Revision as of 15:21, 26 December 2022

NASPA will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of the game of Scrabble with two weeks of top-level competition in Las Vegas in July 2023 - the NASPA Double Down in Las Vegas - at the Westgate Las Vegas Resorts & Casino at 3000 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109.

• The 2023 Scrabble Players Championship (SPC) - July 15 to 19, 2023 - The 32nd in a series of North American championships dating back to 1978
• The 2023 WESPA Championship (WESPAC) - July 22 to 26, 2023 - The first time since 2001 that the world championship will be contested in North America.

Register Book Hotel 2023 SPC Details 2023 WESPAC Details

The two championships will offer players the opportunity to play over 80 rated games of Scrabble and the flexibility to choose the events that best meet their schedule.

This webpage is subject to change and will be updated regularly as the plans are finalized.

Important Dates

• February 28, 2023 - End of free T-shirt with registration
• May 31, 2023 - End of regular registration (base entry fee increases $50)
• June 26, 2023 - End of Qualification Rating period
• June 30, 2023 - Room block closes
• June 30, 2023 - Close of registration (no refunds granted after this date)

Cutoffs effective 11:59pm Eastern time

Schedule at a Glance

This table provides a high-level summary of the key events that comprise the NASPA Double Down in Las Vegas. You can find further details on the SPC and WESPAC pages.

Registration

Online registration is open now.

Lists of SPC and WESPAC registrants are available on this website and on cross-tables.com.

The rest of this section describes the general terms and conditions of registration for both championships.

Entry Fees

The base entry fees for the championships are:

• $250 - SPC
• $300 - WESPAC

One- and two-day events, such as Early Birds, have a separate entry fee.

Youths, defined as those whose 18th birthday is after July 15, 2023, pay 1/2 of the base entry fee for each championship.

The above fees will be increased by $50 after May 31, 2023. For example, a non-youth player signing up for the SPC on June 1, 2023, would pay $300, while a youth would pay $175.

Players accepted after the close of registration on June 30, 2023 must pay a $75 late penalty. For example, a non-youth player signing up for the SPC on July 5, 2023, would pay $375, while a youth would pay $250. Acceptance of registrants after June, 2023 is not guaranteed and will generally only be permitted if it does not cause a division to be uneven.

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.

Commuter Fee

Players not booked IN THE ROOM BLOCK at the host hotel for the duration of the SPC and/or WESPAC must also pay a commuter/facility fee of $20 per day ($100 maximum per championship).

• Players booked at the host 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 Las Vegas (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 a championship must pay the full commuter fee and may then apply for a refund of $20 per day stayed at the host hotel after the conclusion of the championship, by providing the Championship Committee with hotel confirmation number and dates of stay.

Registration Changes

Registration changes are subject to the following conditions:

• Scrabble Players Championship
  • 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 June 30, 2023, if your request would increase the number of players who may have byes (i.e., if you would make two divisions odd or would make a smaller division odd), you will be wait listed until this is not the case.
  • If your rating rises above the limit for the SPC division in which you registered, you will automatically be moved to the lowest division for which you qualify.
• WESPA Championship
  • If you register for the WESPA Championship but do not qualify, you will automatically be moved to the CSW division of the events being held in parallel with the WESPA Championship.

To modify your registration after you have registered, please email the organizing committee at 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 you.

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 June 30, 2023. No refunds will be issued after this date.

Conditions

Rules, Code, and Terms/Conditions

By registering for the NASPA Double Down, you agree to abide by the NASPA Tournament Rules and Code of Conduct and to comply with the NASPA Double Down in Las Vegas Terms and Conditions.

In particular, games at this tournament - probably the highest Division 1 board without a Gibsonized player - will be annotated and/or streamed live. If you refuse to play a designated game with annotation or streaming, you will forfeit it and may at the director’s discretion be assigned a spread penalty of −200 points.

Minor Release

A signed Minor Release and Consent Form is required for all players under age 18 as of July 15, 2023. The form may be downloaded and submitted in advance or executed by a parent or guardian at registration.

Equipment Required

Participants in the NASPA Double Down in Las Vegas 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.

