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Difference between revisions of "2020 North American SCRABBLE Championship"

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 +
== 2020 North American SCRABBLE Championship Canceled ==
 +
 +
With the coronavirus pandemic still affecting the daily lives of so many of us, the [[Championship Committee]] has concluded it would be both unwise and irresponsible to move forward with this summer’s event. We are, therefore, canceling the '''2020 North American SCRABBLE Championship (NASC)'''.
 +
 +
Unable to definitively look 90 days into the future, we must use the data we have available and the most compelling is this: the State of Maryland today still forbids an event of our size from taking place. Furthermore, the City of Baltimore is prohibiting all gatherings of over 250 people through August 31st.
 +
Absent those restrictions, NASC would almost certainly become a “super-spreader” event where just a single asymptomatic attendee could infect hundreds of others. Upon leaving the event, those members could easily infect others on their way home and those in their home. Our signature event is important, but not more important than your safety.
 +
 +
Those of you who have registered have the option to be issued a refund or to roll your registration over to next year’s event, which we do plan to hold in Baltimore.
 +
 +
While we did set an attendance cap for this year, it is conceivable that next year’s cap will be more restrictive due to social distancing, and as a result, we may need to increase fees. Should you choose to roll over your registration, not only will you be guaranteed a seat at the 2021 NASC, you will also not be subject to any fee increase. In addition, you will be gifted with a set of tiles at the registration desk.
 +
 +
You are responsible for canceling your hotel and travel reservations.
 +
 +
While we are disappointed about the cancellation, we look forward to seeing all of you, safely, in years to come.
 +
 +
Thanks,
 +
Art Moore
 +
NASC Director
 +
 +
May 28, 2020
 +
 +
== Cancel Registration ==
 +
 +
You have the option to be issued a refund or to roll your registration over to next year’s event, which we do plan to hold in Baltimore.
 +
 +
Click the [http://scrabbleplayers.org/cgi-bin/nasc-cancel.pl Cancel button]. You will then be prompted to enter your NASPA ID (or name), the amount you paid, and your choice: Refund or Defer to NASC 2021.
 +
 +
[[File:Cancel-Button.png |200px|center|link=http://scrabbleplayers.org/cgi-bin/nasc-cancel.pl]]
 +
 +
* '''The deadline for requesting a refund is June 30, 2020.'''
 +
* Refunds will be issued to the credit card with which you paid for the registration or via check if you paid by check.
 +
* Credit card refunds can sometimes take up to several days for banks to process.
 +
* If you defer your registration to 2021 and then decide that you want a refund, you can do so until June 30, 2020, without incurring a cancellation penalty. You also have the option to transfer the registration to another player or to defer another year if you cannot attend in 2021.
 +
* If you take no action, your registration will be rolled over to NASC 2021. We prefer, however, for you to fill out the form and declare your preference.
 +
* You can click [http://www.scrabbleplayers.org/cgi-bin/reglist.pl?event=NSC2020 here] to see if you have not yet canceled your registration.
 +
<br>
 +
If you encounter issues, you can contact the Championship Committee at [mailto:nsc@scrabbleplayers.org nsc@scrabbleplayers.org].
 +
 +
== Hotel Information ==
 +
 +
The official event hotels were:
 +
;The Radisson Baltimore - Inner Harbor
 +
:101 Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21201
 +
:[https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-baltimore-downtown Radisson Website]
 +
: 1-410-752-1100 (Hotel) / 1-800-333-3333 (Central Reservations)
 +
<br>
 +
;The Crowne Plaza Baltimore - Inner Harbor
 +
:105 Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21201
 +
:[https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/baltimore/balwb/hoteldetail Crowne Plaza Website]
 +
:1-410-347-5707 (Hotel) / 1-877-227-6963 (Central Reservations)
 +
<br>
 +
 +
 +
 +
<!--
 +
 +
<font color="red">On March 12, the Governor of Maryland imposed a ban on gatherings of more than 250 people. The Championship Committee is monitoring the situation closely and will make a '''decision no later than May 31st on whether the NASC will proceed as scheduled.'''
 +
 +
If we need to cancel the NASC, NASPA will refund all registration fees without penalty.
 +
 +
If we proceed with the NASC, registered players can cancel without penalty until June 15th.
 +
 +
We are '''extending the registration period through June 30''' so that players can register without paying a late fee after the final decision is made.'''</font>
 +
 +
 
