CoCo Accommodations Policy

OVERVIEW

We are committed to eliminating barriers to entry so that all interested players can play in Scrabble tournaments. To that end, we have established this Accommodations Policy for players who require reasonable accommodations to request what they need to participate fully in tournaments. We appreciate the flexibility and understanding of all members of the CoCo community in supporting players who may need accommodations to enjoy the game we all love to play.

WHEN TO REQUEST ACCOMMODATIONS

For most circumstances, requests for accommodations must be submitted at least 14 days before the tournament in which you want the accommodation to be in effect. This deadline is to allow the Review Team sufficient time to consider your request and consult with the tournament director as needed.

Review and granting of accommodations submitted close to the start date of a tournament is not guaranteed. We strongly encourage players who may need an accommodation to submit their request as early as possible. We may, at our discretion, consider requests submitted after the 14-day deadline, particularly for emerging issues that were unanticipated, such as a sudden injury. If you are submitting your request late, please explain in your request why you were unable to submit your request earlier.

Accommodations Request Form

ABOUT ACCOMMODATIONS

Reasonable accommodations are a modification or adjustment to a person’s tournament environment that allow a person with a disability or other need to participate in Scrabble tournaments and enjoy equal opportunities. Accommodations are considered reasonable if they do not cause undue hardship for the tournament director or other players. Accommodations for any given player are uniquely individual. The same person may need different accommodations at different points in their Scrabble life as their vision, physical ability, or other needs change.

Accommodations may be temporary or ongoing. For example, if you break your leg and need a fixed table assignment until your leg heals, that’s a temporary accommodation. If you are legally blind and need to use large print tiles, that’s an ongoing accommodation.

EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATIONS

Here are some examples of accommodations that may be reasonable given each person’s individual circumstances:

  • Use of own equipment for all games

  • Materials in braille

  • Large print Scrabble tiles

  • Extra time (up to 5 minutes per game)

  • Additional break time between games

  • Request that the opponent count tiles for the player

  • Use of noise-cancelling headphones during games

  • Lamp or extra lighting at the player’s table

  • Fixed table assignment, including table assignment close to restrooms or other facilities

  • Personal Care Assistant (PCA) or other companion support for game assistance or medical reasons

  • Use of electronic devices for disability-related accommodations

WHO CAN REQUEST ACCOMMODATIONS

Anyone who self-identifies as needing accommodations to fully participate in Scrabble tournaments is welcome to request them. We trust you to assess your own situation honestly so that we can provide accommodations to those who need them. We recognize that there are a wide range of factors that may affect whether you need an accommodation. We also recognize that the circumstances giving rise to a need for accommodations may change over a person’s lifetime. We strongly encourage players who require a reasonable accommodation to submit a request using the form button below. If you have any questions, you can contact us at info at cocoscrabble dot org.

REVIEW PROCESS

After a player submits an accommodations request, our Review Team will evaluate the request and reaches a consensus decision to grant, partially grant, or deny the request. The current members of the Review Team are Nits Chagti, Zachary Dang, Eric Fox, Yukiko Loritz, and Melissa Routzahn. All accommodations are subject to consideration by the Review Team and are granted at the discretion of the Review Team. If a Review Team member submits a request, they are recused from consideration of their own request.

The Review Team may review ongoing accommodations periodically to confirm that the accommodation is still needed and is still reasonable for tournament directors to implement. In addition, accommodations may be reviewed by the CoCo Board and Executive Director, as appropriate, including for instances of alleged abuse of the accommodations policy.

APPEALS

A player whose request for accommodations is denied in whole or in part by the Review Team may appeal the denial to the CoCo Board of Directors. Appeals must be submitted within 14 days of when the Review Team sent their decision to the player. Players can email their appeal to board at cocoscrabble dot org with an explanation of why they are seeking reconsideration of the Review Team’s decision.

ACCOMMODATIONS REQUEST FORM

To encourage players to try Collins Scrabble, we offer free or discounted entry at your first five CoCo tournaments

COLLINS NEWCOMER DISCOUNTS

REFER-A-FRIEND REWARDS

Bring your friends to the game you love. Refer a friend to play and you'll earn $25 for each friend you refer. Refer several friends, and you'll play Scrabble for free!

ACCESS FUND DISCOUNTS

The CoCo Scrabble Access Funds provides free or reduced entry to tournaments for players facing financial challenges.