NDBC News

December 14, 2021

Congratulations to Fred Shinnamon!

Fred Shinnamon & Rob Green

On October 30th of this year, Fred rolled 419 set (138, 162, & 119), a whopping 116 pins over his average! The set was bowled in the Saturday Nite Fever league right here at AMF Southwest in Linthicum, MD. Rob Green, league secretary, presented the jacket. The owner of the helpful rabbit ears is unknown, Great bowling, Fred - thanks, Rob!


December 14, 2021

Betty Sue Elliott Kello peacefully passed away December 9, 2021

Betty lived her 90 years to the fullest with her award winning Archery skills in the 1960's, her bowling in the 1970's which was still a topic of many conversations and of course her lifelong love for crafts and cooking. She made everything . Betty was very talented and much loved.

Betty is predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Walter "Odie" Kello, cherished son Tommy Kello and grandson-in-law Ryan Williams. Betty is survived by her son William and his wife Lori, granddaughter Kelley Kello Williams, Grandson Andrew Kello, sister Joan Hixenbaugh and two great granddaughters, Adalyn and Billie Williams.

At Betty's request, there will be no service. The family will have a celebration of life at a later date.

Betty held religion close to her heart and the family would like to thank her friends at Atlantic Shores Baptist Church for the love and friendship they shared with Betty and the happiness that you brought to her.


November 24, 2021

Congratulations to Eric Briggs on his Gold Level Award!

Eric Briggs and Al Zoraian

Eric bowled a 486 set (139, 168, 179) in the Tuesday Night Doubles at Wickford Lanes in North Kingstown, RI on Tuesday, October 12, 2021. Eric (left) received his Jacket-Gold Level Award from RIDBA/NDBC President Al Zoraian (right). Super bowling, Eric!!!


November 15, 2021

Congratulations to Philip Clough on his Gold Level Award!

Phil Clough and Al Zoraian

Phil bowled a 556 set (181, 172, 203) in the Summer Sweepstakes at Town Hall Lanes in Johnston, RI on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Phil (left) received his Jacket-Gold Level Award from RIDBA/NDBC President Al Zoraian (right). Super bowling, Phil!


November 2, 2021

The Passing of Jessie Lou Dunnack

The NDBC Board of Directors extends its deepest sympathy on the passing of Jessie Lou Dunnack, a truly amazing lady! Her family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. She will be missed by many! Read the Obituary


October 1, 2021

Announcing the NDBC 2020-21 National Rankings!!!

CONGRATULATIONS Lisa Huber and Bernie Hipkins!!! And Congratulations to everyone who earned this prestigious honor! We appreciate the hard work and dedication that it takes to claim a spot on this list. Thank you for your continued support of this wonderful sport!!!

The Oscar, Emmy, Davis Cup, Cy Young Award, Heisman Trophy, and the America’s Cup all acknowledge the best! So, too, the NDBC NATIONAL TROPHY is the Duckpin Bowler’s way of recognizing their best . . . their #1 Duckpinners!!! Since 1928, the highest achievement in Duckpin Bowling has been to be named the top ranked bowler. Each year for many decades, one male and one female bowler have been ranked as #1. To reach this pinnacle bowlers must demonstrate the outstanding duckpin bowling skills which culminate their years of practice and hard work. Annually for almost a century, the National Duckpin Bowling Congress has honored each of the #1 bowlers. They are currently awarded a hand-crafted, custom-created, blown glass trophy in recognition of their achievement. The names of these two bowlers are added to, and become a permanent part of, the National Trophy display.


September 7, 2021

Congratulations, KYLE BULL on your NDBC Men's 13 Game Set World Record of 2160!!

