WASA Rules

 Article I: Name

This organization shall be known as the WOMEN’S ALL-STAR ASSOCIATION (WASA).

Article II: Objectives

1. To attract and encourage the high caliber, proficient woman bowler.

2. To foster understanding and cooperation between all women bowlers regardless of race or religion, and to encourage the spirit of good fellowship and sportsmanship, thereby promoting the sport of bowling on all levels.

Article III: Membership

1. WASA membership shall be granted to all sanctioned USBC members who have graduated from high school or were members of a senior class that graduated at time of application. A member who has not attained the age of 18 shall have the written consent of a parent or guardian. To be eligible for membership, a bowler must have an established minimum average of 170 for the preceding season or for a minimum of 21 games during current season at time of application. A summer average is acceptable.

3. Professional Grandfather exception: All current WASA members who have attained or plan to attain professional status (national), may remain a member of WASA with membership dues being paid in full and on time every year. If a previous member with a Grandfather exception does not pay their dues by February 15th, their Grandfather exception is forfeited. All professionals holding national membership are not eligible for brackets and/or side pots during WASA competition while they hold professional national membership and for two(2) full calendar years (Jan-Dec) after their last year of professional national membership. Approved at Annual meeting Dec. 27, 2003.

4. Any individual being denied WASA membership may appeal to the WASA Board of Directors for reconsideration.

5. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP (January thru December) dues shall be $40 and must be paid by February 15th. Any member failing to pay by this date can be reinstated by paying an additional $5 fee. If a former member does not pay her dues by the date of the third tournament, she will be dropped from the mailing list and no longer be considered a member in good standing.

6. NEW MEMBERS shall pay annual dues of $40, plus an initiation fee of $5.

7. INACTIVE MEMBER: A member who is not currently competing may pay a $10 INACTIVE fee and will be reinstated by paying the additional $30 fee.

8. SENIOR MEMBERS: Membership dues of $30 for past or new members who are 50+ and do not hold an ACTIVE membership card, may join WASA as a SENIOR member. Senior members will have full voting privileges, but may only enter those tournaments classified as "senior" events.

9. An adjusted dues timetable shall apply to first-year members as an incentive to procure NEW members who may be interested in joining WASA during interim periods of the season.

10. A membership card will be issued to all members upon receipt of a membership application, dues and proof of USBC membership.

11. Dismissal from WASA shall be made upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors for the following reasons: (1) non-payment of dues, and (2) conduct derogatory to the best interests of the WASA membership.

12. Charter WASA members are considered those who have paid membership dues no later than the day of the second WASA tournament, November 6, 1971.

Article IV: Executive Organization –Board of Directors

1. The Board of Directors shall consist of an executive director, assistant executive director, tournament director, assistant tournament director, director of statistics, life members and 12 directors.

2. The 12 directors shall be elected for two-year terms on a staggered system. Ballot elections will be held at the annual meeting and only members in good standing eligible. Absentee ballots will also be accepted.

3. The offices of executive director, assistant executive director, tournament director and assistant tournament director are not necessarily subject to membership in the WASA. When any or all of these positions are held by a non-member, that director shall be entitled to voice, but not vote, on issues decided by the voting directors.

4. Any elected board member may be removed from office in accordance with applicable WIBC rules. Any appointed member of the board may be removed by appropriate action of the voting members of the Board of Directors.

5. The term of office for elected directors will begin on January 1st, following year of election.

6. Board of Directors shall meet no less than once a year.

7. An annual meeting shall be held once each year and shall be open to all members in good standing.

Article V: Executive Board Responsibilities

Executive Director:

1. Collect all membership dues;

2. Maintain an accurate and current membership file;

3. Deposit all monies collected by WASA in a bank which is a member and whose deposits are insured in the FDIC.

4. Maintain a true and accurate account of all receipts and disbursements.

5. Submit to the WASA membership a written statement of the year’s financial transactions.

6. Direct all public relations, which includes press releases and tournament results to membership.

7. Secure tournament centers and sponsors

8. Provide an accurate and current membership file for the tournament director.

9. The executive director shall be empowered to conduct and transact business by mail or e-mail and may request a mail or e-mail vote on any matter.

