Standards for oil application range was changed from 2.5:1-3.5:1 to 1.5:1-3.5:1.
The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel on July 29 approved a change to the parameters for oil ratio application for the 2016-17 bowling season.
The new standards for the oil ratio application can range from 1.5:1 to 3.5:1 with recommended ranges from 2.0:1 to 3.0:1. The previous ranges were 2.0:1 to 4.0:1 with recommended ranges from 2.5:1 to 3.5:1.
Additionally, the total volume of oil application patterns can range from a minimum of 20 microliters to a maximum of 30 microliters. The pattern also can range from a minimum of 34 feet to 45 feet down the lane.
Besides offering host facilities more flexibility applying oil patterns, the lower oil ratios can make the sport more challenging for bowlers.
The new guidelines will allow for NCAA tournaments to use a number of international tournament patterns.
Host teams and facilities must communicate to visiting coaches at least 10 days in advance about what oil pattern is going to be applied.
Other proposed changes approved by the panel include:
- Limiting competition to only five matches per day, effective for the 2017-18 academic year.
- Allowing for more flexibility in creating tournament formats.
