State FAQ

How do I order trading pins for the state competition?

Trading Odyssey of the Mind pins is a tradition that goes back more than 30 years. Millions of pins have been traded and thousands of friendships have been made during this time. No one ever thought that pin-trading would become as popular and widespread as it is today.

State trading pins for each season become available by Qualifying Tournament season. You will be able to go to the ‘State’ menu and click on the ‘Pin Trading’ page for complete instructions.

Why have I not received my team’s State pin order in the mail yet?

State pin orders are NOT sent to teams. The orders are picked up close to the information booth at the State Competition by a coach.

When will the State Tournament schedule be posted?

All Qualifying Tournaments must be completed and much planning needs to happen for such a large state. The state tournament schedule will be posted a week prior to tournament and you will be notified of its posting.

How do I register a judge for the state competition?

Your Qualifying Tournament official will automatically be registered for the state tournament. You don’t have to do a thing! If your judge cannot attend the tournament, contact the Officials Director as soon as possible. If you have additional volunteers who would like to judge, we’re happy to register them too!

Can I request a special time to perform our long-term solution?

Coaches can make scheduling requests using the “special requests” section on the team registration form when registering. Scheduling requests can only be related to timing conflicts for students competing on multiple teams, coaches coaching multiple teams, or exceptional circumstances as approved by the state director for the state tournament. We make every effort to honor requests of this nature but due to the size of the tournament it is not always possible.

How do I sign up my parent volunteer?

Each team needs to have one parent volunteer for a 2-2.5 shift on the day of the State tournament. Click on the link and choose the time slot and job that your parent volunteer would like to volunteer for. A Sign-up Genius link will be sent to coaches approximately a week before the tournament.

LATEST NEWS
  • Team Tip: Build Sessions
    Look at the list of things that need to be completed in order to solve the problem (if you created a list). Which of those things does the team think they can finish in a longer 3-4 hour session?
  • Team Tip: Performance
    It would be considered Outside Assistance for the coach to direct the team’s performance. But the coach (or a parent volunteer) can give short stagecraft SKILLS lessons. 
  • 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!