
We will not begin responding to any FAQ's for 2010 Rules until OCTOBER 1, 2009.
BE CERTAIN TO READ Official Rules Clarifications IN ADDITION TO THE EVENT FAQS.
To see posted FAQs or to Submit a Question for a Rules Clarification, please select one of the events below or to search for a key word use the "search box".
The Submit a Question form is to be used to ask questions about a specific section and paragraph number in the event rule that might be unclear, not to be a help or answer desk. Only specific clarifying questions will receive replies. They will be posted if they are not a repetition of what is already stated in the rules. Concerning specificity about what is allowed please read the Code of Ethics and General Rules. For general info about team size and an overview of Science Olympiad, see Background under About SO.
Questions that will not receive a reply: those that are already answered and posted, what materials to use, how to build a device, if a device complies to the rules, what will be covered on a test, how to coach the event. These questions should go to your Coach or see the links under EVENT INFO.
General tournament, facilities or site-specific questions should go to your State Director.
These Official Rules Clarifications apply to all states and all tournaments and originate at the national level. Check your regional or state website for additional information. If you need copies of the rules, see your coach or go to the Science Olympiad Store.

(section: 2 / line: 3)
Yes, this is allowed as long as it does not fall out.

(section: 2 / line: 2)
You may write on the back of the list if you intend to count that as one of the pages of notes. You may still write on the front of the list as per rule 2.
A field guide is a book used to take in the 'field' used to identify various life forms. Portability is a consideration; a book that can not be conveniently carried/used in the field is not a field guide.
(section: 2 / line: 2-5)
Rule #2 states that you may write on any of the allowed resources.
(section: 2 / paragraph: 1 / line: 5)
Yes, the definition of a tab from the dictionary: tab 1. |tab| noun 1. a small flap or strip of material attached to something, for identification and information.
(section: b / line: 2)
The list on the website has been reduced to 2 pages. The list was posted on the website after the rule book went to print.

(section: 2 / paragraph: a / line: 1)
Yes, there is no prohibition in the rules regarding reference materials for part I.
(section: 3 / paragraph: a / line: 1)
Yes, mini CD's are allowed as long as the center fits onto the mount found on a standard CD player.
(section: 4 / paragraph: h / sub-paragraph: ii / line: 2)
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion is the correct term.

(section: 3 / paragraph: d / line: 1 )
No, a mini tennis ball is not allowed.
(section: 4 / paragraph: b / line: 1)
Yes, but you must ask permission from the event supervisor before entering target area, you must not touch or move targets in anyway. All lasers are subject to a safety inspection, you must inform the event supervisor that you are turning on a laser. Lasers must be off when launch occurs. All time used by students in launch area is part of thier launch time. Keep in mind the general rules regarding the use of lasers though as listed on the soinc.org website.
(section: 4 / paragraph: F / line: 2)
The rule states that the bucket will be placed on the course at a certain distance range which does not include a height range, therefore, the bucket will be placed on the floor when requested.
Yes, the bucket may be off the center line for both divisions.
(section: 4. / paragraph: f. / line: 1)
There are no interval restrictions on the placement of the bucket other than between 2-8 meters from the Launch Area for B Division and 2-10 meters for C Division.

(section: 2 / paragraph: d / sub-paragraph: n/a / line: 2)
Yes, the internal components should be available for the event supervisor to view. It is, in essence, a closed black box with no indication of what could be inside it. A similar one on hand does not tell what is in the one on the vehicle.
(section: 2 / paragraph: h. / line: 2-3)
The tip of the fixed point MUST be within 1 cm of the track surface. Measuring from the floor up, if the tip is 0.75 cm, it's good, if the tip is 1.15 cm, it's no good.

