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]] | ;[[Image:ScrabbleVisual.jpg|right|200px|NSC 2020 logo by Lena Markley]] | ||
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== Important Dates == | == Important Dates == | ||
* February 29, 2020 - End of free T-shirt with registration | * February 29, 2020 - End of free T-shirt with registration | ||
| − | * May 31, 2020 - End of early registration (base entry fee increases $50) | + | * <del>May 31, 2020</del> June 30, 2020 - End of early registration (base entry fee increases $50) |
* July 4, 2020 - Room block closes | * July 4, 2020 - Room block closes | ||
* July 14, 2020 - Close of registration (no refunds granted after this date) | * July 14, 2020 - Close of registration (no refunds granted after this date) | ||
| Line 18: | Line 83: | ||
==== Attendance Cap ==== | ==== Attendance Cap ==== | ||
| − | Attendance is '''limited to the first 400 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. | + | 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. | 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. | ||
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==== NWL Divisions ==== | ==== 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 | + | 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 ==== | ==== Collins Divisions ==== | ||
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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 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 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. | + | '''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. | 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. | ||
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'''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. | '''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 === | === Ride Wanted === | ||
| Line 252: | Line 321: | ||
: Rounds 19–21 (International Ballroom) | : Rounds 19–21 (International Ballroom) | ||
; 7:00 P.M.–11:30 P.M. | ; 7:00 P.M.–11:30 P.M. | ||
| − | : After hours room open (Hall of Fame) | + | : After hours room open (Hall of Fame) - Board Games Night |
; 8:30 P.M.–10:00 P.M. | ; 8:30 P.M.–10:00 P.M. | ||
: Town Hall meeting (Carroll) | : Town Hall meeting (Carroll) | ||
| Line 439: | Line 508: | ||
* | * | ||
* | * | ||
| + | |||
| + | --> | ||
Latest revision as of 09:40, 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.
- 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)