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International Bowling Federation
International Bowling Federation
International Bowling Federation
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International Bowling Federation (IBF), formerly known as the Fédération Internationale des Quilleurs (FIQ) from 1952 to April 2014[1] and as World Bowling (WB) from April 2014 to November 2020,[2] is the world governing body of nine-pin and ten-pin bowling. IBF was founded in 1952 in Hamburg, Germany by officials of the International Bowling Association (founded 1926)[3] to grow worldwide interest in amateur ten-pin and nine-pin bowling, as well as international friendship by encouraging world and zone tournaments and other competition between bowlers of different countries. IBF has been recognized by the International Olympic Committee since 1979 as the governing body for bowling sports. Starting with five member federations in 1952, it grew to 141 in 2010.[4] IBF has member federations located in all five Olympic regions.

Key Information

Tasks

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  • To encourage the development of tenpin and ninepin bowling throughout the world.
  • To foster international friendship by promoting national and international competition in tenpin and ninepin bowling.
  • To pursue the recognition of tenpin and ninepin bowling as a fully recognized athletic competition in the Olympic Games.
  • To support national organisations that promote tenpin and ninepin bowling within their respective countries and the world as a whole.

History

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The foundation of IBF

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The first attempt to coordinate the sport of bowling at the world level by organizing world championships and by bringing uniformity through universal playing rules, was undertaken in 1926 by Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United States with the formation of the International Bowling Association (IBA).

In December 1951, the officials of the IBA took initiative to invite delegates from all interested countries to come to Hamburg, West Germany on 27 January 1952 to discuss the status of bowling and the possible re-activation of the IBA.

Representatives of the following countries attended the meeting in Hamburg, West Germany:

The unanimous decision of all present was to form a new international bowling federation. The first proposal was to make it a European federation, but it was pointed out that the United States, being a strong ten-pin country, may also want to affiliate. The new federation would become a worldwide international organisation with 4 different sections: One for Tenpin bowling and 3 for Ninepin bowling: Asphalt (later: Classic), Bohle and Schere.

The new organisation would be named as proposed by René Weiss from France, Fédération Internationale des Quilleurs (FIQ – International federation of Bowlers). Heinz Kropp from Germany was elected as its first President. Also Section Presidents were elected: for Tenpin Bowling – Hans Berger from Sweden; for the Asphalt Section – Leopold Hatzi from Austria; for the Bohle Section – Willi Stark from Germany; and for the Schere Section – Francois van Arkels from Belgium.

Country Tenpin Classic Bohle Schere
 Belgium
X
X
 Finland
X
 West Germany
X
X
X
X
 Sweden
X
 Switzerland
X
 Austria
X
X
 France
X
 Yugoslavia
X
 Denmark
X
X
 Netherlands
X
X
 Luxembourg
X
X
X

Although Denmark was not present at the meeting, it had promised to attend and for this reason considered as a member and included among the countries practicing Bohle.

All federations were given the task to prepare for each respective section, playing rules as well as regulations for equipment and to circulate such information among the member federations for comments before the next ordinary meeting. Weiss and Hatzi were authorized to draft a proposal for a FIQ Constitution respecting the IOC regulations.

European and world Championships

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The first official IBF Championship was decided upon:

  • First European Championships of Asphalt were given to Zagreb, Yugoslavia, in May/June 1952.
  • First European Championships of Schere were given to Brussels, Belgium, in July 1952.

The ten-pin section was planning to conduct its 1st World Championships in Helsinki, Finland, in July 1952 during the Olympic Games. But because of Germany's disagreement based on the fact that three championships in the first year would be financially a heavy burden for the federation, it was decided that the Ten-pin Championships should be postponed to 1954.

After the circulation of the minutes of that Conference, Austria wanted to add as a leading principle for the newly established FIQ, that the Chairmanship of the FIQ or of a Section is not given to a nation, but to a person who has been elected to the position. That person would also have the right to lead their own national federation. The FIQ received its first funds from the former IBA, which was eventually dissolved in March 1952.

