Any bowler will tell you, bowling is more than a sport.

We certify. To ensure a future for the sport.

It’s family and friendship. Camaraderie and competition. Inspirational, intergenerational, accessible-to-everyone joy.

Not everyone has to get our sport. But those who do have to keep it going. We have to be there for bowling like bowling has been there for us. If you’re for bowling, bowl certified.

Headline

We invited USBC bowlers of all ages from across the United States to tell us why they certify. For these bowlers and so many like them, bowling certified is about much more than paying dues so they can bowl in tournaments. It’s their way of saying I’m for bowling.

 

TOM AND DEBBI JO CZAJKOWSKI

EMILY SALLEE

Logo

Everything we do at USBC we do to ensure a future for our sport—and certified bowlers make it possible. Take a moment to hear some of their inspiring stories—and if you’re for bowling, consider joining them by becoming a certified bowler today.

TIM WATSON

TREAVOR MASON

At USBC, we use the terms “member” and “certified bowler” interchangeably.

In the past, we also used the term “sanctioned.” Today, any dues-paying bowler becomes a member of USBC and can proudly call themselves a certified bowler. If you’ve noticed us using the word “certified” more lately, that’s because we believe it does a great job of communicating what USBC is all about.

BOWLING IS

“THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FORM OF FELLOWSHIP.”

Casandra, certified since 1988

“MY GO TO TO STAY FIT. ”

Joe E., certified since 2017

“A FABULOUS SPORT TO PARTAKE IN.”

Barbie, certified since 2010

“SUPER FUN AND GREAT FOR MAKING FRIENDS AND HAVING FUN.”

Jonathan, certified since 2024

“FUN.”

Ronald, certified since 2023

“AN ABSOLUTE FAVORITE HOBBY TO DO AND I LOVE IT SO MUCH.”

Jose, certified since 2024

“A BIG PART OF WHO I AM AND I WANT TO KEEP IT A PART OF ME.”

Olivia, certified since 2012

“FELLOWSHIP. I CERTIFY BECAUSE OF THE YOUTH OF THE FUTURE.”

Robert, certified since 1998

“A FAMILY ACTIVITY THAT ALLOWS ME TO BE CLOSER WITH MY FAMILY.”

David, certified since 2012

“The BEST! GREAT COMPETITION, EXERCISE, AND MAKING FRIENDS.”

Carla, certified since 2003

“SOMETHING THAT KEEPS ME GOING AND I WON'T QUIT.”

Routha, certified since 1976

“A MAJOR PART OF MY LIFE. I ENJOY THE SPORT AND HAVE MADE MANY FRIENDS OVER THE YEARS THRU CERTIFIED LEAGUES, TOURNAMENTS, AND CONVENTIONS.”

Shirley, certified since 1966

“A ONE-OF-A-KIND OFFICIAL SPORT THAT THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN COMPETE IN AND IS ALWAYS FUN!”

Irene, certified since 2017

“FOR KEEPING YOU HEALTHY.”

Allen, certified since 1970

“FUN, EXERCISE, COMPETITIVE, CAMARADERIE WITH TEAM/LEAGUE MATES. HOW I GET TO TRAVEL TO STATES FOR TOURNAMENTS.”

Pam, certified since 1968

“A GREAT WAY TO MEET NEW PEOPLE AND TO LEARN NEW SKILLS, AND ALSO FOR ME TO LEARN SKILLS I NEVER LEARNED BEFORE.”

Kaitlyn, certified since 2022

“FUN.”

Frank, certified since 2024

“MORE THAN JUST A SPORT BECAUSE IT KEEPS A PERSON MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY STRONG, AND IT PROVIDES FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.”

Elizabeth, certified since 2023

“AWESOME! I'M GOING TO BE A SOPHOMORE ON MY BOWLING TEAM WHEN SCHOOL STARTS AND IT'S A REALLY FUN SPORT.”

Jeremy, certified since 2024

“MY LIFE AND BEEN BOWLING FOR 27 YEARS. I HAVE MADE SO MANY FRIENDS THROUGH BOWLING! I'M ALWAYS LEARNING SOMETHING NEW!”

Mary, certified since 2023

“AN IMPORTANT TO MY FAMILY. MY GRANDPA HAS DEDICATED HIS LIFE TO BOWLING AND INSPIRING YOUTH BOWLERS. I WANT TO CARRY THAT ON FOR HIM.”

Averie, certified since 2017

“BOWLING HAS ALWAYS BEEN IN MY FAMILIES BLOOD, WE ALL CERTIFY TO GIVE US OPTIONS TO COMPETE IN LEAGUES AND TOURNAMENTS!”

Herbert, certified since 1970

“NOT ONLY DO I CERTIFY FOR THE LOVE OF BOWLING, I CERTIFY FOR THE LIFE-LONG FRIENDSHIPS THAT I HAVE MADE OVER THE YEARS FROM BOWLING!”

Amy, certified since 1991

“MY RELEASE FROM ALL THE PRESSURES OF LIFE.”

Christopher, certified since 2010

“A SPORT THAT HAS ALLOWED THIS DISABLED VETERAN TO BE COMPETITIVE IN ATHLETICS.”

