unsanctioned or non-rostered bowler(s), the bowlers will be disqualified and receive a zero score. Bowlers must have their own jerseys, if not, that bowler will receive a zero score. *Teams may have a bowler whose jersey is grandfathered in from previous seasons.*
- See Jersey rule for additional information.
Suspended Bowlers:
A bowler suspended from membership in the USBC will be ineligible to participate in all X-League matches or tournaments. Any team using a suspended bowler will result in a score of zero.
Protests, Appeals, & Cancellations:
Tour Stop Representatives and the Administration have the right to cancel any tour stop in the name of weather, a state of emergency, any national emergency, or anything like this. It is the duty of X-League to attempt to reschedule cancelled matches. If for some reason, a match cannot be rescheduled, a different venue may be used, or cancelled entirely, which could affect prize fund payouts.
The X-League Sergeant of Arms may enforce any of these rules as well (Nick Gavron).
Protests and Appeals:
Protests and appeals regarding jerseys or ineligible bowlers should be brought to the Tour Stop Representative (TSR) during competition, and then submitted using the "Protest Submission Form" under the "FORMS" tab and emailed to [email protected], within 24 hours of completion of the match. If a protest is filed during the match regarding a jersey, the TSR may address the teams to allow for a substitute bowler (if the team has not used it’s allowed 2 substitutions) the next game.
Protests and appeals regarding scores will be made in writing and emailed to [email protected], by 12:00PM the Tuesday following competition for all scores to be verified and distributed to divisions.
The X-League Administrators will review the protest or appeal, and a decision will be made within 3 days. The X-League Administrators will have the final say on all decisions made.
Tour Stop Cancellations:
Tour Stop Representatives and the Administration have the right to cancel any tour stop in the name of weather, a state of emergency, any national emergency, or anything like this. It is the duty of X-League to attempt to reschedule cancelled matches. If for some reason, a match cannot be rescheduled, a different venue may be used, or cancelled entirely, which could affect prize fund payouts.
Team Lineups:
Each lineup will consist of nine active bowlers separated into three sets of trios. The first set of trios will be known as the “Scratch Pair.” The second set of trios will be known as the “First Handicap Pair.” This pair will receive 80% of 240. The third and final set of trios will be known as the “Second Handicap Pair.” This pair will receive 80% of 240, however, no bowler over a 215 average may bowl on this pair.
Franchises are required to send their lineups to X-League 24 hours prior to competition. Teams will be able to alter the lineup with no limitations up until one hour prior to competition, however, teams should try and reduce the number of changes within that time frame. Beginning one hour before the scheduled start time, any changes made will count towards the teams two allowed substitutions with one exception. If a bowler is changed to a blind, regardless of when it happens, this will not count as a substitution.
Two substitutions may be made during a competition under the following rules:
- Teams must inform the TSR prior to ANY changes before the start of any game.
- Substitutes may not enter mid game.
- Substitutions, within one hour from start time, must be a one for one replacement.
(Bowlers may not move from one lane to another).
No changes will be allowed without notification.
Replaced bowlers, that HAVE thrown a ball during the current competition, may not return to the same competition in which they were replaced.
Replaced bowlers, that HAVE NOT thrown a ball during the current competition (a.k.a. late bowler), may return to competition as early as game two in the same lineup location only, if there is a substitution left. This counts as a sub.
In instances where franchises are unable to fill a 9-person lineup, a blind will come in with a 200 average and have a blind score of 180, plus handicap if that bowler is on either of the handicap pairs. This equates to a handicap score of 212 and 180 on scratch.
Full payment of the match will still be required regardless of the number of blinds. Blindsmay still win points. Franchises are encouraged to alter rosters to assist in participation. Multiple blinds over multiple weeks by franchises could trigger the X-League Administration to get involved.
Competition:
Competition is defined as the end of practice on your pair. A bowler may practice without their jersey on but must wear their own jersey when the competition starts and until your final ball is thrown.
