BQ tournaments don't just happen by themselves. In particular, every game needs a reader and a scorer. Why not you?

The moderators of a match get a ringside seat for the action, as well as the thrill of power as you've got the answers and the poor teams haven't! More importantly, games simply can't take place without the mods - think of it as a service to the world of quiz.

For Masoquizm on Saturday 20 May in Oxford, we require eight moderators. Six of these people will need to be able to read or score, and two will be scorers only. The tournament runs from 10:15 am to about 8:30 pm, although readers and scorers may choose to leave before the final at about 7:45 pm.

Readers will be asked to read two games in every three (a total of 10 games), and to score for the third (5 games). The aim of this is that no-one loses their voice by the end of the day; water will also be supplied, and we'll have throat sweets handy! Readers should preferably have experience of having read matches before, but at least should have played at a BQ tournament before. Matches will last 20 minutes, and we'll be expecting readers to average at least 20 starters (with bonuses where necessary) per game. Readers should also be familiar with the BuzzerQuiz Official Rules.

Scorers need no previous experience, except the ability to add up. The Scorer's Guide tells you everything you need to know, and there are instructions on the scoresheet as well. Both readers and scorers will have support on the day from experienced staff, including the TD.

As a "thank you" to our moderators, both readers and scorers will receive £15 towards their expenses, including lunch. There will also be snacks available during registration, and during the break in the afternoon.

Teams taking part who have more than four members may choose to supply a scorer each round (not a reader, though) from the people who are not playing for them in that round, and therefore to treat the £15 allowance as a discount. However, teams should be aware that in such situations, scorers will be expected to make themselves available for two or three complete games at a time, and will therefore not be available to be substituted into their team. There will also be no guarantee that a scorer will be scoring the matches in which their team is playing (in fact, it's quite unlikely).

If you're interested in being a reader or scorer for Masoquizm, let us know as soon as possible by contacting the Tournament Director, Rob Linham, at hello@buzzerquiz.com or on 07855 079433.