September 21, 2009
It has come to our attention that many associations and/or local youth programs may be incorrectly applying the amendments to CTF's youth eligibility rules by denying youth the opportunity to bowl in adult leagues.
In some instances, youth are being told that if they bowl in an adult league, they will no longer be considered as youth bowlers. This is strictly contrary to the intent of the changes made to the youth eligibility rules.
If a youth bowler satisfies the youth criteria set out in Rule 300d by bowling in 2/3 of a CTF youth league schedule prior to competing in a CTF youth tournament, he or she will be considered to be a CTF youth member and youth programs and/or associations cannot stipulate otherwise.
By stating that youth will lose their eligibility by bowling in an adult league while still bowling in a CTF youth league is contrary to CTF's rules. We ask that any youth who encounter these types of decisions to contact John McLean, CTF Youth Unit Chair, or the CTF National Office for assistance. Likewise if any youth program director or association requires further clarification, please contact us.
If an adult tournament or league wishes to restrict the age limit of youth bowlers entering into their leagues, they may do so at their discretion.
Remember, the purpose behind this amendment was to encourage our youth to continue bowling in youth leagues, while gaining valuable experience by bowling with and against adults. CTF youth members are the future of our sport, and we must encourage them not restrict them.
CTF has also received questions regarding eligibility for youth tournaments. A youth bowler must bowl at least 2/3 of a CTF youth league schedule before bowling in any CTF youth sanctioned tournament.
For instance, if there is a CTF youth sanctioned tournament held on December 31st, there would be approximately 15 weeks of league bowling prior to the tournament start (if the youth league started on September 12th). To be eligible for the youth tournament, the youth bowler must have bowled for at least 10 weeks of the youth schedule prior to bowling in the tournament.
This also carries through the qualifying stages for the CTF Youth Championships. If a bowler qualifies to a zone round, he or she must bowl at least 2/3 of the schedule up to entering the zone finals. If the bowler qualifies from the zone round to the provincial round, he or she must bowl at least 2/3 of the schedule up to the date of the provincial rounds. If the bowler qualifies from the provincial round to the national championships, he or she would again have to have bowled 2/3 of the league schedule up to and including that event.
When applying for CTF membership, a youth bowler will only have one membership number, and will not have to purchase another membership if he or she is also bowling in an adult league.
If you require further clarification, please contact us.
John McLean, Vice President
Chair, CTF Youth Unit
or
Canadian Tenpin Federation
National Office
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