Score Changes/Dead Wood/Fouls:
In the event of a scoring error on the lanes, the score can be updated with the approval of both team’s owner/owner representative. Should there be dead wood on the lanes, a team can remove the dead wood without informing the TSR as long as both teams are aware. Should there be a scoring issue that the teams do not agree with (including but not limited to a pin missing not noticed by a team, a foul that is in question) the TSR shall be made aware of immediately and will make the decision based on information available. The decision of the TSR is final.
Legal Lineups/Blinds:
If a team does not have at least one bowler on a pair, that pair cannot win points, however, the other team must still win the points (they are not forfeited) against the blind. If they are not won, they remain unearned.
Blinds can win points as long as there is at least one bowler on the pair. In the event of 3 blinds on a pair, their overall pin total can still be used for overall wood. Franchises must have at least one person per pair for all blinds to have the ability to earn points.
Franchise Jerseys:
Each member must wear their official X-League jerseys and must be visible during competition. X-League prefers to have bowlers use their first initial and last name on their jersey. Bowlers may (with approval) use logos for bowling related sponsorship and/or staff logos as required (for example, Brunswick, Storm, Bowler X). Bowlers MAY NOT use logos of competing organizations. No bowler shall alter their jerseys once received. Examples of jersey alterations that are not allowed are cutting jerseys, bleaching, adding any names/nicknames or hand printed ink.
The X-League Administrators can check the status of a jersey order to determine if using a substitute jersey is allowed. If a jersey has been ordered by the bowler, a bowler may borrow a teammate’s jersey for two tour stops upon proof of the order. If an appropriately fitting jersey is not available to be borrowed, please contact your TSR in advance to work on an alternative solution. If the jersey hasn’t arrived, and borrowing a jersey needs to continue, additional approval from X-League administration is required.
Bowlers may wear official hooded sweatshirts or long sleeve shirts that are manufactured by an approved X-League company that match the jersey design, which includes a front logo, name on the back, and must be fully sublimated. Approved X-League companies are Bowlifi and Ink Parlor. You may wear any single or combination of the approved apparel. If a bowler is not visibly wearing their jersey or X-League approved attire (with the exception of a bowler who showed proof of purchase), those bowlers may not compete for the remainder of the game and will receive a “blind status” from frame 1.The bowler in question may return the very next game, if they comply with the jersey rule, and none of these roster moves will count towards the two substitutions allowed.
Opposing teams must notify their Tour Stop Representative by the 3rd frame of the game they are in, in order to enforce the jersey rule. If the Tour Stop Representative is notified AFTER the 3rd frame, the bowler in question may remain competing in the current game. However, the bowler in question must start the next game with their X-League jersey/apparel visible during competition, or the “blind status” for the next game will be enforced. Exceptions may be given to any new franchise who have yet to receive their jerseys from any manufacturer approved by X-League. Appeals after the 3rd frame of the 3rd game will not be valid. X-League has discretion on all other jersey matters.
Practice:
All X-League Tour Stops will have 7-10 minutes of practice. Only the bowlers that are in the official lineup for a tour stop may practice. If a bowler is running late, and the franchise has one substitution remaining, a substitute may practice. If the substitute practices, the substitute must start game one. This will be counted as a substitution. However, the original bowler may return to the lineup beginning as early as game two and must go in the original submitted lineup spot only. The return of the original bowler will count as their second and final substitution, if the franchise has a second substitution available. If not, the bowler cannot return.
Re-racks:
There will be unlimited re-racks per bowler.
Lane Conditions:
X-League requests centers to use their standard house shot condition. X-League is not responsible for lane conditions should it vary.
Lane Courtesy:
The standard courtesy of one lane shall be used in order for a timely completion of competition. Two lane courtesy can still be given, but it is not necessary.
Altering Ball Surfaces:
Ball surfaces may be altered up to the start of competition, including cleaning with certified cleaner, alcohol, or surface changes. Should your ball be adversely affected by lane equipment, a bowler may use a cleaner to assist with cleaning. A TSR MUST be contacted should this occur prior to performing any cleaning.
