Getting Started

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Teams can have up to 7 students.  Students select a problem and compete with other teams with their age group (their division) at Regional, Association, and National levels.   

One of the most important roles in Odyssey of the Mind is that of the coach.   While the program is student-driven, the coach provides the framework for the team by providing meeting space, helping in problem-solving, and helping the team create their solution.  

Often times we find that coaches are the parents of interested students.   We recommend that you involve other parents or find a co-coach to assist in the support of the team and their efforts.

The core value for Odyssey of the Mind is that this is a student-driven process.  The Students select the problem and then work on the problem until they bring their solution to the Regional Tournament.    

There are 5 problems each year so the team can select one that best matches their skills and aptitude.  

Memberships are purchased by a school and/or organization and more than one team can share an In-person membership.  There are various levels of membership starting at $290.  If you are interested in a membership you need to find out if there are already established teams in your school district, there is likely a coordinator who will purchase the National Registration.  A number of non-School organizations also sponsor teams, so please send us an email at membershipdirector@norcalodyssey.org and we will put you in touch with the coordinator and they can help you find a team.  If you believe you would be the first team for Odyssey at your school, we recommend conducting outreach to parents and students to gauge the interest level before you begin purchasing memberships.    There are several levels of membership and the button at the right OVERVIEW OF MEMBERSHIPS, outlines what may be required.   

Follow the link below to be redirected to the Northern California Association for Odyssey of the Mind.  It will outline the memberships required and provide links to those sites along with other valuable links.

In the 2022-2023 season, we plan to hold an In-person tournament.