NASPAWiki - User contributions [en]

Director Manual

2017-09-19T00:29:26Z

RichBaker: /* Errata as of June 16, 2017 */

The '''Director Manual''' (DM) has been written as a resource and guide for club and tournament directors. [[Directors]] (and those wishing to become directors) are encouraged to review the manual for helpful advice, guidelines, and checklists for creating and running a successful club or tournament.

NOTE: The director's manual may lag behind the website when it comes to changes about policy, fees, and deadlines, so be sure to check the appropriate web pages on this site for the latest accurate information.

Please contact the [[Publications Committee]] for suggestions to improve the DM.

== Current version ==

* The current version of the Director Manual is available as a [{{SERVER}}/wiki/images/2/20/Dirman-20140520.pdf pdf], [{{SERVER}}/dirman/dirman-20140520.epub epub] or [{{SERVER}}/dirman/dirman-20140520.mobi mobi (Kindle)] document.

=== Errata as of September 18, 2017 ===

In Section A.1.A.b., the first row of the full seven round Round Robin schedule by Berger Table pairings should read:
{|
|Rd. 1
|1-BYE
|2-7
|3-6
|4-5
|-
|}

In Section A.2.B, Replace the 2nd Paragraph with:

Spread may be used to determine whether a player should be Gibsonized with 1,000 points of spread per round remaining. Use of spread is optional, but must be announced prior to the beginning of the tournament. If the director does not specifically announce the intention to use spread as a factor, it shall not be used.

Examples of spread-based Gibsonization, in a 12 game tournament:
* Player A is 9-2 +1500 and Player B is 8-3 +500, Player A may be Gibsonized.
* Player A is 9-2 +1499 and Player B is 8-3 +500, Player A may NOT be Gibsonized.
* Player A is 9-1 +2500 and Player B is 7-3 +500, Player A may be Gibsonized.
* Player A is 9-1 +2499 and Player B is 7-3 +500, Player A may NOT be Gibsonized.

== Previous versions ==
* The [{{SERVER}}/dirman/dirman-20130721.pdf 2013-07-13 edition] of the Director Manual (formerly the Director's Manual), is available as a pdf download.
* The [[Media:DirMan2011sep29a.pdf|2011-09-29 edition]] of the Director’s Manual, the last under this name, is available as a pdf download. This edition was updated to contain the latest tournament sanctioning requirements and deadlines, removes mention of a Club sanctioning fee, and fixes a few other minor things.
* The [[Media:dirman-20110807.pdf|2011-08-07 edition]] updated tournament sanctioning requirements, added sections on handling Director Calls and Incidents, and expanded the "Director's Responsibilities" section.
* The [[Media:DirMan2009nov9a.pdf|2009-11-09 edition]] included mostly minor changes, primarily dealing with the transition from NSA to NASPA, with a few other corrections.
* The last revision of the NSA’s Director’s Manual was published by the [[NSA]] Tournament Committee on August 13, 2008.

2017 WESPA Championship US Qualification System

2017-08-25T18:27:35Z

RichBaker:

This page outlines the criteria that are proposed to be used to
select the players who will represent the '''United States''' at the
'''[[2017 WESPA Championship]]''' (WESPAC17) to be held in
Nairobi, Kenya,
November 8-12, '''2017'''.

The qualifying period is now over, and as of August 1st, 2017, there are unclaimed spots available for the US Team. These spots are available to any NASPA member in good standing who is a United States Citizen or permanent resident on a first-come first-served basis.

== Eligibility ==

All players wishing to qualify by rating must be NASPA members in good standing and must play a minimum of 31 rated CSW tournament games during the Qualifying Period (QP) The 31 game minimum does not apply to players who qualify via the Qualification Tournament (QT).

United States citizens and permanent residents are eligible.

Players may not register for the qualification process if they have
already registered to qualify for another nation. If a player
registers to play for the U.S. and also attempts to represent another
nation at WESPAC17 (with or without withdrawing from the U.S.
registration), they will be ineligible to compete for the U.S. at
the next such championship.

== Registering for the qualification process ==

Players who intend to claim a spot on the team as one of the top
10 finishers at the 2015 WESPAC or who intend to qualify on the basis
of peak rating must register and commit to play by the end of the
Qualification Period (see below).
Any player who qualifies by peak rating or top ten finish, registers
for the process, and withdraws after the end of the Qualification
Period will be ineligible to qualify for the U.S. team at the next
WESPAC or equivalent event based on peak rating.
Players wishing to register should contact
[mailto:info@scrabbleplayers.org info@scrabbleplayers.org].
The deadline for registering for the qualification tournament will
be announced after the date for that tournament is set. All players
in the qualifying tournament must agree to attend the WESPAC if
they qualify.
*Note: the number of unclaimed spots was deemed large enough that no qualifying tournament was needed. All eligible players who had expressed an interest in joining the US team were able to join the team.

Any player who qualifies via the qualifying tournament and withdraws
after the completion of the qualifying tournament will be ineligible
to qualify for the U.S. team at the next WESPAC or equivalent event
based on peak rating.

Any player who is ineligible to qualify for the U.S. team based on
peak rating due to dropping out after a deadline may appeal to the
[[International Committee]] U.S. Subcommittee to have their eligibility
reinstated.

== Qualified players ==

The following players have qualified to represent the U.S.A. at the 2017 WESPAC:

Qualified via top ten overall finish at 2015 WESPAC
*Dave Wiegand
*Evans Clinchy

Qualified via peak rating:
*Jennifer Lee
*Paula Catanese
*Ben Schoenbrun
*Steve Polatnick
*Jesse Day
*Kate Fukawa-Connelly
*Dave Koenig
*Sandy Nang (withdrew)

Qualified to claim unfilled spots:
*Dan Milton
*Ben Withers
*Brent Weil
*Cheryl Melvin
*Tobey Roland
*Rasheed Balogun
*Sam Kantimathi

Congratulations to all of the players who have qualified.

== Additional Spots ==

There were 9 unfilled spots for the US team at the end of the qualifying period. Players could register up to July 1 for those spots.

These players registered for the additional 9 spots by July 1, and qualified:
*Dan Milton
*Ben Withers
*Brent Weil

These players have been given one of the remaining unclaimed spots:
*Cheryl Melvin
*Tobey Roland
*Rasheed Balogun
*Sam Kantimathi

There are now 2 remaining spots for the US Team. If you are interested in claiming one of these spots, please email info@scrabbleplayers.org

== Qualification period (QP) ==

The qualification period began on December 1, 2015 and ends
on May 31, 2017 at 12 pm (midnight) Pacific Time.
The qualification tournament will be held sometime in the summer thereafter.

Note: Tournaments that are in progress at the beginning or end of the QP were
considered to fall within the QP.

== Available spots ==

The United States has 18 spots at WESPAC17, not including any players
earning WESPA invitations.

== Criteria (in order) ==

=== 1. [[World English-language Scrabble Players' Association]] (WESPA) invitation(s) ===

Any spots awarded by WESPA (for example, for being a finalist at
the previous SCT, or for being champion of the WYSC) do not count
against the United States' allotment.

=== 2. Top-ten finish in the [[2015 WESPA Championship]] ===

Any American finishing in the overall top ten in the 2015 WESPAC
will be invited to represent the U.S. in the 2017 WESPAC, provided
they maintain NASPA membership and play the minimum number of
tournament games in QP. If any of these players decline to play,
then additional spots will be determined by peak rating.

=== 3. Peak NASPA CSW rating (PR) ===

The 12 to 14 available slots (after allocating 4 spots for the Qualification Tournament, and the spots awarded under criteria 1 and 2) will be determined by peak NASPA CSW (Collins Scrabble Words) rating during the QP. A player must have played at least 31 fully rated (CSW) NASPA games before their post-tournament rating will count as a peak rating. The final rating from any fully rated tournament once this participation requirement is met may be used as a PR.
Any bonus points will count as a part of a person’s PR.
Ratings following tournaments which are not fully rated (i.e., LCTs) will not count as a peak rating, but any such games played will count as 1/3 of a game towards fulfilling the participation requirement.

=== 4. Qualification tournament (QT) ===

Four spots will be determined by a qualification tournament. Location, date and format will be announced later.
To be eligible for the QT, players must meet the eligibility requirements for representing the US at the 2017 WESPAC as enumerated above. The 31-game participation requirement does not apply to players who wish to qualify via the QT. Players who sign up for the QT will be automatically registered for the qualifying process, and must commit to play the WESPAC if they earn a spot.
Additionally, the fifth-place finisher at the QT will be the primary alternate for the US team at WESPAC.

=== 5. Unclaimed Spots ===

Before July 1st, any positions which remain open once the list of people interested and eligible to qualify based on PR is exhausted will be allocated
based on peak NASPA rating (either CSW or TWL) in the qualification
period, with a minimum 4 game participation requirement in the
lexicon used to determine the peak rating. A position will be deemed
claimable once the appropriate deadline to register for that position
has passed. I.e., the spots in the U.S. allocation less four spots
reserved for the QT will be claimed at the end of the QP; and five spots (four spots plus the position of First Alternate who will be awarded a previously unclaimed spot, should one exist) will be claimable at the end of the QT.

After July 1st, any remaining spots are available on a first-come first-served basis for any NASPA member in good standing with US Citizenship or Permanent Resident.

==== PR tie-breakers ====

# Head-to-head records among tied players in fully rated games during the QP.
# Second highest rating achieved after playing at least 31 games in the QP.
# Highest rating achieved after any fully rated tournament in the QP.
# Number of CSW games played in the QP.
# Drawing of lots.

== Qualification standings ==

Qualification standings will be posted here as soon as they are available.

== Alternates ==

The first spot opened by withdrawal of a player after the completion
of the Qualifying Tournament will be filled first by the Primary
Alternate (i.e., the fifth-place finisher in the Qualifying Tournament).
Any additional spots opened by withdrawal of a player after the
completion of the Qualifying Tournament, or any spots opened by the
withdrawal of a player before the Primary Alternate is selected
will be filled by PR.

[[Category:World SCRABBLE Championship 2017]]
[[Category:World SCRABBLE Championship]]

2017 WESPA Championship US Qualification System

2017-08-04T00:32:30Z

RichBaker:

This page outlines the criteria that are proposed to be used to
select the players who will represent the '''United States''' at the
'''[[2017 WESPA Championship]]''' (WESPAC17) to be held in
Nairobi, Kenya,
November 8-12, '''2017'''.

The qualifying period is now over, and as of August 1st, 2017, there are unclaimed spots available for the US Team. These spots are available to any NASPA member in good standing who is a United States Citizen or permanent resident on a first-come first-served basis.

== Eligibility ==

All players wishing to qualify must be NASPA members in good standing and must play a minimum of 31 rated CSW tournament games during the Qualifying Period (QP) The 31 game minimum does not apply to players who qualify via the Qualification Tournament (QT).

United States citizens and permanent residents are eligible.

Players may not register for the qualification process if they have
already registered to qualify for another nation. If a player
registers to play for the U.S. and also attempts to represent another
nation at WESPAC17 (with or without withdrawing from the U.S.
registration), they will be ineligible to compete for the U.S. at
the next such championship.

== Registering for the qualification process ==

Players who intend to claim a spot on the team as one of the top
10 finishers at the 2015 WESPAC or who intend to qualify on the basis
of peak rating must register and commit to play by the end of the
Qualification Period (see below).
Any player who qualifies by peak rating or top ten finish, registers
for the process, and withdraws after the end of the Qualification
Period will be ineligible to qualify for the U.S. team at the next
WESPAC or equivalent event based on peak rating.
Players wishing to register should contact
[mailto:info@scrabbleplayers.org info@scrabbleplayers.org].
The deadline for registering for the qualification tournament will
be announced after the date for that tournament is set. All players
in the qualifying tournament must agree to attend the WESPAC if
they qualify.

Any player who qualifies via the qualifying tournament and withdraws
after the completion of the qualifying tournament will be ineligible
to qualify for the U.S. team at the next WESPAC or equivalent event
based on peak rating.

Any player who is ineligible to qualify for the U.S. team based on
peak rating due to dropping out after a deadline may appeal to the
[[International Committee]] U.S. Subcommittee to have their eligibility
reinstated.

== Qualified players ==

The following players have qualified to represent the U.S.A. at the 2017 WESPAC:

Qualified via top ten overall finish at 2015 WESPAC
*Dave Wiegand
*Evans Clinchy

Qualified via peak rating:
*Jennifer Lee
*Paula Catanese
*Ben Schoenbrun
*Steve Polatnick
*Jesse Day
*Kate Fukawa-Connelly
*Dave Koenig
*Sandy Nang (withdrew)

Qualified to claim unfilled spots:
*Dan Milton
*Ben Withers
*Brent Weil
*Cheryl Melvin
*Suthiriphan Assarat
*Tobey Roland

Congratulations to all of the players who have qualified.

== Additional Spots ==

There were 9 unfilled spots for the US team at the end of the qualifying period. Players could register up to July 1 for those spots.

These players registered for the additional 9 spots by July 1, and qualified:
*Dan Milton
*Ben Withers
*Brent Weil

These players have been given one of the remaining unclaimed spots:
*Cheryl Melvin
*Suthiraphan Assarat
*Tobey Roland

There are now 3 remaining spots for the US Team. If you are interested in claiming one of these spots, please email info@scrabbleplayers.org

== Qualification period (QP) ==

The qualification period began on December 1, 2015 and ends
on May 31, 2017 at 12 pm (midnight) Pacific Time.
The qualification tournament will be held sometime in the summer thereafter.

Note: Tournaments that are in progress at the beginning or end of the QP were
considered to fall within the QP.

== Available spots ==

The United States has 18 spots at WESPAC17, not including any players
earning WESPA invitations.

== Criteria (in order) ==

=== 1. [[World English-language Scrabble Players' Association]] (WESPA) invitation(s) ===

Any spots awarded by WESPA (for example, for being a finalist at
the previous SCT, or for being champion of the WYSC) do not count
against the United States' allotment.

=== 2. Top-ten finish in the [[2015 WESPA Championship]] ===

Any American finishing in the overall top ten in the 2015 WESPAC
will be invited to represent the U.S. in the 2017 WESPAC, provided
they maintain NASPA membership and play the minimum number of
tournament games in QP. If any of these players decline to play,
then additional spots will be determined by peak rating.

=== 3. Peak NASPA CSW rating (PR) ===

The 12 to 14 available slots (after allocating 4 spots for the Qualification Tournament, and the spots awarded under criteria 1 and 2) will be determined by peak NASPA CSW (Collins Scrabble Words) rating during the QP. A player must have played at least 31 fully rated (CSW) NASPA games before their post-tournament rating will count as a peak rating. The final rating from any fully rated tournament once this participation requirement is met may be used as a PR.
Any bonus points will count as a part of a person’s PR.
Ratings following tournaments which are not fully rated (i.e., LCTs) will not count as a peak rating, but any such games played will count as 1/3 of a game towards fulfilling the participation requirement.

=== 4. Qualification tournament (QT) ===

Four spots will be determined by a qualification tournament. Location, date and format will be announced later.
To be eligible for the QT, players must meet the eligibility requirements for representing the US at the 2017 WESPAC as enumerated above. The 31-game participation requirement does not apply to players who wish to qualify via the QT. Players who sign up for the QT will be automatically registered for the qualifying process, and must commit to play the WESPAC if they earn a spot.
Additionally, the fifth-place finisher at the QT will be the primary alternate for the US team at WESPAC.

=== 5. Unclaimed Spots ===

Any positions which remain open once the list of people interested
and eligible to qualify based on PR is exhausted will be allocated
based on peak NASPA rating (either CSW or TWL) in the qualification
period, with a minimum 4 game participation requirement in the
lexicon used to determine the peak rating. A position will be deemed
claimable once the appropriate deadline to register for that position
has passed. I.e., the spots in the U.S. allocation less four spots
reserved for the QT will be claimed at the end of the QP; and five spots (four spots plus the position of First Alternate who will be awarded a previously unclaimed spot, should one exist) will be claimable at the end of the QT.

