How do you figure handicap for 14 team bowling league?

Answer 1

Each league votes on the handicap system. Common rules is to assign each bowler a handicap based on 90% of the difference between the bowlers average and 200. Team handicap commonly is calculated by summing each bowlers handicap on a team.

There is software that does this for you, such as Bowling League Secretary by CDE Software, which the majority of centers in the US use.

Answer 2

It depends on how good the bowlers are and how close you want the teams to be in competition. If you have 14 five man teams(could be all men, all women, or mixed), and the majority of the bowlers have averages exceeding 200 you need to base your handicap on 210 being zero handicap. Those with averages below 210 would receive 70%, 80%' or 90% of the difference between their average and 210. The higher the % the closer the competition will be. Example: The difference between 210 and a 170 average is 40 pins. 90% of 40 is a 36 pin handicap. You would have to figure each bowlers handicap on one team and subtract that amount from other teams handicap. The difference would be added to the team with the lower total average. Another way would be to add each teams averages up and subtract that from 1050 and multiply that result by 90%. This way both teams receive handicap with the lower average team receiving more. These are just suggestions. Team captains usually have a meeting prior to the bowling season to determine league rules.