The scoring system works something like this:

Four points for a correct answer.

Two bonus points for the first answer, if it is correct.

One bonus point for the first answer, if it is wrong.

One bonus point for the second correct answer.

Two bonus points for any answer considered sufficiently amusing to merit inclusion in an end-of-quiz review. 

[Participants can have up to two attempts at each question.]

Disciplinary panel verdict

The Disciplinary Panel has now met to consider the case of PeteW (the Player), who posted a correct answer to Q1 on the messageboard in contravention of the quiz rules requiring answers to be submitted by confidential means.

Preliminary submissions were heard on behalf of participants who felt that their bonus points for timely answers should not be withdrawn as a result of the player's actions which were beyond their control.

The panel concluded that timeliness bonus points awarded to other players in round 1 should be allowed to stand. These are: Large 2, Alan E 1.

The facts of the case were not disputed, however the panel recived a submission on behalf of the player that he had submitted the correct answer on a timely basis and that 2 bonus points should be awarded for this, notwithstanding any penalty that the panel may impose for the breach.

The panel concluded that the player's win (4 points) and bonus points (2) should be allowed to stand, but that the offence was at the high end of offending and that a points deduction of 4 points should be imposed.

The player has until midnight Jan 6 to appeal, provided that the appeal is submitted by PM or SMS and is accompanied by answers to all subsequent questions.

Ends

Players are reminded that each participant has two opportunities to get the answer right, which increases the probability that everyone will 'win' in each round, if not necessarily on a timely basis. Bonus points are likely to prove crucial.

Plausible strategies include using the second attempt to secure humour bonus points; or using the first attempt for humour, and the second for a researched answer whilst ignoring the timeliness bonus points. One participant has even burned one attempt on a hopelessly wrong answer, filed before the question was posted, in order to secure a 'losing' timeliness bonus point whilst incommunicado over Xmas.

End of Season

The league will close at midnight on January 6th (Wise Men, and Women, are supposed to finished their work by then). While the leader at that point may be considered the winner at that point, the organiser reserves the right to introduce a post-season play-off of any format of his choosing, and to change it arbitrarily - just like real life ;)

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