==== PR tie-breakers ====

# Head-to-head records among tied players in fully rated games during the QP.
# Second highest rating achieved after playing at least 31 games in the QP.
# Highest rating achieved after any fully rated tournament in the QP.
# Number of CSW games played in the QP.
# Drawing of lots.

== Qualification standings ==

Qualification standings will be posted here as soon as they are available.

== Alternates ==

The first spot opened by withdrawal of a player after the completion
of the Qualifying Tournament will be filled first by the Primary
Alternate (i.e., the fifth-place finisher in the Qualifying Tournament).
Any additional spots opened by withdrawal of a player after the
completion of the Qualifying Tournament, or any spots opened by the
withdrawal of a player before the Primary Alternate is selected
will be filled by PR.

[[Category:World SCRABBLE Championship 2017]]
[[Category:World SCRABBLE Championship]]

2017 WESPA Championship US Qualification System

2017-08-04T00:31:38Z

RichBaker: Add Tobey Roland to US Team

This page outlines the criteria that are proposed to be used to
select the players who will represent the '''United States''' at the
'''[[2017 WESPA Championship]]''' (WESPAC17) to be held in
Nairobi, Kenya,
November 8-12, '''2017'''.

The qualifying period is now over, and as of August 1st, 2017, there are unclaimed spots available for the US Team. These spots are available to any NASPA member in good standing who is a United States Citizen or permanent resident on a first-come first-served basis.

== Eligibility ==

All players wishing to qualify must be NASPA members in good standing and must play a minimum of 31 rated CSW tournament games during the Qualifying Period (QP) The 31 game minimum does not apply to players who qualify via the Qualification Tournament (QT).

United States citizens and permanent residents are eligible.

Players may not register for the qualification process if they have
already registered to qualify for another nation. If a player
registers to play for the U.S. and also attempts to represent another
nation at WESPAC17 (with or without withdrawing from the U.S.
registration), they will be ineligible to compete for the U.S. at
the next such championship.

== Registering for the qualification process ==

Players who intend to claim a spot on the team as one of the top
10 finishers at the 2015 WESPAC or who intend to qualify on the basis
of peak rating must register and commit to play by the end of the
Qualification Period (see below).
Any player who qualifies by peak rating or top ten finish, registers
for the process, and withdraws after the end of the Qualification
Period will be ineligible to qualify for the U.S. team at the next
WESPAC or equivalent event based on peak rating.
Players wishing to register should contact
[mailto:info@scrabbleplayers.org info@scrabbleplayers.org].
The deadline for registering for the qualification tournament will
be announced after the date for that tournament is set. All players
in the qualifying tournament must agree to attend the WESPAC if
they qualify.

Any player who qualifies via the qualifying tournament and withdraws
after the completion of the qualifying tournament will be ineligible
to qualify for the U.S. team at the next WESPAC or equivalent event
based on peak rating.

Any player who is ineligible to qualify for the U.S. team based on
peak rating due to dropping out after a deadline may appeal to the
[[International Committee]] U.S. Subcommittee to have their eligibility
reinstated.

== Qualified players ==

The following players have qualified to represent the U.S.A. at the 2017 WESPAC:

Qualified via top ten overall finish at 2015 WESPAC
*Dave Wiegand
*Evans Clinchy

Qualified via peak rating:
*Jennifer Lee
*Paula Catanese
*Ben Schoenbrun
*Steve Polatnick
*Jesse Day
*Kate Fukawa-Connelly
*Dave Koenig
*Sandy Nang (withdrew)

Qualified to claim unfilled spots:
*Dan Milton
*Ben Withers
*Brent Weil
*Cheryl Melvin
*Suthiriphan Assarat
*Tobey Roland

Congratulations to all of the players who have qualified.

== 4 Additional Spots ==

There were 9 unfilled spots for the US team at the end of the qualifying period. Players could register up to July 1 for those spots.

These players registered for the additional 9 spots by July 1, and qualified:
*Dan Milton
*Ben Withers
*Brent Weil

These players have been given one of the remaining unclaimed spots:
*Cheryl Melvin
*Suthiraphan Assarat
*Tobey Roland

There are now 3 remaining spots for the US Team. If you are interested in claiming one of these spots, please email info@scrabbleplayers.org

== Qualification period (QP) ==

The qualification period began on December 1, 2015 and ends
on May 31, 2017 at 12 pm (midnight) Pacific Time.
The qualification tournament will be held sometime in the summer thereafter.

Note: Tournaments that are in progress at the beginning or end of the QP were
considered to fall within the QP.

== Available spots ==

The United States has 18 spots at WESPAC17, not including any players
earning WESPA invitations.

== Criteria (in order) ==

=== 1. [[World English-language Scrabble Players' Association]] (WESPA) invitation(s) ===

Any spots awarded by WESPA (for example, for being a finalist at
the previous SCT, or for being champion of the WYSC) do not count
against the United States' allotment.

=== 2. Top-ten finish in the [[2015 WESPA Championship]] ===

Any American finishing in the overall top ten in the 2015 WESPAC
will be invited to represent the U.S. in the 2017 WESPAC, provided
they maintain NASPA membership and play the minimum number of
tournament games in QP. If any of these players decline to play,
then additional spots will be determined by peak rating.

=== 3. Peak NASPA CSW rating (PR) ===

The 12 to 14 available slots (after allocating 4 spots for the Qualification Tournament, and the spots awarded under criteria 1 and 2) will be determined by peak NASPA CSW (Collins Scrabble Words) rating during the QP. A player must have played at least 31 fully rated (CSW) NASPA games before their post-tournament rating will count as a peak rating. The final rating from any fully rated tournament once this participation requirement is met may be used as a PR.
Any bonus points will count as a part of a person’s PR.
Ratings following tournaments which are not fully rated (i.e., LCTs) will not count as a peak rating, but any such games played will count as 1/3 of a game towards fulfilling the participation requirement.

=== 4. Qualification tournament (QT) ===

Four spots will be determined by a qualification tournament. Location, date and format will be announced later.
To be eligible for the QT, players must meet the eligibility requirements for representing the US at the 2017 WESPAC as enumerated above. The 31-game participation requirement does not apply to players who wish to qualify via the QT. Players who sign up for the QT will be automatically registered for the qualifying process, and must commit to play the WESPAC if they earn a spot.
Additionally, the fifth-place finisher at the QT will be the primary alternate for the US team at WESPAC.

=== 5. Unclaimed Spots ===

Any positions which remain open once the list of people interested
and eligible to qualify based on PR is exhausted will be allocated
based on peak NASPA rating (either CSW or TWL) in the qualification
period, with a minimum 4 game participation requirement in the
lexicon used to determine the peak rating. A position will be deemed
claimable once the appropriate deadline to register for that position
has passed. I.e., the spots in the U.S. allocation less four spots
reserved for the QT will be claimed at the end of the QP; and five spots (four spots plus the position of First Alternate who will be awarded a previously unclaimed spot, should one exist) will be claimable at the end of the QT.

==== PR tie-breakers ====

# Head-to-head records among tied players in fully rated games during the QP.
# Second highest rating achieved after playing at least 31 games in the QP.
# Highest rating achieved after any fully rated tournament in the QP.
# Number of CSW games played in the QP.
# Drawing of lots.

== Qualification standings ==

Qualification standings will be posted here as soon as they are available.

== Alternates ==

The first spot opened by withdrawal of a player after the completion
of the Qualifying Tournament will be filled first by the Primary
Alternate (i.e., the fifth-place finisher in the Qualifying Tournament).
Any additional spots opened by withdrawal of a player after the
completion of the Qualifying Tournament, or any spots opened by the
withdrawal of a player before the Primary Alternate is selected
will be filled by PR.

[[Category:World SCRABBLE Championship 2017]]
[[Category:World SCRABBLE Championship]]

2017 WESPA Championship US Qualification System

2017-08-02T06:26:57Z

RichBaker: Updated criteria for unclaimed spot, added Cheryl Melvin as having claimed a spot

This page outlines the criteria that are proposed to be used to
select the players who will represent the '''United States''' at the
'''[[2017 WESPA Championship]]''' (WESPAC17) to be held in
Nairobi, Kenya,
November 8-12, '''2017'''.

The qualifying period is now over, and as of August 1st, 2017, there are unclaimed spots available for the US Team. These spots are available to any NASPA member in good standing who is a United States Citizen or permanent resident on a first-come first-served basis.

== Eligibility ==

All players wishing to qualify must be NASPA members in good standing and must play a minimum of 31 rated CSW tournament games during the Qualifying Period (QP) The 31 game minimum does not apply to players who qualify via the Qualification Tournament (QT).

United States citizens and permanent residents are eligible.

Players may not register for the qualification process if they have
already registered to qualify for another nation. If a player
registers to play for the U.S. and also attempts to represent another
nation at WESPAC17 (with or without withdrawing from the U.S.
registration), they will be ineligible to compete for the U.S. at
the next such championship.

== Registering for the qualification process ==

Players who intend to claim a spot on the team as one of the top
10 finishers at the 2015 WESPAC or who intend to qualify on the basis
of peak rating must register and commit to play by the end of the
Qualification Period (see below).
Any player who qualifies by peak rating or top ten finish, registers
for the process, and withdraws after the end of the Qualification
Period will be ineligible to qualify for the U.S. team at the next
WESPAC or equivalent event based on peak rating.
Players wishing to register should contact
[mailto:info@scrabbleplayers.org info@scrabbleplayers.org].
The deadline for registering for the qualification tournament will
be announced after the date for that tournament is set. All players
in the qualifying tournament must agree to attend the WESPAC if
they qualify.

Any player who qualifies via the qualifying tournament and withdraws
after the completion of the qualifying tournament will be ineligible
to qualify for the U.S. team at the next WESPAC or equivalent event
based on peak rating.

Any player who is ineligible to qualify for the U.S. team based on
peak rating due to dropping out after a deadline may appeal to the
[[International Committee]] U.S. Subcommittee to have their eligibility
reinstated.

== Qualified players ==

The following players have qualified to represent the U.S.A. at the 2017 WESPAC:

Qualified via top ten overall finish at 2015 WESPAC
*Dave Wiegand
*Evans Clinchy

Qualified via peak rating:
*Jennifer Lee
*Paula Catanese
*Ben Schoenbrun
*Steve Polatnick
*Jesse Day
*Kate Fukawa-Connelly
*Dave Koenig
*Sandy Nang (withdrew)

Qualified to claim unfilled spots:
*Dan Milton
*Ben Withers
*Brent Weil
*Cheryl Melvin

Congratulations to all of the players who have qualified.

== 6 Additional Spots ==

There were 9 unfilled spots for the US team at the end of the qualifying period. Players could register up to July 1 for those spots.

These players registered for the additional 9 spots by July 1, and qualified:
*Dan Milton
*Ben Withers
*Brent Weil

These players have been given one of the remaining unclaimed spots:
*Cheryl Melvin

There are now 5 remaining spots for the US Team. If you are interested in claiming one of these spots, please email info@scrabbleplayers.org

== Qualification period (QP) ==

The qualification period began on December 1, 2015 and ends
on May 31, 2017 at 12 pm (midnight) Pacific Time.
The qualification tournament will be held sometime in the summer thereafter.

Note: Tournaments that are in progress at the beginning or end of the QP were
considered to fall within the QP.

== Available spots ==

The United States has 18 spots at WESPAC17, not including any players
earning WESPA invitations.

== Criteria (in order) ==

=== 1. [[World English-language Scrabble Players' Association]] (WESPA) invitation(s) ===

Any spots awarded by WESPA (for example, for being a finalist at
the previous SCT, or for being champion of the WYSC) do not count
against the United States' allotment.

=== 2. Top-ten finish in the [[2015 WESPA Championship]] ===

Any American finishing in the overall top ten in the 2015 WESPAC
will be invited to represent the U.S. in the 2017 WESPAC, provided
they maintain NASPA membership and play the minimum number of
tournament games in QP. If any of these players decline to play,
then additional spots will be determined by peak rating.

=== 3. Peak NASPA CSW rating (PR) ===

The 12 to 14 available slots (after allocating 4 spots for the Qualification Tournament, and the spots awarded under criteria 1 and 2) will be determined by peak NASPA CSW (Collins Scrabble Words) rating during the QP. A player must have played at least 31 fully rated (CSW) NASPA games before their post-tournament rating will count as a peak rating. The final rating from any fully rated tournament once this participation requirement is met may be used as a PR.
Any bonus points will count as a part of a person’s PR.
Ratings following tournaments which are not fully rated (i.e., LCTs) will not count as a peak rating, but any such games played will count as 1/3 of a game towards fulfilling the participation requirement.

=== 4. Qualification tournament (QT) ===

Four spots will be determined by a qualification tournament. Location, date and format will be announced later.
To be eligible for the QT, players must meet the eligibility requirements for representing the US at the 2017 WESPAC as enumerated above. The 31-game participation requirement does not apply to players who wish to qualify via the QT. Players who sign up for the QT will be automatically registered for the qualifying process, and must commit to play the WESPAC if they earn a spot.
Additionally, the fifth-place finisher at the QT will be the primary alternate for the US team at WESPAC.

=== 5. Unclaimed Spots ===

Any positions which remain open once the list of people interested
and eligible to qualify based on PR is exhausted will be allocated
based on peak NASPA rating (either CSW or TWL) in the qualification
period, with a minimum 4 game participation requirement in the
lexicon used to determine the peak rating. A position will be deemed
claimable once the appropriate deadline to register for that position
has passed. I.e., the spots in the U.S. allocation less four spots
reserved for the QT will be claimed at the end of the QP; and five spots (four spots plus the position of First Alternate who will be awarded a previously unclaimed spot, should one exist) will be claimable at the end of the QT.

==== PR tie-breakers ====

# Head-to-head records among tied players in fully rated games during the QP.
# Second highest rating achieved after playing at least 31 games in the QP.
# Highest rating achieved after any fully rated tournament in the QP.
# Number of CSW games played in the QP.
# Drawing of lots.

== Qualification standings ==

Qualification standings will be posted here as soon as they are available.

== Alternates ==

The first spot opened by withdrawal of a player after the completion
of the Qualifying Tournament will be filled first by the Primary
Alternate (i.e., the fifth-place finisher in the Qualifying Tournament).
Any additional spots opened by withdrawal of a player after the
completion of the Qualifying Tournament, or any spots opened by the
withdrawal of a player before the Primary Alternate is selected
will be filled by PR.

[[Category:World SCRABBLE Championship 2017]]
[[Category:World SCRABBLE Championship]]

2017 WESPA Championship US Qualification System

2017-06-04T00:57:58Z

RichBaker:

This page outlines the criteria that are proposed to be used to
select the players who will represent the '''United States''' at the
'''[[2017 WESPA Championship]]''' (WESPAC17) to be held in
Nairobi, Kenya,
November 8-12, '''2017'''.

Note that the qualification period is now over, and this page will be updated soon with revised information.

== Eligibility ==

All players wishing to qualify must be NASPA members in good standing and must play a minimum of 31 rated CSW tournament games during the Qualifying Period (QP) The 31 game minimum does not apply to players who qualify via the Qualification Tournament (QT).

United States citizens and permanent residents are eligible.

Players may not register for the qualification process if they have
already registered to qualify for another nation. If a player
registers to play for the U.S. and also attempts to represent another
nation at WESPAC17 (with or without withdrawing from the U.S.
registration), they will be ineligible to compete for the U.S. at
the next such championship.

