November Clarifications

New general clarifications have been added for Problems 2, 3, 4 & 5.

Problem 2: Odyssey ReOMvention

Nov 29, 2021 B9 – The Setting: The setting of the threat must be current-Day Earth. Something in or on Earth must be threatened. However, the threat may come from beyond Earth. It may be presented any way the team wishes, but must be tangible and visible to the judges and audience.

Problem 3: (Name Here): The Musical Production

Nov 9, 2021 B7 – The selected lesser-known historic figure character: This person must not only be someone not well-remembered in history but must have achievements or actions that merit great recognition through time.

Problem 4: Matryoshka Structure

Nov 9, 2021 B10b – Nested structures: Nested structures must be made of only balsa wood and glue but do not have to follow sizing rules as described in B7b & c.

Problem 5: Life is a Circus!

Nov 29, 2021 B10c1 – Make something seem to appear from nowhere: For this problem, “appear from nowhere,” means to make something appear seemingly from no obvious location or source. It does not mean to be revealed from hiding.

New spontaneous procedures

For this season Odyssey of the Mind are using a new procedure for teams to respond to verbal and verbal/hands-on problems. No more cards, no more getting stuck... teams can now use tokens so that individual team members can answer as many or as few of the whole team's available responses.

Honoring Dave Stahlecker

Problem 1 teams and officials may remember one of our judges from a few years ago, Dave Stahlecker.

Dave volunteered his time to judge at regionals, state and at the world final level for many years.

Due to his height and his calm demeanor, Dave was affectionately known to some as the “Gentle Giant.” He had a way of making the team members relaxed and easing their nerves.

A fact, not known by most people, was that Dave was a recipient of a Rantra Fusca Award at World Finals in Colorado for just this reason.

This was amazing since Dave was a member of the only judging team to date to have received such an award.

It also made the local media!

As Problem 1 judges come together for the new Odyssey season, Dave is sorely missed, but his memory lives on as his wife, Noreene, donates generously each year in his honor. Her donation helps fund the annual Odyssey scholarships awarded by NYSOMA to graduating high school students and college freshmen.

On Giving Tuesday, November 30, please think about joining Noreene in contributing to NYSOMA, a 501(3) c) non-profit organization. Your tax-free donation would not only help bring Odyssey of the Mind to many school children throughout the state but also support NYSOMA scholarships.