Who's eligible to join the pool?
Anyone and everyone (members of participating NCAA programs might
want to consider carefully, though ;)).
What are the requirements?
The only requirements are that the $10 entry fee is paid before
the round of 16 games have begun, and that the pertinent entry
information is received before the start of the tournament. The
pertinent entry information would include:
- Real name
- Preferred nickname (I am the Mighty Mobelfakta, so that name's
taken already).
- Prediction for the total combined score of the championship
game (for tie-breaking purposes).
- Predicted winners of all 63 tournament games.
See the section How to Enter.
How are the points scored?
2 points for each 1st round win
3 points for each 2nd round win
4 points for each 3rd round win
6 points for each 4th round win
8 points for each 5th round win
12 points for correctly picking the NCAA Champion
There is no weighting for "upsets".
How is the prize money distributed?
Last year, with 22 entries, there was a first, second, and third
place prize. The $220.00 pot was split accordingly: 1st-$125.00,
2nd-$60.00, and 3rd-$35.00. This year the money will be split
with roughly the same proportions going to the winners. If
participation increases from last year, we will reward prize
money for the top four finishers (in the spirit of the Final
Four).
What if there's a tie?
The participant whose prediction comes closest (higher or lower)
for the final combined score of the championship game will win
the tie-breaker. If there is STILL a tie, the money will be
split. For instance, if there is a tie for first place, the
winners will split the combined prize money for first and second
place. FYI, in three years of running this pool, we have yet to
have a tie.
Can I enter more than once?
You certainly can. Statistically, your chances of winning would
double. However, so far of the four people (eight entries) that
have tried their luck with two entries, none have taken home any
prize money. Go figure.