== Registering for the qualification process ==

Players who intend to claim a spot on the team as one of the top
10 finishers at the 2015 WESPAC or who intend to qualify on the basis
of peak rating must register and commit to play by the end of the
Qualification Period (see below).
Any player who qualifies by peak rating or top ten finish, registers
for the process, and withdraws after the end of the Qualification
Period will be ineligible to qualify for the U.S. team at the next
WESPAC or equivalent event based on peak rating.
Players wishing to register should contact
[mailto:info@scrabbleplayers.org info@scrabbleplayers.org].
The deadline for registering for the qualification tournament will
be announced after the date for that tournament is set. All players
in the qualifying tournament must agree to attend the WESPAC if
they qualify.

Any player who qualifies via the qualifying tournament and withdraws
after the completion of the qualifying tournament will be ineligible
to qualify for the U.S. team at the next WESPAC or equivalent event
based on peak rating.

Any player who is ineligible to qualify for the U.S. team based on
peak rating due to dropping out after a deadline may appeal to the
[[International Committee]] U.S. Subcommittee to have their eligibility
reinstated.

== Qualified players ==

The following players have qualified to represent the U.S.A. at the 2017 WESPAC:

Qualified via top ten overall finish at 2015 WESPAC
*Dave Wiegand
*Evans Clinchy

Qualified via peak rating:
*Jennifer Lee
*Paula Catanese
*Ben Schoenbrun
*Steve Polatnick
*Jesse Day
*Kate Fukawa-Connelly
*Dave Koenig
*Sandy Nang

Qualified via Qualification tournament:
* (none yet)

Congratulations to all of the above.

== Qualification period (QP) ==

The qualification period began on December 1, 2015 and ends
on May 31, 2017 at 12 pm (midnight) Pacific Time.
The qualification tournament will be held sometime in the summer thereafter.

Note: Tournaments that are in progress at the beginning or end of the QP were
considered to fall within the QP.

== Available spots ==

The United States has 18 spots at WESPAC17, not including any players
earning WESPA invitations.

== Criteria (in order) ==

=== 1. [[World English-language Scrabble Players' Association]] (WESPA) invitation(s) ===

Any spots awarded by WESPA (for example, for being a finalist at
the previous SCT, or for being champion of the WYSC) do not count
against the United States' allotment.

=== 2. Top-ten finish in the [[2015 WESPA Championship]] ===

Any American finishing in the overall top ten in the 2015 WESPAC
will be invited to represent the U.S. in the 2017 WESPAC, provided
they maintain NASPA membership and play the minimum number of
tournament games in QP. If any of these players decline to play,
then additional spots will be determined by peak rating.

=== 3. Peak NASPA CSW rating (PR) ===

The 12 to 14 available slots (after allocating 4 spots for the Qualification Tournament, and the spots awarded under criteria 1 and 2) will be determined by peak NASPA CSW (Collins Scrabble Words) rating during the QP. A player must have played at least 31 fully rated (CSW) NASPA games before their post-tournament rating will count as a peak rating. The final rating from any fully rated tournament once this participation requirement is met may be used as a PR.
Any bonus points will count as a part of a person’s PR.
Ratings following tournaments which are not fully rated (i.e., LCTs) will not count as a peak rating, but any such games played will count as 1/3 of a game towards fulfilling the participation requirement.

=== 4. Qualification tournament (QT) ===

Four spots will be determined by a qualification tournament. Location, date and format will be announced later.
To be eligible for the QT, players must meet the eligibility requirements for representing the US at the 2017 WESPAC as enumerated above. The 31-game participation requirement does not apply to players who wish to qualify via the QT. Players who sign up for the QT will be automatically registered for the qualifying process, and must commit to play the WESPAC if they earn a spot.
Additionally, the fifth-place finisher at the QT will be the primary alternate for the US team at WESPAC.

=== 5. Unclaimed Spots ===

Any positions which remain open once the list of people interested
and eligible to qualify based on PR is exhausted will be allocated
based on peak NASPA rating (either CSW or TWL) in the qualification
period, with a minimum 4 game participation requirement in the
lexicon used to determine the peak rating. A position will be deemed
claimable once the appropriate deadline to register for that position
has passed. I.e., the spots in the U.S. allocation less four spots
reserved for the QT will be claimed at the end of the QP; and five spots (four spots plus the position of First Alternate who will be awarded a previously unclaimed spot, should one exist) will be claimable at the end of the QT.

==== PR tie-breakers ====

# Head-to-head records among tied players in fully rated games during the QP.
# Second highest rating achieved after playing at least 31 games in the QP.
# Highest rating achieved after any fully rated tournament in the QP.
# Number of CSW games played in the QP.
# Drawing of lots.

== Qualification standings ==

Qualification standings will be posted here as soon as they are available.

== Alternates ==

The first spot opened by withdrawal of a player after the completion
of the Qualifying Tournament will be filled first by the Primary
Alternate (i.e., the fifth-place finisher in the Qualifying Tournament).
Any additional spots opened by withdrawal of a player after the
completion of the Qualifying Tournament, or any spots opened by the
withdrawal of a player before the Primary Alternate is selected
will be filled by PR.

[[Category:World SCRABBLE Championship 2017]]
[[Category:World SCRABBLE Championship]]

2017 WESPA Championship US Qualification System

2017-05-22T04:50:12Z

RichBaker:

This page outlines the criteria that are proposed to be used to
select the players who will represent the '''United States''' at the
'''[[2017 WESPA Championship]]''' (WESPAC17) to be held in
Nairobi, Kenya,
November 8-12, '''2017'''.

== Eligibility ==

All players wishing to qualify must be NASPA members in good standing and must play a minimum of 31 rated CSW tournament games during the Qualifying Period (QP) The 31 game minimum does not apply to players who qualify via the Qualification Tournament (QT).

United States citizens and permanent residents are eligible.

Players may not register for the qualification process if they have
already registered to qualify for another nation. If a player
registers to play for the U.S. and also attempts to represent another
nation at WESPAC17 (with or without withdrawing from the U.S.
registration), they will be ineligible to compete for the U.S. at
the next such championship.

== Registering for the qualification process ==

Players who intend to claim a spot on the team as one of the top
10 finishers at the 2015 WESPAC or who intend to qualify on the basis
of peak rating must register and commit to play by the end of the
Qualification Period (see below).
Any player who qualifies by peak rating or top ten finish, registers
for the process, and withdraws after the end of the Qualification
Period will be ineligible to qualify for the U.S. team at the next
WESPAC or equivalent event based on peak rating.
Players wishing to register should contact
[mailto:info@scrabbleplayers.org info@scrabbleplayers.org].
The deadline for registering for the qualification tournament will
be announced after the date for that tournament is set. All players
in the qualifying tournament must agree to attend the WESPAC if
they qualify.

Any player who qualifies via the qualifying tournament and withdraws
after the completion of the qualifying tournament will be ineligible
to qualify for the U.S. team at the next WESPAC or equivalent event
based on peak rating.

Any player who is ineligible to qualify for the U.S. team based on
peak rating due to dropping out after a deadline may appeal to the
[[International Committee]] U.S. Subcommittee to have their eligibility
reinstated.

The following players have registered for the qualification process
*Jennifer Lee
*Paula Catanese
*Ben Schoenbrun
*Steve Polatnick
*Jesse Day
*Kate Fukawa-Connelly
*Evans Clinchy
*Dave Koenig
*Sandy Nang

== Qualified players ==

The following players have qualified to represent the U.S.A. at the 2017 WESPAC:

Qualified via top ten overall finish at 2015 WESPAC
*Dave Wiegand
*Evans Clinchy

Qualified via peak rating:
* (none yet)

Qualified via Qualification tournament:
* (none yet)

Congratulations to all of the above.

== Qualification period (QP) ==

The qualification period began on December 1, 2015 and ends
on May 31, 2017 at 12 pm (midnight) Pacific Time.
The qualification tournament will be held sometime in the summer thereafter.

Note: Tournaments that are in progress at the beginning or end of the QP were
considered to fall within the QP.

== Available spots ==

The United States has 18 spots at WESPAC17, not including any players
earning WESPA invitations.

== Criteria (in order) ==

=== 1. [[World English-language Scrabble Players' Association]] (WESPA) invitation(s) ===

Any spots awarded by WESPA (for example, for being a finalist at
the previous SCT, or for being champion of the WYSC) do not count
against the United States' allotment.

=== 2. Top-ten finish in the [[2015 WESPA Championship]] ===

Any American finishing in the overall top ten in the 2015 WESPAC
will be invited to represent the U.S. in the 2017 WESPAC, provided
they maintain NASPA membership and play the minimum number of
tournament games in QP. If any of these players decline to play,
then additional spots will be determined by peak rating.

=== 3. Peak NASPA CSW rating (PR) ===

The 12 to 14 available slots (after allocating 4 spots for the Qualification Tournament, and the spots awarded under criteria 1 and 2) will be determined by peak NASPA CSW (Collins Scrabble Words) rating during the QP. A player must have played at least 31 fully rated (CSW) NASPA games before their post-tournament rating will count as a peak rating. The final rating from any fully rated tournament once this participation requirement is met may be used as a PR.
Any bonus points will count as a part of a person’s PR.
Ratings following tournaments which are not fully rated (i.e., LCTs) will not count as a peak rating, but any such games played will count as 1/3 of a game towards fulfilling the participation requirement.

=== 4. Qualification tournament (QT) ===

Four spots will be determined by a qualification tournament. Location, date and format will be announced later.
To be eligible for the QT, players must meet the eligibility requirements for representing the US at the 2017 WESPAC as enumerated above. The 31-game participation requirement does not apply to players who wish to qualify via the QT. Players who sign up for the QT will be automatically registered for the qualifying process, and must commit to play the WESPAC if they earn a spot.
Additionally, the fifth-place finisher at the QT will be the primary alternate for the US team at WESPAC.

=== 5. Unclaimed Spots ===

Any positions which remain open once the list of people interested
and eligible to qualify based on PR is exhausted will be allocated
based on peak NASPA rating (either CSW or TWL) in the qualification
period, with a minimum 4 game participation requirement in the
lexicon used to determine the peak rating. A position will be deemed
claimable once the appropriate deadline to register for that position
has passed. I.e., the spots in the U.S. allocation less four spots
reserved for the QT will be claimed at the end of the QP; and five spots (four spots plus the position of First Alternate who will be awarded a previously unclaimed spot, should one exist) will be claimable at the end of the QT.

==== PR tie-breakers ====

# Head-to-head records among tied players in fully rated games during the QP.
# Second highest rating achieved after playing at least 31 games in the QP.
# Highest rating achieved after any fully rated tournament in the QP.
# Number of CSW games played in the QP.
# Drawing of lots.

== Qualification standings ==

Qualification standings will be posted here as soon as they are available.

== Alternates ==

The first spot opened by withdrawal of a player after the completion
of the Qualifying Tournament will be filled first by the Primary
Alternate (i.e., the fifth-place finisher in the Qualifying Tournament).
Any additional spots opened by withdrawal of a player after the
completion of the Qualifying Tournament, or any spots opened by the
withdrawal of a player before the Primary Alternate is selected
will be filled by PR.

[[Category:World SCRABBLE Championship 2017]]
[[Category:World SCRABBLE Championship]]

2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship

2017-04-29T12:31:16Z

RichBaker: /* Information for International Players */

[[Image:2017-NOLA.png|right|200px|NASC 2017 t-shirt]]
'''REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. ONLY MINOR CHANGES TO THIS PAGE WILL BE MADE.'''

[http://event.scrabbleplayers.org/2017/nasc/build/index.html Live Event Coverage] will be available throughout the event.

The '''2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship''' will take place on July 22-26, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70113. This webpage will be updated regularly as additional details became available.

== Live Event Coverage ==

[http://event.scrabbleplayers.org/2017/nasc/build/index.html Live Event Coverage] will be available throughout the event.

== Registration ==

[http://scrabbleplayers.org/cgi-bin/register.pl Registration] for the 2017 North American Scrabble Championship is now open.

A link to a list of [http://www.scrabbleplayers.org/cgi-bin/reglist.pl registered players] is updated automatically with each new registration.

=== Eligibility ===

To play in the NASC, you must (1) be a NASPA [[membership|member]], and (2) have played in an officially sanctioned SCRABBLE tournament to earn an official tournament [[rating]].
If you live in the United States or Canada, that rating should be a NASPA rating; if you live elsewhere it may be a [[WESPA]] rating or other comparable national rating.

==== TWL Divisions====

If you meet the eligibility criteria and wish to play using the Official Club and Tournament Word List 2016 (TWL), you may do so. Four TWL divisions will be offered, divided by Qualification Rating (QR), with unlimited play-up available. If your QR is 1800 or higher, or if you do not have a NASPA rating, you must play in Division 1. If your QR is in the range 1400–1799, you must play in Division 1 or 2. If your QR is in the range 1100–1399, you must play in Division 1, 2 or 3. If your QR is below 1100, you may play in any of the four divisions.

Your QR consists of the highest tournament rating attained at the end of any NASPA TWL-rated tournament (or segment of a split-rated tournament) which finished during the period from August 6, 2016 to July 12, 2017 (the start of last year's Championship to the close of registration). If you have a rating, but do not play during this period, your QR is your unchanged current rating.

Player division assignments will be reviewed after July 12, 2017 to ensure that everyone is registered in the correct division. If the division in which you registered is not one in which your QR permits you to play, we will automatically move you up to the lowest permissible division.

==== Collins Divisions ====

If you meet the eligibility criteria and prefer to play using the international Collins (CSW) lexicon, you may do so. If your Collins Qualification Rating (CQR) is 1500 or higher, you must play in Division 1. If it is 1499 or below, you may play in Division 1 or 2. Players who only have a WESPA rating will be permitted to play in Division 1 or 2 if that rating is 1399 or below. If there are fewer than 20 players registered in either division as of July 5, 2017, the divisions will be automatically combined into a single division.

Your CQR is the highest Collins tournament rating attained at the end of a NASPA CSW-rated tournament which finished during the period from August 6, 2016 to July 12, 2017 (the start of last year's Championship to the close of registration). If you had a NASPA CSW rating prior to this period, but did not play during the period, your qualifying rating is that unchanged rating. If you do not have a NASPA CSW rating, but have a NASPA TWL rating, your CQR is your TWL QR. The Collins division will be run using NASPA rules, except that the Collins lexicon will be used and the challenge penalty will be 5 points per word. The Collins division will be NASPA and WESPA rated.

If there will be two divisions, player division assignments will be reviewed after July 12, 2017 to ensure that everyone is registered in the correct division. If the division in which you registered is not one in which your CQR permits you to play, we will automatically move you up to the lowest permissible division.

=== Information for International Players ===

If you are thinking about travelling from overseas to play in this event for the first time, please read our [[2017 NASC for Overseas Visitors]] page.

Again this year, there will again be one or two separate divisions of players using the [[Collins]] lexicon at the North American Scrabble Championship.

Players must have a NASPA, WESPA or other equivalent rating deemed acceptable by the Championship Committee prior to competing. Those players with only a WESPA rating will be allowed to compete in CSW2 division if that rating is 1399 or below. For participants with both NASPA and WESPA ratings, the NASPA rating will be used to determine eligibility for CSW2.

The Collins division will be run using NASPA rules, except that the Collins lexicon will be used and the challenge penalty will be 5 points per word. The Collins division will be NASPA and WESPA rated. Please see full information about the division in the section above.

=== Entry Fees ===

The base entry fee for all divisions is $160.

Youths, defined as those whose 18th birthday is after July 22, 2017, may pay $50 to play in any division.

The above fees will be increased by $50 after May 10, 2017. For example, a non-youth player signing up on May 11, 2017 would pay $210, while a youth would pay $100.

Players accepted after the close of registration on July 12, 2017 must pay a $75 late penalty. For example, a non-youth player signing up on July 13, 2017 would pay $285, while a youth would pay $175. Acceptance of registrants after July 12, 2017 is not guaranteed, and will generally only be permitted if it does not cause a division to be uneven.

