Team Composition

• Team Size: Exactly 4 active players

• Alternate: 1 alternate allowed (must be registered)

• Substitutions: Allowed between games, not during games

• Captain: One team member designated as captain for communication

Competition Format

Preliminary Rounds:

• Round-robin format within divisions

• Each team plays 6-8 preliminary games

• Games scheduled throughout morning session

Playoff Structure:

• Top 16 teams advance to single-elimination playoffs

• Seeding based on preliminary round performance

• Bracket announced after preliminary rounds complete

Game Rules and Format

Game Duration: 20 minutes of playing time

• Clock stops for timeouts and disputes

• Moderator controls timing

• Overtime if tied at regulation end

Equipment:

• Lockout buzzer system provided

• Teams sit facing each other

• Moderator sits between teams

• Scorekeeper separate from moderator

Question Types:

Toss-Up Questions (10 points each)

• Individual competition using buzzers

• Can buzz in any time after question begins

• Incorrect interruption: -5 point penalty

• No conferring with teammates

• 30-second time limit if no buzz

Bonus Questions (20-30 points total)

• Team collaboration allowed

• 45 seconds to discuss and answer

• Captain gives final answer or designates speaker

• Usually 2-3 parts worth different point values

• No penalty for incorrect bonus answers

Subject Area Distribution

• Political Science: 20% (4 toss-ups, 1-2 bonuses per game)

• Psychology: 20% (4 toss-ups, 1-2 bonuses per game)

• Sociology/Anthropology: 15% (3 toss-ups, 1 bonus per game)

• Economics: 15% (3 toss-ups, 1 bonus per game)

• History: 15% (3 toss-ups, 1 bonus per game)

• Geography: 10% (2 toss-ups, 1 bonus per 2 games)

• Philosophy: 5% (1 toss-up, 1 bonus per 3 games)

Sample Question Formats

Toss-Up Example: "This psychological concept, developed by Leon Festinger in 1957, describes the mental discomfort experienced when holding contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes simultaneously. The theory suggests that people have an inner drive to hold all their attitudes and beliefs in harmony and avoid this psychological tension." Answer: Cognitive Dissonance

 

Bonus Example (30 points total): "Given the economist John Maynard Keynes, answer the following: A) [10 points] What economic theory is Keynes most famous for developing? B) [10 points] Name the major work published in 1936 that outlined this theory. C) [10 points] What government action does Keynesian theory advocate during recessions?"

Game Procedures

Protests:

• Must be made immediately after questionable ruling

• Play stops until protest resolved

• Tournament director makes final decision

• Frivolous protests may result in penalties

Misconduct:

• Unsportsmanlike conduct results in warnings

• Severe misconduct may result in disqualification

• Coaches responsible for team behavior

• Spectators must remain quiet during play

Substitutions:

• Only between games, not during games

• Must notify moderator before game begins

• Alternate must be registered competitor

• No limit on substitutions between games

Scoring and Advancement

Preliminary Round Scoring:

• Win = 1 point

• Loss = 0 points

• Tie = 0.5 points each team

• Tiebreakers: Points per game, head-to-head, strength of schedule

Playoff Seeding:

1. Win-loss record

2. Total points scored

3. Points per game average

4. Head-to-head record among tied teams

5. Strength of schedule

6. Coin flip if still tied