2021 Main Event average worksheet
We know figuring out which average(s) to submit for Main Event can be complicated, but that's because we want to have the most equitable tournament possible for all averages to compete in. Here's a step by step chart to figuring it out (note the 'for everyone' step at the end):
Step 1: Are you bowling any handicap events at the Main Event? If not, you don't have to worry about any of this. If you are, go to step 2:
Step 2: If you have bowled in 2021-22 JBT competition, you don't have to do anything, we'll have your average for you. If not, go to step 3:
Step 3: Is it before December 1, 2021? If so, send in your other Main Event paperwork now! This will guarantee the squad times you want. Then send in the average paperwork separately, after the December 1 average cutoff date. You can mail, email, fax, or bring it with you to the tournament (but we suggest doing it ahead of time so we can address any issues which may come up). If it's after December 1, go on:
Step 4: Do you bowl in only ONE form of organized competition (leagues, tournaments clubs, high school bowling, anything that keeps an average chart, 'certified' or not) in the 2021-22 bowling season, and do you have 15 or more games in it as of December 1? If yes, that's the average we need. Fax, email, mail, or bring with you proof of that average. You must note if that is a 'house/standard', 'challenge', or 'sport' level event. Events with 'mixed' lane conditions are considered 'challenge' level events. If you don't know, we will consider it a 'challenge' level event. Averages from 'house' events will be converted to 'challenge' averages for singles and sweepers only, and remain as is for doubles and team.
The above will take care of the vast majority of cases... but if not read on:
Step 5: If you have 15 or more games in more than one 2021-2022 league / tournament club / high school, etc. as of December 1, 2021, you need to provide ALL those averages. Note them all as house, challenge, or sport in the manner above, and then mail, email, fax, or bring them with you. We will use a composite of those averages and notify you of our decision. Averages from 'house' events will be converted to 'challenge' averages for singles and sweepers only, and remain as is for doubles and team.
If that doesn't apply to you (you don't have 15+ games by December 1 in anything in 2020-21), keep going:
Step 6: If you have no average of 15+ games as of 12/1/21, but you DO reach 15+ games before you come to Main Event, then that is the average you use. Mail, email, fax, or bring with you the average sheet from the week you reach 15+ games. As above, you must state if it's a 'sport', 'challenge', or 'house' average.
Step 7: If you have none of the above, you may use your highest finishing 2020-21 average ('book average') from any form of organized competition, OR (to account for short-season or unusual-season leagues), your finishing average from the most recently completed segment of your league / club, whichever is most recent. Very few of you will be in this situation, so we suggest contacting us if you are so we can help you through it.
Step 8: If none of the above apply, you'd have to enter at 200 (and receive no handicap), or bowl in the scratch division.
FOR EVERYONE: Main Event management reserves the right to further adjust any average arrived at through any of the above steps, prior to a bowler's first squad, and the bowler will be notified of such a change and the reasons why (we don't expect to do this but reserve the right to do so). Any bowler who bowls at an incorrect average according to the steps above, even if it's just one or a few pins, on purpose or not, will be disqualified and any prizes earned forfeited. Bowlers will sign on their scorecards that they are aware of all of these rules and that the average they are bowling at is correct under the rules, copies of which will be clearly posted at the event.
Whew! We know that income taxes are less complicated than this, but in this era of lane conditions dictating scoring pace far more than ever, we want to try and address all the possible situations that may come up. The goal is to have every bowler at the most recent average that most accurately reflects their overall ability. We freely admit that this is an inexact science, given the extreme variety of conditions and situations on individuals nationwide. We try our best. Again, if you have any questions at all, please feel free to drop us a line and we'll help you get ready for a great Main Event experience!