Rules for When Time Runs Out

If the toss-up question has been completely read before time is up, the following rules apply:

57. If the toss-up question has been completely read, but neither team has buzzed in before time is up, the game or half is over.

58. If the toss-up question has been completely read, a player has buzzed in before time is up, is recognized by the Moderator before answering, and gives a correct answer, the team gets to answer the bonus question and then the game or half is over.

59. If the toss-up question has been completely read, a player has buzzed in before time is up and is recognized by the Moderator before answering, but gives the wrong answer, the game or half is over.

60. If the toss-up question has been completely read, a player has buzzed in before time is up and blurts out the answer, the other team is given five (5) seconds to buzz in and answer. Should a player on the second team buzz in, be recognized by the Moderator and answers the question correctly, the team will also get the opportunity to answer the bonus question. Then the game or half is over. If a player on the second team buzzes in, is recognized, but answers the toss-up question incorrectly, the game or half is over.

When the reading of the toss-up question has been interrupted and time runs out, the following rules apply:

61. If the toss-up question has NOT been completely read and neither team has buzzed in before time is up, the game or half is over.

62. If a player buzzes in before the toss-up question has been completely read, and time runs out, the question is still “in play,” such that:

• If the player is recognized by the Moderator before answering, and answers correctly, his/her team gets to answer the bonus question.

• If the player is recognized by the Moderator  before answering, but answers incorrectly, four (4) points are deducted from his/her team’s score, and the question is read in its entirety to the opposing team. If a player on the second team buzzes in, is recognized and answers the toss-up question correctly, the team will also get the bonus question. If a player on the second team buzzes in, is recognized, and answers incorrectly, the game or half is over.

• If the player has buzzed in before time is up and blurts out the answer, the Moderator will re-read the question in its entirety to the opposing team (if the entire question was not read). If a player on the second team buzzes in, is recognized and answers correctly, they will also get the bonus question. If a player on the second team buzzes in, is recognized, and answers the toss-up question incorrectly, the game or half is over.