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−	The '''2016 North American SCRABBLE Championship''' will take place on August 6-10, 2016, at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This webpage will be updated regularly as additional details became available.	+	[[File:FtWayne-small.jpg|right|176px|NASC 2016 image]]
−	Your NASPA Social Media Committee, in collaboration with Visit Fort Wayne, has put together a short presentation to introduce you to Indiana’s second largest city, a hidden gem that will serve as a wonderful host city for the crown jewel of our tournament calendar. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYqSkmba2Xo&feature=youtu.be You can view the presentation in video form here].	+	NOTE: THIS PAGE IS UNDER DEVELOPMENT AND ALL INFORMATION POSTED HERE IS PRELIMINARY. THE OFFICIAL RELEASE OF THE PAGE IS EXPECTED TO OCCUR ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2015. AT THAT TIME, A NOTICE WILL BE PLACED IN THIS SPACE INDICATING THAT THE INFORMATION HAS BEEN FINALIZED.
−	If you would like to view an interactive version with clickable links, [https://docs.google.com/a/neoscrabble.com/presentation/d/1fcrchTm8fq_2D0LX4FzgVN4vsbLTxZn5UEQRKK3dIhI/present#slide=id.p4 you can view that here].	+	The '''2016 North American SCRABBLE Championship''' will take place on August 6-10, 2016 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center, 120 W. Jefferson Boulevard, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802, with the Courtyard Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Center and Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Center serving as host hotels. This webpage will be updated regularly as additional details became available.
		+
		+	==  Live Event Coverage ==
−	Fort Wayne is the Northern, central location that provided the most attractive combination of criteria for our marquee SCRABBLE event. It is within driving distance of numerous Midwest cities, it has a beautiful, state of the art convention space, the weather averages predict relatively pleasant conditions, there are copious food options within walking distance, including some at an award-winning minor league baseball park, there are local attractions for visiting non-players, reasonable hotel rates of $99-112, and the staff from Visit Fort Wayne, the Grand Wayne Convention Center, and our host hotels are all eager and enthusiastic to welcome us to their town.  For location information prepared especially for us, please visit [http://www.visitfortwayne.com/scrabble this link].	+	Live Event Coverage will be available throughout the event. A link will be posted here, once it is available.
−	John Chew and Chris Cree told the folks at Hasbro at a January meeting where the 2016 NASC would be held. The reaction was predictable. Chris said, “Well, pal, throw us $200,000 and we will be in Chicago with the ghost of Frank Sinatra singing 'My Kind of Town.' By the way, the North American School SCRABBLE Championship, hosted by a multi-billion dollar global entity will be held in...Paw...what – it, Rhode Island?"	+	== Registration ==
−	'''How Site Selection Works'''	+	Registration will be available in early January 2016.  Once registration opens, a link to a list of registered players will be placed on this page.
−	The process of site selection for a Championship begins about two years before NASC Director Dallas Johnson surveys the competitors and says, “You may begin.” In a previous Monthly Message to the membership, Chris Cree outlined some of the myriad steps required in the production of an NSC (now NASC): the first two steps in that 30+ item list were finding adequate space and analyzing numerous offers from various cities and properties.	+	The rest of this section describes in detail the various terms and conditions of registration, most of which are also discussed on the registration form.
−	The factors that the Championship Committee must take into account when choosing a city and venue include:
−	* venue cost
−	* accommodation cost
−	* likely number of players booking each category of accommodation
−	* weather
−	* hotel availability
−	* hotel quality
−	* number of active players within driving distance
−	* airport access
−	* air carriers serving airport and direct flights to other airports
−	* parking rates on site and off site
−	* proximity to restaurants and entertainment
−	* notable nearby tourist attractions
−	* proximity to medical and courier services
−	* the eagerness of the venue to welcome our group
−	* and more
		+	Registration will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 27, 2016, after which players will only be accepted if they do not make a division odd.
−	The location in the country is narrowed down for us based on the decision to rotate through six regions of the country, to try to give each region a chance to have a relatively local event. The 2014 Buffalo NSC was in the Northeast, the 2015 Reno NASC is in the Northwest, and the 2016 NASC will be in the Northern central part of the country.  The following cities provided NASPA with proposals or hosted one or more members of the Executive Committee for a site visit, sometimes with the input and support of local club and tournament directors: St. Louis, Kansas City, Wichita, Louisville, Cincinnati/Northern KY, Columbus, Akron, Cleveland, Dayton, Minneapolis, South Bend, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Sioux Falls, Detroit, Chicago, Madison, and Milwaukee.	+	=== Eligibility ===