COVID-19 Precautions

In accordance with current CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommendations, the following precautions against COVID-19 will be in effect at the NASPA Double Down in Las Vegas:

• All participants must be fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC – that is, they have completed a government-authorized course of vaccination against COVID-19 and waited the recommended duration for it to take full effect. We recommend, but do not require, that participants are up-to-date with vaccinations – that is, have received all recommended boosters. Participants will need to provide proof of vaccination at registration.

• Masks will be required in the playing room and common areas during play and at the prize ceremony and finals viewing.

• Masks will be optional at social events, such as the Welcome Dinner, Trivia Contest, and the Evening Musicale. We encourage participants to assess their own personal level of risk and wear a mask if desired.

• Masks should cover both the nose and mouth. Acceptable masks include disposable surgical and KN95 masks. Unacceptable masks include gaiters, bandanas, and face shields.

• Any participants showing symptoms may be asked to leave.

We will continue to evaluate the situation and may adjust the policy as conditions warrant.

Changes

The Championship Committee reserves the right to modify the above to account for unforeseen special circumstances.

Hotel/Travel Information

Hotel Registration

The official event hotel is the Westgate Las Vegas Resorts & Casino (3000 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109).

Tournament entrants are eligible for our group rate (plus applicable taxes and fees) for King or Double accommodations:

• The room rate for single or double occupancy is:
  • $99/night for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights
  • $119/night for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights
• Additional guests (over 2 per room) incur an additional fee of $35 per person per night. Minors (under age of 18) staying with their parents are not subject to this fee.
• Standard guest rooms have a maximum of 4 guests per room.
• A $30 Resort Fee (reduced from $45) will be added to the room rate per room per night. The Resort Fee includes WiFi access for up to 3 devices, Cardio Room access for up to 2 adults, use of the in-room safe, and local and toll-free domestic (800) calls.
• Taxes (currently 13.38%) will be added to the room rate and Resort Fee.

The group rate is applicable for 3 days before and after the event - based on availability - July 10 through July 30, 2023.

You can book rooms:

• Online at this link.
• By phone at 1-800-635-7711 between the hours of 8:00 am and 11:00 pm (Eastern). Mention the Group Name (Scrabble Players Championship & World Scrabble Championship) and Code (SSPC3R).

Hotel bookings at our group rate are subject to availability within our group rate block of rooms and must be booked on or before June 30, 2023. After that date, rooms may be available at the hotel's prevailing room rates.

The hotel check-in time is 3:00 pm - guests arriving early will be accommodated as rooms become available. Hotel checkout time is 11:00 am.

Hotel and Event Parking

Self parking is free at the Westgate Resort.

Exploring Las Vegas

Las Vegas has something for everyone. Although it is famous for being one of the most exciting nightlife destinations, Las Vegas is also full of options for people of all ages. From amazing museums, shows, and interactive activities to world-renowned restaurants and hotels, Vegas has it all. Read more about what Las Vegas has to offer here.

The Westgate Resort is located just off the Las Vegas Strip and includes an onsite Monorail station for easy access to nearby shows, casinos, and attractions.

Barry Manilow will be in residence at the Westgate Resort during the NASPA Double Down - July 13 to 15 and July 20 to 22. Find out more and buy tickets here.

Roommate Wanted

If you need a roommate and would like a listing here, please complete the SPC 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 SPC 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 bwiairport.com.

Airport Transfer

Light Rail service from BWI to the event hotel is available for $2.00 per person. Rail tickets can be purchased near the exit of baggage claim. Take the rail north to the Camden Station stop - about a 30 minute ride. Exit the rail and head north on S. Eutaw Street to the hotel - about a 7 minute walk on mostly flat terrain.

Uber average is $25.

Sponsors

For information about sponsorship opportunities at the championship, please contact the Championship Committee.

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 a vendor, print out, date and sign two (2) copies of the NASPA 2023 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 a vendor, please contact the Championship Committee.

Staff

Director

Art Moore

Assistant to the Director

Diane Moore

Webmaster

John Chew

Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to assist with set up, registration, and tear down. Volunteers receive a free event T-shirt. Sign up here.

Further Information

This page will be updated as the event draws nearer. If you have urgent questions about the event, please email the Championship Committee.