Constitution and Code of Conduct

The Rules of the Association form the constitution of the ABSP, setting out how the ABSP operates and is governed.

The WESPA Code of Conduct (June 2026) sets out the standards of behaviour expected at WESPA-sanctioned events and for member federations. As the ABSP is a member of WESPA, this is applicable to ABSP tournaments, activities and members.

Game Rules

Since 2011, all ABSP-rated tournaments use the WESPA rules in force at the date of the tournament. These documents are all published by WESPA.

If you have a query on the rules of Scrabble, please note there are differences between the "box-lid" rules and the documents listed here. In tournament play, the WESPA rules take precedence. All the resources are available from the WESPA site.

• WESPA Game Rules version 5.1 (from Jan 2025-onwards)
• Summary of changes between version 4 and version 5.1 (PDF)

Tournament Organisers' and Directors' Resources

• Concise Tournament Organiser's Handbook 2024
  • Complete Organiser's Guide (March 2015)
• Director's Guide (2012)
• Tournament Result/Challenge slips

Resources

Find out more about:

• The Scrabble Player's Handbook
• Scrabble Scoresheets
• Advice for New Players
• Mike O'Rourke's An A-Z of Variants
• Mike O'Rourke's Mnemonic Book (Updated for CSW 2012)