(section: 2 / paragraph: 2 / line: 8)
Yes, that would still be considered unmodified.
(section: 2 / paragraph: b / line: 1)
No, the students may bring their eye protection with them. Eye protection does not have to be impounded.
(section: 2 / paragraph: f / line: 1)
Yes, as long as you do not violate another rule, such as voltage maximum. Also, students will be expected to fully explain how it is used, or the team may be disqualified if the event leader has reason to believe the students did not actually build the device. (See Code of Ethics and general rules, #7)
Yes, as long as you do not violate another rule such as creating unshielded projectiles.
(section: 3 / paragraph: a / line: 3)
No, the mousetraps are to be measured once, before the run. After the measurements are taken, the teams may set their traps but may not move them before operating the device.
(section: 3 / paragraph: c / sub-paragraph: 2 / line: 1)
Mousetraps may be at different elevations, but they will be measured from the center of the device, in a direct line at floor/competition surface level, NOT as the crow flies but parallel to the floor/competition surface, to the vertical plane defined by the closest point of the mousetrap. This measurement will be taken before the device is activated.
(section: 3 / paragraph: c / sub-paragraph: ii / line: 1)
Yes, the mousetraps may be at different elevations.
(section: 3 / paragraph: c / sub-paragraph: v / line: 3)
All attachments to the floor are prohibited.
(section: 3 / paragraph: i / line: 2)
Since timing is scored in whole seconds, 60.99 seconds is consider 60 seconds. Measurement in whole seconds would take the time down to 60 seconds. Therefore a device that has the 4th trap trigger at 60.99 seconds would still count the 4th trap for scoring purposes and receive 120 timing points for 60 seconds per rule 4.g.
(section: 4 / paragraph: q / sub-paragraph: ii / line: 1)
The second tie breaker should be what was recorded in either tenths or hundredths up to 60.99 seconds since 60.99 seconds is technically 60 whole seconds, no rounding involved. The third tie breaker should be greatest variety in device design.

(section: 3 / paragraph: c / line: 2-3)
The sketcher must wait until their team says a word, then depending upon that word, the sketcher will either draw a "-" or "+" sign to elicit the proper response. Until a team member says a word based on the drawing, the "+" or "-" signs are symbols which are not allowed until the situation is created (by saying a word) which allows these symbols to be used.

(section: 2 / line: 2)
You may write on the back of the list if you intend to count that as one of the pages of notes. You may still write on the front of the list as per rule 2.
A field guide is a book used to take in the 'field' used to identify various life forms. Portability is a consideration; a book that can not be conveniently carried/used in the field is not a field guide.
(section: 2 / line: 2-5)
Rule #2 states that you may write on any of the allowed resources.
(section: 2 / paragraph: 1 / line: 5)
Yes, the definition of a tab from the dictionary: tab 1. |tab| noun 1. a small flap or strip of material attached to something, for identification and information.
(section: b / line: 2)
The list on the website has been reduced to 2 pages. The list was posted on the website after the rule book went to print.

(section: 3 / paragraph: b / line: 1)
Yes, as long as the parts bought are not explicitly made / sold for use in time keeping devices. For example, an escapement that is sold as a replacement part for the grandfather clock would not be allowable, whereas a generic gear sold for use in a toy car would be allowable.

(section: 2 / paragraph: a / line: 1)
Yes, there is no prohibition in the rules regarding reference materials for part I.
(section: 3 / paragraph: a / line: 1)
Yes, mini CD's are allowed as long as the center fits onto the mount found on a standard CD player.
(section: 4 / paragraph: h / sub-paragraph: ii / line: 2)
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion is the correct term.

(section: 4 / paragraph: b / line: 1)
Yes, but you must ask permission from the event supervisor before entering target area, you must not touch or move targets in anyway. All lasers are subject to a safety inspection, you must inform the event supervisor that you are turning on a laser. Lasers must be off when launch occurs. All time used by students in launch area is part of thier launch time. Keep in mind the general rules regarding the use of lasers though as listed on the soinc.org website.
(section: 4 / paragraph: F / line: 2)
The rule states that the bucket will be placed on the course at a certain distance range which does not include a height range, therefore, the bucket will be placed on the floor when requested.

