ANNOUNCING THE BRAND NEW YOSEMITE SCIENCE OLYMPIAD DIVISION C SATELLITE INVITATIONAL
Hello everyone! I'll preface this by saying that we need volunteers for this event! If you are interested, please see the section at the end of this post, as we need volunteers to be test writers, test graders, event supervisors, and potential region proctors. Not only is this Yosemite Invitational's first year, but it is the first ever digital Scioly tournament! All events will run according to miniSO rules, meaning Boomilever, Detector Building, Experimental Design, Gravity Vehicle, Ping Pong Parachute, Wright Stuff, and Write It Do It may not be held. However, there is still a chance we will run build events, which is clarified in a section of this post.
Please visit our website for more information, to join our mailing list, and to volunteer to compete: https://yosemitescienceoly.wixsite.com/yosemiteso
How will the tournament run?
The tournament will run from the 12th-16th of December. That's right, this is a multi-day tournament. All events that are exam-heavy will be run with only exams in an online format. This means all events save those mentioned above will be run with the test component only, though it is at the test writer's discretion to add a dry lab component to their exam. Digital testing will run on the 14th and 15th of December, with half of the events happening on the 14th and the other on the 15th. This will happen through an online platform like zoom or another platform optimized for SO that I'm told is in development. The awards ceremony is on the 16th. If conditions permit, build events will run on the 12th and 13th according to guidelines laid out in the next section.
What about build events?
Build events will run on the 12th/13th of December if students are able to meet and practice for these events. Half of the teams would compete on the 12th, with the other half competing on the 13th. Conditions permitting, competing teams would designate a location at which volunteers can proctor them, most likely their school site or other location where they practice. Proctors will run all events listed above with times that are listed on the event schedule on our website. If this isn't possible a coach may proctor the event so long as supervisors from the tournament are able to watch all runs live. In either case no centralized tournament site is needed for the safety of our competitors. Teams would be responsible for providing the testing apparatuses for Boomilever and Ping Pong Parachute. Given different team's resources will vary, some build events may not be counted for the overall score (such as Boomilever if not all schools can secure a testing device). Ping Pong Parachute will not be counted for overall scoring per last year's guidelines for CA-based tournaments. Given the current order by Governor Newsom for schools to mostly remain closed, it is unlikely that build events will run, but we remain optimistic nonetheless.
How can teams register?
This tournament has been approved by the NorCal State Director, but teams are not yet able to register via Scilympiad. No more than two teams per school will be able to compete, with no more than 25-30 teams able to enter. NorCal teams with a state bid will be prioritized. Costs will be lower than most tournaments given that it is online. We will let everyone know as soon as we know when registration opens. Join our mailing list here for competition-related updates: http://eepurl.com/g_izqr
How can I volunteer?
We really need your help! It is going to take a lot to put this tournament on, especially with only 4.5 months to plan. But with confidence and your strong support we'll be able to make a little bit of history and give students the chance to compete again! We are in need of digital event supervisors, prospective in-person proctors, and test writers and graders. If you are able to help us out, visit our website and please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/J931nyXEt5mRCkgB8. If you can't, then spread the word. Publicity is our greatest ally and we would love to see teams interested in competing!
We are very excited for this upcoming competition season, and thank you in advance for keeping the spirit of Science Olympiad alive and well!