−	In many cases, local Visitor Bureaus, hotels and venues start room rates at $159 or higher, or charge a substantial fee for the playing space without offering any offsets based on room night commitments. The harder ones to rule out are the ones that offer what looks like a good deal on paper, necessitating an on-site visit. In person it can become obvious that there are poor sight-lines in the playing space due to an inexplicably large number of supporting columns, that the breakout rooms can't be accessed from the main playing space by players in wheelchairs, that the entire hotel smells of mold or is otherwise unsuitable, or that what seemed like a reasonable walk from the hotel to the nearest restaurant district doesn't look safe.	+	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.
−	Read more about the production of a National SCRABBLE Championship in the [[Monthly Message]] archive.	+	If you meet these criteria and prefer to play using the international Collins (CSW) lexicon, you may do so. If your 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. If there are fewer than 20 players registered in either division as of July 20, 2016, the divisions will be automatically combined into a single division. The qualifying NASPA CSW rating is the highest tournament rating attained at the end of a NASPA CSW-rated tournament which finished during the period from August 1, 2015 to July 27, 2016 (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.) The CSW divisions will be NASPA and WESPA rated.
−	'''Looking Ahead'''	+	If not, then the TWL division(s), numbered 1–4, in which you may play depend on your rating as follows. If you do not have a NASPA rating, you must play in Division 1, the open division. If you do have a NASPA rating, then your division eligibility is based on a Qualification Rating (QR), which 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 1, 2015 to July 27, 2016 (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.) If your QR is 1800 or higher, you must play in Division 1. If it is in the range 1400–1799, you must play in Division 1 or 2. If it is in the range 1100–1399, you must play in Division 1, 2 or 3. If it is below 1100, you may play in any of the four divisions.
−	Now that the venue has been selected, we look forward to putting together the rest of the details that make this event so special in the eyes of our players. We hope that our members continue to enthusiastically offer their support to make this event happen, as much relies on volunteers and staff: in the planning stages, at the event, or through membership on the Championship Committee. Though we do a lot of planning in advance, we will be doing so with the wishes of the members at the forefront. The Championship Committee plans to solicit feedback from both attendees and non-attendee NASPA members after the 2015 NASC, specifically including feedback about the format.  In order to maximize member input into the process, we have asked the new Social Media Committee to solicit interested individuals to help craft the language for that feedback form.  We will publish the results of the feedback to the membership, and will rely heavily on the opinion of the membership as to the relative merits of the format alternatives in establishing the format for the 2016 NASC. In addition, the Championship Committee will provide advance notice of the format tentatively selected for the 2016 NASC to the membership prior to opening registration for next year’s tournament, so that members will have an additional opportunity to have input into the process before the format is established.	+	Player division assignments will be reviewed after July 27, 2016 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.
−	We look forward to seeing you in Reno this year, in Fort Wayne next year, and at many events in between.  Any feedback regarding the NSC can be sent to nsc@scrabbleplayers.org.	+	=== Collins Division ===
		+
		+	If you are thinking about travelling from overseas to play in this event for the first time, please read our [[2016 NASC for Overseas Visitors]] page.
		+
		+	Again this year, there will again be a separate division of players using the [[Collins]] lexicon at the North American Scrabble Championship.
		+
		+	If you do not have a tournament rating (NASPA, WESPA, or other equivalent rating deemed acceptable by the Championship Committee), you must first obtain one at a regular tournament before competing in the Championship.
		+
		+	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.
		+
		+	=== Entry Fees ===
		+
		+	The base entry fee for all divisions is expected to be $160.  Once finally determined, the entry fee will be listed here, along with any discounted entry fees and increases after certain dates.
		+
		+	'''Players not staying at one of the host hotels 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 Fort Wayne 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 27, 2016, 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 27, 2016.
