State Tournament Policies and FAQ

Policies

State Bids

Ohio Science Olympiad has been hearing questions and concerns about the possibility that a single school could simultaneously advance to the state tournament in both Division B and Division C this year. While there are multiple possible scenarios that could allow for this, the specific one raising concern currently is a high school enrolling grades 8-12 that registered a team in each division, even while their middle school (grades 6-7) separately registered in Division B.
 
This possibility arises due to the flexibility provided by Science Olympiad’s Team Size and Grade Levels policy, which defines what constitutes a school and outlines the grade levels eligible for each division, while allowing districts to determine how to organize students. The goal of the policy is to ensure that teams are comprised of students from their school and that every student has an opportunity to compete in a grade-appropriate division.  Because some schools have a broad grade span (i.e. grades 8-12 or 7-12), the policy allows a school to register teams in both divisions so long as each student competes in a single, grade-appropriate division: “any student can compete at only one Division level (either Division B or C, not both) at a single school.” It is similarly consistent with the policy — and common practice — for a single district to register multiple schools in the same division, with each school separately having the chance to advance to the state tournament.
 
We acknowledge that one district's decision to reorganize schools or grades can impact other schools in the region by increasing (or decreasing) competition for limited bids. However, the current national policy is neutral in its application, while alternative policies such as limiting participation to one division per school would create inequities for schools with broader grade spans or unique structures. Ultimately, the current policy ensures all students have equitable opportunities to compete within an appropriate division, regardless of how districts organize their schools.

Wristband Policy

2025 wristband policy coming soon.

Scoring

Scoring will be conducted consistent with all Science Olympiad rules (including clarifications and FAQ) and policies. Relevant policies include the Code of Ethics and General Rules, Scoring Guidelines, Laser Policy, Building and Tools Policy, Eye Protection Policy, Copyright and Use Policy, Significant Figures Policy, Battery Policy, and Calculator Guide. All of these rules and policies are publicly available on the national website.

Arbitration

If a team believes it has been treated unfairly, or in a manner inconsistent with Science Olympiad rules and policies, the team has the right to seek recourse. The head coach for any such team may file an appeal using our Arbitration Form to outline their case and requested remedy. Only a head coach acting on behalf of their team may file an appeal; individual students, parents, assistant coaches, alumni, and other third parties lack standing to submit an appeal. Additionally, teams may not file an appeal to request an adverse action against one of their competitors.

All appeals will be reviewed by the Arbitration Committee, which may gather evidence and input from whichever source(s) the committee deems appropriate. Appeals will not be considered if received more than one hour after the publication of the final results.

Team Sanctions

At the independent discretion of the tournament director(s), offensive, disruptive, unethical or illegal behavior by students, coaches, parents or other individuals may result in sanctions against those individuals or their affiliated team(s). Behaviors that may potentially result in sanctions also include repetitive or egregious violations of tournament policies. Sanctions against teams may include team penalty points, disqualification in an event, or disqualification as a team. Sanctions against individuals may include temporary or permanent bans from participation in, or attendance at, the tournament. Any imposed sanctions are subject to appeal and review by the Arbitration Committee.

Students Below Grade Level Designations

Our tournament acknowledges the national policy stating that "schools with grade levels lower than those stated in a division are permitted to invite members below the grade level designations." In alignment with this policy, our tournament has implemented the following process for any such students.

The student's parent or guardian, head coach, and principal or assistant principal must review the event rules and jointly discuss which event(s) are age-appropriate and safe for the individual student. The principal or assistant principal must then submit a written request containing the following information at least two weeks prior to the tournament:

1. The student's name, age and grade level
2. Certification that the student is in good standing without active behavior or discipline concerns
3. The list of specific event(s) in which the student would like to participate
4. Confirmation that the student's parent or guardian, head coach, and Principal or Assistant Principal have each reviewed the event rules and unanimously agreed that each event is age-appropriate and safe for the individual student

Within one week of receipt, the tournament director(s) will review requests and communicate back a final decision on both the student's overall participation and their participation in each specific event. Decisions will be made with consideration of student safety and district policies.

Please note that a student who is in Grade 5 at the start of the season, regardless of age or maturity, is not permitted in chemistry labs at Ohio State University due to safety concerns and insurance regulations.