Players not staying at the host hotel for the duration of the event must also pay a commuter/facility fee of $20 per day ($100 maximum). The commuter fee does not apply to those local to the New Orleans area. Verification of status as a hotel guest will be performed at registration/check-in and throughout the event. Players staying at the host hotel for only part of the event must pay the full commuter fee, and may then apply for a refund of $20 per day stayed at the host hotel (to a maximum of $100) after the conclusion of the event, by providing the Championship Committee with hotel confirmation number and dates of stay.

Fees payable are computed based on when (Eastern Time) funds are received in full. If you are not paying right away online at the moment when you register, please be sure to allow enough time for your mailed payment to reach us.

=== Division Changes ===

To change divisions after you have registered, please email the organizing committee at [mailto:nsc@scrabbleplayers.org nsc@scrabbleplayers.org].
Division changes are subject to the following conditions:

* After registration closes on July 12, 2017, if your division change would increase the number of players who may potentially have to have byes (if you would make two divisions odd, or would make a smaller division odd), you will be waitlisted until this is not the case.

* If your rating rises above the limit for the division in which you registered, you will automatically be moved to the lowest division for which you qualify.

=== Refunds ===

If you paid your tournament fees by credit card, any credit owing to you will be issued to your card; otherwise, we will mail a check to your membership address as shown in your member profile.

No refunds will be issued after the refund deadlines described below.

All refunds are subject to a cancellation fee of $15.

If you decide you need to cancel your registration, we will refund your entry fee (and commuter fee, if applicable), if you so request by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 12, 2017.

=== Conditions ===

==== Rules, Code and Terms/Conditions ====
By registering for the NASC, you agree to abide by the NASPA Tournament [[Rules]] and [[Code of Conduct]], and agree to comply with the [[2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship Terms and Conditions]].
In particular, some games at this tournament, probably the highest Division 1 TWL and Collins board without a Gibsonized player, will be annotated live, and may be live streamed.
If you refuse to play a designated game with annotation, you will forfeit it, and may at the director’s discretion be assigned a spread penalty of −200 points.

==== Minor Release ====
A [http://www.scrabbleplayers.org/wiki/images/a/a2/2017_Minor_Release_and_Consent_Form.pdf Minor Release and Consent Form] will be required for all players under age 18 as of July 22, 2017, and may be downloaded and submitted in advance, or executed by a parent or guardian at registration.

==== Player Bulletin ====
Please read our
[[2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship Player Bulletin|Player Bulletin]], and check
it again for last-minute updates before you travel to the event.

==== Equipment Required ====
Participants in the 2017 North American Scrabble Championship are responsible for bringing all equipment necessary to play in the tournament. If neither player in a game has equipment available for their game, a double forfeit may be imposed.

==== Changes ====
The [[Championship Committee]] reserves the right to modify the above to account for unforeseen special circumstances.

== Format ==

The Format for the 2017 NASC will be 31 rounds of Championship Pairings, without any playoff rounds.

The NASC will be paired using tsh along the lines of 2014 and prior events, including Gibsonization on spread. After an initial phase of fixed pairings based on pre-event ratings, the top contenders are paired with each other, and everyone else is paired Swiss. These two groups, contenders and noncontenders, are paired with minimal repeats. For example, if there is no way to pair the contenders without at least one repeat, then they will be paired with one repeat.

The maximum number of contenders is typically 12 in Rounds 4-28, 8 in Round 29, 4 in Round 30 and 2 in Round 31. The contenders are further divided into a subgroup of leaders and non-leaders, if this can be done without increasing the number of required repeats while maintaining at least four players among the leaders. Leaders are paired by repeatedly having the top unpaired player play the lowest-ranked player that can catch up to them. Non-leaders are paired Swiss.

For further information about this pairing system, please refer to the section on Chew pairings in the tsh documentation.

== Hotel/Travel Information ==

=== Hotel Registration ===

The official event hotel is the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70113. The room rate is $149/night (plus taxes) for single or double occupancy. Triple occupancy rate is $174/night and quadruple occupancy is $199/night. All rooms include complimentary wireless internet.
'''Rates valid on reservations booked by June 21, 2017.''' Rooms booked after this date are subject to availability and at prevailing rates.

Reservations can be made online [https://aws.passkey.com/go/2017natlscrabblechampionship here] or by calling The Hyatt Regency at (504) 561-1234 and providing the group code '''NASC'''.

No commuter fee will be charged to those booking rooms at the host hotel using the block code.

Those who live outside of the New Orleans area and do not book a room at a host hotel will pay a $100 facility fee to contribute the cost of the venue space.

=== Hotel and Event Parking ===

The Hyatt Regency New Orleans offers valet parking at $40/day. Many nearby lots and garages in walking distances offer parking at significantly lower rates.

=== Dining ===

Downtown New Orleans boasts a number of different eateries, catering to all tastes and budgets. To view the many restaurant options available in New Orleans, Louisiana, please visit the [http://www.neworleanscvb.com/restaurants/ Restaurants Page] on the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau.

=== Sightseeing ===

There is much to see and do in the New Orleans region. Local attractions and activities can be explored on the [http://www.neworleanscvb.com//things-to-do/ Things to Do Page] of the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau.

=== Roommate Wanted ===

If you need a roommate and would like a listing here, please complete the [[NASC Roommate Request Form]].

IMPORTANT: When you get your roommate, please contact the committee so we can remove your listing.

=== Ride Wanted ===

If you need a ride/rider to or from the tournament, and would like a listing here, please complete the [[NASC Ride Request Form]].

IMPORTANT: When you get your ride/rider, please contact the committee so we can remove your listing.

=== Airport Transport Information ===

New Orleans, LA is served by the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport For complete airport information, please visit [https://www.flymsy.com/ www.flymsy.com].

=== Airport to Hotel ===

The host hotel offers shuttle service for an additional fee. Contact the Hyatt Regency directly to arrange.

For those arriving before the evening hours, public transportation via the E2 Airport-Downtown Express bus is $2 (cash) per person. The ride is approximately 45 minutes. The last route runs at 6:15pm weekdays. Get off at the last stop (Tulane & Loyola). Head south on Loyola four blocks to arrive at the Hyatt.

Taxi averages $40 from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Uber and Lyft average $20-30.

=== Ground Travel ===

Amtrak and Greyhound stations are co-located at 1001 Loyola Avenue and are a 5 minute walk from the Hyatt Regency.

== Check-In ==

To play in the first round on Saturday morning, you must check in between 12:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. on Friday, July 21, 2017, at the NASC registration desk (Hyatt Regency Elite Foyer). You may ask a friend to check in for you by proxy, if you cannot check in in person. If possible, please email us at nsc@scrabbleplayers.org to notify us in advance of proxy arrangements. If you check in by proxy, but do not show up to play, then neither you nor your proxy will be permitted to check in by proxy at future events. If you do not check in before the desk closes at 7:00 P.M., you may join the championship in progress as soon as it is convenient for the pairings staff to add you back in; this may not take place before Sunday morning. No refund will be issued to latecomers.

When you check in, you will be given an announcement sheet. This is to reduce the number of announcements that have to be made on Saturday morning, so that the event can get underway quickly. You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with the announcements and tournament schedule.

== Schedule ==

This '''schedule for the [[2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship]]''' may be modified to add new events, or possibly to change room locations. The schedule is considered tentative at this time. Any changes to the schedule moving forward will also be posted to the [[2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship Player Bulletin|Player Bulletin]].

=== Friday, July 21, 2017 ===
; 12:00 P.M.–7:00 P.M.
: Registration (Elite Foyer)
; 10:00 P.M.–11:30 P.M.
: After hours room open (Elite B)
; 12:00 P.M.–4:00 P.M.
: [[2017 NASC Early Bird|Early bird tournament]], restricted to NASC Staff and other NASPA directors (Elite A)
; 4:30 P.M.–5:30 P.M.
: Committee meeting for Division Leaders, Division Assistants, Auxiliary Staff (Imperial 2)
; 7:30 P.M.–10:00 P.M.
: [[2017 Opening Reception|Opening Reception]] (8-Block Kitchen and Bar)

=== Saturday, July 22, 2017 ===
; 8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.
: Group Photos - School SCRABBLE/Youth Players (Elite A)
; 8:55 A.M.–9:10 A.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 9:10 A.M.–1:15 P.M.
: Rounds 1–4 (Elite A)
; 1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.
: [[Canadian Committee]] and [[Technology Committee]] lunch meetings (Elite B)
; 2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 2:55 P.M.–3:05 P.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 3:05 P.M.–6:15 P.M.
: Rounds 5–7 (Elite A)
; 6:30 P.M.–10:00 P.M.
: Advisory Board Dinner Meeting (TBD)
; 9:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.
: After hours room open (Imperial 5AB)
; 7:45 P.M.–11:00 P.M.
: [[2017 NSC Trivia Contest|Trivia Contest]] (Imperial 5CD)

=== Sunday, July 23, 2017 ===
; 8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.
: Group Photos - Past NSC Champions/Division Winners (Elite A)
; 8:55 A.M.–9:10 A.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 9:10 A.M.–1:15 P.M.
: Rounds 8–11 (Elite A)
; 1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.
: [[Club/Director Committee]] and [[Rules Committee]] lunch meetings (Elite B)
; 2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 2:55 P.M.–3:05 P.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 3:05 P.M.–6:15 P.M.
: Rounds 12–14 (Elite A)
; 9:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.
: After hours room open (Imperial 5AB)
; 8:30 P.M.–11:30 P.M.
: [[Evening Musicale]] (Imperial 5CD)

=== Monday, July 24, 2017 ===
; 8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.
: Group Photo - NASC Staff (Elite A)
; 8:55 A.M.–9:00 A.M.
: Group Photo - Louisianans (Elite A)
; 9:00 A.M.–9:10 A.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 9:10 A.M.–1:15 P.M.
: Rounds 15–18 (Elite A)
; 1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.
: [[Forward Energy Committee]], [[Membership Committee]] and [[Tournament Committee]] lunch meetings (Elite B)
; 2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 2:55 P.M.–3:05 P.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 3:05 P.M.–6:15 P.M.
: Rounds 19–21 (Elite A)
; 9:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.
: After hours room open (Imperial 5AB)
; 8:30 P.M.–10:00 P.M.
: Town Hall meeting (Imperial 5CD)

=== Tuesday, July 25, 2017 ===
; 8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.
: Group Photo - International Players (Elite A)
: Group Photo - Family Members together at NASC (Elite A)
; 8:55 A.M.–9:00 A.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 9:00 A.M.–1:15 P.M.
: Rounds 22–25 (Elite A)
; 1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.
: [[International Committee]] and [[Social Media Committee]] lunch meetings (Courtyard - Legacy Salon A)
; 2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 2:55 P.M.–3:05 P.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 3:05 P.M.–6:15 P.M.
: Rounds 26–28 (Elite A)
; 9:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.
: After hours room open (Imperial 5AB)
; 7:30 P.M.–10:30 P.M.
: [[2017 NASC Director Meeting|Director meeting]] (Imperial 5CD)

=== Wednesday, July 26, 2017 ===
; 8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 8:50 A.M.–9:00 A.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 9:00 A.M.–12:30 P.M.
: Rounds 29–31 (Elite A)
; 1:30 P.M.–3:00 P.M.
: Prize Ceremony (Imperial 5CD)
; 3:00 P.M.–7:00 P.M.
: Tear Down (Elite A)

== The Rose Award ==

Bob and Andi Schoenman, creators of Protiles, honor Rose Kreiswirth's memory. Rose was an expert Scrabble® player for over 30 years and cherished the game for its educational values. An accomplished player, Rose was as well known for her sense of fairness and her congeniality as she was for her competitiveness. '''The [[Rose Award]]''' will be awarded each year at the North American SCRABBLE Championship to a female player who, in the opinion of the judges, best exemplifies the fierce competitiveness and compassion that we remember Rose for. Thank you, Bob and Andi Schoenman!

== Other Donors ==

If you are interested in donating prizes to events at the championship, please email us at [mailto:nsc@scrabbleplayers.org nsc@scrabbleplayers.org].

== Sponsors ==

For information about sponsorship opportunities at the championship, please contact [[Chris Cree]].

== Prizes ==

=== Collins Incentive Prizes at the 2017 Nationals ===

[[Norman Wei]] and two other generous donors have organized and contributed to a prize pool to incentivize lower-rated players to play in [[Collins]] divisions at the 2017 NASC.

Prizes from a pool no less than $1800 will be awarded to the top
four eligible players with the highest spreads (not number of games
won) at the end of 31 games.

The following players are eligibility rules for this special prize pool:

* Any player with a qualification rating for the 2017 NASC, who does not have a qualification rating above 1300.
* Any player from outside of the United States and Canada who has a WESPA rating, but whose WESPA rating has not exceeded 1300 during the 2017 NASC qualification period.

Please note:

* Players who miss games (not including assigned byes) may not win prizes.
* In the event of a tie, prizes will be pooled and divided among the players involved.
* If there are not at least six eligible players playing at least one game on the first day of NASC 2017, these prizes will not be awarded.

Full details about cash and merchandise prizes will be listed on the [[2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship prizes|prize table]].

== Staff ==

; '''Organizer'''
: [[Chris Cree]]
; '''On-Site Executive / Webmaster'''
: [[John Chew]]
; '''Director'''
: [[Arthur Moore]]
; '''Assistant to the Director'''
: Diane Moore
; '''Division Leaders'''
: Division 1: [[John Robertson|John Robertson]]
: Division 2: [[Bryan Pepper]]
: Division 3: [[Daniel Stock|Dan Stock]]
: Division 4: [[Kieran OConnor|Kieran O'Connor]]
: Collins: [[Jason Idalski]]

== Other Volunteers ==

If you would like to volunteer to help out with the NASC in any of the capacities listed below, please fill out the [[NASC Volunteer Form]]. All registered volunteers will received a free NASC 2017 T-Shirt.

=== Friday, July 21 ===

Volunteers are needed to help prepare the playing room for the tournament.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Volunteers are needed to help with registration and check-in.

11:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M.
*
*
*
*
1:30 P.M.-3:30 P.M.
*
*
*
3:30 P.M.-5:30 P.M.
*
*
*
5:30 P.M.-7:30 P.M.
*
*
*
*
*

=== Wednesday, July 26 ===

We need about 15 '''Clean and Pack''' volunteers to help collect and box NASPA tournament supplies to be shipped back to the storage facility after the awards ceremony on Wed., July 26, 2017.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

== Vendors ==

Only vendors of merchandise licensed by Hasbro will be provided with vendor space and permitted to display and/or sell products inside the tournament venue (which includes the playing room, after hours room, meeting rooms, and any other function rooms or prefunction space used by NASPA during the event). Licensed vendors are subject to prior approval by NASPA, at its sole and absolute discretion.

Other vendors who wish to sell products must do so at their own expense from their own rented space (hotel room, meeting room, etc.), subject to any applicable regulations. NASPA accepts no liability or responsibility for such vendors or their activities.

== Further Information ==

This page will be updated as the event draws nearer.
If you have urgent questions about the event, please
email us at [mailto:nsc@scrabbleplayers.org nsc@scrabbleplayers.org].

2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship

2017-04-29T12:30:20Z

RichBaker: /* Information for International Players */

[[Image:2017-NOLA.png|right|200px|NASC 2017 t-shirt]]
'''REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. ONLY MINOR CHANGES TO THIS PAGE WILL BE MADE.'''

[http://event.scrabbleplayers.org/2017/nasc/build/index.html Live Event Coverage] will be available throughout the event.

The '''2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship''' will take place on July 22-26, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70113. This webpage will be updated regularly as additional details became available.

== Live Event Coverage ==

[http://event.scrabbleplayers.org/2017/nasc/build/index.html Live Event Coverage] will be available throughout the event.

