Last Update: 6-1-09

 

 

 

 
2009-2010 Playing Rules, Regulations & Information

1. This organization will be known as the American Masters Bowling Tour, Inc. (AMBT). The AMBT is a private membership-based business that is open to any USBC sanctioned bowler who meets all membership qualifying rules and pays the annual membership fee.

2. Non-members must agree to be governed by the rules and regulations, by-laws, and operating polices, currently in effect or adopted at any future date to be eligible for membership in this organization. (Membership can be terminated without cause).

3. Members in good standing will be eligible for USBC special awards and honor score recognition as accomplished during tournament play, in accordance with current USBC awards program guidelines.

4. This is a Scratch Tournament Division. No handicap will be used.

5. Tournament averages will not be reported for USBC yearbook consideration.

6. The Executive Board of Directors will consist of one Tournament director and as many Associate Directors as required. All decisions of the Tournament Director are final unless an appeal is made in accordance with USBC rule 329.

7. USBC rules will apply. The decision of the Tournament Director or Executive Board is final in all matters not covered by the USBC rules.

8. A contestants must abide by all current AMBT rules and regulations. If they refuse, membership will be terminated with no reimbursement of membership fees.

9. Tournament results will be posted on the Official AMBT Website (www.americanmastersbowling) after each tournament. All newsletters and other special information will also be posted there. Check this website weekly for tournament information and updates.

10. The Tournament bowling season will begin in August of each year and end in June the following year. Special events may be held during the summer months.

11. A 1099 will be issued for all tournament prize fund earnings of $600 or more at the end of each tournament calendar year.

Basic Eligibility for the 229 Scratch Division

1. The Division limit is 229 and under entering average and is open to any bowler, Male or Female, who meets the average and membership requirements.

2. Bowlers must be a current season sanctioned member of the USBC. Sanction cards are required with all applications for membership verification.

3. A USBC Associate Membership may be purchased for $21.00 at the tournament site.

4. All bowlers must be (18) eighteen years of age or older to become a member (or have parental consent if under the age of eighteen). Parental Consent form must be provided.

PBA - Professional Bowlers Association Regulations

1. Any current PBA member will not eligible to join and participate in the 229 scratch division at anytime.

2. Past PBA members must be a minimum of one (1) year removed from membership to join and participate in our Scratch Division provided they can meet the requirements of rule #3.

3. Any past PBA members who have ever won a PBA Regional title within the past ten (10) years or PBA National title (lifetime) will not be allowed to join or participate at anytime. *Tournament director reserves the right to refuse entry to any past PBA member at anytime for any reason.

Entering Average and Qualification Requirements

1. A composite entering average will be used for division qualification purposes only. A tournament average will be established after (20) twenty games in tournament play which will include all qualifying and match-play games. Averages will be kept for membership consideration purposes but will not be used for division graduation.

2. Entering average will be determined by a composite of ALL USBC yearbook averages for the past two bowling seasons. All new members must have a verifiable average within the past two yearbook bowling seasons (2007-2008 or 2008-2009) to be eligible for membership. Averages must be of 21 games or more to be considered. After January 1st. 2010 all current season averages of 21 games or more must be reported for entering average considerations. All averages at www.Bowl.com must be listed and verified. League sheets must be provided for current season average verification with application.

3. If a new bowler does not have any averages in the past two bowling seasons he or she must have a verifiable average in the current bowling season of (21) games or more. A composite of all current league averages will be used to determine entering average. *Current League sheets must be provided for verification.

4. NO ONE may participate in a tournament without a verifiable average. It is the sole responsibility of each new member to provide the up-to-date league sheets and information for average verification prior to participation. (USBC Rule 319a) There will be NO Exceptions! You will not be allowed to bowl until this process is completed. The Tournament Director reserves the right to accept or reject any entry at any time for any reason. *Any Prize money earned may be withheld until all average verification is completed.

