ILLINOIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

2015-16
Scholastic Bowl Rule & Case Book
This is the 28th
year that the IESA
has sponsored a
Scholastic Bowl
State Tournament.
2015 Class A State Champion
Palatine Quest
Big changes inside.
Please review everything.
IESA
1015 Maple Hill Road
Bloomington, IL 61705
Phone: 309-829-0114
Fax: 309-829-0625
Web: www.iesa.org
Email: iesa@iesa.org
2015Class AA State Champion
Buffalo Grove Aptakisic
ILLINOIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Mailing Address
1015 Maple Hill Rd.
Bloomington, IL 61705
[Please send all correspondence to this address]
World Wide Web
http://www.iesa.org
Office Location
1015 Maple Hill Road, Bloomington
E-Mail iesa@iesa.org
[From I-55, take exit 160. Go west one-quarter mile on Route 9 and turn right at Wylie Drive. Turn right on Maple
Hill Road. Go about one-half mile to the IESA Office.]
Telephone
(309) 829-0114
Office Staff
Executive Director
Office Hours
FAX Number (309) 829-0625
Steve Endsley
steve@iesa.org
Associate Executive Director
Nicole Schaefbauer
nicole@iesa.org
Assistant Executive Directors
Julie Cochran
julie@iesa.org
Leslie Alappattu
leslie@iesa.org
Administrative Assistants
Brenda Kingery
Sally Asmus
Claudia Kaufman
brenda@iesa.org
sally@iesa.org
claudia@iesa.org
Comptroller
Sheri Strohl
sheri@iesa.org
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Division A
Division B
Division C
Division D
Division E
Division F
Division G
Division H
Division I
Division J
Division K
Division L
Division M
Division N
Division O
Tim Haupt, Barrington MS--Station Campus
Joe Buresh, Annawan
Bryan Zwemke, Batavia Rotolo
Dr. Mike Early, Crest Hill
Deb Derby, Streator Woodland
Tony Frost, Elmwood
Kenneth Lee, Watseka Glenn Raymond
Tony Ingold, East Peoria Central
Brice Stewart, Maroa-Forsyth
Dana Isackson, Macomb
Chris Graham, St. Joseph
Danette Young, Paris Crestwood
Tod Davis, Springfield Franklin
Patrick Drees, Teutopolis
Steve Stuart, Edwardsville Lincoln
Term Expires 2015
Term Expires 2016
Term Expires 2014
Term Expires 2016
Term Expires 2015
Term Expires 2016
Term Expires 2014
Term Expires 2016
Term Expires 2014
Term Expires 2016
Term Expires 2014
Term Expires 2015
Term Expires 2015
Term Expires 2015
Term Expires 2014
thaupt@barrington220.org
jburesh@bhsroe.k12.il.us
bryan.zwemke@bps101.net
mearly@d88a.org
derbyd@woodland5.org
tfrost@elmwood322.com
leek@watseka-u9.k12.il.us
tony@epd86.org
brice.stewart@mfschools.net
isacksond@mcusd185.org
seegram@stjoe.k12.il.us
dyoung@crestwood.k12.il.us
tdavis@sps186.org
dreesp@ttown.k12.il.us
sstuart@ecusd7.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RULE BOOK ................................................................................................................................................ 2
RULE 1 THE GAME ........................................................................................................................................ 2
RULE 2 MATCH EQUIPMENT ......................................................................................................................... 4
RULE 3 OFFICIALS ........................................................................................................................................ 4
RULE 4 THE TEAM ........................................................................................................................................ 7
RULE 5 DURING PLAY................................................................................................................................... 7
RULE 6 TIME-OUTS ....................................................................................................................................... 9
RULE 7 COMMUNICATION ...........................................................................................................................10
RULE 8 UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT ........................................................................................................10
CASE MANUAL .........................................................................................................................................12
RULE CODE COMPARISON ...................................................................................................................20
IESA VS. IHSA ..........................................................................................................................................20
MODERATOR INSTRUCTIONS .............................................................................................................21
SCORER INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................................................25
TIMER INSTRUCTIONS ..........................................................................................................................26
2015-16 Scholastic Bowl
Rule Book
These rules are intended to promote and preserve the sound traditions of
the activity of Scholastic Bowl in the Illinois Elementary School Association.
2015-16 Rule Changes and Additions (changes listed in italics)
5-1-1c2 The first individual to press the response button within the 10 second time limit is eligible to
answer if recognized by a moderator.
RULE 1:
THE GAME
Rule 1, Section 1: Definition
Art. 1
Scholastic Bowl is a game played by two teams of five players each who will try to answer a
combination of toss-up and bonus questions. Points are scored by the team who buzzes in first
and answers a toss up question correctly. That team then has the opportunity to answer a bonus
question.
Rule 1, Section 2: Match
Art. 1
Art. 2
Art. 3
A match shall consist of two halves.
a. During the State Series, the first half shall consist of twelve (12) toss-up questions and
accompanying bonus questions.
b. There will be a two-minute intermission between halves.
Once the match begins, no one will be allowed to enter or exit the room.
a. At the two-minute intermission, the room will be open, but once the second half begins
no one will be permitted to re-enter.
Teams will switch sides at half at the request of either coach.
Rule 1, Section 3: Questions
Art. 1
Art. 2
Art. 3
Forty Four (44) match questions shall be a combination of twenty-four (24) toss-up questions
and twenty (20) bonus questions consisting of four parts which are rebounding.
a. Rebounding refers to the fact that the team to which the bonus is not awarded has the
opportunity to pick up any part(s) unanswered or answered incorrectly by the team to which
the bonus was originally awarded.
Question Categories and Sub-Categories: If possible, all categories shall be represented in
the questions for each match. If this is not possible, there shall be at least three different
categories in the Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Language Arts, and at least two
different categories in the Fine Arts and Miscellaneous.
a. Science (5 toss-ups, 4 bonus): Earth Science, General Science, Life Science, Physical
Science, Health
b. Math (5 toss-ups, 4 bonus): Algebra, Computers, General Math, Geometry
c. Social Studies (5 toss-ups, 4 bonus): Civics, Economics, Current Events, Geography,
History
d. Language Arts (5 toss-ups, 4 bonus): Grammar, Literature, Vocabulary, Spelling (words
will come from the Scripps-Howard List)
e. Fine Arts (2 toss-ups, 2 bonus): Art, Dance, Drama, Music
f. Miscellaneous (2 toss-ups, 2 bonus): Agriculture, Consumer & Family Science,
Industrial Technology, Physical Fitness, Movies, Popular Music, Sports, Television
No multiple choice or true-false questions will be permitted.
2
Rule 1, Section 4: Match Scoring
Art. 1
Art. 2
Toss-up Questions answered correctly earn ten (10) points
4-part Bonus Questions– Five (5) points for each part answered correctly.
Rule 1, Section 5: Ending A Match
Art. 1
Art. 2
The team that scores the highest number of points during a match wins the match.
When either the 24 toss-up or the 20 bonus questions are completed, the match is done.
a. After the 24th toss-up question is answered correctly, if neither team has 301 points, the
accompanying bonus questions shall be given.
Art. 3 All regular season and tournament matches shall be terminated when one team reaches a total
of 301 points.
a. If this happens with a correct toss-up answer, the bonus question will not be used.
Art. 4 If there is a tie in the number of points at the end of a regulation match, a tiebreaker overtime
shall be in effect and toss-up tiebreaker round questions shall be used.
a. The first team to answer two toss-up questions correctly shall win the match.
Art. 5 Protests: Any match that is started shall not be protested.
NOTE: See Rule 1, Section 6 and 7 for tiebreaker procedures for pool play or tournament winners.