One of the immediate tasks for the new leadership was to recruit more member federations. Either Ninepin or Tenpin could be found in:

It took some time, but in the first year, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Saarland, and Spain accepted the invitation. Later, the German Democratic Republic (the former East Germany) and the Netherlands also accepted to be members.

In the first year (1952) there were also disappointments, because the 1st European Asphalt Championships had to be cancelled due to delayed preparations; they were moved to Zürich, Switzerland. The Championships for Schere, however, were held and were attended by participants from five countries.

Congresses

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The first FIQ Congress was hosted by the German federation in November 1952 in Munich; eight member federations attended. During that meeting, the first FIQ Constitution was adopted and it became the guideline and law for almost 20 years. Also a scale and method for charging annual membership fees was adopted. Also this lasted almost 20 years until the first raise of annual fees and a new scale were found necessary. Another decision adopted, which would be impossible to follow today, was that the official language for all Congress meetings was German. Rules, however, were to be printed also in English and French.

The last congresses in the history of the Federation Internationale des Quilleurs (FIQ) and World Tenpin Bowling Association (WTBA) were held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Tuesday, December 15, 2015, during which the merger of the two organizations into one entity, World Bowling.

World Bowling has officially changed its name to the International Bowling Federation (IBF) and has vowed to properly act as the sport's global governing body. The decision was made at the organization's Extraordinary Congress, which was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on 2 November 2020.

List of FIQ/World Bowling congresses:

Year Host
1952 Munich West Germany
1953 Zürich Switzerland
1955 Saarbrücken West Germany
1957 Vienna Austria
1959 Leipzig East Germany
1961 Strasbourg France
1963 Budapest Hungary
1965 Stockholm Sweden
1967 Salzburg Austria
1969 Mamaia Romania
1971 Milwaukee United States
1973 Dublin Ireland
1975 London England
1977 Helsinki Finland
1979 Manila Philippines
1981 Milwaukee United States
1983 Caracas Venezuela
1985 Vienna Austria
1987 Helsinki Finland
1989 Wichita United States
1991 Singapore Singapore
1993 Rome Italy
1995 Reno United States
1997 Nottingham England
2001 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
2003 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
2005 Aalborg Denmark
2007 Monterrey Mexico
2009 Las Vegas United States
2010 Munich Germany
2011 Kowloon Hong Kong
2015 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
2020 Online
2023 Kuwait Kuwait

Members

[edit]

1953 brought six more member federations and in 1954 FIQ had 15 member federations in total. It took five more years (1959) to register the first non-European member federations: Mexico and Venezuela. The two countries had participated in 1958 in the World Tenpin Championships in Helsingborg, Sweden, as provisional members. The Constitution provided the Presidium the authority to grant new member federations provisional membership status, to be confirmed (or rejected) at the next regular congress.

The development of the membership looks as follows:

Year Associations
1952
5 national associations
1954
15 national associations
1959
17 national associations
1961
32 national associations
1969
41 national associations
1975
52 national associations
1981
64 national associations
1987
73 national associations
1991
79 national associations
1995
89 national associations
2007
134 national associations
2020
114 national associations

Presidents

[edit]
Year Name Country
1952 – 1953
 Heinz Kopp West Germany
1953 – 1955
 Dr. Iwan Krizanic Yugoslavia
1955 – 1973
 Adolf Oesch Switzerland
1973 – 1977
 Kauko Ahlström Finland
1977 – 1983
 Frank K. Baker United States
1983 – 1984
 Soetopo Jananto (Jap Soei-Kie) Indonesia
1985 – 1995
 Roger H. Tessman United States
1995 – 2003
 Gerald L. Koenig United States
2003 – 2007
 Steve Hontiveros Philippines
2007 – 2011
 Jessie Phua Singapore
2011 – 2015
 Kevin Dornberger United States
since 2015
 Sheikh Talal Mohammad Al-Sabah Kuwait

Disciplines

[edit]

IBF regulates two disciplines – tenpin and ninepin. The two organisations that administer the disciplines are the World Tenpin Bowling Association (WTBA) and the World Ninepin Bowling Association (WNBA). Both organizations were founded by FIQ in 1973.

