RULES CLARIFICATIONS

general rule clarifications Last update SEPTEMBER 30

Use of AI in Events

The National Science Olympiad has issued guidance regarding the use of AI glasses such as Ray Ban and Oakley Meta. The use of any type of AI eyeglasses during an event is strictly prohibited and could result in disqualification. The use of AI powered calculators is also prohibited. Event directors are authorized to inspect any device that they suspect might be in violation of the AI policy.

Pre-Purchased Kits and Student Design

There has been some confusion regarding the rules in build events that deal with kits and how they relate to student designs.

Kits may be purchased and used for all Science Olympiad building events. The caveat is that any purchased kit must be assembled by student(s) on the 15 person competition team. The use of prebuilt kits or using a device that was not built by members of the competition team is prohibited.

The process of building a device, be it from scratch or a kit, requires many decisions from the student. The order of assembly, types of glue being used, how to sand, how to trim, etc. are all determined by the student and are considered part of the design process.

Seniors that Graduate at Semester

If senior chooses to graduate at the semester they will not lose their eligibility to compete on their school's Science Olympiad team for the remainder of the season. If a senior does choose to graduate at semester and continue to participate on their school's Science Olympiad team they will still count toward the seven senior limit.

DIVISION B event clarifications

DIVISION C event clarifications

Protein Modeling

This is to clarify 3.I.b: Three-dimensional (3D) printed materials may NOT be used to build the protein backbone but may be used for functionally relevant features.

Missouri's interpretation of this rule is that the alpha carbon backbone of the protein must be constructed by the student without the use of any type of 3D printed materials. Unlimited 3D printing, including R groups, is allowed on all other parts of the model that the student constructs.