Roll Offs:
X-League Roll Offs use a 20-point system. Each of the three pairs will compete for 5 points each. The winner of the combined total wood will receive an additional 5 points. We will be using a match point system. The point system is as follows:
- Head-to-head matches against opponent: 1
- Team game won: 2
- Overall total wood between all three pairs: 5
- All ties will split the points equally.
- If a roll off ends in a 10-10 tie, total wood in the roll off will determine the winner. If there’s tie in total wood, a second roll off will take place.
Roster Size:
Each franchise must have a minimum of 15 bowlers and may only have a maximum of 36 bowlers. Franchises must notify X-League of all roster changes made. Franchises may drop bowlers off their roster, but only in the off season. The off season is defined as after the Championship game and before the start of the following season.
Bowlers on franchises may opt out at any time throughout the year, regardless of what the franchise wants. These opt out bowlers may rejoin X-League on another team no later than January 31st, 11:59pm. If a bowler has paid sanctions for that year, no new sanction fees are required to join a new team. Before a bowler competes for the new team, they must have their new team’s jersey. Jersey rules for joining a new team are detailed in the Jersey section of this document. Bowlers switching teams must have at least 9 games bowled in that season for their new team to be eligible for playoffs.
Team Disbanding:
Any team that disbands after the tour stop begins is responsible for all prize money for the remainder of the season. That money must be paid in full prior to the championship match. Failure to do so may result in an indefinite suspension of the team members. The X-League Administration may allow individual members back in with a vote from the Admins. Franchise Owners must sign a document understanding this rule.
In the event that money cannot be recovered, the prize list will drop proportionately to the standings.
Bowler Eligibility:
Bowlers must be 18 years of age or older. Bowlers must wear their jerseys. Bowlers must be in good standing with X-League (no fights, no threats, no weapons, and any like-minded occurrences). For bowlers to be eligible for a stop, they must order a jersey and pay their sanction at least one week prior to the stop. To be eligible for playoffs, bowlers must have 9 games with their current team during the current season.
Any bowler, moving from one franchise to another between Labor Day and Memorial Day, cannot compete for 1 match.
Bowlers leaving a franchise cannot rejoin the same franchise during the same season.
Bowlers can only switch franchises one time during the competition year.
Rerate of Bowler's Average:
Any team owner may request an investigation into the average of any bowler. This request must be made 7 days prior to a scheduled tour stop to allow for the investigation to be completed. A decision will be made within 72 hours of the request.
Any owners requesting a rerate will remain anonymous (Retaliation Clause) to the X-League bowlers and the requester should limit their communication to the X-League Administration only regarding the rerate. In addition, the request must be accompanied by supporting documentation for the investigation. Grounds for considering a rerate will be based on 50+ game composite average of the current season that is at least 25 pins higher than their entering average. For example, if their entering average is 200 and they have 27 games at 230 and 27 games at 225, they would qualify for a rerate investigation.
The X-League Administration will not proactively look for re-rate investigations but will investigate all written re-rate requests.
The bowler in question and their team owner will be advised that a rerate investigation has been submitted. The bowler in question, their team owner and the requester will be advised of the decision made by the Administration. All rerate decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
"Re-rate Request Form" can be found under "FORMS" tab or "SHOP/STORE" tab.
Averages:
X-League will be using a true composite average of all USBC averages regardless of winter or summer. The composite average will be calculated from the two most recent years, based on the data provided before Labor Day of the year of competition. The X-League relies on USBC / Bowl.com for initial average administration.
Should there be an error in reporting to USBC / Bowl.com, X-League will not be responsible for misreported averages or corrections. The X-League will update averages upon the correction/proof of errors. Sport shot leagues will not count. Any bowler that does not have this comes in at an average of 240 unless the Franchise Owner can produce evidence of something lower. In some instances, X-League Administration may rerate a bowler if they do not have these qualifications.
Administrators have final say in entering averages and may rerate at any time. Bowlers cannot drop 10 pins below their entering average.
