I have been considering changes for some time now and although I do not like change for change's sake; recent developments force me to act.
The changes will not really take effect until Round 2 but here's a quick summary of the main changes.
The Late Posters Rule in particular is not working as it should. This Rule was introduced to prevent players consistently waiting until the last minute, perusing all the predictions made and then adding one point to the current maximum score.
While not against the Rules as they stand, it is certainly not within the Spirit of the Rules, so I have addressed it.
From Round 2, each qualifying Round will be open for predictions to those on the Late Posters List ONLY up to 22:00 (GMT) on the Saturday of the Round and anyone on the list must post by that time. After that deadline, the Round will be open to ALL for predictions.
The maximum prediction in a given Round covers all scores above it. The scope of the maximum prediction will in future be limited to 7 points, i.e., one Converted Try. So a prediction of 290 winning even though the Final Total for the Round is 475 will no longer occur.
The minimum prediction while not having the same scope as the maximum prediction is not far away. With the current minimum prediction for a Round standing at 225, a player could predict 50 and that prediction would cover all scores from 50 to 224! The scope of the minimum prediction is also limited to 7 points or the next lowest prediction, should that be less than 7.
Where the maximum or minimum predictions are in the last 3 post for a Round, the scope will be 0 points for both, i.e. prediction must be exact to win.
Apologies for these changes but the current situation is unfair to those who post more or less immediately the Round is posted while others hold out until the last possible minute to make a prediction.
It makes no difference to me who wins a Round Prize or a Final Prize but I will not allow people take advantage of those playing the Competition as it was meant; for a bit of fun.
Keep in mind that the weekly Prizes would not attract a second glance if placed on Ebay or Delcampe for €1. We're not looking at Four-Margined MNH Penny Blacks here.
John