		+
		+	=== 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 [[2016 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 Minor Release and Consent Form will be required for all players under age 18 as of August 6, 2016, and may be downloaded and submitted in advance, or executed by a parent or guardian at registration.
		+
		+	==== Player Bulletin ====
		+	Please read our
		+	[[2016 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 2016 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 is currently under consideration by the NASPA Advisory Board.  Once it has been determined, it will be posted on this page.
		+
		+	== Hotel/Travel Information ==
		+
		+	=== Hotel Registration ===
		+
		+	The official event hotels are the Courtyard Fort Wayne Downtown at Grand Wayne Convention Center and the Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center.  Booking information for each hotel will be listed on this page soon.
		+
		+	Those who live outside of the Fort Wayne 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 ===
		+
		+	Parking information will be posted soon.
		+
		+	=== Dining ===
		+
		+	Downtown Fort Wayne boasts a number of different eateries, catering to all tastes and budgets.  To view the many restaurant options available in Fort Wayne, Indiana, please visit the [http://www.visitfortwayne.com/restaurants/ Restaurants Page] on the Visit Fort Wayne website.
		+
		+	=== Sightseeing ===
		+
		+	There is much to see and do in the Fort Wayne region.  Local attractions and activities can be explored on the [http://www.visitfortwayne.com/things-to-do/ Things to Do Page] of the Visit Fort Wayne website.
		+
		+	=== 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 ===
		+
		+	Fort Wayne, Indiana is served by the Fort Wayne International Airport.  For complete airport information, please visit [https://www.fwairport.com/ www.fwairport.com].
		+
		+	=== Airport Shuttle ===
		+
		+	Both host hotels offer a complimentary airport shuttle.  Shuttle information will be posted here soon.
		+
		+	Many other hotels in the area also offer complimentary shuttle transportation.  If you are not staying at the host hotel, please check with your property for shuttle information.
		+
		+	== Check-In ==
		+
		+	To play in the first round on Saturday morning, you must check in between 10:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. on Friday, August 5, 2016, at the NASC registration desk (Convention Center - Harrison A-D). 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 [[2016 North American SCRABBLE Championship]]''' may be modified to add new events, or possibly to change room locations. Until about a month before the event, it should be considered an early draft, with only the times for registration and the main event to be set in stone.
		+
		+	Nearly all events take place at either the Grand Wayne Convention Center (GWCC) or the Courtyard Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Center (Courtyard).
		+
		+	=== Friday, August 5, 2016 ===
		+	; 10:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M.
		+	: Registration (GWCC - Harrison A-D)
		+	; 10:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.
		+	: After hours room open (Courtyard - Foster)
		+	; 12:00 P.M.–4:00 P.M.
		+	: [[2016 NASC Early Bird|Early bird tournament]], restricted to NASC Staff and other NASPA directors (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 4:30 P.M.–5:30 P.M.
		+	: Committee meeting for Division Leaders, Division Assistants, Auxiliary Staff (Courtyard - Lawton)
		+	; 7:30 P.M.–10:00 P.M.
		+	: [[2016 Opening Reception|Opening Reception]] (Courtyard - Legacy Ballroom)
		+
		+	=== Saturday, August 6, 2016 ===
		+	; 8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.
		+	: Set up for play (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.
		+	: Group Photos - School SCRABBLE/Youth Players (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 8:55 A.M.–9:10 A.M.
		+	: Announcements (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 9:10 A.M.–1:15 P.M.
		+	: Rounds 1–4 (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.
		+	: [[Canadian Committee]] and [[Technology Committee]] lunch meetings (Courtyard - Legacy Salon A)
		+	; 2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.
		+	: Set up for play (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 2:55 P.M.–3:05 P.M.
		+	: Announcements (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 3:05 P.M.–6:15 P.M.
		+	: Rounds 5–7 (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 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 (Courtyard - Foster)
		+	; 8:00 P.M.–11:00 P.M.
		+	: [[2016 NSC Trivia Contest|Trivia Contest]] (Courtyard - Legacy B/C)
		+
		+	=== Sunday, August 7, 2016 ===
		+	; 8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.
		+	: Set up for play (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.
		+	: Group Photos - Past NSC Champions/Division Winners (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 8:55 A.M.–9:05 A.M.
