Competition rules

*Note 1: Rule updates since Puzzle SM 2024 are marked in bold.

*Note 2:  The translation was made with the assistance of AI. In the event of any discrepancies between the translation and the original Swedish text, the original text shall take precedence.

  • To compete for the title of Swedish Champion, participants must hold Swedish citizenship. The Swedish Puzzle Federation may allow non-Swedish citizens to participate out of competition.
  • Qualification for the next round for international participants competing out of competition occurs when participants achieve a better time than the last qualifying Swedish participant. The number of slots for Swedish participants will not be limited, regardless of how many international participants qualify for the finals.
  • International participants competing out of competition may have their times recorded in the results list after the competition is concluded, due to limitations in the results system.
  • The minimum age for individual participants is 14 years. For pair and team categories, participants younger than 14 years may compete if accompanied by an adult.
  • All participants will assemble puzzles with the same design (different designs will be used for pairs, teams, and individual competitions).
  • All tables will be numbered, along with participants' names.
  • In the first round, table assignments may be determined based on participants' results in previous championships recognized by the Swedish Puzzle Federation.
  • In subsequent rounds, table assignments will be based on placements in the previous round.
  • The puzzle design will remain unknown to participants until the competition starts.
  • Puzzles used in the competition become the property of participants after the event concludes.
  • Participants will open their puzzles upon the signal from the competition officials.
  • Participants must bring suitable equipment to open any plastic seals on the puzzle boxes.
  • The participant, pair, or team that completes the competition puzzle correctly and fastest wins. Other placements are determined by completion times.
  • When participants are close to finishing, they or one person from the pair/team must raise a hand or otherwise alert a referee in good time.
  • The referee records the completion time when the participant audibly and clearly says "TIME" or "TID." Only then will the final time and any missing puzzle pieces be noted on the result sheet, which will be submitted to the secretariat for entry into the results list. No changes to the recorded results are permitted after the participant or pair/team declares completion by saying "TIME" or "TID."
  • If puzzle pieces are missing, 10 seconds will be added to the completion time for each missing piece. If more than 10 pieces are missing, the participation will be deemed invalid.
  • Participants who declare they are finished within the maximum competition time but have misplaced pieces upon inspection are considered not to have completed the competition.
  • For participants who do not complete all pieces within the maximum time, placements in the results list will be determined by the number of correctly placed pieces. A piece is considered correctly placed when it is joined in a cluster of at least three (3) pieces.
  • When the round ends, participants who have not completed their puzzles must arrange unplaced pieces into piles of 10. The competition organizer will record the number of unplaced pieces on the results sheet and submit it to the secretariat for entry into the results list. Only then may participants pack their belongings, including the competition puzzle, and leave the competition area.
  • Participants who finish the puzzle within the maximum time pack their belongings, including the competition puzzle, and leave the area after the referee records their completion time.
  • Only participants, officials, and authorized personnel may enter the competition area during the event.
  • Only the designated table surface may be used for puzzle assembly during competition time.
  • The use of sorting trays is permitted, but they must remain on the table surface during the competition.
  • Supports for holding the puzzle box lid upright for viewing the design are allowed.
  • Disturbing other participants during the competition is not permitted.
  • Using headphones is allowed, provided it does not disturb other competitors.
  • Altering the height or layout of the table surface is not permitted.
  • Bringing or using printed, digital, or other templates to view patterns or puzzle piece shapes is prohibited. This includes full-sized posters of the puzzle design, which may only be used for viewing like the box lid, not as an assembly mat.
  • Bringing and using additional lighting during the competition is not permitted.
  • Receiving help from anyone outside the competition is prohibited.
  • Participants who fail to check in on time are automatically considered to have forfeited (walkover) and are disqualified without the right to any compensation or refund.
  • Situations not covered by these rules will be resolved by referees from the Swedish Puzzle Federation on-site.
  • Violations of competition rules may result in warnings or disqualification.
  • Referees' decisions during the competition are final.

    • Additional Conditions

    • By registering for and/or participating in competitions organized by the Swedish Puzzle Federation (SvPF), participants accept that their name, place of residence, and age may be published in the SvPF ranking list or other related printed or digital platforms. SvPF also reserves the right to use images, videos, or other recorded material featuring participants. Participants' contact information may be shared with SvPF's partners.
    • All image, audio, and text materials published via SvPF channels are the property of SvPF.
    • The competition organizer is not responsible for participants' personal belongings during the championship.
    • SvPF may reserve up to 10 tables per round for guest participants competing out of competition.
    • SvPF may need to adjust the number of allowed participants per category if required by the venue. Any changes will be published on the registration page. Registrations made before adjustments will remain valid.
    • In the event of cancellation or postponement of the championship due to circumstances beyond the organization's control, SvPF is not responsible for indirect costs incurred by participants, beyond the registration fee for the competition.
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