Tournament Tips | Battle of the Books

Before Tournament Day Begins

Remind team member families of arrival time, location and what to bring.
Team members, coaches, and team helpers should bring a packed lunch, snacks, water bottle, and backpack to carry items with them, including coats.
Remind families that they are invited to join us for the author presentation and team awards. Families may arrive at 3:30 pm and the program begins at 3:45.

On Tournament Day

Arrive with your team between 8:30 - 8:55 am. Head Coaches should check-in at the Team Registration table to receive your schedule and have a photo taken of your Coat of Arms.
Teams should bring their Game and Coat of Arms and may wear team costumes.
Coaches may wear costumes or their BotB tees.
Teams may have their Head Coach, Assistant Coach, and up to 4 registered Team Helpers join them for the day's events.
Be sure to visit the bathrooms and have a snack or drink before your event begins.
Take a moment to “huddle” with your team: calm nerves, take a few photos, and give a pep talk.
Reassure your Team Captain(s) and give last-minute reminders about rules and strategy.

During the Team Battles

Check your team’s schedule to locate the specific Battle Rooms for your team.
Tournament coaches should take a seat in the battle room that is least distracting for your team.
Model positive behavior during Battles and keep a smile on your face.
Between Battles, take a moment with your team to diffuse any issues from the previous Battle and focus on a clean slate for the next Battle. Losing a Battle does not mean your team is out of contention.

During Lightning Trials

Coaches may sit with the team members that are not in the Answer Zone.
After the theme is announced, Coaches may be involved in the selection of what team members will begin in the Answer Zone.
Once the round begins, Coaches may not communicate with their team members.

During Games Arena

Coaches may play the game with their teams if they have less than 6 team members.
Coaches may help teams with game play, rule interpretation, etc.

During Amphitheatre

Coaches should sit with their team during the event.
If needed, Coaches should act as guides for their team and may assist in activity selection and organization.
Coaches may give pointers and feedback, but the bulk of the work and crafting of it needs to be completed by team members..

Rule Reminders for All Events

Coaches and team helpers may not communicate in any way during the competitions unless specifically noted. Please watch body language, such as head nodding, that could appear as if you are communicating answers to your team.
Questions or concerns regarding Battles need to be communicated to the BOTB committee through feedback forms in the team packet--not to the judges or volunteers in the room. Coaches and team helpers may not talk to the timer, scorekeeper, or judge during the judging.
Any additional concerns can be shared with Judy Arnold during or after the event.
All participants, coaches, and team helpers are not to discuss questions or challenges in between events. A team will be disqualified if they (or anyone affiliated with them) are found to be sharing information from events with other teams, gathering information to benefit their team, or any similar activity.
Shhh!!! Teams in common areas and in your lunch break may not yet have participated in the same events that your team has completed.

At the Conclusion of Tournament Day Events

Meet up with parents and find a place to sit with your team in the gym bleachers for the author event and awards.
Gather your team together and take some time to recap the positive moments from the day and from your team's whole journey.
Provide each team member with a completed Superlative Award Certificate that was provided in your check-in folder.
Plan a celebration after Tournament Day. Grab a bite to eat, host a potluck, go out for ice cream or plan a group activity.