Matty's March Madness 2012

Click here to view the rules for the pool. Please read the rules before you submit a bracket.

Click here to submit a bracket.

Click here to see the bracket index, standings, tournament results, and statistics.

Click here to see the Facebook page and/or join the group.

--ALL BRACKETS AND MONEY MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE START OF THE FIRST TOURNAMENT GAME ON THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012--

FAQs

What are the nuts and bolts for this pool? That is, how much do I have to pay for each bracket, is there a limit to the number I may submit, and am I even eligible to play?
$10 per bracket. No limit to number of submissions. This pool is strictly limited to my friends and family and their friends and family.

Where do I send the money?
If you want to pay by mail, send the entry fee ($10 per bracket) to Matthew Rich, 321 Archibald Lane, Dundas, MN 55019.

If mr91mr@yahoo.com is only for pool money, how do I contact you if I have a question?
Send me an email at mr91mr@gmail.com or call me at 651-707-5545.

I'm only doing one bracket, but I see a bunch of numbers after names on the bracket index--do I have to put a 1 after my bracket name?
No. Don't do it. Don't put a 1 after your name. Again, don't put a 1 after your name. 

If I'm doing multiple brackets, then how do I do all the fancy numbering?
Do not put a 1 after your name on the first bracket. Any additional brackets should be sequentially numbered with the number noted directly after your last name. Check the bracket index for multiple examples. Do not put a space between the name and the number. If you're doing multiple brackets, please follow this simple method for entering your name on each bracket: John Smith, John Smith2, John Smith3, etc.

Speaking of names, how should I write names in the boxes that appear on the web entry form?
If you've been with us before, you know I that I care how you name your bracket. First, the basics: use proper capitalization; use only the first and last name; and use only the real name. Second, use full names both both your name and your pool contact. Although you may think your BFF Mike is the only Mike in your life, he's not the only Mike in our pool. Thus, it's important to use Mike's full name in the text boxes.  If your name is John Smith, use John Smith. Don't submit 6 brackets looking like this: john smith, The smithman, Jack smith, JonatheN Smith, jonnathan youknowwhoiam, or Johnny Smithers. No nicknames. Just put your real name, and use the same real name for each and every bracket you submit. This same rule applies to the Pool Contact field. Use real names and proper capitalization. 

What the heck is a pool contact and what name should I be listing there?
The pool has grown so large over the years that we've adopted a pool contact system. That is, if someone wants to play, they either have to know me or list as a pool contact someone I know. The person listed as a pool contact is responsible for the entrant (entry fee and otherwise). This is has been a good way we've found to keep it fair and manageable. So, if you know me personally, feel free to list yourself or me as the pool contact and send in your money. If you don't know me, you need to list a pool contact who will be responsible for your bracket. If you list a pool contact, pay your entry fee directly to me or pay your pool contact.

Why do I have to list my name twice on the web entry form?
It's either list it twice or have the brackets listed by email address instead and risk your email address being harvested. We've decided to go with list it twice.

How are upset points determined?
Upset points will now be determined on weighted scale to provide a truer risk/reward system. Upset points will still only be in play for the first two rounds. If an upset is correctly picked, the bracket will earn both the standard points for getting the game right plus the upset bonus. The upset bonus is determined by two factors: seed difference and the round multiplier.  The round multiplier is .5 for the first round and 1 for the second round. Here are some examples:
Your brother told me that I can make a lot of money in this pool. Is this true?
Check the Rules page for a more specific breakdown of the pool financials, but here are the payouts: 1st place (50%); 2nd place (20%); 3rd place (15%); 4th place (10%); 5th place (5%); last place ($10); winner of each round, not including championship ($25).

Wow, that's a lot of money to be made. Certainly you take a cut off the top for running the pool and jeopardizing your marriage every year, right?
No, entry fees pay only for direct out of pocket expenses (approx. $200), not general admin fees. The remainder is paid out in prize money.  You're welcome.

Who are the fortunate souls who have bested the rest in past years?
Chris Cobb, Sr. (2011); Kevin Rich (2010); Tiffany Seykora (2009); Andrew Schwab (2008); Jake Chamberlain (2007); Nathan Rauk (2006); Kevin Borgendale (2005); Adam Fanberg (2004); Eric Durkin (2003); Unknown due to faulty memories (2002-1999)

ALL BRACKETS AND MONEY MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE START OF THE FIRST TOURNAMENT GAME ON THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012.