What counts as a foul?

A foul happens when any part of the bowler's body (including shoes and clothing) goes on or past the foul line and touches the lane, equipment or building, during or after a delivery.

• The delivery still counts as a ball, but the bowler gets zero pins for it.
• The foul line extends indefinitely, including across walls, posts and ball returns.
• It's not a foul if the bowler crosses the line while still holding the ball (no delivery was made), if only the ball rolls over the line, or if something like a coin or jewelry falls past the line.
• A wheelchair, walker or other aid that crosses the line and touches the lane is a foul.
• Ask permission before stepping past the line to pick something up.

Fouls are called by the automatic foul detector if there is one. Without it, the opposing team captains or an appointed foul judge call them.