The '''2020 North American SCRABBLE Championship''' (previously known as the National SCRABBLE Championship) will take place on August 1-5, 2020 at the Radisson Hotel Downtown - Inner Harbor at 101 W Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21201.  
 
The '''2020 North American SCRABBLE Championship''' (previously known as the National SCRABBLE Championship) will take place on August 1-5, 2020 at the Radisson Hotel Downtown - Inner Harbor at 101 W Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21201.  
 +
;[[Image:ScrabbleVisual.jpg|right|200px|NSC 2020 logo by Lena Markley]]
 +
This webpage will be updated regularly as additional details became available.
 +
 +
== Important Dates ==
 +
* February 29, 2020 - End of free T-shirt with registration
 +
* <del>May 31, 2020</del> June 30, 2020 - End of early registration (base entry fee increases $50)
 +
* July 4, 2020 - Room block closes
 +
* July 14, 2020 - Close of registration (no refunds granted after this date)
 +
<br>
 +
''Cutoffs effective 11:59pm EDT''
 +
 +
== Registration ==
 +
 +
[http://scrabbleplayers.org/cgi-bin/register.pl Online registration] is open now. A list of [http://www.scrabbleplayers.org/cgi-bin/reglist.pl?event=NSC2020 registered players] is available on this website and on cross-tables.com.
 +
 +
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.
 +
 +
==== Attendance Cap ====
 +
Attendance is '''limited to the first 400 PAID entrants.''' Should registration reach this cap a Waiting List will made available.  Those on the waiting list will be contacted as vacancies open and will be given a limited opportunity to claim entry or it will be offered to the next on the list.
 +
 +
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.
 +
 +
=== 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.
 +
 +
==== Qualification Rating ====
 +
 +
Placement into respective divisions is determined by your Qualification Rating (QR). Your QR consists of the '''highest rating attained at the end of any NASPA NWL or Collins''' rated tournament (or segment of a split-rated tournament) which finished during the period from July 20, 2019 to July 14, 2020 (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 the higher of your unchanged current NWL or CSW rating. For players who have ratings in both lexica, '''the higher peak or current rating will be used.'''  For example, a player whose computed QR is 1810 in CSW and 1600 in NWL will use 1810 as her QR for division placement in either CSW or NWL.
 +
 +
==== NWL Divisions ====
 +
 +
If you meet the eligibility criteria and wish to play using the NASPA Word List 2018 (NWL), you may do so.  Four NWL divisions will be offered, divided by [https://www.scrabbleplayers.org/w/2020_North_American_SCRABBLE_Championship#Qualification_Rating QR], with unlimited play-up available. If your [https://www.scrabbleplayers.org/w/2020_North_American_SCRABBLE_Championship#Qualification_Rating QR] is 1800 or higher, or if you do not have a NASPA rating, you must play in Division 1. If your [https://www.scrabbleplayers.org/w/2020_North_American_SCRABBLE_Championship#Qualification_Rating QR] is in the range 1450–1799, you must play in Division 1 or 2. If your [https://www.scrabbleplayers.org/w/2020_North_American_SCRABBLE_Championship#Qualification_Rating QR] is in the range 1150–1449, you must play in Division 1, 2 or 3. If your [https://www.scrabbleplayers.org/w/2020_North_American_SCRABBLE_Championship#Qualification_Rating QR] is below 1150, you may play in any of the four divisions.
 +
 +
==== Collins Divisions ====
 +
 +