		+	: Announcements (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 9:05 A.M.–1:15 P.M.
		+	: Rounds 8–11 (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.
		+	: [[Club/Director Committee]] and [[Rules Committee]] lunch meetings (Courtyard - Legacy Salon A)
		+	; 2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.
		+	: Set up for play (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 2:55 P.M.–3:00 P.M.
		+	: Announcements (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 3:00 P.M.–6:15 P.M.
		+	: Rounds 12–14 (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 9:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.
		+	: After hours room open (Courtyard - Foster)
		+	; 8:30 P.M.–11:30 P.M.
		+	: [[Evening Musicale]] (Courtyard - Legacy B/C)
		+
		+	=== Monday, August 8, 2016 ===
		+	; 8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.
		+	: Set up for play (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.
		+	: Group Photo - NASC Staff (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 8:55 A.M.–9:00 A.M.
		+	: Group Photo - (GWCC Indianans - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 9:00 A.M.–9:10 A.M.
		+	: Announcements (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 9:10 A.M.–1:15 P.M.
		+	: Rounds 15–18 (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.
		+	: [[Membership Committee]], [[Tournament Committee]] and [[International Committee]] lunch meetings (Courtyard - Legacy Salon A)
		+	; 1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.
		+	: World Youth Events informational meeting (GWCC - Anthony Wayne Ballroom A)
		+	; 2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.
		+	: Set up for play (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 2:55 P.M.–3:05 P.M.
		+	: Announcements (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 3:05 P.M.–6:15 P.M.
		+	: Rounds 19–21 (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 9:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.
		+	: After hours room open (Courtyard - Foster)
		+	; 8:30 P.M.–10:00 P.M.
		+	: Town Hall meeting (GWCC - Anthony Wayne Ballroom B)
		+
		+	=== Tuesday, August 9, 2016 ===
		+	; 8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.
		+	: Set up for play (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.
		+	: Group Photo - International Players (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	: Group Photo - Family Members together at NASC (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 8:55 A.M.–9:00 A.M.
		+	: Announcements (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 9:00 A.M.–1:15 P.M.
		+	: Rounds 22–25 (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.
		+	: [[Dictionary Committee]] lunch meeting (Courtyard - Legacy Salon A)
		+	; 1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.
		+	: [[Social Media Committee]] lunch meeting (Courtyard - Legacy Salon A)
		+	; 2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.
		+	: Set up for play (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 2:55 P.M.–3:00 P.M.
		+	: Announcements (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 3:00 P.M.–6:15 P.M.
		+	: Rounds 26–28 (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 9:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.
		+	: After hours room open (Courtyard - Foster)
		+	; 8:00 P.M.–9:30 P.M.
		+	: [[2016 NASC Director Meeting|Director meeting]] (GWCC - Jefferson A)
		+
		+	=== Wednesday, August 10, 2016 ===
		+	; 8:30 A.M.–8:55 A.M.
		+	: Set up for play (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 8:55 A.M.–9:00 A.M.
		+	: Announcements (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 9:00 A.M.–12:30 P.M.
		+	: Rounds 29–31 (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+	; 1:30 P.M.–3:00 P.M.
		+	: Prize Ceremony (GWCC - Anthony Wayne Ballroom B)
		+	; 3:00 P.M.–7:00 P.M.
		+	: Tear Down (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)
		+
		+	== 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 ==
		+
		+	Full details about cash and merchandise prizes will be listed on the [[2016 North American SCRABBLE Championship prizes|prize table]].
		+
		+	== Staff ==
		+	TBA
		+
		+	== Other Volunteers ==
		+
		+	=== Thursday, August 3 ===
		+
		+	Volunteers are needed to help prepare the playing room for the tournament.
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+
		+	=== Friday, July 31 ===
		+
		+	Volunteers are needed to help with registration and check-in.
		+
		+	10:00 A.M.-12:30 P.M.
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+	12:30 P.M.-3:00 P.M.
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+	3:00 P.M.-5:30 P.M.
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+	5:30 P.M.-7:00 P.M.
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+
		+	==== Clean and Pack ====
		+
		+	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., August 10, 2016.
		+
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+
		+	=== Unassigned Volunteers ===
		+
		+	Following is a list of those who have volunteered, but do not yet have a specific assignment:
		+
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+	*
		+
		+	== 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].

