Pregame

1. Practice bowling begins 10 minutes before game time.

2. Be on time.

3. All players must be wearing their designated OSSO team uniform.

Scoring and League Rules

1. Have fun.

2. All bowlers will receive a set average and handicap after the first 2 games bowled.

   • This allows experienced and newer bowlers to compete and contribute equally.

   • New bowlers do not need to worry about averages or handicaps. Just bowl and have fun.

3. Handicap

   • Handicap is calculated as 90 percent of a 200 base average for all league members.

4. Absentee Score

   • If a bowler is absent and games are not pre bowled or post bowled, their score will be their average minus 10 pins.

   • The established handicap will still apply.

5. Vacancy Score

   • If a team has fewer than 6 players, a vacancy score of 100 per game will be assigned.

6. Team Points

   • Teams can earn up to 3 points per week.

   • One point is awarded for each game won. Two games per night.

   • One point is awarded for total series score with handicap.

   • Game points are calculated using all 6 player scores for each game.

   • Series points are calculated using the top 6 handicap series totals for each team.

7. Championship Week

   • Championship week takes place during week 7.

   • The top 2 teams after week 6 will compete head to head for the championship.

   • Teams in the championship match must have all 6 bowlers present with no vacancies.

   • All other teams will be matched randomly.

Bowling Poker

Bowling Poker is a popular optional side game played during OSSO Bowling leagues.

Participation

• Participation is optional.

• Players may want to bring cash if they choose to participate.

Objective

• Score bowling pins to build the best 5 card poker hand by the end of the game.

Setup

1. Each player or team starts with no cards.

2. Standard poker hand rankings apply.

3. Decide before the game whether Bowling Poker is individual or team based.

How Cards Are Earned

• Cards are drawn randomly from a standard deck.

• Common format:

  • Strike: draw 2 cards

  • Spare: draw 1 card

  • Open frame: no card

Hand Rules

1. Players may hold up to 5 cards.

2. If a player earns a card while already holding 5 cards:

   • One existing card may be replaced with the new draw.

3. Cards may be kept hidden or face up at the player’s discretion.

End of Game

1. After the final frame, players form their best 5 card poker hand.

2. The best hand wins.

OSSO Code of Conduct

1. Lighthearted trash talking is permitted.

2. Personal profanity directed at another individual will result in disciplinary action.

   • First offense results in a warning.

   • A second offense results in ejection.

   • Repeat offenses result in suspension.

   • Suspension length is determined on a case by case basis.

3. Racial slurs, hate speech, or discriminatory language of any kind will result in:

   • Immediate ejection

   • Complete suspension

   • Removal from the league

   • This applies to players, spectators, and anyone involved with the game.

4. Physical violence of any kind including fighting, shoving, or intentional aggression will result in:

   • Immediate ejection

   • Complete suspension

   • Removal from the league

   • This applies to players, spectators, and anyone involved with the game.

5. Disputes

   • If there is a dispute regarding a score or rule, a team Captain may request a meeting with the opposing Captain and the League Coordinator or Official.

   • If a judgement call goes in your team’s favor incorrectly, your Captain should speak up to correct the call.

6. Behavior Toward Officials

   • Arguing with or being disrespectful to officials will result in a warning.

   • A second offense results in ejection.

   • Repeat offenses result in suspension.

   • Suspension length is determined on a case by case basis.

7. League Values

   • OSSO is a social sports league that values fun and community above all else.

   • We recognize that all participants are imperfect and mistakes will happen.

   • Errors should be accepted with grace.

   • Our goal is to maintain a fun, inclusive, and fair environment for everyone.