To establish an average, bowlers must bowl 9 games. After 9 games, bowlers will have a forever rolling average from year to year. Current X-League bowlers who have completed 9-17 will have their averages adjusted to their forever rolling average. Should a bowler have 7 or 8 games entering a tour stop and reach 9 games in the middle of a tour stop, their average will not adjust during play and will recalculate after competition is completed for the day. In instances where multiple tour stops are held on the same day, averages are frozen for that day and will be updated upon the completion of both sets.
All bowler’s initial entering average will be the basis for their 10-pin drop for their forever entering average whether a bowler stays on the same team or changes teams. A bowler will start the following season with their prior season’s average. For example, a bowler enters the X-League at 225 and completes their 9 games and they average 212 for the season. The following year, that bowler will come in at 215 (based on their 10-pin drop from their entering average). The 10-pin drop will not be based off their final average for a year. Any deviations from this would require a rerate request.
Pots:
Pots may be run, but they are not associated with the X-League.
During the regular season, $0.25 of each bowler’s tour stop entry will be put into the 5-7-10 Jackpot (The Three Wise Men Jackpot). The split only needs to be left, not converted to win. Bowlers will be eligible to win multiple shares of the jackpot should they leave it more than once. The split cannot be left on a bowler’s fill ball or second ball of the frame if the first ball was a gutter ball. Winners will receive an equal share of the jackpot at the end of the regular season. Bowlers are encouraged to take a picture if this is left. If a bowler leaves the Three Wise Men, they must notify the TSR for verification immediately.
Scoring:
X-League uses an 80-point system. Each of the three pairs will compete for 25 points each. The winner of the combined total wood will receive an additional 5 points. We will be using a match point system. The point system is as follows:
- Head-to-head matches against opponent: 1
- Team game won: 2
- Individual wood against opponent: 2
- Overall wood per pair: 4
- Overall total wood between all three pairs: 5
- All ties will split the points equally.
Standings:
Points won are what determines league standings in the division.
Tie breakers (for two franchises) in the standings of the same division will be determined in
the following order:
- Head-to-head point totals throughout the season
- If head-to-head point total is tied, then head-to-head PINFALL
- If head-to-head PINFALL is tied, then season total PINFALL against all teams.
- Should there still be a tie, a 1 game roll off will take place of all 3 pairs. (See Roll Off Section – TBA)
Tie breakers (for three or more) in the standings of the same division will be determined in
the following order:
- Win percentage against the teams tied in the standings only.
- If win percentage is tied, then the season total PINFALL against all teams. (Winning percentage is calculated as Points Won divided by Total Possible Points).
No prize money will be split between teams at the end of the season. Tie breakers will determine what team finishes higher.
Lane breakdown:
Should a lane require attention during practice, bowlers will be given additional time to practice once the lane issue is resolved. If there is a lane breakdown during competition that will take an extended period of time to resolve, teams may be relocated to a breakdown pair, if available. Once there is an estimate on the time to fix the lanes, the teams can collectively decide if they want to wait, or relocate to a breakdown pair if one is available. Should this occur, the affected pair may be separated from their teams. If a pair is moved to a breakdown pair, 5 minutes of warmup will be given. If a breakdown pair is not
available, the affected pair may be required to wait until a pair becomes available. The breakdown pair is not guaranteed to have fresh oil.
Playoffs:
Playoff format will be based upon the number of teams in each division. For divisions that have an even number of teams, half of the teams from that division will make the playoffs. Should a division be an odd number, half +1 will make the playoffs. Additionally, X-League has the right to incorporate Wild Card teams into the playoffs to balance the bracket. As the X-League grows, the format may change year to year depending on the number of franchises as well as locations and will be identified within the first month of tour stops.
For this year, the playoff format will include double elimination unless there is “play in game (single elimination)” to make the bracket work properly.
Playoff seeding will be based on winning percentage. The winning percentage is calculated as Points Won divided by Total Possible Points.
