SCRABBLE: How Sweet It Is
I feel like I am one of the luckiest people in the world. One of the reasons for feeling this way is that I’m a scrabble player and I live in one of a few scrabble hot spots, where one can play at an NASPA sanctioned scrabble club, nearly every day of the week. I live in Orange County, California (half-way between LA and San Diego). If one is willing and able to drive a few miles, one can find an NASPA club within 50 miles on everyday of the week but Friday. Some days there are several clubs from which to choose.
The people who direct these local clubs are cut from a very special cloth. They are very welcoming to strangers and first timers; they are able teachers who help newbies start off on the right foot; they are knowledgeable about the rules and official word lists; they have the organizational skills to lead their clubs through an afternoon or an evening of delight with our lexicon.
Directors have to do a constant balancing act, dealing with people with many diverse personality styles. They are mediators, adjudicators, mentors, and janitors.
The most difficult task of a club director’s job, in my opinion, is finding and maintaining a suitable playing environment for their club. Minimal income from club fees precludes most directors from renting facilities; they have to develop and maintain rapport with the management of eateries, or book stores, or other private properties to house their activities.
In southern California we have some awesome directors who have stepped up to the plate and do all these things.
When you are in our area, you must make it a priority to come and play at our clubs. We’ll stop short at not allowing you an easy victory. We will provide you with a challenging game.
CLICK HERE to see where and when my clubs and tournaments are scheduled. Come and come often.