Section 8: Safety Considerations
Bowling has relatively low injury risk compared to most NCAA sports, but cumulative repetitive-strain injuries (shoulder, wrist, lower back, knee) are common. NCAA-mandated equipment standards (USBC-approved balls, properly fitted shoes) reduce slip-and-fall and ball-drop incidents. Lane-condition safety: lanes inspected pre-meet; oil applied per pattern uniformly to prevent unexpected ball behavior. Concussion protocol applies to any actual or suspected concussion (rare in bowling but possible from slip-and-fall on the approach). Medical coverage: certified athletic trainer at every NCAA-sanctioned meet. AED + emergency action plan at every venue.