Statement from the European Bowling Federation (EBF)
Regarding IBF Urethane Bowling Ball Regulation
Further to the recent announcement by the International Bowling Federation (IBF) concerning urethane bowling ball specifications, the European Bowling Federation (EBF) wishes to inform all Member Federations, athletes, coaches, and stakeholders of the following:
The IBF has ruled that, effective immediately for IBF events, only urethane bowling balls manufactured with a minimum hardness of 78D and approved by USBC are permitted. Random hardness checks may be conducted during IBF competitions, and any ball measuring below 72D will be declared non-compliant and removed from competition.
In alignment with this regulation, the EBF confirms that this rule will apply to all European Championships conducted under EBF authority after the European Youth Championships 2026 in Berlin, Germany.
Accordingly, the new urethane ball hardness requirement will come into effect for EBF European Championships starting from 6 April 2026.
The EBF will also conduct random hardness checks during its European Championships. Any ball found to be below the permitted hardness level will be declared non-compliant and removed from competition.
All Member Federations are requested to inform their athletes accordingly and ensure full compliance ahead of future championships.
The official USBC list of non-eligible bowling balls is available here: USBC National Tournament Ineligible Ball List – 78D Slow Oil Only.
Upcoming Procedures and Recommendations
Complete testing procedures and rules will be published soon.
The EBF recommends that all Member Federations and athletes study these upcoming procedures and rules to ensure compliance and avoid disqualifications at future events.
EBT Tour 2026
No changes will apply to the ongoing EBT Tour for 2026. All current events will continue under the existing rules and equipment regulations. This means that athletes participating in the 2026 tour are not required to make any immediate adjustments to their bowling balls or equipment.
Regarding Russian and Belarusian Youth Athletes
The European Bowling Federation (EBF) confirms that it will follow the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Bowling Federation (IBF) regarding youth athletes holding Russian or Belarusian passports.
Accordingly, these athletes will be permitted to participate in EBF and IBF youth events, provided their national federation is in good standing and all standard IBF protocols and regulations are followed.