5. All USBC Summer League averages of 21 games or more must be reported for average consideration.

6. Sport League or PBA Experience league bowling averages are not acceptable for average consideration.

7. All tournament bowlers must be USBC sanctioned. Proof of current season sanctioning must be submitted with application. *Temporary membership cards are not accepted as proof. If a bowler does not have a USBC membership then one must be purchased at the tournament site prior to bowling in the tournament. Cost will be $21.00

8. Average Adjustment: The Tournament director has the authority to adjust any entrant's average upward prior to participation in any event. If a bowler's average is adjusted, they have the right to decline the adjustment and receive a refund of any entry fees paid. (USBC Rule 319c)

9. The Tournament director also reserves the right to graduate a bowler from the 229 Scratch division at anytime in an effort to maintain fairness and equal competition for all members in the 229 Scratch Division.

10. Report of Prior Prize Winnings: (USBC Rule 319d) If you have qualified for a cash prize of $600 or more in the past 12 months you will need to include the name and date of that event, the amount of the prize won, and the actual scores bowled.
*FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE PROVISIONS WILL RESULT IN A FORFEITURE OF ENTRY FEE AND ANY PRIZE WINNINGS EARNED.

11. USBC Rule 319e has been waived.

12. The Tournament Director reserves the right to accept any entry or reject any entry or not renew a membership for any reason at anytime.

Entry Fees - Membership Cost - Prize Fund

1. Annual Membership dues are $30, payable at first tournament and renewable on your anniversary date each year.

2. Entry fees are $85 per tournament at most events. Breakdown is: $55 for prize fund, $15 for lineage, $5 for promotions, and $10 for operations. Entry Fees are subject to change with advance notice. A sign will be posted at the tournament check-in office of any changes prior to the start of any event.

3. Prize fund will be returned 100%. There will be at least one prize for each four entries (1 in 4) ratio. *Total prize fund and first place payout is based on total entries.

4. NO PERSONAL CHECKS or CREDIT CARDS WILL BE ACCEPTED the day of the tournament. *CASH ONLY on the day of the tournament.
*Credit Cards can be accepted for advance payment within (3) three days before the scheduled tournament event. Please call the AMBT office to make payments by phone. *Closing date for advance payment with a credit card will always be 8:pm on Wednesday before the scheduled tournament date.

5. All fees, debts & fines must be paid before participating in any event.

6. Any side-pots, brackets, or special events will be at an additional cost to the bowler.

7. Free, Reduced, or Prepaid entries may be provided by the Tournament Director for special awards, cashing prizes and incentives.

Formats - Qualifying - Participation

1. Current Format will be ONE SQUAD, with practice starting at 10:00 A.M. and competition starting at 10:15 A.M. (Unless otherwise stated) More squads may be added to future tournaments as entries increase. If the format consists of more than one squad, a bowler may enter and bowl in more than one squad but will only be allowed to qualify and cash one time (1) per tournament.

2. Five (5) games of qualifying will be used at most tournaments. Qualifying formats and match play formats will vary at times. Check your tournament schedule for the format being used at each tournament. Head-to-Head match-play finals will be the traditional format used for most tournaments. Formats may be changed without notice on the day of the tournament to allow for special conditions or tournament requirements. Any changes in formats will be posted at the tournament office and on the tournament information board. Please check posted information at each tournament for changes.

3. Total Prize fund and First Place will be based on total entries. At least 1-in-4 entries will qualify to match play and cash at each tournament. Check the tournament schedule for planned match play formats to be used.

4. Seeding and Tie's: Bowlers who qualify for match-play will be seeded according to their total scratch score. If there is a tie for any seeded position the "Highest" single game between the tied bowlers will be used to determine who will receive the higher seeded position for match-play.

5. Match-play and Tie's: In case of a tie during match-play, a 9th. and 10th. frame roll-off will be bowled until we have a winner. In case of a tie during a championship match, another complete game will be bowled to determine the champion.

6. Withdrawal from tournament: Bowlers are not permitted to withdraw from a tournament without permission from the tournament director. Withdraws for physical or emergency reasons may be permitted. Any bowler who withdraws with permission will receive a "Prepaid Entry" into the next scheduled tournament event. Any bowler who withdraws without permission will be fined and forfeit any entry fees paid.

Recap Score Sheet Verification

1. The designated bowler on each pair of lanes is responsible to record the scores of all bowlers on that pair of lanes. This bowler will be announced at the beginning of practice. The designated bowler must initial all recorded scores. Failure to do so may result in a fine or disqualification of scores for both bowlers.

