Science Bowl

1. Eligibility & Team Composition 1.1. All players must be currently enrolled students at an AIHEC-affiliated tribal college or university. 1.2. Each team consists of no more than 4 players: one designated Team Captain and up to three team members. 1.3. Only the registered players may compete for that team in a given match. 1.4. Players may compete on only one team for the duration of the tournament. 2. Tournament Structure 2.1. Approximately 15–25 teams will compete in the tournament. 2.2. Teams will be divided into 4 rounds (brackets) of competition. 2.3. Each round is a separate match consisting of 40 questions. 2.4. The team with the highest score at the end of each round is the winner of that round. 2.5. The 4 round winners advance to the Final Round to compete for the championship. 2.6. The Final Round will also consist of 40 questions, with the same rules and scoring. 3. Match Format 3.1. Matches are played between up to five teams at a time depending upon number of participants. 3.2. Teams will be seated facing the moderator and scorekeeper. 3.3. Each player will have access to a buzzer (or equivalent signaling device). 3.4. The moderator reads each question once (unless there is an audible interruption or equipment issue). 3.5. Questions may cover a broad range of science topics (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, math, earth science, computer science, environmental science, health sciences, etc.). 4. Answering Questions 4.1. As soon as a player believes they know the answer, they may press the buzzer. 4.2. The first buzzer detected by the system gains the right to answer. The moderator will identify the team and player. 4.3. Once recognized, the player has 5 seconds to begin their answer. 4.4. Only the recognized player may answer. Team members may not confer once the buzzer has been pressed. 4.5. If the recognized player does not answer within 5 seconds, or clearly indicates they do not know, the answer is considered incorrect. 4.6. After an incorrect answer, if time remains on the clock and at the moderator’s discretion, the question may be reread or continued for the other team to buzz in. 4.7. All answers must be clearly spoken and loud enough for the moderator and scorekeeper to hear. 4.8. The moderator’s ruling on whether an answer is correct, incomplete, or incorrect is final, subject to the protest procedure in Section 9. 5. Scoring 5.1. A correct answer is worth 10 points. 5.2. There is no penalty (no negative points) for an incorrect answer, but the team loses its chance on that question. 5.3. If neither team answers correctly, no points are awarded. 5.4. Scores will be kept by an official scorekeeper and may also be displayed publicly. 5.5. The team with the most points after 40 questions wins the match. 6. Timing Rules 6.1. Players have 5 seconds after being recognized to start their answer. 6.2. If a question includes a calculation or is especially complex, the moderator may allow up to 10 seconds, announced before reading the question. 6.3. If a team buzzes before the question is finished, the moderator will stop reading and the recognized player must answer based on what has been read so far. 6.4. If a team buzzes after the moderator finishes the question, the normal answering time limits still apply. 6.5. The moderator and timekeeper are responsible for enforcing time limits; their decisions on timing are final. 7. Ties & Tiebreakers 7.1. If teams are tied at the end of 40 questions in a round or the final: • A tiebreaker phase of 3 additional questions will be played. 7.2. If still tied after 3 tiebreaker questions, the moderator will ask sudden-death questions: • The first team to answer a question correctly and have more points at the end of that question wins. 8. Conduct & Sportsmanship 8.1. All participants must show respect to fellow contestants, moderators, volunteers, and organizers. 8.2. Disruptive behavior, disrespectful language, or any form of harassment will not be tolerated and may result in penalties or disqualification. 8.3. Teams must remain quiet while questions are being read. Whispering, signaling, or giving hints is not allowed. 8.4. Only the Team Captain may speak to the moderator on behalf of the team regarding rules questions or protests. 8.5. AIHEC events honor the cultures, sovereignty, and values of tribal communities. Contestants are expected to uphold this spirit of mutual respect. 9. Protests & Challenges 9.1. Only the Team Captain may file a protest, and it must be done immediately after the questioned ruling and before the next question begins. 9.2. Protests may concern: • Whether an answer should be considered correct or acceptable. • Whether a rule has been applied incorrectly. 9.3. The moderator will consult with the scorekeeper and, if needed, the event head judge. 9.4. After discussion, the head judge’s decision is final. 9.5. If a protest is upheld, scores may be adjusted accordingly. 10. Materials & Devices 10.1. No notes, books, calculators, phones, smartwatches, or other electronic devices may be used during a match, except approved buzzers and timing equipment. 10.2. Any unauthorized use of devices during a match may result in warning, point deduction, or disqualification at the discretion of the judges. 10.3. Scratch paper and pencils may be provided for calculation questions, at the discretion of the organizers. 11. Attendance & Scheduling 11.1. Teams must arrive at their assigned match room at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. 11.2. A team that is more than 10 minutes late to its scheduled match time without prior notice may forfeit that match. 11.3. The event schedule, room assignments, and any updates will be provided to coaches and Team Captains in advance. 12. Disqualification & Forfeiture 12.1. A team may be disqualified for: • Cheating or collusion. • Repeated unsportsmanlike conduct after a formal warning. • Willful disruption of the event. 12.2. A forfeiting team will receive 0 points, and the opposing team will be awarded the match win. 13. Final Authority 13.1. These rules are intended to provide a fair and fun experience for all teams. 13.2. The AIHEC Science Bowl organizers reserve the right to interpret and apply the rules, resolve unforeseen issues, and make necessary adjustments for the safety and fairness of the competition. 13.3. All contestants and coaches agree to abide by these rules as a condition of participation.