Tournament Director & Assistant Tournament Director:

1. The tournament director shall receive all tournament entries conduct monthly tournaments, in addition to any post tournament business.

2. Deposit all monies collected by WASA in a bank which is a member and whose deposits are insured in the FDIC.

3. Furnish relevant information to statisticians.

4. Issue all tournament prize checks within 30 days after the close of a tournament.

Assistant Executive Director:

1. Maintain the WASA website. Update all information for release to membership which includes monthly newsletter, bowler statistics and future tournament information.

2. Recording secretary at all board meetings and responsible to furnish all minutes to the membership.

3. Maintain an up-to-date listing of the current internet addresses of the WASA membership.

Directors:

1. Promote WASA membership in their respective geographical areas.

2. Attend all board of director’s meetings.

3. Set guidelines and standards needed to continue the growth of the Association.

Director of Statistics and Records:

1. Compiles membership averages after every tournament.

2. Maintains an updated membership file which details accumulated points needed to determine the end of season special awards.

3. Maintains membership eligibility for Hall-of-Fame candidates.

Article VI: Tournaments

1. The entry fee in all Regular tournaments shall be $70, with $53 being added to prize fund, $7 to tournament expense and $10 house donation. Amended Oct. 2005

2. Entry fee in all Senior tournaments shall be $55, with $40 being added to prize fund, $5 to tournament expense and $10 house donation.

3. Entry fee for Tournament of Champions shall be $100, with $85 being added to prize fund, $5 to tournament expense and $10 house donation.

4. A tournament may be designated as "Special" and entry fee raised at the discretion of the executive director.

5. QUALIFYING: The format shall consist of a six-game qualifying round. With a semi-final round to follow, number of semi-finalists are determined by size of entry and lane availability. Semi-finalists bowl an additional three games for a total 9-game score.

6. FINALS: The top six from the semi-final round advance to bowl each other in head-to-head competition with a final position round. Pinfall from the semi-final round shall not be carried over into the finals. A bonus of 30 pins will be awarded for each win. The champion shall be that bowler who has compiled the highest total pinfall, plus bonus pins. The executive director may change the tournament format at her discretion. If a change in format is made, it will be noted on the entry form.

 GENERAL TOURNAMENT RULES

Tournament Entries

1. Checks must be submitted with entry form prior to closing date. Post dated checks will be accepted and held until tournament date. All entry fees paid at tournament site will be assessed an additional fee of $10.

2. Only replacements secured after the closing date may pay entry fee at tournament site.

3. Any checks returned for insufficient funds will be assessed $10 over the amount of service charge levied by bank (1st offense). If a 2nd offense is made, she will be fined an additional $5 (plus bank charge) and all future checks must be certified.

4. If more than one qualifying squad is scheduled, bowler will receive a confirmation providing she includes a self-addressed stamped envelope with entry.

5. Check-in time is 60 minutes prior to scheduled squad. If bowler is late and spots are available, tournament director will schedule bowlers on second squad on a first-come basis, as they are received in tournament office.

6. Late bowlers in semi-final round not present when practice is announced will be replaced by the next available 6-game casher. The missing player will be placed as the top 6-game casher. It is the obligation of the bowlers to report a missing semi-finalist. If a bowler is injured in this round, she will drop to the last cash in the round. A pacer may be provided, however no compensation will be awarded.

7. Practice is permitted prior to any qualifying squad based on lane availability. No one is permitted to practice on their starting lane.

8. WASA reserves the right to check equipment at any time. If an illegal ball has been used, the bowler will be disqualified.

9. All bowlers will be allowed 10 minutes of practice prior to the qualifying round and 5 minutes all other rounds.

10. At the discretion of executive or tournament director, bowlers waiting at least 15 minutes due to mechanical failure, will be allowed one practice ball on each lane.

