1. The Espresso Cup is a mixed competition open to men and women by invitation only. It is required that all entrants hold current season USBC membership cards. Non-USBC members may qualify for entry by purchase of a membership for $16.00 (men) or $15.00 (women) or by payment of a $5.00 (men) or $5.00 (women) participation fee (Rule #300c).

2. The Espresso Cup will be an USBC/IGBO sanctioned tournament and the following shall apply concerning averages:

A. Bowlers must submit proof of both their 2008/09 Book average and their 2007/08 Book average if they exist. Entries submitted without BOTH averages for ALL bowlers WILL NOT BE PROCESSED. You must CLEARLY indicate when both averages do not exist for a bowler by writing "None" in the appropriate average box. Proof of average is defined as: (1) a copy of your league sheet s with your name and average highlighted (2) a copy of your local Bowling Association book showing your name and all averages; (3) a signed paper from your League Secretary/President with their name and phone number. Bowlers must also submit ANY unsanctioned league average for the same periods as above.

B. Bowlers shall use their 2008/09 Book average or their highest 2008/09 unsanctioned league average (minimum 21 games) whichever is higher.

C. If no 2008/09 average exists, bowler's highest 2007/08 Book average or unsanctioned league average (minimum 21 games) will be used, whichever is higher.

D. If 2B and 2C averages do not exist, bowler's highest 2009 Summer Season average (minimum 21 games) will be used.

E. If a bowler’s 2008/09 average is more than ten (10) pins lower than their 2007/08 Book Average, a five (5) pin maximum drop rule will apply. USBC Rule #319 will apply in its entirety.

F. All others will enter at 225. Refer to USBC Rule #319b.

G. Handicap for the tournament will be based on 90% of the difference between the bowler’s average and 225.

3. It is the bowler’s responsibility to verify the accuracy of his/her average, whether originally submitted by the bowler, his/her team captain, or others. Failure to use the correct average, if the submitted average is lower than the correct average, will result in disqualification unless corrected by the completion of the first game of the first event bowled. Prize winnings will be based on the submitted average if it is higher than the correct average. Please refer to Rule #319a-3.

4. A bowler who has qualified for a prize of $300 or more in any event in a tournament within the previous 12-month period must report his/her actual scores from the event for possible re-rating. Such re-rating must be done before the entrant bowls. USBC Rule #319e will be enforced and will apply to all entrants.

5. The average of any bowler may be adjusted by the Tournament Director(s) upon recommendation of the local Bowling Association of the bowler in question or at Director’s discretion. Any adjustment must be made before the entrant bowls.

6. There will be NO REFUNDS after acceptance by the tournament committee.

7. Entries must be accompanied by the full amount of fees in the form of personal checks, certified checks or money orders made payable to the Seattle Espresso Cup. Personal checks will not be accepted after 10/2/2009. Entries must be POSTMARKED by October 2, 2009.

8. Bowlers may bowl only once in each event. Each event consists of three (3) games, for a total of nine (9). Singles and Doubles do not have to be bowled in tandem.

9. All claims of error must be submitted, in writing, to the Tournament Director(s) within one (1) hour after the bowler or team has bowled. In matters of dispute, the Tournament Director(s) decision will be final, unless an appeal is made in accordance with USBC Rule #329.

10. Substitutes will be allowed to bowl at the Director’s discretion.

11. Late bowlers shall start bowling in the frame in which they are prepared to bowl; prior frames will be scored zero. The score for an absent bowler will be zero (0).

12. Cash Prizes: A bowler may win only one (1) special awards category prize. Each event has its prize list, based on at least a 1 in 8 ratio for each event. Team captains must check in for their teams at least 30 minutes prior to the start
of competition.

13. Bowlers shall not be permitted to practice on their assigned lanes on their scheduled day of bowling. Bowlers will be allowed at least two (2) practice balls per lane before the start of all three (3) Events. All Events will be conducted at Roxbury Lanes.

14. All bowlers must initial their scores on the recap sheet after each event. All scores will be verified against bowling center computers.