IT'S OFFICIAL!!!! The scores are in, the lanes have passed ---

Kyle had an amazing Labor Day weekend in the Duckpin Professional Bowlers Association Event at Mt. Airy Lanes:

  • Qualifying Round on 9-4-2021 starting at 8:30 AM, lanes 1-12 - 8 games - 1281 (202,135,166,150, 146, 148, 172, 162)
  • Sunday head-to-head matches 9-5-2021 starting at 10:00 AM, lanes 1 thru 6 - 5 games - 879 (184, 138, 183, 186, 188)
  • Saturday total 1281 + Sunday total 879 = 2160

August 10, 2021

NDBC World Record Awards Presentation for Theresa Vermillion Johnson


August 3, 2021

National Duckpin Youth Association Board Member Openings

The National Duckpin Bowling Congress (NDBC) is looking for two highly motivated, energetic individuals to join the National Duckpin Youth Association Board of Directors (NDYA) as it expands its perspective, synergy and size. These volunteer positions are for individuals, in good standing with the NDBC, who are interested in partnering with the Duckpin Bowling Proprietors Association (DBPA) to further the goals and strategies of the NDYA.

The NDYA’s mission is to: 1) promote and teach the game of duckpin bowling to our Nation’s youth and 2) provide league programming to member centers of the DBPA.

The NDYA Board of Directors is composed of 10 volunteers. Four of the members are appointed by the DBPA and four by the NDBC; the other two are NDBC and DBPA Ex-Officio representatives. The Board’s annual meeting is held in October of each year, with monthly tele/videoconference meetings held throughout the year.

Board Members are responsible for ensuring two-way communication between the NDYA and the NDBC, leading and/or participating in a variety of sub-committees, and working on projects deemed necessary by the Board to further the game of youth duckpin bowling.

Questions regarding these exciting opportunities should be addressed to NDYA President Jane Hudgins at ndyabowling@gmail.com / 410-218-1747 or NDBC Executive Director Laura Bowden at executivedirector@ndbc.org /410-636-2695/301-254-1802

By August 31, 2021, interested individuals with positive energy, who have experience furthering youth duckpin bowling, should send a brief resume and statement of why they are the right person to join our team to: executivedirector@ndbc.org.


June 11, 2021

NDBC Awards for 2020-21 Season

Listed below are the Gold awards and All Mark Game awards that have been issued by NDBC this season (2020-21). Congress would like to send a special thank you to all of the secretaries that have submitted the awards. Keep these awards going through the summer!

Let's get the summer leagues sanctioned, registration fee is $12.00 summer league membership fee is $7.50 (if not already sanctioned through the fall/winter). League applications are located on our Membership page, or contact Denise via email @ dschmidt@ndbc.org or by phone @ 410-636-2695 Tues-Thurs 9am to 4pm.

Sanctioned summer league averages are included in the rankings for the next season (2021-22).

Have a fun, safe, summer and good bowling!

2020-21 Awards


June 9, 2021

Congratulations to Our Winners!

On May 16th, the 90th Annual NDBC National Tournament went into the record books. A huge vote of thanks to everyone who took the time to participate in this annual event. It is our hope that a good time was enjoyed by all!

The NDBC Board of Directors gratefully appreciates the efforts made to ensure the success of this historic tournament. When Montgomery County’s COVID regulations made it impossible for White Oak to hold the event, John Dunker, Chris Roth, and Rick Tydings of Glen Burnie Bowl stepped up and hosted this event! The able direction of Tournament Director, Frank Wilson, and the friendly, exemplary service of DeAnna Rhine and the GBB staff kept the event running smoothly from start to finish.

A complete breakdown of the bowlers who participated and where they finished, can be found at the link below. Checks were mailed to the winners last week.

Remember to keep an eye out for details of the 91st Annual NDBC National Tournament to be held at T-Bowl Lanes in Shenandoah, Virginia!

Stay Safe and Duckpin Strong!

View Tournament Results


May 19, 2021

Mark Klingelhofer Receives #1 Ranked Male Bowler Trophy

Mark Klingelhofer, 2018-2019 NDBC #1 Ranked Male Bowler, receiving his trophy

Mark Klingelhofer, 2018-2019 NDBC #1 Ranked Male Bowler, receiving his trophy at Saturday's NDBC National Tournament! Congratulations Mark and thank you for coming out to bowl!!


May 10, 2021

Congratulations to Toni Berthelette on her Gold Level Award!!