Rule 1, Section 6: Ending Pool Play
Art. 1
Art. 2
Art. 3
Art. 4
The following procedure shall determine a pool winner or tournament winner at regional,
sectional and state tournaments.
The won-lost record will be used first.
a. If one team wins all its matches or has a clear-cut record better than any others, it is the
pool or tournament winner.
If two teams have equal records in any pool or tournament, the winner in the match held
between those two teams determines the pool or tournament winner (excluding a best of three,
two team pool).
If more than two teams have equal records in any pool or tournament, a tiebreaker series round
shall be held with rematches between those teams in the order of the initial tournament
schedule. Only one moderator will be assigned for all tiebreaker matches.
a. Each tied team must play the others again who have equal records.
b. Only special tiebreaker toss-up and bonus questions shall be used.
c. Each match shall consist of 5 toss-up questions with accompanying bonus.
c2. If at the end of a tiebreaker match there is a tie, the moderator will ask an additional
toss-up plus 4-part bonus until a winner is determined. That winner is decided by point
total.
d. At the conclusion of the tiebreaker round, the team with the best tiebreaker record will
advance.
e. If at the end of the tiebreaker round all teams are still tied (equal number of wins and
losses), the team with the most tiebreaker round total points shall be the pool or tournament
winner.
f. If a pool or tournament winner still can not be determined, repeat this process between
the teams with equal tiebreaker total points until a winner is decided.
g. If at the end of the tiebreaker round there is a tie for runner-up, the team with the most
tiebreaker points will advance to the consolation match or be declared the second place
finisher in sectional play.
g2. If a tie still exists in total team tiebreaker points, the match between the two teams in
regular pool play will determine the winner. (Consolation only)
3
Rule 1, Section 7: Determining Pool Runner-Up
Art. 1
Art. 2
If two teams are tied for second place in any pool or tournament, other than that which is
described in Art. 2, the winner of the match between those two teams shall finish as the runnerup.
a. The score of a forfeited match is 301-0.
If more than two teams are tied for second place in any pool or tournament play, then the team
with the highest total number of points in all matches combined throughout the competition shall
finish as the runner-up.
Note: This procedure is used only when ties occur to determine the runner-up.
RULE 2:
MATCH EQUIPMENT
Rule 2, Section 1: Equipment
Art. 1
Art. 2
Art. 3
Art. 4
Art. 5
During the state tournament series, a fully functioning ten position lockout system shall be used
in all competitions.
a. At the state tournament these systems shall be provided by Slam-In to use on site.
b. If the lockout system does not have a timer, a stop watch must be provided for each
room.
Each individual shall provide a nameplate for competition.
a. The nameplate should be displayed in front of the player at all times so that the
moderator can read the name on the placard.
Pencils and Paper
a. Paper must be clean. Bonus numbers and lines are permitted on the paper, but no other
writing.
Scoreboards
a. A chalkboard, flip chart or dry erase board must be provided for the scorer to display for
the spectators.
No items, other than those required for match play, will be permitted in the general vicinity of the
contest area.
RULE 3:
OFFICIALS
Rule 3, Section 1: Authorized Officials
Art. 1
The match is administered by a moderator, scorer, and timer.
Art. 2
The moderator has the final authority over everything that takes places during the match. This
includes but is not limited to:
a. Decisions involving illegal communication (Rule 7)
b. Judging answers as correct or incorrect and awarding points
c. Handling situations involving equipment malfunctions and assessing penalties
d. Recovering from moderator errors
e. The choice of replacement questions if needed.
f. Handling appeals to the moderator
g. Decisions on what to do if she/he catches an error before, during, or after reading
questions
h. Declares the winner of the match.
Art. 3
Jurisdiction of the officials begins upon their arrival on the floor and extends through the
conclusion of the match.
Art. 4
The officials for each match in the IESA state tournament series must be 18 years of age or
older.
4
Rule 3, Section 2: Moderators
Art. 1
Art. 2
Art. 3
Art. 4
Pre-match
a. Review all match questions.
b. Make sure no contestants are chewing gum or eating during a match.
c. Introduce yourself, the timer, and scorer to the students.
d. Remind players of the communication rules and penalties applied.
e. Introduce both teams and have all team members check their buzzers by hitting it and
giving their name and grade.
f. Remind audience of communication rules applying to them.
g. Remind everyone that questions can not be recorded or reproduced in any form.
During the Match
a. To begin the match “We are ready to begin. The first toss-up is in…”
a1. All toss-up and bonus questions must be read in the numerical order on the page.
b. Before each question state the question number and if the question allows 30 seconds
for the answer.
c. Do not repeat a toss-up question once completely read.
d. Recognize the player by name whose lockout light is lit.
d2. If a player on either team answers before being recognized by the moderator, that
team that blurted the answer is given five (5) points for a correct answer and the bonus
question. If the answer is incorrect the toss-up question would then be rebounded to the
opponent.
e. If preempted before finishing reading the question, the moderator may repeat the entire
question, however they are not required to.
f. On bonus questions
f1. Indicate ‘correct’ or ‘incorrect’ after the response to each part of the question.
f2. Ask the rebounding team to respond to those parts not answered.
f3. Give the points totals for each team to the scorer.
f4. Indicate the correct response for each part that the rebounding team answers
incorrectly.
g. Questions
g1. All answers provided must be assumed to be correct unless there are exceptions
noted.
h. The moderator may stop the match for the following reasons;
h1. To check the score.
h2. To correct an error on the moderator's part.
h3. To discipline the players or audience.
h4. To resolve a protest called by a coach’s clarification timeout.
h5. Malfunction with the lockout system.
h6. Halftime will occur following toss-up question number 12 and necessary bonus
question.
Ending the Match
a. Congratulate the teams on a well played match.
b. Announce the final score.
c. Do not dismiss the audience until all matches for the round have been completed.
d. The moderator will verify the score by initialing the score sheet at the completion of the
match.
Errors
a. Mangled pronunciation or misreading of a toss-up question in a way that changes the
meaning.
Remedy: Discard and replace the toss-up and read it for both teams.
b. Giving the answer to a toss-up before anyone has a chance to answer.
Remedy: Discard and replace the toss-up and read it for both teams.
c. Giving the answer to a toss-up before the rebounding team has a chance to answer.
Remedy: Read a replacement toss-up for the second team only.
d. Mangled pronunciation or misreading a bonus in a way that changes its meaning.
Remedy: Stop the match and reread the bonus correctly. Start time over if it had begun.
5
Art. 5
Art. 6
e. Giving the answer to one or more bonus parts before anyone has had a chance to
answer.
Remedy: Discard and replace the bonus.
f. Giving the answer to a bonus part before the rebounding team has had a chance to
answer.
Remedy: Read an appropriate number of replacement parts to the rebounding team
only.
g. The moderator has the final authority to decide how to proceed with a fair and equitable
decision on errors not mentioned above.
Penalties
a. If a player communicates during the reading of a toss-up or bonus question, his/her team
immediately forfeits the right to answer that question.
b. When the captain or designated player begins to answer a bonus question and receives
more information after time has been called and the captain (or designee) begins answering,
any answer not yet given is disqualified and any incorrect and remaining parts of the bonus
question are rebounded to the other team.
c. If any player(s) on either team talks to question match procedures or a particular answer,
that player’s team will forfeit its opportunity to answer the next toss-up question.
d. If a moderator determines a player or coach is guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct the
moderator shall have the authority to eject that player from the match. All additional
penalties are in accordance with IESA by-law 5.120 Any player or coach ejected from a
contest shall be ineligible for the next interscholastic contest.
