Eligibility Rules for Teams
Each competing team consists of four student members and may also include one student alternate. To be eligible to compete, a student must be enrolled for the current school year in grades nine, ten, eleven or twelve at the team's school, and be less than 20 years of age or receive a special waiver from the Department of Energy. Teams of home schooled students, girl scouts, boy scouts and science clubs are welcome to participate. - No school or student group may compete in more than one regional competition. Each regional coordinator will determine if more than one team from a high school will be allowed to participate in their regional as well as the geographic area their regional will encompass. No more than 3 teams from one high school or student group may compete in a regional event.
- To be eligible for the National Science Bowl® finals, a student must have competed on the team that won the Regional Science Bowl or the second place team in the event that the first place team declines to attend.
- The winning team from each regional tournament is invited to participate at the National finals. The winning team’s coach must inform the event coordinator of its availability to participate at the Nationals.
During this time of the school year, students are engaged in various activities and academic events that may conflict with their participation in the National Science Bowl® (e.g., state athletic tournaments, proms, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement and SAT exams). In the interest of safety, continuity, and educational value, the National Science Bowl® requires students to take part in ALL of its events and activities. Therefore, no waivers will be granted or special arrangements made for students to participate in any conflicting activities or exams. If team members are involved in these pursuits, the students will need to determine which activity or event is in their best interest and make their selection.
All teams must arrive and depart on the designated dates and be in attendance throughout the duration of the National Science Bowl® weekend. If the entire winning regional team (at least 4 students) is unable to participate at all activities, the second place team will replace them.
