All tournament events will be held in a single area, and played at their scheduled times. Tournament players can purchase tickets, sign up and check for details at the registration table. The rules listed here will apply to all tournaments being held over the entire weekend.
NOTICE TO ALL TEXAS STATE PINBALL CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT PLAYERS
It is no longer against the rules or considered unsportsmanlike for any player participating in the Texas State Pinball Championship Tournament to play (aka practice) on a same titled pinball machine outside of the tournament area that may be on the ballroom floor at the Texas Pinball Festival. However, in an effort to afford an ejoyable experience to all guests, we politely ask that tournament players play only a game or two at a time on these games outside the tournament area.
Qualifying for the Texas State Pinball Championship (New!)
Players will qualify on each of the types of machines in the tournament area. Players will post scores in the Electro Mechanical, Classic, Modern, and Shoot Out torunaments. Players will be awarded points based on the position in which their best scores rank (Modified Herb Style Format). Players’ points across all four supporting tournaments will be combined to produce a final rank which will qualify them for the Championship. Players ranked in the top 16 highest positions will qualify in Division A. Players in positions 17-32 will qualify in Division B. Players may enter as many times as they like in each supporting tournament to try and qualify for this event. All tournament machines are eligible to be used in the finals. Though players are not required to post scores in all four supporting tournaments, their odds of qualifying increase by doing so
Proof of Score (New!)
All players must show any score he or she wants recorded. The player must show this score to an official TPF tournament volunteer. Players are encouraged to photograph their score with a smart phone when they have one available. Any player who is near rolling a machine over (for example and EM machine that only displays 1000 points) must inform another player or tournament worker to witness the rollover. Simply stating the fact to a score keeper after the fact is not sufficient.
Ties
If two or more players tie with the exact same score on a machine, both players will be awarded the same points towards qualifying.
In the event that two or more players are tied on either the qualifying bubble or a potential bye, such that not all of the tied players can advance to the final rounds or receive the bye, a tie breaking procedure will be utilized. A single game will be played on a machine randomly selected by tournament officials from the qualifying bank of games.
In the event that two or more players are tied but are not on the qualifying/bye bubble, a coin flip will break the tie.
Complaints
Complaints regarding tournament play should be directed to the Tournament Director. The Texas Pinball Festival encourages players to ask questions and make observations. However, behavior that is unsportsmanlike, unruly, belligerent or demeaning of other players and/or tournament officials will result in forfeiture of entry fees and removal from the tournament area.
Parent Child Tournament (One Child & One Parent)
This rule has been put into effect to eliminate the situation where there is ONE Parent playing on two teams (ie: Team A Dad and daughter, Team B Dad and son). If you have two children both parents need to participate in this event for both kids to play. This rule eliminates the possibility of a single parent qualifying on both teams in the final elimination game.
Pinball Machines
Pinball machines will be selected at a later datein order to provide the best and most up-to-date machines possible. Titles will be announced when selected.
Pinball machines located within the tournament area are for TOURNAMENT PLAY ONLY. These machines will not be open for other guests until after the conclusion of all tournaments.
Stuck Balls
If the ball gets stuck in the playing field, the ball check will be allowed to clear it. If the ball check fails to clear the stuck ball, then it can be pulled and placed in an appropriate area to continue the game.
Pinball Malfunctions
In the unlikely event a pinball malfunction occurs, the player will be given the option to have the problem fixed, or to start the game over on a different machine. Our goal is to bring good working pinball machines, but unexpected problems may occur. Should a machine be unable to be repaired, it will be replaced if qualifying for that tournament is less than 1/2 over. Any player who had a score on the previous machine will be allowed two free plays on the replacement machine. If the qualifying for that event is more than 1/2 over the scores for that machine and the points attributed to it will stand.
Tilt and Slam Tilt
A standard pinball tilt is expected during a tournament game. If a player tilts a machine during tournament play, the ball will be lost and play continues. A Slam Tilt, however, is considered abuse of the machine and the player will be disqualified from the Tournament. Please note that on older EM titles a tilt may result in game over instead of just loss of one ball.
Prizes
Players must be present to receive their prize(s). Awards for each tournament will be awarded shortly after the conclusion of each tournament. The Texas State Pinball Championship Tournament is a three day event. Prizes will be awarded on Sunday, once the finals have been completed. The Texas Pinball Festival reserves the right to modify and/or exchange listed prizes up until the completion of each tournament.
Helping Others
One of the primary reasons to support tournament play is to grow the hobby and the sport of pinball. Tournament players are encouraged to help new players feel welcome and learn the rules and culture of competitive play. Help us turn first time tournament players into long time players.
Disclaimer
Tournament events are always subject to changed due to unforeseen problems and scheduling conflicts. Please check back often for modifications and updates on all Tournaments.