2. Spectators are not allowed to record any scores for any bowler.

3. All score sheets will be kept together on the clipboard provided and in clear site of all bowlers and tournament directors. All score corrections must be approved by a tournament director before moving to the next pair of lanes. Any score sheet corrections not approved by a tournament director may result in a fine or disqualification of scores.

4. Each bowler is responsible for the accuracy of their own scores. Any discrepancies will be subject to disqualification and possible suspension of membership.

5. All score sheets must be signed and turned in to the tournament office by the tournament bowler. Failure to do so may result in a fine.

Check-In - Lane Assignments - Lane Play

1. Entries will be limited to a maximum of six bowlers per pair of lanes. Additional squads will be added to future tournaments if participation and entries determine the need for expansion. The number of lanes provided by the host bowling center will determine our maximum entry limits for each tournament.

2. Check-in will begin at 9:00AM. We ask that all bowlers check in promptly and help maintain our time schedule. Entries will be accepted up until competition begins.

3. There will be no late entries. Once tournament play has started, no additional bowlers will be added to the squad. Please arrive on time for check-in.

4. Squads will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. All bowlers must report to the tournament check-in before 10:AM for lane assignments. Lane assignments will be given by the tournament director for your division. Special lane assignment requests cannot be accommodated.

5. Bowlers from both divisions may be paired together. Friends may request to bowl together if they check in early enough to be paired together without requiring other checked-in bowlers to be moved.

6. There will be No practicing on the designated tournament lanes. Practice will be allowed on separate lanes only if the host bowling center is large enough to accommodate this requirement. Practice lanes will be posted when available.

7. Lane courtesy is to be observed and practiced at all times. Competitors must observe one (1) pair lane courtesy at all times. Competitors may not "Double Jump." A Double jumping occurs following a delivery when a competitor on the same pair of lanes delivers his or her ball before one (1) competitor from the pair to the right and one (1) competitor from the left have made a delivery, unless those competitors are not ready and they give way to you. We ask that all members learn and practice this courtesy rule. Failure to practice this rule can result in a warning and or fines.

8. All tournament results will be posted on the AMBT Website after each tournament. All newsletters and other special information will also be posted at this location. Check this website often. (www.americanmastersbowling.com)

9. Slow Bowling: Slow bowling will not be tolerated. You must be at your lanes and ready to bowl when it is your turn. Each bowler should meet the previous bowler as he or she is coming off the approach. Any bowler not at his or her lane and ready to bowl when it is his or her turn will receive a zero (0) for each frame missed and will not be allowed to make up any missed frames.

10. Each bowler will be allowed a maximum of twenty five seconds (25) to make his or her delivery from the time they step on the approach. A bowler using too much time may be warned and or fined depending on repeated violations of this rule.

DRESS CODE REQUIRMENTS

1. Dress code consists of dress pants and a bowling shirt. Each member must have a bowling shirt with their first and last name (or last name only) on the back. All letters must be at least 2" or larger in height. All names must be professionally printed, embroidered or heat transferred on the shirt. All lettering must be readable and in good condition.

2. New members are allowed to compete in two (2) tournaments without wearing a shirt with their names on the back. All new members must have an acceptable bowling shirt with their name on the back by the third tournament they participate in.

3. Any bowler who does not meet our shirt dress code requirements may be fined or not allowed to bowl. See a tournament director if you need help getting a shirt.

4. Magic marker or handwritten names are not acceptable!

5. Airbrushed names must be in good condition. Airbrushed shirts must be of the name only and cannot include any non-bowling graphic designs or logos.

6. Blue jean pants, weightlifting pants, jogging pants, or any type of athletic apparel are not acceptable.

7. Hats, caps, or head bands cannot be worn at anytime.

8. Dress shorts are acceptable to be worn all year round if desired. Blue Jean shorts, Sweats, Nylon shorts, Basketball style shorts, or Painters style shorts are not acceptable.

9. Bowling shirts that do not have collars will be acceptable as long as they are not T-shirts. Mock neck style shirts, bowling ball company logo shirts, and turtleneck sport shirts are acceptable.

10. T-shirts of any style or color are not acceptable. T-shirts cannot be worn over a bowling shirt at anytime.

11. All bowlers must be in compliance with all dress code requirements by the start of practice. Bowlers not in compliance may be fined or not allowed to bowl.

