Frequently Asked Questions

This section is designed to keep every team informed and on an even playing field.  All questions that are asked by a student, coach, or parent pertaining to the competitions or the tournament are answered and posted here.

ALTERNATES/OBSERVERS

Question: How many alternates and observers may we bring to the tournament?
Answer: New this year:  We are limiting the number of students that are alternates/observers to fifteen (15) students.

CAMPUS BUS SYSTEM

Question: Will participants be able to use the campus bus system?
Answer: Yes! The IU buses are free to use. For more information including bus routes go to http://www.iubus.indiana.edu/campus_bus/.

COMMUNICATION DEVICES

Question: What is the policy on communication devices?
Answer: All electronic devices including iPads, iPods, laptop computers, cell phones, pagers, walkie talkies, and various text messaging devices must be turned off and placed in your backpack while in competition. Anyone caught using a device while competing will be disqualified from that event. Any team caught more than once will be disqualified from the tournament.

FINAL REGISTRATION FORM

Question: Do I need to include chaperones and parents on the final registration form?
Answer: No, all students attending the tournament including official competitors, observers, and alternates should be listed on the final registration form.

HOMEROOMS

Question: Will our team be assigned a home room for the day?
Answer: Yes, ALL home rooms will be located in Ballantine Hall and Woodburn Hall. Coaches will receive an email with homeroom assignments in early March.

IMPOUNDING

Question: Can teachers, parents or alternates impound devices for our official competitors?
Answer: Yes, however during impound the supervisor may have questions so it is best if one of the students competing with the device is available during impound.

NATIONAL TOURNAMENT - ADVANCING TEAMS

Question: How many teams will advance to the National tournament in May?
Answer: We will not know the answer to this question until March or early April. Sometimes, we find out just in time for our State Tournament.  As soon as we know we will post the answer.

PARADE OF TEAMS

Question: Will you have a parade of teams at the beginning of the awards ceremony?
Answer:Yes, Please select a MAXIMUM of two students from your team to participate in the parade of teams. Each team should bring their school banner or make one.

REGISTRATION FEES

Question: Is there a registration fee for teams advancing to the state tournament?
Answer: Yes, Teams competing at the State Tournament must pay a $100 tournament registration fee. Please bring your check, made payable to "Indiana Science Olympiad" to registration on tournament day.

SCORES

Question: When will we receive the final scores?
Answer: At the end of the Awards Ceremony each team's head coach will be provided one copy of the final scores. Any scoring inconsistencies must be brought to the attention of the arbitrators within one hour of the completion of the ceremony. In the rare case of a "photo finish" or problem, a phone number and/or an email address will also be posted on the tournament website for coaches to contact. Scores are not final until they are posted on the Official Science Olympiad website.