Qualifying Standards
The Section 3 Individual Shootout is an “invitation only” event and is not an open tournament. The event is used to qualify individual bowlers for the NYSPHSAA State Championship Composite Division (both Division 1 and Division 2). Individuals must earn an invitation to this event by meeting the following criteria:
League Qualifying Standard. Each league shall be granted a specific number of invitations for the Individual Shootout event. Invitations are extended to the top players in the league, based on the league final individual average list. The number of invitations each league will be granted shall be the greater of:
- The number of varsity teams in the league, OR
- The number of players whose final season varsity average is in the top 15% of the league.
To be eligible to receive an invitation, a bowler must have competed in 2/3 (67%) of the league scheduled varsity games (league and non-league contests within/between league teams provided the league issued the schedule and declared the games as “non-league”) AND the games bowled must have been bowled in direct competition.
For the purposes of calculating the 15% cutoff for the league, all remainders when performing the calculation will be rounded UP to the next whole number.
Individual Qualifying Standard. An individual bowler may earn an invitation to the shootout through this standard by meeting the following criteria:
- Bowler completes the season having competed in 2/3 (67%) of the league scheduled varsity games (league and non-league contests provided that the league issued the schedule)
- Bowler’s games bowled must have been bowled in direct competition
- Bowler does not qualify for an invitation through the League Qualifying Standard.
- Individual season average meets or exceeds the following minimum standard:
- Boys Standard: 200.00 varsity average.
- Girls Standard: 180.00 varsity average.
For the purpose of average calculation, averages will be calculated to 2 decimal places only, all remainders dropped with no rounding.
Alternate Criteria for Special Cases
For cases where an individual is not part of a regular team or their team is not part of a league (ie- Independent bowler, Independent team, or individuals who have been granted waivers of the representation rule by the Section 3 Executive, etc). The qualification standard will be determined by the Section 3 Bowling Chairperson for boys or girls.
Declining an Invitation
Should an individual bowler decline the invitation to participate, the league may extend an invitation to the next highest average bowler.
Tournament Format
The Section 3 Individual Shootout is a 12 game event spanning two days conducted under an elimination format.
Day #1 — All qualifying bowlers shall compete and bowl six (6) games. At the conclusion of 6 games, the approx. 50% shall advance to day #2. A minimum of 10 bowlers will advance. Exact numbers of advancers is determined by the Tournament Directors.
Day #2 — Pinfall from Day #1 shall carry over in full to Day #2. All remaining bowlers shall bowl an additional three (3) games. At the conclusion of game #3, (9th game of the tournament), a cut will be made. The remaining bowlers shall bowl three (3) final games for a total of 12 games over 2 days. At the conclusion of game #12, the individual with the highest twelve (12) game total will be declared the winner.
Team Selection– Teams are formed based on Enrollment division. Division 1 is comprised of athletes whose current year BEDS number is 600 or above. Division 2 is 599 and below. Each division team will consist of six (6) players, or the surviving players w/ the highest twelve (12) game pinfall. Additional finalists not making the team can be considered as “alternates”, but will not be added to the roster.
2025 Division 1 Teams — For the 2025 season only, two (2) composite teams will be formed for Division 1. As such, the top twelve (12) bowlers for Division 1 shall advance to the state championship. All competing Division 1 bowlers shall advance to day #2. At no time, will there be less than 12 bowlers competing for roster spots on the D1 composite teams. At the conclusion of the tournament, the top 6 individuals shall be assigned to the 1st team. The next 6 shall be assigned to the 2nd (at-large) team.
Tiebreaker — any tie for the last remaining roster spot shall be decided by bowling one (1) additional game. If a time remains after the additional tie breaking game, tied bowlers will compete in a 9th and 10th frame rolloff.
Fees
There is no registration for this event. Coaches of potential qualifying bowlers are responsible to monitor the average list from the league. Coaches unsure of the process or if their athlete qualified, must ask their league rep or record keeper for clarification.
Spectator Fees
Section 3 charges a spectator admission charge. Please visit the Section 3 Athletics Website to purchase tickets.