Competing at Tournaments

Students who are interested in competing at tournaments must independently enter, since Providence does not currently have an official team:

STEP 1: Prepare for Your Event

1. Check the "Events" tab above to read up on your event's norms, rules, etc.

2. Make sure you are knowledgeable of these! Students can be disqualified from tournaments for breaking event rules

STEP 2: Create a Tabroom Account (for competitors & judges)

1. Navigate to www.tabroom.com

2. Click the "Sign Up" button and register as a "Non-NSDA Member"

3. Be sure to include accurate information for email and phone number so that you receive "information blasts" during tournaments

4. To create a new school: Click your email address at the top of the screen, then scroll down and click "Create a new school/team" on the right. Set up a school labeled with some version of "Providence Unaffiliated" or "Providence Independent" (whichever you prefer). The new school will appear on the right under "Institutions." To add people, click the "Competitors" or "Judges" tab -- always add people by their Tabroom email rather than manually inputting their information.

STEP 3: Find a Tournament

1. A full listing of available tournaments nationwide is posted on the "Home" tab

2. You can click the "Circuits" tab and select "NC/US" to find local tournaments

3. You can use the search bar at the top to find a particular tournament

STEP 4: Read the Tournament Invitation

1. The invitation is usually posted on the Tabroom main page a few weeks prior to the tournament

2. Make sure the tournament accepts independent entries (some don't, in which case you are out of luck!)

3. Make sure you read carefully to review deadlines, fees, eligibility, etc. -- entry errors can cost additional fees, reflect poorly on our school, and result in denial of future independent entries

STEP 5: Secure an Independent Entry Letter

1. You will need to give the tournament a letter verifying that you have the school's permission to compete. This letter should include the tournament information, a list of competitors, the name and phone number of the chaperone, and should indicate that the principal gives you permission to compete.

2. Draft the letter, then email the principal to confirm that you have permission to compete

3. Ask the principal to sign the physical letter, then bring it with you to the tournament

STEP 6: Register in Tabroom

1. Once you have the principal's permission, you can register! Start by clicking the "Register" tab on the tournament's invitation page.

2. On the first page: Input the name and contact information of the adult who is chaperoning the tournament. Enter an address for any refunds, if needed. Make note of all deadlines.

3. Click the "Entries" tab: On the right, choose the event, then choose the student. Enter any details that might be needed, then confirm.

4. Click the "Judges" tab: On the right, click the category of judges owed (it will be highlighted in red), then select the judge from the drop down list. Enter any details that might be needed, and confirm. Make sure that all judges are trained. Some tournaments will allow you to pay for hired judging -- check posted information and costs carefully.

5. Click the "Fees" tab: Review any fees owed and be prepared to pay in full using whatever method the tournament specifies. If you click "Print Full Invoice," it will contain full information (and should be included in the envelope if you pay by mailed check).

STEP 7: Make Final Arrangements

1. Arrange for any travel, overnight hotel stays, etc. -- make sure the chaperone is available to supervise onsite for the entire tournament time

2. Read all emails from the tournament so that you are aware of any announcements, changes, or logistical information

3. Remember that your judges must be available for the entire time that rounds are scheduled. In the event that your judge misses a round, you will be responsible for paying any fines that are levied.

4. Be aware of the "fee freeze" date. If you drop after this date, you will still owe the fees.

5. There is usually an in-person registration protocol for each tournament. Sometimes, this will mean meeting in a designated place and physically checking in. Other times, they will just ask you to click "Confirm Onsite" in Tabroom the day of the tournament. Be sure to check where and when this should happen!

STEP 8: Compete!

1. Arrive early so that you are in the room prior to the start of rounds -- there is a 15 minute forfeit time, and it is often challenging to park on campus!

2. The competitors and judges must make sure that you follow all tournament rules, observe the NSDA Honor Code, and act with responsibility and integrity. You are representing Providence High School, and it's important that you do that well!

3. If you do place top 6, most tournaments will publish names of award recipients prior to the ceremony -- if you're receiving an award, it's a norm to stay in your fancy competition clothes when you go up on stage to receive it

STEP 9: Log Points

1. Students can earn NSDA honor society points for competition. These points must be logged by an account with administrator access over the team (students cannot do this themselves).

2. To log points, the administrator should log into the NSDA account, then click "Enter Points" from the left-side menu

3. If a student receives a new degree after points are logged, the NSDA will mail the circular seal to the school, which should distribute the seal to the student to place on your certificate

Good luck, and happy competing!