Steven, certified since 2024

“SUCH A STRESS RELIEVER AND AMAZING TO BE ON A TEAM THAT BELIEVES IN YOU”

Hailey, certified since 2023

“AN ACTIVITY THAT I NEVER WANT TO STOP DOING.”

Lincoln, certified since 2024

“AN EXERCISE. IT'S FUN AND I MEET ALOT OF NICE PEOPLE. IT IS SOMETHING I LOOK FORWARD TO. AND I CAN DO IT IN THE RAIN.”

Mike, certified since 2024

“A GREAT SOCIAL SPORT THAT IS ALL ABOUT FUN, SPORTSMANSHIP, AND ALL FORMS OF COMPETITION. BOWLING CONSISTENTLY EVOLVES.”

Blake, certified since 2010

“FUN, LIFE TIME FRIENDS OF ALL SHAPES, SIZES, AGES, ABILITIES, MALE AND FEMALE. NO MATTER OUR BACKGROUNDS, IT IS A SHARED ADVENTURE!”

Marsha, certified since 1987

“EXERCISE, GETTING TO SEE AND VISIT WITH PEOPLE. ALSO ENJOYING MEETING PEOPLE FROM OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY.”

Catherine, certified since 1972

“A GREAT WAY TO FELLOWSHIP WITH A WIDELY DIVERSE GROUP.”

Sharlene, certified since 1978

“I AM CERTIFIED BECAUSE I HAVE BOWLED IN ORGANIZED BOWLING FOR MOST PAST 60 YEARS, STARTING AS 14 YEARS OLD. I BEEN BLASSED TO WIN SOME AWARDS.”

Larry, certified since 1965

“A LOT OF FUN AND A GOOD WAY TO MEET PEOPLE.”

Judy, certified since 2023

“I CERTIFY BECAUSE OF THE COMMERCIALITY OF THE PEOPLE THAT I BOWL WITH AND THE PEOPLE THAT I BOWL AGAINST. IT'S A SPORT THAT I LOVE THE SPORT”

Ron, certified since 2020

“SOMETHING I GET TO SHARE WITH MY DAUGHTER. ONCE SHE DECIDED SHE WANTED TO BOWL FOR HER SCHOOL, IT BECAME OUR THING. NOW WE BOWL IN LEAGUES!”

Nick, certified since 2024

“FUN AND IT HELPS ME LEARN HOW TO BECOME A BETTER BOWLER”

Amber, certified since 2022

“I STARTED BOWLING MAINLY BECAUSE I WAS A SCRAWNY 12 YEAR OLD, AND THIS WAS A SPORT WHERE I COULD COMPETE. I'M NOW 71, AND STILL LOVE THE IT”

Bob, certified since 1964

“A CHALLENGE AND HELPS BUILD LONG LASTER FRIENDSHIPS.”

Fred, certified since 1971

“THE BEST EXERCISE I DO. I LOVE THE PEOPLE I BOWL WITH AND ALL THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE I HAVE MET IN MY ASSOCIATION, MAY STATE AND USBC.”

Ann, certified since 2014

“MOST OF MY LIFE. I LIGHT UP WHEN I CAN TALK BOWLING. I EVEN DRILL MY BALLS, COULD BOWL MORE BUT I GOT TO WORK TO PAY I GUESS. LOL”

Lewis, certified since 1990

“I CERTIFY TO SHARE THE SPORT I LOVE WITH OTHERS!”

Kevin, certified since 2011

“FUN AND COMPETITIVE. IT GIVES YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO BETTER YOURSELF EVERY DAY AND COMPETE WITH ALL LEVELS OF BOWLERS.”

Steve, certified since 2010

“A LIFESTYLE THAT GIVES YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL NEW PLACES AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS, WHILE DOING SOMETHING YOU LOVE.”

Jalen, certified since 2020

“I AM CERTIFIED BECAUSE IT ONLY MAKES ME FEEL REJUVENATED AND RELAXED AFTER A LONG DAY OF HARD, STRESSFUL WORK!”

Alfred, certified since 2023

“A WAY TO MAKE FRIENDS AND MEET NEW PEOPLE AND BOWL IN TOURNAMENTS AND GET BETTER AND HELP NEW BOWLERS GET BETTER.”

Rick, certified since 1999

“A GREAT WAY TO MEET NEW PEOPLE OF ALL SKILLS AND STYLES OF BOWLING. IT CAN BE A LEISURELY PASTTIME OR COMPETITIVE JOURNEY! ALWAY FUN! ”

Curtis, certified since 2021

“LOVE, THE SPORT AND THE COMPETITION.”

Joe, certified since 2024

“My Life”

Joseph, certified since 2023

“FAIR PLAY AND MY GRANDKIDS CAN EARN SCHOLARSHIPS AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS.”

Dianne, certified since 1991

“FUN, I ACTUALLY WAS IN A TOURNAMENT IN 2019, UNTILL MY STROKE IN 2022, NOW MY AVERAGE IS ABOUT 50 PINS LESS, BUT STILL BOWL.”

