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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below is a list of questions, if your query is not listed below then please mail your questions here and we will do our best to answer them. If we think it would be helpful to other readers, then we will also update this page with questions received and their answers.
Q. What is NSW?
NSW stands for National Sporting Weekend and is one of the biggest, and most enjoyable events in the RTBI calendar. If you want your first taste of tabling at a national level, we recommend you join around 600 other tablers at this weekend event.
Q. Where is NSW2010?
NSW2010 is in Lancaster, based in and around the University of Cumbria's St Martins campus near the centre of Lancaster. NB: There are 2 universities in Lancaster - do not go to the Lancaster University campuses!
Q. When is NSW2010?
The main events are on the Saturday, 4 September 2010. Most people will arrive on Friday and leave on Sunday - Fri and Sat nights accommodation is included in the weekend pass. However, there are some activities on the Friday - such as Golf and Fishing which you need to pre-book and pre-pay for, and Thursday night accommodation is available as an add-on option. So you may wish to stretch the weekend out to Thurs 2 September through Sunday 6 September 2010.
Q. How do I get there?
The city of Lancaster is serviced by the M6 motorway, West Coast mainline trains, and coaches. The nearest airports are Blackpool, Liverpool, Manchester or Carlisle - but we do not currently envisage offering airport pick-ups (you will need to make your own way from the Airport to Lancaster). We are looking into offering a shuttle to/from Lancaster rail station during peak travel times.
St Martins Campus is on Bowerham Road in Lancaster - directions and a map are available here.
Q. Who can go to NSW?
NSW is generally a members event, with ex-tablers (41 club members) and prospectives also being welcome. Anyone not falling within these categories are not covered by insurance, so please discuss with us before booking. It is not an event for wives/girlfriends/kids to join you.
Q.Can my wife/girlfriend/family come too?
No, NSW is not an event for wives/girlfriends/kids to join you.
Q. What is the dress code for the Saturday night gala dinner?
We would encourage all participant to come in 1940's (wartime) fancy dress - military or civilian! Failing that, black tie will suffice - but come on, don't be boring!
Q. What do I need to bring?
Your personal items for the weekend - clothes & toiletries and any medications etc. Plus any personal sports equipment such as rackets, clothing and footwear. Some of the sports will have shared equipment available, such as pool tables, boules in Petanque, Football for 5-a-side etc. If in doubt, please check with us.
Q. Do I need to be great at my chosen sport?
This is a fun, social weekend, and while some tablers do take their sport very seriously, the majority are there to have a good time, and maybe experience a sport for the first time! Obviously, if you are 20 stone with Asthma, and the furthest you have run in the past 20 years is to the loo after a curry, then cross-country probably wouldn't be a good choice of sport - otherwise, just have a go and enjoy yourselves!
Q. How is scoring done?
Each sport has a winning individual or team, with points being awarded for success, and for participation. These then go forward to the overall competition which is generally by area. (This is a social event, not a business event, therefore Areas are valid rather than Regions!)
Q. Do I have to come as part of an Area team, or can I come on my own?
Whilst the overall competition is by Area, there is nothing to stop you competing individually, or joining another Area for the weekend. Please note that we will do our best try and place all members of an Area into the same accommodation area, but late bookers may end up elsewhere.
* Registered Office: Marchesi House, 4 Embassy Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 1TP