World Tenpin Bowling Association (WTBA)

World Ninepin Bowling Association (WNBA)

  • Section Classic (NBC)
  • Section Bohle (NBB)
  • Section Schere (NBS)

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

International Bowling Federation

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from Grokipedia
The International Bowling Federation (IBF) is the global governing body for the sport of , regulating and promoting both ten-pin and nine-pin variants, as well as para bowling, through standardized rules, international competitions, and development programs. Founded on January 27, 1952, in , , as the Fédération Internationale des Quilleurs (FIQ) by officials from the International Bowling Association, the organization initially focused on fostering amateur ten-pin bowling worldwide while promoting international friendship among participants. It underwent significant restructuring, changing its name to World Bowling in 2014 to reflect a unified approach to ten-pin bowling governance, and then to the IBF in November 2020 following an Extraordinary Congress in , , to emphasize its role as the sport's comprehensive international federation. Headquartered at Maison du Sport International in Lausanne, Switzerland, the IBF comprises 114 member federations organized into five continental zones—Asia, Europe, Americas, Africa, and Oceania—representing an estimated 2 million registered athletes globally. The federation organizes major events such as the World Championships and World Cup, enforces anti-doping measures, ensures clean sport education, and actively campaigns for bowling's inclusion as an Olympic sport and para bowling's inclusion in the Paralympic Games, having held Recognised International Federation status from the International Paralympic Committee since 2023 and recognized by the International Olympic Committee since 1979.

Overview

Founding and Headquarters

The International Bowling Federation (IBF) originated from the Fédération Internationale des Quilleurs (FIQ), established on January 27, 1952, in , , by representatives from national bowling associations, including those affiliated with the earlier International Bowling Association (IBA). This founding aimed to promote and standardize international amateur tenpin and following the IBA's earlier efforts in the . The FIQ served as the initial name of the organization until it evolved through mergers and renamings, ultimately becoming the IBF in November 2020 to better reflect its global governing role. The headquarters were relocated to , , in early 2015 from the , positioning the federation closer to other Olympic-recognized sports bodies and enhancing its administrative efficiency. The current address is at REGUS Lausanne Main Station, Place de la Gare 12, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland, which functions as the central hub for executive committee meetings and operational activities. English is the prevailing for the IBF's and communications, with statutes also maintained in French to comply with Swiss legal requirements in the Canton of . Historically, the has recognized German, French, and Spanish as additional working languages to support its multilingual membership across continents.

Mission and Governance

The International Bowling Federation (IBF) has as its primary mission the promotion and development of ten-pin, nine-pin, and para on an international scale, including fostering competitions, supporting national federations, and enforcing unified rules to standardize the globally. This encompasses encouraging the growth of bowling variants and para , organizing major events such as world championships, and ensuring fair play through adherence to international standards. The governance of the IBF is structured around an Executive Committee, led by the President, which handles day-to-day operations and strategic decisions, including the appointment of key roles like the . The supreme decision-making body is the biennial Congress, formally known as the General Meeting, where member national federations convene to approve major policies, elect officials, and amend the ; it requires a of one-third of members for validity, with decisions typically passed by simple majority. For , the IBF adopts and enforces the World Bowling Rules, which cover playing regulations, equipment specifications, and tournament formats to maintain consistency across international events. In support of clean sport, the IBF partners with the International Testing Agency (ITA) to provide comprehensive anti-doping programs, including education for athletes and personnel, testing protocols, and compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code. This initiative promotes integrity and athlete welfare without discrimination. The IBF has been recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 1979 as the governing body for bowling, aligning its operations with the to pursue inclusion in the Olympic and Paralympic programs.