Toni Berthelette Receives Gold Level Award

Toni bowled a 458 set (134, 179, 145) in the Pawtuxet Valley Commercial League at Mac's Bowlaway in West Warwick, RI on Friday, April 9, 2021. League secretary Al Copice (left) and RIDBA/NDBC President Al Zoraian (right) presented Toni with her Gold Level Award Jacket. Super bowling, Toni!!!


May 7, 2021

Recent Gold Level Award Announcements

Heather Hairsine
Congratulations to Heather Hairsine on her Gold Level Award!!! On March 22, 2021, Heather rolled a 397 set (129, 121, & 147) in the Monday Night Triples at AMF Southwest. Heather said this was the first sanctioned league in which she had ever bowled. She was very excited! Shirley Quaskey is presenting. Great bowling Heather!!

Chris Cochran
Congratuations to HTSBA bowler Chris Cochran on his award jacket award. Chris rolled a 483 set (180,191,112) in the Donnie Cave Major League at Pikeside bowl on 9-29-20.

Nathan Needy
Congrats to another HTSBA bowler Nathan Needy on receiving his gold jacket from Rick Keadle in the photo above. Nathan bowled a 464 set on 2-23-21 in the Tuesday Nite Handicappers at Dual Lanes. Congratulations!!


May 6, 2021

NDBC 2021 Annual Meeting Highlights

Congratulations to Al Zoraian and Rich Hipkins on their election to NDBC President and Vice President, respectively. Many thanks to both of you for stepping up in a really challenging year!

Liz Roth may be retiring as President, but she is the newest inductee into the NDBC's Hall of Fame Meritorious Service category. Congratulations Liz and many thanks for your years of dedicated service to our sport!!

I also want to thank our newly appointed At-Large Board Member, John Novak and Baltimore's National Executives Cindy McMillen, Mike Manns and Nicholas Lloyd. The NDBC is grateful to your willingness to take time out of your busy lives to fill a void and represent our largest area of sanctioned bowlers.

The following Rules were changed on April 30th at the NDBC Annual Meeting:

(see the Rule Book online at ndbc.org):
  • 610: When a foul occurs on the second ball, pins knocked down, if any, shall be counted as knocked down by the third ball, the second ball is lost and the bowler is through for that frame.
  • 611: Should a bowler make a strike in the tenth frame or any extra frame and foul on the first count ball, that ball shall be lost, the pins knocked down by that ball are counted as though knocked down by the second count ball, and the bowler is through for that frame.
  • 705: Senior citizen members of senior citizen leagues will pay a reduced yearly membership fee, which entitles them to bowl in senior citizen leagues. Non-senior citizen members of a senior citizen league will pay the regular membership fee. A senior citizen bowler who bowls in any other league must pay additional monies to total the full membership amount. Senior citizen fees are listed in the format book. A senior citizen bowler will be allowed to bowl in any sanctioned tournament without paying additional membership fees.

The following definition change was approved by the Board:

  • SENIOR CITIZEN LEAGUE - A league in which 90% of the members are at least 50 years old and regularly scheduled bowling ends by 6:00 P.M.

There were also some changes to the NDBC By-Laws. Most were just updating and cleaning up language but there was one biggie – no longer are National Executives prohibited from bowling, or officiating in non-sanctioned leagues or events. The new By-Laws will be posted soon.

Thanks to those of you who attended the meeting, your support is appreciated!


April 16, 2021

Chris Suit Receives Gold Level Award

Chris Suit Receives Gold Level Award

Congratulations to Chris Suit on his Gold Level Award!! Chris bowled a 461 set (134 pins over average) at AMF Southwest on the Wednesday Quads League on 2-10-21. Nice bowling!!

In the photo are Chris Suit (dark shirt) & Mike Jackson the league secretary.


April 16, 2021

George "Buddy" Kaeser Has Passed

The NDBC sadly reports that Connecticut lost another Hall of Famer yesterday, George "Buddy" Kaeser. It always tugs at the heart strings to lose another one of our greats!

If you get a chance, go to REMEMBERING ALL OF THE DUCKPIN BOWLING CENTERS PAST AND PRESENT and look at the video of the Greenway East 1988 DBPA Tour!