---

Revision as of 17:15, 10 January 2016

NOTE: THIS PAGE IS UNDER DEVELOPMENT AND ALL INFORMATION POSTED HERE IS PRELIMINARY. THE OFFICIAL RELEASE OF THE PAGE IS EXPECTED TO OCCUR ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 1, 2015. AT THAT TIME, A NOTICE WILL BE PLACED IN THIS SPACE INDICATING THAT THE INFORMATION HAS BEEN FINALIZED.

The 2016 North American SCRABBLE Championship will take place on August 6-10, 2016 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center, 120 W. Jefferson Boulevard, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802, with the Courtyard Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Center and Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Center serving as host hotels. This webpage will be updated regularly as additional details became available.

Live Event Coverage

Live Event Coverage will be available throughout the event. A link will be posted here, once it is available.

Registration

Registration will be available in early January 2016. Once registration opens, a link to a list of registered players will be placed on this page.

The rest of this section describes in detail the various terms and conditions of registration, most of which are also discussed on the registration form.

Registration will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 27, 2016, after which players will only be accepted if they do not make a division odd.

Eligibility

To play in the NASC, you must (1) be a NASPA 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.

If you meet these criteria and prefer to play using the international Collins (CSW) lexicon, you may do so. If your 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. If there are fewer than 20 players registered in either division as of July 20, 2016, the divisions will be automatically combined into a single division. The qualifying NASPA CSW rating is the highest tournament rating attained at the end of a NASPA CSW-rated tournament which finished during the period from August 1, 2015 to July 27, 2016 (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.) The CSW divisions will be NASPA and WESPA rated.

If not, then the TWL division(s), numbered 1–4, in which you may play depend on your rating as follows. If you do not have a NASPA rating, you must play in Division 1, the open division. If you do have a NASPA rating, then your division eligibility is based on a Qualification Rating (QR), which 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 1, 2015 to July 27, 2016 (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.) If your QR is 1800 or higher, you must play in Division 1. If it is in the range 1400–1799, you must play in Division 1 or 2. If it is in the range 1100–1399, you must play in Division 1, 2 or 3. If it is below 1100, you may play in any of the four divisions.

Player division assignments will be reviewed after July 27, 2016 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 Division

If you are thinking about travelling from overseas to play in this event for the first time, please read our 2016 NASC for Overseas Visitors page.

Again this year, there will again be a separate division of players using the Collins lexicon at the North American Scrabble Championship.

If you do not have a tournament rating (NASPA, WESPA, or other equivalent rating deemed acceptable by the Championship Committee), you must first obtain one at a regular tournament before competing in the Championship.

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.

Entry Fees

The base entry fee for all divisions is expected to be $160. Once finally determined, the entry fee will be listed here, along with any discounted entry fees and increases after certain dates.

Players not staying at one of the host hotels 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 Fort Wayne 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 nsc@scrabbleplayers.org. Division changes are subject to the following conditions:

• After registration closes on July 27, 2016, 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 27, 2016.

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 2016 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 Minor Release and Consent Form will be required for all players under age 18 as of August 6, 2016, and may be downloaded and submitted in advance, or executed by a parent or guardian at registration.

Player Bulletin

Please read our Player Bulletin, and check it again for last-minute updates before you travel to the event.

Equipment Required

Participants in the 2016 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 is currently under consideration by the NASPA Advisory Board. Once it has been determined, it will be posted on this page.

Hotel/Travel Information

Hotel Registration

The official event hotels are the Courtyard Fort Wayne Downtown at Grand Wayne Convention Center and the Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center. Booking information for each hotel will be listed on this page soon.

Those who live outside of the Fort Wayne 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

Parking information will be posted soon.

Dining

Downtown Fort Wayne boasts a number of different eateries, catering to all tastes and budgets. To view the many restaurant options available in Fort Wayne, Indiana, please visit the Restaurants Page on the Visit Fort Wayne website.

Sightseeing

There is much to see and do in the Fort Wayne region. Local attractions and activities can be explored on the Things to Do Page of the Visit Fort Wayne website.

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

Fort Wayne, Indiana is served by the Fort Wayne International Airport. For complete airport information, please visit www.fwairport.com.

Airport Shuttle

Both host hotels offer a complimentary airport shuttle. Shuttle information will be posted here soon.

Many other hotels in the area also offer complimentary shuttle transportation. If you are not staying at the host hotel, please check with your property for shuttle information.

Check-In

To play in the first round on Saturday morning, you must check in between 10:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. on Friday, August 5, 2016, at the NASC registration desk (Convention Center - Harrison A-D). 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 2016 North American SCRABBLE Championship may be modified to add new events, or possibly to change room locations. Until about a month before the event, it should be considered an early draft, with only the times for registration and the main event to be set in stone.

Nearly all events take place at either the Grand Wayne Convention Center (GWCC) or the Courtyard Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Center (Courtyard).

Friday, August 5, 2016

10:00 A.M.–7:00 P.M.

Registration (GWCC - Harrison A-D)

10:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.

After hours room open (Courtyard - Foster)

12:00 P.M.–4:00 P.M.

Early bird tournament, restricted to NASC Staff and other NASPA directors (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

4:30 P.M.–5:30 P.M.

