Competition Procedure

• Competitors must arrive at the venue fifteen minutes before the division’s scheduled start time.
• Puzzle bags / boxes are not to be touched or opened by competitors until instructed at the start of the official timer.
• Only competitors and authorised event personnel (Judges, photographers, videographers) are permitted to enter the competition area.
• Participants may use only the following implements; all other belongings must be stored under their competition table (including drinks – liquids and puzzles aren’t friends):
  • Up to two trays of maximum size A3 for divisions using a 500-piece puzzle.
  • A Puzzle Box holder / stand.
  • A tripod or mounting clip attached to a phone or camera for recording the competitor’s puzzling. This must not impede event personnel in carrying out their duties.
  • Headphones.
  • A personal timer.
• If table numbers are used for an event, competitors must sit at the designated table.

Competitive Rules

• Any pieces dropped on the ground will be left in the position they fall in. Judges will place a coloured post-it note underneath for visibility.
• Plastic wrappings and bags that are thrown on the floor will be collected by Judges after the competition start. Any pieces left in bags will be placed on the floor where the bag fell with a post-it note underneath.
• A ten second penalty will be applied per missing piece when a competitor declares they are complete.
  • If two or more adjacent pieces are missing, this is treated as a manufacturing defect and no penalties will be applied.
• When the time limit for the division is reached, puzzling stops for all remaining competitors.
  • Judges will count and record the remaining pieces at this time.
  • Any pieces not connected in groups of three or more pieces will be counted as incomplete.
• No time will be recorded for any competitor who receives outside assistance in completing their puzzle.

Eligibility

• Competitors must reside in the State of the Competition to be eligible to receive the 1st, 2nd or 3rd trophies.
• If the participant resides in the NT or another Australian Territory where no state competitions are held, the participant may take a trophy at the first State Competition they compete in for the calendar year.
• International competitors are welcome to enter the National Competition, however they are ineligible to receive the 1st, 2nd or 3rd trophies.

Etiquette

Puzzle competitions typically used tables shared between two competitors or pairs, and all competitors are expected to treat those around them and sharing tables with them with kindness and respect. Competitors may move around their table space as required, but should be mindful of others around them. When a competitor has completed their puzzling and have packed their belongings, they should leave the puzzle competition area in a manner considerate to those still competing.

Leftover Stuff – Not Required

• You can eat, drink or go to the toilet but the clock will not stop for you.
• LOUDLY let us know when you’ve finished your puzzle.
• If you would like help to complete your puzzle let an officiator know and we will find someone to help you.
• If you finish early and are happy to help others, please let an officiator know after you have finished your puzzle.