Condolences to his family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be missed!


Breaking News

April 6, 2021

The Passing of Jeff Pyles

It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Jeff Pyles, a true duckpin legend. Fifteen times Number #1 bowler, the holder of 9 World Records and a tournament in named in his honor, his skill was only surpassed by his outgoing personality and unconditional acceptance of people. His loss leaves a huge hole in the duckpin community.

Heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Debbie, his children, and his grandchildren. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in eternal peace and light!


March 17, 2021

Potential Rule Changes

Listed below are several potential rule changes that were received by the deadline (see the Rule Book to compare):

  • Rules 610 and 611: Revert to the wording in 2018 Rule Book.2. 2.
  • Rule 705: Add as second sentence "Non-senior citizen members of a senior citizen league will pay the regular membership fee.

The following definition change was approved by the Board:

  • SENIOR CITIZEN LEAGUE - A league in which 90% of the members are at least 50 years old and regularly scheduled bowling ends by 6:00 P.M.

February 10, 2021

Dianna Dubiel Receives Gold Level Award Jacket

Dianna Dubiel Receives Gold Level Award Jacket

On January 4, 2021, Dianna Dubiel, who has an average of 89, rolled a 372 set in the Monday Night Triples at AMF Southwest. This photo which was taken last night, is Dianna receiving her Gold Award jacket. Dianna is on the left and Shirley Quaskey, secretary of the league is on the right.

Congratulations, Dianna - great bowling!! And thank you, Shirley for being on top of league awards!


January 27, 2021

The Passing of Dick Westlake

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Dick Westlake. Although the following article from "North American Bowling" highlights the caliber of his skill, it neglects to mention what a really super person he was. Rest in peace, Dick, you will be missed.

"Unquestionably considered one of the all-time greats. Like the old great muscle cars, Dick Westlake's bowling career is another of the introduced in the decade of the 1960s. Westlake possessed one of the most devastating arm-swings in the history of bowling. Significant advances were made to aid in better scoring for duckpins, primarily in the fall of 1976, but prior to this, Westlake was actually rolling '500' sets back in the early to mid 1970s when few people were doing it. In the early 1980s, Dick rolled one of the best single game efforts in the history of duckpins at Wheaton Triangle Lanes. After posting 2 magnificent games of 164 and 181, he started the 3rd game with a stunning 8 strikes in a row. 2/3rds of the way to the only perfect game opportunity ever for duckpins, Westlake rolled his 9th frame. Another pocket hit, but this time he left the 5-7 split. As if the 8-bagger weren't enough to highlight an already monumental escalating effort for the night, Dick slid the split for the conversion. In the 10th frame, he broke 9, made it, and counted 9 on his final ball for a 266 game as part of a landmark 611 set.

During the 1970s, Westlake won a pro tour in Richmond, VA. But he was also renown at the time for winning a much publicized TV match against long-time, top-ranked bowler, Jimmy Dietsch, in which Dick, needing a mark to win the tournament, left the dreaded 7-8 split in the final frame. With defeat eminent, Dick beat the odds, hitting the 8 pin flush, and bounced it out of the pit to knock over the 7. After the unlikely spare conversion, Westlake then counted the necessary amount to win the match. Given the fact that the lanes were geared for TV for Washington DC's old Channel 7 studio telecast, they were less than optimum scoring, even for the tougher conditions of the early 1970s, which makes the split conversion even more phenomenal.

In the early to mid 1990s, I bowled rubberband duckpins with Westlake at Zips Lanes in Johnstown, PA. Although, the scoring in this variation of duckpins is higher than conventional duckpins, it was still amazing to watch as Dick averaged 181 for 12 games.

Shown in this photo from an early DPBA program book, you almost need to do a double-take when examining Westlake's arm-swing. This is not a retouched or edited photo--this is his actual arc with the ball. Back then, he should have been known as "The Scorpion".

Dick Westlake


January 14, 2021

Board of Directors Meeting This Saturday

The NDBC Board of Directors meeting will be Saturday, January 16th at 10:30 a.m. If you are interested in attending, or have anything you would like placed on the agenda, please contact the office at 410-636-2695 or Laura Bowden at 301-254-1802. Afterwards check back here or on the NDBC Facebook Page for meeting highlights.


