11/11/07

First, let's review the basics: Coaches have the responsibility to organize the team, to maintain order and discipline. They may serve as a "secretary" to a team (no matter what division) as long as they write only what the team members say. (However, for other official forms, coaches may write them out only for Division I teams.)
     

      Coaches should always ask questions that get the team members to think about their solutions and how to improve them. However, they may not ask questions in a leading way, e.g. "Don't you think it would be better to narrate your play, rather than act it out?" The correct way to state the question would be, "What are some other ways you could present your play?" By asking broad questions, the coach stimulates the team members to think. This is the heart of the Odyssey of the Mind program.
     

      Because coaches want to do their job, do it well, and never place a team in jeopardy due to their own misinterpretation of what Outside Assistance is or isn't, Odyssey of the Mind Association was recently asked to clarify just what does and does not constitute Outside Assistance in various scenarios.

Outside Assistance Guidelines in the Odyssey of the Mind Program Guide

     Only the seven team members may contribute to the long-term problem solution. Once the team begins working on its long-term problem solution, if a team member leaves the team for any reason, that person's name must remain on the roster. Teams of less than seven may add members until they have a full roster.
 

     Team members must design and create all aspects of their problem solution, including membership signs, props, all technical requirements (vehicles, structures, etc.), and costumes. These must either (1) be made by the team members or (2) be put together by the team members from commercially made parts. If team members are not able to make a solution, prop, costume or sign that they have designed, they must redesign it so they can make it themselves.
 

     Coaches are to facilitate the team in creating their solution, but they are not allowed to provide suggestions on how to solve the problem. They should ask thought-provoking questions that stimulate thinking, but they should never hint at a solution. For example, instead of stating a question, Wouldn't this be better if you painted it blue, they should ask, are there any other colors that you think might work. Even repeating the first question would imply that the color the team has chosen is not sufficient. If the team asks the coach's opinion on which color he or she thinks is best, the coach should respond, you decide. Unless a situation is deemed potentially dangerous, always let the team make the final decisions on developing a solution.
 

     Parents and supporters may act as tutors or instructors, but advise them that they may not suggest to the team members how to solve the problem. When it comes to solving problems, Odyssey of the Mind is a hands-on experience for kids and a hands-off experience for adults