If you meet the eligibility criteria and prefer to play using the international Collins (CSW) lexicon, you may do so. If your [https://www.scrabbleplayers.org/w/2020_North_American_SCRABBLE_Championship#Qualification_Rating QR] 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 June 23, 2020, the divisions will be automatically combined into a single division. Players wishing to switch to NWL after divisions are combined will be allowed to do so at no charge.
 +
 +
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 both NASPA and WESPA rated.
 +
 +
If you are thinking about travelling from overseas to play in this event for the first time, please read our [[2020 NASC for Overseas Visitors]] page.
 +
 +
Player division assignments will be reviewed after July 14, 2020 to ensure that everyone is registered in the correct division. If the division in which you registered is not one in which your [https://www.scrabbleplayers.org/w/2020_North_American_SCRABBLE_Championship#Qualification_Rating QR] permits you to play, we will automatically move you up to the lowest permissible division.
 +
 +
=== Entry Fees ===
 +
 +
The base entry fee for all divisions is $200.
 +
 +
Youths, defined as those whose 18th birthday is after August 1, 2020, may pay $100 to play in any division.
 +
 +
The above fees will be increased by $50 after May 31, 2020. For example, a non-youth player signing up on June 1, 2020 would pay $250, while a youth would pay $150.
 +
 +
Players accepted after the close of registration on July 14, 2020 must pay a $75 late penalty. For example, a non-youth player signing up on July 18, 2020 would pay $325, while a youth would pay $225.  Acceptance of registrants after July 14, 2020 is not guaranteed, and will generally only be permitted if it does not cause a division to be uneven.
 +
 +
'''Players not booked IN THE ROOM BLOCK at either hotel for the duration of the event must also pay a commuter/facility fee of $20 per day ($100 maximum).''' Players booked at either hotel but outside of the room block will be subject to the commuter fee. The commuter fee does not apply to those local to the Baltimore (metropolitan statistical)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 ===
 +
 +
Division changes are subject to the following conditions:
 +
 +
* '''Division changes are subject to a $25 fee.'''
 +
 +
* Fee will be waived if request is sent within 24 hours of initial registration.
 +
 +
* After registration closes on July 14, 2020, 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.
 +
 +
To change divisions after you have registered, please email the organizing committee at [mailto:nsc@scrabbleplayers.org nsc@scrabbleplayers.org].
 +
 +
=== 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 $25.'''
 +
 +
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 14, 2020.
 +
 +
=== 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 [[2020 North American SCRABBLE Championship Terms and Conditions]].
 +
In particular, some games at this tournament, probably the highest Division 1 board without a Gibsonized player,
 +
will be annotated live.
 +
If you refuse to play a designated game with annotation,
 +
you will forfeit it, and may at the director&rsquo;s discretion be assigned a spread penalty of &minus;200 points.
 +
 +
==== Minor Release ====
 +
A signed [https://www.scrabbleplayers.org/wiki/images/9/9c/Minor_Consent_and_Release_2020.pdf Minor Release and Consent Form] will be required for all players under age 18 as of July 31, 2020, and may be downloaded and submitted in advance, or executed by a parent or guardian at registration.
 +
 +
==== Equipment Required ====
 +
Participants in the 2020 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.
  
