BEE '09

Tuesday, May 26

All 293 spellers take the Round One test at pre-assigned times. In the Round One test, spellers will spell 50 words using a computer keyboard. Only 25 of the 50 spellings will count toward each speller's Preliminaries score.

Wednesday, May 27

All 293 spellers participate in Rounds Two and Three onstage between 8:00 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. Eastern.

For each correct spelling offered by a speller in Rounds Two and Three, the speller earns three points that count toward his Preliminaries score. It is possible for a speller to earn up to 31 points in the Preliminaries: 25 points on the Round One test plus 3 points for a correct spelling in Round Two plus 3 points for a correct spelling in Round Three.

Immediately after the conclusion of Round Three, Bee officials determine Semifinalists on the basis of points earned in the Preliminaries. No more than 50 spellers will be named Semifinalists.

Thursday, May 28

Semifinalists compete onstage between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Eastern. In general, a speller is out of the competition once he misspells.

Championship Finalists compete onstage beginning at 8:00 p.m. Eastern. In general, a speller is out of the competition once he misspells except for circumstances addressed in Rule 12.