The B.T.B.A. is a recognised governing body, a member of the Commonwealth Games Council for England and The British Olympic Association.
The B.T.B.A. provides official rules; recognises bowling achievements; provides tournament competition; and provides services to sanctioned leagues.
As a B.T.B.A. member, you will compete under the official rules of tenpin bowling. You probably think how difficult can the rules of bowling be? There are only 10 pins, one lane and one ball. It can't be too difficult, right? Wrong.
Without joining a sanctioned league there is no sure way to enforce B.T.B.A. rules of competition. Many unsanctioned leagues adopt rules stating that all B.T.B.A. rules apply, (without having the right to do so) and then find it impossible to enforce equitable rules.
As a B.T.B.A. member if league rules are violated during the season, the B.T.B.A. provides the resources and personnel to enforce its playing rules. Unsanctioned leagues, however, do not have these avenues. Unsanctioned leagues must thrash out the rule interpretation among themselves, which often results in inequitable decisions and league tension.
B.T.B.A. playing rules are the official written document for sanctioned leagues, providing you and all B.T.B.A. members with both equality and protection.
Sanctioned B.T.B.A. tournaments which include local and national championship tournaments, have continually been expanded and enlarged throughout the years. The B.T.B.A. National Championships provides an opportunity to develop friendships with bowlers across the country; travel each year to different host towns; and earn special recognition for tournament participation. In the 'Nationals' bowlers compete in one of three average based divisions, each with its own prize fund. This way regardless of skill level, you will compete against bowlers of equal talent for divisional championships.
All B.T.B.A. members, regardless of average have an opportunity to quality for Team England, the nation's premier bowling team representing England in international competitions. Qualification is based on a series of ranking events organised throughout the year at centres around the country, including such prestigious events as the British Open and the National Championships.
No matter what your skill level the B.T.B.A. provides tournament opportunities and fair competition for all its members.
Each year the Association organises numerous courses and seminars for those who are interested in Instructing or simply wish to improve their own game. The path to accreditation as a fully qualified coach involves progression through a three phase instructional programme, with each course covering a particular aspect of coaching.
How many sports have you participated in where only the winners receive awards? Most sports award only their top athletes with trophies, medals or other awards for outstanding performance. These awards are often out of the reach for average athletes who compete for the enjoyment of participating. The B.T.B.A. however makes it possible for their bowling accomplishments.
These awards are not limited to outstanding scoring achievements. While the B.T.B.A. recognise bowling's pinnacle achievement - the 300 game with a certificate of recognition and a 300 pin badge, there are awards available for scoring achievements at all talent levels.
All new adult members receive a Rule Book, FREE monthly copy of the Go Tenpin Magazine (available only through sanctioned leagues) and Personal Accident Insurance.
Junior members joining the B.T.B.A. through a YBC Sanctioned league will receive a concession of 50%, which includes FREE monthly copy of the Go Tenpin Magazine and Personal Accident Insurance.