Equality Philosophy
Equal event conditions* for all competitors allows for true determinations of rankings.
*Equality vs. Equity
While equal event conditions for all competitors allows for fair competition, ISPAC formally recognizes that equity is an important consideration and supports Inclusion.
Consideration Equality-0001:
When tables are shared by competitors, a piece of tape should evenly divide the table.
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All competitors will be given the same amount of competition space.
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None.
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All competitors should be given the same amount of competition space, regardless of ranking.
NOTE: Some competitions have given top puzzlers their own table during final rounds of competitions. ISPAC formally discourages this practice, as it does not provide competition equality.
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V.0: Published 2025-1-1
V.1: Re-published 2025-2-6 for official first batch of considerations.
Consideration Equality-0002:
Posterboards that are provided to competitors as a smooth puzzling surface should be:
The same size for all competitors.
A size that does not require it to overlap with the posterboard belonging to competitors who are sharing the same table.
Free from markings of any kind.
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Competitors may not alter the posterboard in any way, including making markings of any kind.
If a competitor is found to have made markings of any kind on the posterboard, a penalty of disqualification may be made by the event organizers.
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Check both sides of posterboards between competition heats to ensure there are no markings. If a marking is found between competition heats, it should be reported to the event organizers before being removed from the competition space and replaced with a new posterboard.
As part of normal judging observations during a competition, visually check that you see no markings on the posterboard. Inform the event organizer if you see any markings on a posterboard.
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If a posterboard is found to have any markings before, during, or after a competition, it should be removed from the competition space and no longer be used.
If competitors are found to have made markings of any kind on the posterboard, a penalty of disqualification should be made if it goes against the published rules of the event.
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V.1: Published 2025-2-6
Consideration Equality-0003:
Event organizers should make their best effort to ensure equal competition conditions throughout the venue, including but not limited to:
Puzzling area for each competitor
Lighting conditions
Proximity to video screens that will affect the brightness and color of the light
Sound
Heating or Air Conditioning
Minimum proximity to spectators of 50cm/20 inches
Proximity to entrance door where smoking takes place outside
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None.
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Inform event organizer if you observe unequal conditions that could affect the competition.
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Find a competition venue that provides an environment of equality for competition conditions.
Set the competition space in a way that promotes equality for competition conditions.
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V.1: Published 2025-2-6
Consideration Equality-0004:
For competition rounds in which competitors do not need to decide which puzzle they will complete, the puzzle image should be hidden from competitors until the competition begins. This ensures all competitors start with equal conditions and prevents participants from having time to strategize.
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Respect the table set up by event organizers.
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Ensure all competition tables are set in the same way throughout the venue.
Exception: Table items can be mirrored if tables are shared between competitors.
Exception: The position of table items can be altered as needed for tables on the outside edges of the competition space, for ease of judging.
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All puzzle bags, name signs, score cards should be place in the same position on each table.
Exception: Table items can be mirrored if tables are shared between competitors.
Exception: The position of table items can be altered as needed for tables on the outside edges of the competition space, for ease of judging.
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V.1: Published 2025-2-6