Rules for playing:
Yorkshire Scrabble League
Rules and Protocols for playing
3rd Yorkshire Scrabble League 2011
Rules and Protocols for playing
Some basic rules/reminders to assist the smooth running of games
Changes from last year have been underlined
1. Entry:
1a. A properly completed entry form accompanied by the entry fee is required.
1b. Players are politely reminded that venues are player’s homes/clubs and appropriate respect will be applied; some players may not be suited to this format, i.e. Health and Safety issues.
1c. The Tournament Organiser (TO) reserves the right to refuse entry.
2. Games:
2a. Association of British Scrabble Players (ABSP – from 1 Jan 2011 some WESPA rules V1, were adopted) and Yorkshire Scrabble League (YSL) rules will apply strictly to all games.
2b. Games are played using an appropriate clock and set to 25 minutes per side.
2c. Challenges are ‘Free’ or ‘5-point penalty’. YSL does not advocate a challenge protocol, it is a matter for the players, however, if agreement cannot be reached, ‘Free Challenge’ will prevail. If 5-point penalty is chosen, players are reminded that it is currently per challenge; it is also a requirement to note the challenge type on the return slip.
2d. Depending upon the number of entries and divisions everyone will play everyone once or twice, this will be determined before the start of the league so that there is no doubt. In this 3rd league each player will play each other twice.
2e. Players are reminded to keep chatting/noise to a minimum whilst others are playing.
2f. Players are reminded to count tiles before starting – show empty hands before and after drawing tiles, keep the top of tile bags at or above eye level, look away from the bag and keep the bag in full view of the opponent when replenishing racks.
2g. Players are reminded to be cautious when replenishing racks; a player has overdrawn tiles (only the main issues here):
2g.1(rule 3.9.5a) – neutralise the timer, (3.9.5b). ascertain whether any newly drawn tile has touched the rack.
If a newly drawn tile has touched the rack, then the correct procedure is given in sub section 2g.2 (3.9.5c); if not, the correct procedure is given in subsection 2.2 (3.9.5d).
2g.2 (rule 3.9.5c) (i) The overdrawing tile player intermixes the newly drawn and old tiles and places them face down on the table.
(ii) The opponent randomly turns face up the number of overdrawn tiles plus one tile. Both players should see the tiles.
(iii) The opponent selects the tiles to return to the bag and returns one tile to the overdrawing player.
2g.2 (rule 3.9.5d) (i) The overdrawing player places only the newly drawn tiles face down on the table.
(ii) The opponent randomly turns face up the number of tiles overdrawn plus one tile from the rack. Both players should see the tiles.
(iii) The opponent selects the number of overdrawn tiles to return to the bag and returns one to the overdrawing player.
2g.3 (rule 3.9.6) If a player overdraws, and the opponent notices before the player discloses it, then the correct procedure is:
2g.3 (rule 3.9.6a) The timer is neutralised.
2g.3 (rule 3.9.6b) The player displayers his/her entire rack (including newly drawn and old tiles) to the opponent;
2g.3 (rule 3.9.6c) The opponent selects the number of tiles to be returned to the bag, leaving 7 tiles for the rack.
2g.4 (rule 3.9.7) A player who becomes aware that he/she has overdrawn has a duty to disclose the overdraw. Failure to do so is unethical (rule 6.2.2). This doesn’t amount to cheating but does trigger rule 2g.3(3.9.6).
2h. Players are reminded to keep tiles bags well apart if more than one pair are playing on the same table, to avoid picking tiles from the wrong bag.
2i. Outcomes of games are dependant upon win and spread, therefore resigning is not an option.
2j. Hosts or their representative should complete a results form, checking that it is accurate; this should include FC or 5pp and the blank tiles choice of letters, a copy should then be sent as soon as possible to the TO or TD.
2k. The TO will stand in for the TD if the TD is playing a game, if the TD is playing the TO and an unlikely dispute arises, the timer will be neutralised to consult the rules for a decision, a note will be made of the dispute to ensure transparency.
2l. The TD will be contacted if a dispute cannot be suitably resolved.
3. Fixtures:
3a. Depending upon the number of entries and divisions everyone will play everyone once or twice, this will be determined before the start of the league so that there is no doubt. See also, 2d.
3b. When possible and depending upon entry numbers, matches will be arranged in a round robin format, it may be necessary to use byes later in the competition. It may also be necessary to arrange a different format if numbers are low or ‘odd’.
3c. An email reminder will be sent to all players before the start of each round. Players have a responsibility to respond reasonably quickly to this email (3-4 days is considered reasonable*) by sending others in their group a list of available dates and whether or not hosting is possible. Holidays* may affect this; see 3d.
3d. There will normally be approximately 28 days to play a round, a considered date will be arranged with the agreement of the group; the TO/TD reserves the right to adjust rounds/periods to accommodate bank holidays, advised holidays and advised sickness. Players will note this is a concession and not a right, as it may affect other groups ultimately.
4. Absenteeism/Lateness/Illness during a match:
4a. If a player has not turned up on time for a match the clock must be started by the host; take no further action until the player turns up, neutralise the clock, the time left is what the late player has left in which to play.
4b If 2 players have not turned up and are due to play each other first; the clock (or a clock) will still be started/timed by the host take no further action at that point. See 4c for guide.
4c. If player/s turn up after the clock has started, the clock is neutralised at that point. The difference is what player A has left to play. If Player B still hasn’t turned up restart the clock, if player be turns up, the remaining time is what he/she has left to play.
4d. Notify the TO/TD immediately if someone has not turned up on time, this will give the TO/TD the opportunity to contact the absentee. If and when player/s turn up and they have any doubts about the time penalty procedure applied by the host then they should contact the TD for advice.
4e. If a player notifies the host/group that they will be late for a valid reason prior to the start of the match, the group can make one of the following decisions; delay the start, delay the start of the late person’s game or start the clock if it will cause problems for one or more of the group.
4f. If a player/s does not turn up and has not contacted the Group (that is, those who they should be playing), the TD will make a ruling and advise the player/s accordingly, see 4g.
4g. Scheduled games not played for any reason will incur a penalty; if a game is forfeited because a player is late or did not turn up, then the game stands as a win for the opponent with a spread of 150 points and be excluded from rating.
4h. If a player becomes ill during a match and has to miss part of the game; the TD will be notified as soon as possible with full details, to enable a ruling.
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