Scrabble NSW Variations to National Rules of Tournament Play

Last Updated 8th December 2019
The following variations to the ASPA Rules of Tournament play apply to all tournaments approved by Scrabble (NSW):-

Rule 2.1

Rule 2.1 States: If at least one player wants to use a time clock, it must be used, subject to availability and the agreement of the Tournament Director.

NSW Variation to Rule 2.1 (updated by committee 8/03)

Players taking part in their first, second or third tournament do not have to use a time clock if they are playing in Recreation Division


Part 3 - Scoring

Rule 3.1

Rule 3.1 in part states: If they continue to not scores and totals, call for the Tournament Director.

New NSW Rule to come after 3.1

A recount of individual moves can be requested by either player at games end. The requester's clock should be running during the recount.


Rule 11.7

Rule 11.7 in part states "The loser must arrange the tiles in a 10x10 square "

NSW Variation to 11.7 [pending ratification as at 28/5/2004]

It is the responsibility of both players to ensure that tiles are reorganized on either the anchored rotating board or an ASPA (NSW) supplied board in a 10x10 grid in preparation for the next game. Anchored boards (identified by a butterfly sticker) may not be moved from the table on which they are first placed.


Addition at Rule 11.6a

Variation agreed by committee on 27/10/2007

At the point where the majority of other games have been completed and one player has gone five minutes over time, the Tournament Director may, at his or her discretion, stop the game


Addition to Rule 12.4

Variation agreed to by committee on 20/06/2009

An observer may watch the plays of a player provided the observer obtains permission from both players and the observer sits behind the player being observed so that both players racks are not viewable. No communication can take place between the observer and either player, and if the observer leaves the table, partway through he/she may not return to resume observing.


NSW variation regarding on table adjudications

NSW voted in favor of this CASPA proposal which was declined by the majority 2013. The committee decided to adopt it as a variation, to legitimise what had been happening in practice up to the point of the vote.

Word adjudication at the playing table is allowed using electronic devices equipped with a suitable Judge program, provided the device is operated in full view of the opponent and provided the opponent agrees with this adjudication method.


NSW variation regarding leaving the playing area

Variation agreed to by committee on 8/12/2019

If a player requires to leave the playing area for whatever reason, that player must complete their move, cover their rack, neutralise the clock and inform the tournament director where possible. The opponent is free to consider their next move and complete their bookwork without restriction.