Have any of you guys ever seen any youth no tap tournaments? That sounds like so much fun.

Problem is that 9 pin no tap is not sanctionable for youth or adults. And since the youth only win scholarship money, no cash, their tournaments generally are sanctioned by USBC.

If you could figure out a way to not award anything to a youth bowler that would jeopardize their youth status, yeah, it would be fun. However, keep in mind that it also puts the focus on the strike ball and not so much the spares, which is something most youth programs really try to get kids to pay attention to. Kids generally already do not focus enough on their spares. A 9 pin no tap, will only reinforce that lack of focus and the idea that spares don't count.

I agree that 9 pin no tap can be fun. I'm not so sure how beneficial overall it would be for youth bowlers.

Erin

Spares still count, if you leave less than 9. I do agree that many kids dont focus enough on strikes. However, its just one tournament, kids still have to throw spares to be good in league and other tournaments. I dont think one tournament will make them think spares dont count. If it did, theyd be in for a rude awakening in any other tournament.

Just to clear something up, no-tap tournaments can, in fact, be sanctioned. You can also receive credit for an honor score provided the scoring system used distinguishes between real and no-tap strikes. It has been a while since I have read the rules but I also believe that you can certify youth no-tap tournaments.

Since when?

They may check your sanctioned average if it's a handicap tournament. But, I don't believe it is a sanctioned event.

We run youth no tap tournaments all the time, the kids always have fun. We give away gift cards and iPods etc, or trophies.

One benefit of bowling no tap is it makes you less inhibited on a strike shot. Instead of feeling like you have to place the ball directly in the pocket, all you have to do is hit the pocket and you will usually get 9, this opens up the mind and loosens the swing.

That is how I won the PBA Senior Manassass open pro am two years ago, I knew all I had to do was throw the ball between the first and second arrow and I will end up with a 9 count, I didn't care if I threw a strike or not which really loosened my swing up. Where I usually bowl at I have to hit a specific board to strike, it was nice having 3 on either side.

I don't think it was sanctioned, but it was registered with the USBC because of the scholarship money given to the youth winners.

Since as long as I can remember. Check the "USBC Tournament Manager Manual" on Bowl.com. Not only 9 pin no-tap but 8pin no-tap also. Plus Baker and a couple of others.
Dennis, the tournaments can be sanctioned per the above manual.

Gotcha!! OK, Erin?

Never heard of it, never seen it. As far as local association is concerned directors are not allowed to bowl in any non sactioned tournaments which include 9 pin no tap. And there's never been a 9 pin no tap youth event here.

I tried to get onto the tournament certification site and could not get in with my established password and screen name.

Erin