• Indiana follows all National Rules Clarifications.
• Questions regarding event rules should be submitted through the National Science Olympiad Rules Clarification system.
• Indiana-specific clarifications will be posted only when necessary.

Indiana follows all National Science Olympiad policies regarding permitted materials.

• Only materials specifically allowed by the current National Rules Manual may be used.
• Resource binders, note sheets, calculators, and other materials must comply with the current National event rules.
• Division B resource binders are no longer permitted unless specifically allowed by the National rules for that event.

Guiding Principle:
If the rules do not explicitly prohibit an item, it may be used provided it does not violate the intent or spirit of the competition.

• Division B: Grades 6–9
• Division C: Grades 9–12

When a traditional grade level cannot be verified, eligibility will be determined by the student’s age as of September 1.

Students may compete in a higher division but never in a lower division.

Students taking coursework through a public or private school must compete for that school if eligible.

Exceptions require written documentation from the school principal stating the student is not eligible to participate on the school’s Science Olympiad team.

Home school teams should consist of students who regularly learn and work together.

Teams created solely by selecting the highest-performing individual students (“all-star teams”) are not permitted.

Division C teams may include no more than seven (7) seniors (12th-grade students) on an official competition team, in accordance with National Science Olympiad rules.

Teams exceeding the maximum number of seniors are not eligible to compete.

*Indiana Science Olympiad follows all current National Science Olympiad team composition and eligibility rules unless a specific Indiana policy has been published.

• May attend tournaments.
• Are in addition to the 15 official competitors.
• May replace an absent team member for the entire tournament.
• May not substitute for individual events because of scheduling conflicts.
• May participate in Trial Events when offered.

Individual tournaments may establish limits on the number of alternates permitted onsite.

• Schools may qualify up to two (2) teams for the Indiana State Tournament, provided both teams earn qualification through Regional Tournament competition.
• Qualification is based on Regional Tournament results and any procedures established by the Indiana Science Olympiad Executive Board.
• The Executive Board reserves the right to make adjustments to qualification procedures when necessary due to tournament scheduling or extraordinary circumstances.

1. Most Gold (1st Place) medals
2. Most Silver (2nd Place) medals
3. Most Bronze (3rd Place) medals
4. Most 4th-place finishes
5. Most 5th-place finishes

This process continues through successive placements until the tie is broken.

• Schools withdrawing after registration will not receive a refund.
• Tournament hosts have already committed resources and expenses based on registered teams.

If severe weather requires a Regional Tournament to be cancelled:

• Every reasonable effort will be made to place affected teams into another Regional Tournament when possible.
• If an alternate Regional Tournament is unavailable, no refund will be issued.
• The Indiana Science Olympiad Executive Board will determine any necessary adjustments to tournament schedules or advancement procedures.

Questions or concerns regarding an individual event must be reported to tournament officials within one (1) hour after the completion of that event.

Appeals involving overall team scores must be submitted to the Tournament Director within forty-eight (48) hours following the awards ceremony.

The Tournament Director, in consultation with tournament officials and the Indiana Science Olympiad Executive Board when appropriate, will review all appeals.

• Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and good sportsmanship.
• Treat all participants, volunteers, and officials with respect.
• Follow all tournament rules and policies.
• Support a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

Indiana Science Olympiad reserves the right to address behavior inconsistent with these expectations and may take appropriate action when necessary.