Tournament Rules
06/23/06
1. Playing Rules:
The rules of the 2006 Mini-Eliminator (ME) & Doubles Tournament (DT) and those of the USBC will govern all participants of the tournament. The “rules” are found on this page and throughout the application. The tournament director will determine matters not covered by those rules and regulations. Any rules not covered in the application will be decided by the tournament director and will be considered final and binding. The tournament director reserves the right to refuse any entry for any reason. If a bowler provides false information the bowler shall be liable to return any prizes won. There shall be no liability on the part of Pinacle Events, Coast Casinos or event sponsors, to any entrant as a result of false information furnished.
2. Eligibility:
Tournament Director reserves the right to reassign a bowler from one division to another if in his opinion the bowler has an unfair advantage.
35 and under Division: This Division is Amateur only. Any male bowler that has not reached their 35th birthday by July 1, 2006 will bowl in this division. (See eligibility rules on page 3 of this brochure.)
36 to 49 Division: This Division is Amateur only. Any male bowler over the age of 35 and has not reached their 50th birthday by July 1, 2006 will bowl in this division. (See eligibility rules on page 3 of this brochure.)
The 50+ Division: Any bowler age 50 and over on July 1, 2006 is eligible to compete in this division. (See eligibility rules on page 3 of this brochure.)
The 205 and Under Division: (See eligibility rules on page 3 of this brochure.).Tournament Director reserves the right to re-rate or disqualify a bowler if he feels the bowler’s claimed average doesn’t truly represent the bowlers ability or if they are trying to gain an unfair advantage.
2a. Bowlers under the age of 18 on July 1, 2006 must submit a parental consent form. Such entries are subject to the approval of the tournament director.
3. ME Entry Fee:
Your first entry fee of the tournament is $250. All re-entries fees are $200.Once a bowler makes the Finals their re-entries are $100. Bowlers will earn a free entry into the ME or Brunswick Shootout for recruiting 2 bowlers by June 12th that did not bowl in last year’s ME or the Super Bowl ME. All sponsors and promoters of the ME have been given a specific number of complimentary entries. Credit cards will be accepted for all entries and will include a 5% handling fee. Owners of credit cards used at tournament site must be present and have proper identification. No checks accepted, at the tournament site. Travelers checks OK. Paid entries only can reserve a spot.
3a. DT Entry Fee: All entries are $400 per team.
4. ME PRIZES:
1 in 8 bowlers will advance to the finals and cash for a minimum of $750. All finalists will be paid by check which can be immediately cashed at The Orleans. All prizes not picked up will be mailed to the bowler unless otherwise specified. Special sponsor arrangements can be made with prior notice. BONUS PRIZES: On all 4th & 8th entries ONLY bowlers will receive a top-of-the-line Brunswick bowling ball and Turbo 2-n-1 Grips. The ball must be picked up at The Orleans by Sunday, July 9th, at 4pm. No balls will be shipped to bowlers. Drilling is not included in this promotion. You must bowl the four entries before receiving bonus. On your 10th entry bowlers will receive a pair of Dexter high end bowling shoes. All shoes will be shipped directly to bowlers home.
4a DT Prizes: 1 in 5 teams per squad will cash for a minimum of $800. Squad leaders receive 2 byes and earn a minimum of $2000. 1 in 10 will advance to finals and earn a minimum of $1000.
5. ME Guarantees:
The top 5 prizes of $25,000/1st, $12,500/2nd, $8,000/3rd, $6,000 /4th, $5,000 /5th. Also guaranteed is $750 for all Finalists, $1000 for all squad leaders, $1500 for all daily leaders, and $2000 for highest series of the tournament per division. See other parts of application for other guarantees in finals. The Shootout prize fund will be guaranteed at a minimum of $42,750.00 and $5,000 first.
5a. DT Guarantees: All cashers minimum $800, all finalists minimum $1,000, top prize minimum $10,000.
6. ME Finals:
One in eight entries per squad will advance to the Finals in each division. If the fraction is 5 or under no additional bowler will advance. (With 32 entries to 36 entries 4 bowlers will advance. With 37 entries 5 bowlers will advance.) Finals format is listed in the application. If the number of bowlers in a finals round is an odd number, the smaller number will advance and the larger number will receive a cash prize and be eliminated. (Tournament director reserves the right to advance the larger number of bowlers.) All rounds will consist of one game across 2 lanes. It is the responsibility of the finalist to be at the tournament site when they are bowling. No tournament official will contact the bowler.
7. TIES:
If there is a tie for a bye, cut score to any finals (including Shootout) or seed position, high game breaks the tie (highest doubles team game will be used in the DT). If high game is tied, the second high game will be used. If there is a tie in the ME finals, DT finals or Shootout finals, a 1 ball roll-off will break the tie.