Correctable Errors
a. In order to correct any of the moderator's error, such error must be recognized by the
moderator prior to the reading of the next toss-up question.
b. Points scored that occur prior to the recognition of a moderator's error (after questions
have been read), shall not be nullified.
c. Clerical errors, such as points awarded to the wrong team or mathematical errors may
be corrected at any point.
Rule 3, Section 3: Scorers
Art. 1
Duties
a. Score every question as numbered on the score sheet.
b. Indicate to the moderator that you are ready to begin prior to the start of the match.
c. Notify the moderator if anyone is communicating illegally.
d. Mark both team and clarification timeouts on the score sheets.
e. Have the moderator sign the score sheet at the conclusion of each match.
Rule 3, Section 4: Timers
Art. 1
Duties
a. Indicate to the moderator that you are ready to begin prior to the start of the match.
b. Begin timing toss-up questions as soon as the moderator completes the reading of the
question.
b1. If neither team has responded within the 10 seconds (30-seconds for advanced
computation), indicate ‘Time’.
b2. If an individual preempts the moderator's reading of a toss-up question and answers
incorrectly, the moderator can choose to continue the question at a reasonable place
prior to the point of interruption for the rebounding team.
c. When a team presses its buzzer to answer a toss-up question do not stop the clock. It
runs for the said time period or until both teams have responded.
d. The moderator will make the 3-second call for rebounding teams.
e. Bonus questions
e1. When the moderator is finished asking the bonus question, begin timing a 30 second
conference period. Indicate ‘Time’ at the conclusion of this time period.
6
e2. Do not stop the clock if teams ask for parts of the bonus to be reread.
e3. Teams may indicate to the moderator their readiness to answer before the 30
seconds has elapsed.
f. Team timeouts are 60 seconds in length. A coach may resume play earlier the allotted
time.
g. Clarification timeouts have no time limits and the moderator will let the timer know when
the match will resume.
h. Intermission is two minutes in length.
i. Notify the moderator if anyone is communicating illegally.
RULE 4:
THE TEAM
Rule 4, Section 1: Team
Art. 1
Art. 2
Art. 3
Art. 4
A scholastic bowl tournament team shall consist of a maximum of 15 players in grades 5-8.
Five team members shall begin play for each match.
a. Less than five team members may continue in the match if there are extenuating
circumstances.
Each team shall provide a name placard with each member's first name and a team name
placard for each match in which it participates.
Each team must submit a regional entry form prior to the start of the state series (the first match
of regional play). 15 players are permitted on this form. No changes will be allowed to this form
after the team's first match has begun.
Rule 4, Section 2: Coaches
Art. 1
Each team shall be accompanied by at least one coach who has been designated by the
administration of the participating school.
a. Coaches shall be responsible for reviewing all instructions with their team members.
RULE 5:
DURING PLAY
Rule 5, Section 1: Toss-Up Question
Art. 1
Art. 2
Toss-up questions may be answered by individuals only
a. No conferring will be allowed. Conferring is defined as giving or receiving aid including
looking over at a teammate's written material during or after the reading of a toss-up and
then triggering the lockout system to gain a competitive advantage.
b. A competitor’s initial response to a question will be considered to be the competitor’s
answer. Corrections will not be permitted unless the moderator asks for clarification.
c. The first individual to press the response button within the 10 second time limit is eligible
to answer if recognized by a moderator.
c2. One exception: Any questions in any category identified as advanced computation
receives a 30-second time limit.
d. The answer must be stated within three seconds after the individual has been verbally
recognized by the moderator.
d2. The moderator will call the three seconds.
e. If a player on either team answers who has not buzzed in, that team forfeits the right to
answer that toss-up question.
f. If a player after triggering the lockout system and gaining possession, but before being
recognized by the moderator, blurts out the answer; the only penalty is that a correct answer
will be worth five (5) points instead of ten (10) points. The accompanying bonus will then be
awarded to the team who blurted the answer. An incorrect answer will be ruled as incorrect
with no penalty and the toss-up rebounded to the opponent.
Pre-empted toss-up questions
7
Art. 3
Art. 4
Art. 5
Art. 6
Art. 7
a. If an individual preempts a question incorrectly, the moderator can choose to continue
the question at a reasonable place prior to the point of interruption.
b. At completion of repeating the entire question, any member of the opposing team has 10
seconds (30 seconds if involving advanced computation) to press the response button and
answer the question.
c. Once the category has been read any preempt, accidental or not, requires an answer
from the individual.
Once a toss-up question has been completely read, it will not be repeated.
If the first team individual incorrectly answers a toss-up question which has been completed by
the moderator, an individual from the other team may press the response button, be recognized
and give an answer.
a. Time will start at the completion of the reading of the question.
b. The clock will continue to run for 10 seconds (30 if involving advanced computation) or
until both teams have responded.
c. The rebounding team will have the remaining time or three seconds, whichever is
greater, to buzz in.
d. For systems that recognize two individuals, the system must be reset by the moderator
to allow the other team to respond.
Pencils
a. May be used at any time during the reading or answering of any toss-up question.
b. No penalty shall be assessed if any player uses or holds a pencil during the reading or
answering of a toss-up question.
If the first team answers a toss-up question incorrectly and the moderator gives the correct
answer before the second team has had an opportunity to answer, the question will be
disregarded.
a. The second team will then have an opportunity to answer the replacement toss-up
question.
Lock-out malfunction
a. If a malfunction of the electronic lock-out response system occurs, thereby causing any
tie, the question will be discarded.
b. The moderator will then call an official’s timeout and the electronic lock-out response
system will be corrected.
c. After this has occurred, a replacement toss-up question will be asked of both teams.
Rule 5, Section 2: Bonus Question
Art. 1
Art. 2
Bonus questions shall consist of four parts.
a. All bonus questions must be read completely and can not be preempted.
b. A maximum of 30 seconds conference time will be permitted for each question.
c. Both teams should confer during this time. (Any member of a team awarded the bonus
may ask for the question to be repeated.)
d. Once the team to whom the bonus question was awarded indicates its readiness to
answer, all discussion and writing will cease.
d1. Following the calling of time, teams will have 3-seconds to pass papers to the
captain, as judged by the moderator.
d2. The answer must be started within three seconds after the individual has been
verbally recognized by the moderator.
e. Only one person may answer for their team.
Responses
a. The captain will give the answers or will designate someone else to answer.
a1. All answers must be given in numerical order. Answers not given in order will be
disqualified.
b. Whoever answers the question can receive no aid, either written or verbal, after starting
the response.
b1. If anyone gives such aid, the parts of the answer following the aid will not count.
8
Art. 3
c. Parts not answered correctly or those disqualified by the moderator will rebound to the
opposing team. The same rules above apply to the rebounding team.
Pencils
a. No student shall have a pencil in hand during the answering of a bonus question.
b. The penalty shall be losing the opportunity to answer or the loss of points on that
question.
Rule 5, Section 3: Replacement and Tiebreaker Questions
Art. 1
Art. 2
Art. 3
Art. 4
Replacement toss-up and/or bonus questions are to be used in the event of moderator error.
a. The moderator will select the appropriate type of replacement question.
The packet of replacement questions for each tournament level (regional, sectional and state)
will contain ten toss-up and ten bonus questions.
Questions used
a. Moderators must notify the tournament office at the end of each round which
replacements were used.
b. The tournament office will then notify all moderators to delete those questions as
possible replacements prior to the start of the next round.
Tiebreaker toss-up and bonus questions will be used in the event of a tiebreaker at each level
as described in Rule 1-6-4.
Rule 5, Section 4: General Rules
Art. 1
Last names will be sufficient in answers unless full names are necessary for identification or
clarification.
Art. 2
Capitalization will not be necessary when spelling proper nouns, postal abbreviations, the
periodic table and units of measure.
Art. 3
Periods will not be required for abbreviations in spelling.