11. A two-lane courtesy rule will be in effect. No double jumping.

12. Bowlers will be allowed two re-racks in each game. Although no speed-up rule at this time, bowler may be asked to speed up time In approach. Bowlers must wait behind the lanes until all bowlers have completed the same game before moving down onto the next pair of lanes.

13. Ties: If a tie exists before the semi-final round, all those tied for the last  spot will be included in this round. Ties existing for last place before the final round will be resolved by a one-game roll-off. The loser of the match will become the alternate. If two or more players are tied for alternate, the bowler with the highest single game in any round will be named alternate.

14. Alternate: When an alternate replaces a bowler in the finals, the following rules shall apply:

     b. An alternate replacing a finalist after the finals begin shall receive a penalty of 30 pins subtracted from the score of the bowler she is replacing.

     c. All monies won in the finals shall be equally divided (including alternate’s original prize).

If a second alternate is needed, the bowler present at the finals, who placed the highest in the money standings, will be named the new alternate.

15. Match play ties for positions in the finals, either at the start or before the position round, shall be determined by a toss of a coin. If a tie exists for 1st place following the position round, a one- game roll-off will determine the champion. All ties other than 1st place shall equally divide place monies.

16 Cancellations made before the stated deadline will result in returned entry fees to member. After the deadline and a replacement is found, all but $5 (penalty) will be returned. If no replacement is found, bowler will not receive any refund, however, she will be credited with a paid entry and the 10 entry points.

17. No Show: A member reserving a spot for herself or a guest will be held responsible for the unpaid entry fee.

18. Complaints: Any problems arising shall be reported to any board member after competition. NO COMPLAINTS ARE TO BE TAKEN TO HOUSE STAFF OR MANAGER.

19. A bowler dropping out of a tournament must have her score sheet signed by executive or tournament director. Failing to do so, bowler will be levied a $5 fine.

20. Scoresheets: Members are responsible for the accuracy of their scores. This includes completing and checking totals, initialing after each game, as completed, and checking final totals. Bowlers will sign score sheet as a final confirmation of accuracy. If an error is found, the bowler will pay $2 for first offense and $5 for each additional offense.

 DRESS CODE AND ETHICS

All WASA members will be required to abide by the WASA dress code and code of ethics as compiled by the image committee. All violations should be reported to members of this committee or a member of the board of directors. The image committee shall enforce rules and levy fines.

1. Proper Attire: All bowlers must wear a skirt, culottes, walking shorts or dress slacks to be eligible to compete. Not permitted: jean shorts or slacks, shorts, spandex skirts, tee shirts, tank tops (w/o collar) knee socks or tights.

2. Length of skirts or shorts shall be at least two inches below the tips of the bowler’s fingers when arms are extended at side.

3. Bowler’s name is required on back of shirt. Last name only may be used. Names printed on tape or paper are not permitted.      Members not complying will be fined.

4. The name of a sponsor is permitted, providing the bowler’s name is included in letters larger than that of the sponsor.

5. All members should appear clean, neat and well groomed in appearance. Shoes shall be polished and clothing should be clean and pressed.

6. Check-in time is ½ hour before each scheduled squad. Late bowlers will be subject to a $5 fine. Unforeseen delays will be excused from fines.

7. Smoking is not permitted in settee area.

8. Profanity and conduct unbecoming a WASA member:

   1st offense: verbal warning

   2nd offense: $5 fine

   3rd offense: possible suspension voted by board

If a bowler’s attire is considered inappropriate, a fine of $10 will be imposed for 1st offense, $5 for 2nd & 3rd offense. If a 4th offense is committed, the bowler’s attire must be approved by the image committee prior to competition.

All fines must be paid upon receipt of a fine slip. If the member is bowling in the second of two back-to-back tournaments, the fine can be paid at check-in. Until back fines are paid, bowlers are not eligible for competition.

