Readers,

Today officially marks the start of the Sedge Court Journals Basketball competition. We have already had a taste of what to expect from some of cappers as well as this little nugget from the good folks over at OddJack. Let the smack talk begin.

Here are te Rules which will be strictly adhered too.

1.)Competition Length

The Competition officially starts today and ends with the final game in the NCAA tournament.

2.)Eligible Games

Cappers can select any Basketball game to pick; NCAA Men or Womens Basketball, NBA, International. The only requirement is that there must be a vegas line. Further, the Picks can only be Total's and Point Spreads. Parlays, Money Line, and Teaser will not be accepted for the competition. (It is the opinion of the editor that those our usually sucker bets)

3.)Scoring

Each capper is required to make at least 3 Picks per week. Weeks start on Monday and end on Sunday.

• Two Picks are "Regular" picks and worth +/- 10 points/units.
• One Pick is designated "Pick of the Week" and is worth +/- 30 points/units.
• Once a month each capper is required to make an additional "Pick of the Month" worth +/- 50 points/units
• Cappers are also allowed but not required to submit "Bonus" Picks. These picks will be recorded against the overall cappers record but will not be awarded or deducted points.

These designations and the spread at the time of submission must be clearly labeled in the Capper Post. Failure to properly label picks will result in losses being assessed higher point/unit values. (i.e. if you make three picks win two and lose one. the loss will be recorded as your pick of the week)

Failure to make three picks will be recorded as both a loss on your overall record and deduction of points/units.

Each Capper is allowed one "Bye" week. Failure to make picks during this bye week will not be deducted against the cappers record and/or point/unit values.

4.) Record Keeping

The Picks and capper records will be recorded on the Record page. It is the responsibilty of each capper to ensure that picks are correctly identified.

5.) Prizes and Designations.

Two winners will be announced and carry the following designations:

Best Basketball Handicapper ever! (2006): Goes to the capper with the highest point/unit value at the end of the competition.

Best Overall Basketball Record (2006): Goes to the capper with the highest winning percentage in Basketball.

These two winners will split the progressive pot 50/50. The Prize money is a percentage of the Sedge Court Journals advertising revenue.

6.) Misc.

The Sedge Court Journal reserves the right to change these rules at anytime.

Thats it. Now lets play ball.