8. EXPENSES:
100% of the entry fees will be returned to the prize fund until all guarantees are met. A maximum of 15% will be taken out for lineage and expenses. Depending on the sponsor deal, money may be taken out for product purchased for bonus entries. All products are purchased at a discount, no profit will be made on product. All side action may be subject to a maximum of 12.5% deduction for expenses.
9. SHOOTOUT:
Up to $42,750 of the ME total purse plus $100 per 2 ball set will be allocated to satisfy the guarantees of The Shootout. All paid entries into the Shootout will go directly to the main event prize fund as follows; $150 to prize fund and $100 to purchase balls.
10. REFUND:
Any event entry not used will be refunded with no penalty except match play shootout entries. Refunds must be requested. Anyone prepaying for the Brunswick Shootout will receive a full refund if they win a free entry. Shootout refunds for no-shows will be accepted as long as the free shootout ball has not been picked up by the bowler requesting the refund.
11. RE-RACKING:
Contestants allowed 2 re-racks per game. Additional re-racks must be approved by an official.
12. LANE COURTESY:
Bowlers shall be permitted a maximum of two lane clearance to the left and right.
13. SCORING:
All bowlers must sign their own score sheet and leave one copy on the scorer ’s table on the last lane they bowled. Bowlers are advised to keep a copy of all score sheets for proof of entry. All cashing scores will be verified by a computer printout at the desk. If a bowler fails to write their score on their score sheet they may be given a ZERO for that game.
14. RESERVATIONS:
Only paid entries are guaranteed a spot. Walk-ins accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
15. TOURNAMENT CONDUCT AND REFUND:
If by war, terrorism, fire, tornado, gas shortage, water damage, or labor unrest, etc., or act of God, it becomes impossible to conduct or complete ME week as publicized, all unused portions of the entry fees shall be returned.
16. BOWLING BALLS:
Plugged balls, finger and thumb inserts are allowed. All bowling balls must meet USBC specifications for weight, balance and hardness. Tournament director reserves the right to check any balls used in the tournament.
17. CONSENT:
Participants are hereby informed that portions of Tournamnet Week shall be photographed, broadcast, recorded, televised or otherwise exhibited to the public. They consent to such exhibition and to the use and to the licensing of others to use their respective names, voice sketch, motion picture, video tape, recordings, broadcast or other exhibition or reproduction of the ME or any part thereof and in any advertisement, publicity or promotion thereof, to release all rights, title and interest they or any of them may have thereafter, waiving forever any claim or right to be compensated or to other consideration on account of cash use, exhibition or reproduction.
18. NON-RESIDENTS
of the United States are subject to a 30% deduction from all prizes as U.S. tax unless the country is exempt and player signs proper forms.
19. DRESS CODE:
Bowlers are expected to dress appropriately for all competition. There are no specific dress codes for qualifying but bowlers are asked to use their discretion. Dress code for all finalist will be slacks (no jeans) and a collar shirt. No hats allowed in finals. Tournament Director has the right to disqualify a bowler if deemed wearing offensive apparel.
20. BALLS
pictured in this brochure are for advertising purposes only. Products given away will be the latest available from the sponsors.
21. NON-SOLICITATION:
No products or tournaments may be promoted at the tournament site without permission from Pinacle Events & Coast Casinos.
22. ENTRY DEADLINE:
Entries will be accepted right up to the last squad of each event unless otherwise posted in this application. Recruiting deadline is June 12th.
23. TIMES:
All squad and finals times are estimates. It is the responsiblity of the bowler to be at the bowling center at the times required.
24. COMP ENTRIES:
When determining the 1 in 8 cut all entries will be counted.If a bowler has earned a free Shootout entry & then wins a spot no other bowler will receive a free Shootout entry.
25. BONUS BYES:
Guaranteed byes for women and super senior (60+) will be awarded only if no women or 60+ bowlers has not earned those byes.If no 60+ or women bowlers advanced to the finals then up to 2 60+ and women bowlers will be added to the finals and receive the appropriate byes.
26. SWITCHING DIVISIONS:
Bowlers may not switch divisions once they have bowled in a qualifying squad.
27. REFUND:
Once a bowler competes in any side event (Shootout or Sweeper) they may not receive a refund for their first main event entry.
28. RECRUITING:
Any bowler signing up two bowlers that did not compete in the last two Mini-Eliminators will receive a choice of a free entry into the July, 2006 Mini-Eliminator or the July, 2006 Brunswick Shootout. If a bowler recruits 4 new bowlers they will receive both entries for free. To receive credit for recruiting a bowler the recruited bowler MUST include the recruiter's name on their entry form and send it in no later than June 12, 2006. Recruiters may not be recruited. No free recruiting entries will be rewarded after June 12th---NO EXCEPTIONS!
