1. WHAT ARE THE RULES?
Please see the rules section of this website. You will find an in-depth discussion of the rules and tournament format there.
2. MY FRIEND IS BRITISH AND WHEN HE THROWS PAPER IT FACES PALM UP.
IS THIS ACCEPTABLE?
No. This is clearly stated in the rules. Also note that vertical Paper and horizontal Scissors are unacceptable throws. If a player uses this they in competition they will be warned. If it persists, they will forfeit the round. If your British friend cannot correct this, I recommend they adapt a Paper-exclusive strategy.
3. I SAW ROB KRUEGER, THE CURRENT WORLD CHAMPION, ON THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW. SHE USED A THROW CALLED MONSTER, WHICH SHE SAID BEAT EVERYTHING. CAN I USE HER TACTIC TO CLAIM THE TITLE OF MAGIC HAT NE US CHAMPION?
Sorry. Again, please refer to the rules. The only acceptable throws are Rock Paper and Scissors (represented correctly-see question #2). “Alternative” throws such as Monster, Dynamite, Bomb, Texas Longhorn, etc. will result in immediate disqualification. Please also take note that the referee present did not accept the throw of “Monster”. She was not disqualified because it is her show.
4. IS THE WORLD ROCK PAPER SCISSORS SOCIETY (THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE SPORT OF ROCK PAPER SCISSORS) RUNNING THIS TOURNAMENT?
No. Private parties are administering, coordinating and promoting the Magic Hat NE US RPS Championship Classic. However, the World RPS Society has officially sanctioned the event. This makes it one of only three currently sanctioned events. In short, a sanctioned event has the blessing of the World RPS Society. Obtaining that blessing for a new event usually means that a society representative who has referee certification must be at the event to oversee the tournament and the referees. The annual International World Championships are the only event over which the Society directly presides.
5. HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL COMPETE IN THE TOURNAMENT?
Competition is locked at 128. This number breaks down evenly in the course of competition.
6. WHY IS THERE AN ENTRY FEE? ARE YOU TRYING TO MAKE MONEY OFF OF THIS?
No. The Classic is a non-profit venture. The $4 entry fee will make up a majority of the Tournament purse.
7. WHERE WILL THE REST OF THE TOURNAMENT PURSE COME FROM?
The remaining amount will be financed by corporate sponsorships. Sponsorships will also cover tournament expenses such as promotions and printing fees. Visit our sponsors page for more info.
8. MY COMPANY IS INTERESTED IN SPONSORING THE 2004 MAGIC HAT NE US RPS CHAMPIONSHIP CLASSIC. HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ON THE
OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE?
Sponsorship inquiries should be addressed to Shawn Ring, Tournament Coordinator via e-mail to: 
9. I RUN A SMALL BUSINESS AND USE RPS TO MAKE DECISIONS ON A DAILY BASIS. WOULD I BE ABLE TO DONATE A PRIZE AND/OR GIFT CERTIFICATE(S) TO BE GIVEN AWAY TO CONTESTANTS AS A DOOR PRIZE OR RAFFLE?
Yes. We would be happy to assist fellow RPS enthusiasts trying to “make it”. Contact the tournament coordinator to make arrangements.
10. I AM A MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE AND WOULD LIKE TO RUN A STORY ABOUT COMPETITIVE RPS. WHO IS YOUR MEDIA LIAISON?
The tournament coordinator also acts as media liaison.
Please e-mail any questions or interview requests to:
11. I WANT TO GUARANTEE THAT I CAN GET A COMPETITION SPOT. CAN I REGISTER
ON-LINE?
Yes. Competitors may use PayPal to order through the registration section of the web site. There will be a separate registration line for those who ordered tickets in advance. The fee is the same whether registering on-line or on-site. We recommend ordering in advance to guarantee your chance to become Magic Hat NE US RPS Champion.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you register on-line, you must arrive by 6:45 PM to claim your ticket (qualifying rounds begin at 7 pm). Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of entry fee and admission to the tournament. Unclaimed tickets will be released for general sale at this time.
12. WHAT IF I GET STUCK IN TRAFFIC OR MY PLANE/TRAIN IS RUNNING LATE?
All on-line registrants will be supplied with a contact number in the days prior to the event. If unforeseen circumstances will keep you from arriving by 6:45, please contact this number and we will try to accommodate you as best as we can.
HELPFUL HINT: Try to arrive as early as you can to feel out your competitors. Many RPS athletes enjoy playing “honor rounds” prior to competition. This could give you an advantage.
13. MY FRIENDS AND ME HAVE A RPS CLUB AT MY HIGH SCHOOL AND WOULD LIKE TO COMPETE. IS THAT COOL?
Unfortunately, the event is being held at an establishment that serves alcohol. Contestants must be at least 21 to enter with valid identification. The Classic Committee would be happy to assist you in setting up your own all-ages tournament. Contact us for details.
14. WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING DRUGS IN COMPETITIVE RPS?
The Classic does not yet have the means nor want to test competitors for foreign substances. You may use as much caffeine, tobacco, beta-blockers, Ginkgo Biloba, Flex-All or other legal substance of your choice as you like. Illegal drugs are, of course, illegal and will not be tolerated.
15. THE LAST TIME I PLAYED IN A MAJOR TOURNAMENT, I DISAGREED WITH A CALL THE REF MADE AND AFTER A HEATED DISCUSSION WAS DISQUALIFIED. I HOPE THAT WON’T HAPPEN AGAIN.
Sorry to say, but ALL REFEREE DECISIONS ARE FINAL. If you insist in arguing the fact, you will be warned once and any altercations after that warning will result in disqualification.
16. MY NAME IS ROB KRUEGER, THE REIGNING ROCK PAPER SCISSORS WORLD CHAMPION. CAN I ATTEND AND COMPETE EVEN THOUGH I AM NOT FROM THE NORTHEAST UNITED STATES?
Yes, Mr. Krueger. In fact, as Reigning champion you would receive a bye into the round of 32. Competitors do not have to be from the Northeast US to compete.
17. UNFORTUNATELY, I CAN’T ATTEND BECAUSE MY IN-LAWS ARE COMING TO TOWN. IS THERE ANYWHERE I CAN WATCH OR HEAR RADIO COMMENTARY AND
PLAY-BY-PLAY?
The answer is yes! Although there are no plans to televise the Classic, 88.7 WRSU-FM will be broadcasting live from the event. They will DJ during the qualifying rounds, as well as interviewing contestants and keeping everyone up-to-date on the status of well-known players. Once the Round of 16 begins on the main stage, they will be providing commentary and throw-by-throw results. WRSU-FM can be listened to live on the Internet at www.wrsu.org.
If there are any further questions, please contact Shawn Ring, Tournament Coordinator at