12. AMBT Patch Requirements: An AMBT logo patch must be worn on the left sleeve area at all times. NO OTHER TOURNAMENT ASSOCIATION LOGOS CAN BE WORN! Other tournament club or association logos must be removed or covered up. Patches must be permanently attached or pinned on the shirt sleeve. Patches CANNOT be worn anywhere else on the body. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine.

13 Proshop logos or bowling ball company logos must be confined to the left or right chest areas or the lower left or right sleeve areas of the shirt.

14. The AMBT reserves the right to limit or deny acceptance of any promotional advertisement, company logo, or proshop logos to be worn at any tournament.

15. Electronic or music devices of any kind (e.g. Cell Phones, I-Pods, MP3/MP4 players, Walkmans, CD Players, or Cassette Players) cannot be worn during tournament competition at anytime.

16. No bowlers will be permitted to bowl, unless they meet and agree to all of these dress code requirements and specifications.

CONDUCT & PROFESSIONALISM

1. All members will conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner at all times. Respect for your fellow members is a core value of the AMBT.

2. A member whose conduct is not appropriate and/or disrespectful to other members or the Tournament Directors/Staff members may be warned, fined or suspended, depending on the infraction. The Tournament Director has the right to ask any member to leave the premises of the host bowling center under this rule. Unprofessional behavior will not be tolerated! Profanity, verbal or physical outbursts, fighting, or abuse of any bowling center equipment will not be tolerated. Again, fines or suspension can result.

3. We will not tolerate anyone whose conduct does not promote a positive atmosphere of competitive bowling for our members. Any conduct considered derogatory to the AMBT, its core values, or its directors/staff/members shall result in a fine and membership suspension.

4. Complaining about any rules or regulations, lane conditions, average and handicap systems, or methods of operation used by the AMBT to any other members at the tournament site will not be tolerated and can result in immediate suspension of membership without any other notice or cause provided.

5. Any AMBT member caught soliciting for a competitive bowling organization will be suspended with possible loss of membership.

6. NON-Solicitation rule: No unapproved products, proshops, or other tournament events may be promoted at the tournament site without the permission of the AMBT.

7. Unfair tactics will not be tolerated and will result in a fine and possible suspension.

8. All fines imposed are variable amounts. The tournament director has the right to determine a higher amount if needed at anytime without prior warning to the member.

9. The Tournament Director reserves the right to accept or reject any entry or refuse to renew any membership at any time for any reason.

Equipment Verification and Preparation

1. The American Masters Bowlers Tour and its Staff reserve the right to inspect any participant's bowling equipment at any time for compliance with USBC Rules in accordance with Chapter 7, section 2.

2. It is the responsibility of each bowler to ensure that his or her bowling equipment meets all requirements under these rules. Any equipment inspected and found not to be in compliance may result in that bowler being disqualified and forfeiture of any entry fees and or prize winnings. Any entrant may have their bowling equipment checked prior to bowling in any qualifying squad for USBC rule compliance.

3. Bowling Equipment will be weighed and checked at specified tournaments from time to time. You will need to allow an extra 15 minutes for checking in during these events. We may also have no-notice "spot checks" for any match-play qualifiers.

4. All bowling balls used in qualifying rounds must be listed by manufacturer with the last (4) four digits of the serial number on your recap score sheet.

5. All bowling balls must have a readable serial number. Any bowling ball without a serial number must be brought to the attention of the tournament director prior to use in tournament play for approval and identification.

6. Only the bowling balls used in qualifying can be used during match-play. No additional balls can be added that had not been previously listed on your recap score sheet. Violation can result in disqualification and forfeiture of any prize fund earned.

7. All bowling balls listed on your recap score sheet must be verified and signed by another bowler on your starting lane assignment. No other bowlers or spectators can verify your equipment.

8. Any altering of a bowling balls surface once competition has started is strictly prohibited. This includes but not limited to: sanding, polishing, or use of any chemicals, fluids or substances not approved for USBC sanctioned competition use. There cannot be any "foreign substance" or "foreign objects"on the surface of the bowling ball. This includeds but not limited to belt marks, dirt, grease, grime, or any other substance or material to be determined foreign to the surface of the ball. Any foreign substance must be removed.

9. Use of any bowling ball cleaners that are USBC acceptable for sanctioned competition is permitted as long as they are used away from the bowling lanes and approach areas (as not to interfere with any other bowlers). No other cleaners or products can be used during tournament competition.