13th Annual Mini-Eliminator
The rules of the 2006 Mini-Eliminator (ME) & Doubles Tournament (DT) and those of the USBC will govern all participants of the tournament. The “rules” are found on this page and throughout the application. The tournament director will determine matters not covered by those rules and regulations. Any rules not covered in the application will be decided by the tournament director and will be considered final and binding. The tournament director reserves the right to refuse any entry for any reason. If a bowler provides false information the bowler shall be liable to return any prizes won. There shall be no liability on the part of Pinacle Events, Coast Casinos or event sponsors, to any entrant as a result of false information furnished.
2. Eligibility:
Tournament Director reserves the right to reassign a bowler from one division to another if in his opinion the bowler has an unfair advantage.
35 and under Division: This Division is Amateur only. Any male bowler that has not reached their 35th birthday by July 1, 2006 will bowl in this division. (See eligibility rules on page 3 of this brochure.)
36 to 49 Division: This Division is Amateur only. Any male bowler over the age of 35 and has not reached their 50th birthday by July 1, 2006 will bowl in this division. (See eligibility rules on page 3 of this brochure.)
The 50+ Division: Any bowler age 50 and over on July 1, 2006 is eligible to compete in this division. (See eligibility rules on page 3 of this brochure.)
The 205 and Under Division: (See eligibility rules on page 3 of this brochure.).Tournament Director reserves the right to re-rate or disqualify a bowler if he feels the bowler’s claimed average doesn’t truly represent the bowlers ability or if they are trying to gain an unfair advantage.
2a. Bowlers under the age of 18 on July 1, 2006 must submit a parental consent form. Such entries are subject to the approval of the tournament director.
3. ME Entry Fee:
Your first entry fee of the tournament is $250. All re-entries fees are $200.Once a bowler makes the Finals their re-entries are $100. Bowlers will earn a free entry into the ME or Brunswick Shootout for recruiting 2 bowlers by June 12th that did not bowl in last year’s ME or the Super Bowl ME. All sponsors and promoters of the ME have been given a specific number of complimentary entries. Credit cards will be accepted for all entries and will include a 5% handling fee. Owners of credit cards used at tournament site must be present and have proper identification. No checks accepted, at the tournament site. Travelers checks OK. Paid entries only can reserve a spot.
3a. DT Entry Fee: All entries are $400 per team.
4. ME PRIZES:
1 in 8 bowlers will advance to the finals and cash for a minimum of $750. All finalists will be paid by check which can be immediately cashed at The Orleans. All prizes not picked up will be mailed to the bowler unless otherwise specified. Special sponsor arrangements can be made with prior notice. BONUS PRIZES: On all 4th & 8th entries ONLY bowlers will receive a top-of-the-line Brunswick bowling ball and Turbo 2-n-1 Grips. The ball must be picked up at The Orleans by Sunday, July 9th, at 4pm. No balls will be shipped to bowlers. Drilling is not included in this promotion. You must bowl the four entries before receiving bonus. On your 10th entry bowlers will receive a pair of Dexter high end bowling shoes. All shoes will be shipped directly to bowlers home.
4a DT Prizes: 1 in 5 teams per squad will cash for a minimum of $800. Squad leaders receive 2 byes and earn a minimum of $2000. 1 in 10 will advance to finals and earn a minimum of $1000.
5. ME Guarantees:
The top 5 prizes of $25,000/1st, $12,500/2nd, $8,000/3rd, $6,000 /4th, $5,000 /5th. Also guaranteed is $750 for all Finalists, $1000 for all squad leaders, $1500 for all daily leaders, and $2000 for highest series of the tournament per division. See other parts of application for other guarantees in finals. The Shootout prize fund will be guaranteed at a minimum of $42,750.00 and $5,000 first.
5a. DT Guarantees: All cashers minimum $800, all finalists minimum $1,000, top prize minimum $10,000.
6. ME Finals:
One in eight entries per squad will advance to the Finals in each division. If the fraction is 5 or under no additional bowler will advance. (With 32 entries to 36 entries 4 bowlers will advance. With 37 entries 5 bowlers will advance.) Finals format is listed in the application. If the number of bowlers in a finals round is an odd number, the smaller number will advance and the larger number will receive a cash prize and be eliminated. (Tournament director reserves the right to advance the larger number of bowlers.) All rounds will consist of one game across 2 lanes. It is the responsibility of the finalist to be at the tournament site when they are bowling. No tournament official will contact the bowler.
7. TIES:
If there is a tie for a bye, cut score to any finals (including Shootout) or seed position, high game breaks the tie (highest doubles team game will be used in the DT). If high game is tied, the second high game will be used. If there is a tie in the ME finals, DT finals or Shootout finals, a 1 ball roll-off will break the tie.
