Collegiate Novice 5 will be available to mirror in its traditional early-fall slot in 2014.
Changes in 2014
1. Because I'm editing Chicago Open, the writing process will not begin until the end of July, and I will solicit more (and more experienced) writers for the project than in years past. Writers will receive two assignments, each due in about 10 days. There may be an option for a third assignment if necessary. The assignments will be manageable (5-10 questions).
2. To give host sites more flexibility with finals, we will produce 12 packets instead of the 10 in previous years. Proportionate to the extra questions, the mirror fee will increase to $6 per player.
3. I have tweaked the eligibility rules slightly. See below.
Who is writing this tournament?
Like in years past, I will solicit (self-) nominations of new writers. I would also appreciate having 5-10 experienced collegiate writers sign on to write questions. As in previous years, I'll edit everything (with help from playtesters, as usual).
When will it take place?
The tournament will be available for hosting on any Saturday between September 6 and October 11. I prefer the September dates to avoid conflicts with other tournaments, but I'll work with hosts in regions that have later starts to host at an appropriate time. This early date should allow new players to play an event tailored to them within a week or two of the first practice. Ideally the tournament will be hosted before any other event in all regions.
What will the packets be like?
There will be 12 packets, which should allow a reasonable format with finals and still keep the day short enough to avoid quizbowl fatigue and allow teams the chance to return to their campuses during the afternoon. The questions will be strictly length-limited to five lines of ten point Times New Roman (ten-line max for bonuses). The packets will probably be distributed in 12-point TNR for reading ease, so they may appear to be longer, but all will be held to the five/ten line ten-point standards. Packets will follow the ACF distribution and otherwise resemble normal quizbowl.
Who can play?
The eligibility rules have been changed slightly. I have tailored the rule about good high school players more narrowly. Remember, if these rules apply to you, it doesn't mean you can't play! See recently added point #6 for procedure on applying for dispensation.1. All ACF eligibility rules apply, except when they contradict the rules below.
2. This is a tournament for introducing collegiate novices to quizbowl. Consequently, no high school teams or players are eligible.
3. Anyone (who does not break Rules 1 or 2) who has never played quizbowl before is automatically eligible. Other academic competition does not count as quizbowl for this rule.
4. Players meeting one or more of the following criteria must apply to the head editor for special permission to play:
i. If you have already completed your second year of college (calculated from time in college, not credits). Time in a post-secondary high school program does not count.
ii. If you have ever finished in the top 15 in scoring at PACE NSC or top 30 in scoring at NAQT HSNCT, or played on a team that finished in the top 10 at NSC or the top 20 at HSNCT.
iii. If you have ever scored at least 30 points per game at any college tournament.
iv. If you have ever won any college tournament.
5. Anyone who does not fall into any of the four categories listed in Rule 4 is automatically eligible to play.
6. Even if one of the rule 4 categories applies to you, you may still be able to play! Email me at [email protected] to apply for special dispensation. To apply: 1) state which of the rule 4 points would render you otherwise ineligible; 2) list when and how you achieved any of the accomplishments that led to your being otherwise ineligible; and 3) state succinctly why you want to play.
Cost
Hosts may charge up to $18 per player.
