Competition Day Checklist

1. Check in
There will be a registration table set up near the entrance for the coach to check in the team(s). You should bring a copy of the media release form with you to check-in. The media release form is available for download in our forms section along with other pertinent forms for the tournament day.

2. Check the schedule
Be sure to check the schedule for your Long Term performance time and your Spontaneous time. In some rare instances, there might be minor changes in the schedule to accommodate other teams. Your times will not have been affected unless you were notified ahead of time.

3. Find your Long Term and Spontaneous competition areas
In the Long Term area find the Staging Area; check out the stage orientation in the performance area; where the judges will be, where the audience will be sitting, etc. In the Spontaneous area, find the check-in table. Be aware that it is important to be quiet when you are near the Long Term and Spontaneous competition areas, so that you do not disturb teams that are competing.

4. Costumes and props
Find a place near the Long Term performance area where team members can change into their costumes and do their hair/make up/etc. (Remember, team members must do their own hair and makeup.) You also need to find a good place to unload your props from your vehicle(s).   Props should be stored in an area out of the way of hallway traffic at all times.  Keep in mind there will be teams all over the school on competition day and props spread out anywhere will have a much higher chance of being damaged.   We encourage teams to keep props in their vehicles/storage areas until it is time for them to start preparing them for their longterm competition.  For example:  A team competing at 3pm should not be unloading their props at 9-10am just to place them somewhere in the school hallways for the day.  Most times there won’t be enough space available for teams to do this and it is inconsiderate to teams that might need that space to prepare.   Teams are always encouraged to check their stuff for functionality after transport and even get out props that may need work or take a while to assemble at a reasonable time compared to when they perform.

5. Spontaneous practice spot
Allow the team time for a few Spontaneous practice problems before their Spontaneous competition. Find a place where they can practice without distractions. This will help settle the team and prepare them for competition.

6. Other important stuff
Give the team time to check out the Odyssey souvenir tables. They may want to buy their items early — popular items sell out fast! There are usually snacks/drinks available for purchase at the tournament, though some teams bring their own snacks/drinks in a cooler. One of the best things to do with your “down time” is to go and watch other teams perform their Long Term solutions. It’s fun to see some problems other than your own, and to see different divisions than your own. Team members can really appreciate the efforts of other teams while they watch their creative solutions!

7. Getting scores
Coaches will be told how long to wait before returning to the Long Term area to pick up their scores. The Head Judge will release the scores only to the team coach. Coaches have 30 minutes after receiving their scores to return to the judge with any questions. Scores from the first 4-5 teams performing in Long Term are “held” by judges to help them calibrate subjective scoring elements. Those scores are released to coaches after those first 4-5 performs. Check the schedule to help you determine when the scores will be available, or ask the head judge at your performance site for a time estimate. Spontaneous scores are not given out. Once the awards ceremony has concluded, you may view the entirety of the scores online.

8. Awards Ceremony
Teams, coaches, family, and friends all feel the excitement when they come to the Awards Ceremony! It is best to get there early, so you can all sit together. Remind everyone that scores are sometimes delayed, so it’s important to be patient. The Awards Ceremony will have some general announcements, cake awards, banner awards, OMER Awards, and Ranatra Fusca Awards as well as the results of the competition. (It always seems like the results of your problem/division are announced last!) Please stay until all results are announced — everyone deserves your applause. We choose the problem announcement order randomly at each tournament to make sure one problem isn’t always waiting until last. We understand that award ceremonies can seem long at the end of a long day, but there is so much to wrap up and reflect back upon.