ARLINGTON, Texas - The United States Bowling Congress Equipment Specifications and Certifications department has been recognized by the American Society of Quality (ASQ) for a presentation created to highlight some of the findings from its recent Static Weight Study.

The presentation, "Central Composite Design and USBC: Bowling Balls Aren't the Only Spheres We Use," placed third overall for the Shewell Award. The Shewell Award, which is presented annually at the Fall Technical Conference, is given to the top speakers who excel in presentation, scientific quality and applicability.

The Static Weight Study was conducted to determine whether static weight parameters set by USBC still were necessary after discovering that static weights showed a low level of influence on ball motion in the preceding Ball Motion Study.

Within the allowed parameters (a maximum 3 oz. of top or bottom weight, and 1 oz. each of finger, thumb and side weight), three phases of ball motion (skid, hook and roll) mathematically could be predicted in the Ball Motion Study. Beyond the allowed parameters, an unpredictable fourth phase of ball motion was discovered in the Static Weight Study. An unpredictable motion would likely cause an undesirable effect, leading USBC to maintain the restrictions on the amount of static weight a bowling ball could possess.

"The information discovered in the Static Weight Study was a major breakthrough for our team and a huge steppingstone in moving forward to ensure our regulations and standards are to the highest degree," said Neil Stremmel, USBC Managing Director of the National Governing Body. "Our presentation being highly recognized by ASQ validates the research and development taking place within these walls."

ASQ specializes in improving quality for all aspects of business by providing the tools, techniques and studies necessary to raise industry standards.

Additionally, USBC Research Manager Nicki Brose and USBC Equipment Specifications Technical Advisor Scott Sterbenz have been selected to give presentations at the 2014 ASQ Lean and Six Sigma Conference in Phoenix on Feb. 24-25.

"Being able to feature how USBC is using Six Sigma tools to better understand the sport at a conference such as this builds the technical credibility of USBC," Brose said. "It helps to expose the technical aspects of bowling to a scientific audience."

The USBC Equipment Specifications and Certifications team tests bowling balls, pins, lane surfaces and conditioners to make sure those four factors of the sport meet the standards set by USBC before they can be used in USBC-certified leagues or tournaments.