−
This webpage will be updated regularly as additional details became available.
+
==== Changes ====
 +
The [[Championship Committee]] reserves the right to
 +
modify the above to account for unforeseen
 +
special circumstances.
 +
 
 +
== Format ==
 +
 
 +
Players will paired using [[tsh]], with Gibsonization.
 +
The winners of the top divisions in both TWL and CSW lexicons shall be determined as follows:
 +
 
 +
After Round 28, the top two players (as determined by record and spread) will enter a best of five playoff to determine champion and runner-up.  Players not in the top two after Round 28 in these divisions, as well as all players in other divisions, will complete Round 31 to determine their final standing.  Finals Round 3 (and Rounds 4-5 if needed) will be streamed in the International Ballroom at the conclusion of the Prize Ceremony for non-finalists.
 +
 
 +
== Hotel/Travel Information ==
 +
 
 +
=== Hotel Registration ===
 +
 
 +
The official event hotels are:
 +
;The Radisson Baltimore - Inner Harbor
 +
:101 Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21201
 +
:[http://www.radisson.com/reservation/itineraryEntrance.do?hotelCode=USABHMD&promotionalCode=NASCCH&startDate=20200730&numberNights=7 Book online] or call 1-800-967-9033 and mention the North American Scrabble Championship room block
 +
<br>
 +
;The Crowne Plaza Baltimore - Inner Harbor
 +
:105 Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21201
 +
:[https://www.crowneplaza.com/redirect?path=hd&brandCode=CP&localeCode=en&regionCode=1&hotelCode=BALWB&_PMID=99801505&GPC=SPA&cn=no&viewfullsite=true Book online] or call 1-877-666-3243 and mention the North American Scrabble Championship room block
 +
:(note: the majority of Double Queen accommodations will be found here)
 +
<br>
 +
Room rate of $119/nt plus applicable taxes for King or Double Queen accommodations is applicable to either hotel.
 +
 
 +
'''Room block closes July 4, 2020.'''
 +
 
 +
=== Hotel and Event Parking ===
 +
 
 +
Self parking near the venue is $26 per day.  Hotel operated valet is $32/day.
 +
Attendees who drive to the venue but intend to explore the city by foot may opt to park at BWI for $8/day and utilize Light Rail to reach the hotel.
 +
 
 +
=== Sightseeing ===
 +
 
 +
Baltimore has much to offer those visiting the area, including the [https://baltimore.org/article/baltimore-inner-harbor Inner Harbor], [https://powerplantlive.com Power Plant Live!], [https://www.mlb.com/orioles/ballpark Oriole Park at Camden Yards] (home of the Baltimore Orioles) and the historic [https://www.mountvernon.org/ Mt. Vernon area]. Information about planned group activities will be posted here. The [https://baltimore.org Visit Baltimore] website showcases the varied options in the area.
 +
 
 +
=== Roommate Wanted ===
 +
 
 +
If you need a roommate and would like a listing here, please complete the [https://scrabble.formstack.com/forms/roommate_request_2020 NASC Roommate Request Form].
 +
 
 +
IMPORTANT: When you get your roommate, please contact the committee so we can remove your listing.
 +
 
 +
'''Justin Radist''' is seeking a male roommate - non-smoking, non-snoring, neat, and under 40 - to share a room at the Radisson - Inner Harbor from 7/31 to 8/5. You can reach Justin by email at jrad31green@gmail.com.
 +
 
 +
'''Lois Lockhart''' is seeking a female roommate - quiet and non-smoking - to share a room at the Radisson - Inner Harbor from 7/31 to 8/5. You can reach Lois by phone at (917) 514-8515.
 +
 
 +
'''James Flomo''' is seeking a non-smoking male roommate to share a room at the Radisson - Inner Harbor from 7/31 to 8/5. You can reach James by email at jflomo29@gmail.com  or by phone at (301) 404-2893.
 +
 
 +
=== Ride Wanted ===
 +
 
 +
If you need a ride/rider to or from the tournament, and would like a listing here, please complete the [https://scrabble.formstack.com/forms/ride_request_2020 NASC Ride Request Form].
 +
 
 +
IMPORTANT: When you get your ride/rider, please contact the committee so we can remove your request.
 +
 
 +
=== Airport Transport Information ===
 +
 
 +
Baltimore, MD is served by the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).  For complete airport information, please visit [https://https://www.bwiairport.com/ bwiairport.com].
 +
 
 +
=== Airport Transfer ===
 +
 
 +
24 hour Light Rail service from BWI to the event hotels is available for $1.80 per person. Rail tickets can be purchased near the exit of baggage claim.  Take the rail north to the Universe Center/Baltimore St stop (just after Camden Yards) which is a 30 minute ride.  Exit the rail and continue east on Baltimore St.  Turn left on Hopkins Plaza and right on Fayette St. This is a five minute walk but may be a little challenging with luggage.
 +
 