History

Early Establishment

The Fédération Internationale des Quilleurs (FIQ), the original incarnation of the International Bowling Federation, was formed in 1951 with nine founding nations primarily from to coordinate and promote international amateur bowling competitions. The organization was officially established the following year in , , succeeding the earlier International Bowling Association and focusing on standardizing rules and fostering the sport's growth amid post-World War II recovery efforts in . The first FIQ congress took place in in 1953, where delegates established the organization's bylaws and laid the groundwork for future international events. Early activities were constrained by logistical challenges stemming from wartime devastation, including transportation and infrastructure limitations. Expansion beyond began in 1959, when and became the first non-European members, marking the start of the FIQ's global outreach. This step reflected growing interest in the sport in the and set the stage for broader membership in subsequent decades.

Key Developments and Name Changes

The International Bowling Federation has experienced significant growth in its membership since its inception, reflecting the expanding global reach of disciplines. Beginning with a small number of founding members in the early , the organization expanded steadily, reaching over 70 member federations by the . With 129 national federations supporting the effort, it rebranded as World Bowling in April 2014 to unify global efforts under a more accessible name. This expansion facilitated broader organizational influence and the of rules across continents. As of 2025, it comprises 114 member federations. The federation's name has evolved multiple times to better reflect its scope and structure. Established as the Fédération Internationale des Quilleurs (FIQ) in 1952, it served as the primary for international until April 2014, when it rebranded to World Bowling. In November 2020, amid the , an Extraordinary Congress—conducted virtually—changed the name to the International Bowling Federation (IBF) to emphasize its role as the sport's unified global authority for ten-pin, nine-pin, and para . This rebranding aimed to enhance clarity and strengthen advocacy for Olympic inclusion. After the 2014 rebrand to World Bowling, a pivotal merger occurred at the 2015 Congress in , , where operations of the former FIQ (now World Bowling) and the World Tenpin Bowling Association (WTBA) were fully integrated under World Bowling, with approval by 56 member federations (77 in favor at the final vote). This unification streamlined operations, reduced redundancies, and boosted collaborative event planning, marking a key step toward a cohesive international framework. In recent years, the IBF has adapted to modern challenges, including the shift to digital formats for governance. Following the 2020 virtual congress, subsequent meetings emphasized online participation to ensure continuity during global disruptions. The 2023 Congress, held in Kuwait, reaffirmed leadership and strategic priorities, such as athlete development and inclusivity, while hosting the World Championships at the Kuwait Bowling Center. This event highlighted the federation's resilience and focus on regional engagement in the Middle East.

Leadership Evolution

The International Bowling Federation (IBF), originally established as the Fédération Internationale des Quilleurs (FIQ) in 1952, has seen its leadership evolve through a series of presidents elected by the organization's , reflecting shifts from foundational efforts to modern focuses on global unity and inclusivity. The first president, Heinz Kropp of , served from 1952 to 1953 and played a pivotal role in standardizing rules and organizing initial international competitions across disciplines, laying the groundwork for the federation's growth from nine founding members to a broader international body. Subsequent early leaders included Dr. Ivan Krizanic of (1953–1955) and Adolf Oesch of (1955–1973), during whose tenures the federation expanded its congresses and integrated more European national federations into structured events. Over the decades, presidents such as Stephen C. Hontiveros (Philippines, 2003–2007) and Jessie Phua (Singapore, 2007–2011) emphasized regional development and gender diversity in leadership, with Phua becoming the first woman in the role and advancing women's bowling programs globally. Kevin Dornberger (United States, 2011–2015) focused on administrative reforms, including the merger of the World Tenpin Bowling Association into World Bowling in 2015, streamlining governance ahead of Olympic recognition pursuits. The current president, Sheikh Talal Mohammad Al-Sabah of , was elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019 and 2023 for consecutive four-year terms via votes at the IBF , underscoring the democratic process involving member federations. His tenure has prioritized organizational unity, including the 2019 integration of para bowling under the IBF banner following its transfer from the , which expanded accessibility for athletes with disabilities. Al-Sabah has also driven persistent bids for bowling's inclusion in the , though challenges such as a 2022 —leading to his temporary resignation in May amid financial scrutiny—temporarily stalled progress before his resumption as president in November 2022 to restore stability.
PresidentCountryTenureKey Contributions
Heinz Kropp1952–1953Initial standardization of rules and international event organization
Dr. Ivan Krizanic1953–1955Early expansion efforts
Adolf Oesch1955–1973Expansion of congresses and membership integration
... (subsequent leaders)Various1973–2003Regional development and administrative growth
Stephen C. Hontiveros2003–2007Regional development focus
Jessie Phua2007–2011Gender diversity and women's programs
Kevin Dornberger2011–2015Administrative reforms and merger
Sheikh Talal Mohammad Al-Sabah2015–present (re-elected 2019, 2023)Unity initiatives, para bowling inclusion, Olympic advocacy

