Since 1928, the highest achievement in Duckpin Bowling is to be named the Top Ranked Male or Top Ranked Female bowler. To reach this pinnacle, bowlers must demonstrate the outstanding duckpin bowling skills which are the culmination of 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.
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 World's way of recognizing their very best . . . their #1 Duckpinners!!!
To qualify for the Men's National Rankings you must have bowled at least 275 games in sanctioned leagues and tournaments. At least 81 games must be from a member league or leagues and 75 games must be from sanctioned tournaments.
To qualify for the Women's National Rankings you must have bowled at least 200 games in sanctioned leagues and tournaments. At least 81 games must be from a member league or leagues and 30 games must be from sanctioned tournaments.
Honorable Mention will be given to men with at least 150 games and women with 125 games who did not meet the requirements to rank, but whose composite average exceeds that of the 20th ranked bowler.
Each season the #1 Duckpinners are the winners of the coveted NATIONAL TROPHY
