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== General questions about the Association == | == General questions about the Association == | ||
− | # <span class=q>What is NASPA?</span> <br />NASPA is a nonprofit [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/501(c)_organization 501(c)(4) corporation] incorporated in Texas. It has an exclusive license from [[Hasbro]] to administer competitive SCRABBLE play in the United States and Canada. | + | # <span class=q>What is NASPA?</span> <br />NASPA is a nonprofit [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/501(c)_organization 501(c)(4) corporation] incorporated in Texas. It has an exclusive license from [[Hasbro]] to administer competitive SCRABBLE play in the United States and Canada. |
+ | # <span class=q>How many members does NASPA have?</span> <br />The exact number varies from day to day as members join, lapse and re-up. We typically have between 2,000-2,500 active paid members and 4,000 past or lapsed members. Our player database lists another 10,000+ players who have competed before our founding, or in affiliated overseas events. We have estimated another 10,000 players competing in our clubs, where membership and registration is not required, based on ratios of members to nonmembers at selected clubs. The number of annual sales of Scrabble sets in North America is considered proprietary information, but is likely 1~2 million; past surveys have shown that 1 in 3 households has a Scrabble set. | ||
# <span class=q>Who is in charge of NASPA? </span><br />NASPA is formally governed by its board of trustees. Day-to-day management is in the hands of its [[Executive Committee]] (EC), which delegates most tasks to its [[Committees]]. Decisions of working committees may be appealed to the [[Advisory Board]] (AB); AB decisions may be appealed to the EC; EC decisions may be appealed to the board of trustees. | # <span class=q>Who is in charge of NASPA? </span><br />NASPA is formally governed by its board of trustees. Day-to-day management is in the hands of its [[Executive Committee]] (EC), which delegates most tasks to its [[Committees]]. Decisions of working committees may be appealed to the [[Advisory Board]] (AB); AB decisions may be appealed to the EC; EC decisions may be appealed to the board of trustees. | ||
# <span class=q>Do players have a voice in how NASPA works? </span><br /> Yes. Players who have the time and energy to devote to volunteering for one of NASPA's [[Committees]] can have the most direct impact on our future by helping to develop our policy. Others are encouraged to either contact the committee in charge of their concern, or their [[Advisory Board]] representative for general concerns. | # <span class=q>Do players have a voice in how NASPA works? </span><br /> Yes. Players who have the time and energy to devote to volunteering for one of NASPA's [[Committees]] can have the most direct impact on our future by helping to develop our policy. Others are encouraged to either contact the committee in charge of their concern, or their [[Advisory Board]] representative for general concerns. | ||
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The rest of our topics are listed alphabetically. | The rest of our topics are listed alphabetically. | ||
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== Finance == | == Finance == | ||
+ | # <span class=q>How do I make payments for NASPA? </span><br />Please see our [[Payment]] page for a detailed answer to this question. | ||
# <span class=q>Is financial information available for NASPA? </span><br />You may view NASPA's Form 990 on our [[Financial Reports]] page. | # <span class=q>Is financial information available for NASPA? </span><br />You may view NASPA's Form 990 on our [[Financial Reports]] page. | ||
# <span class=q>Are there executive stipends, will the members decide them, and will they be published? </span><br /> NASPA reports its budget in accordance with statutory requirements governing nonprofit corporations. Executive stipends, if any, are determined by the board of trustees. As of 2014, there are no stipends as such, but NASPA is reimbursing some expenses necessary for its operation, and disbursing approximately $2,000 per month in consulting fees. | # <span class=q>Are there executive stipends, will the members decide them, and will they be published? </span><br /> NASPA reports its budget in accordance with statutory requirements governing nonprofit corporations. Executive stipends, if any, are determined by the board of trustees. As of 2014, there are no stipends as such, but NASPA is reimbursing some expenses necessary for its operation, and disbursing approximately $2,000 per month in consulting fees. | ||
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# <span class=q>Will NASPA spend its capital reserves to subsidize prize pools at major events?</span><br />In general, no, because we believe that this would lead to the very top players being paid better without an increase in overall membership. We would rather spend money on reaching out to a broader group of potential players to encourage them to join the association. | # <span class=q>Will NASPA spend its capital reserves to subsidize prize pools at major events?</span><br />In general, no, because we believe that this would lead to the very top players being paid better without an increase in overall membership. We would rather spend money on reaching out to a broader group of potential players to encourage them to join the association. | ||
# <span class=q>Can my tournament sponsors make a charitable donation through NASPA?</span><br />No, we are a 501(c)(4) corporation, not a charity. | # <span class=q>Can my tournament sponsors make a charitable donation through NASPA?</span><br />No, we are a 501(c)(4) corporation, not a charity. | ||
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== Membership == | == Membership == | ||