Dale, certified since 2016

“FUN FOR ME TO SOCIALIZE AND GET SOME EXERCISE AT THE SAME TIME!”

Linda, certified since 2001

“THE ONE SPORT I'VE BEEN ABLE TO DO COMPETETIVELY SINCE I WAS 9 YEARS OLD IN JR LEAGUE. I'M NOW 72 AND STILL GOING STRONG!”

Richard, certified since 1970

“FUN AND MEET A LOT OF MY FRIENDS AND ENJOYED THE TIME. A FUTURE OF THE SPORT FOR MY KIDS AND GRANDKIDS.”

Cheryl, certified since 1979

“THE JOY IT BRINGS MY KIDS AND GRANDCHILDREN, AND I STRIVE TO HELP THE SPORT STAY ALIVE.”

Debbie, certified since 2020

“A WAY TO BE COMPETITIVE IN A FUN ENVIRONMENT. BOWLING IS A SPORT FOR EVERYBODY—NO MATTER SKILL LEVEL.”

Ashton, certified since 2023

“A WAY TO CONNECT WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND COWORKERS! I'VE MADE A LOT OF NEW FRIENDS IN MANY STATES FROM BOWLING SENIOR TOURNAMENTS.”

Bruce, certified since 1999

“MY PASSION. BOWLING AS A USBCE SILVER COACH ALLOWS ME TO SHARE MY PASSION WHILE DEEPENING MY APPRECIATION AND SECURING THE FUTURE OF BOWLING.”

Ashlee, certified since 2021

“FAMILY. MY FATHER WAS A VERY GOOD BOWLER, AND HE PASSED HIS LOVE OF BOWLING ON TO ME AND MY TWO BROTHERS. I STARTED BOWLING AT THE AGE OF 8.”

Eric, certified since 1980

“EVERYTHING TO ME, LOVE THE GAME.”

George, certified since 2024

“A GREAT RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY. I GET TO MEET NEW PEOPLE. A GOOD SOURCE OF ENJOYMENT. I ALSO LIKE THE COMPETITION AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE. ”

Thaydious, certified since 2024

“SO MUCH FUN FOR ME AND SOMETHING TO GET ME OUT OF THE HOUSE. ”

James, certified since 2024

“A WONDERFUL SPORT. YOU GET TO MEET NEW FRIENDS AND HAVE FUN. THAT'S WHAT MATTERS.”

RJ, certified since 2012

“VERY RELAXING AND IT GIVES ME A COMPETITIVE EDGE TO GET BETTER AND BETTER AT IT. I ENJOY IT. ”

Travis, certified since 2024

“RELAXING, ENJOYABLE AND MEETING NEW FRIENDS. ”

Frank, certified since 2021

“FUN AND CHALLENGING IN LEAGUE AND OIL PATTERN.”

Russell, certified since 1980
Our certified bowlers had many words for what bowling is to them—and we invite you to share yours.

yellow_sec_img1_1
WHY I CERTIFY

“USBC sparked a dream for me.”

Tim Watson
Certified since 1999
yellow_sec_img2_2
WHY I CERTIFY

“My college scholarship account is set thanks to USBC.”

Treavor Mason
Certified since 2018
yellow_sec_img3
WHY I CERTIFY

“I certify because USBC has my back.”

Emily Sallee
USBC Certified Since 2005
yellow_sec_img4
WHY I CERTIFY

“Travel, friendships, competition, scholarships. USBC has made a huge difference in my life.”

Madison Choi
Certified since 2022
yellow_sec_img5
WHY I CERTIFY

“For the thrill of certified competition.”

Johnweyne Freitas
Certified since 2020
yellow_sec_img6
WHY I CERTIFY

“Every sport needs to have a governing body.”

Tina Taylor
Certified since 1991

IF YOU’RE FOR BOWLING, BOWLING CERTIFIED IS FOR YOU.

yellow_sec_img7
WHY I CERTIFY

“If you're not certified, it doesn't count.”

James Simmons
Certified since 1978
William Lenamond Cropped-1
WHY I CERTIFY

“The training and coaching you get is amazing.”

William Lenamond
Certified since 2022
yellow_sec_img9
WHY I CERTIFY

“I certify because bowling needs a governing body that makes everything level and fair for everyone.”

Al Woolum
Certified since 1966

JOIN THE ONE MILLION STRONG AND GET CERTIFIED TODAY.

Caleb Ebner No Hypen

WE’RE FOR BOWLING. FULL STOP.

Everything we do, we do to ensure a future for the sport.

We create and uphold the rules to maximize safety and fair play.

We inspect and certify the lanes, the balls, the pins, and the products that ensure an optimal experience for the greatest number of players.

We provide training, scholarships, and support so that anyone who wants to excel at bowling has the opportunity.

We cover the sport from every angle—on BowlTV, in print, and online—offering insight and visibility into how the game is played.

And we make the thrill of competition possible, to the tune of 14,000 tournaments each year, certifying scores and preserving every certified bowler’s place in history for generations to come.

What we do at USBC isn’t easy, but it’s very simple: Every day, in every way, we champion players and fair play to ensure a Future for the Sport.

And certified bowlers make it possible.