Members of Steel City Bowling League (SCBL) will vote on whether the league should remain sanctioned by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) or transition to operating as an independent league affiliated only with the International Gay Bowling Organization (IGBO).
This post is intended to explain what that change would mean so that members can make an informed decision before voting.
What Would Change?
League Dues
If SCBL leaves USBC:
- Bowlers would no longer pay annual USBC dues (currently $30/year)
- Bowlers would instead pay only IGBO dues (currently $5/year)
This would reduce annual sanctioning costs for league members.
League Status
SCBL would become an independently operated, non-USBC-sanctioned league.
The league would still:
- Bowl weekly as normal
- Keep standings and averages for league play
- Award prize money
- Conduct league competitions and playoffs
- Maintain its affiliation with IGBO
What Would Be Different Without USBC Sanctioning?
USBC-Certified Averages
League averages would no longer be USBC-certified. Bowlers who participate in USBC-sanctioned tournaments would generally need another sanctioned league average for tournament eligibility.
For many SCBL members, this may not have a significant impact, particularly for bowlers who already participate in other USBC-sanctioned leagues.
USBC Awards and Recognition
Honor scores and achievements earned during SCBL play would no longer qualify for official USBC awards or national recognition.
League Governance
As an independent league, SCBL would operate under its own league rules and governance structure rather than USBC rules and procedures.
This would allow the league greater flexibility in how it handles:
- Eligibility
- Naming and identity recognition
- League procedures
- Internal disputes and policies
Insurance and Liability
- USBC sanctioning includes certain liability and bonding protections for sanctioned leagues and league officers.
- If SCBL leaves USBC, the league would no longer participate in those USBC-provided protections. However, many recreational and social bowling leagues operate independently without USBC sanctioning.
- SCBL leadership would work with the bowling center to ensure the league continues operating appropriately under the center’s existing policies and procedures.
Why Is This Being Considered?
Some members have expressed concerns about current USBC policies regarding transgender participation and identity recognition. Others have raised questions about whether USBC sanctioning provides meaningful benefits for a primarily social and recreational league like SCBL.
The upcoming vote will allow league members to decide whether remaining sanctioned by USBC continues to align with the league’s goals and values.
What Would Not Change?
Regardless of the outcome of the vote:
- SCBL would remain an LGBTQIA+-focused bowling league
- The league would continue bowling at its current center
- The social and community aspects of the league would remain central to the league’s mission
- IGBO affiliation would continue
When Will the Vote Take Place?
Here is a link to the form to vote. Only one vote per member will count. Voting will be open from May 7, 2026 to June 7th, 2026, and the results will announced shortly thereafter.
Members are encouraged to ask questions, discuss the issue respectfully, and make the decision they believe is best for the future of the league. You can either access the post about this on the SCBL Facebook page, or you can also email officers@steelcitybowling.com with any questions.