Benefits of BTBA Membership

The British Tenpin Bowling Association (BTBA) is the governing body for our sport and, as such, provides the rules by which we play and, if necessary, the back up to enforce these rules. They also supply, free of charge, the stationery needed for running the league, Personal Accident Insurance, free monthly copies of the Go Tenpin Magazine and free achievement awards.

Each member also receives their own copy of the BTBA Playing Rules and Regulations.

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Some of the money from your membership fee is passed to the Area Association, the Kent Tenpin Bowling Association (KTBA), to cover their running costs.

The KTBA acts as a middle man between your league and the BTBA.

We are there to answer any queries that you have whether they are about administrative matters or interpretation of the rules etc.

The KTBA is responsible for the process of sanctioning the leagues and supplying the necessary information and stationery to the leagues.

We would be pleased to have a representative of your centre as a member of the Kent Council where they would be able to put forward your opinions and wishes on relevant matters and be in a position to keep your bowlers fully informed on any events etc.

League Members would also be welcomed to attend our AGM.

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The KTBA also runs various tournaments that are available for members to participate in:

•The Kent Roll-off is held each year to determine which players will be included in the squad from which the Kent teams are selected. There are six categories: Under 14’s, Under 16’s, Under 18’s, Under 24’s, Adult and Senior (over 50’s) all are available for male and female teams. The top players in each category are guaranteed to play for the County in the Inter-County Championships. Players who achieve the honour of bowling for their county have their bowling costs paid for by the County although most of these costs are covered by funds raised through fund raising carried out by our volunteers. Non- BTBA members can only enter by paying the cost of BTBA Membership (£18 for 2006/7).

•The Area Championships are held on three Sundays in May and include singles, doubles and team events in various categories including male or female, handicap and scratch. Non- BTBA members can only enter by paying the cost of BTBA Membership (£25 for 2008/9).

•The Bert & Vicky Timms Mixed doubles tournament is primarily a handicap event although a trophy is provided for the scratch winners as well as money prizes and a trophy in the handicap section. This tournament is open to non-BTBA members for a £1 registration fee.

•The Intercentre Championships are open to all centres in Kent and consist of singles doubles and team events. Non-BTBA members are permitted to take part for a £1 registration fee.

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BTBA members get all this and more for about 50p per week – we believe that almost all other sports governing bodies charge more for membership than this!