Last year the USBC said she could compete as a female. Apparently things changed.
Due to rule changes, the United States Bowling Congress told Christine Rebstock she can no longer compete as a female bowler until she obtains further requirements. The rule changes, which went into effect 3 months ago, state that in order for Rebstock to compete as a female bowler, she must submit "a simple recording of shots from the back and the side" of her bowling. The USBC headquarters will then decide, based on the video, whether she can compete as a woman or whether she has a decided advantage.
Rebstock, who came out publicly as a transgender female on November 14, 2020, was allowed to bowl last year as a female under USBC guidelines, which stated that she maintain a total testosterone level in serum below 10 nmol/L (288 ng/dl) for at least 12 months. However, due to the recent guideline changes, she cannot compete in any USBC-certified scratch events (including NEBA) or women's pots in handicap leagues until she submits the required videos.
Apparently she was not given any prior notice to the rule change. When asked why she thinks the rule change went into effect, she said, "my guess - a knee jerk reaction to Lia Thomas," the former University of Pennsylvania swimmer who became the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I national championship in any sport, after winning the women's 500-yard freestyle event. According to the new guidelines, Rebstock can compete in handicap leagues, however she is not eligible for any female awards until she receives approval.
Christine, who hails from Middletown, CT, averaged 220 for 24 games as a sub at Amity Lanes on a challenge shot, which, when converted to house, is a 233 book average. According to her Facebook post, while she will follow the new guidelines, she has no intention on spending additional money to gain approval, saying her "competitive days are winding down at the end of the month," as handicap leagues do not interest her.
Ms. Rebstock was interviewed for this story and provided permission to use all information and quotes.
