General League Information

1. A team must have a minimum of 6 players on the roster.

2. League games consist of 2 games bowled per night for 7 weeks.

3. Games are played in a 9 Pin No Tap format.

   • 9 Pin No Tap means that knocking down 9 pins on the first roll of a frame counts as a strike.

4. In the case of severe weather, official cancellation notices will be sent via email or text between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm.

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. Pre Bowling and Post Bowling

   • Games missed may be made up by pre bowling or post bowling one week in advance or one week after.

   • All games counting toward a playoff eligible team must be completed by the end of Sunday of week 6.

   • Games not completed by this deadline will not count toward championship eligibility.

5. 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.

6. Vacancy Score

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

7. Team Points

   • Teams may 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 from each team for each game.

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

8. 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 remaining teams will be matched randomly.

Bowling Poker

Bowling Poker is an optional side game commonly 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 play whether the game is individual based 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.