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NASPA endeavors to accommodate players with special needs.
Most tournaments use computers for word judging (Software Self Lookup, or SSL). Anyone for whom it is a hardship to get to the SSL computer may request a human word judge to come to their game table.
In the past, the NSA has provided authorization for approved players to receive an extra 5 minutes playing time or other accommodations when required due to disability. NASPA will honor these accommodations (player must contact the director in advance and be prepared to present a copy of the letter they received from NSA), and will grant accommodations to players who request them, as appropriate.
In the event that a player cannot perform any of the physical actions normally required to play Scrabble without assistance, the player may obtain an accommodation to bring a personal attendant to perform actions required of the player (e.g., drawing tiles, recording score), under the direction of the player. In certain circumstances (e.g., a mobility impairment that prohibits lifting the bag above eye level), an accommodation may also be granted to provide an alternative drawing method that does not require an assistant (e.g., holding the bag to one side and turning the player's head to the other side, averting the player's eyes from the bag).
Players requesting these accommodations should apply to the Tournament Committee, which grants accommodations that must be honored at all NASPA-sanctioned events. Additionally, the player must contact the director in advance of the tournament to inform the director of any special needs or accommodations. Some accommodations can also be granted by tournament directors under Rule III.A.7. on a case-by-case basis.
Directors have access to a list of accommodations granted by the Tournament Committee.
A player who is unable for religious reasons to perform all of the physical functions required in a tournament game of Scrabble (e.g., Orthodox Jews who are unable to operate the clock or write during the sabbath) MUST contact the director of the tournament in advance for approval of an accommodation during the period when such actions are proscribed. These alternate methods may only be used for games during the period of proscription (e.g., the Sabbath), not throughout the entire tournament. In addition to the following, a manual word judge or other word judging alternative may be used, if required to accommodate the player's religious proscription.
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