WordZap Tournament  -- RULES --  

General Precepts:  This tournament is run under the premise that everyone is here to have fun .  We expect everyone to play fair and to show proper consideration for other players so that everybody can have a good time.  I have tried to keep the rules to minimum.  The rules have been developed with these objectives in mind. 

Starting:  Please make sure that you have a recent version of WordZap (e.g. 5.26 or 5.27) and the IGames Lobby downloaded and tested comfortably ahead of time. 

Communications:  The IGames message system will be used to communicate between the MC (MC or Zapadore) and players.   The winner and loser of each match should message the MC with the result as soon as each game ends.  The MC will post the latest match results on the results page as fast as he can manage. Please do not send global messages or deluge the MC with messages without good cause (see "protests" below). 

Rounds:  The tournament is organized in seven rounds (e.g.).  If your opponent is not present and willing to play within five minutes of pairing time he/she will forfeit their match. 

Matches:  Each match will be played with one warm-up game and seven competition games.  Either player can invite.

Participants:  Participants will be referred to by their IGames handles. It is not illegal for more than one person to be present and helping at a particular location -- in fact it is encouraged since playing collectively can be an enjoyable social experience.  However in a Beginner's Tournament only beginners should help.

Game Options:  If the inviter uses the Ladder Match Dialog Box the options will be set as follows: 

• All games will be played using the MatchZap difficulty option, in English, with the Medium vocabulary setting, and S-words set OFF.
• Games will be played with the standard Unabridged dictionary.  However, if either player insists on using the Abridged dictionary they shall prevail.
• Games should be played with the Extra Words flags off unless both parties agree otherwise.
• Sudden Death is determined by the inviting player
• Big Zap may be played only if preferred by both players and if there is time.

 

Interruptions and reconnections: When a match is interrupted, the players need to re-establish contact as soon as possible.  If you reconnect fast enough the game will carry on with no more than an apparent delay.  Failing that, the match should be restarted via IGames.  The software should restart the match at the right place and make any necessary adjustments. 

Spot Judgments: If a dispute arises, players are encouraged to remember that we are here to have fun and to try to settle the difficulties amicably by messaging the other player.  If this fails, the aggrieved player(s) should ask the MC for a spot judgment so the match can continue.  If the non-continuing party disagrees with this judgment, they must immediately (within five minutes) send a "protest" email to the MC at (mica@crick.com) stating only that they are contesting the ruling.  If no such "written" protest ruling is received, the MC's spot judgment will stand. 

Adjudication:  In the event of a protest, and after the competition has ended, both parties will be asked to present their side of the case and the Protest Committee will then adjudicate the matter.  If the continuing player is found to have violated match rules or to have behaved in an unfair manner, all of his/her subsequent wins will be invalidated.  Players are therefore strongly advised to settle disputes without protesting.  In all cases the ruling of the Protest Committee shall be final. 

Last updated: September 16

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