Special Rules for Varsity MHSQB Tryouts

Remember that there are NO CUTS in Quiz Bowl!

Between JV and Varsity, there is plenty of PT (Playing Time) for all who wish to compete in Quiz Bowl! Tryouts are used to simulate the pressure of matches, the results of which will be used by the coaching staff to rank the players. The coaching staff will use this ranking to determine Varsity starters and substitution patterns for the December 2 season opener versus Manchester. Players' rankings can and will change after tryouts depending on future practice and match performance.

Good luck!

1. Tryouts take place over two days--Monday, November 23 & Wednesday, November 25

The two day system gives a second chance for redemption to players who may have a "bad day", although tougher questions are used in the second day. Players' point totals from each day are added together, and this sum will be used to rank the players.

2. Tryouts consist of only Toss-Up Questions

Unlike actual matches, there are no team bonus questions in tryouts. Tryouts are used to measure individuals' abilities, therefore every question will be open to whomever can correctly answer it first.

3. "Thirds"

An invention of Coach Smith, Thirds (short for third chances) only apply in tryouts. These do not exist in our actual matches! When a question is read, anyone on either team may answer. If a player on one team (or side) answers the question wrong, the question is offered to anyone from the other team. If a person on the other team also fails to come up with the correct answer, "Third" will be called. This opens the door for anyone on either team (except those who had already offered incorrect answers) a chance to answer the question (this would be the third chance). If this attempt is also incorrect, the answer is read and play moves on to the next question.

Thirds are worth only 5 points since the person correcly answering a Third will likely have two possible answers eliminated for them in addition to an exorbatant amount of time to ponder the correct answer while her counterparts are giving incorrect responces. (If you understood all of this, Coach Smith has some delicate electronics in desperate need of repair!)

4. Interruptions

Just as in actual match situations, if a player rings in and gives an incorrect answer before the question was completely read, a five point penalty is given to the interrupting player. If a player interrupts and answers the question correctly, they are awarded 10 points--the normal amount awarded for a correct answer.

Other than these exceptions, the game should feel quite similar to how we normally play. Again, the best of luck to each competitor!