At the start of each tournament, Arkansas Science Olympiad gives each team a wristband for each competitor (up to 15) to wear for the duration of the tournament. We use these wristbands to ensure that teams compete with the correct number of participants; they are a critical means to safeguard the fairness of tournaments. As such, Arkansas Science Olympiad requires the following wristband procedures:
- Students will not be allowed to compete without wristbands, so coaches are responsible for double-checking that there are 15 wristbands (or the number equal to the names on the roster) in the package that they receive from Arkansas Science Olympiad.
- Wristbands are to be placed securely on the wrist of the competing team members (as listed on the roster) on tournament morning before any events or impound begin. It should be tight enough so that it cannot be slipped off, but not too tight.
- Event Supervisors will check students’ wrists to see that students have their wristband as they enter the competition area. If the wristband is not applied properly, an Event Supervisor may not allow the competitor to compete until the competitor has had the wristband replaced (See below).
- If a wristband is defective or damaged, the student must bring the band to Arkansas Science Olympiad headquarters for replacement before they are allowed to compete. Any lost competition time will not be made up.
- If a wristband is lost, the student and team coach both must come to Arkansas Science Olympiad headquarters. The State Director will be called and replacing the band is at her/his discretion. Any lost competition time will not be made up.
