Science Olympiad Scoring Procedure and DQ Policy                  

Each of the Science Olympiad events is given a raw score based upon scoring criteria deemed appropriate by the event coordinator(s).  These raw scores are entered into a matrix for ranking.  The awarding of event points is based on the following system:

• The best raw score (high or low depending on the event) is designated first-place and receives eleven (11) event points.
   

• The second best raw score receives (10) event points and so on.  (Note: Place + Event Points = 12 except for teams receiving one (1) event point).
   

• If two or more teams have identical raw scores, tie breaking rules will come into play and the ties will be broken if possible.  In the event the tie cannot be broken each team is given the same number of event points and the team or teams with the next best raw score receives the next available number of event points.  For example - Team A is in first place for a given event, but there is a tie for second place between teams X and Y.  Team A receives 11 points, Team X and Y receive 10 points since both teams occupy the second place position, and the next team (which would be the fourth place team) receives 8 event points.
   

• Every team in an event under the guidelines for that event will receive at least one (1) point.  Teams that are "Disqualified" for an event, will not receive any points for that event.  Teams that are no-shows for a given event receive a zero (0) for event points.
   

• After all event points have been so-awarded, they are added and the team with the highest number of event points is the first-place overall winner, the team with the second highest number of event points is the second-place overall winner and so forth.  In the event of a tie in the points score, the team with the greatest number of first place event scores (11 points) is deemed to have a higher overall standing.  If both teams have the same number of first place scores, then the number of second place scores will be used.  The process is continued until the tie is broken.  Subsequent positions in the rankings will then be adjusted downward as necessary.  Everything possible is done to avoid a tie.  If a tie cannot be broken, multiple awards will be given.

To discourage frivolous appeals and make the awards ceremony meaningful and dramatic, scores are not posted prior to the Awards Ceremony.  Posting scores rarely reveals errors.  To insure accuracy, all scores are subject to a triple score check process: reviewed by co-coordinators of the event, reviewed by scoring staff and a final review of scores entered into the computer against the final event summary score sheet.  Even with checking, errors could occur, so coaches will be given twenty minutes after receipt of scores to appeal any recording error.  Coordinators judgment calls are not subject to review.  In case of an error, the policy is to not take away any medals or trophies, but to provide additional where appropriate.

       POLICY FOR CODE OF CONDUCT VIOLATIONS OR
       DISQUALIFICATION

• Make certain that the student and the coach have been informed.

• Talk to the student and the Event Coordinator to determine the facts.

• Verify that the violation occurred.

• Use an Arbitration Board to decide immediate consequences:
      - DQ from event
      - DQ from any event in which student was involved
      - Team prevented from further participation

• Arbitration Board can also recommend long-term consequences:
      - Individual(s) DQ from future events
      - Team put on provisional status
      - Team disqualified from future competitions