Art. 4
All answers involving Pi (π) should be expressed in terms of Pi unless otherwise noted.
Art. 5
All fractions or ratios must be expressed in lowest terms unless otherwise noted.
Art. 6
Units required unless otherwise noted. Moderator will not prompt.
Art. 7
Articles are not required, but if they are given, then the article must be correct.
RULE 6:
TIME OUTS
Rule 6, Section 1: Definition
Art. 1
Art. 2
Team Time-out
a. A time-out can be requested by the coach or captain to substitute and/or confer with
players.
b. A team time-out or clarification timeout must be called before the category of the next
toss-up question is read by the moderator.
c. During a team time-out, both teams may confer with their coaches.
d. Each team will have 1 team time-out per half.
e. A time limit of sixty seconds is allowed for a team time-out.
Clarification Time-out
a. A clarification time-out may only be used to clarify match procedures.
b. A clarification time-out must be requested by the coach before the reading of the bonus
section or the next toss-up category is given.
a1. Players shall not be allowed to challenge or request a clarification time-out.
c. A coach who requests a clarification time-out shall not be charged for the use of their
time-out if the error is correctable.
c1. The moderator’s decision is final.
c2. Protests of answers to questions shall not be permitted.
9
d. Procedures: In requesting a clarification of a moderator's decision, the coach
must explain the request to the moderator who then:
d1. Changes his/her decision and asks the official score to be changed;
d2. Consults with the timer and/or scorer before making a decision;
d3. Sustains his/her original decision.
Art. 3
Art. 4
e. Each team has 1 clarification time-out per match.
Substitutions
a. Substitution is the exchange of at least one player in the match by a teammate who is
listed on the roster.
b. Substitutions can only be made during a team time-out or the two minute intermission.
Tiebreaker Time-outs
a. Each team gets one time-out for the tiebreaker series.
RULE 7: COMMUNICATION
Rule 7, Section 1: Definition
Art. 1
Art. 2
Art. 3
Art. 4
Communication shall be defined as any form of written, verbal or physical exchange between
players, and between players and non-players to gain an advantage.
Communication includes, but is not limited to:
a. Talking, whispering, or mouthing
b. Pointing, gesturing, signaling
c. Passing of papers
d. Deliberate physical contact with the intent to gain another player’s attention
e. Looking at another player’s written materials for answers
f. Using your communication device. (example: cell phone)
Legal Communications
a. While introducing themselves or their coach
b. While answering toss-up or bonus questions (individual only)
c. While consulting on a bonus question, any member of the team awarded the bonus
questions may ask for it to be repeated within the 30-second time limit.
d. While asking for the lock-out system to be reset, and on the systems where a visible
clock is in use, that the timer be engaged.
Illegal Communications
a. If a player(s) on either team communicates with other members of the team during the
reading or answering of a toss-up or bonus questions, the team immediately forfeits its right
to answer that question.
a1. During a toss-up the unanswered parts of the accompanying bonus shall not be
rebounded to the talking team.
a2. During a bonus question teams forfeit the right to answer any remaining parts of the
question and any remaining parts will be offered to the rebounding team.
b. If a player on either team talks to question match procedure or a particular answer, that
team will forfeit its opportunity to answer the next toss-up question.
c. If a coach on either team talks to question match procedure or a particular answer
without following protocol, then that team will forfeit its opportunity to answer the next tossup question.
d. Communications between spectators and players is always illegal.
e. Any disruption caused by a team member's communication device will cause that team
to forfeit the right to answer the question at the time of disruption and the next question.
RULE 8: UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
Rule 8, Section 1: Definition
Art. 1
Unsportsmanlike conduct includes actions which are unbecoming to an ethical, fair, honorable
individual. It consists of acts of deceit, disrespect or vulgarity and includes taunting.
10
Note: The IESA disapproves of any form of taunting which is intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule
or demean others under any circumstances including on the basis of race, religion, gender or national
origin. If unsportsmanlike behavior occurs, it is an immediate ejection. The coach or player must leave
the room.
11
2015-16 Scholastic Bowl
Case Manual
Case Manual for Coaches and Officials
This Scholastic Bowl Case Manual is based on the 2015-2016 IESA Scholastic Bowl Rule Book. The
situations and comments are based on questions that have been raised in administering the
interscholastic matches played each season. The purpose is to clarify the intent of the rules, since the
rule book does not include rules for every situation that could occur.
Rule 1: The Game
1-2-3 SITUATION- Match
The moderator calls for the two-minute break and Team B wishes to switch sides before the
second half because of a loud overhead fan on their side.
COMMENT
Teams will switch sides at halftime when either coach makes that request
1-6-4 SITUATION- Ending Pool Play
Three teams are tied at the end of regional play in a 6-team regional.
COMMENT
A tiebreaker round must be conducted to determine who will advance to the championship round
four. Special tiebreaker question rounds will be used by the moderator who has been assigned
to the tiebreaker round (5 toss-ups with accompanying 4-part bonus questions).
1-6-4c SITUATION 2- Ending Pool Play
Team A and B are tied at the end of their tiebreaker match.
COMMENT
The moderator will read an additional toss-up and 4-part bonus until a winner is determined.
1-6-4 SITUATION 3- Ending Pool Play
At the end of the tiebreaker round all three teams are still tied with equal number of wins and
losses.
COMMENT
The team with the most tiebreaker round total points shall be the pool or tournament winner. If
there is still not a clear winner, then repeat the tiebreaker round with new questions. (A
moderator can use replacement questions for this scenario.)
Rule 2: Match Equipment
2-1-3a SITUATION
Team A starts the match with their paper already marked 1-4 for bonus questions. The paper is
also lined notebook paper.
COMMENT
This is now legal paper. If the paper had additional writing the moderator would declare it illegal
and ask the team to remove and replace the paper.
2-1-3a SITUATION 2
Team B starts the match marked 1-4 for bonus questions and several standard math equations.
COMMENT
This is illegal due to the presence of the math questions. Teams are only allowed to number
paper for bonus 1-4.
Rule 3: Officials
3-2-1b SITUATION- Moderators- Pre-Match
Team A contestant opens a pack of skittles during a match and eats them at the table.
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COMMENT
This is illegal. The moderator will remind contestants that there is no eating or chewing gum
during a match.
3-2-2f SITUATION- Moderators- During the Match
Team A answers all four parts of the bonus question in a row without waiting for feedback from
the moderator.
COMMENT
In regular season play the moderator will ask the team to repeat their answers and wait for an
incorrect or correct response from the moderator before answering the next part.
3-2-4a SITUATION- Moderators- Errors
The printed version of the toss-up question reads “What does MACH 1 mean?” The moderator
reads “What does March 1st mean?”
COMMENT
This is no big deal. In this case, the question should be discarded and a replacement toss-up in
that category should be read.
3-2-4e SITUATION- Moderators- Errors
The moderator reads the following bonus “Name the four credit cards that are most often
accepted and used in the United States today.” The moderator starts to mutter the answer.
COMMENT
The moderator should avoid doing this in the future. The question should be discarded and
replaced for both teams.
3-2-6 SITUATION- Moderators- Correctable Errors
At the half, Team B coach brings an error to the moderator's attention that took place during
toss-up #5 and asks that the points be removed from Team A's score.
COMMENT
In order to correct a moderator's error, the error must be recognized by the moderator prior to
the reading of the next toss-up question. The coach should have asked for a clarification timeout
prior to the next toss-up question for points to change.
3-2-6c SITUATION- Moderators- Correctable Errors
It is discovered that the official scorer has added the points wrong in the match.
COMMENT
The moderator will take time to have the points scored again to find the mistake before moving
on in the match. Clerical errors, such as points awarded to the wrong team or mathematical
errors are correctable at any point.