== Registration ==

[http://scrabbleplayers.org/cgi-bin/register.pl Registration] for the 2017 North American Scrabble Championship is now open.

A link to a list of [http://www.scrabbleplayers.org/cgi-bin/reglist.pl registered players] is updated automatically with each new registration.

=== Eligibility ===

To play in the NASC, you must (1) be a NASPA [[membership|member]], and (2) have played in an officially sanctioned SCRABBLE tournament to earn an official tournament [[rating]].
If you live in the United States or Canada, that rating should be a NASPA rating; if you live elsewhere it may be a [[WESPA]] rating or other comparable national rating.

==== TWL Divisions====

If you meet the eligibility criteria and wish to play using the Official Club and Tournament Word List 2016 (TWL), you may do so. Four TWL divisions will be offered, divided by Qualification Rating (QR), with unlimited play-up available. If your QR is 1800 or higher, or if you do not have a NASPA rating, you must play in Division 1. If your QR is in the range 1400–1799, you must play in Division 1 or 2. If your QR is in the range 1100–1399, you must play in Division 1, 2 or 3. If your QR is below 1100, you may play in any of the four divisions.

Your QR consists of the highest tournament rating attained at the end of any NASPA TWL-rated tournament (or segment of a split-rated tournament) which finished during the period from August 6, 2016 to July 12, 2017 (the start of last year's Championship to the close of registration). If you have a rating, but do not play during this period, your QR is your unchanged current rating.

Player division assignments will be reviewed after July 12, 2017 to ensure that everyone is registered in the correct division. If the division in which you registered is not one in which your QR permits you to play, we will automatically move you up to the lowest permissible division.

==== Collins Divisions ====

If you meet the eligibility criteria and prefer to play using the international Collins (CSW) lexicon, you may do so. If your Collins Qualification Rating (CQR) is 1500 or higher, you must play in Division 1. If it is 1499 or below, you may play in Division 1 or 2. Players who only have a WESPA rating will be permitted to play in Division 1 or 2 if that rating is 1399 or below. If there are fewer than 20 players registered in either division as of July 5, 2017, the divisions will be automatically combined into a single division.

Your CQR is the highest Collins tournament rating attained at the end of a NASPA CSW-rated tournament which finished during the period from August 6, 2016 to July 12, 2017 (the start of last year's Championship to the close of registration). If you had a NASPA CSW rating prior to this period, but did not play during the period, your qualifying rating is that unchanged rating. If you do not have a NASPA CSW rating, but have a NASPA TWL rating, your CQR is your TWL QR. The Collins division will be run using NASPA rules, except that the Collins lexicon will be used and the challenge penalty will be 5 points per word. The Collins division will be NASPA and WESPA rated.

If there will be two divisions, player division assignments will be reviewed after July 12, 2017 to ensure that everyone is registered in the correct division. If the division in which you registered is not one in which your CQR permits you to play, we will automatically move you up to the lowest permissible division.

=== Information for International Players ===

If you are thinking about travelling from overseas to play in this event for the first time, please read our [[2017 NASC for Overseas Visitors]] page.

Again this year, there will again be one or two separate divisions of players using the [[Collins]] lexicon at the North American Scrabble Championship.

Players must have a NASPA, WESPA or other equivalent rating deemed acceptable by the Championship Committee tournament prior to competing. Those players with only a WESPA rating will be allowed to compete in CSW2 division if that rating is 1399 or below. For participants with both NASPA and WESPA ratings, the NASPA rating will be used to determine eligibility for CSW2.

The Collins division will be run using NASPA rules, except that the Collins lexicon will be used and the challenge penalty will be 5 points per word. The Collins division will be NASPA and WESPA rated. Please see full information about the division in the section above.

=== Entry Fees ===

The base entry fee for all divisions is $160.

Youths, defined as those whose 18th birthday is after July 22, 2017, may pay $50 to play in any division.

The above fees will be increased by $50 after May 10, 2017. For example, a non-youth player signing up on May 11, 2017 would pay $210, while a youth would pay $100.

Players accepted after the close of registration on July 12, 2017 must pay a $75 late penalty. For example, a non-youth player signing up on July 13, 2017 would pay $285, while a youth would pay $175. Acceptance of registrants after July 12, 2017 is not guaranteed, and will generally only be permitted if it does not cause a division to be uneven.

Players not staying at the host hotel for the duration of the event must also pay a commuter/facility fee of $20 per day ($100 maximum). The commuter fee does not apply to those local to the New Orleans area. Verification of status as a hotel guest will be performed at registration/check-in and throughout the event. Players staying at the host hotel for only part of the event must pay the full commuter fee, and may then apply for a refund of $20 per day stayed at the host hotel (to a maximum of $100) after the conclusion of the event, by providing the Championship Committee with hotel confirmation number and dates of stay.

Fees payable are computed based on when (Eastern Time) funds are received in full. If you are not paying right away online at the moment when you register, please be sure to allow enough time for your mailed payment to reach us.

=== Division Changes ===

To change divisions after you have registered, please email the organizing committee at [mailto:nsc@scrabbleplayers.org nsc@scrabbleplayers.org].
Division changes are subject to the following conditions:

* After registration closes on July 12, 2017, if your division change would increase the number of players who may potentially have to have byes (if you would make two divisions odd, or would make a smaller division odd), you will be waitlisted until this is not the case.

* If your rating rises above the limit for the division in which you registered, you will automatically be moved to the lowest division for which you qualify.

=== Refunds ===

If you paid your tournament fees by credit card, any credit owing to you will be issued to your card; otherwise, we will mail a check to your membership address as shown in your member profile.

No refunds will be issued after the refund deadlines described below.

All refunds are subject to a cancellation fee of $15.

If you decide you need to cancel your registration, we will refund your entry fee (and commuter fee, if applicable), if you so request by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 12, 2017.

=== Conditions ===

==== Rules, Code and Terms/Conditions ====
By registering for the NASC, you agree to abide by the NASPA Tournament [[Rules]] and [[Code of Conduct]], and agree to comply with the [[2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship Terms and Conditions]].
In particular, some games at this tournament, probably the highest Division 1 TWL and Collins board without a Gibsonized player, will be annotated live, and may be live streamed.
If you refuse to play a designated game with annotation, you will forfeit it, and may at the director’s discretion be assigned a spread penalty of −200 points.

==== Minor Release ====
A [http://www.scrabbleplayers.org/wiki/images/a/a2/2017_Minor_Release_and_Consent_Form.pdf Minor Release and Consent Form] will be required for all players under age 18 as of July 22, 2017, and may be downloaded and submitted in advance, or executed by a parent or guardian at registration.

==== Player Bulletin ====
Please read our
[[2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship Player Bulletin|Player Bulletin]], and check
it again for last-minute updates before you travel to the event.

==== Equipment Required ====
Participants in the 2017 North American Scrabble Championship are responsible for bringing all equipment necessary to play in the tournament. If neither player in a game has equipment available for their game, a double forfeit may be imposed.

==== Changes ====
The [[Championship Committee]] reserves the right to modify the above to account for unforeseen special circumstances.

== Format ==

The Format for the 2017 NASC will be 31 rounds of Championship Pairings, without any playoff rounds.

The NASC will be paired using tsh along the lines of 2014 and prior events, including Gibsonization on spread. After an initial phase of fixed pairings based on pre-event ratings, the top contenders are paired with each other, and everyone else is paired Swiss. These two groups, contenders and noncontenders, are paired with minimal repeats. For example, if there is no way to pair the contenders without at least one repeat, then they will be paired with one repeat.

The maximum number of contenders is typically 12 in Rounds 4-28, 8 in Round 29, 4 in Round 30 and 2 in Round 31. The contenders are further divided into a subgroup of leaders and non-leaders, if this can be done without increasing the number of required repeats while maintaining at least four players among the leaders. Leaders are paired by repeatedly having the top unpaired player play the lowest-ranked player that can catch up to them. Non-leaders are paired Swiss.

For further information about this pairing system, please refer to the section on Chew pairings in the tsh documentation.

== Hotel/Travel Information ==

=== Hotel Registration ===

The official event hotel is the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70113. The room rate is $149/night (plus taxes) for single or double occupancy. Triple occupancy rate is $174/night and quadruple occupancy is $199/night. All rooms include complimentary wireless internet.
'''Rates valid on reservations booked by June 21, 2017.''' Rooms booked after this date are subject to availability and at prevailing rates.

Reservations can be made online [https://aws.passkey.com/go/2017natlscrabblechampionship here] or by calling The Hyatt Regency at (504) 561-1234 and providing the group code '''NASC'''.

No commuter fee will be charged to those booking rooms at the host hotel using the block code.

Those who live outside of the New Orleans area and do not book a room at a host hotel will pay a $100 facility fee to contribute the cost of the venue space.

=== Hotel and Event Parking ===

The Hyatt Regency New Orleans offers valet parking at $40/day. Many nearby lots and garages in walking distances offer parking at significantly lower rates.

=== Dining ===

Downtown New Orleans boasts a number of different eateries, catering to all tastes and budgets. To view the many restaurant options available in New Orleans, Louisiana, please visit the [http://www.neworleanscvb.com/restaurants/ Restaurants Page] on the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau.

=== Sightseeing ===

There is much to see and do in the New Orleans region. Local attractions and activities can be explored on the [http://www.neworleanscvb.com//things-to-do/ Things to Do Page] of the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau.

=== Roommate Wanted ===

If you need a roommate and would like a listing here, please complete the [[NASC Roommate Request Form]].

IMPORTANT: When you get your roommate, please contact the committee so we can remove your listing.

=== Ride Wanted ===

If you need a ride/rider to or from the tournament, and would like a listing here, please complete the [[NASC Ride Request Form]].

IMPORTANT: When you get your ride/rider, please contact the committee so we can remove your listing.

=== Airport Transport Information ===

New Orleans, LA is served by the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport For complete airport information, please visit [https://www.flymsy.com/ www.flymsy.com].

=== Airport to Hotel ===

The host hotel offers shuttle service for an additional fee. Contact the Hyatt Regency directly to arrange.

For those arriving before the evening hours, public transportation via the E2 Airport-Downtown Express bus is $2 (cash) per person. The ride is approximately 45 minutes. The last route runs at 6:15pm weekdays. Get off at the last stop (Tulane & Loyola). Head south on Loyola four blocks to arrive at the Hyatt.

Taxi averages $40 from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Uber and Lyft average $20-30.

=== Ground Travel ===

Amtrak and Greyhound stations are co-located at 1001 Loyola Avenue and are a 5 minute walk from the Hyatt Regency.

== Check-In ==

To play in the first round on Saturday morning, you must check in between 12:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. on Friday, July 21, 2017, at the NASC registration desk (Hyatt Regency Elite Foyer). You may ask a friend to check in for you by proxy, if you cannot check in in person. If possible, please email us at nsc@scrabbleplayers.org to notify us in advance of proxy arrangements. If you check in by proxy, but do not show up to play, then neither you nor your proxy will be permitted to check in by proxy at future events. If you do not check in before the desk closes at 7:00 P.M., you may join the championship in progress as soon as it is convenient for the pairings staff to add you back in; this may not take place before Sunday morning. No refund will be issued to latecomers.

When you check in, you will be given an announcement sheet. This is to reduce the number of announcements that have to be made on Saturday morning, so that the event can get underway quickly. You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with the announcements and tournament schedule.

== Schedule ==

This '''schedule for the [[2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship]]''' may be modified to add new events, or possibly to change room locations. The schedule is considered tentative at this time. Any changes to the schedule moving forward will also be posted to the [[2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship Player Bulletin|Player Bulletin]].

=== Friday, July 21, 2017 ===
; 12:00 P.M.–7:00 P.M.
: Registration (Elite Foyer)
; 10:00 P.M.–11:30 P.M.
: After hours room open (Elite B)
; 12:00 P.M.–4:00 P.M.
: [[2017 NASC Early Bird|Early bird tournament]], restricted to NASC Staff and other NASPA directors (Elite A)
; 4:30 P.M.–5:30 P.M.
: Committee meeting for Division Leaders, Division Assistants, Auxiliary Staff (Imperial 2)
; 7:30 P.M.–10:00 P.M.
: [[2017 Opening Reception|Opening Reception]] (8-Block Kitchen and Bar)

=== Saturday, July 22, 2017 ===
; 8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.
: Group Photos - School SCRABBLE/Youth Players (Elite A)
; 8:55 A.M.–9:10 A.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 9:10 A.M.–1:15 P.M.
: Rounds 1–4 (Elite A)
; 1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.
: [[Canadian Committee]] and [[Technology Committee]] lunch meetings (Elite B)
; 2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 2:55 P.M.–3:05 P.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 3:05 P.M.–6:15 P.M.
: Rounds 5–7 (Elite A)
; 6:30 P.M.–10:00 P.M.
: Advisory Board Dinner Meeting (TBD)
; 9:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.
: After hours room open (Imperial 5AB)
; 7:45 P.M.–11:00 P.M.
: [[2017 NSC Trivia Contest|Trivia Contest]] (Imperial 5CD)

=== Sunday, July 23, 2017 ===
; 8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.
: Group Photos - Past NSC Champions/Division Winners (Elite A)
; 8:55 A.M.–9:10 A.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 9:10 A.M.–1:15 P.M.
: Rounds 8–11 (Elite A)
; 1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.
: [[Club/Director Committee]] and [[Rules Committee]] lunch meetings (Elite B)
; 2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 2:55 P.M.–3:05 P.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 3:05 P.M.–6:15 P.M.
: Rounds 12–14 (Elite A)
; 9:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.
: After hours room open (Imperial 5AB)
; 8:30 P.M.–11:30 P.M.
: [[Evening Musicale]] (Imperial 5CD)

=== Monday, July 24, 2017 ===
; 8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.
: Group Photo - NASC Staff (Elite A)
; 8:55 A.M.–9:00 A.M.
: Group Photo - Louisianans (Elite A)
; 9:00 A.M.–9:10 A.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 9:10 A.M.–1:15 P.M.
: Rounds 15–18 (Elite A)
; 1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.
: [[Forward Energy Committee]], [[Membership Committee]] and [[Tournament Committee]] lunch meetings (Elite B)
; 2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 2:55 P.M.–3:05 P.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 3:05 P.M.–6:15 P.M.
: Rounds 19–21 (Elite A)
; 9:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.
: After hours room open (Imperial 5AB)
; 8:30 P.M.–10:00 P.M.
: Town Hall meeting (Imperial 5CD)

=== Tuesday, July 25, 2017 ===
; 8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.
: Group Photo - International Players (Elite A)
: Group Photo - Family Members together at NASC (Elite A)
; 8:55 A.M.–9:00 A.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 9:00 A.M.–1:15 P.M.
: Rounds 22–25 (Elite A)
; 1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.
: [[International Committee]] and [[Social Media Committee]] lunch meetings (Courtyard - Legacy Salon A)
; 2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 2:55 P.M.–3:05 P.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 3:05 P.M.–6:15 P.M.
: Rounds 26–28 (Elite A)
; 9:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.
: After hours room open (Imperial 5AB)
; 7:30 P.M.–10:30 P.M.
: [[2017 NASC Director Meeting|Director meeting]] (Imperial 5CD)

=== Wednesday, July 26, 2017 ===
; 8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 8:50 A.M.–9:00 A.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 9:00 A.M.–12:30 P.M.
: Rounds 29–31 (Elite A)
; 1:30 P.M.–3:00 P.M.
: Prize Ceremony (Imperial 5CD)
; 3:00 P.M.–7:00 P.M.
: Tear Down (Elite A)

== The Rose Award ==

Bob and Andi Schoenman, creators of Protiles, honor Rose Kreiswirth's memory. Rose was an expert Scrabble® player for over 30 years and cherished the game for its educational values. An accomplished player, Rose was as well known for her sense of fairness and her congeniality as she was for her competitiveness. '''The [[Rose Award]]''' will be awarded each year at the North American SCRABBLE Championship to a female player who, in the opinion of the judges, best exemplifies the fierce competitiveness and compassion that we remember Rose for. Thank you, Bob and Andi Schoenman!