 +
Uber average is $20.
 +
 
 +
== Check-In ==
 +
 
 +
To play in the first round on Saturday morning, you must check in between 12:00 noon. and 7:00 P.M. on Friday, July 31, 2020, at the NASC registration desk in the Promenade located outside of the  International Ballroom. 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 [mailto:nsc@scrabbleplayers.org 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 '''[[2020 North American SCRABBLE Championship]]''' may be modified to add new events, or possibly to change room locations.  Also, 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. Once the event begins,
 +
please check this schedule for changes at the beginning of each day.
 +
 
 +
=== Friday, July 31, 2020 ===
 +
; 10&#58;00 A.M.&ndash;11&#58;30 P.M.
 +
: After hours room open (Hall of Fame)
 +
; 12&#58;00 P.M.&ndash;7&#58;00 P.M.
 +
: Registration (Promenade)
 +
; 12&#58;00 P.M.&ndash;4&#58;00 P.M.
 +
: [[2020 NASC Early Bird|Early bird tournament]] (International Ballroom)
 +
; 4&#58;30 P.M.&ndash;5&#58;30 P.M.
 +
: Committee meeting for Division Leaders, Division Assistants, Auxiliary Staff (Poe)
 +
; 7&#58;00 P.M.&ndash;8&#58;00 P.M.
 +
: Player Reception (Promenade)
 +
 
 +
=== Saturday, August 1, 2020 ===
 +
; 8&#58;30 A.M.&ndash;8&#58;50 A.M.
 +
: Set up for play (International Ballroom)
 +
; 8&#58;50 A.M.&ndash;8&#58;55 A.M.
 +
: Group Photos - School SCRABBLE/Youth Players (International Ballroom)
 +
; 8&#58;55 A.M.&ndash;9&#58;10 A.M.
 +
: Announcements (International Ballroom)
 +
; 9&#58;10 A.M.&ndash;1&#58;15 P.M.
 +
: Rounds 1&ndash;4 (International Ballroom)
 +
; 1&#58;15 P.M.&ndash;2&#58;30 P.M.
 +
: Committee lunch meetings (Poe)
 +
; 2&#58;45 P.M.&ndash;2&#58;55 P.M.
 +
: Set up for play (International Ballroom)
 +
; 2&#58;55 P.M.&ndash;3&#58;05 P.M.
 +
: Announcements (International Ballroom)
 +
; 3&#58;05 P.M.&ndash;6&#58;15 P.M.
 +
: Rounds 5&ndash;7 (International Ballroom)
 +
; 6&#58;30 P.M.&ndash;10&#58;00 P.M.
 +
: Advisory Board Dinner Meeting (TBD)
 +
; 9&#58;00 A.M.&ndash;11&#58;30 P.M.
 +
: After hours room open (Hall of Fame)
 +
; 8&#58;00 P.M.&ndash;11&#58;00 P.M.
 +
: [[2020 NSC Trivia Contest|Trivia Contest]] hosted by [[John Robertson]] (Carroll)
 +
 