11. Member Compensation: Members obtaining tournament sites and/or sponsors shall receive a complimentary entry into the tournament.

12. All WASA tournaments shall be open to members and guests, unless designated for members only. House guests will pay same entry fee as members. Other guest spots will pay an additional $10 which will be credited towards her dues if she joins by the following tournament, whether or not she competes in the next tournament. Guests who cash may only bowl once per season.

 SPECIAL TOURNAMENTS

1. Tournament of Champions: All WASA champions and a minimum of 15 point leaders, in a minimum field of 48 who are members in good standing, will be seeded into the Tournament of Champions provided they have entered in a minimum of six tournaments in the current season. The top ten point leaders will not have an option to bowl in the sweeper. Other point leaders will have the option to compete in the sweeper if they desire to do so.

A WASA champion who has not won a new title within 10 years from the date of her last win, will have an option to bowl in either the Tournament of Champions or Sweeper, providing she meets the eligibility requirements for the one tournament she decides to enter.

2. Ineligible WASA champions not fulfilling tournament requirements in the current year, (6 tournaments), will hold their eligibility for the following year if she fulfills the tournament participation rule.

3. Past WASA champions who are no longer members in good standing (non-payment of dues as an active or inactive member), shall lose eligibility as a seeded champion in the Tournament of Champions. However, past champions who have not won a national pro title in 5 years and who have not competed on the national tour for one calendar year, may regain eligibility as a champion by paying unpaid inactive dues during this period.

Other former pro champions who comply with above statement can rejoin WASA, however they must win a new title or gain a spot on a basis of points.

4. Sweeper: A current member who has competed in at least two tournaments in current season is eligible to compete in sweeper.

5. Golden Girls Classic: A senior member must have competed in at least one senior tournament in current season.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS

Life Members

In recognition for services rendered, a WASA member may be elected a life member, with the approval of the membership. Life members will serve as a member of the board, with voice and vote and paid lifetime membership.

Gold Star Members

A bowler may be elected a Gold Star Member of WASA for distinguished service to the game of tenpins. Names may be submitted by members for approval by the board of directors.

WASA Hall of Fame

Past and present members of WASA may be elected for superior or meritorious service. Names may be submitted for approval by the board of directors

Special Awards

In recognition for outstanding performance during the current season, WASA will present an award for:

Barbara Leicht-Bowers Bowler of the Year

Lisa Maurice – Rookie of the Year

Senior Bowler of the Year

These annual awards are given based on the accumulation of points compiled for tournament finishes. Points received for tournament participation are not counted. In addition to her award, recipient will also receive a paid membership the following year. All awards are distributed at the Tournament of Champions. Rookies joining WASA after October 1st will be eligible for Rookie Award the following year.

WASA Sportswoman of the Year

Presented to a member who is found to be friendly, courteous, helpful and encouraging to others. Nominated and voted by the membership, all members are eligible to win this award. Nominees must be re-nominated each year.

Jean Fish-Pearl Keller High Average Award

This  award is presented to the WASA member  who establishes the season high average for a minimum of 84 games.

Perfect Attendance

Presented to members who participate in every scheduled WASA event during the season.

TOURNAMENT OF WASA CHAMPIONS ELIGIBILITY

1. ALL WASA CHAMPIONS AND THE SWEEPER CHAMPION (from the previous year), who are members in good standing, are eligible to compete providing she has entered a minimum of six tournaments in the current year.

2. The remaining spots, in a minimum field of 48, will be filled from the current WASA membership, according to their point standings, providing she has entered a minimum of six tournaments in the current year.

3. POINT LEADERS: A minimum of 15 point leaders will be included in the field, however, the final top 10 point leaders (as primary cashers during the year), will not have the option to bowl in the sweeper. All tied players will be included in the field.

4. Cash position points (only) will also be used in determining the WASA Bowler, Rookie and Senior Bowlers of the Year.

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Artwork designed by Sharon Nasta