3-3-1 SITUATION- Scorers
The official scorer asks to use a computer to score the match.
COMMENT
The use of computers in the room during a match to score or use as lock-out system is
permitted. A computer may not be used as a search engine to question the validity of an answer.
3-4-1 SITUATION- Timers- Duties
A toss-up question has been asked and the time expires, but not called by the Timer. Team A
buzzes in, well after the time, and answers correctly.
COMMENT
Many lockout systems now count the time and buzz automatically. Should this error occur, the
answer should not be accepted and the question discarded. The match should proceed to the
next toss-up question.
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Rule 4: The Team
4-1-4 SITUATION- Team
A Team arrives at the regional host school and asks to make a change to their regional entry
form prior to the start of play.
COMMENT
The host school should allow this team to make the change/addition provided that the team has
not begun their first match. Additionally this team would not be permitted to participate, if they
had not turned in a regional entry form online in the Scholastic Bowl Entry Center during the
regional seeding procedure.
Rule 5: During Play
5-1-1d SITUATION- Toss-Up Questions
A player from Team A buzzes in, and is recognized by the moderator. The player appears to be
thinking. The moderator counts the three seconds in his/her head, and calls time. A split second
later, the player gives the correct answer.
COMMENT
The moderator should not accept the answer, and say “I am sorry, time has expired.” If Team B
can buzz in, and answer legally, then that team earns the ten points and control of the bonus
question. This is not a situation where a replacement question should be used.
5-1-1b SITUATION- Toss-Up Questions
The moderator asks the following question in Social Studies: “Two members of the current
Cabinet could never become the U.S. president because they were not born in the U.S. One of
these members is Mel Martinez, who was born in Cuba. Name the other member, who was born
in China. The player from Team A buzzes in is recognized and states “Oh, I forgot…Oh, Elaine
Chao”.
COMMENT
Obviously, the initial response was not the correct answer… it also was not an attempt to
answer. The moderator should respond: “That is correct.”
5-1-1b SITUATION 2- Toss-Up Questions
The moderator asks a toss-up in the category of social studies: “Which state has surpassed
Oklahoma to become the U.S. state with the largest number of Native Americans?” The written
answer is California. A player from Team B buzzes in, is recognized and answers “Oh…New
Mexico (quietly) California (loudly).”
COMMENT
In this case, the player’s initial response was New Mexico and that is incorrect. The moderator
should respond, “I am sorry, that is incorrect.”
5-1-1f SITUATION- Toss-Up Questions
The moderator reads the toss-up question and Team B in its excitement buzzes and answer
before being recognized by the moderator.
COMMENT
Once a team has buzzed in they must wait to be recognized by the moderator before answering
the question. The moderator will state that the individual has not been recognized by the
moderator, but the answer is correct and Team B will receive 5 points for the toss-up question
and will be read the bonus question. If the answer blurted is incorrect then there is no penalty
and Team A will have a chance to answer the rebounded toss-up.
5-1-2 SITUATION- Pre-empted Toss-Up Questions
The moderator asks the toss-up question: “What sculptor designed…the statue of liberty and
supervised its construction?” The printed answer is Frederic Bartholdi. A player from Team A
buzzes in after the word designed in the question and answers Michelangelo. The moderator
states: “I am sorry, that is incorrect.”
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COMMENT
The answer is incorrect and an attempt by the student to guess the designer without hearing the
entire question. If an individual preempts a question incorrectly, the moderator can choose to
continue the question at a reasonable place prior to the point of interruption..
5-1-2c SITUATION- Pre-empted Toss-Up Questions
The moderator reads the category of question #10 as MATHEMATICS (Geometry) and Team A
accidentally hits their buzzer.
COMMENT
Team A must give an answer without the reading of the question. If it is incorrect then the
moderator will read the question (since it hasn’t been read yet) and rebound the toss-up to Team
B.
5-1-4d SITUATION- Pre-empted Toss-Up Questions
The moderator reads the category of question #17 and two individuals from Team A are both
recognized as hitting their buzzers.
COMMENT
For systems that recognize two individuals, the system must be reset. The moderator is in
charge of resetting the system, throw out the question, and replace it with a new toss-up for both
teams to attempt.
5-2-1d SITUATION- Bonus Question
Team A is in control of a bonus question. After 10 seconds, the captain of Team A calls time.
While Team A is answering, the moderator sees a piece of paper being passed on Team B.
COMMENT
This is illegal. Once Team A called time both teams have 3 seconds to pass the papers to the
captain. All discussion and writing must cease. Additionally, Team B now forfeits any rebound
questions.
5-2-1d SITUATION 2- Bonus Question
Time has been called, papers have been passed to the captains, and Team A captain begins to
answer. While answering, the captain of Team A begins to bend and stretch to see the papers
that have been spread down the table, possibly reaching across to other players.
COMMENT
This is illegal. The moderator disqualifies Team A from answering any further questions because
this is a form of illegal communication. Three seconds are allowed after time is called for the
captain to gather and arrange any papers in front of him for easy use. Table space in front of the
captain should be limited to the area immediately in front of the captain's body, not extended to
table space in front of other members of the team.
5-2-1d SITUATION 3- Bonus Question
Team B calls time and the papers are passed to the captain per the rulebook. The captain then
designates another player to answer all parts and the captain passes papers to this person.
COMMENT
This is legal. The rules state that papers will be passed to the captain after time. If the captain
designates another participant to answer all parts, it is legal for the captain to pass all the papers
to that individual.
5-2-1e SITUATION- Bonus Question
After time has been called by the Captain of Team B, he/she begins by giving the answers to
parts 1&2 and defers to Player #4 for parts 3&4.
COMMENT
This is illegal. Only one person may answer a bonus question. The captain will give the answer
or designate another player on his/her team to answer the entire question.
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5-2-2 SITUATION- Bonus Question
Team A has answered two parts of a four part bonus. Rebounding Team B asks the moderator
for the correct parts of Team A’s answers.
COMMENT
The moderator can give the correct answers given or parts answered correctly as a courtesy. If a
team continues to do this through the match it should be discouraged by the moderator.
5-2-2a1 SITUATION
Team B answers the bonus questions by giving part 1 & 3 then 2 & 4.
COMMENT
This is illegal. Answers not given in order will be disqualified.
5-4-1 SITUATION- During Play- General Rules
The moderator asks the toss-up question: “What NASCAR driver is the official Oreo cookie
spokesman?” The written answer is Dale Earnhardt, Jr. The player from Team A is properly
recognized and states: Dale Earnhardt. The moderator properly states: “I need more
information.”
COMMENT
The player will be correct if he/she responds Jr. If not then the question can be rebounded. The
rebounding team would be afforded the same prompt by the moderator to give more information
if necessary if they gave the same response.
Rule 6: Timeouts
Clarification Timeouts may be used to question match procedure only. Protests of answers to
questions shall not be permitted. Each team receives 1 clarification time-out for the entire match.
Everyone participating in a scholastic bowl match must remember that the moderator has final
authority and has the right to reject any and all appeals.
6-1-1e SITUATION- Team Time-out
Team A coach calls a timeout. The coach decides to end their timeout with 20 seconds to spare
in the 60 second timeout. Team B uses the rest of the allotted time.
COMMENT
A team timeout called by either team gives both teams 60 seconds and the right to substitute. If
both teams are ready to return to play earlier than the 60 seconds the moderator may resume
play; otherwise, the 60 seconds will run before the moderator returns to play.
6-1-2 SITUATION- Clarification Time-out
Team A coach asks for a clarification time-out on a question that took place 3 questions ago.
