ACST STATS

2024-2025 Season Stats and Standings 🙂

ACST Rules

2024-25 ACST League Rules

Table of contents

Welcome message. 3
League structure. 3
Match play. 4
Late Arrival. 4
Match scoring.. 6
Submitting the Scores. 6
Optional. 6
Match scheduling.. 7
Match Cost / Payment. 8
Home bowling alley. 9
Playoffs / Seeding.. 10
Finals. 11
Other Rules. 12
Sportsmanship. 12
Quitting. 12
Refusal to Bowl. 13
Streaming. 14
End of Season. 14

Welcome message

Thank you for your interest in the Atlantic Candlepin Singles Tour.  This is a travel league that has grown substantially over the last few years from being a 32 person pro league to well over 100 bowlers in multiple conferences.  For any questions, please feel free to message anyone on the 2024-25 Committee, Daniel Finn, Rich Limone, Cory Aleci, Anthony Caron, Nate Lees, Maurice Perry and Ryan Preus

League Structure

  1. The Leagues is structured at three levels:  Class, Conference, Division.
  2. Class:  there are 6 Classes:  A, B, C, D, E and F.
  3. Conference: each Class will be divided into 2 Conferences (regions): North and South
  4. Division:  each Conference will have 4 Divisions random draw.  This random draw will help competitiveness and mix divisions each year.
  5. Each bowler will have the following number of matches:
    1. Six (6) intra-division matches (3 home, 3 away) versus other bowlers in your division.
    1. Twelve (12) matches against the 12 remaining bowlers in your conference (6 home, 6 away)
    1. The only non-conference match is when a bowler makes it to the finals.

Match play

  1. Matches are comprised of 5 strings.
  2. The home bowler will decide who will bowl first and who will bowl second.
  3. Since some houses may not offer more than one lane for a match, there is no rule governing which side the first bowler will start on in the case of a match that utilizes two lanes. This will be decided amongst the bowlers just prior to their match.
  4. During a match, the first bowler will bowl 5 boxes, then sit while their opponent bowls 5 boxes.
  5. All ICBA Rules are in affect except for a bowler crossing the foul line on a practice slide. If a bowler crosses the foul line during a practice slide, no foul will be enforced.
  6. Dress Code: Bowlers must exhibit proper attire. Slacks, Jeans or Khaki/Jean Shorts are allowed. No Gym Shorts, No T-Shirts, No sleeveless T’s. A collared shirt or bowling shirt is required, preferably an ACST polo which can be purchased from Caitlyn Finn for $25.  Hats and sunglasses are not allowed.
    1. Violation of dress code will result in a 3-strike rule.  1st and 2nd strike will be a warning.  3rd strike will result in a $10 fine.  This will be deducted from the bowler’s winnings at the end of the season.
  7. Head-to-Head:  If there is more than one match taking place on the same set of lanes at the same time, bowlers may bowl against each other head-to-head.  ALL bowlers must agree to this format; it is not a majority rule.  If any of the bowlers do not agree, please default to the original rule.  Any violation of this rule must be brought up to the committee.

Late Arrival

  • Every bowler will get a 25-minute grace period past the expected start time of the match. For example, if the match is scheduled at 7:00pm, the bowlers have until 7:25 to arrive.
  • Once the bowler is past the 25-minute grace period, the tardy bowler will incur a $50 fine to cover the cost of bowling of the already present bowler.
  • In addition to this fine, the bowler who arrives late will only be eligible for half points in that match. For example, if the late bowler shows up past the grace period, and wins 10 points, they will only receive 5 points in the Standings.  In this situation, the late bowlers will be 5-9 whereas the opposing bowler would still be 4-10
  • If the already present bowler cannot wait for the late bowler to show up, the already present bowler is within his or her right to leave the match and reschedule at a convenient time for them. If this happens, the same penalties are in effect: $50 fine, half points awarded.
  • EXCEPTION – If you know you are going to be late, please be in contact with your opponent and the committee (when safe to do so, we do not want people texting and driving). If it is deemed unavoidable by committee, we will issue a 1-time warning.  We understand between accidents, road closures, and other unforeseen circumstances, this can be unavoidable.  It is important to keep everyone in the loop.  A warning is issued regardless of whether the match is bowled or if opponent files a grievance.

