Tournament Protocol

This list of protocol for players has been prepared to help people attending ASPA tournaments.

Before each Game

1. From the draw posted on the wall for your division, find out your table number and proceed to that table.
   
   The start is indicated by an asterisk.
2. Prepare your score sheet. In Australia you will be provided with scoresheets.
3. Listen for any special announcements by the Tournament Director
4. Verify with your opponent that there are 100 tiles (of the correct distribution if first game of day), then pour them into the tile bag
5. In tournaments, the start is indicated by an asterisk. Otherwise draw for start (unless some form of "balanced starts" applies). The player who draws the tile nearest the start of the alphabet goes first, with the blank preceding 'A'. If players draw the same letter, they draw again.

During each Game

1. Maintain a courteous attitude to your opponent during the game.
2. ASPA tournament rules apply. If in doubt call the tournament director.
   Here is an abstract of the essentials:
3. • For each of your moves, you must write down your score for the move and the progressive total.
   • For each of your opponent's moves, you must write down their score, and their progressive total.
   • When you have finished placing your tiles, you should add up your score and announce the total score for your move to your opponent.
   • You may challenge a word (or words) played by your opponent, but only if you have not written down the score for the move.
   • To challenge, indicate to your opponent your intention to challenge. The challenge may be adjudicated by
     • an approved phone app
     • both players going to a computer
     • calling the director
   • If a word you play is adjudicated as incorrect, you miss a turn. In most tournaments in Australia there is no penalty to the challenger for a fruitless challenge.
   • Cover your rack while the challenge is in progress.
   • You may change letters at any time, as long as there are at least seven tiles left in the bag. This is in lieu of playing a word. You may exchange any number of tiles you wish.
   • If you have taken the last tile(s) from the tile bag, it is a courtesy to inform your opponent the bag is empty.
   • At the end of the game, if one player has unplayed tiles, their value is subtracted from their score and added to their opponent's score. If both players have unplayed tiles, they both take points off.

After the Game

1. Check that your total agrees with your opponent's total.
2. Countersign the results slip (or score sheets) when scores are agreed upon.
3. Fill out personal tournament record with game summary (optional).
4. Help to set up the tiles in a 10x10 grid (or equivalent) before leaving the table.
5. If you won the game, take the results slip to the computer operator.
6. Keep post-game discussion at the table to a minimum as a courtesy to others who may still be playing.

At the end of the Tournament

1. Help to pack up equipment.
2. Stay for the presentations if possible, to support the winners.