COMMENT
This should not be permitted. The coach of the team must call the clarification time-out prior to
the reading of the bonus section or the next toss-up category is given. Once the next question
category has been read by the moderator, it is too late to call the clarification time-out.
6-1-2b SITUATION- Clarification Time-out
Team B coach asks for a clarification time-out to question/protest the answer to the previous
question.
COMMENT
This should not be permitted. Clarification timeouts are only to be used to question match
procedures, not clarify questions or answers.
6-1-2c SITUATION- Clarification Time-out
Team B coach asks for a clarification time-out on a question prior to the reading of the next
category and the error is correctable by the moderator.
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COMMENT
The error is correctable and the moderator does change his ruling. Team B is not charged for the
use of the clarification time-out. Should the moderator not change his/her decision then the team
is charged for the clarification time-out. Each coach is permitted one clarification time-out per
match.
6-1-2e SITUATION 2- Clarification Time-out
Team A asked a clarification time-out earlier in the match and the moderator upheld his decision.
Team A asks for another clarification time-out later in the match.
COMMENT
Because team A asked for a clarification time-out earlier in the match and the moderator upheld
his decision then team A lost their only clarification time-out that match. No clarification time-out
is allowed.
6-1-4 SITUATION- Tiebreaker Time-out
Team B is involved in a 3-way tie at a regional tournament. In regulation play the coach used all
her time-outs. In the tiebreaker round she calls for a time-out.
COMMENT
This is legal. Each team receives one time-out for the tie-breaker series round. A coach does not
receive an additional time-out for a tie at the end of a regulation match.
Rule 7: Communication
The following types of communication shall be legal for players at the indicated times, unless the
moderator believes that they are being used to delay, intimidate, or interrupt the flow of the
match in order to gain an advantage:
a. Saying "clear", "reset", or the equivalent as a reminder to the lockout box operator.
b. Reasonable reactions to right or wrong answers.
c. Notification of emergency situations in the room.
d. A "wait" gesture from a team captain that silently communicates to the team to not trigger
the lockout system during the second reading of a toss-up question.
The following multiple forms of illegal communication by players includes but is not limited to:
a. Use of any illegal printed or written material during the match to gain an advantage.
b. Giving or receiving aid, including looking over a teammate's written material during or
after the reading of a toss-up and then triggering the lockout system.
c. Giving or receiving aid, including looking at written material not directly in front of you
while a bonus is being answered. The term "directly in front of you" may include passed
papers that could be spread out in front of the individual answering the question.
d. Communication at times other than that permitted in 7-1-3.
7-1 SITUATION- Communication
Team A captain begins to read his team's bonus answers from his sheet. He hesitates over one
of the answers, and a team member next to him points, with his finger, to the paper.
COMMENT
Even though the moderator cannot be sure that he is indicating an answer, this is still non-verbal
communication. Team A immediately forfeits its rights to answer the remaining parts of the
bonus question and those parts are now offered to the rebounding team.
7-1 SITUATION 2- Communication
Team A captain is answering the bonus and loses track of his answers. He says to a team
member “Where is number 3?”
COMMENT
The moderator bars him from answering any more bonuses as this is verbal communication.
Team B is then rebounded the remaining parts.
7-1 SITUATION 3- Communication
17
Team A captain is reading his team’s bonus answers; a player from Team B has a sneezing
attack, the coach gives him a tissue.
COMMENT
It is obvious that there is nothing written on the tissue, the moderator takes no action.
7-1-2e SITUATION- Communication
Team A has control of the bonus question, and answers part 1&2 of a 4 part question. Parts 3&4
are rebounded to Team B. While the captain of Team B is answering part 3, the moderator
notices that the captain is looking over at one of his/her fellow player’s paper lying in front of
them.
COMMENT
The moderator must make a quick decision. If the moderator believes that this glance aided the
captain in giving the answer then the moderator should not accept the answer and not award
any points. If the moderator believes that the person answering was not aided, then the answer
is accepted and if correct the points should be awarded and play continues.
Looking around while answering, could be construed as illegal non-verbal communication.
7-1-2e SITUATION 2- Communication
During the reading of a toss-up, Player A watches Player B, a teammate, write while Player B
attempts to come up with an answer. Player A watches, but says nothing. No verbal
communication and no non-verbal communication takes place between players. Player A never
triggers the buzzer and whether or not Player B triggers the buzzer is irrelevant.
COMMENT
No one should be disqualified. Player A made no effort to answer based on any information
he/she gleaned looking at the work of Player B. Player A was merely watching the skill of his/her
teammate.
7-1-3c SITUATION- Legal Communication
Team A is conferring after the bonus question was read by the moderator. Joe, not the team
captain, asks for part of the question to be reread.
COMMENT
Any member of the team awarded the bonus question may ask to have part or the entire
bonus question repeated within the 30-second time limit.
7-1-4 SITUATION- Illegal Communication
The moderator reads a toss-up question. Team A buzzes in and gives and incorrect answer. The
coach for Team B immediately starts to ‘air signal’ in an attempt to get someone from Team B to
buzz in.
COMMENT
The moderator should consider this to be illegal communication. The moderator should not
accept any answer from Team B and should proceed to the next toss-up question. Team B may
answer this next question.
7-1-4d SITUATION- Illegal Communication
The moderator has just finished reading a toss-up question when he/she hears something that
appears to be an answer coming from the crowd.
COMMENT
The moderator should stop and offer a replacement question. In addition, the moderator should
warn both teams and the spectators that this is an official warning for illegal communication. The
moderator should also communicate with the scorer and timer to keep an eye out for further
communication.
7-1-4e SITUATION Cell Phones
The cell phone for a player on Team A rings during the reading of a question.
18
COMMENT
The rule states that any disruption caused by a team member's communication device will
cause that team to forfeit the right to answer the question at the time of the disruption and
the next question. Note: Communication device stands for any technology that is used to
communicate. i.e. cell phone, pager, walkie talkie, etc.
Penalty: Team A is no longer able to answer that question and the next question. Team B is
given the opportunity to answer the toss-up question read at the time of the interruption.
A. Should Team B answer the toss-up question correctly, then Team B will have the opportunity
to answer the bonus and Team A will not get the chance to answer the rebound bonus
questions. Play will resume normally with the next toss-up question as Team A has served
its two question penalty with the toss-up and bonus questions asked in this scenario.
B. Should Team B miss the toss-up question after the phone violation by Team A, then the next
toss-up question will be read for Team B only. If they answer this question correctly then the
bonus will be read and Team A would have the chance to answer the rebounded questions
as Team A has served its two question penalty with the two toss-up questions asked in this
scenario.
C. The cell phone of a player on Team A rings during the reading of their bonus question.
Penalty: Team A is no longer able to answer their bonus and the questions are rebounded to
Team B. Team B is then given the next toss-up. If team B answers the toss-up correctly then
they are awarded the bonus questions and Team A is able to rebound any unanswered
portions of the bonus question as they have served the two question penalty with the bonus
and toss-up questions in this scenario.
D. The cell phone of a player on Team A rings during the reading of Team B bonus question.
Penalty: Team A is no longer able to answer the rebounded bonus questions. Team B is
then given the next toss-up. If team B answers the toss-up correctly, then they are awarded
the bonus questions and Team A is able to rebound any unanswered portions of the bonus
question as they have served the two question penalty with the bonus and toss-up questions
in this scenario.
Rule 8: Unsportsmanlike Conduct
8-1 SITUATION
The coach from Team A is outraged at a ruling by the moderator. The coach is cursing and
screaming at the moderator.
COMMENT
This is unsportsmanlike behavior and is an immediate ejection. The coach must leave the room.
The coach must not coach for the remainder of that day and is prohibited from coaching at the
next match on another date. If Team A does not have an assistant coach appointed by the
school, then the team must forfeit the remainder of the match(es) that day.
