Accuracy Philosophy

For fair and true competition results, accuracy in documentation and event execution is important.

Consideration Accuracy-0001:

Judges must be able to see the competition clock at all times in order to capture the exact finish time of competitors.

    • Competitors must have the completed puzzle fully visible for judging. Items such as sorting trays should be removed from the puzzle as competitors approach the end of the puzzle.

    • Judges should position themselves in a way which allows them to see both the competition puzzle which they are currently judging as well as the time clock. Both the puzzle and clock should be in the same line-of-sight, allowing for an accurate finishing time to be recorded. (Judges should not have to turn their head to see the clock.)

    • The official time clock should always be visible to competitors, judges, and spectators.

    • NOTE: There are inherent risks when the clock is run digitally on a website or simply run off a computer. Backup timekeeping plans should be preplanned by event organizers

    • V.0: Published 2025-1-1

    • V.1: Re-published 2025-2-6 for official first batch of considerations

Consideration Accuracy-0002:

Relating to “Dropped Pieces” and/or “Missing Pieces”

Definitions:

- Dropped Pieces: Puzzle pieces that accidentally end up on the floor during a competition.

- Missing Pieces: Puzzle pieces that are unable to be located after a thorough search of the competition area. *This may be a result of a manufacturing error.

    • When a competitor completes their puzzle, they should call “time” to their judge.

    o If the puzzle is complete, the competitor’s time stays as it was when they called “time”.

    o If the competitor notices there is a missing piece before they call “time”, they can search for the missing piece(s)

    before calling “time”, or they can choose not to search for the piece(s).

    - If the competitor finds the piece(s) and placed them into the puzzle, the competitor should then call “time” once

    they place the newly found piece(s).

    - If the competitor doesn’t find the piece(s), they should call “time” once

    they are done searching, knowing they will

    receive a 5-second penalty for each missing piece.

    - If a competitor chooses not to search for the missing piece(s) they will automatically be given a 5-second

    penalty for each missing piece.

    • If a competitor has more than one missing piece in their puzzle, the judge should immediately notify a head judge or event organizer to ensure consistency in rulings for irregular situations.

    • There should be no judge interference surrounding dropped puzzles pieces, other than placing a Shandling Shim (Post-It Note or small colorful paper square) under the puzzle piece as a visual marker for other judges and competitors. Judges should not verbally or visually communicate with competitors regarding dropped pieces.

    • The event organizer should give proper training to the judges regarding the competition rule regarding missing and dropped pieces, and reminded not to provide any verbal or visual assistance in relation to missing and dropped pieces.

    • The event organizer should have clear rules around what will constitute a manufacturing error, and what the course of action will be for the affected competitor.

    • It is suggested that if there are two or more adjoining missing pieces, this should be considered a manufacturing error. No penalty should be given to the affected competitor.

    • V.1: Published 2025-7-26

Consideration Accuracy-0003:

Published competition results should include both the final time for all competitors and any alterations to that final time.

    • None

    • Event judges should be provided with clear training to understand the format of the event’s time sheets and expectations for how they are filled out.

    • Event organizers should ensure they make use of a results recording system or method that includes the capability to document and publish any necessary time alterations, including but not limited to:

    o Competitor’s finish time

    o Remaining pieces, if the puzzle was not completed within the competition window

    o Time penalties

    o The number of missing pieces or extra pieces

    o A way to indicate if a competitor chose to withdraw

    o A way to indicate if a competitor was disqualified

    • Any time sheets used for recording results must include appropriate space for note taking.

    • V.1: Published 2025-7-26