Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress Banned Urethane

The Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC), as the national governing body for the sport, is entrusted with upholding the highest standards of competitive integrity, fairness, and sportsmanship. Our mandate is to foster a competitive environment that rewards skill, adaptability, and strategic excellence, while ensuring a sustainable pathway for athlete development.

Following extensive review, consultation with technical experts, coaches, and elites athletes, and careful consideration of global trends, local lane conditions, and studies conducted by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), MTBC has determined that the use of slow oil-absorbing high-performance urethane bowling balls will be disallowed in all tournaments hosted by MTBC and its State Affiliates, effectives immediately.

This decision is founded upon two fundamental principles:

1 Preserving Competitive Integrity

2. Safeguarding Long-Term Athlete Development

3. Preservation of Competitive Integrity and Fairness

The essence of sport lies in a level playing field where outcomes are determined by athletic skill and strategic execution. The unique characteristics of the slow oil-absorbing high-performance urethane equipment have introduced inconsistencies that compromise this principle:

Lane Pattern Integrity: Slow oil-absorbing high-performance urethane balls can alter lane oil patterns more rapidly, disrupting the intended design and creating inequitable conditions for players of different styles.

Athlete Development: Over-reliance on Slow oil-absorbing high-performance urethanes balis may limit versatility and impede the comprehensive skill development essentiall for long-term growth, particularly among emerging athletes.

Governance and Integrity: Slow oil-absorbing high-performance urethane balls may soften over time, complicating the distinction between natural aging and intentionall modification. This has led to disputes, procedural challenges, and concerns regarding consistent enforcement. Upon discussion with the experts, on-site tournament testing is highly not recommended by the experts, and as equipment has been found to be below the allowed limits as per IBF Rules. MTBC has made the decision to disallow its use at its championships. The situation will be monitored, and further reviews may be made.