Organization

Membership Structure

The International Bowling Federation (IBF) comprises 121 national member federations as of 2025, spanning five continental zones and demonstrating its global reach across ten-pin, nine-pin, and para disciplines. Membership has grown substantially since the federation's , reflecting the 's expanding international presence, though adjustments due to mergers among national bodies and periods of inactivity in certain regions have influenced the overall count in recent years. National bowling associations seeking IBF membership must submit a formal written application to the IBF Executive Committee, including undertakings to comply with IBF Statutes, the World Anti-Doping Code, and federation decisions; details of their and governing documents (translated into English); evidence of recognition by their national ; and reports on membership numbers and activities. The Committee reviews applications at its sole discretion, with membership commencing upon approval; applications are typically channeled through the relevant continental to ensure alignment with regional structures. Benefits for approved members include recognition as the sole national , voting rights at IBF General Meetings, participation in world championships and international events, and access to standardized playing rules and anti-doping guidelines. The IBF emphasizes inclusivity and non-discrimination based on factors such as age, race, , or , fostering diversity through targeted development in underrepresented regions. Recent efforts have bolstered membership in , where the Bowling Federation of Africa now includes six nations following expansions since its 2018 establishment, and in , supported by the Asian Bowling Federation's stable network of 31 members.

Continental Confederations

The International Bowling Federation (IBF) operates through five continental confederations, known as Zone Organizations, which serve as regional governing bodies to promote and develop the across their respective areas. These include the Asian Bowling Federation (ABF) with 31 member countries, the European Bowling Federation (EBF) with 47 members, the Pan American Bowling Confederation (PABCON) with 33 members, the (BFA) with 6 members, and the Bowling Federation (OBF) with 4 members. Together, these confederations represent the IBF's global membership of 121 national federations. Each confederation is responsible for administering and advancing the IBF's objectives within its continent, including the promotion and development of in alignment with the IBF's strategic plan. They organize regional competitions and international events delegated by the IBF, while also approving additional tournaments subject to IBF oversight. Confederations establish disciplinary procedures for their events, activities through member subscriptions and commercial rights, and nominate representatives to the IBF —specifically, one delegate per confederation with 15 or more members. Additionally, they facilitate nominations for world-level events and manage local development initiatives, often supported by IBF grants and subsidies, which may be withheld if responsibilities are not met.
ConfederationMember CountriesKey Website
Asian Bowling Federation (ABF)31www.abf-online.org
European Bowling Federation (EBF)47www.europeanbowling.sport
Pan American Bowling Confederation (PABCON)33panambowling.com
6bfatenpin.com
4N/A
The ABF, for instance, emphasizes youth development through programs such as the annual Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championships and Asian Junior Tenpin Bowling Championships, fostering emerging talent across . In , the EBF coordinates a broad range of events, including those focused on variants like the European Championships for singles, women, men, and under-23 categories. The PABCON organizes Pan American championships in various divisions, such as masters and seniors, to enhance competitive standards in the . Meanwhile, the BFA supports growth via programs and hosts events like the African Bowling Championship to build capacity in underrepresented regions. The OBF, representing nations including , , , and the , facilitates regional competitions to strengthen Oceania's participation in international bowling.