Money Collection:
All tour stop payments MUST be made through the website. If the website is inoperable, payments can be made in cash to the Tour Stop Rep or any pre-approved and discussed way. By doing this, both franchises and X-League can track all payments. Franchises must send their $360 no later than 24 hours before the competition. Bowling alleys will be paid by check. It is the franchise’s duty to collect money from their bowlers. Changes to payments to X-League may occur in the future.
Prize Fund Distribution:
All prize money will be distributed within 30 days of the final Championship match. 100% of all prize money will be distributed.
Code of Conduct:
X-League bowlers are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and sportsman-like manner, including social media. Disparaging or bad-mouthing bowlers, lane staff or Administration staff will not be tolerated. There is a ZERO tolerance policy for any comments regarding race, sexual orientation, and religious affiliation and will be punishable by the Administration as deemed necessary. Any X-League bowler that defaces an X League jersey, with malicious intent, will be subject to a suspension for up to a year by the Administration. This also includes malicious damage to anything at the bowling alley, fighting, skipping out on any tabs, or anything similar.
Members breaking bowling alley equipment are solely responsible for reimbursing the house for any damage caused. All decisions from the Administration are final and cannot be appealed. If there should be a second occurrence, a member will be suspended for a period of no less than 1 month. If this happens a third time, a lifelong suspension may be handed down by the Administration.
If an issue occurs between franchises, the Administration will attempt to mediate and resolve it in a timely fashion to not impact competition. Depending on the severity of the problem, the Administration has the right to indefinitely suspend any bowler(s) that may be involved. In extreme cases, where a franchise owner is involved, the Administration has the right to remove the owner and replace them with another member of that team.
If bowlers have questions or concerns about the X-League, Administration, or staff, they are highly encouraged to contact X-League directly instead of going to social media. The code of conduct also covers social media.
Bowlers could face suspensions for extreme negative remarks on social media. Administration determines the definition of extreme negative comments. In extreme circumstances, if a blatant loophole was found, in which teams exploit, the Administration has the right to change or alter a rule and implement it immediately. All franchises will be notified if this occurs.
Children of bowlers, with discretion of the Administration or Tour Stop Rep, should not be in the bowler’s area during competition. Friends or guests should not be in the bowler’s area as well.
Awards:
The X-League will present physical or virtual awards based on a bowler’s performance and reaching milestones. Awards will be distributed to any bowler who rolls a 300 game or 800 series. Bowlers will receive dog tags should their pair “Sweep” (25-0) their competition. All active bowlers during a match will receive a “Mega Sweep” (80-0) should all 3 pairs sweep their competition. Bowlers will receive a dog tag and chain for every honor score achieved. In addition, X-League will keep track of total pinfall for all tour stops for each bowler. For every 10,000 pins, bowlers will move up in rank in the X-League and cap out at 100,000 pins. Other awards will be added as the X-League grows
These rules supersede any pre-dated printed materials. X-League has the right to change rules at any time. (9/2024)
Any rules NOT covered here, reverts to USBC rules. If there is an issue, in which USBC and X-League do not cover in their rules, the TSR may call for an immediate meeting of the franchises during competition. The TSR will bring the issue at hand to the franchises, and the franchises may vote on a remedy. The voting passed must be at least 50% + 1.
Ignorance of the rules is not an excuse.
STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION:
X-League staff have individual tasks to help assist its members. For those needing assistance, please refer to the following departments for better service:
CEO: George Williams - [email protected]
Rules / Sargeant of Arms: Nick Gavron - [email protected]
COO/Sanctioning / Averages: Christoper Downes - [email protected]
Website / Payments: Catherine Pang - [email protected]
Philly / Delaware TSR: Paul Foti - [email protected]
Jersey Shore TSR: Jonathan Dansbury - [email protected]
N.J. / N.Y. TSR: Mark Colineri Jr.- [email protected]
Central Jersey TSR: Dave Quinones - [email protected]
Jerseys: Tim Hugle Jr. - [email protected]