Cactus Game Design Message Boards

What exactly is an "unofficial tournament"? I see that phrase listed as part of the description of this thread. I ask partly because I am having an gathering of Chicago Redemption players Saturday morning, April 26th. We will be playing and competing against each other. However, I'm not ready yet to turn this into an official tournament. So what is the difference between an "unofficial tournament" and a playgroup?

Are you, by chance, referring to "Impromptu" tournaments? These do count toward RNRS points, and you would be reimbursed the prizes by Cactus after you submit payment and paperwork. This would, of course, require that you have the supplies on hand already. Impromptu tournaments are "official," they are just typically unannounced.

Yes, I was referring to the phrase "unofficial tournament" in the message board here. As for having an impromptu tournament, no, I don't think that's what this is either. Thanks for the clarification.
Based on what I understand so far, I think we are just having an unofficial tournament on the morning of Saturday April 26th on Chicago's north side, because I haven't filled out any paperwork yet. But it still should be a lot of fun. Any Chicagoans out here, feel free to contact me for full details.