Committee meeting for Division Leaders, Division Assistants, Auxiliary Staff (Courtyard - Lawton)

7:30 P.M.–10:00 P.M.

Opening Reception (Courtyard - Legacy Ballroom)

Saturday, August 6, 2016

8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.

Set up for play (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.

Group Photos - School SCRABBLE/Youth Players (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

8:55 A.M.–9:10 A.M.

Announcements (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

9:10 A.M.–1:15 P.M.

Rounds 1–4 (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.

Canadian Committee and Technology Committee lunch meetings (Courtyard - Legacy Salon A)

2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.

Set up for play (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

2:55 P.M.–3:05 P.M.

Announcements (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

3:05 P.M.–6:15 P.M.

Rounds 5–7 (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

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 (Courtyard - Foster)

8:00 P.M.–11:00 P.M.

Trivia Contest (Courtyard - Legacy B/C)

Sunday, August 7, 2016

8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.

Set up for play (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.

Group Photos - Past NSC Champions/Division Winners (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

8:55 A.M.–9:05 A.M.

Announcements (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

9:05 A.M.–1:15 P.M.

Rounds 8–11 (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.

Club/Director Committee and Rules Committee lunch meetings (Courtyard - Legacy Salon A)

2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.

Set up for play (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

2:55 P.M.–3:00 P.M.

Announcements (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

3:00 P.M.–6:15 P.M.

Rounds 12–14 (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

9:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.

After hours room open (Courtyard - Foster)

8:30 P.M.–11:30 P.M.

Evening Musicale (Courtyard - Legacy B/C)

Monday, August 8, 2016

8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.

Set up for play (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.

Group Photo - NASC Staff (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

8:55 A.M.–9:00 A.M.

Group Photo - (GWCC Indianans - Convention Hall AB1)

9:00 A.M.–9:10 A.M.

Announcements (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

9:10 A.M.–1:15 P.M.

Rounds 15–18 (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.

Membership Committee, Tournament Committee and International Committee lunch meetings (Courtyard - Legacy Salon A)

1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.

World Youth Events informational meeting (GWCC - Anthony Wayne Ballroom A)

2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.

Set up for play (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

2:55 P.M.–3:05 P.M.

Announcements (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

3:05 P.M.–6:15 P.M.

Rounds 19–21 (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

9:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.

After hours room open (Courtyard - Foster)

8:30 P.M.–10:00 P.M.

Town Hall meeting (GWCC - Anthony Wayne Ballroom B)

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

8:30 A.M.–8:50 A.M.

Set up for play (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

8:50 A.M.–8:55 A.M.

Group Photo - International Players (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

Group Photo - Family Members together at NASC (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

8:55 A.M.–9:00 A.M.

Announcements (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

9:00 A.M.–1:15 P.M.

Rounds 22–25 (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.

Dictionary Committee lunch meeting (Courtyard - Legacy Salon A)

1:15 P.M.–2:30 P.M.

Social Media Committee lunch meeting (Courtyard - Legacy Salon A)

2:45 P.M.–2:55 P.M.

Set up for play (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

2:55 P.M.–3:00 P.M.

Announcements (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

3:00 P.M.–6:15 P.M.

Rounds 26–28 (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

9:00 A.M.–11:30 P.M.

After hours room open (Courtyard - Foster)

8:00 P.M.–9:30 P.M.

Director meeting (GWCC - Jefferson A)

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

8:30 A.M.–8:55 A.M.

Set up for play (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

8:55 A.M.–9:00 A.M.

Announcements (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

9:00 A.M.–12:30 P.M.

Rounds 29–31 (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

1:30 P.M.–3:00 P.M.

Prize Ceremony (GWCC - Anthony Wayne Ballroom B)

3:00 P.M.–7:00 P.M.

Tear Down (GWCC - Convention Hall AB1)

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 nsc@scrabbleplayers.org.

Sponsors

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

Prizes

Full details about cash and merchandise prizes will be listed on the prize table.

Staff

TBA

Other Volunteers

Thursday, August 3

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

Friday, July 31

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

10:00 A.M.-12:30 P.M.

12:30 P.M.-3:00 P.M.

3:00 P.M.-5:30 P.M.

5:30 P.M.-7:00 P.M.

Clean and Pack

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., August 10, 2016.

Unassigned Volunteers

Following is a list of those who have volunteered, but do not yet have a specific assignment:

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 nsc@scrabbleplayers.org.