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IESA vs. IHSA Scholastic Bowl
In IESA Scholastic Bowl the rules of play are recommended for all matches, but are required only at
each State Series. Below are a few differences between the IHSA and IESA rule codes.
Scenario
Response time to answer a
non-calculation toss-up
Pencils Down during answers
Moderator on Bonus answers
Interruption of toss-up if
incorrect answer given
Team uniform
Match Play
Time Outs per half
Bonus question points
End of match (excluding a tie)
Question Layout
IESA
IHSA
10 seconds
10 seconds
Toss-up: May be used or held
Bonus: All pencils down
All may hold, but no writing;
captain or designee may check off
only
Bonuses are read, answered
and rebounded at one time.
Moderator rules after
each bonus response is
given
Continue question at a
reasonable place prior to
the point of interruption for
rebounding team - 3-4-1b2
No team uniform required
24 toss-up and 20 bonus
One 60 second
All 4-part, 5 points each
When either the 24th toss-up
or 20th bonus question is
completed
When one team reaches 301
points
All questions are independent.
If the toss-up is missed the
bonus could be asked with
the next toss-up answered
correctly
End of match tie-breaker
First team to answer 2
tiebreaker toss-ups wins
Math units/labels
Required – no prompting
Paper used by players
Clean paper. Lines and
bonus numbers
permitted, but no writing
on the paper
Request for Bonus re-read
Any player on controlling
team
Extra wording in answers
No rule
Appeal question answers
Not Permitted
Continue question at a
reasonable place prior to the
point of interruption for
rebounding team
Similar matching team shirts
24 toss-up and 24 bonus
One 60 second and one 30 second
All 3-part, 10 points each
When the 24th toss-up, possibly
with an appropriate bonus,
has been read
No point limit to end a match
Each toss-up is connected to a
bonus question. Miss the tossup and the bonus is skipped. The
toss-up and bonus are never of
the same category
Read toss-ups until one is
answered, then read a bonus.
If still tied, repeat…
Usually, prompt a missing
required label
Clean paper for each player at
entry; used paper removed
from table. Lines and numbers
permitted, but no writing on
the paper
Any player on controlling
team
One additional piece of correct
information is acceptable
Permitted
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INSTRUCTIONS TO IESA SCHOLASTIC
BOWL MODERATORS
Preparing for a Match
1. Review your questions. Check the questions to make sure you are familiar with and understand them.
Please try to get pronunciations correct, particularly of foreign terms. Try reading the questions aloud to
help catch missing words or pronunciations that may be troublesome. Bonus questions will indicate the
number of parts.
2. Know the rules and apply them consistently. The IESA Scholastic Bowl Rules are available on the IESA
website.
3. Be friendly. This will help put the students at ease and be more relaxed, so that they are more likely to
do their best.
4. Tournament Information. Check with the tournament manager to make sure you know the following:
Who will collect the score sheets after each round, how to communicate the use of replacement
questions, who to contact regarding equipment problems.
Before a Match
1. Check with your scorers and timers to see if they are familiar with their role or need any questions
answered. Remind them that they are match officials and will assist you in watching players, coaches,
and those in attendance.
2. Please be sure that no contestant is chewing gum.
3. Check to make sure that you are reading the correct set of toss-up and bonus questions for each round.
4. You should be located facing the coaches and fans. You may be using a rostrum and/or a
microphone depending on the location.
5. Introduce yourself, your timer, and scorer to the teams.
6. Remind players that the communication rules will be enforced. "This will be your only warning.
When the match begins, penalties will be applied."
7. Remind players that they will be recognized by the moderator before they answer a question. The
penalty for this has changed. Example: If a player on either team answers a toss-up before being
recognized:
a. If the answer is correct, then that team only receives half the points (5) for the toss-up and they
are still able to attempt the bonus questions.
b. If the answer is blurted out and is wrong, then the toss-up is rebounded to the other team and
there is no penalty.
8. Remind players that everyone should put down all pencils when the answering team indicates its
readiness to answer a bonus question. State: “Pencils down.” Then, recognize the team that has buzzed
in first.
9. Introduce both teams and have all team members check their buzzers by hitting it and giving their
name and grade. Explain to each team how you will recognize them: by school name or calling on
individuals by name.
10. Make sure the timer and scorer are ready to begin. It may be helpful to have one of these officials sit
at the edge of the table so that they can monitor fans for illegal communications.
11. Please remind the audience of the following:
a. They are there only as spectators and must not help either team in any way, such as
whispering answers among themselves or gesturing.
b. Applause should only be indicated at breaks.
c. Match questions may not be recorded in any form.
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d. Cell Phones and pagers should be turned to vibrate or off. “If your cell phone goes off, you will
be asked to leave the room for the rest of the match.”
e. No texting or recording of questions.
f. Match rooms will be closed until halftime. At which time, the doors will open for 2 minutes.
g. Please make sure that all laptops and portable devices are turned off.
To Begin a Match
1. “We are ready to begin. The first toss-up is in ..." [Always give the sub-category as indicated in your
questions for both toss-up and bonus questions. Give the number of parts each bonus question has: "Your
four-part bonus is..."]
During a Match
1. Before each question, give the question number (e.g. "Toss-up #10, Bonus #8, etc."). Also state any
questions that allow 30 seconds for an answer.
a. Be sure to use all questions in the numbered order! You do not have the prerogative to change
this!
b. Toss-ups are numbered 1-24 and bonus questions 1-20. The same sequence will be used in every
competition room.
c. Check off questions as you read them. This helps avoid any possibility of rereading a question.
Check off parts of the bonus answered correctly for each team, using a different mark for each
team.
2. If an individual preempts the moderator's reading of a toss-up question and answers incorrectly, the
moderator can choose to continue the question at a reasonable place prior to the point of interruption
for the rebounding team. This allows the moderator to avoid rereading an entire question if they don't
believe it benefits the rebounding team.
3. On a bonus question, indicate "Correct" or "Incorrect" after the response to each part of the question.
a. Ask the rebounding team to respond to those parts not answered.
b. Give the point totals for each team to the scorer, such as 12 points for Team A and 8 points
for Team B.
c. Indicate the correct response for each part that the rebounding team answers incorrectly.
4. All answers provided must be assumed to be correct unless there are exceptions noted. Last names
only are always acceptable unless you ask for a more specific answer. Use your best judgment in
interpretation of accepting a different answer than the one given. IMPORTANT NOTE: You must be
absolutely 100% sure when you accept a different variation of the answer than that which is
printed in the questions. If there is the slightest doubt in your mind, do not accept any answer
that is different than that which is printed.
5. Each team has one team timeout per half that can be called only by the captain or coach. This must
be done before you read the sub-category of the next toss-up question.
a. After a timeout and after the halftime break, check for substitutes. Substitutes should check
buzzers and introduce themselves as indicated above.
6. Although the timer and scorer are also judges, you have the final decision. These assistant officials
are to notify you if anyone is communicating.
7. Match interruptions are not permissible. With the exception of during any timed portion, you may
stop the match for the following reasons:
a. To check the score.
b. To correct an error on your part.
i. If your error occurs on a toss-up, you will select a replacement toss-up question,
preferably from the same main category (e.g., social studies, math, science, etc.).
ii. If your error occurs on a toss-up, you will select a replacement bonus question with the
same number of parts and preferably from the same main category.
22
8.
9.
10.