(section: 3 / paragraph: a / line: 1)
No, the rules state that the pressure vessel must be made out of a single 2 liter bottle, a smaller bottle may not be used for the pressure vessel.
(section: 3 / paragraph: c / line: 2)
No. See rule 3.c. The nosecone is considered a leading edge, and thus may not be pointed.
(section: 4 / paragraph: a / line: 3)
No. Rule 2a states that teams will build and bring up to two rockets to the tournament. Further, Rule 4a. specifies that each rocket may only have 1 launch. Once a rocket (and its associated parts) have been launched then they cannot be launched again.

(section: 3 / paragraph: i / line: 2)
Wood is a tough, fibrous material from the branches and trunks of trees and shrubs, usually cut to some useful size and dried, but still recognizably the material cut from a tree. "Wood products" are materials made from wood, with the wood fundamentally altered from its natural state, typically commercially available and made in a manner not readily produced by the students. Paper and particleboard, masonite, and similar materials have no distinguishable remaining grain structure and exist solely as a man-made material. Commercially made plywood is still recognizably made of wood fibers, but the process of producing this material is not performed by the student. Wood which has simply been cut into smaller pieces, and dried (like toothpicks), do not fit this definition of "wood products". Students may produce their own plywood by laminating pieces of wood. On the other hand, student-made particle board, putty, or paper, in which the underlying structure of wood fiber is destroyed, can no longer be considered to be "wood"; it is a wood product regardless of who made it.

(section: 3 / paragraph: d / line: 2)
Correct, photovoltaic cells are not allowed.
(section: 3 / paragraph: e / line: 1)
Yes, teams may have the device add things to the water after the start as long as it is deemed safe by the Event Supervisor. Teams will be penalized for any spills that leave the device.
No, if teams use water, they must start with plain water.
(section: 4 / paragraph: b / line: 1)
A photocell is a variable resistor, dependent on how much light hits it. It is not a photovoltaic cell.
Yes, the photocell may engage a relay that allows current to flow to a motor.
Yes, this would be like putting multiple batteries or light bulbs together.
(section: 4 / paragraph: b / sub-paragraph: - / line: 1)
Yes.
(section: 4 / paragraph: f / line: 1)
Hydraulics is defined as "moved or operated or effected by liquid". There is no 'pressure' requirement, however the system must be entirely enclosed. Remember, the rules state that water is the only liquid allowed.
(section: 4 / paragraph: g / line: 1)
No, then it would not be a golf ball anymore, but you may tape or glue things to the golf ball.
(section: 7 / paragraph: d / line: 1)
No. Timing points and penalties are awarded based upon full seconds (not rounded seconds). The second tie breaker uses partial seconds.

(section: 2 / paragraph: a / line: 2)
An unmodified mousetrap is one that still retains its original structural integrity to function as intended. Altering the structural integrity of the mousetrap includes, but is not limited to, welding, bending, and cutting of the restraining bar.
(section: 3 / paragraph: b / line: 2)
Yes, it should be "constuction violation".

