Category: Tips
Volunteering as a Tournament Judge or Official
One of the most important volunteer opportunities that OM has to offer is being a judge or an official. Officials are the faces of Odyssey of the Mind that teams will remember about their experience. So make it memorable and HAVE FUN as you get an insider’s view of OM teams and their creativity!
Team Tip: Style
What is Style? Style is the team’s WOW factor! It’s what makes the team’s performance memorable to the judges and audience members.
Team Tip: Roles and Jobs
If your team can handle it, here is a way they can each become experts on specific, important parts of solving the Long-Term problem. All team members should become experts on the LT problem.
Team Tip: Time Management
Teaching your team members how to organize themselves, how to make and keep calendars, the importance of checklists, and how to divide labor is NOT considered Outside Assistance.
Team Tip: Brainstorming
Once the team has chosen the long-term (LT) problem, it’s time to start brainstorming different parts of the problem. This should be exciting for everyone!
Team Tip: Choosing a Problem & Parent Involvement
To narrow down the choices, consider reading only Section A of each problem to the team and then ask the question, “What sounds like fun in this problem?”
Team Tip: Your First Meeting(s)
The time before your team really starts solving the problem is a GREAT time for Spontaneous problems and getting to know the team member’s strengths.
What Can I Do Before Coach Training?
If you are a NEW Coach, you do not have to wait until after you attend a live Coach Training to get started on your journey called Odyssey of the Mind.
Good News! You Can Modify.
This is when teams are re-evaluating their solutions in light of their experiences at their Qualifying Tournament. And yes, you have the opportunity to make adjustments to your solution given what you learned.
Getting Ready for Tournament: Paperwork
Success in Odyssey of the Mind should NOT be measured by whether or not the team goes on to the State Finals. Teams have learned many life lessons and skills along the way.