Match scoring

  1. All scores are based on scratch pin fall.  No handicap scoring is used.
  2. Scoring is based on a 14-point system and awarded as follows:
    1. Two (2) points for winning a string,
    1. Four (4) points for winning total pinfall.
    1. Tying a string results in one (1) point for each bowler.
    1. Tying total pinfall results in two (2) points for each bowler.
    1. Example: If you win the first, second, and third strings, lose the fourth and fifth, and win total you receive 10 points of 14 (10-4).

Submitting the Scores

  1. It is the responsibility of the home bowler to submit the scores of the match to the league president no later than 24 hours after the match.
  2. Scores are submitted to the league president using the Google Forms.  These will be posted once we start the league

While it is not required, it is customary for the home bowler to post a copy of the score sheet on the Bowlers Only Atlantic Candlepins Singles Tour Group on Facebook.

Match scheduling

  1. The first 15 matches of the schedule, bowlers can bowl their matches in any order, except for Class E & F which can bowl in any order.
  2. The expectation is that the bowlers will bowl each match at a rate of once every 2 weeks or faster. 
  3. While the ideal model would be to go in order, we are allowing bowlers to bowl their 15 matches in any order to help keep the matches moving. 
  4. We will be keeping tabs to ensure matches are moving forward in a timely fashion and will notify bowlers if they are falling behind the 1 match per 2-week pace.
  5. The Final 3 matches may only be bowled if either A) both bowlers have finished their first 15 matches or B) we have hit the date for Week 16 to start.  The final 3 matches may be bowled in any order.
  6. While ideally the home bowler should be the one to reach out to the away bowler to schedule matches, both bowlers are responsible for scheduling and either can reach out to the other.
  7. The home bowler must make the necessary arrangements with the bowling alley to ensure availability of lanes on the agreed date and time.
  8. When a date and time is agreed, the home bowler must post this information on the Bowlers Only Atlantic Candlepins Singles Tour Group on Facebook.  This will ensure the information is recorded by the League President to the official ACST league schedule.
  9. If a bowler falls more than 3 matches behind, they are subject to forfeiting matches.  For example, if a bowler has not yet bowled week 4, 5, 6, or 7 or any future matches, once we hit week 8, bowler will be subject to forfeit their week 4 match.  The committee will review each situation to see if this was avoidable or not on a case by case basis.  Bowlers will be given credit for matches bowled ahead against their matches behind. 

Match Cost / Payment

  1. Total cost per match is $100.  ($50 for each bowler)
  2. $45 will go to the bowling center upon completion of the match.
  3. The remaining $55 will be paid in dues to their respective Class Treasurer.
    1. Class A:  Rich Limone
    1. Class B:  Cory Aleci
    1. Class C:  Anthony Caron
    1. Class D:  Nate Lees
    1. Class E: Maurice Perry
      Class F: Ryan Preus
  4. The Home Bowler is responsible for paying the bowling center and the Class Treasurer.
    1. Payment to the Class Treasurer must be paid within 7 days of the match.
    1. Payment can be in the form of cash, check, or electronic payment such as Venmo, Paypal, CashApp.  Timely payment is required, therefore electronic payment is preferred.
  5. If the Away Bowler shows up to a match without the ability to pay (cash or agreeing to e-pay the home bowler before the match) the Away Bowler is subject to forfeiting the match.
  6. Bowlers are NOT allowed to bowl a match if they are in arrears. 
  7. If multiple home matches are to be bowled same day, please prepay your treasurer ahead of time to avoid this violation.
  8. Prepayment is also encouraged to avoid suspension or halt in games.  Please work with your treasurer for better tracking purposes.
  9. Treasurers have the right to suspend bowlers due to lack of payment.  We will be tracking payments closely to avoid lack of payment.