Events and Competitions

Major World Championships

The International Bowling Federation (IBF) organizes the flagship adult competitions in ten-pin bowling, with the IBF World Championships serving as the premier multi-discipline event since its inception in in , . Held biennially, it brings together national teams from member federations to compete for medals, emphasizing teamwork and precision under standardized rules. The championships highlight the sport's global reach, rotating among host cities and drawing elite athletes to showcase evolving techniques and strategies. Competition formats include singles, doubles (in Baker style, where pairs alternate frames), trios, five-player teams, and all-events, where bowlers' cumulative scores across disciplines determine additional honors. Women were first included in 1963 at the event in , marking a pivotal step toward in international ten-pin bowling. The 2015 merger of the Fédération Internationale des Quilleurs (FIQ) and World Tenpin Bowling Association (WTBA) into —later renamed IBF—introduced unified rules, streamlining conditions and scoring to enhance fairness and consistency. The upcoming 2025 championships, set for November 24 to December 5 in , at Top Bowl in , will continue this tradition with over 300 participants expected. Complementing the team-focused World Championships is the IBF World Cup, an annual singles tournament launched in 1965 in , , to crown individual world champions. Each member federation nominates one male and one female bowler, who advance through qualifying rounds to a final stage, testing personal skill in a high-stakes format. Rotating annually across host nations, the event has grown into a symbol of individual achievement, with past editions like the 2025 competition in underscoring its role in talent development. Together, these championships have driven the sport's internationalization since the mid-20th century, promoting unity among diverse federations and adapting to modern standards post-merger for broader accessibility and competitive integrity.

Youth, Seniors, and Para Events

The International Bowling Federation (IBF) promotes development through the biennial IBF World Youth Championships, which focus on athletes under 21 years of age and feature team and individual competitions in ten-pin . These events serve as a key platform for emerging talent, fostering skills and international experience among young bowlers from member federations worldwide. The 2024 edition, held in , from July 7 to 18, attracted approximately 233 athletes from 38 countries, underscoring the championships' role in nurturing the next generation. Complementing this, the annual IBF Youth World Cup emphasizes individual mastery, with the 2025 event taking place in , from June 15 to 22 at Olympia Bowling. For seniors, the IBF organizes the biennial World Seniors Championships for bowlers aged 50 and older, divided into Senior (50-64) and Grand Senior (65+) categories, covering singles, doubles, team, and all-events formats. This event highlights the 's appeal across age groups, encouraging lifelong participation and competitive excellence. The 2025 championships occurred from October 13 to 23 at the in , USA, drawing representatives from 37 member federations and featuring over 380 athletes across divisions, including notable performances like gold medals for Team USA in the Senior Men's and Women's Team events. Para bowling events under IBF auspices integrate athletes with disabilities, with the biennial IBF Para World Championships classifying participants by impairments such as physical disabilities, visual impairments, and disabilities to ensure fair competition. These championships, which began in the early 2020s following the inaugural event in 2021, emphasize inclusivity and have grown in scope since IBF's rebranding and IPC recognition in 2023. The 2025 edition was hosted in , from January 17 to 24 at Bowling Centre, welcoming around 250 athletes from 20 countries in seven classes. Since the 2020 rebranding to IBF and heightened focus on diverse demographics, participation in , seniors, and para events has increased, reflecting broader efforts to expand the sport's global reach and . For instance, the 2025 seniors championships featured over 380 athletes, surpassing prior editions and highlighting post-pandemic recovery in engagement.