November 5, 2020

Brian Keitz Receives Gold Level Award Jacket

Brian Keitz Receives Gold Level Award Jacket

Congratulations to Brian Keitz who is shown here on the left receiving his Gold Level Award jacket from Mark Berends. Brian rolled a 506 set on 9-29-20 in the Genuine Draft League at Pinland Bowling Lanes. Nice bowling Brian!!


October 30, 2020

Congratulations Theresa Vermillion on the recognition of a 609 Women's 3 Game Set World Record!!!

At the request of a bowler, the NDBC Board of Directors reviewed the information regarding the previous denial of this World Record. After a thorough examination of all the pertinent data. A motion was made to accept the scores as a new 3 Game Set World Record. The motion carried unanimously.

This is what happened:

  • On August 20, 2001 at Suitland Bowl, in Suitland, MD, Theresa Vermillion bowled a 609 set which beat the existing World Record for a 3 Game Set.
  • Harrison Sanders, Past NDBC President, and an NDBC Inspector was in the center. Mr. Sanders inspected the lanes that night and said the lanes passed.
  • For some unknown reason, the NDBC Executive Secretary, Marge Chaney, sent out another inspector. That inspector said that the lanes were “out of spec”.
  • Due to his inspection, the World Record was denied.

The Board based its decision on the following:

  • The inspection mentions the walls being too close together.
  • The rubber of the sideband expands when hot.
  • An inspection done in the middle of a hot August day in a closed center could encounter expansion not present when air condition is on.
  • Theresa was the only bowler on that pair of lanes whose scores were higher than their regular averages.
  • A new owner took over the next day and made immediate changes to the lanes.
  • There was no way of knowing if the lane conditions were the same by the time the inspector sent by Marge Chaney did his inspection.
  • A third inspector, who might have re-confirmed the decision one way or the other, was never sent out.

October 7, 2020

Welcome to the 2020-21 Bowling Season!!!

Thank you for your continued support of sanctioned bowling! Your membership promotes the game, certifies the lanes, and provides the rules and structure. It is you and your membership that keep alive the sport we all love!

This site is constantly being updated to ensure that it provides everything you will need. If you, or anyone in your league, has suggestions for any improvements we can make, or would be interested in participating in your local association, please contact us at 410-636-BOWL (2695). We are always looking for people with good ideas.

Once again on behalf of all us at the National Duckpin Bowling Congress, we thank you for your sanctioned support of the greatest indoor sport! Please remember that if you need anything, this office is always here to help.

Stay Safe and Duckpin Strong.


August 26, 2020

COVID Update - August 2020

Attention All Bowlers and League Officers!!!!

For the 2020-21 bowling season, the NDBC Board of Directors has voted to continue all COVID policies and procedures put in place for last season.

The NDBC will recognize all sanctioned scores using variances in playing rules that are rolled while adhering to the COVID-19 requirements mandated by state or local governments. Only variances used to comply with these regulations will be recognized. The purpose of this action is to allow sanctioned leagues and tournaments more flexibility as they return to bowling.

To compensate for social distancing:

  • Bowlers/teams may bowl on only one lane for the entire match.
  • Bowlers/teams that are not switching lanes must maintain the frame-by-frame pace appropriate for the match in question.

The use of a variance must be mutually agreed upon by the league, or the tournament director, and the proprietor prior to the start of the league match or tournament.

Any questions should be directed to the NDBC office at 410-636-2695 or to Laura Bowden at 301-254-1802 or executivedirector@ndbc.org.


August 26, 2020

Jim Mulvihill's 390 set is the new Men's Two Game Set World Record!

On July 14th, Jim bowled a 204 & 186 on lanes 9 & 10 in the Dudek Summer Singles at Dudek Bowling Lanes, Warren, Rhode Island and now IT'S OFFICIAL!!! The paperwork is in and the lanes have passed inspection!

Good bowling, Jim!!


July 27, 2020

World Record Holders Receive Plaques (Finally!)

