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Canadian Tenpin Federation Announcement
Press Release
CTF Amends Youth Eligiblity Rules 
 
"Times change and we change with them"
- Latin Proverbs
 
 The CTF Board of Directors announces that effective immediately, CTF Rule 19 has been eliminated. 
 
The former CTF Rule 19 restricted CTF Youth members to only bowling in youth events or adult singles-only competition with their prizes being deposited into the CTF SAFE Scholarship Program. The elimination of  the Rule 19 restrictions now allow CTF Youth members to participate in all adult competition where cash (or merchandise prizes valued over $500) is awarded as prizes.  CTF Youth members participating in these events can now receive these prizes as awarded.
 
"I know that it is a big change, but it is time for it" said Cathy Innes, CTF President, "Our youth members have been asking for this". 
 
Several bowling organizations around the world have been attempting to address this problem and some have gone so far as to lower the age limit for youth bowlers.  Ms. Innes noted, "We (the CTF Board) did not feel it was adequate at this time to change the age requirements (for youth bowlers) so we felt this was a good compromise".  
 
By allowing CTF Youth members to compete against adults, John McLean, CTF Vice-President and Youth Unit Chair added, "This change will open up more opportunities for our youth to improve".
 
In order to maintain their youth eligibility and bowl in CTF sanctioned youth events, such as the CTF Youth Championships, those CTF Youth members bowling in adult competition must bowl at least two-thirds of a CTF sanctioned youth league schedule prior to qualifying for any CTF sanctioned youth tournament.
 
A list of Commonly Asked Questions follows this News Release and a revised rulebook will be posted on CTF's website shortly.
 
Any further questions should be directed to John McLean, Vice-President and CTF Youth Unit Chair at jmclean@king.igs.net.
 
CTF Youth Eligibility Amendments
Commonly Asked Questions
 
1.   Why is CTF changing Rule 19 again?
There are many reasons.  Some of which are:
(a)  Canada and the USA are the only countries with this restriction.
(b)  Many areas of the country do not have enough youth to compete against each other in youth leagues.
(c)  International and Olympics sporting events allow professional athletes to participate. ("amateur" now means very little.)
 
2.   Why was the change made after the Rulebooks were issued?  Why not wait until next season?
The CTF Youth Unit felt that word of the change would be out, and many youth would try to bowl in adult cash leagues because they knew the rule would change in the next season.
 
3.   If youth can now bowl in adult cash leagues, why even have a youth program?
The CTF youth program allows youth bowlers have access to a great learning program, and many coaches which are an immense aid in improving their game.  The youth program also gives youth bowlers a place to bowl with their peers. 
 
4.   How will youth qualify for youth tournaments, such as the Canadian Youth Championships, if they are bowling in an adult cash league?
The new rules stipulate that a youth can qualify for youth tournaments by bowling regularly in a youth league.
 
5.   Will the change to Rule 19 affect my child's college/university eligibility?
If the youth only bowls in a youth league then their college/university eligibility will remain intact.  There are also many colleges and Universities that do accept youth who have bowled for money.
 
6.   Can youth bowling in adult cash leagues earn youth awards?
Youth who bowl in adult only leagues will only be eligible for adult awards.

7.   Do adult cash leagues or tournaments have to allow youth to bowl?  Can we keep our league/tournament an adult-only event?
Leagues and tournaments may stipulate who can bowl in the league.
 
8.    Can youth bowl in youth tournaments in the United States if they bowl in adult leagues in Canada?
Not at this time.  They would have violated the USBC eligibility rule.
 
9.    Can youth leagues or tournaments offer cash as prizes?
No.   CTF Rule 101b has been amended to state that CTF Youth leagues may not offer as prizes cash or bonds of any amount (or merchandise valued at over $500.00).  As well, CTF youth tournaments cannot offer cash (or merchandise valued at over $500.00) as prizes.
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