Disciplines

Ten-pin Bowling

Ten-pin bowling, the most prominent discipline governed by the International Bowling Federation (IBF), involves knocking down ten wooden pins arranged in an at the end of a using a heavy ball rolled with one hand. A standard game consists of ten frames, in which a player has up to two rolls per frame (except the tenth, which may allow three) to knock down all ten pins, with matches often structured in sets of multiple games depending on the event format. The measures 60 feet (18.29 meters) from the foul line to the head pin, with approach areas and gutters on either side to define the playing surface. The IBF unifies and enforces rules for ten-pin bowling through its historical World Tenpin Bowling Association (WTBA) framework, now integrated into its operations, ensuring consistent standards for international competitions. Scoring is based on cumulative points: a (all ten pins on the first roll) awards 10 points plus the pins from the next two rolls, marked as "X"; a spare (all ten on two rolls) awards 10 plus the next roll, marked as "/"; open frames score only the pins knocked down. The IBF mandates specific lane conditioning, including oil patterns that vary by —typically selected from predefined banks (e.g., 30-39 feet or 40-49 feet forward) with a 2.5:1 crosswise oil ratio and tapered lengthwise distribution—to promote fairness and skill differentiation. Equipment in ten-pin bowling is strictly regulated by the IBF to maintain integrity, with balls weighing between 8 and 16 pounds (3.63-7.26 kg), featuring a of 26.704 to 27.002 inches and a minimum of 72 durometer . Reactive coverstocks, which enhance potential, are permitted only if approved on the (USBC) list, preventing performance advantages from unregulated materials. As the primary focus of IBF events like the World Championships, ten-pin bowling drives global participation, with over 100 member federations competing under these standards to foster widespread adoption.

Nine-pin Bowling

The International Bowling Federation (IBF) incorporates as one of its core disciplines through its association with the World Ninepin Bowling Association (WNBA), which oversees the sport's traditional European variants and ensures their alignment with global standards. emphasizes three primary variants—, Schere, and Bohle—each characterized by distinct setups that influence gameplay dynamics. In the variant, nine pins are arranged in a formation on a uniform, flat with a plastic running surface measuring 19.5 meters in length. The Schere variant features a V-shaped that widens toward the pins, promoting angled approaches, while the Bohle variant uses a barrel-shaped design, narrower at the foul line and expanding rearward over 23.5 meters, often with a wooden or synthetic surface. Under WNBA governance, the employs consistent core rules across variants: players deliver two balls per frame to knock down the nine pins, with scoring based on pins felled and games structured in 10 frames, though lane-specific adaptations apply for optimal play. The WNBA's sections— for , NBS for Schere, and integrated frameworks for Bohle—maintain these technical regulations to support fair competition. The maintains a pronounced regional emphasis in , especially and , where it thrives as both a high-performance and recreational activity, supported by extensive club networks. With WNBA member federations spanning 28 countries across , , and , features fewer international events than other IBF but gained fuller integration following the 2015 merger of the Fédération Internationale des Quilleurs (FIQ) and World Tenpin Bowling Association into what became World Bowling (now IBF).

Para Bowling

The International Bowling Federation (IBF) promotes para bowling as an inclusive adaptation of ten-pin and nine-pin bowling for athletes with disabilities, aligning with the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) classification framework to ensure fair competition. Para bowling emphasizes accessibility and participation, with classifications divided into visual, intellectual, and physical impairments to group athletes by functional ability (as of 2024). Visual impairments are categorized under TPB1-TPB3: TPB1 for athletes with lower than LogMAR 2.6 (equivalent to B1, totally blind, using eyeshades and guide rails); TPB2 for from LogMAR 1.5 to 2.6 and/or less than 10 degrees (B2, severe impairment); and TPB3 for from LogMAR 1.0 to 1.4 and/or less than 40 degrees (B3, moderate impairment). disabilities fall under TPB4 and TPB5: TPB4 for athletes with full-scale IQ ≤75 and significant limitations in (onset before age 22), often coordinated with Sport; TPB5 for those with plus additional impairments (e.g., meeting FAST criteria). Physical classifications include standing and wheelchair divisions under TPB8-TPB10: TPB8 for users unable to stand (normal throwing arm, varying balance, ≤70 points in lower limbs); TPB9 for standing athletes with lower limb disabilities (e.g., ≥10 points reduction or specific amputations A2-A4, A9); TPB10 for standing athletes with upper limb disabilities (e.g., ≥20 points reduction or amputations A6, A8, A9). Ramp use is permitted in TPB8 with caddy assistance for ball placement (shoulder-height ramp, manual release via or aids like mouth stick; no ). These categories follow IPC guidelines to minimize impairment advantages. Rules for para bowling modify standard ten-pin or nine-pin formats to accommodate disabilities while maintaining core scoring principles, such as scratch scoring without handicaps. For visual classes (TPB1-3), caddies provide verbal guidance during approach but not release, and portable guide rails ensure lane alignment (max 15 feet for TPB1). All deliveries must be manual, with dead balls only for equipment failures. The IBF's para bowling development accelerated through its 2019 IPC recognition as the governing body, enabling standardized global events and anti-doping compliance. This partnership fosters athlete pathways toward Paralympic aspirations, with the inaugural IBF Para Bowling World Championships held in 2021 in Dubai. Subsequent championships, including the 2025 event in Hong Kong, integrate para divisions fully into IBF's calendar. Looking ahead, the 2026 IBF Para Bowling World Championships are scheduled for April 29 to May 10 in Bangkok, Thailand, hosted at Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl in Siam Paragon.

