2022 Small School National Championship Tournament Logistics Information
The 2022 Small School National Championship Tournament (SSNCT) was held at in Rosemont, Illinois (near Chicago), on April 22–24, 2022.
Contents
Tournament Date
April 22–24, 2022 (Friday–Sunday).
Participants will check in on Friday, April 22 and have the opportunity to meet each other and play scrimmage games.
The tournament’s preliminary games will take place on Saturday, and the playoff games will take place on Sunday. Teams may arrive earlier or stay later to explore Chicagoland at the discounted hotel rates negotiated by ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ. Teams that cannot arrive on Friday night will have a chance to check in on Saturday morning.
Location
hotel in Rosemont, Illinois (near Chicago). This is the official hotel, and it contains all of the competition rooms. A floor plan is available.
COVID-19 Safety
To protect all participants and their communities, ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ has established the following policies pertaining to COVID-19 safety:
Vaccination Requirement
All participants must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
- This applies to everyone attending the championship in person—players, coaches, chaperones, staff, and spectators.
- “Fully vaccinated” means, as of the beginning of the tournament, being vaccinated in accordance with . (If the CDC changes its definition after March 1, 2022, the definition from March 1 will be used.)
- Participants are furthermore very strongly encouraged to receive booster doses if eligible.
- The vaccine must be one approved or authorized for emergency use in the United States (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson/Janssen) or an approved multiple-dose mix thereof. Prospective participants who have received a different COVID-19 vaccine should discuss their situation with ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ.
ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ has prepared responses to frequent questions and comments about this policy as well as suggestions for coaches with challenges navigating this policy in the context of their school.
Implementation of Vaccination Requirement
Before the tournament, all participants must sign a participation agreement covering several topics, including an attestation that the participant meets the above requirements. For participants who are minors, the minor’s parent/guardian must also sign, and for high school students who have attained the age of majority, the student’s parent/guardian is still strongly encouraged to sign. This agreement includes specific penalties for misrepresentation of vaccination status. Participation agreements must be submitted electronically by Saturday, April 16, 2022.
At the tournament, staff will examine each participant’s proof of vaccination (official vaccination card) and photo identification, verifying vaccination status and that the photo identification matches both the person presenting it and the person identified on the proof of vaccination. Photographs of proof of vaccination are acceptable, but other electronic “passes” are not, nor are documents other than official vaccination cards.
Once a participant’s documents have been checked, staff will place a wristband on the participant as evidence of completion of the verification process. The wristband must be worn throughout the tournament; no one without such a wristband (other than hotel staff) will be permitted in tournament areas. If a wristband must be removed, there will be a procedure for replacing it (including re-checking of documents), but it is expected that players should keep the same wristband throughout the weekend; wristbands will be safe to shower with.
Participants must complete the above steps (proving vaccination status and receiving a wristband) before partaking in any other tournament activities, such as scrimmages, or otherwise being in any other space used by the tournament.
If a participant is unable or unwilling to provide the requisite documents (participation agreement in advance; proof of vaccination and photo identification on-site), they will not be permitted to attend. If they are already on-site, they will not be permitted in areas of the hotel used by the tournament.
Mask Requirement
All participants must wear well-fitted masks that fully cover their nostrils and mouth at all times when in indoor spaces used by the tournament. The sole exception is when a participant is actively eating or drinking. Participants should not eat or drink during games or when in close proximity to others.
Tournament staff will be understanding of momentary, inadvertent lapses due to masks falling, with reminders issued as necessary. However, participants should be aware of their mask situation and adjust the mask promptly if it falls, without having to be reminded. (A well-fitted mask should not fall often.)
Players may want to wear the type of mask they plan to use in advance of the tournament to ensure it is comfortable, well-fitting, and easy to speak through. (Reusable masks should be laundered before use at the tournament if previously worn.)
Frequent or prolonged lapses in mask-wearing, or the failure to make a good-faith effort to comply with the mask requirement, will not be tolerated.
ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ recommends N95, KN95, KF94, or similar masks. Surgical and cloth masks are acceptable but not preferred. Vented masks, bandannas, or other items not designed for the purpose of proper masking are not acceptable. Face shields are not acceptable on their own (but may be used in addition to a mask). Participants are expected to provide their own masks.
Other
ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ will be able to support contact tracing with its records of what teams (and players and other participants) are involved with games at what times and with what other people, including scrimmage and consolation games. ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ is not able to track locations and interactions that are not part of these records, such as specific paths of inter-game travel, people not being with their team, and informal interactions.
ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ will adapt its ordinary procedures, such as opening meetings, to avoid the need for large, close gatherings.
All participants are encouraged to wash their hands frequently, cough or sneeze into their elbow, and maintain other standard hygienic practices.
Changes
ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ reserves the right to modify these plans as conditions change closer to the tournament. However, in the interest of allowing for participants to plan with confidence, ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ is unlikely to make changes unless absolutely necessary.
Schedule
This schedule is final.
All times are listed in Central time.
Friday Evening
| Time | Event | Location | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Vaccination status verification and buzzer intake | Lobby, outside Conference Center | Lobby Level |
| 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Staff check-in | Logan | Lobby Level |
| 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Team check-in | Conference Center foyer | Lobby Level |
| 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. | Scrimmage rounds (optional) | Conference Center foyer | Entry Level |
Saturday
| Time | Event | Location | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 – 8:30 a.m. | Late-arrival vaccination status verification | Lobby, outside Conference Center | Lobby Level |
| 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. | Late-arrival team check-in | Conference Center foyer | Lobby Level |
| 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. | Secondary staff check-in | London | International Level |
| 8:00 – 8:45 a.m. | Staff meeting | London | International Level |
| 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Preliminary rounds 1–7 | Throughout the hotel | |
| 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. | Lunch (on your own) | Buffet and cash stands available | |
| 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Preliminary rounds 8–14 | Throughout the hotel | |
| 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Consolation sign-up | Online | |
Sunday
| Time | Event | Location | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:30 – 8:15 a.m. | Playoff cards distributed | Conference Center foyer | Lobby Level |
| 8:00 – 8:25 a.m. | Playoff staff meeting | London | International Level |
| 8:00 – 8:25 a.m. | Consolation staff meeting | Seatac | Entry Level |
| 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Playoff rounds 15–19 | Throughout the hotel | |
| 8:45 – 11:30 a.m. | Consolation rounds (optional) | Throughout the hotel | |
| 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Lunch (on your own) | Buffet and cash stands available | |
| 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. | Playoff rounds 20–21 | Meeting rooms and ballrooms | |
| 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. | Buzzer return | Grand Ballroom Registration Desk | Entry Level |
| 2:00 p.m. (or earlier if ready) | Traditional Public Schools Division finals (one or two games) | International Ballroom ABC | International Level |
| 2:00 p.m. (or earlier if ready) | Open Division finals (one or two games) | Grand Ballroom ABCD | Entry Level |
| After finals | Awards | Grand Ballroom ABCD | Entry Level |
Frequently Asked Questions
ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ has prepared answers to frequently asked questions about its national championships.
Information Desk
Starting Friday evening, ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ will operate an Information Desk in the Lobby Level Atrium. The Information Desk should be the first destination for any questions about or issues with the tournament (other than protests, which must be lodged within the game room).
Participants may also text 213‑279‑6278 (“ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ”) with questions if it is inconvenient for them to get to the Information Desk. Tournament staff will answer incoming messages as quickly as they can.
In general, lost-and-found items will be taken to the Information Desk during the tournament. We will notify owners to the extent we can identify them. At the end of the tournament, any unclaimed items will be brought to the hotel’s general lost-and-found.
Rules and Eligibility
Gameplay will follow the Official ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ Rules. Player eligibility is governed by the High School Eligibility Rules.
Furthermore, this tournament is limited to teams from schools that meet ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ’s definition of Small Schools and is separated into two divisions based on the two types of Small Schools.