Home bowling alley

  1. Each bowler is responsible for finding a home house.
  2. You cannot change houses mid-season without the approval of the ACST Committee.
  3. Any Candlepin center that is within an hour and a half radius (1 hr, 30 min) of the TD Garden (100 Legends Way, Boston, MA 02114) according to Google Maps https://google.com/maps  with no traffic is eligible to be selected as a bowler’s home house. 
  4. It is up to the home bowler to negotiate with the proprietor a price per string of $4.50
  5. If the price per string is non-negotiable, but the bowler still wants their home house at that particular center, the home bowler must make up the difference in lineage. No exceptions are made.
    1. Example: If Malden Bowladrome is strict with their price per string of $5.00, but a bowler still wants to bowl there, the cost of bowling will be $50 instead of $45. The home bowler must pay the extra $5 every home match to make up for lineage.

Playoffs / Seeding

  1. 8 bowlers in each Conference will make it to the playoffs.
  2. 4 Division winners will be seeded 1 through 4 based on record.
  3. 4 wild card winners will be seeded 5 through 8 based on record.
  4. Playoffs will work as follows
    1. Round 1: 8 seed @ 1 seed, 7 @ 2, 6 @ 3, 5 @ 4
    1. Round 2: Two matches (Lower seed @ Higher Seed, 2nd Lowest Seed @ 2nd Highest Seed)
    1. Semi Finals: Lower Seed @ High Seed
  5. Finals: Finals will be held at a neutral house 
  6. If there is a tie within a division for first place, a 5 string match will be bowled.
    1. The home bowler of that match will be whomever had the best home record throughout the season.
  7. All four division winners (in each conference) will be seeded 1-4 based on record (1 being the best and granted home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
  8. If there is a tie between division winners, seeding will be based on non-divisional record, then away record, then total pinfall for the year.
  9. If there is a tie to make the playoffs, a 5 string match will be bowled at the house of the bowler with the greatest home record.
  10. If there is a tie between multiple bowlers to make the playoffs, the bowler with the greatest non-divisional record will get a bye and will play the winner of the other match(es) depending on how many bowlers are tied.
  11. The wild card winners are the top four (4) non-division winners per conference based on points accumulated.
  12. All wild card winners are seeded 5-8 based on record.
  13. If there is a tie within the wild card, seeding will be based on greatest non-divisional record then away record, then total pinfall for the year.
  14. Playoff matches will be based on total pinfall (not a point system).
  15. If there is a tie, a one string match will be bowled to decide the winner. This process repeats if there is another tie.
  16. Lower seed will always be at the higher seed in the playoffs with the exception of the final match.

Finals

  1. The final match will be held at a date, time and venue to be determined by the league officers.
  2. The expectation is that the finals will be done at a neutral house, preferably all 6 matches done the same day where all 12 bowlers do not use as a home alley.  While this may be difficult, it is the first plan.
    1. If it cannot be done, we will adjust accordingly. 
  3. The date, house, time, and streamer will be discussed and decided by a combination of both bowler preference and committee.

Other Rules

Sportsmanship

  1. The Atlantic Candlepin Singles Tour is treated as a professional Candlepin tour, therefore bowlers must exhibit proper sportsmanship. This includes respect towards opponents, spectators, proprietary equipment, and surrounding patrons of the bowling center.
  2. The league strictly prohibits outbursts while on the lanes, slamming or damaging ball racks, scoring tables and any other equipment.
  3. If a bowler is to exhibit inappropriate behavior, the opponent is responsible for issuing a warning to him or her.
  4. WARNING:  Warnings must occur immediately upon infraction and must be reported to the committee members.
    1. A log will be maintained and will determine the fines issued to bowlers.
    1. There is no limit to how many warnings can be issued during a match.
  5. FINE SCHEDULE:  The fine schedule is as follows:
    1. First warning: There is no fine for the first warning, but it is logged by the ACST.
    1. Second warning: Once a second warning is logged at any point during the season, a fine of $25 is issued to the bowler. Payment is due 7 days after the fine is issued.
    1. Third warning: Once a third warning is logged at any point during the season, a fine of $30 is issued to the bowler. Payment is due 7 days after the fine is issued.
    1. Fourth and subsequent warnings: Once a fourth warning is logged against a bowler at any point during the season, a fine of $35 is issued to the bowler. Graduating fines in $5 increments will continue to be issued. Payment is due 7 days after the fine is issued. Example: If a bowler logs 4 warnings throughout the duration of the season, he or she will have paid $130 in fines throughout the course of the season.