Recognition and Aspirations

IOC Recognition

The International Bowling Federation (IBF) received official recognition from the (IOC) in 1979, establishing it as the global governing body for bowling disciplines including ten-pin and nine-pin. This milestone came after the federation, then known as the Fédération Internationale des Quilleurs (FIQ), first applied for recognition in 1963 and faced repeated refusals before achieving approval. The recognition underscores bowling's alignment with the Olympic Movement's principles of promoting international sport development and fair play. IOC recognition provides the IBF with key benefits, including access to financial resources for sport development and administration. These funds support programs aimed at expanding bowling's reach, particularly in emerging markets, through initiatives like coaching, equipment provision, and event organization. Additionally, the status mandates adherence to the World Anti-Doping Code and enables collaboration with the International Testing Agency (ITA) for anti-doping implementation, ensuring clean sport standards across IBF competitions since 2023. As of 2025, the IBF remains one of approximately 40 IOC-recognized international sports federations, holding membership in the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF) and participating in annual IOC sessions to foster ongoing collaboration within the Olympic ecosystem. This status reinforces the IBF's role in global sport governance and opens pathways for potential integration into IOC-backed multi-sport events.

Olympic and Paralympic Efforts

The International Bowling Federation (IBF) has long aspired to secure full medal status for ten-pin bowling in the and for para bowling in the , viewing these inclusions as pivotal to elevating the sport's global profile. This push traces back to bowling's appearance as a at the 1988 Summer Olympics, where 12 male and 12 female athletes from 21 nations competed in separate events at the Royal Bowling Center, marking the sport's inaugural Olympic showcase and highlighting its potential for international competition. Building on its IOC recognition since 1979, the IBF has positioned itself as the sole governing body to advocate for these goals within the Olympic Movement. In the 2020s, the IBF intensified its lobbying efforts through participation in IOC sessions, leveraging the flexibility introduced by Olympic Agenda 2020, which empowers host cities to propose additional sports and removes the previous cap of 28 Summer Olympic disciplines. The 2020 from World Bowling to IBF was explicitly aimed at streamlining governance and sharpening focus on Olympic integration, including alignment with Agenda 2020's emphases on , , and athlete welfare. However, these strategies face significant hurdles, such as the high costs of constructing specialized venues for Olympic-scale events and ensuring uniformity in rules and equipment standards across diverse global federations, which the IOC prioritizes for new inclusions. Additionally, enhancing appeal remains a critical challenge to demonstrate the sport's long-term viability. Recent progress includes strengthened para bowling initiatives following the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) approval of the IBF as a Recognized International Federation in May 2023. This IPC recognition, which mandates adherence to the IPC Handbook and anti-doping protocols, positions para bowling closer to Paralympic program consideration by affirming the IBF's role in developing inclusive classifications and world championships. These steps underscore the IBF's dual-track approach to overcoming inclusion barriers through targeted advocacy and infrastructural reforms.

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