 +
=== Sunday, August 2, 2020 ===
 +
'''SWAG SUNDAY!  Wear your NSC/NASC or Scrabble-related swag!'''
 +
; 8&#58;30 A.M.&ndash;8&#58;50 A.M.
 +
: Set up for play (International Ballroom)
 +
; 8&#58;50 A.M.&ndash;8&#58;55 A.M.
 +
: Group Photos - Past NSC Champions/Division Winners (International Ballroom)
 +
; 8&#58;55 A.M.&ndash;9&#58;05 A.M.
 +
: Announcements (International Ballroom)
 +
; 9&#58;05 A.M.&ndash;1&#58;15 P.M.
 +
: Rounds 8&ndash;11 (International Ballroom)
 +
; 1&#58;15 P.M.&ndash;2&#58;30 P.M.
 +
: Committee lunch meetings (Poe)
 +
; 2&#58;45 P.M.&ndash;2&#58;55 P.M.
 +
: Set up for play (International Ballroom)
 +
; 2&#58;55 P.M.&ndash;3&#58;00 P.M.
 +
: Announcements (International Ballroom)
 +
; 3&#58;00 P.M.&ndash;6&#58;15 P.M.
 +
: Rounds 12&ndash;14 (International Ballroom)
 +
; 7&#58;00 P.M.&ndash;11&#58;30 P.M.
 +
: After hours room open (Hall of Fame)
 +
; 8&#58;30 P.M.&ndash;11&#58;30 P.M.
 +
: [[Evening Musicale]] hosted by Josh Sokol (Carroll)
 +
 
 +
=== Monday, August 3, 2020 ===
 +
; 8&#58;30 A.M.&ndash;8&#58;50 A.M.
 +
: Set up for play (International Ballroom)
 +
; 8&#58;50 A.M.&ndash;8&#58;55 A.M.
 +
: Group Photo - NASC Staff (International Ballroom)
 +
; 8&#58;55 A.M.&ndash;9&#58;00 A.M.
 +
: Group Photo - Maryland/D.C. residents and natives (International Ballroom)
 +
; 9&#58;00 A.M.&ndash;9&#58;10 A.M.
 +
: Announcements (International Ballroom)
 +
; 9&#58;10 A.M.&ndash;1&#58;15 P.M.
 +
: Rounds 15&ndash;18 (International Ballroom)
 +
; 1&#58;15 P.M.&ndash;2&#58;30 P.M.
 +
: Committee lunch meetings (Poe)
 +
; 2&#58;45 P.M.&ndash;2&#58;55 P.M.
 +
: Set up for play (International Ballroom)
 +
; 2&#58;55 P.M.&ndash;3&#58;05 P.M.
 +
: Announcements (International Ballroom)
 +
; 3&#58;05 P.M.&ndash;6&#58;15 P.M.
 +
: Rounds 19&ndash;21 (International Ballroom)
 +
; 7&#58;00 P.M.&ndash;11&#58;30 P.M.
 +
: After hours room open (Hall of Fame) - Board Games Night
 +
; 8&#58;30 P.M.&ndash;10&#58;00 P.M.
 +
: Town Hall meeting (Carroll)
 +
 
 +
=== Tuesday, August 4, 2020 ===
 +
; 8&#58;30 A.M.&ndash;8&#58;50 A.M.
 +
: Set up for play (International Ballroom)
 +
; 8&#58;50 A.M.&ndash;8&#58;55 A.M.
 +
: Group Photo - International Players (International Ballroom)
 +
: Group Photo - Family Members together at NASC (International Ballroom)
 +
; 8&#58;55 A.M.&ndash;9&#58;00 A.M.
 +
: Announcements (International Ballroom)
 +
; 9&#58;00 A.M.&ndash;1&#58;15 P.M.
 +
: Rounds 22&ndash;25 (International Ballroom)
 +
; 1&#58;15 P.M.&ndash;2&#58;30 P.M.
 +
: Committee lunch meetings (Poe)
 +
: [[2020 NASC Directors Meeting|Directors meeting]] hosted by Ted Gest (Mencken)
 +
; 2&#58;45 P.M.&ndash;2&#58;55 P.M.
 +
: Set up for play (International Ballroom)
 +
; 2&#58;55 P.M.&ndash;3&#58;05 P.M.
 +
: Announcements (International Ballroom)
 +
; 3&#58;05 P.M.&ndash;6&#58;15 P.M.
 +
: Rounds 26&ndash;28 (International Ballroom)
 +
; 7&#58;00 P.M.&ndash;11&#58;30 P.M.
 +
: After hours room open (Hall of Fame)
 +
 