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# <span class=q>Can I buy member-only publications such as the [[OTCWL]] from [http://www.wordgear.com WordGear] as a NASPA member? </span><br /> No, because Word Gear went out of business on July 1, 2013. You can now buy it from the [[NASPA Store]]. | # <span class=q>Can I buy member-only publications such as the [[OTCWL]] from [http://www.wordgear.com WordGear] as a NASPA member? </span><br /> No, because Word Gear went out of business on July 1, 2013. You can now buy it from the [[NASPA Store]]. | ||
# <span class=q>Are newcomers allowed to attend one open-rated tournament before joining as members? </span><br /> No, but they will have an option to purchase a 6-month trial membership for US$15. | # <span class=q>Are newcomers allowed to attend one open-rated tournament before joining as members? </span><br /> No, but they will have an option to purchase a 6-month trial membership for US$15. | ||
+ | # <span class=q>What services do you provide to inmates of correctional facilities? </span><br />We regret that we are unable to communicate with or sell products or services to inmates at this time. | ||
=== Joining and renewing === | === Joining and renewing === | ||
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== [[National SCRABBLE Championship]] == | == [[National SCRABBLE Championship]] == | ||
− | # <span class=q>When/where is the [[ | + | # <span class=q>When/where is the [[2017 North American SCRABBLE Championship]]?</span><br />July 22–26, with mandatory registration (in person or by proxy) the day before at Hyatt Regency, 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA. |
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# <span class=q>Who decides the format of the NASC?</span><br />The NASPA [[Championship Committee]] is charged with organizing and running our annual championship tournament. The Championship Committee makes hundreds of decisions with respect to the organization of the NASC. The Championship Committee functions much like the organizers/directors of other NASPA tournaments, choosing a venue, negotiating terms, setting entry fees, establishing division cutoffs, determining pairing format, etc. | # <span class=q>Who decides the format of the NASC?</span><br />The NASPA [[Championship Committee]] is charged with organizing and running our annual championship tournament. The Championship Committee makes hundreds of decisions with respect to the organization of the NASC. The Championship Committee functions much like the organizers/directors of other NASPA tournaments, choosing a venue, negotiating terms, setting entry fees, establishing division cutoffs, determining pairing format, etc. | ||
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== Other SCRABBLE Entities == | == Other SCRABBLE Entities == | ||
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# <span class=q>Can you help me with a question about playing official SCRABBLE online?</span><br/>Please contact [http://help.ea.com/en/contact-us/ Electronic Arts Customer Service] directly for assistance. | # <span class=q>Can you help me with a question about playing official SCRABBLE online?</span><br/>Please contact [http://help.ea.com/en/contact-us/ Electronic Arts Customer Service] directly for assistance. | ||
# <span class=q>Can you help me with a question about the [[Official SCRABBLE Players Dictionary]]?</span><br/>Please contact [http://www.merriam-webster.com/contact/index.htm Merriam-Webster Customer Service] directly for assistance. | # <span class=q>Can you help me with a question about the [[Official SCRABBLE Players Dictionary]]?</span><br/>Please contact [http://www.merriam-webster.com/contact/index.htm Merriam-Webster Customer Service] directly for assistance. | ||
+ | # <span class=q>I have a product/service/other related to the SCRABBLE brand that I believe the community would very much enjoy. Can you help me promote it?</span><br/>We appreciate you coming to us with this request. We admire your ongoing dedication to the SCRABBLE brand, as well as your dedication to the pursuit of related endeavors that others in our community might enjoy. As much as we'd like to help, due to the licensing agreement that we have signed with Hasbro, we are not permitted to advertise any products that do not specifically belong to Hasbro. We have only the best wishes that your (product/service/other) is a success. | ||
== Playing the Game == | == Playing the Game == | ||
− | # <span class=q>Where can I play SCRABBLE games? </span><br /> You can play the [http://www.hasbro.com/scrabble/en_US/ original game] in person with your friends and family, play [http://www.ea.com/scrabble online with Electronic Arts], | + | # <span class=q>Where can I play SCRABBLE games? </span><br /> You can play the [http://www.hasbro.com/scrabble/en_US/ original game] in person with your friends and family, play [http://www.ea.com/scrabble online with Electronic Arts (EA)], practice for serious competition at our official [[Clubs]] and earn a [[rating]] at our official [[Tournaments]]. |
+ | # <span class=q>What version of EA SCRABBLE does my Apple device support? </span><br /> EA will be making a necessary change to security licenses that will cause SCRABBLE players on Apple devices to be unable to play SCRABBLE versions 3.7.0 and earlier starting September 1, 2016. EA is encouraging all SCRABBLE players on these versions to upgrade to the latest version of the game via the Apple App Store. In order to check what SCRABBLE version you are on, simply go to Options in the Main Screen, tap on About, and scroll to the bottom to see your Version Number. | ||
