FOCUS ON RULES: Important Highlights

As we approach Nationals, now is a good time to review the rules under which we quiz. We'll start off with a few highlights to remind us about key points of quizzing.

Finish the Verse Questions:

From the rules, "Once the verse or verses are begun by the quizmaster, the quizzer must quote the entire verse word-perfect and must state the reference. A quizzer may go back and repeat what has been said from any point, but will be charged with an error any time the exact words are not used."

A few extra notes from experience: Keep in mind that the Quizmaster's ear is the FINAL judge of your performance. Try to speak slowly and enunciate clearly. If the Quizmaster did not hear you, then they can call you wrong, even if you know you said all the words. The tape will be there as backup, but typically is less reliable for catching detail than the human ear.

Reference Questions:

From the rules, "If the quizmaster does not complete the question before a quizzer jumps, the quizzer must state the basic question
that is being asked, in question form, although the answer may be given first. There will be no indication as to the need for a multiple part answer to the ‘reference’ question. The quizzer will be expected to know all of the appropriate parts of the answer from the reference given. (When an official reference question list is being used, the question that is on that list must be the one that is stated.)"

A few extra notes from experience: Since identifying the question is key to a reference question, always be sure to start the question, even if you think the Quizmaster finished it. This ensures maximum clarity.

Situation Questions:

From the rules, "The quizzer will be expected to know all appropriate parts to the answer. The quizzer does not need to complete the total quote ‘word perfect’ as long as enough of the quote has been given to satisfy the quizmaster that the quizzer is sure of the location of the quote."

A few extra notes from experience: The "satisfaction of the quizmaster" is a very flexible term. If you have given the answer and the quizmaster has not called you right or wrong, tell the quizmaster as much about the quote as possible, until s/he is satisfied.