NPTE Rule Changes

[Dbuescher]

The NPTE Board has passed a number of minor rule changes. I am posting those changes on this thread.

Derek

[Dbuescher]

i advance:

CURRENT
F. Advanced to elims or a winning record: 1 point. However, teams that advance that 1) are not in the top half of teams, 2) do not have a winning record, or 3) are not 8th of 15 teams, 15th or 16th of 29 to 31 teams, 30th, 31st, or 32nd of 58 to 63 teams; shall not earn this point.

G. Each elimination round win: 1 point. However:

1. Teams that advance that 1) are not in the top half of teams, 2) do not have a winning record, or 3) are not 8th of 15 teams, 15th or 16th of 29 to 31 teams, 30th, 31st, or 32nd of 58 to 63 teams; shall not earn elimination round points.

CHANGE TO

F. Advanced to elims in the top half of teams or had a winning record: 1 point.

G. Each elimination round win: 1 point so long as the team advanced to elims in the top half of teams or had a winning record.

[Dbuescher]

30: Rare example of outstanding achievement in analysis and presentation.

28-29.5: Very Good/Excellent accomplishment of analysis and presentation.

26-27.5: Okay/Good accomplishment but some deficiencies in analysis and/or presentation.

24-25.5: Severe/Significant deficiencies in analysis and/or presentation.

Below 24: Deliberately offensive behavior, intentional violation of rules.

0: Forfeit.

[Dbuescher]

add to Section 5: After Debate Rounds

G. Appeals to Decisions and Pairings

1. Appeals to decisions and pairing should occur only in the most extreme circumstances--where there is demonstrable and serious harm to a team; i.e. inappropriate behavior or a tournament error has caused a loss.

2. Appellants must write their appeal and submit it to the board and should do so prior to the release of the next round's pairings. Appellants must be available to communicate with the board.

3. The Board shall pursue an inquiry under the following conditions:
a) only if there is demonstrable and serious harm and
b) with at least 50% of voting board members voting to pursue an inquiry with no more than 1 board member dissenting.

4. Throughout this process, board members with teams affected by the appeal shall recuse themselves from the discussion and the vote. The President may consult board members not at the tournament but it is not required as efficiency in running the tournament is a primary concern.

5. Assuming the Board agrees to pursue the appeal, defendants also must write their defense, submit it to the board, and be available to communicate with the board. The President shall provide a reasonable time limit for this defense.

6. The Board will rarely overturn a decision by a judge or judges and will do so only if the harm caused by overturning the decision is less than the harm caused by the decision. Overturning a decision shall require at least 50% of voting board members with no more than 1 board member dissenting.

7. Board rulings are final unless presented with new evidence of a substantial nature showing that the grounds for the board's decision were incorrect. Such a ruling will require a unanimous vote of all voting board members.

8. The President and/or Tournament Director, will as soon as possible, issue a statement to participants explaining to the Board's ruling in a manner that maintains the confidentiality of those involved.