Underage Student Form

Volunteer Requirement 

The Ohio State Tournament depends on dedicated volunteers to ensure a smooth and successful event. Each participating team is required to provide two volunteers to assist with various tasks throughout the day—a commitment known as the volunteer requirement. Volunteers serve for the full day, which may include both a morning and afternoon event or a single full-day assignment. Teams that do not fulfill this requirement will incur a five-point penalty added to their total team score for each volunteer that they do not have confirmed and signed-up for by April 4^th via the volunteer form.  If you have questions regarding volunteers, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at ohso.volunteers@gmail.com. If you have questions regarding this policy, please contact the State Arbitration office at drostbr@gmail.com.

Agricultural Science Trial Event Clarifications

Section 3.b.i.: Part A - Students will be tested on their knowledge of agricultural science. All Year 1 topics will be tested, with the addition of the following Year 2 topics: pest and animal pathogen management, measuring animal yield (meat and milk production), classical animal breeding. 

Section 3.b.ii.: Prior to the tournament, teams must perform an agricultural experiment on one or more plants. Agricultural experiments should (1) utilize a quick-germinating and container-friendly seed such as radish, bean, pea, or lettuce, and (2) tie to agricultural concerns such as: soil composition, soil pH, soil salinity, soil nutrient availability or ratio, water availability, plant competition. 

Arbitration

 

FAQ

When our team competes at the OHSO State Tournament, do we need to use the same roster of 15 students in the same events as when we qualified at our local regional tournament?

OHSO State Tournament bids are awarded to schools — not individual students or a specific roster of students. When competing at the state tournament, your school can compete with the exact same 15 students, 15 completely different students or a mix thereof. Similarly, individual students can compete in the exact same events as at regionals, completely different events or a mix thereof. 

What are alternates allowed to do on tournament day?

Alternates may assist with impound, observe public events and participate as competitors in trial events.

How do we substitute an alternate for a team member?

If a member of your competition team is unable to compete for any reason, you have the option of replacing them on your roster with an alternate. You must notify Tournament Headquarters of this decision as soon as possible so that we can maintain an accurate roster for your team. Making a substitution is equivalent to submitting a revised roster. As all of the same rules apply to your revised roster as your original roster, it is important to note the following:

• The student you are replacing on the roster cannot have already competed in an event, as this would result in your team competing with 16 students over the course of the day.
• The revised roster must still abide by all team composition rules. For example, if you are a Division C team and you already have seven 12th grade students, you cannot substitute an additional 12th grade student in place of a ninth grade student, as this would result in eight total 12th grade students on the roster.
• The Rules and Code of Ethics of the Science Olympiad declares: “One or more of a 15-member team must have constructed all pre-built devices presented for judging.” We will use your revised roster to determine whether your devices meet this requirement. If your team intended to compete with a device, but you remove or replace the only student on your roster who can claim responsibility for constructing that device, you can no longer use it in competition. 

My team needs to change our self-schedule time, but the self-schedule window has closed. What can we do?

Any late requests to change a self-schedule slot after this end time should be made directly to the event supervisor on the morning of the tournament. While we encourage event supervisors to accommodate these requests where possible, they retain ultimate authority to approve or deny changes requested after the close of self-schedule.

Will students arriving late to an event be allowed to participate?

This decision is at the discretion of the event supervisor. While we encourage our event supervisors to allow late arrivals to participate to the fullest extent possible, we defer to their judgment. The integrity and fairness of competition is paramount.

When are students expected to arrive for self-schedule events?

Students should plan to arrive and be ready to compete at the start of their selected time slot. Students should not arrive near the end of the designated time slot and expect to be given the opportunity to compete.

Can possession of phones, smart watches and other electronic devices during competition result in disqualification?

This decision is at the discretion of the event supervisor, and should be based upon their best judgment as to whether the offending students were attempting to gain an unfair advantage. We strongly recommend that students do not have phones, smart watches or other electronic devices on their person while competing unless such devices are explicitly permitted by that event's rules.

Who can impound a device on behalf of the team?

At least one student from the 15-member competition team must be present to impound a device. They can be assisted by other team members, alternates, parents, coaches, etc.

Will students and parents have access to the Helicopter venue?

Students will be permitted to practice in the Helicopter venue during the impound hour; no practice opportunities will be available later in the day, aside from trim flights declared during students' official competition time. Coaches, parents and other spectators will not be permitted in the Helicopter venue during competition or during the morning practice period; they will instead be able to observe competition through the glass windows.