== Other Donors ==

If you are interested in donating prizes to events at the championship, please email us at [mailto:nsc@scrabbleplayers.org nsc@scrabbleplayers.org].

== Sponsors ==

For information about sponsorship opportunities at the championship, please contact [[Chris Cree]].

== Prizes ==

=== Collins Incentive Prizes at the 2017 Nationals ===

[[Norman Wei]] and two other generous donors have organized and contributed to a prize pool to incentivize lower-rated players to play in [[Collins]] divisions at the 2017 NASC.

Prizes from a pool no less than $1800 will be awarded to the top
four eligible players with the highest spreads (not number of games
won) at the end of 31 games.

The following players are eligibility rules for this special prize pool:

* Any player with a qualification rating for the 2017 NASC, who does not have a qualification rating above 1300.
* Any player from outside of the United States and Canada who has a WESPA rating, but whose WESPA rating has not exceeded 1300 during the 2017 NASC qualification period.

Please note:

* Players who miss games (not including assigned byes) may not win prizes.
* In the event of a tie, prizes will be pooled and divided among the players involved.
* If there are not at least six eligible players playing at least one game on the first day of NASC 2017, these prizes will not be awarded.

Full details about cash and merchandise prizes will be listed on the [[2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship prizes|prize table]].

== Staff ==

; '''Organizer'''
: [[Chris Cree]]
; '''On-Site Executive / Webmaster'''
: [[John Chew]]
; '''Director'''
: [[Arthur Moore]]
; '''Assistant to the Director'''
: Diane Moore
; '''Division Leaders'''
: Division 1: [[John Robertson|John Robertson]]
: Division 2: [[Bryan Pepper]]
: Division 3: [[Daniel Stock|Dan Stock]]
: Division 4: [[Kieran OConnor|Kieran O'Connor]]
: Collins: [[Jason Idalski]]

== Other Volunteers ==

If you would like to volunteer to help out with the NASC in any of the capacities listed below, please fill out the [[NASC Volunteer Form]]. All registered volunteers will received a free NASC 2017 T-Shirt.

=== Friday, July 21 ===

Volunteers are needed to help prepare the playing room for the tournament.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Volunteers are needed to help with registration and check-in.

11:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M.
*
*
*
*
1:30 P.M.-3:30 P.M.
*
*
*
3:30 P.M.-5:30 P.M.
*
*
*
5:30 P.M.-7:30 P.M.
*
*
*
*
*

=== Wednesday, July 26 ===

We need about 15 '''Clean and Pack''' volunteers to help collect and box NASPA tournament supplies to be shipped back to the storage facility after the awards ceremony on Wed., July 26, 2017.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

== Vendors ==

Only vendors of merchandise licensed by Hasbro will be provided with vendor space and permitted to display and/or sell products inside the tournament venue (which includes the playing room, after hours room, meeting rooms, and any other function rooms or prefunction space used by NASPA during the event). Licensed vendors are subject to prior approval by NASPA, at its sole and absolute discretion.

Other vendors who wish to sell products must do so at their own expense from their own rented space (hotel room, meeting room, etc.), subject to any applicable regulations. NASPA accepts no liability or responsibility for such vendors or their activities.

== Further Information ==

This page will be updated as the event draws nearer.
If you have urgent questions about the event, please
email us at [mailto:nsc@scrabbleplayers.org nsc@scrabbleplayers.org].

2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship

2017-04-29T12:26:49Z

RichBaker: /* Information for International Players */

[[Image:2017-NOLA.png|right|200px|NASC 2017 t-shirt]]
'''REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. ONLY MINOR CHANGES TO THIS PAGE WILL BE MADE.'''

[http://event.scrabbleplayers.org/2017/nasc/build/index.html Live Event Coverage] will be available throughout the event.

The '''2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship''' will take place on July 22-26, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70113. This webpage will be updated regularly as additional details became available.

== Live Event Coverage ==

[http://event.scrabbleplayers.org/2017/nasc/build/index.html Live Event Coverage] will be available throughout the event.

== Registration ==

[http://scrabbleplayers.org/cgi-bin/register.pl Registration] for the 2017 North American Scrabble Championship is now open.

A link to a list of [http://www.scrabbleplayers.org/cgi-bin/reglist.pl registered players] is updated automatically with each new registration.

=== Eligibility ===

To play in the NASC, you must (1) be a NASPA [[membership|member]], and (2) have played in an officially sanctioned SCRABBLE tournament to earn an official tournament [[rating]].
If you live in the United States or Canada, that rating should be a NASPA rating; if you live elsewhere it may be a [[WESPA]] rating or other comparable national rating.

==== TWL Divisions====

If you meet the eligibility criteria and wish to play using the Official Club and Tournament Word List 2016 (TWL), you may do so. Four TWL divisions will be offered, divided by Qualification Rating (QR), with unlimited play-up available. If your QR is 1800 or higher, or if you do not have a NASPA rating, you must play in Division 1. If your QR is in the range 1400–1799, you must play in Division 1 or 2. If your QR is in the range 1100–1399, you must play in Division 1, 2 or 3. If your QR is below 1100, you may play in any of the four divisions.

Your QR consists of the highest tournament rating attained at the end of any NASPA TWL-rated tournament (or segment of a split-rated tournament) which finished during the period from August 6, 2016 to July 12, 2017 (the start of last year's Championship to the close of registration). If you have a rating, but do not play during this period, your QR is your unchanged current rating.

Player division assignments will be reviewed after July 12, 2017 to ensure that everyone is registered in the correct division. If the division in which you registered is not one in which your QR permits you to play, we will automatically move you up to the lowest permissible division.

==== Collins Divisions ====

If you meet the eligibility criteria and prefer to play using the international Collins (CSW) lexicon, you may do so. If your Collins Qualification Rating (CQR) is 1500 or higher, you must play in Division 1. If it is 1499 or below, you may play in Division 1 or 2. Players who only have a WESPA rating will be permitted to play in Division 1 or 2 if that rating is 1399 or below. If there are fewer than 20 players registered in either division as of July 5, 2017, the divisions will be automatically combined into a single division.

Your CQR is the highest Collins tournament rating attained at the end of a NASPA CSW-rated tournament which finished during the period from August 6, 2016 to July 12, 2017 (the start of last year's Championship to the close of registration). If you had a NASPA CSW rating prior to this period, but did not play during the period, your qualifying rating is that unchanged rating. If you do not have a NASPA CSW rating, but have a NASPA TWL rating, your CQR is your TWL QR. The Collins division will be run using NASPA rules, except that the Collins lexicon will be used and the challenge penalty will be 5 points per word. The Collins division will be NASPA and WESPA rated.

If there will be two divisions, player division assignments will be reviewed after July 12, 2017 to ensure that everyone is registered in the correct division. If the division in which you registered is not one in which your CQR permits you to play, we will automatically move you up to the lowest permissible division.

=== Information for International Players ===

If you are thinking about travelling from overseas to play in this event for the first time, please read our [[2017 NASC for Overseas Visitors]] page.

Again this year, there will again be one or two separate divisions of players using the [[Collins]] lexicon at the North American Scrabble Championship.

Players must have a NASPA, WESPA or other equivalent rating deemed acceptable by the Championship Committee tournament rating prior to competing. Those players with only a WESPA rating will be allowed to compete in CSW2 division if that rating is 1399 or below. For participants with both NASPA and WESPA ratings, the NASPA rating will be used to determine eligibility for CSW2.

The Collins division will be run using NASPA rules, except that the Collins lexicon will be used and the challenge penalty will be 5 points per word. The Collins division will be NASPA and WESPA rated. Please see full information about the division in the section above.

=== Entry Fees ===

The base entry fee for all divisions is $160.

Youths, defined as those whose 18th birthday is after July 22, 2017, may pay $50 to play in any division.

The above fees will be increased by $50 after May 10, 2017. For example, a non-youth player signing up on May 11, 2017 would pay $210, while a youth would pay $100.

Players accepted after the close of registration on July 12, 2017 must pay a $75 late penalty. For example, a non-youth player signing up on July 13, 2017 would pay $285, while a youth would pay $175. Acceptance of registrants after July 12, 2017 is not guaranteed, and will generally only be permitted if it does not cause a division to be uneven.

Players not staying at the host hotel for the duration of the event must also pay a commuter/facility fee of $20 per day ($100 maximum). The commuter fee does not apply to those local to the New Orleans area. Verification of status as a hotel guest will be performed at registration/check-in and throughout the event. Players staying at the host hotel for only part of the event must pay the full commuter fee, and may then apply for a refund of $20 per day stayed at the host hotel (to a maximum of $100) after the conclusion of the event, by providing the Championship Committee with hotel confirmation number and dates of stay.

Fees payable are computed based on when (Eastern Time) funds are received in full. If you are not paying right away online at the moment when you register, please be sure to allow enough time for your mailed payment to reach us.

=== Division Changes ===

To change divisions after you have registered, please email the organizing committee at [mailto:nsc@scrabbleplayers.org nsc@scrabbleplayers.org].
Division changes are subject to the following conditions:

* After registration closes on July 12, 2017, if your division change would increase the number of players who may potentially have to have byes (if you would make two divisions odd, or would make a smaller division odd), you will be waitlisted until this is not the case.

* If your rating rises above the limit for the division in which you registered, you will automatically be moved to the lowest division for which you qualify.

=== Refunds ===

If you paid your tournament fees by credit card, any credit owing to you will be issued to your card; otherwise, we will mail a check to your membership address as shown in your member profile.

No refunds will be issued after the refund deadlines described below.

All refunds are subject to a cancellation fee of $15.

If you decide you need to cancel your registration, we will refund your entry fee (and commuter fee, if applicable), if you so request by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 12, 2017.

=== Conditions ===

==== Rules, Code and Terms/Conditions ====
By registering for the NASC, you agree to abide by the NASPA Tournament [[Rules]] and [[Code of Conduct]], and agree to comply with the [[2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship Terms and Conditions]].
In particular, some games at this tournament, probably the highest Division 1 TWL and Collins board without a Gibsonized player, will be annotated live, and may be live streamed.
If you refuse to play a designated game with annotation, you will forfeit it, and may at the director’s discretion be assigned a spread penalty of −200 points.

==== Minor Release ====
A [http://www.scrabbleplayers.org/wiki/images/a/a2/2017_Minor_Release_and_Consent_Form.pdf Minor Release and Consent Form] will be required for all players under age 18 as of July 22, 2017, and may be downloaded and submitted in advance, or executed by a parent or guardian at registration.

==== Player Bulletin ====
Please read our
[[2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship Player Bulletin|Player Bulletin]], and check
it again for last-minute updates before you travel to the event.

==== Equipment Required ====
Participants in the 2017 North American Scrabble Championship are responsible for bringing all equipment necessary to play in the tournament. If neither player in a game has equipment available for their game, a double forfeit may be imposed.

==== Changes ====
The [[Championship Committee]] reserves the right to modify the above to account for unforeseen special circumstances.

== Format ==

The Format for the 2017 NASC will be 31 rounds of Championship Pairings, without any playoff rounds.

The NASC will be paired using tsh along the lines of 2014 and prior events, including Gibsonization on spread. After an initial phase of fixed pairings based on pre-event ratings, the top contenders are paired with each other, and everyone else is paired Swiss. These two groups, contenders and noncontenders, are paired with minimal repeats. For example, if there is no way to pair the contenders without at least one repeat, then they will be paired with one repeat.

The maximum number of contenders is typically 12 in Rounds 4-28, 8 in Round 29, 4 in Round 30 and 2 in Round 31. The contenders are further divided into a subgroup of leaders and non-leaders, if this can be done without increasing the number of required repeats while maintaining at least four players among the leaders. Leaders are paired by repeatedly having the top unpaired player play the lowest-ranked player that can catch up to them. Non-leaders are paired Swiss.

For further information about this pairing system, please refer to the section on Chew pairings in the tsh documentation.

== Hotel/Travel Information ==

=== Hotel Registration ===

The official event hotel is the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70113. The room rate is $149/night (plus taxes) for single or double occupancy. Triple occupancy rate is $174/night and quadruple occupancy is $199/night. All rooms include complimentary wireless internet.
'''Rates valid on reservations booked by June 21, 2017.''' Rooms booked after this date are subject to availability and at prevailing rates.

Reservations can be made online [https://aws.passkey.com/go/2017natlscrabblechampionship here] or by calling The Hyatt Regency at (504) 561-1234 and providing the group code '''NASC'''.

No commuter fee will be charged to those booking rooms at the host hotel using the block code.

Those who live outside of the New Orleans area and do not book a room at a host hotel will pay a $100 facility fee to contribute the cost of the venue space.

=== Hotel and Event Parking ===

The Hyatt Regency New Orleans offers valet parking at $40/day. Many nearby lots and garages in walking distances offer parking at significantly lower rates.

=== Dining ===

Downtown New Orleans boasts a number of different eateries, catering to all tastes and budgets. To view the many restaurant options available in New Orleans, Louisiana, please visit the [http://www.neworleanscvb.com/restaurants/ Restaurants Page] on the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau.

=== Sightseeing ===

There is much to see and do in the New Orleans region. Local attractions and activities can be explored on the [http://www.neworleanscvb.com//things-to-do/ Things to Do Page] of the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau.

=== Roommate Wanted ===

If you need a roommate and would like a listing here, please complete the [[NASC Roommate Request Form]].

IMPORTANT: When you get your roommate, please contact the committee so we can remove your listing.

=== Ride Wanted ===

If you need a ride/rider to or from the tournament, and would like a listing here, please complete the [[NASC Ride Request Form]].

IMPORTANT: When you get your ride/rider, please contact the committee so we can remove your listing.

=== Airport Transport Information ===

New Orleans, LA is served by the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport For complete airport information, please visit [https://www.flymsy.com/ www.flymsy.com].

=== Airport to Hotel ===

The host hotel offers shuttle service for an additional fee. Contact the Hyatt Regency directly to arrange.

For those arriving before the evening hours, public transportation via the E2 Airport-Downtown Express bus is $2 (cash) per person. The ride is approximately 45 minutes. The last route runs at 6:15pm weekdays. Get off at the last stop (Tulane & Loyola). Head south on Loyola four blocks to arrive at the Hyatt.

Taxi averages $40 from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Uber and Lyft average $20-30.

=== Ground Travel ===

Amtrak and Greyhound stations are co-located at 1001 Loyola Avenue and are a 5 minute walk from the Hyatt Regency.

== Check-In ==

To play in the first round on Saturday morning, you must check in between 12:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. on Friday, July 21, 2017, at the NASC registration desk (Hyatt Regency Elite Foyer). You may ask a friend to check in for you by proxy, if you cannot check in in person. If possible, please email us at nsc@scrabbleplayers.org to notify us in advance of proxy arrangements. If you check in by proxy, but do not show up to play, then neither you nor your proxy will be permitted to check in by proxy at future events. If you do not check in before the desk closes at 7:00 P.M., you may join the championship in progress as soon as it is convenient for the pairings staff to add you back in; this may not take place before Sunday morning. No refund will be issued to latecomers.

When you check in, you will be given an announcement sheet. This is to reduce the number of announcements that have to be made on Saturday morning, so that the event can get underway quickly. You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with the announcements and tournament schedule.

== Schedule ==

This '''schedule for the [[2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship]]''' may be modified to add new events, or possibly to change room locations. The schedule is considered tentative at this time. Any changes to the schedule moving forward will also be posted to the [[2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship Player Bulletin|Player Bulletin]].