10. Use of any rosin or easy slide or gripping cream must be confined to the table areas away from the lanes and approaches. Use of theses substances cannot interfere with any other bowler or be directly applied to the surface of any bowling ball or the bottom of shoes. Bowlers tape must be confined to the gripping holes of the bowling ball and cannot be extending beyond the top edge of the holes. There cannot be any bowling tape for any reason on the surface of the bowling ball.

11. Failure to comply with theses rules can result in a warning or fine and or disqualification from the tournament and suspension of membership and forfeiture of any entry fees and prize fund earnings for that event. The tournament direct reserves the right to make any decisions concerning enforcment of penalties for any equipment infractons.

Tournament Lane Conditions

1. Lane conditions will be provided by each host bowling center to promote competitive tournament bowling. Lane conditions will vary from tournament to tournament. It is our desire to challenge your bowling skills. We will not promote high scoring shootouts. We ask that each AMBT member understands our purpose in this area. We ask that you come prepared to have your bowling skills challenged. Lane conditions should be expected to be challenging at our tournaments. League play lane conditions WILL NOT prevail. USBC Sport or "PBA-similar" lane conditions may be used at our events.

2. The AMBT is developing its own proprietary lane conditions that will be used at many of our scheduled events. Lane conditions to be used may be posted before a tournament begins at the tournament site on the day of the schedule event. Lane conditions may or may not be posted in advance at the AMBT website for all tournament events. It is the responsibility of each bowler to come prepared for any type of challenge.

3. All lane conditions will be USBC complaint for sanction honor scores and awards.

229 Scratch Division Tournament Average & Graduation

1. Entering averages will be used to determine division classification.

2. A Tournament average will be established after (20) twenty games in tournament play (will include all qualifying and match play games).

3. Total tournament average will be based on a (40) forty game rotating block. (i.e. the most current fifty games in tournament play)

4. Once a member has a tournament average of twenty (20) games or more, they must maintain their membership in accordance with all other rules, regulations and requirements for the 229 scratch division. Future League averages will have no bearing on membership status as long as your membership is maintained according to all other rules.

5. A member in the scratch division will only be allowed to earn $8500 in total prize winnings for the tournament season. Once this total has been earned, a member will no longer be eligible to enter and bowl in any remaining tournaments for the current season in this division.

6. A graduated bowler for earnings will still be eligible to enter and bowl in the Year-End Championship Tournament provided they can meet all other requirements.

7. Any bowler graduated for reaching the earnings limit will be able to return to active membership at the start of the new tournament bowling season in August, provided they can still meet all average qualification requirements for the 229 scratch division for the new bowling season. (Tournament Average will also apply)

8. Any AMBT member in the 229 scratch division who has not bowled a minimum of (20) twenty games in the past tournament season must re-qualify their membership and start over in accordance with the 229 scratch division new member entering average rules for the new tournament bowling season of 2009-2010. (All block games bowled will be lost and must start over)

9. Any AMBT member not competing in a tournament for (8) eight consecutive events must submit all current season league and USBC yearbook averages for the past two (2) bowling seasons for re-evaluation of division qualification. After January 1st. 2010 all current league averages of (21) twenty one games or more must also be submitted for average considerations. Current league sheets must be provided and verified. All current tournament average block games will also be lost. A new average block must be started.

10. Average Adjustment: The Tournament Director has the authority to adjust any entrant's average upward prior to participation in any event. (USBC Rule 319c)

11. The Tournament Director reserves the right to accept or reject any entry or refuse renewal of membership at anytime for any reason.

Scratch to Handicap Division Drop Down Rules

1. Any current or past Scratch Division member must re-qualify their current league averages to determine Handicap Division eligibility.
2. Any member bowling in the 229 Scratch Divisions with an entering average of 210 and over will not be eligible for the 209 Handicap Divisions at anytime.
3. Current Scratch Division tournament average block cannot be used as a qualifier for the Handicap Division.
4. The Tournament Director reserves the right to accept or reject any scratch members request to bowl in the Handicap Division at anytime and for any reason.


Eagle's Nest Special Option

The Eagle's Nest is an optional elective progressive side event that is open to all AMBT members in good standing.
1. Only paid members of the AMBT are eligible to enter this special event. Bowlers using a "Free Pass" are not eligible to enter this event.

