GUIDELINES FOR THE NEBRASKA HIGH SCHOOL BOWLING FEDERATION

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7.  Conference Playoffs and District Tournament
7.1.  Conference and District tournament format to be determined by the NHSBF.  Rules and information regarding Conference, District and State Finals will be furnished to all participating centers prior to January 15th of the season year.  All ties must be broken on a Conference and District level to determine the advancing team or individual.

7.2.  To be eligible for the Conference, District and State Final(s), a player must have bowled at least once in the regular season. High Schools not participating in conference play must have competed in at least two (2) qualifying district and or district tournaments. The NHSBF board may waive the qualification rule during the first three years of competition.

7.3.  Teams not participating in a Conference will qualify for the State Tournament via entering the district event in their geographical location, by receiving an invitation from the NHSBF Commissioner.  Entry fees for such non-conference teams to be determined by the NHSBF Board.

8.  Conference and District Event Formats
8.1.  District Event Format:  The NHSBF Commissioner will determine the format, location, and teams participating in each district event.

8.2.  District event locations will normally be assigned on a rotation basis to different center if possible.

8.3.  Admission will be charged at the district event per the NHSBF Commissioner's discretion.

8.4.  Teams will normally be assigned based on class and geographical location, however, teams may compete in district events across classes using the 'wild card' format.

8.5.  The 'wild card' format will be utilized to insure equal competition statewide to assist in determining the 'wild cards' awarded to state.  The NHSBF Commissioner will determine the teams that advance to states based on the number of district events statewide.

8.6.  'Wild Card' awarding will be determined by the NHSBF Commissioner utilizing, but not limited to, the following criteria:
        8.6.1  Total team score at the district event.
        8.6.2. Win-Loss record in conference and non-conference
        competition.
        8.6.3.  Overall teams average

9.  District Singles Event Format
9.1.  Players will compete simultaneously during the team district event for the district singles championship.  The individual players score, based on the first 3 games bowled, will be used to determine the players final position.  The top 10 scores, both boys and girls, will advance to the state finals.

9.2.  If a player qualifies to the state event, but the team does not, the team will not advance to the state finals, only the individual player.

9.3.  If a player qualifies for the state event, and the team does as well, the qualifying spot will NOT 'push' to the next highest individual qualifier.

9.4.  A player may also voluntarily decline their invitation to the state finals, but must notify the District Commissioner immediately following district competition, if possible.

10.  Season Ending State Tournament (Varsity Teams Only!)
10.1.  The state tournament will utilize a standard qualifying and a Baker format to determine the champion.  Teams will be assigned lanes and squads according to class.  The class assignment, center(s) used, squad times, and lane assignments will be determined by the NHSBF Commissioner prior to competition.

10.2.  State Tournament Roster
        10.2.1.  A State Tournament roster, with a maximum of seven
        individuals, must be submitted to the Nebraska High School Bowling
        Federation at the start of the district event.
        10.2.2.  A student must be enrolled in 9th-12th grade to participate
        in the state high school varsity championships.
        10.2.3.  Participants will be required to present a school form of
        identification for team check-in and gaining admittance to the host
        venue.
                   10.2.3.1   A student ID or report card with photo ID are
                   acceptable forms of ID.
                   10.2.3.2.  The NHSBF Commissioner may determine
                   additional forms of ID, if required.

10.3.  The NHSBF Commissioner has the authority to move or coordinate the event in such a manner that uses two or more bowling centers.

10.4.  Admission will be charged at the state event for all spectators.

10.5.  Singles Event
        10.5.1  All participants will compete simultaneously for the state
        singles championship, based on the first 3 games bowled during
        team qualifying.
        10.5.2  The top 10 boys and girls will receive awards.

11.  Bowling Practice
        11.1  In Meet or Tournament Host Center
                11.1.1  A team member or substitute may not use the bowling
                lanes within the bowling establishment for practice on
                the day of any match or tournament outside of what
                has been established within these guidelines. A bowler
                that violates this provision will not be allowed to
                compete in the given event. Exception: school
                sponsored events or classes.
        11.2. Prior to the Start of Each Match or Tournament
                11.2.1  No more than 10 minutes of practice (with or without
                pins - proprietors discretion) for any one scheduled match. 
        11.3.  Required Practice Sessions
                11.3.1  It is the responsibility of each head coach to conduct
                at least one formal practice session each week during the 
                Nebraska High School Bowling Conference season.  This
                session will be at no cost to bowlers and coaches and must be
                pre-arranged with the participating bowling centers to insure
                lanes are reserved and available.

12.  Uniforms
        12.1.  Team and coaches will provide their own uniforms that meet the following criteria:
                 12.1.1  Team competitors and coaches shall appear in shirts
                 approved by the Commissioner for all matches and
                 tournaments.
                 12.1.2.  The entire team must wear the same color shirts.  No
                 denim pants will be allowed at the district or state finals.
                 12.1.3.  All shirts must meet the uniform guidelines listed
                 below.

        12.2.  Shirt must have a collar (no t-shirts)

        12.3  The back and front may only have the school name and/or
        logo.

        12.4  Players name may be imprinted in small print on the front
        and/or back of the shirt.

        12.5.  No advertisements are allowed on the front or back of the
        shirt.

        12.6.  Sponsors may be located on the left shirt sleeve according to
        the following guidelines:
                  12.6.1.  Sponsors logos cannot be more that 2"x4" in area.
                  12.6.2.  There cannot be more than 2 sponsors on the shirt,
                  excluding the NHSBF logo.
                  12.6.3.  The NHSBF logo must be permanently attached on
                  the right shirt sleeve.
                  12.6.4.  The NHSBF logo may be in patch form, screen
                  printed or embroidered onto the shirt.
                  12.6.5.  No sponsor may promote tobacco, alcohol, or any
                  other activity deemed inappropriate by the NHSBF
                  Commissioner.

        12.7.  The NHSBF Commissioner has the authority to negotiate on behalf of the organization.  These sponsorships may require an additional logo to be attached to the shirt.  The NHSBF and/or sponsoring organization is to provide such logos when deemed appropriate.

13.  Transportation
        13.1.  It will be the responsibility of each participant in the Nebraska High School Bowling Federation to arrange for his/her transportation to and from practices, matches or tournaments. It will be required that all participants sign waivers of liability, stating that they are assuming full responsibility for their transportation and will hold the school districts, coaches, and bowling centers harmless for any actions arising as a result of travel in connection with Nebraska High School Bowling Federation activities.

14.  Awards:
        14.1.  A first place plaque will be awarded to the team that wins the district event.  Those players earning 'first-team' status in districts will receive a certificate indicating this achievement.


15.  Scholarships
        15.1.  Scholarships will be awarded in accordance with all NCAA and Department of Education rules. The scholarships awards will be determined by the Nebraska High School Bowling Federation Scholarship Committee, and will be awarded to the Youth of the Nebraska High School Bowling Federation.  All scholarship monies will be held in escrow in the YABA SMART account.

16.  Authorization
        16.1.  By participating in the NHSBF, all student-athletes waive any claim of damage or injury against the NHSBF, bowling center, and coach from injury or harm.  All participants authorize the use of their image, photo or likeness for photographic or video use, in accordance with acceptable NHSBF requirements.

17.  Contingencies
        17.1.  The NSAA, the USBC High School Division Rule Book and or the NHSBF Committee shall cover any situation arising that is not covered by these Guidelines.