Qualification and Registration
Registration is limited to invited teams through Monday, January 31, 2022. Beginning Tuesday, February 1 at midnight Central time, any Small School may register, with a limit of two teams per school. Beginning Tuesday, February 15 at midnight Central time, the two-teams-per-school limit will be lifted and any Small School may register any number of teams (subject to a cap on the total field size in each division).
Because of the open registration window, there is no wildcard process for this tournament. Teams who do not receive invitations based on their performance may register on or after February 1.
Field
These teams attended the tournament.
Format
The following format will be used (separately in each division).
Preliminary Rounds (1–14)
Teams will be initially divided into five pools of eleven teams, each of which will play a round robin. Therefore, each team will play ten games and have four byes.
Playoff Rounds (15–23)
Teams who won six or more of their preliminary games will compete in double-elimination playoffs. The playoff bracket will be seeded by preliminary win-loss record followed by points per tossup heard. Depending on how many teams make the playoffs, some teams may receive byes.
For the finals, there are two possible cases depending on the results of the semifinal round. In the semifinal round, the last team who has not lost in the playoffs will play a team who has taken one loss in the playoffs, while the other game will involve two teams who have each taken one loss in the playoffs. If the team who has not lost in the playoffs wins its semifinal game, then it will have the advantage in a final against the winner of the other semifinal game, that is, the former team need only win one of two games to claim the championship, while the latter team must win two games to claim the championship; meanwhile, the teams who lost the semifinal games will play for third place. If the team who had not yet lost in the playoffs loses its semifinal game, then the final will be a three-team, two-game procedure: the two semifinal winners will play each other, and the winner of that game will play the team who had not lost before the semifinals in a one-game final, while the team eliminated in the semifinal round will finish in fourth place.
All teams eliminated in the same round of the playoffs will be considered tied. Teams who did not make the playoffs will be ranked (behind teams who made the playoffs) by win-loss record followed by points per tossup heard.
Very Small Schools (Traditional Public Schools Division only)
Within the Traditional Public Schools Division, teams from Very Small Schools will be ranked based on their overall rank within the division. However, if there are any ties involving the top three places, additional games will be played according to ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ’s standard tiebreaker schemes to break the tie(s), possibly using full packets rather than fractional packets if resources allow.
Fees and Payment
Registration has closed.
The registration fee is $685 per team.
The registration fee only covers participation in the tournament. It does not cover transportation, lodging, food or other expenses.
Buzzer Discounts
Teams who bring a working buzzer system to the tournament will be eligible for a $20 discount on the registration fee if it meets ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ’s national-championship standards. There may be some surprises in that policy! Please read it in advance to make sure your system qualifies.
Unless otherwise approved by ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ, no team may receive more than two buzzer-system discounts.
Timing
ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ will only award the discount for buzzer systems that it receives by 9:30 p.m. Friday and may keep until 12:30 p.m. Sunday; if you cannot commit to those times, do not register to bring a buzzer system!
Buzzer Return
ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ will begin returning team-provided buzzer systems at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday (and not before, except in emergencies). As mentioned above, this might make it impractical for teams planning to leave as soon as they are eliminated to receive buzzer-system discounts (as their systems will not have been returned at that point). Buzzer return will stay open until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Grand Ballroom Registration Desk (Entry Level). If a team knows in advance they will be unable to pick up their buzzer system in time, they should make special arrangements at check-in; barring other arrangements, unclaimed buzzer systems will be left with the hotel bell desk.
Payment
For teams registered by a verified official school coach, payment is generally due by the start of the tournament and will be accepted at check-in, though we strongly prefer earlier payment. ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ reserves the right to require earlier payment in specific cases.
For teams not registered by a verified official school coach, payment—or confirmation of payment plans from such a coach or from a school administrator—is required within one week of registration.
To request an invoice, once you have entered all the information that can affect costs (but not necessarily entered your roster or other information that doesn’t affect cost), at the bottom of your registration page, click “View Cost.” Verify that the listed information is correct, and if so, follow the instructions to request an invoice so that we have the proper billing information. You will also be offered the opportunity to pay by credit card.
ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ accepts checks, but those paying by check must be mindful of the payment timing requirement mentioned above. Checks should be made payable to “ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ” and should be sent to
ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ, LLC
11521 W 69th St
Shawnee, KS 66203–3749
Please send questions about billing to [email protected].
Cancellation
Teams who cancel their registration between February 15 and March 15 (inclusive) will owe a cancellation fee of $68.50 (10% of the registration fee). Teams who cancel their registration between March 16 and March 31 (inclusive) will owe a cancellation fee of $342.50 (half of the registration fee). Teams who cancel their registration on or after April 1, or who fail to show up to the tournament, will owe a cancellation fee of $513.75 (75% of the registration fee). These deadlines notwithstanding, teams will always have a seven-day grace period after registering during which they can cancel without incurring a fee.
Failure to submit participation agreements on time may be treated as a cancellation, including incurring a cancellation fee, at ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ’s discretion.
Cancellation due to COVID-19
ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ expects all prospective participants to follow the recommendations of the CDC (and any other applicable health agencies) with regard to isolation, quarantine, not traveling, etc., based on testing positive for COVID-19, having symptoms thereof, or having been exposed to people who are symptomatic or who have tested positive, etc.—even if that means they are unable to participate in the tournament.
ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ will waive cancellation fees for any team whose chaperone or any player is unable to participate due to following such recommendations, though ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ strongly prefers affected teams to play shorthanded or find an alternative chaperone if at all possible. For a cancellation fee waiver, notice should be given to ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ as early as possible, supporting documentation or information may be required, and the offer is only available to teams who are in full compliance with other requirements pertaining to payment, submission of participation agreements, etc.
Participation Agreements
Every person attending the tournament—including players, coaches, chaperones, and spectators—must sign a participation agreement covering expectations, the vaccination requirement, media coverage, etc. All agreements must be submitted to [email protected] by Saturday, April 16, 2022.
For players who are under age 18, both the player and their parent/guardian must sign the agreement. For players who have reached age 18, ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ strongly recommends and requests that the parent/guardian sign in addition to the player.
The signature(s) on the participation agreement must be handwritten, not typed. The agreement may be submitted by sending a scan or photo to [email protected]. Only the last page is required unless the participant is indicating a preference not to be recorded (in which case the page with the checkbox to indicate that preference must be included).
Chaperones
Every team must have one official chaperone, subject to the following rules:
- The chaperone must be at least 21 years old.
- The chaperone must be reachable by text message (at a number provided to ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ) throughout the tournament, to the maximum extent possible given availability of cellular networks.
- The chaperone must be with the team at most times during the tournament and downtime. If the chaperone is not with the team, ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ is not obligated to contact the chaperone in situations short of an emergency. In particular, ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ will not contact absent chaperones regarding protests.
- The chaperone must be with the team during travel. If the team is traveling in multiple groups, all groups must be chaperoned during travel by a person who is at least 21 years old.
- The chaperone must always be near enough to the team to (physically) reach them in less than ten minutes.
- The chaperone may also be the chaperone for other teams at the tournament, thus potentially reducing their regular proximity to the team (but without nullifying any of these requirements).
- The chaperone must comply with the COVID-19 safety policies, including the requirement to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and prove that status before participating.
- The chaperone must complete a participation agreement.
- The chaperone must be the same person for the entire tournament.
All players’ parents/guardians must affirm (via the participation agreement) that they accept their child’s team’s chaperone and the chaperone’s role of responsibility.
Teams who wish to request a variance from the chaperone policy should write to ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ at [email protected] well in advance of the tournament to discuss their situation.
Checking In
There are two parts of check-in, which need not be completed at the same time.
Everyone (players, coaches, chaperones, and spectators) must prove their vaccination status and receive a wristband before participating in any other aspect of the tournament (including, but not limited to, scrimmages and the remainder of the check-in process) or being in other space used by the tournament. This process will be available starting early Friday afternoon. All participants will need their official vaccination card (or photograph thereof) and a photo ID for this step. The remainder of this section covers the “traditional” tournament check-in process, for which only one person per team is required.
