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Buzzer system, buzzer, and lockout system are the common names for the device used to indicate which player has signaled that he or she wishes to answer a question first. Such systems are necessary for all standard quizbowl games because they make it clear which player was the first to attempt to answer a question.
While using a buzzer system, players are prevented from buzzing ("locked out") after one player has buzzed until the system is reset.
A buzzer system consists of a control unit that sits near the moderator, which connects to individual buttons or paddles held by each player. When a player buzzes in, the system produces a sound and activates a light indicating which player buzzed. Many more expensive systems have individual lights next to each player, while most lower-priced systems have smaller lights or light only on the control unit.
Almost all tournaments require some number of teams to bring buzzers in order to have enough to run the tournament properly; for this reason, Tournament Directors usually offer a discount to teams that bring a buzzer. When too few buzzers are present, teams must play slapbowl, where buzzing is indicated by slapping the desk or saying something like "buzz". This is no longer common in the vast majority of modern quizbowl tournaments.
Choosing a buzzer system
There are many things to take into consideration when deciding which buzzer system to purchase including
How to buy a buzzer system
New quiz bowl programs commonly ask how and where to buy a buzzer system. Overtime all buzzers break down, so it is often better to purchase more durable systems such as Andersons, which are the cheapest and provide good warranties, than to a more expensive system because it looks better or you have heard rumors that it is less likely to fail.
When s
There are other concerns about buying a buzzer system for quiz bowl:
- Quiz bowl does not use "self-resetting" systems; you should buy a buzzer with a moderator reset button.
- Wireless buzzer systems are inappropriate for tournament play due to the potential for lag.
- Phone- and tablet-based buzzer systems are inappropriate for tournament play and serious practice due to the potential for distraction or cheating by using such devices' other functions.
- Battery-operated buzzer systems will require you to always keep spare batteries in the case in the event of a mid-tournament battery failure. For tournament use, systems plugging into building power are preferred (it helps to keep an extension cord in the case because some rooms have inconveniently-located power outlets).
- Individual player lights on or next to each player's buzzer make it easier for everyone to recognize who has buzzed in first.