judges
Hello Judges!!
Thank you for your interest in judging for your team and
for the Western PA Odyssey of the Mind program!
Through the generosity of time and talent, our judges contribute their skills, knowledge and interests to provide an amazing experience for the students. Just like an Odyssey of the Mind team, we want our judges to capitalize on their strengths when donating their time and energy .
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We hope you’ll find judging to be a very satisfying and uplifting experience. You’ll be amazed at the creativity and uniqueness of the teams’ performances.​
Top 10 things Judges should know.
1. There are 2 types of judges - Spontaneous Judges and Long Term Judges.
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2. Teams are required to provide each type of judge, or they risk incurring a penalty.
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3. If you are asked to judge for a team, it is very important that you fulfill this commitment. If you run into any problem, please notify the Problem Captain ASAP and discuss solutions.
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4. Two TRAININGS:
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Judges are required to attend the in-person Regional Judge Training. Link for details.
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They are also required to understand the Preliminary Judge Training information by attending the judge focused zoom Round Table in January - or by viewing the Round Table recording or ppt before the in-person training. Link to access recording & PPT. ​
5. REGISTRATION:
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If you are judging for a team, your coach will register you.
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If you are not affiliated with a team, you need to register yourself via this link.
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6. ACT 48 CREDIT HOURS:
Judges (and coaches) who are teachers in the State of Pennsylvania, can receive 10 ACT 48 Credit Hours. To qualify, you must attend in-person judge training and complete your assignment at the Regional Tournament. Judges need to sign in and out of training and fill out the required paperwork. Link here for details.
7. Long Term judges are trained in the same problem as the team they represent but they judge in a different division. (You will not be judging your children.)
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7. Judges will likely not be able to see their team’s performance, with the exception of Primary Judges who do often see their teams.
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8. Long Term Judges whose teams advance to the State Finals will be required to advance with the team.
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9. Spontaneous Judges whose teams advance to State Finals could be required to advance with the team.
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10. Judges come back year and again because they truly enjoy being with the teams and experiencing all they have created! Odyssey judging is a great experience!
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THANK YOU! for your time and efforts.
It is only through the dedication and support of volunteers like you that we
are able to provide such a high quality program for our students.
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