The primary check-in period will be from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. in the Conference Center (Lobby Level) on Friday, April 22. During this period ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ will distribute information folders, answer questions, process payments, verify rosters, and take care of other administrative matters. There is a “late” check-in period on Saturday, but ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ would prefer that as many teams as possible check in on Friday night.
To check in, each team should send only one coach or chaperone to the check-in area. That person will be given the team’s information folder. Others should not enter the check-in area.
In past years there has been a long line just after check-in opens, so we encourage teams to keep an eye on the line and send one person to check in when the line is short. There is no need to check in immediately. In particular, it is not necessary to check in before playing scrimmage games (but it is necessary to have completed the vaccination-proof step).
Teams that don’t arrive at the hotel until after 9:30 p.m. on Friday may check in between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. Saturday in the Conference Center (Lobby Level). Teams that checked in on Friday do not need to check in again on Saturday.
Scrimmages
Between 6:00 and 10:00 p.m. on Friday night, game rooms will be set up for teams to scrimmage against each other on questions from previous championships and/or the regular season. This scrimmaging is free and will be moderated by tournament staff.
Before playing scrimmage games, every person with a team (players, coaches, chaperones, and spectators) must verify their vaccination status. It is not necessary to complete the remainder of the check-in process first. Teams should then go to the Conference Center foyer, Entry Level for scrimmages.
Teams that want to participate in scrimmage games must register for those games in advance. Details will be disseminated to teams registered for the tournament.
Scrimmages are open to all players, including alternates and standby teams.
Teams will be offered up to two scrimmage games.
Awards
Teams finishing in seventh place and higher in each division will receive trophies, and the players on those teams will receive individual trophies (up to five per team). The top three teams from Very Small Schools (within the Traditional Public Schools Division) and their players will also receive trophies.
The top ten individual scorers in each division (determined by points per tossup heard in the preliminary rounds) will receive All-Star awards.
If a team needs to leave before the awards ceremony, it can go to the Information Desk to get its trophy and any individual awards earned by its members.
Consolation Games
Teams who do not qualify for the playoffs are encouraged to return at the beginning of the playoffs to play consolation games.
Signup has closed.
Consolation games will consist of two-, three-, and four-round mini-tournaments. Teams can specify their preference when signing up; they will not be assigned a longer mini-tournament than they request, though depending on supply and demand, they may be assigned a shorter one. Signing up for consolation mini-tournaments is the only way to participate in consolation games; there are no ad hoc games.
Most consolation mini-tournaments will start at 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, but some may start later.
Consolation games have no effect on a team’s final rank in the tournament. They are played solely for fun. They will use the same questions as are being used in the playoffs.
Transportation
Flights
Participants are strongly encouraged to fly into (ORD), which is extremely close to the hotel. They may also fly into (MDW), but it is much less convenient.
Ground Transportation
The hotel runs a free shuttle every 15 or 30 minutes (depending on time of day) to transport people from O’Hare to the hotel (and vice versa). As of 2024, the shuttle pickup location has changed; it is now outside of Door 2A on the Arrivals Level (lowest level) of Terminal 2. There is also a pickup location by Door 5E in Terminal 5, but that is much less convenient for most domestic arrivals.
There is no such shuttle for Midway. A taxi between Midway and the hotel will cost $35 or more, or you can take the ’s Orange and Blue Lines for $3 per person (getting on at the Midway Orange Line station, transferring to the Blue Line downtown, and getting off at the Rosemont Blue Line station, which is about one block from the hotel).
Driving Directions
The hotel’s address is 9300 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Rosemont, Illinois.
Parking
Parking standard vehicles at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare costs $15/day, including in-and-out privileges. Participants traveling to the tournament in buses should contact the hotel in advance to discuss parking options.
To receive the discounted parking rate, participants staying at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare should mention when checking into their guest rooms (not the tournament) that they have parked at the hotel and validate their ticket. Participants not staying at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare should use the manual validator box at the Information Desk to validate their parking ticket. (Do not use the manual validator box if you are staying overnight at the hotel.)