 +
=== Wednesday, August 5, 2020 ===
 +
; 8&#58;30 A.M.&ndash;8&#58;55 A.M.
 +
: Set up for play (International Ballroom)
 +
; 8&#58;55 A.M.&ndash;9&#58;00 A.M.
 +
: Announcements (International Ballroom)
 +
; 9&#58;00 A.M.&ndash;1&#58;00 P.M.
 +
: Rounds 29&ndash;31 - Non-Finalists (International Ballroom)
 +
; 10&#58;15 A.M.
 +
: Finals - Game 1
 +
; 11&#58;15 A.M.
 +
: Finals - Game 2
 +
; 1&#58;15 P.M.
 +
: Prize Ceremony - NWL Divisions 2,3,4 & CSW Division 2 (International Ballroom)
 +
; 2&#58;15 P.M.
 +
: Finals - Game 3 (Streamed in International Ballroom)
 +
; 3&#58;15 P.M.
 +
: Finals - Game 4 (if needed)
 +
; 4&#58;15 P.M.
 +
: Finals - Game 5 (if needed)
 +
; Immediately following
 +
: Prize Ceremony NWL Division 1 & CSW Division 1
 +
; 3&#58;00 P.M.&ndash;7&#58;00 P.M.
 +
: Tear Down (International Ballroom)
 +
 
 +
=== Thursday, August 6, 2020 ===
 +
; 9&#58;30 A.M.&ndash;12&#58;30 P.M.
 +
: [[2020 NASC Late Bird|Late bird tournament]] (International Ballroom)
 +
; 9&#58;30 A.M.&ndash;2&#58;00 P.M.
 +
: Tear Down (International Ballroom)
 +
 
 +
== 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 [[John Chew]].
 +
 
 +
== Vendors ==
 +
 
 +
If you have a product to sell to SCRABBLE players, this is the place to do it. Hundreds of the most avid fans of the game will be in one place with money ready to spend at your table.  To become an NSC vendor, print out, date and sign two (2) copies of the [[Media:NASC_2020_Vendor_Agreement.pdf|NASC 2020 Vendor Agreement]] and send both executed copies to Art Moore, P.O. Box 1217, Ocoee, FL 34761, along with the required payment for extra tables, if you wish to exhibit on more than one table.
 +
 
 +
If you have questions about becoming an NSC vendor, please contact the Championship Committee at [mailto:nsc@scrabbleplayers.org nsc@scrabbleplayers.org].
 +
 
 +
== Staff ==
 +
; '''Director'''
 +
: [[Arthur Moore|Art Moore]]
 +
; '''Assistant to the Director'''
 +
: [[Diane Moore]]
 +
; '''Master of Ceremonies'''
 +
: [[Rich Baker]]
 +
:
 +
; '''Division Leaders'''
 +
: Division 1: [[John Robertson]]
 +
: Division 2: [[Daniel Stock|Dan Stock]]
 +
: Division 3:John Merlau
 +
: Division 4: [[Kieran O'Connor]]
 +
: Collins: [[Jason Idalski]]
 +
:
 +
; '''Division Assistants'''
 +
: [[Jim Pate]]
 +
:
 +
;'''Webmaster'''
 +
: [[John Chew]]
 +
:
 +
; '''Data Entry'''
 +
: [[Vince Castellano]]
 +
 
 +
:
 +
:
 +
; '''Annotators'''
 +
: [[Jeffrey Nelson]]
 +
: [[Sarah Rosenbaum]]
 +
: [[Lisa Kessler]]
 +
: Kristen Chew
 +
 
 +
:
 +
 
 +
; '''Internet Photographer'''
 +
: [[Patty Hocker]]
 +
:
 +
;'''Live Stream Commentary'''
 +
:[[Robin Pollock Daniel]]
 +
:[[Conrad Bassett-Bouchard]]
 +
:
 +
 
 +
== Volunteers ==
 +
 
 +
Volunteers are needed to assist with set up, registration and tear down.  Volunteers receive a free event T-shirt.  [https://scrabble.formstack.com/forms/nascvolunteer Sign up here.]
 +
 
