Each of the 7 divisions host men's and women's playdown tournaments that are open to every Bowls USA member of the division that is a US citizen. Winners of the playdowns represent their division at the National Championships.

The Singles Champions of the US National Championships earn the honor to represent Bowls USA in the World Champion of Champions Singles event the year following their victory.

All play at the National Championships is in a round-robin format.

Singles games are played to 21 shots. Pairs games play 18 ends.