Science Olympiad Scoring Procedure and DQ Policy                  

New NorCal Science Olympiad Scoring Format

1. All teams who participate and compete according to the rules must be scored and ranked.  Test results will be put in order from 1^st place to N^th place (N = number of teams competing).
    

2. Teams who were scored and had a raw score placed on the answer sheet are to be awarded points for each place as follows: 1^st place = 1 point, 2^nd place = 2 points, up to N^th place. 
    

3. Ties: Every effort should be made to break ties following the guidelines under the scoring section of the event rules where applicable.  In the rare event that a tie can’t be broken, award points according to the place tied and then skip the next place (e.g., all teams that tied for 3^rd place get 3 points).
    

4. Teams/devices that do not meet the requirements in the event rules will be allowed to compete if possible and are to be scored and ranked below those who met all of the specifications.  They will be awarded event points in relation to their rank.  Event Supervisors may, at their discretion, allow students to modify any device before the expiration of the impound period.  Supervisors and Officials may NOT provide assistance regarding the type of modifications or how to accomplish them prior to, or at any time during the tournament day.
    

5. Teams making an honest attempt to participate that CANNOT be assigned a raw score because of time, mechanical failure, wrong dimensions, etc., will be listed as a “P” for Participation for the raw score on the score sheet and will be awarded N points (N is equal to the number of teams registered to compete).
    

6. No Shows: If a team does not show up or does not make an honest attempt to participate, the team will be listed as a “No Show” or “NS” for the raw score on the score sheet and awarded N + 1 point.  This includes teams who may be present but display no preparation for the competition.
    

7. Disqualified: Teams should be DISQUALIFIED or “DQ” only for misbehavior (to include excessive use of improper or vulgar language) or cheating.  Put “DQ” as a raw score and award N + 2 points on the score sheet.  Also note on the score sheet the reason why teams were disqualified.  Event Supervisors may remove from competition any student(s) whose personal or ethical behavior does not adhere to the Science Olympiad Code of Ethics.  This action will disqualify the affected student(s) from participation and scoring in that event only.  The Event Supervisor MUST inform the student and remind the student to inform their coach as soon as a problem occurs.
    

8. Teams considered as PARTICIPATION, NO SHOW, OR DISQUALIFIED will be ranked and assigned points as follows:

Rank                                                   Points

           PARTICIPATION (P)             = N points = 20 points              
           NO SHOW (NS)                   = N + 1 point = 21 points
           DISQUALIFIED (DQ)            = N + 2 points = 22 points

(Note: N = number of teams registered to compete for each division of the tournament, not the number of teams that actually enter the event.  The example used above assumes N = 20, or 20 teams registered to compete in the division.)

9. After all event points have been so-awarded, they are added and the team with the LOWEST number of event points is the first-place winner, the team with the second LOWEST number of event points is the second-place overall winner and so fourth.  In the event of a tie in the overall event points score, the team with the greatest number of first place event scores (one point/a gold medal winner) 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.

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