THE CLARIFICATION SYSTEM

Our Long-Term Problems are written to provide just enough guidance for teams to solve the problem without limiting creativity. Occasionally additional guidance is required from Odyssey of the Mind HQ or teams may have questions regarding their interpretations of the Long-Term Problem limitations and the rules, as stated in the CURRENT YEAR Program Guide. When this occurs, there are three categories of problem clarifications.

GENERAL CLARIFICATIONS:

These are updates, amendments, or further explanations of Long-Term Problem limitations, written by Odyssey of the Mind HQ and made public for all members. General Clarifications take precedence over published problem details and the rules in the CURRENT YEAR Program Guide, so it’s important that teams keep current on all general clarifications issued throughout the year by clicking “Read  Clarifications”.

TEAM SPECIFIC CLARFICATION SUBMISSION:

When teams are unsure whether their solution is allowed within the limitations of their Long-Term Problem and the rules of the Program Guide, they may request feedback from Odyssey of the Mind HQ. The questions and answers remain CONFIDENTIAL and may be taken to tournaments, to affirm that a team’s solution is valid. For full details, please consult the Program Guide. To submit your request, click “Submit Clarifications though your Team LogIn”.

JUDGES ONLY CLARIFICATIONS:

In some cases, the answer to a team-specific clarification may be distributed to judges, sometimes with additional guidance from Odyssey HQ, to assure that judging of team solutions is consistent throughout the entire Odyssey of the Mind program. These clarifications are ONLY seen by Odyssey of the Mind association representatives.