I have huge respect for bowling alleys that have enough resources to support adaptive bowling. The beauty of both able-bodied and disabled bowlers enjoying the same sport is truly amazing. But how do they score so well? If you ever saw a league with a handicapped bowler, you may have noticed that their score is still pretty decent.
So how does that happen? Here comes the “bowling handicap”. This article sheds light on this profoundly important topic of bowling that every bowler, despite their physical ability, should be aware of. So be ready for the explanation of the bowling handicap.
What does Handicap mean in bowling?
When I was a kid and first started bowling, I didn’t know disabled persons could also participate in this sport with or without any assistance. That time I saw someone in a wheelchair crushing the lane with back-to-back strikes, I remember how everyone was cheering for her! It was wonderful! However, I didn’t know how their scoring system worked. But after I grew up, it got me thinking, and so I did some digging and found out, that there are indeed some differences in the scoring system for handicapped bowlers.
So answer me this. Do you think disabled bowlers can score as same as able-bodied bowlers? Definitely not! It is a fact that handicapped persons do have some restrictions in life that prevent them from doing certain movements. This is why handicapped bowlers are unable to secure a score as high as other bowlers. So do they just end up with a bad score? Not really!
For the sake of these bowlers’ disability, an adjustment, or in other words, a scratch score is added to their original scores. So can you just add any number you want? Of course, not. Hence comes the USBC-approved and universal bowling handicap calculator.
A bowling handicap is a number that is calculated using a certain formula to make this game fair for everyone and equalize league games and competitions. This breaks the barrier between disabled and able-bodied players and makes bowling more fun and competitive.
How to figure out bowling handicap?
To figure out the “bowling handicap”, you have to learn the percentage of the difference between your average and the basis average. Before you calculate the bowling handicap, you gotta ask the league or tournament officials what percentage factor and basis score is going to be effective for the game.
In most cases, the basis scores for the bowling handicap range from about 200 to 210, and sometimes up to 220 as well. Generally, the percentage factors that are used to calculate handicap are 80%, 90%, or even 100%. However, it varies from place to place. In most special games or competitions, 90% is used for bowling handicaps.
So how do you know your average score? Simple! Just add all of the final scores from your previous official league games and divide the grand total by the number of games you have bowled. This will give you the bowling average score. Now, all you have to do is subtract the bowling average from the basis score and then multiply the result by the percentage factor. This will give you the bowling handicap which you will have to add to your actual bowling average. Sounds confusing? Let me give you an example.
Based on what I have said earlier, the formula for bowling handicap goes something like this— Handicap = (basis value – average) x percentage factor
Now, let’s consider your bowling average score is 140. Cool? Okay, so you’re participating in a bowling competition where the base value is 210 and the percentage factor is 80%. If you put the numbers according to the formula above, you will get,
Handicap = (210 – 140) x 0.8 = 56
Now, let’s say your scratch scores in the competition are 155, 160, and 165.
And, your bowling handicap is 56.
Your total bowling scores will be —
(155+56) = 211,
(160+56) = 216,
(165+65) = 230.
So, 211, 216, 230— these are going to be your bowling score. Once the bowling handicap is used, it gives a nice boost to your overall score. So if you have a team member who is disabled, your team is not gonna stay behind. This bowling handicap is not going to stop you from getting a decent final score!
Good handicap in bowling
When the bowling handicap increases the total score of a disabled bowler, it is called a good handicap. Because the “bowling handicap” scoring system can elevate your league score significantly, bowlers often prefer having disabled bowlers in their leagues. Think about it! It can transform your below-200 score into a 200+ score which is a big deal! The bowling handicap system allows the league to have a bowling score that they can’t achieve even with an able-bodied bowler. Not only the bowling handicap acts as a major advantage but also it often makes a team win.
Negative handicap in bowling
Is there anything called a negative handicap? Sadly, there is! What does USBC say about that? Well, the negative handicap is applied only when a handicapped bowler scores 200 or more than that without the handicap score. This indicates that it’s done on an individual basis. So as a disabled bowler, if you score 200, a negative handicap will be applied. 10 points will be deducted from your original score, and you will end up with 200-10= 190 as the final score (considering 100% as the percentage factor).
Conclusion
Socializing through bowling is cool, but it’s even cooler because both disabled and able-bodied persons enjoy it together. This game is indeed a great way to establish inclusiveness and have fun together. I believe Handicap tournaments and leagues bring the best out of everyone and of course, the goodwill. What I love and appreciate most is the emergence of an atmosphere of equality and friendly competition. I hope this article has explained the bowling handicap and will help you to understand your or your friend’s handicap score. Till then, keep on rolling with full enthusiasm.
Passionate Bowler and Bowling Enthusiast
Jess Pinelli is a dedicated bowling enthusiast with a deep love for the sport that spans over 6 years. With numerous strikes, spares, and a few gutter balls under hes belt, he has honed his skills on lanes across the country. Pinelli’s journey in the world of bowling has been a remarkable one, from casual weekend games with friends to competitive league play and even a few local tournaments.
Driven by her passion for the game, Pinelli decided to channel her expertise and knowledge into the digital realm, becoming a prolific author on this bowling website. She’s your go-to source for everything bowling-related, from mastering the perfect hook to choosing the right bowling ball and even navigating the world of bowling etiquette.
When she’s not busy writing informative articles or reviewing the latest bowling gear, you’ll likely find Pinellis at her favorite local bowling alley, helping newcomers improve their game or enjoying some friendly competition with fellow bowlers. She firmly believes that bowling is not just a game but a community, and she’s committed to fostering that sense of camaraderie both online and offline.
