Rules
Rules refers to the policies and procedures governing gameplay at tournaments. (Sets of rules are sometimes called "formats", a usage that can create confusion with the different concept of tournament format.)
The following rule sets are in common, current nationwide use:
- NAQT rules, sometimes with modifications to the rules about timed play
- ACF rules, sometimes with the modification of adding powers
- PACE rules (by far the least common at local tournaments, but prominently used at the NSC)
The modifications mentioned are common; other modifications also occur.
Many statewide organizations, leagues, etc. have their own rules.
Comparison of common rule sets
| Aspect | NAQT rules | ACF rules | PACE rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match length | timed with two halves of 9 minutes (middle school, high school) or 10 minutes (college) each | 20 tossup-bonus cycles | 20 tossup-bonus cycles |
| Players at a time on each team | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Regular tossup value | 10 points | 10 points | 10 points |
| Powers | 15 points | Not available | 20 points |
| Interrupt penalties | –5 points | –5 points | Not issued |
| Time after recognition to answer a tossup | 2 seconds | 5 seconds | |
| Tossup "time to live" | 3 seconds | 5 seconds | |
| Bonuses | 3 parts, 10 points each | 3 parts, 10 points each | 3 parts, 10 points each |
| Bounceback bonuses | No | No | Yes |
| Time per bonus part | 5 seconds; prompt after 4 | 5 seconds; prompt after 4 | |
| Timeouts | one (30 seconds) per team | one (30 seconds) per team | |
| Substitutions | At timeouts, at halftime, or before overtime | At halftime or before overtime | |
| Overtime | Three tossups without bonuses, then sudden death if necessary | Sudden death |