National Scrabble groups are being polled on the method of determining country allocations to World Scrabble Championships.
Besides the survey, Mattel, a copyright holder of Scrabble and prime sponsor of the WSC, does not want the field to increase above its present 100-player level.
The study will also look into “the dynamics of keeping, improving upon or losing some representatives”
Wildcard entries are considered players with high ratings or rankings but not qualifying under current national rulings.
Some players in this category are considered “stateless”
The gulf champion had automatic entry into the global event up until the 2003 WSC when the prerogative was discontinued.
At the World Youth Scrabble Championship last December a seat was granted to the winner to this year’s WSC. This is also considered a wildcard entry.
The survey is being undertaken, in an advisory capacity for Mattel, by the World English-language Scrabble Players Association tournament subcommittee.
The survey feedback will be considered by Mattel which will then make its own decision as WSC organiser. Players nonetheless are pleased that the game manufacturer is seeking their counsel.
Wespa tournament subcommittee members processing feedback are Chief Toke Ake (Nigeria), Albert Hahn (Canada) and Bob Jackman (Australia).
About 25,000 English-language competitive players in 40-45 countries take part in contests.
Some national associations have over 300 clubs with one boasting over 10,000 members in total while most groups consist of hundreds or dozens of members.
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