World Record Holders

Finally!! The World Record Mixed Team of Five Single Game holders were presented their plaques prior to bowling in the June Scratch Battle at AMF Southwest. It was a long time coming, but they finally got the well-deserved recognition of their peers. Sorry that COVID delayed this, but a heartfelt congratulations from all of us on an amazing game!!

Left to right in the photo: Rob Hanley, Jill Manns, Lisa Huber, and Mike Manns. The plaque in the middle is for the fifth bowler Tara Cohen.


July 23, 2020

Congratulations to James Heisler, Jr. Wins Gold Level Award plaque!

James Heisler, Jr.

Hats off to Jim Heisler, Jr. who received a Gold Award plaque for his 448 set! The set was bowled on 1-29-20 in the Wednesday Mixed League at Glen Burnie Bowl. Jim's average was a 112.

Award "presentations" looked a little different during the COVID shutdown, but that in no way lessens the honor of the award or our congratulations!. Nice bowling, Jim!!!


July 13, 2020

The Passing of Glenna Grimes

ISadly on Saturday, July 11th, another NDBC Hall of Famer, Glenna Grimes passed away, Over her years in duckpins Glenna wore many hats and was beloved everywhere she went. She was a League Officer, an NDYA Coach, and Manager of Riviera Bowl - but mostly she was that lady with the infectious smile and an even bigger heart!

Please read her obituary and the particulars regarding visitation and service. In addition Glen Burnie Bowl and Jane Hudgins are working on a Celebration of Life. The details of that will be forthcoming.

We will all miss Glenna immensely!


June 30, 2020

The Passing of Butch Pryor

It is with deep sadness the NDBC reports that John "Butch" Pryor, a true ambassador of duckpins, passed away on Sunday, June 29th. The Congress' thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Having been ranked numerous times and a part of several previous World Records, Butch was one of the Washington, D.C area's finest bowlers. He was a long-time member of the Greater Washington Duckpin Association's Standing Committee and an NDBC National Executive. During his more than 40 years of involvement in duckpins, he was a driving force behind league formation and retention in several bowling centers.

Butch's dedication and tireless efforts to preserve the sport of duckpin bowling in the Washington area will always be remembered. On June 9th, the NDBC Board of Directors voted unanimously to welcome him into the Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service.

We join with Suitland Bowl, his home center, when we say that we are truly heartbroken! A dear friend, an honorable man and a respected bowler, Butch will be sorely missed!


June 12, 2020

Decision Regarding the 2019-20 National Rankings

The NDBC Board of Directors met on Tuesday, June 9th to reach a decision regarding the 2019-20 National Rankings. Based on feedback received from a majority of the responding bowlers, a motion was made and unanimously approved to go forward with the rankings using 70% of the current requirements for total games, tournament games, league games and corresponding pinfall.

Thank you to everyone who voiced their opinion regarding the rankings and to those of you who took the time to speak up to your elected officials in favor of Maryland opening our bowling centers! Your help is appreciated and it seems to have worked!

Please keep your eyes open for announcements about leagues starting and tournaments being held. Our sport needs your help!!!!

Stay safe and Duckpin Strong!!


June 4, 2020

Congratulations to Britney Furlough on winning her Gold Level Award jacket!

Britney Furlough

She rolled a 401 set on 3/6/2020 in the Severna Park Wednesday Night Mixed league! Way to go Britney, nice bowling!!


June 4, 2020

Congratulations to Rickey Fraley, Sr. on his Gold Award!

Rickey Fraley, Sr.

Rickey bowled a great 450 set on 11-6-19 in the Wednesday Nite Ducks at Southside Bowl. Terrific bowling Rickey!!! Left to right in the photo are Dianna Moxley, League Secretary, Rickey Fraley, Jr and Jim Mitchell the League President.


May 4, 2020

Calling All Bowlers!

The COVID-19 virus has turned everyone’s world upside down!

One of the big issues staring the NDBC in the face is what to do about this year’s rankings? The obvious answer --- ask the bowlers!

So, the Board puts it to you. Should we go forward with this year’s rankings or do we cancel this year entirely? And if we go forward, how do we ensure fairness?