== Ratings == | == Ratings == | ||
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== Words == | == Words == | ||
− | + | # <span class=q> What are all these official word lists? </span><br /> Any group of players can agree to use a particular word list or dictionary in their games. In officially sanctioned competitive play though, we all use one of a few official word lists designed for use with our game. Unlike regular dictionaries, for example, official word lists list all valid inflections for all listed words. Within NASPA's territory of the United States and Canada, the following word lists are officially recognized: [[SSWL]] for school play, [[OTCWL]] for regular competitive play, and [[CSW]] for international play. | |
− | + | === Word List Contents === | |
− | + | # <span class=q> Why is (my favorite word) not acceptable? </span><br /> See [[How lexicons are compiled|how lexicons are compiled]]. | |
− | + | # <span class=q> Why is (a common nine-letter word) not in OSPD? </span><br /> OSPD lists only words of up to eight letters, and their inflections. For longer words, please consult OTCWL, beginning with its 2014 edition. | |
− | + | # <span class=q> Why is ZEN not acceptable? </span><br /> Because none of our source lexica list it spelled without a capital Z. | |
− | + | # <span class=q> What's up with DA? </span><br /> DA was deleted from the playing lexicon as of OSPD3 as a result of a major review of the original research that led to OSPD1; it is reentering the lexicon as of OTCWL2014, because it is listed in one of our new source lexica. | |
− | + | # <span class=q> Why is a particular word in [[OTCWL]] but not in [[OSPD]]? </span><br /> Although both OTCWL and OSPD are edited by both NASPA and Merriam-Webster, the publications are edited at different times by different individuals according to different criteria. The commonest causes for a word appearing in OTCWL but not in OSPD are: being longer than 8 letters, being potentially offensive, being a possible trademark in some jurisdictions, having entered a source lexicon between the editorial deadlines for the two works, or differing editorial opinions concerning ambiguities in source lexica. | |
− | + | # <span class=q> Can you send me a list of words that are in one lexicon but not in another? </span><br /> For licensing and copyright reasons no, but you can probably make the list yourself using [[NASPA Zyzzyva]]. | |
− | + | === Word List Purchasing, Publishing, Licensing === | |
− | + | # <span class=q> Do I have to be a NASPA member to buy a copy of the Official Tournament and Club Word List?</span><br /> Yes, licensing conditions have always required vendors to confirm association membership status for word list sales. | |
− | + | # <span class=q> Where can I buy a copy of the Official Tournament and Club Word List (OTCWL)? </span><br />You can buy it at the [[NASPA Store]] online. | |
− | + | # <span class=q> A new [[OSPD]] was released in September 2018. When will the next version of [[OTCWL]] be available? </span><br />It usually takes 3 to 6 months to integrate OSPD changes into the OTCWL. So it will be early in 2019 at the earliest before the new OTCWL goes into effect for NASPA competition. Click [http://www.icontact-archive.com/-eBE1BTTRFaArP3qIeNvGMRx3Zbupp4b?w=4 here] for more information. | |
− | + | # <span class=q> Will the next printing of [[OTCWL]] incorporate the published errata from the current edition? </span><br />It will, but it should also include new words yet to be determined. | |
− | + | # <span class=q> Will the next printing of [[OSPD]] be any different from the current edition? </span><br />That's a question for [[Merriam-Webster]], but in past editions, most new printings within an edition have included minor updates. | |
− | + | # <span class=q> When can I use the latest word lists with Quackle, Zarf, Elise, ...? </span><br /> We are not aware of any plans by the developers of other software to license the current word list. | |
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== [[World SCRABBLE Championship]] == | == [[World SCRABBLE Championship]] == | ||
# <span class=q>What is the SCRABBLE Champions Tournament?</span><br />Mattel determined in 2013 that it would be inappropriate to continue to sponsor the World SCRABBLE Championship under its traditional name, and renamed it the SCRABBLE Champions Tournament. Many players continue to call it the World SCRABBLE Championship. | # <span class=q>What is the SCRABBLE Champions Tournament?</span><br />Mattel determined in 2013 that it would be inappropriate to continue to sponsor the World SCRABBLE Championship under its traditional name, and renamed it the SCRABBLE Champions Tournament. Many players continue to call it the World SCRABBLE Championship. | ||
− | # <span class=q> | + | # <span class=q>What is the WESPA Championship?</span><br />WESPAC is a prestigious world championship organized by [[WESPA]]. Many players continue to call this too the World SCRABBLE Championship. |
− | # <span class=q> | + | # <span class=q>Is there a World SCRABBLE Championship?</span><br />As of 2016, no one has announced plans to stage an event under this name. |
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Here is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the North American SCRABBLE Players Association (NASPA). Please check to see if your question is answered here before you contact us.
The rest of our topics are listed alphabetically.
Copyright © 2024 NASPA All rights reserved. SCRABBLE is a trademark of Hasbro, Inc. in the USA and Canada, and of Mattel, Inc. elsewhere. NASPA and its activities are neither endorsed by nor affiliated with Hasbro or Mattel. For more information about NASPA or for comments or issues with this page, please email us.