2. This Event requires an entry fee in addition to the tournament entry fee.

3. Only the tournament winner is eligible to win the Eagle's Nest pot as long as they have paid their entry fee for this event. The amount a bowler can win is determined by the entry fee level he or she has paid.

4. The percentage that can be won is determined as follows:
$ 5.00 entry has a return of 40%
$15.00 entry has a return of 80%

5. A minimum of 20% of the Eagle's Nest is always carried over (added to the funds collected at the current scheduled tournament). If the tournament winner is NOT in this special event, the entire amount will carry over to the next tournament and continue with the same progression, until there is a winner.

Performance Point System

1. Bowlers will earn points towards bowler of the year honors according to the values listed on our Performance Points page on our website.

2. Higher point values will be given for special tournament events as listed on our tournament schedule and also at the Year-End Championship Event.

Bowler of the Year Award

1. Bowler of the Year will be determined by our performance points system. The bowler who earns the most points by the end of the tournament bowling season will receive this title. There will be one Bowler of the Year per division. (All ties will share equally in this special award)

2. Bowler of the Year will be named after our year-end championship tournament. We will officially honor this bowler at the start of the new tournament bowling season.

Recruiter of the Year Award

1. Recruiter of the Year will be awarded to the member who is responsible for bringing the most new members into our membership during the tournament bowling season.

2. A new member is anyone who has never been a member of the AMBT within the past (3) three seasons.

3. A bowler will be considered an official member of the AMBT once they have paid their $30.00 membership fee.

4. Any bowler entering the AMBT with a promotional membership or free pass will not count towards this promotion until they have paid their $30.00 annual membership fee.

5. Recruiting members must identify their newly recruited member at the time they join in order to receive recruitment credit. *Must be listed on application (No exceptions)

6. The AMBT Member who earns Recruiter of the Year will can receive (15) fifteen prepaid entries for the 2010-2011 tournament bowling season.

7. A bowler must bring in a minimum of (15) fifteen new members in the current tournament bowling season to be eligible for the prepaid entry award. All prepaid entries are subject to special user rules. Awarded entries will be shared if there is a tie.

AMBT Director's Award

The AMBT Director's Award is designed to honor the AMBT Member who gives of themselves above and beyond any normal expectations. This award will give us the opportunity to honor that member who has given of themselves in service to the tournament membership body. This award will be presented at the Year-End Championship Tournament.

Bob Straschewski Sportsmanship Award

The AMBT Bob Straschewski Sportsmanship Award will be given to the members who demonstrate the best qualities of being the consummate sportsman and representing the core values of the American Masters Bowlers Tour. This award will be presented at the Year-End Championship Tournament. There will be one award presented for each division. This is one of the highest honors a member can earn during the season.

AMERICAN MASTERS BOWLERS TOUR HALL OF FAME

The AMBT Hall of Fame was founded to honor those members who, through their accomplishments on the lanes, have exemplified themselves both as a competitive tournament bowler and exemplary sportsman. The AMBT Hall of Fame will also include those bowlers who have given of themselves in service to the membership body, as well as performance on the lanes. We will have two categories for our Hall of Fame consideration -- Our Performance category and our Service category. We are proud to provide a place of high honor for those AMBT members who are able to reach this pinnacle of accomplishment in their bowling careers. The Board of Tournament Directors will consider new additions to the Hall of Fame at the end of each tournament bowling season. Any new inductees will be honored at the Year-End Championship tournament.

Ad Consent and Promotional Waiver

Participants are hereby informed that portions of AMBT competitions will be photographed, broadcast, recorded, videotaped, televised, or otherwise exhibited to the public by the internet or delayed broadcast. Participants hereby consent to such exhibition and the use of and to the licensing of others to use any participant's names, voice sketch, motion pictures, video tape, recordings, broadcast, or other exhibition or reproduction of the AMBT tournament events for any advertisement or promotional purposes. All participants hereby release all rights, title and interest as a result of their participation in the AMBT tournaments. Each participant will forever waive any claim or right to be compensated for or other considerations on account of cash use, exhibition or reproduction in any form or method of production including but not limited to the internet, web-casting, live streaming, cable T.V. productions, or any delayed broadcast.

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