 +
=== Setup ===
 +
==== Thursday, July 30 ====
 +
 
 +
Volunteers are needed to help prepare the playing room for the tournament.
 +
*
 +
*
 +
*
 +
*
 +
*
 +
*
 +
 
 +
==== Friday, July 31 ====
 +
 
 +
Volunteers are needed to help prepare the playing room for the tournament.
 +
*
 +
*
 +
*
 +
*
 +
*
 +
 
 +
=== Registration Desk ===
 +
Volunteers are needed to help with registration and check-in.
 +
 
 +
==== Friday, July 31 ====
 +
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.
 +
*
 +
*
 +
*
 +
*
 +
 
 +
 
 +
=== 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.
 +
 
 +
==== Wednesday, Aug 5 ====
 +
*
 +
*
 +
*
 +
*
 +
*
 +
*
 +
*
 +
 
 +
==== Thursday, Aug 6 ====
 +
*
 +
*
 +
*
 +
*
 +
*
 +
*
 +
 
 +
-->

Latest revision as of 08:40, 12 May 2021

2020 North American SCRABBLE Championship Canceled

With the coronavirus pandemic still affecting the daily lives of so many of us, the Championship Committee has concluded it would be both unwise and irresponsible to move forward with this summer’s event. We are, therefore, canceling the 2020 North American SCRABBLE Championship (NASC).

Unable to definitively look 90 days into the future, we must use the data we have available and the most compelling is this: the State of Maryland today still forbids an event of our size from taking place. Furthermore, the City of Baltimore is prohibiting all gatherings of over 250 people through August 31st. Absent those restrictions, NASC would almost certainly become a “super-spreader” event where just a single asymptomatic attendee could infect hundreds of others. Upon leaving the event, those members could easily infect others on their way home and those in their home. Our signature event is important, but not more important than your safety.

Those of you who have registered have the option to be issued a refund or to roll your registration over to next year’s event, which we do plan to hold in Baltimore.

While we did set an attendance cap for this year, it is conceivable that next year’s cap will be more restrictive due to social distancing, and as a result, we may need to increase fees. Should you choose to roll over your registration, not only will you be guaranteed a seat at the 2021 NASC, you will also not be subject to any fee increase. In addition, you will be gifted with a set of tiles at the registration desk.

You are responsible for canceling your hotel and travel reservations.

While we are disappointed about the cancellation, we look forward to seeing all of you, safely, in years to come.

Thanks, Art Moore NASC Director

May 28, 2020

Cancel Registration

You have the option to be issued a refund or to roll your registration over to next year’s event, which we do plan to hold in Baltimore.

Click the Cancel button. You will then be prompted to enter your NASPA ID (or name), the amount you paid, and your choice: Refund or Defer to NASC 2021.

Cancel-Button.png
  • The deadline for requesting a refund is June 30, 2020.
  • Refunds will be issued to the credit card with which you paid for the registration or via check if you paid by check.
  • Credit card refunds can sometimes take up to several days for banks to process.
  • If you defer your registration to 2021 and then decide that you want a refund, you can do so until June 30, 2020, without incurring a cancellation penalty. You also have the option to transfer the registration to another player or to defer another year if you cannot attend in 2021.
  • If you take no action, your registration will be rolled over to NASC 2021. We prefer, however, for you to fill out the form and declare your preference.
  • You can click here to see if you have not yet canceled your registration.


If you encounter issues, you can contact the Championship Committee at nsc@scrabbleplayers.org.

Hotel Information

The official event hotels were:

The Radisson Baltimore - Inner Harbor
101 Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Radisson Website
1-410-752-1100 (Hotel) / 1-800-333-3333 (Central Reservations)


The Crowne Plaza Baltimore - Inner Harbor
105 Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Crowne Plaza Website
1-410-347-5707 (Hotel) / 1-877-227-6963 (Central Reservations)




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