What is YBA?
Welcome to the Youth Bowling Association (YBA), operated by Northern California Bowling Centers. Our program is designed to inspire and empower bowlers up to 21 years old, providing a dynamic membership that includes leagues, tournaments, awards, and scholarships. Join us to elevate your bowling skills and be part of an esteemed community in Northern California & Nevada.

How Do I Join?
Becoming a member is simple: bowl in a YBA-certified league at your local bowling center and pay the membership fee, which also includes membership with the United States Bowling Congress (USBC). Your youth coordinator will assist you in the process, ensuring seamless integration into our vibrant community. YBA membership is your gateway to exclusive events, such as Nor Cal Tournaments and All-Star selections.
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Find a YBA-Certified League
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Contact Your Youth Coordinator
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Complete Membership Registration
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Pay the Membership Fee
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Receive Confirmation & Benefits
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Start Bowling!
Youth Coordination Corner
This serves as a one-stop shop for certification information, forms, and award applications. Ensure your league is YBA-certified to access full membership benefits.
Membership Benefits
Unlock exclusive opportunities with YBA membership—join top-tier tournaments, access valuable scholarships, and enhance your skills.
Exclusive Access to Tournaments & Leagues
Engage in a rich array of competitive opportunities designed to elevate your skills and award performance. As a member, you'll participate in premier tournaments, leagues, and events that are central to your development in the sport.
Scholarship Opportunities
Our members have unique access to scholarship programs that recognize both bowling achievements and academic excellence. These financial aids can significantly contribute to your educational journey and support your future aspirations.
Comprehensive Development & Growth
Benefit from tailored coaching, instruction, and resources that foster personal growth, teamwork, and leadership. YBA membership opens doors to lifelong friendships, community engagement, and a deeper appreciation for bowling as a sport and art.
Leagues
YBA leagues cater to every youth bowler’s needs. Whether coaching, instruction, or just a friendly competitive environment, our leagues are designed to teach fair play, teamwork, leadership, and a passion for the sport.
Tournaments
Step into the competitive world of YBA tournaments, where you can test your skills against other bowlers and earn scholarships. Each tournament offers a unique chance to showcase your talent and earn scholarship money to assist with educational expenses.

All-Star Program & Special Awards
Our All-Star Program recognizes outstanding achievements, inviting top bowlers to a special All-Star Weekend full of competition and recognition. Celebrate excellence with awards like the Nor Cal YBA Hall of Fame and the Pete Lusich and Tony Reyes Awards, honoring dedication and exceptional contribution to youth bowling.

Scholarships are an integral part of YBA, rewarding bowlers for their performance and community involvement. From competitive league participation to academic excellence, our scholarships help future leaders further their education beyond the lanes.
Utilize the SMART Scholarship Program for managing your bowling scholarship funds, offering a centralized location to access financial support for your educational journey.
Frequent Questions About Youth Bowling
Ready to Join Our Youth Program?
Join Northern California Bowling Centers today and unlock a world of exclusive benefits, dynamic events, and a supportive community dedicated to your success. Take the first step towards a rewarding bowling journey with us.
What does the Nor Cal YBA Program include?
The Nor Cal YBA Program offers a complete bowling experience with membership in both Nor Cal YBA and the United States Bowling Congress (USBC). Members benefit from our all-new awards program, an extensive year-round tournament schedule, and the potential to earn added scholarship money in tournaments. Key highlights also include the Nor Cal YBA All Star Program, a dedicated scholarship program, and participation in the Jr/Adult Travel League. We manage membership processing with ease for both YBA & USBC, offer educational resources for proprietors, directors, parents, and bowlers, and provide marketing materials to promote youth bowling at your centers.
How does USBC Youth Membership work?
USBC Youth Membership is essential for participation in USBC-certified leagues and tournaments. It is paid once per season and covers all relevant competitions throughout the year, expiring on July 31. Members enjoy local and state association championship eligibility and participation in all certified competitions without extra fees.
Can bowlers participate in leagues without current USBC Youth Membership?
No, all participants in USBC Youth-certified competitions must have an active USBC Youth Membership. This ensures eligibility and access to competitions and official records.
Are USBC Youth averages official and where are they recorded?
Yes, averaged based on twelve or more games in USBC Youth leagues are recognized as official for tournament participation and are recorded on Bowl.com, becoming an integral part of each bowler’s official record.
What awards are available through USBC and how can they be obtained?
While national awards are not included in the new USBC Youth Membership, bowlers can purchase a variety of special achievement and high score awards from IBC Youth. Detailed information and purchase options are available at Bowl.com/awards or by contacting the IBC Youth Team.
What opportunities exist for Nor Cal YBA members in terms of recognition and progression?
Members of Nor Cal YBA can elevate their bowling career through participation in the All Star Program and by earning special awards. These opportunities are excellent for gaining recognition within the bowling community, benefitting from a structured approach to progression through competitive play and personal achievement.