Hotel
The official hotel for the tournament is the . (There are two Hyatt hotels in Rosemont; the one hosting the tournament is the Hyatt Regency O’Hare.)
Rooms with one king bed are available for $122/night and rooms with two double beds are available for $129 per night. To receive this rate, rooms must be before April 20, 2022 (and before the room block fills). It is also possible to book by calling 800-544-9288 and mentioning ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ and/or the group code “NQ22,” but hold times are often long.
Between the SSNCT and the other events scheduled for the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, it is expected that the hotel will run out of rooms. ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ strongly recommends that teams book their rooms as early as possible, particularly if they want rooms with two double beds.
As part of the contract negotiated by ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ, the hotel will offer complimentary Internet access in guest rooms to tournament participants and their families.
Food
The hotel’s on the Lobby Level will be offering all-you-can-eat buffet meals throughout the weekend.
The hotel will operate food stands for Saturday and Sunday lunch near the Perks coffee shop on the Entry Level. Burgers, sandwiches, salads, pizza, and similar food will be available.
There is a food court with a variety of typical food-court-style restaurants at the mall at 5220 Fashion Outlets Way. To get to the Fashion Outlets from the hotel, until you get to Fashion Outlets Way. The food court is a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
There are also several restaurants offering more formal dining at the . These are more suited for evening meals and are a away.
Participants can also order carry-out or delivery from local restaurants.
Advocate Program
Because ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ believes that quiz bowl is an activity for everybody, and in which all participants should feel welcome and respected, we have established the Advocate Program to make sure select tournament staff are available to hear reports about problematic behavior and comments by anyone at the tournament.
Staff wearing blue ribbons that say “Advocate” have been specifically selected to receive reports about inappropriate behavior (as opposed to run-of-the-mill questions about the quiz bowl aspects of the tournament). At least one such staff member will generally be available at the Information Desk during tournament hours; if no such person is available (e.g., due to being on a break), the other Information Desk staff can be asked to have a senior tournament official come to the Information Desk to hear the report. Additional Advocate Program staff will be available in many places around the tournament site.
Feedback about problematic behavior can, of course, always be sent to ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ by email ([email protected]) or other channels such as the Misconduct Reporting Form, but the Advocate Program is intended to allow for in-person reporting of sensitive complaints on-site so they can be handled immediately.
Reports are confidential to the extent permitted by law and ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ’s agreements to share critical information with other quiz bowl organizations.
Practice Material
Participants may be interested in practicing on questions from previous years to prepare for the event. All of ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ’s past regular-season sets are available, as are the sets from previous championships.
Participants may also want to study frequency lists, Power Up study guides, and/or Thumbs Up! question anthologies. These are also available on our practice materials page.
Finally, participants may want to look at the information contained in ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ’s free You Gotta Know articles before the tournament. These detail the most frequently asked-about question topics in a wide variety of areas.
Spectators
Spectators are welcome to attend any part of the tournament (though some areas may have limited capacity).
Spectators are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including the requirement to complete a participation agreement and submit it before the tournament, and to prove their vaccination status before spectating.
Sightseeing
Companion Mobile App
ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ has created a companion mobile app for attendees. The app includes the tournament schedule (with the ability to set reminders for various events), links to results, maps of the venue, help reaching the Information Desk, connections to social media, and other important documents related to the tournament.
Further Questions
To ask specific questions about the SSNCT, write to [email protected].
We look forward to answering any and all questions, no matter how expansive or trivial, in the hopes of eliminating any possible confusion or mistakes in participants’ plans. If something’s not clear, let us know!
Social Media
The official hashtag for the tournament is ssnct; please use this tag for all posts about the tournament.
Remember that question content for the championship cannot be posted online (or shared through other channels)! This means that players, coaches, spectators, and moderators should not discuss clues, answers, or even overall themes (e.g., “Lots of opera”) with people on other teams (even those from the same school).
We will post highlights from the tournament on ÎÞÓǶÌÊÓƵ’s social media.