Additionally, the ABC provided strict yet flexible rules and regulations for league play and tournament play. This helped establish common ground rules in all sanctioned events. The ABC also established a governing board that was the final authority in any league rule disputes. Today, the ABC has over 2.9 million members bowling in literally thousands of leagues all over the United States and selected countries throughout the world. Membership to the ABC is usually provided through your local league and mandatory in ABC sanctioned events.
Membership is good for one year and includes summer leagues in the year membership.
Ironically in 1962 there were 11,476 bowling centers, and according to the ABC, in 1992, the number had dwindled to 7,904. The Professional Bowlers Association was established in 1958 by founder Eddie Elias. When the PBA was founded, there were only 33 members. Today, that number has grown to almost 3500. Additionally, there are 700 members on the PBAs senior tour.