Rules vary
Remember to check, rules vary from casino to casino.
Here are just a few things to check on:
Number of players per table.
How many advance per table.
How many rounds.
How many hands per round.
Is the prize money based on the number of players or guaranteed.
Betting limits.
Is surrender offered.
Is the deal rotated.
Format: accumulative or elimination.
Are re-buys avalible.
Do they offer even money.
Do they offer insurance.
What does Blackjack pay (3-2 of 2-1).
These are the rules you want to know before play starts.
Since you are new to tournament play also remember:
No talking to spectators or vice versa.
Don't drop chips in the betting area, stack chips behind and push them in.
Rack all your chips off after each winning hand and re-bet.
Keep your chips in plain sight at all times, dont try to hide chips.
Keep your chips in stacks seperated by value.
Go to the restroom before play starts, no breaks during the rounds.
Be at your table a little early.
Watch the table, the dealer could make a mistake, it is okay to point out an error in over payment in tournament play, (so what if the player gets mad they would do it to you if they caught it).
Don't let players do any of the above.
This is not a rule, but should you win any money it is always good to tip the dealers. I usally tip $5 per round I advance (if the dealer is pleasant). Anything after that is up to you, in a mini between 5-10% is a fair tip.
Hope this helps. Good Luck, let us know how you do.