=== Friday, July 21, 2017 ===
; 12:00 P.M.–7:00 P.M.
: Registration (Elite Foyer)
; 10:00 P.M.–11:30 P.M.
: After hours room open (Elite B)
; 12:00 P.M.–4:00 P.M.
: [[2017 NASC Early Bird|Early bird tournament]], restricted to NASC Staff and other NASPA directors (Elite A)
; 4:30 P.M.–5:30 P.M.
: Committee meeting for Division Leaders, Division Assistants, Auxiliary Staff (Imperial 2)
; 7:30 P.M.–10:00 P.M.
: [[2017 Opening Reception|Opening Reception]] (8-Block Kitchen and Bar)

=== Saturday, July 22, 2017 ===
; 8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.
: Group Photos - School SCRABBLE/Youth Players (Elite A)
; 8:55 A.M.–9:10 A.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 9:10 A.M.–1:15 P.M.
: Rounds 1–4 (Elite A)
; 1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.
: [[Canadian Committee]] and [[Technology Committee]] lunch meetings (Elite B)
; 2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 2:55 P.M.–3:05 P.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 3:05 P.M.–6:15 P.M.
: Rounds 5–7 (Elite A)
; 6:30 P.M.–10:00 P.M.
: Advisory Board Dinner Meeting (TBD)
; 9:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.
: After hours room open (Imperial 5AB)
; 7:45 P.M.–11:00 P.M.
: [[2017 NSC Trivia Contest|Trivia Contest]] (Imperial 5CD)

=== Sunday, July 23, 2017 ===
; 8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.
: Group Photos - Past NSC Champions/Division Winners (Elite A)
; 8:55 A.M.–9:10 A.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 9:10 A.M.–1:15 P.M.
: Rounds 8–11 (Elite A)
; 1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.
: [[Club/Director Committee]] and [[Rules Committee]] lunch meetings (Elite B)
; 2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 2:55 P.M.–3:05 P.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 3:05 P.M.–6:15 P.M.
: Rounds 12–14 (Elite A)
; 9:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.
: After hours room open (Imperial 5AB)
; 8:30 P.M.–11:30 P.M.
: [[Evening Musicale]] (Imperial 5CD)

=== Monday, July 24, 2017 ===
; 8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.
: Group Photo - NASC Staff (Elite A)
; 8:55 A.M.–9:00 A.M.
: Group Photo - Louisianans (Elite A)
; 9:00 A.M.–9:10 A.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 9:10 A.M.–1:15 P.M.
: Rounds 15–18 (Elite A)
; 1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.
: [[Forward Energy Committee]], [[Membership Committee]] and [[Tournament Committee]] lunch meetings (Elite B)
; 2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 2:55 P.M.–3:05 P.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 3:05 P.M.–6:15 P.M.
: Rounds 19–21 (Elite A)
; 9:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.
: After hours room open (Imperial 5AB)
; 8:30 P.M.–10:00 P.M.
: Town Hall meeting (Imperial 5CD)

=== Tuesday, July 25, 2017 ===
; 8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.
: Group Photo - International Players (Elite A)
: Group Photo - Family Members together at NASC (Elite A)
; 8:55 A.M.–9:00 A.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 9:00 A.M.–1:15 P.M.
: Rounds 22–25 (Elite A)
; 1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.
: [[International Committee]] and [[Social Media Committee]] lunch meetings (Courtyard - Legacy Salon A)
; 2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 2:55 P.M.–3:05 P.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 3:05 P.M.–6:15 P.M.
: Rounds 26–28 (Elite A)
; 9:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.
: After hours room open (Imperial 5AB)
; 7:30 P.M.–10:30 P.M.
: [[2017 NASC Director Meeting|Director meeting]] (Imperial 5CD)

=== Wednesday, July 26, 2017 ===
; 8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.
: Set up for play (Elite A)
; 8:50 A.M.–9:00 A.M.
: Announcements (Elite A)
; 9:00 A.M.–12:30 P.M.
: Rounds 29–31 (Elite A)
; 1:30 P.M.–3:00 P.M.
: Prize Ceremony (Imperial 5CD)
; 3:00 P.M.–7:00 P.M.
: Tear Down (Elite A)

== The Rose Award ==

Bob and Andi Schoenman, creators of Protiles, honor Rose Kreiswirth's memory. Rose was an expert Scrabble® player for over 30 years and cherished the game for its educational values. An accomplished player, Rose was as well known for her sense of fairness and her congeniality as she was for her competitiveness. '''The [[Rose Award]]''' will be awarded each year at the North American SCRABBLE Championship to a female player who, in the opinion of the judges, best exemplifies the fierce competitiveness and compassion that we remember Rose for. Thank you, Bob and Andi Schoenman!

== Other Donors ==

If you are interested in donating prizes to events at the championship, please email us at [mailto:nsc@scrabbleplayers.org nsc@scrabbleplayers.org].

== Sponsors ==

For information about sponsorship opportunities at the championship, please contact [[Chris Cree]].

== Prizes ==

=== Collins Incentive Prizes at the 2017 Nationals ===

[[Norman Wei]] and two other generous donors have organized and contributed to a prize pool to incentivize lower-rated players to play in [[Collins]] divisions at the 2017 NASC.

Prizes from a pool no less than $1800 will be awarded to the top
four eligible players with the highest spreads (not number of games
won) at the end of 31 games.

The following players are eligibility rules for this special prize pool:

* Any player with a qualification rating for the 2017 NASC, who does not have a qualification rating above 1300.
* Any player from outside of the United States and Canada who has a WESPA rating, but whose WESPA rating has not exceeded 1300 during the 2017 NASC qualification period.

Please note:

* Players who miss games (not including assigned byes) may not win prizes.
* In the event of a tie, prizes will be pooled and divided among the players involved.
* If there are not at least six eligible players playing at least one game on the first day of NASC 2017, these prizes will not be awarded.

Full details about cash and merchandise prizes will be listed on the [[2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship prizes|prize table]].

== Staff ==

; '''Organizer'''
: [[Chris Cree]]
; '''On-Site Executive / Webmaster'''
: [[John Chew]]
; '''Director'''
: [[Arthur Moore]]
; '''Assistant to the Director'''
: Diane Moore
; '''Division Leaders'''
: Division 1: [[John Robertson|John Robertson]]
: Division 2: [[Bryan Pepper]]
: Division 3: [[Daniel Stock|Dan Stock]]
: Division 4: [[Kieran OConnor|Kieran O'Connor]]
: Collins: [[Jason Idalski]]

== Other Volunteers ==

If you would like to volunteer to help out with the NASC in any of the capacities listed below, please fill out the [[NASC Volunteer Form]]. All registered volunteers will received a free NASC 2017 T-Shirt.

=== Friday, July 21 ===

Volunteers are needed to help prepare the playing room for the tournament.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Volunteers are needed to help with registration and check-in.

11:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M.
*
*
*
*
1:30 P.M.-3:30 P.M.
*
*
*
3:30 P.M.-5:30 P.M.
*
*
*
5:30 P.M.-7:30 P.M.
*
*
*
*
*

=== Wednesday, July 26 ===

We need about 15 '''Clean and Pack''' volunteers to help collect and box NASPA tournament supplies to be shipped back to the storage facility after the awards ceremony on Wed., July 26, 2017.

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

== Vendors ==

Only vendors of merchandise licensed by Hasbro will be provided with vendor space and permitted to display and/or sell products inside the tournament venue (which includes the playing room, after hours room, meeting rooms, and any other function rooms or prefunction space used by NASPA during the event). Licensed vendors are subject to prior approval by NASPA, at its sole and absolute discretion.

Other vendors who wish to sell products must do so at their own expense from their own rented space (hotel room, meeting room, etc.), subject to any applicable regulations. NASPA accepts no liability or responsibility for such vendors or their activities.

== Further Information ==

This page will be updated as the event draws nearer.
If you have urgent questions about the event, please
email us at [mailto:nsc@scrabbleplayers.org nsc@scrabbleplayers.org].

2017 WESPA Championship US Qualification System

2017-04-16T20:46:15Z

RichBaker:

This page outlines the criteria that are proposed to be used to
select the players who will represent the '''United States''' at the
'''[[2017 WESPA Championship]]''' (WESPAC17) to be held in
Nairobi, Kenya,
November 8-12, '''2017'''.

== Eligibility ==

All players wishing to qualify must be NASPA members in good standing and must play a minimum of 31 rated CSW tournament games during the Qualifying Period (QP) The 31 game minimum does not apply to players who qualify via the Qualification Tournament (QT).

United States citizens and permanent residents are eligible.

Players may not register for the qualification process if they have
already registered to qualify for another nation. If a player
registers to play for the U.S. and also attempts to represent another
nation at WESPAC17 (with or without withdrawing from the U.S.
registration), they will be ineligible to compete for the U.S. at
the next such championship.

== Registering for the qualification process ==

Players who intend to claim a spot on the team as one of the top
10 finishers at the 2015 WESPAC or who intend to qualify on the basis
of peak rating must register and commit to play by the end of the
Qualification Period (see below).
Any player who qualifies by peak rating or top ten finish, registers
for the process, and withdraws after the end of the Qualification
Period will be ineligible to qualify for the U.S. team at the next
WESPAC or equivalent event based on peak rating.
Players wishing to register should contact
[mailto:info@scrabbleplayers.org info@scrabbleplayers.org].
The deadline for registering for the qualification tournament will
be announced after the date for that tournament is set. All players
in the qualifying tournament must agree to attend the WESPAC if
they qualify.

Any player who qualifies via the qualifying tournament and withdraws
after the completion of the qualifying tournament will be ineligible
to qualify for the U.S. team at the next WESPAC or equivalent event
based on peak rating.

Any player who is ineligible to qualify for the U.S. team based on
peak rating due to dropping out after a deadline may appeal to the
[[International Committee]] U.S. Subcommittee to have their eligibility
reinstated.

The following players have registered for the qualification process
*Jennifer Lee
*Paula Catanese
*Ben Schoenbrun
*Steve Polatnick
*Jesse Day
*Kate Fukawa-Connelly

== Qualified players ==

The following players have qualified to represent the U.S.A. at the 2017 WESPAC:

Qualified via top ten overall finish at 2015 WESPAC
*Dave Wiegand
*Evans Clinchy

Qualified via peak rating:
* (none yet)

Qualified via Qualification tournament:
* (none yet)

Congratulations to all of the above.

== Qualification period (QP) ==

The qualification period began on December 1, 2015 and ends
on May 31, 2017 at 12 pm (midnight) Pacific Time.
The qualification tournament will be held sometime in the summer thereafter.

Note: Tournaments that are in progress at the beginning or end of the QP were
considered to fall within the QP.

== Available spots ==

The United States has 18 spots at WESPAC17, not including any players
earning WESPA invitations.

== Criteria (in order) ==

=== 1. [[World English-language Scrabble Players' Association]] (WESPA) invitation(s) ===

Any spots awarded by WESPA (for example, for being a finalist at
the previous SCT, or for being champion of the WYSC) do not count
against the United States' allotment.

=== 2. Top-ten finish in the [[2015 WESPA Championship]] ===

Any American finishing in the overall top ten in the 2015 WESPAC
will be invited to represent the U.S. in the 2017 WESPAC, provided
they maintain NASPA membership and play the minimum number of
tournament games in QP. If any of these players decline to play,
then additional spots will be determined by peak rating.

=== 3. Peak NASPA CSW rating (PR) ===

The 12 to 14 available slots (after allocating 4 spots for the Qualification Tournament, and the spots awarded under criteria 1 and 2) will be determined by peak NASPA CSW (Collins Scrabble Words) rating during the QP. A player must have played at least 31 fully rated (CSW) NASPA games before their post-tournament rating will count as a peak rating. The final rating from any fully rated tournament once this participation requirement is met may be used as a PR.
Any bonus points will count as a part of a person’s PR.
Ratings following tournaments which are not fully rated (i.e., LCTs) will not count as a peak rating, but any such games played will count as 1/3 of a game towards fulfilling the participation requirement.

=== 4. Qualification tournament (QT) ===

Four spots will be determined by a qualification tournament. Location, date and format will be announced later.
To be eligible for the QT, players must meet the eligibility requirements for representing the US at the 2017 WESPAC as enumerated above. The 31-game participation requirement does not apply to players who wish to qualify via the QT. Players who sign up for the QT will be automatically registered for the qualifying process, and must commit to play the WESPAC if they earn a spot.
Additionally, the fifth-place finisher at the QT will be the primary alternate for the US team at WESPAC.

=== 5. Unclaimed Spots ===

Any positions which remain open once the list of people interested
and eligible to qualify based on PR is exhausted will be allocated
based on peak NASPA rating (either CSW or TWL) in the qualification
period, with a minimum 4 game participation requirement in the
lexicon used to determine the peak rating. A position will be deemed
claimable once the appropriate deadline to register for that position
has passed. I.e., the spots in the U.S. allocation less five spots
reserved for the QT and two reserved for the NASC will be claimed
at the end of the QP; and five spots (four spots plus the position of
First Alternate who will be awarded a previously unclaimed spot,
should one exist) will be claimable at the end of the QT.

==== PR tie-breakers ====

# Head-to-head records among tied players in fully rated games during the QP.
# Second highest rating achieved after playing at least 31 games in the QP.
# Highest rating achieved after any fully rated tournament in the QP.
# Number of CSW games played in the QP.
# Drawing of lots.

== Qualification standings ==

Qualification standings will be posted here as soon as they are available.

== Alternates ==

The first spot opened by withdrawal of a player after the completion
of the Qualifying Tournament will be filled first by the Primary
Alternate (i.e., the fifth-place finisher in the Qualifying Tournament).
Any additional spots opened by withdrawal of a player after the
completion of the Qualifying Tournament, or any spots opened by the
withdrawal of a player before the Primary Alternate is selected
will be filled by PR.

[[Category:World SCRABBLE Championship 2017]]
[[Category:World SCRABBLE Championship]]

2017 WESPA Championship US Qualification System

2017-04-10T23:47:55Z

RichBaker:

This page outlines the criteria that are proposed to be used to
select the players who will represent the '''United States''' at the
'''[[2017 WESPA Championship]]''' (WESPAC17) to be held in
Nairobi, Kenya,
November 8-12, '''2017'''.

== Eligibility ==

All players wishing to qualify must be NASPA members in good standing and must play a minimum of 31 rated CSW tournament games during the Qualifying Period (QP) The 31 game minimum does not apply to players who qualify via the Qualification Tournament (QT).

United States citizens and permanent residents are eligible.

Players may not register for the qualification process if they have
already registered to qualify for another nation. If a player
registers to play for the U.S. and also attempts to represent another
nation at WESPAC17 (with or without withdrawing from the U.S.
registration), they will be ineligible to compete for the U.S. at
the next such championship.

== Registering for the qualification process ==

Players who intend to claim a spot on the team as one of the top
10 finishers at the 2015 WESPAC or who intend to qualify on the basis
of peak rating must register and commit to play by the end of the
Qualification Period (see below).
Any player who qualifies by peak rating or top ten finish, registers
for the process, and withdraws after the end of the Qualification
Period will be ineligible to qualify for the U.S. team at the next
WESPAC or equivalent event based on peak rating.
Players wishing to register should contact
[mailto:info@scrabbleplayers.org info@scrabbleplayers.org].
The deadline for registering for the qualification tournament will
be announced after the date for that tournament is set. All players
in the qualifying tournament must agree to attend the WESPAC if
they qualify.

Any player who qualifies via the qualifying tournament and withdraws
after the completion of the qualifying tournament will be ineligible
to qualify for the U.S. team at the next WESPAC or equivalent event
based on peak rating.

Any player who is ineligible to qualify for the U.S. team based on
peak rating due to dropping out after a deadline may appeal to the
[[International Committee]] U.S. Subcommittee to have their eligibility
reinstated.