Quitting

  1. It is imperative that all bowlers who register to bowl in the Atlantic Candlepins Singles Tour understand the commitment of bowling in the league, both financially and competitively. Thus, the policy on quitting is such that any bowler who voluntarily quits the league will still bear responsibility for the dues owed for the matches bowled.
  2. Bowlers who quit will NOT be eligible for any prize fund as they did not finish the league. 
  3. Bowlers who quit will not be allowed back for a minimum of 1-3 years. 
  4. If a bowler quits, we will work to replace a bowler with a near equal average if one can be found.
    1. If recouping money is not possible from quitting bowler, the replacing bowler may be asked to pay any back dues to avoid any loss of money 
    1. The replacement bowler is eligible for the full prize fund earned.
  5. EXCEPTIONS:
    1. Injuries – If a bowler must withdraw from the league due to an injury that prohibits him or her from competing, he or she may do so upon submission of a doctor’s note with an explanation of the injury to the committee members.
    1. In addition, extenuating circumstances (life changing event) will also be granted special consideration. Special consideration does not guarantee permission a spot the following year.

Refusal to Bowl

  1. If a bowler refuses to bowl a match nearing the end of the season, that bowler is subject to forfeit any money earned and suspension from bowling in future seasons (minimum 1-3 years). 
  2. It is expected that once signing up for this league, bowlers bowl all 18 matches regardless of standings.  It is not fair to the rest of the league to have bowlers refuse to bowl. 
  3. If a bowler refuses to bowl, the opponent must bowl against the refusing bowler’s full average.  The bowler will earn 2 points per win and 4 points for total, however forfeiting bowler will earn 0 points regardless of outcome.  The total pinfall is based on forfeiting bowlers full average x 5 minus 25 pins.

Streaming

Streaming has become a big part of this league.  While we understand the importance of streaming and what it has done for the league, the bowlers still have final say on matches streamed and who they agree to have stream the matches. 

  1. If a streamer is willing to stream and call a match, ALL bowlers must agree to being streamed and who is streaming the match. 
  2. This is the responsibility of both the streamer and the bowlers. 
  3. It is highly recommended that a group chat is created so there are no surprises.
  4. While the ACST encourages streaming, bowlers ultimately have the right to refuse to be streamed or be selective in who streams their matches.  Any violation of this must be brought up to the ACST.
  5. It is expected that all matches be streamed directly to the ACST Facebook page which is planned on later being uploaded to the ACST YouTube page. 
  6. At this time, we do not limit these matches being restreamed or reuploaded to other pages as well.  This includes YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, and TikTok. 
  7. If a match is to be streamed on Twitch or TikTok, it is expected to also be complementary to the ACST Facebook page which is the primary source of all our matches.  Refusal to do so may result in being asked to no longer stream the matches for this league. 
  8. We will have a list of eligible streamers for matches that have agreed to these terms.   For an ongoing list of streamers, please reach out to anyone on the committee for our live list.

End of Season

  1. Following the season, there will be discussion on which League (A,B,C,D etc) bowlers will bowl in. 
  2. The bowlers will be based on their averages and houses. 
  3. ACST average from prior year will take priority over any other league. 
  4. New bowlers to the league must use their highest league average to help determine which league they will be put in. 
  5. The goal of this is to keep a fair, balanced, and competitive league throughout the ACST leagues.  While bowler preference will help weight the decision, the average is heavily used to decide allocation.