8. EXPENSES:
100% of the entry fees will be returned to the prize fund until all guarantees are met. A maximum of 15% will be taken out for lineage and expenses. Depending on the sponsor deal, money may be taken out for product purchased for bonus entries. All products are purchased at a discount, no profit will be made on product. All side action may be subject to a maximum of 12.5% deduction for expenses.
9. SHOOTOUT:
Up to $42,750 of the ME total purse plus $100 per 2 ball set will be allocated to satisfy the guarantees of The Shootout. All paid entries into the Shootout will go directly to the main event prize fund as follows; $150 to prize fund and $100 to purchase balls.
10. REFUND:
Any event entry not used will be refunded with no penalty except match play shootout entries. Refunds must be requested. Anyone prepaying for the Brunswick Shootout will receive a full refund if they win a free entry. Shootout refunds for no-shows will be accepted as long as the free shootout ball has not been picked up by the bowler requesting the refund.
11. RE-RACKING:
Contestants allowed 2 re-racks per game. Additional re-racks must be approved by an official.
12. LANE COURTESY:
Bowlers shall be permitted a maximum of two lane clearance to the left and right.
13. SCORING:
All bowlers must sign their own score sheet and leave one copy on the scorer ’s table on the last lane they bowled. Bowlers are advised to keep a copy of all score sheets for proof of entry. All cashing scores will be verified by a computer printout at the desk. If a bowler fails to write their score on their score sheet they may be given a ZERO for that game.
14. RESERVATIONS:
Only paid entries are guaranteed a spot. Walk-ins accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
15. TOURNAMENT CONDUCT AND REFUND:
If by war, terrorism, fire, tornado, gas shortage, water damage, or labor unrest, etc., or act of God, it becomes impossible to conduct or complete ME week as publicized, all unused portions of the entry fees shall be returned.
16. BOWLING BALLS:
Plugged balls, finger and thumb inserts are allowed. All bowling balls must meet USBC specifications for weight, balance and hardness. Tournament director reserves the right to check any balls used in the tournament.
17. CONSENT:
Participants are hereby informed that portions of Tournamnet Week shall be photographed, broadcast, recorded, televised or otherwise exhibited to the public. They consent to such exhibition and to the use and to the licensing of others to use their respective names, voice sketch, motion picture, video tape, recordings, broadcast or other exhibition or reproduction of the ME or any part thereof and in any advertisement, publicity or promotion thereof, to release all rights, title and interest they or any of them may have thereafter, waiving forever any claim or right to be compensated or to other consideration on account of cash use, exhibition or reproduction.
18. NON-RESIDENTS
of the United States are subject to a 30% deduction from all prizes as U.S. tax unless the country is exempt and player signs proper forms.
19. DRESS CODE:
Bowlers are expected to dress appropriately for all competition. There are no specific dress codes for qualifying but bowlers are asked to use their discretion. Dress code for all finalist will be slacks (no jeans) and a collar shirt. No hats allowed in finals. Tournament Director has the right to disqualify a bowler if deemed wearing offensive apparel.
20. BALLS
pictured in this brochure are for advertising purposes only. Products given away will be the latest available from the sponsors.
21. NON-SOLICITATION:
No products or tournaments may be promoted at the tournament site without permission from Pinacle Events & Coast Casinos.
22. ENTRY DEADLINE:
Entries will be accepted right up to the last squad of each event unless otherwise posted in this application. Recruiting deadline is June 12th.
23. TIMES:
All squad and finals times are estimates. It is the responsiblity of the bowler to be at the bowling center at the times required.
24. COMP ENTRIES:
When determining the 1 in 8 cut all entries will be counted.If a bowler has earned a free Shootout entry & then wins a spot no other bowler will receive a free Shootout entry.
25. BONUS BYES:
Guaranteed byes for women and super senior (60+) will be awarded only if no women or 60+ bowlers has not earned those byes.If no 60+ or women bowlers advanced to the finals then up to 2 60+ and women bowlers will be added to the finals and receive the appropriate byes.
26. SWITCHING DIVISIONS:
Bowlers may not switch divisions once they have bowled in a qualifying squad.
27. REFUND:
Once a bowler competes in any side event (Shootout or Sweeper) they may not receive a refund for their first main event entry.
28. RECRUITING:
Any bowler signing up two bowlers that did not compete in the last two Mini-Eliminators will receive a choice of a free entry into the July, 2006 Mini-Eliminator or the July, 2006 Brunswick Shootout. If a bowler recruits 4 new bowlers they will receive both entries for free. To receive credit for recruiting a bowler the recruited bowler MUST include the recruiter's name on their entry form and send it in no later than June 12, 2006. Recruiters may not be recruited. No free recruiting entries will be rewarded after June 12th---NO EXCEPTIONS!