The following players have registered for the qualification process
*Jennifer Lee
*Paula Catanese
*Ben Schoenbrun
*Steve Polatnick
*Jesse Day

== Qualified players ==

The following players have qualified to represent the U.S.A. at the 2017 WESPAC:

Qualified via top ten overall finish at 2015 WESPAC
*Dave Wiegand
*Evans Clinchy

Qualified via peak rating:
* (none yet)

Qualified via Qualification tournament:
* (none yet)

Congratulations to all of the above.

== Qualification period (QP) ==

The qualification period began on December 1, 2015 and ends
on May 31, 2017 at 12 pm (midnight) Pacific Time.
The qualification tournament will be held sometime in the summer thereafter.

Note: Tournaments that are in progress at the beginning or end of the QP were
considered to fall within the QP.

== Available spots ==

The United States has 18 spots at WESPAC17, not including any players
earning WESPA invitations.

== Criteria (in order) ==

=== 1. [[World English-language Scrabble Players' Association]] (WESPA) invitation(s) ===

Any spots awarded by WESPA (for example, for being a finalist at
the previous SCT, or for being champion of the WYSC) do not count
against the United States' allotment.

=== 2. Top-ten finish in the [[2015 WESPA Championship]] ===

Any American finishing in the overall top ten in the 2015 WESPAC
will be invited to represent the U.S. in the 2017 WESPAC, provided
they maintain NASPA membership and play the minimum number of
tournament games in QP. If any of these players decline to play,
then additional spots will be determined by peak rating.

=== 3. Peak NASPA CSW rating (PR) ===

The 12 to 14 available slots (after allocating 4 spots for the Qualification Tournament, and the spots awarded under criteria 1 and 2) will be determined by peak NASPA CSW (Collins Scrabble Words) rating during the QP. A player must have played at least 31 fully rated (CSW) NASPA games before their post-tournament rating will count as a peak rating. The final rating from any fully rated tournament once this participation requirement is met may be used as a PR.
Any bonus points will count as a part of a person’s PR.
Ratings following tournaments which are not fully rated (i.e., LCTs) will not count as a peak rating, but any such games played will count as 1/3 of a game towards fulfilling the participation requirement.

=== 4. Qualification tournament (QT) ===

Four spots will be determined by a qualification tournament. Location, date and format will be announced later.
To be eligible for the QT, players must meet the eligibility requirements for representing the US at the 2017 WESPAC as enumerated above. The 31-game participation requirement does not apply to players who wish to qualify via the QT. Players who sign up for the QT will be automatically registered for the qualifying process, and must commit to play the WESPAC if they earn a spot.
Additionally, the fifth-place finisher at the QT will be the primary alternate for the US team at WESPAC.

=== 5. Unclaimed Spots ===

Any positions which remain open once the list of people interested
and eligible to qualify based on PR is exhausted will be allocated
based on peak NASPA rating (either CSW or TWL) in the qualification
period, with a minimum 4 game participation requirement in the
lexicon used to determine the peak rating. A position will be deemed
claimable once the appropriate deadline to register for that position
has passed. I.e., the spots in the U.S. allocation less five spots
reserved for the QT and two reserved for the NASC will be claimed
at the end of the QP; and five spots (four spots plus the position of
First Alternate who will be awarded a previously unclaimed spot,
should one exist) will be claimable at the end of the QT.

==== PR tie-breakers ====

# Head-to-head records among tied players in fully rated games during the QP.
# Second highest rating achieved after playing at least 31 games in the QP.
# Highest rating achieved after any fully rated tournament in the QP.
# Number of CSW games played in the QP.
# Drawing of lots.

== Qualification standings ==

Qualification standings will be posted here as soon as they are available.

== Alternates ==

The first spot opened by withdrawal of a player after the completion
of the Qualifying Tournament will be filled first by the Primary
Alternate (i.e., the fifth-place finisher in the Qualifying Tournament).
Any additional spots opened by withdrawal of a player after the
completion of the Qualifying Tournament, or any spots opened by the
withdrawal of a player before the Primary Alternate is selected
will be filled by PR.

[[Category:World SCRABBLE Championship 2017]]
[[Category:World SCRABBLE Championship]]

2017 WESPA Championship US Qualification System

2017-02-10T02:03:54Z

RichBaker: /* Registering for the qualification process */

This page outlines the criteria that are proposed to be used to
select the players who will represent the '''United States''' at the
'''[[2017 WESPA Championship]]''' (WESPAC17) to be held in
Nairobi, Kenya,
November 8-12, '''2017'''.

== Eligibility ==

All players wishing to qualify must be NASPA members in good standing and must play a minimum of 31 rated CSW tournament games during the Qualifying Period (QP) The 31 game minimum does not apply to players who qualify via the Qualification Tournament (QT).

United States citizens and permanent residents are eligible.

Players may not register for the qualification process if they have
already registered to qualify for another nation. If a player
registers to play for the U.S. and also attempts to represent another
nation at WESPAC17 (with or without withdrawing from the U.S.
registration), they will be ineligible to compete for the U.S. at
the next such championship.

== Registering for the qualification process ==

Players who intend to claim a spot on the team as one of the top
10 finishers at the 2015 WESPAC or who intend to qualify on the basis
of peak rating must register and commit to play by the end of the
Qualification Period (see below).
Any player who qualifies by peak rating or top ten finish, registers
for the process, and withdraws after the end of the Qualification
Period will be ineligible to qualify for the U.S. team at the next
WESPAC or equivalent event based on peak rating.
Players wishing to register should contact
[mailto:info@scrabbleplayers.org info@scrabbleplayers.org].
The deadline for registering for the qualification tournament will
be announced after the date for that tournament is set. All players
in the qualifying tournament must agree to attend the WESPAC if
they qualify.

Any player who qualifies via the qualifying tournament and withdraws
after the completion of the qualifying tournament will be ineligible
to qualify for the U.S. team at the next WESPAC or equivalent event
based on peak rating.

Any player who is ineligible to qualify for the U.S. team based on
peak rating due to dropping out after a deadline may appeal to the
[[International Committee]] U.S. Subcommittee to have their eligibility
reinstated.

The following players have registered for the qualification process
*Jennifer Lee
*Paula Catanese

== Qualified players ==

The following players have qualified to represent the U.S.A. at the 2017 WESPAC:

Qualified via top ten overall finish at 2015 WESPAC
*Dave Wiegand
*Evans Clinchy

Qualified via peak rating:
* (none yet)

Qualified via Qualification tournament:
* (none yet)

Congratulations to all of the above.

== Qualification period (QP) ==

The qualification period began on December 1, 2015 and ends
on May 31, 2017 at 12 pm (midnight) Pacific Time.
The qualification tournament will be held sometime in the summer thereafter.

Note: Tournaments that are in progress at the beginning or end of the QP were
considered to fall within the QP.

== Available spots ==

The United States has 18 spots at WESPAC17, not including any players
earning WESPA invitations.

== Criteria (in order) ==

=== 1. [[World English-language Scrabble Players' Association]] (WESPA) invitation(s) ===

Any spots awarded by WESPA (for example, for being a finalist at
the previous SCT, or for being champion of the WYSC) do not count
against the United States' allotment.

=== 2. Top-ten finish in the [[2015 WESPA Championship]] ===

Any American finishing in the overall top ten in the 2015 WESPAC
will be invited to represent the U.S. in the 2017 WESPAC, provided
they maintain NASPA membership and play the minimum number of
tournament games in QP. If any of these players decline to play,
then additional spots will be determined by peak rating.

=== 3. Peak NASPA CSW rating (PR) ===

The 12 to 14 available slots (after allocating 4 spots for the Qualification Tournament, and the spots awarded under criteria 1 and 2) will be determined by peak NASPA CSW (Collins Scrabble Words) rating during the QP. A player must have played at least 31 fully rated (CSW) NASPA games before their post-tournament rating will count as a peak rating. The final rating from any fully rated tournament once this participation requirement is met may be used as a PR.
Any bonus points will count as a part of a person’s PR.
Ratings following tournaments which are not fully rated (i.e., LCTs) will not count as a peak rating, but any such games played will count as 1/3 of a game towards fulfilling the participation requirement.

=== 4. Qualification tournament (QT) ===

Four spots will be determined by a qualification tournament. Location, date and format will be announced later.
To be eligible for the QT, players must meet the eligibility requirements for representing the US at the 2017 WESPAC as enumerated above. The 31-game participation requirement does not apply to players who wish to qualify via the QT. Players who sign up for the QT will be automatically registered for the qualifying process, and must commit to play the WESPAC if they earn a spot.
Additionally, the fifth-place finisher at the QT will be the primary alternate for the US team at WESPAC.

=== 5. Unclaimed Spots ===

Any positions which remain open once the list of people interested
and eligible to qualify based on PR is exhausted will be allocated
based on peak NASPA rating (either CSW or TWL) in the qualification
period, with a minimum 4 game participation requirement in the
lexicon used to determine the peak rating. A position will be deemed
claimable once the appropriate deadline to register for that position
has passed. I.e., the spots in the U.S. allocation less five spots
reserved for the QT and two reserved for the NASC will be claimed
at the end of the QP; and five spots (four spots plus the position of
First Alternate who will be awarded a previously unclaimed spot,
should one exist) will be claimable at the end of the QT.

==== PR tie-breakers ====

# Head-to-head records among tied players in fully rated games during the QP.
# Second highest rating achieved after playing at least 31 games in the QP.
# Highest rating achieved after any fully rated tournament in the QP.
# Number of CSW games played in the QP.
# Drawing of lots.

== Qualification standings ==

Qualification standings will be posted here as soon as they are available.

== Alternates ==

The first spot opened by withdrawal of a player after the completion
of the Qualifying Tournament will be filled first by the Primary
Alternate (i.e., the fifth-place finisher in the Qualifying Tournament).
Any additional spots opened by withdrawal of a player after the
completion of the Qualifying Tournament, or any spots opened by the
withdrawal of a player before the Primary Alternate is selected
will be filled by PR.

[[Category:World SCRABBLE Championship 2017]]
[[Category:World SCRABBLE Championship]]

2017 WESPA Championship US Qualification System

2017-02-04T18:48:12Z

RichBaker: /* Registering for the qualification process */

This page outlines the criteria that are proposed to be used to
select the players who will represent the '''United States''' at the
'''[[2017 WESPA Championship]]''' (WESPAC17) to be held in
Nairobi, Kenya,
November 8-12, '''2017'''.

== Eligibility ==

All players wishing to qualify must be NASPA members in good standing and must play a minimum of 31 rated CSW tournament games during the Qualifying Period (QP) The 31 game minimum does not apply to players who qualify via the Qualification Tournament (QT).

United States citizens and permanent residents are eligible.

Players may not register for the qualification process if they have
already registered to qualify for another nation. If a player
registers to play for the U.S. and also attempts to represent another
nation at WESPAC17 (with or without withdrawing from the U.S.
registration), they will be ineligible to compete for the U.S. at
the next such championship.

== Registering for the qualification process ==

Players who intend to claim a spot on the team as one of the top
10 finishers at the 2015 WESPAC or who intend to qualify on the basis
of peak rating must register and commit to play by the end of the
Qualification Period (see below).
Any player who qualifies by peak rating or top ten finish, registers
for the process, and withdraws after the end of the Qualification
Period will be ineligible to qualify for the U.S. team at the next
WESPAC or equivalent event based on peak rating.
Players wishing to register should contact
[mailto:info@scrabbleplayers.org info@scrabbleplayers.org].
The deadline for registering for the qualification tournament will
be announced after the date for that tournament is set. All players
in the qualifying tournament must agree to attend the WESPAC if
they qualify.

Any player who qualifies via the qualifying tournament and withdraws
after the completion of the qualifying tournament will be ineligible
to qualify for the U.S. team at the next WESPAC or equivalent event
based on peak rating.

Any player who is ineligible to qualify for the U.S. team based on
peak rating due to dropping out after a deadline may appeal to the
[[International Committee]] U.S. Subcommittee to have their eligibility
reinstated.

The following players have registered for the qualification process
*Jennifer Lee

== Qualified players ==

The following players have qualified to represent the U.S.A. at the 2017 WESPAC:

Qualified via top ten overall finish at 2015 WESPAC
*Dave Wiegand
*Evans Clinchy

Qualified via peak rating:
* (none yet)

Qualified via Qualification tournament:
* (none yet)

Congratulations to all of the above.

== Qualification period (QP) ==

The qualification period began on December 1, 2015 and ends
on May 31, 2017 at 12 pm (midnight) Pacific Time.
The qualification tournament will be held sometime in the summer thereafter.

Note: Tournaments that are in progress at the beginning or end of the QP were
considered to fall within the QP.

== Available spots ==

The United States has 18 spots at WESPAC17, not including any players
earning WESPA invitations.

== Criteria (in order) ==

=== 1. [[World English-language Scrabble Players' Association]] (WESPA) invitation(s) ===

Any spots awarded by WESPA (for example, for being a finalist at
the previous SCT, or for being champion of the WYSC) do not count
against the United States' allotment.

=== 2. Top-ten finish in the [[2015 WESPA Championship]] ===

Any American finishing in the overall top ten in the 2015 WESPAC
will be invited to represent the U.S. in the 2017 WESPAC, provided
they maintain NASPA membership and play the minimum number of
tournament games in QP. If any of these players decline to play,
then additional spots will be determined by peak rating.

=== 3. Peak NASPA CSW rating (PR) ===

The 12 to 14 available slots (after allocating 4 spots for the Qualification Tournament, and the spots awarded under criteria 1 and 2) will be determined by peak NASPA CSW (Collins Scrabble Words) rating during the QP. A player must have played at least 31 fully rated (CSW) NASPA games before their post-tournament rating will count as a peak rating. The final rating from any fully rated tournament once this participation requirement is met may be used as a PR.
Any bonus points will count as a part of a person’s PR.
Ratings following tournaments which are not fully rated (i.e., LCTs) will not count as a peak rating, but any such games played will count as 1/3 of a game towards fulfilling the participation requirement.

=== 4. Qualification tournament (QT) ===

Four spots will be determined by a qualification tournament. Location, date and format will be announced later.
To be eligible for the QT, players must meet the eligibility requirements for representing the US at the 2017 WESPAC as enumerated above. The 31-game participation requirement does not apply to players who wish to qualify via the QT. Players who sign up for the QT will be automatically registered for the qualifying process, and must commit to play the WESPAC if they earn a spot.
Additionally, the fifth-place finisher at the QT will be the primary alternate for the US team at WESPAC.

=== 5. Unclaimed Spots ===

Any positions which remain open once the list of people interested
and eligible to qualify based on PR is exhausted will be allocated
based on peak NASPA rating (either CSW or TWL) in the qualification
period, with a minimum 4 game participation requirement in the
lexicon used to determine the peak rating. A position will be deemed
claimable once the appropriate deadline to register for that position
has passed. I.e., the spots in the U.S. allocation less five spots
reserved for the QT and two reserved for the NASC will be claimed
at the end of the QP; and five spots (four spots plus the position of
First Alternate who will be awarded a previously unclaimed spot,
should one exist) will be claimable at the end of the QT.

==== PR tie-breakers ====

# Head-to-head records among tied players in fully rated games during the QP.
# Second highest rating achieved after playing at least 31 games in the QP.
# Highest rating achieved after any fully rated tournament in the QP.
# Number of CSW games played in the QP.
# Drawing of lots.

== Qualification standings ==

Qualification standings will be posted here as soon as they are available.

== Alternates ==

The first spot opened by withdrawal of a player after the completion
of the Qualifying Tournament will be filled first by the Primary
Alternate (i.e., the fifth-place finisher in the Qualifying Tournament).
Any additional spots opened by withdrawal of a player after the
completion of the Qualifying Tournament, or any spots opened by the
withdrawal of a player before the Primary Alternate is selected
will be filled by PR.

[[Category:World SCRABBLE Championship 2017]]
[[Category:World SCRABBLE Championship]]