Following three years of research on how technology has affected the sport of bowling, the United States Bowling Congress Equipment and Specifications Committee has established new specifications designed to sustain the playing field both currently and in the future.

Timeline for specification changes:

Aug. 1, 2018

• For balls over 10 pounds without a weight hole, allowable static
  weights will be 3 ounces of side, thumb or finger weight
• For balls over 10 pounds with a weight hole, the current specification
  of 1 ounces of side, thumb or finger weight remains
• No-thumb bowlers who choose the increased static weight/no weight
  hole option would need to mark by scribe, engraver or tool near the
  intended center of palm with a plus (+) mark

Aug. 1, 2019

• Only a dry towel can be used to clean a bowling ball during competition

Aug. 1, 2020

• A bowling ball’s oil absorption rate must be more than 2 minutes,
  15 seconds for the ball to be approved

Aug. 1, 2020

• Elimination of balance holes; bowlers may have up to five holes
  for gripping purposes and all must be used on every delivery
• No-thumb bowlers would need to mark by scribe, engraver or tool
  near the intended center of palm with a plus (+) mark