The leagues will be allowed to finish the season even after June 15th----that’s a start, but what about tournaments? There are many tournaments that have been forced to cancel and probably there will be more. So how do we handle it? The Board recommends a 25% reduction of the ranking requirements across the Board.

As a bowler, you tell us – email us at info@ndbc.org, phone us, or Facebook us:

  • Do we cancel the 2019-20 Rankings entirely?
  • Do we reduce league games, tournament games and total game requirement by 25%?

Thank you for your help and always remember that this is your association!

Stay safe and Duckpin Strong,

Laura B. Bowden
Executive Director


April 17, 2020

Final Average Submission to NDBC

Dear League Officers:

We hope that this letter finds you safe and well. The directives regarding the COVID-19 virus have affected all of us in unforseeable ways, but the NDBC wants to reassure you that we are still here for you. We are available both by phone and by email and we are trying to wind down the season as normally as possible.

As usual, we have provided you a copy of all those bowlers who have been identified to us as being members of your league. This is done to make it easier for you to prepare the required information. Make sure to return the originals, no copies, to the NDBC office.

June 15th will not be the deadline for final averages this year. The NDBC Rule Book says the following regarding final averages:

  • Rule 2201: A certified report of the final averages of a sanctioned league must be submitted to the CONGRESS OFFICE and to the LOCAL ASSOCIATION SECRETARY and be post-marked 15 days after completion of the league schedule.
  • Rule 2202: Any winter league averages not received in the Congress office, as outlined above, will not be counted toward a bowler’s ranking.

Please follow these rules and submit your paperwork as quickly as possible. Leagues that have already decided to end the season should submit their final averages as usual. Because of this year’s unusual circumstances, your league may not have decided when this year's bowling season will end. As soon as a decision is reached, PLEASE let the NDBC know by phone or email what the league decides! This will improve our ability to close the season out.

We take our responsibility to our members very seriously. We are all in this together and your welfare is our primary concern, so please contact us if we can help you in any way.

Stay safe and Duckpin Strong,

Laura B. Bowden
Executive Director


April 10, 2020

NDBC Is Canceling the 2020 National Tournament & Annual Meeting

After much deliberation, and with extreme sadness, Covid-19 has forced the Board of Directors to take a step which hasn't been considered since World War II. Although it seemed that neither the tournament nor the meeting could take place, the NDBC had been holding out hope --- hope, that at least a postponement would be possible.

It has become apparent that even when the Sheltering-in-Place Directives are lifted, our bowlers' first priorities will be to their loved ones and to the financial obligations of their day-to-day lives. Because our first responsibility is to our membership, cancellation became the right decision.

Stay safe, stay strong, we'll look for you at the tournament and meeting next year!


March 30, 2020

NDBC Update

The well being of all Duckpinners is a subject of major importance to our organization. The NDBC would like everyone to know that we hope you are all safe and well (or that you’re getting better).

We are still here and if you do need anything, please call 301-254-1802. Rest assured that we will reopen just as soon it’s allowed.

All the best until we’re able to resume the sport we all love!!


March 5, 2020

Announcing the 2018-19 NDBC National Rankings!!!

Congratulations to Jill Manns, Mark Klingelhofer and everyone who earned this prestigious honor! We appreciate the hard work and dedication that it takes to claim a spot on this list. Thank you for your continued support of this wonderful sport!!!

Since 1928, the highest achievement in Duckpin Bowling has been to be named the top ranked bowler. Each year, for many decades, one male and one female bowler have each been ranked #1. To reach this pinnacle the bowlers must demonstrate the outstanding duckpin bowling skills which are the culmination of their years of practice and hard work.

Annually the National Duckpin Bowling Congress awards a hand-crafted, blown glass trophy custom-created for each of the #1 ranked male and female bowlers. Additionally, the names of the #1 Duckpinners are added to, and become a permanent part of, the National Trophy display.

The Oscar, Emmy, Davis Cup, Cy Young Award, Heisman Trophy, and the America’s Cup all acknowledge the best! So, too, the NDBC NATIONAL TROPHY is the Duckpin Bowler’s way of recognizing their best . . . their #1 Duckpinners!!!


