NCSO Debrief – October 2023
Conference
- What items will be for sale at the Coaches Conference?
Check our website for a complete list, as well as the price list. A few popular items include practice test kits for Super Sleuths, Crimebusters & Forensics, AMA Planes for Just Plane Awesome (Div A), Optics Box (with laser mount and laser), Optics Mirror Kits (w/ 5 mirrors), loading block and chain for towers, etc.
- Will virtual attendees be able to shop?
Yes! While we man the in person store, the online store will be closed, through Oct 24. After that, Virtual attendees will have a special discount of 20% off using a provided promo code from October 24th to November 7th. Please note some items will be PICK UP ONLY at our offices at NC State University (since they simply cannot be shipped).
General
- Can a team member compete in (2) JV events and (1) varsity event at regionals?
No, we have a policy on this. Junior Varsity team members CANNOT switch to the Varsity team and compete in events with them during the regional tournament. Varsity and Junior Varsity teams from the same school are to compete as though they are two different teams.
- When will I get access to the Avogadro scoring system as a coach?
As a coach, you’ll have access to our online scoring system, called Avogadro. You will be provided with a login to your account, but not until about one month prior to your tournament date. Nothing is required from you in Avogadro, except to input your students’ names to your team roster. If you earn a spot at the State Tournament, we will use Avogadro to self-schedule.
- I see there are two students on a team for each event. Do students work together on the test or do they each take their own?
Students work together on one test. They can divide and conquer if they choose.
- When does registration close for tournaments?
Generally, registration for a tournament closes one month before the tournament date. However, some tournaments will reach capacity before then and some regional directors do choose to close their registration early for various reasons. So, we encourage you to go ahead and get registered ASAP.
- Must we be present at the Award Ceremony in order to earn medals?
Yes! Teams MUST BE present at the Award Ceremony to receive awards. We will not mail out team awards because the school has decided to leave early, unless of course there is an extenuating circumstance.
Division A
- Is homemade pasta allowed for the pasta tower?
Homemade pasta is allowed, but additional ingredients, such as metal fibers, cannot be added to the dough.
- For the Thrill Seekers event, division A, what materials can they use to construct their design? Is there anything off limits?
Nothing limiting in the rules for build materials, but rules do specify that no added energy by use of stored potential energy is allowed (i.e. no springs, rubber bands, magnets, or elevators).
Division B & C
- Crimebusters – Will the students need to perform a flame test for fibers?
No – that sounds scary.
- Fossils – Will there be a NC Regional list?
No – for Fossils B/C, we will use the full National list.
All Divisions
Do we need to have the testing device pictured in the rules in order to test our Tower before competition?
Not necessarily – but you will need a loading block and chain. Highly recommend having one or making one since your tower (and ultimately its design) must accommodate this block at the top. You can easily test a tower by sliding two tables together the appropriate distance and testing the tower as usual with a bucket and sand. I’ve also heard of teams doing a quick test of their towers with water instead to make it less messy. But ultimately you should practice with sand to get the hang of the impacts of sand flowing into the bucket.
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