Event Supervisors are not willing to share their methods of insuring that students do not communicate with the outside during an event.
Material on the website has been contributed by coaches, event supervisors and workshop presenters from all levels of competition. Any additional material will be posted as it becomes available. If you would like to contribute material (non-copyright) please contact the Science Olympiad National Office.
Depends on where the order was sent, when it was sent, and if the order was received.
First check with your main/business office to determine if and when the order was sent and to whom it was sent. Do not assume that if you gave your office an order that it was sent. It often takes as much as 6 weeks before orders are approved by the school board. If it has been more than 7 working days since your order was actually sent, you may want to call the office that it was sent to, to determine if your order was indeed received.
Answers to all questions about rules can generally be found in the Rules Manual by reading the rules carefully. The Clarifications and individual Event FAQ pages have only selected answers to corrections or common misunderstandings.
Researching information is part of the competition and is the responsibility of the contestants. Some information available from Science Olympiad on the internet can be located on the page for that event. To access event pages, go to Event Info, Division, event name.
The rules are copyrighted and may not be placed on the web without the permission of the Science Olympiad National Executive Board of Directors. They have voted unanimously NOT to post the rules on the website for numerous reasons. Some issues and concerns that had an impact on the decision were; membership timing and delays, graphics and charts, bogus electronic copies, school's inability to download or open documents, downloading platforms and other problems. Other Science Olympiad manuals (but not the Rules Manual) contribute to the revenue which keeps the organization financially sound and able to provide the high-quality educational experience that it does.
Additional copies of the Rules Manual may be purchased from the Science Olympiad store on this website.
This depends on each tournament Director's timeline. You may need to inquire about the schedule directly with each of your directors. The very tentative national schedule is generally posted in the Coaches Manuals.
No, students may not compete on 2 teams in the same tournament.
No, you must choose one or the other at a tournament. You may not be on two rosters at the same tournament.
Allowed resources are different for each event. Please read each Event Rule and the General Rules in the Rules Manual for information on using resources.
Each tournament is independently organized. Your team may be composed of any students who meet the requirements. They do not have to be the same as those who competed in previous tournaments.
You are correct. There are very few questions and answers posted this year because the rules have been generally well written and we have received few questions that are worthy of posting. We are responding to all questions that come in but be aware that responses may take up to a week. Please be sure to read the parameters that we use to decide what questions we will or will not answer. These parameters may be found at Event Info/FAQs...
Contact your Regional and State Director for information about those tournaments. All known future National Tournament dates can be found on the "Tournaments" page on this website and in the current Rules Manual.
The rules are copyrighted and may not be placed on any website. Copies of the Rules Manual containing the rules for all events are generally sent to the coach when a team is registered. Additional copies may be purchased from the Science Olympiad Store on this website.
There are 500 different tournaments with 500 different sets of unique limitations. The national schedule is posted in September. You might ask your local tournament director but keep in mind that they must build their schedules around limitations such as availability of space, event supervisors, equipment, etc.

No, but they are welcome to form a new team even if it is with only a few students at first. Remember that a parent, a community member or any educator, etc. may be a coach, but be sure to notify the principal and follow all of the school rules.
Each tournament is independently organized. Your team may be composed of any students who meet the requirements on page 2 of the Coaches Manual and Rules. They do not have to be the same as those who competed in previous tournaments.
There is no "official" rule on "alternate" members. Alternates may participate only if one of the 15 regular team members can't make it the day of the competition or if a team member becomes ill or injured. Alternates may not fill in if there is a schedule conflict or if the schedule changes on the day of the competition.
Some tournaments restrict the number (if any) per team and sometimes allow them to participate in trials events and drop off impound items. Many tournaments issue and require "regular" team members to wear "hospital style" wrist bands so alternates do not "accidentally" cover for a late member.
The informal Science Olympiad Coaches Discussion Group has many experienced coaches that can can offer assistance. To join go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/science-olympiad-coaches/
Science Olympiad does not certify coaches. We accept any adult that the school accepts as a coach. It does not have to be a teacher or an administrator of the school. It could be a parent or a community member. Each school may have different requirements for coaches.
Yes, dozens of them, many listed under event info on the National Science Olympiad website.
With the concurrence of your tournaments organizers, to encourage and support the inclusion of all children who wish to participate in Science Olympiad, schools with grade levels lower than those designated in a division (e.g., K-8, 3-7, 7-12) are permitted to invite members below the Division grade level designations if no other outlet (such as a division-specific team) is available. We prefer and encourage students to participate in the division that matches current Science Olympiad grade level designations. Participation is limited to age-appropriate events (as determined by a coach, principal or tournament director) and prohibited where safety is a concern (such as the use of chemicals).
Answers to all questions can be found in this knowledge base. The Clarifications and individual Event FAQ pages have been merged into this Knowledge base.
Any adult can be a coach (teacher, parent, administrator, previous competitor, counselor, engineer, local businessman, dentist, shop owner, rock hound, etc,). The only requirement is students must be from the same school and the principal must verify that the competitors are members of that school.
(section: 1 / line: 1)
The rules are copyrighted and are not placed on any website. Copies of the Rules Manual containing the rules for all events may be purchased from the Science Olympiad Store.
(section: 2 / paragraph: 1 / sub-paragraph: 1 / line: 1)
A student prepared binder is NOT allowed this year. The printed Rule takes precedence over any other study material.