February 18, 2020

Mixed Team of 5 Single Game World Record

It’s official!!! The lanes passed inspection this morning and we have a new Mixed Team of Five Single Game World Record of 885!!! The individual scores were as follows:

  • Lisa Huber - 218 (6 Bagger)
  • Tara Cohen - 213 (All Mark)
  • Robert Hanley - 120
  • Jill Sachs Manns - 161
  • Mike Manns - 173

Rolled Saturday, February 15, 2020 in the FebMatch at AMF Southwest Lanes it beats the previous World Record by 19 pins. Coincidentally, that record was also bowled in the FebMatch at Southwest exactly 1 year ago.

Congratulations to all of you for a fantastic game! Recognition plaques will be forthcoming!


February 12, 2020

Rule Changes

At the February 8, 2020 meeting of the NDBC Board of Directors, it was voted to pass forward to the NDBC Annual Meeting the following three rule change proposals:

610: When a foul occurs on the second ball, pins knocked down, if any, shall be counted as knocked down by the third ball, the second ball is lost and the bowler is through for that frame. If the bowler spared on the second ball and fouled, it is an automatic ten frame and the bowler is through for the frame. When a foul occurs on the third ball, both the ball and the pins knocked down by that ball are lost and the bowler is through for that frame.
611: Should a bowler make a strike in the tenth frame or any extra frame and foul on the first count ball, that ball shall be lost, the pins knocked down by that ball are counted as though knocked down by the second count ball, and the bowler is through for that frame. Should a foul occur on the second count ball, both that ball and the pins knocked down by that ball do not count and the bowler is through for that frame.
705: Senior citizen members of senior citizen leagues will pay a reduced yearly membership fee, which entitles them to bowl in senior citizen leagues. Non-senior citizen members of a senior citizen league will pay the regular membership fee. A senior citizen bowler who bowls in any other league must pay additional monies to total the full membership amount. Senior citizen fees are listed in the format book. A senior citizen bowler will be allowed to bowl in any sanctioned tournament without paying additional membership fees.

***** Rule 705 will be in conjunction with the following Definition change:

SENIOR CITIZEN LEAGUE – A league in which 90% of its members (anything over 0.5 rounds up to the next full bowler) are at least 50 years old and regularly scheduled bowling ends by 6:00 P.M.


January 21, 2020

Earl Tilman wins Gold Award Jacket

Earl Tilman

Congratulations to Earl Tilman for an All Mark 231 Game rolled on 11-6-19 in his Wednesday night mixed league at Severna Park Lanes! Denise Schmidt, of the NDBC Office, presented him with a Gold Award Jacket and an All Mark Engraved Keychain. Nice bowling Earl!


January 21, 2020

Two Win Gold Award Watches

Gold Award Watch Winners

Gold Award Watches were the order of the day for Chuck Weller and Jim Matteo! Chuck received his for a 431 set and Jim for a 206 game. There must have been something in the air since both were rolled on 12-4-19. Congratulations gentlemen!

Left to right in the picture are Chuck Weller with League Secretary, Chris Simoni and Jim Matteo.


January 16, 2020

Bonnie Clark wins Gold Level Award

Bonnie Clark

Congratulations to Bonnie Clark on winning a Gold Level Award Pendant for High Set!! Everyone said it was so much prettier in person than they had imagined. Bonnie was thrilled to receive it and I was delighted to present it. Way to go, Bonnie!


January 16, 2020

2019 Fundraisers

Fundraiser Winners

The NDBC just paid out $1350 to 25 people who participated in the 2019 December Lottery Raffle. The checks were sent out at the end of last week. With the exception of the Baltimore area winners, the checks went to the local associations who will be presenting them. For a $5 investment these bowlers are either $50 or $100 richer!

Here are the GWDA 2019 December Raffle Winners receiving their checks at White Oak Lanes in Maryland!

Congratulations and thank you to all of the bowlers who participated. Nudge, nudge to those of you who didn't - there was $500 in winning tickets that weren't sold. Please think about giving it a try next year!