11.
iii. If your error is made on a bonus question after the answering team has answered some
parts, the rebounding team may only respond to the number of unanswered parts.
iv. **Do not use a replacement question just because you do not like a particular
question in the deck. If a replacement question is used at state, please mark a large X
through that question so that the state administration will know it has been used in
competition.
c. To discipline the players or audience.
d. To resolve a protest called by a coach during a clarification timeout. A clarification timeout
must be called prior to the reading of the bonus section or the next toss-up category is
given and are for match procedures, not to correct answers. Only you and the two coaches
should be involved and your decision is final.
i. Each coach is permitted one clarification timeout per match which should be marked
on the score sheet. A coach who requests a clarification time-out shall not be
charged for the use if the error is correctable.
ii. Substitutions may not be made during a clarification timeout.
e. If there is a malfunction of the electronic lockout response system.
The timer will call 10 seconds (30 seconds for all advanced computation questions) for toss-ups and
30 seconds for bonus questions. You must call the three seconds the player has to answer his toss-up.
The captain of the team who buzzed in first shall answer all bonus questions or designate someone on
the team to answer. Do not wait more than three seconds for the captain to respond to a part of a
bonus question. Do not use a replacement question in this instance. If an answer comes from the
audience, replace the question. All bonus questions must be read completely and cannot be pre-empted
by the team to whom it was awarded.
Stop for the two-minute break after Toss-Up #12 and the necessary bonus questions have been given.
During the halftime break:
a. Turn your questions over.
b. If you leave the room for any reason, keep the questions with you.
c. Make sure the score and the posted score are correct.
After the beak, introduce any substitutions that were made at the half.
Ending a Match
1. A match will be completed in one of the following ways:
a. By completing the 24 toss-up questions and accompanying bonus questions if neither team has
301 points.
b. By completing the 20 bonus questions.
c. By the accumulation of 301 points by one team. This could occur following a toss-up question. If
so, the bonus question should not be given.
d. If neither team has accumulated 301 points after the 24th toss-up question has been answered
correctly, the accompanying bonus question shall be given.
2. Congratulate the teams on a well-played match. Announce the final score.
3. If there is a tie in the number of points the following procedures should be used:
a. Regular season match- The first team to answer two toss-up questions correctly shall win the
match.
b. See Section 6 and 7 in the Scholastic Bowl Manual Rule Book for procedures to ending pool
play/tournament winners and pool runners-up.
4. Do not dismiss the audience until all matches for that round have been completed.
5. Sign the official score sheet and turn it in with all question cards to the host office immediately after
each match.
23
Penalties to be enforced for illegal communication
1. If a player communicates during the reading of a toss-up or bonus question, his/her team immediately
forfeits the right to answer that question.
2. When the captain or designated player begins to answer a bonus question, that player shall not receive
any more information from other team members, including the passing of papers.
a. If teams are in the process of passing papers when the buzzer is sounded, this may be
completed before the answer is begun.
b. If the person answering does receive more information, any answer not yet given is disqualified
and any incorrect and remaining parts of the bonus questions are rebounded to the other team.
3. If a player(s) or coach on either team talks to question match procedures or a particular answer,
that player's team will forfeit its opportunity to answer the next toss-up question.
4. Communication includes, but is not limited to: (Rule 7-1-2)
a. Talking, whispering, or mouthing
b. Pointing, gesturing, signaling
c. Passing of papers
d. Deliberate physical contact with the intent to gain another player’s attention
e. Looking at another player’s written materials for answers
5. If a player answers their cell phone during a match, this is considered to be illegal communication and
their team immediately forfeits its right to answer that question at the time of disruption and the next
question.
Competition Room Set-Up
Officials Table
Team A
Team B
Coaches
Team A Bench
X
X
Spectators
Team B Bench
24
Illinois Elementary School Association
INSTRUCTIONS TO SCHOLASTIC BOWL SCORERS
1. Please be familiar with the score sheet you will be using so that you will know how to score each question and
keep a running total. Score every question as numbered on the score sheet.
2. It is important to be sure to indicate to the moderator that you are ready to begin prior to the start of the
match.
3. A toss-up question correctly answered counts for 10 points.
4. All bonus questions have four parts: 5 points for each part of a four-part question answered
correctly.
***It is the responsibility of the moderator to inform you of how many bonus points each team is to receive
for each question.
5. You are one of the match officials along with the timer and moderator. You should notify the moderator if
anyone is communicating. The moderator will make all final decisions.
Communication includes but is not limited to (Rule 7-1-2):
• Talking, whispering, or mouthing
• Pointing, gesturing, signaling
• Passing of papers
• Deliberate physical contact with the intent to gain another player’s attention
• Looking at another player’s written materials for answers
• Using your communication device (i.e. cell phone)
Note: Any disruption by a team member's cell phone will cause the team to forfeit the right to answer the
question at the time of the disruption and the next question. Please review the Rule Interpretation on the
IESA website.
6. At the conclusion of the match, have the moderator sign the official score sheet and take it to the host school
office.
7. Mark both the regular and clarification timeouts on the score sheet.
25
Illinois Elementary School Association
INSTRUCTIONS TO SCHOLASTIC BOWL TIMERS
The following information is designed to help you become a better timer for IESA Scholastic Bowl matches.
Official rules for Scholastic Bowl are located in the IESA Handbook and Scholastic Bowl Terms and Conditions.
1. Be sure to indicate to the moderator you are ready to begin prior to the start of the match.
2. Begin timing toss-up questions as soon as the moderator completes the reading of the question. If neither team has
responded within 10 seconds (30 seconds for all advanced computation questions), indicate "TIME".
3. When a team presses its buzzer to indicate it wishes to answer a toss-up question, do not stop your clock. It
continues to run for the 10-second period (30 seconds for all advanced computation questions) or until both teams
have responded. If there is an incorrect answer by one team on a toss-up, the other team always has the
opportunity to buzz in within three seconds and answer. The moderator makes that three-second-time call only.
4. If an individual pre-empts the moderator's reading of a toss-up question and answers incorrectly, the moderator can
choose to continue the question at a reasonable place prior to the point of interruption. Any member of the
opposing team then has 10 seconds (30 seconds for all advanced computation questions) to respond, which you
must time.
5. When a team answers a toss-up question correctly, the moderator will ask that team a bonus question. When the
moderator is finished asking the bonus question, begin timing a 30-second conference period. During the 30
seconds, team members will confer to help answer the question. Teams may indicate to the moderator their
readiness to answer the bonus question before 30 seconds have elapsed. This happens quite often and is O.K. If the
team, which answered the toss-up correctly, does not indicate its readiness to answer within 30 seconds, you should
indicate "TIME". The moderator will then ask the team to give their answers.
6. If the bonus team asks for a part(s) of the bonus question to be repeated, do not stop your clock. When the 30
seconds are up, indicate "TIME" even if the moderator has not completed the re-reading of the question. If the
bonus team does not answer all parts of the bonus question correctly, the unanswered parts "rebound" to the other
team. The other team does not receive any additional time and must begin their answers within three seconds after
the moderator asks for their answers.
7. The three-second response calls are the duty of the moderator and not of the timer.
8. Team time-out periods are 60 seconds. If the coach is ready to resume play earlier, this is permissible. Clarification
timeouts have no time limits and the moderator should let you know the match will resume. The breaks between
halves of the match are two minutes.
9. You are one of the match judges along with the scorer and moderator. You should notify the moderator if anyone is
communicating. The moderator will make all final decisions.
Communication includes but is not limited to (Rule 7-1-2):
• Talking, whispering, or mouthing
• Pointing, gesturing, signaling
• Passing of papers
• Deliberate physical contact with the intent to gain another player’s attention
• Looking at another player’s written materials for answers
• Answering your communication device (i.e. cell phone) Note: Any disruption by a team member's cell phone
will cause the team to forfeit the right to answer the question at the time of the disruption and the next
question. Please review the Rule Interpretation on the IESA website.
26
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28
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