📋 Rules & Logistics
Master the administrative aspects of the contest to avoid unnecessary stress and focus on problem-solving.
🆔 Identification & Registration
Required Materials
- Valid ID: Driver’s license, passport, or school ID
- Registration confirmation: Print or digital copy
- Student ID number: If applicable
Pre-Contest Checklist
- Arrive 15-20 minutes early
- Bring required identification
- Have backup ID if possible
- Know your student ID number
⏰ Timing & Procedures
Contest Timeline
- Check-in: 15 minutes before start
- Instructions: 5 minutes
- Contest: 75 minutes
- No breaks: Single sitting only
- No early departure: Must stay entire duration
Time Management
- No external timers: Use only provided materials
- No watches with calculators: Basic analog/digital only
- No phones: Must be turned off and stored
📝 Answer Sheet Protocol
Bubbling Discipline
- Use #2 pencil only: Mechanical pencils not recommended
- Fill completely: Darken entire bubble
- Erase completely: No stray marks
- One answer per question: No multiple answers
- No stray marks: Keep answer sheet clean
Answer Sheet Layout
- Student information: Fill out completely
- Bubble carefully: Double-check student ID
- Question numbers: Verify alignment
- Final check: Ensure all answers bubbled
🚫 Prohibited Items
Calculators & Electronics
- No calculators: Not permitted under any circumstances
- No phones: Must be turned off and stored
- No smartwatches: Basic watches only
- No electronic devices: Any device with computational capability
Other Restrictions
- No scratch paper: Use only provided space
- No rulers: Not provided or permitted
- No compasses: Not provided or permitted
- No protractors: Not provided or permitted
📚 Allowed Materials
Provided by Contest
- Contest booklet: 25 problems
- Answer sheet: Bubble sheet for responses
- Scratch space: Limited space in booklet
What You Can Bring
- #2 pencils: Multiple sharpened pencils
- Eraser: Good quality eraser
- Basic watch: Non-calculator watch only
- Water bottle: Clear, unlabeled
🏫 Proctoring Guidelines
Proctor Responsibilities
- Monitor timing: Announce time remaining
- Answer questions: Only about procedures
- Maintain silence: No discussion during contest
- Collect materials: At end of contest
Student Responsibilities
- Follow instructions: Listen carefully to proctor
- Ask questions early: Only about procedures
- Stay seated: No wandering around
- Respect others: Maintain quiet environment
🚨 Common Violations
Avoid These Mistakes
- Using calculator: Automatic disqualification
- Talking during contest: May result in disqualification
- Looking at others’ work: Academic dishonesty
- Leaving early: Not permitted
- Bringing prohibited items: May result in disqualification
✅ Pre-Contest Preparation
Night Before
- Prepare all materials
- Set multiple alarms
- Plan route to contest site
- Get adequate sleep (7-8 hours)
- Eat light, nutritious dinner
Morning Of
- Eat light breakfast
- Arrive early (15-20 minutes)
- Use restroom before contest
- Double-check materials
- Stay calm and focused
🎯 Mental Preparation
Mindset Anchors
- “I am prepared”: Trust your preparation
- “One problem at a time”: Stay present-focused
- “I can do this”: Maintain confidence
- “Stay calm”: Manage pressure effectively
Pre-Contest Routine
- Arrive early: Avoid rushing
- Find seat: Get comfortable
- Organize materials: Everything ready
- Take deep breaths: Calm your nerves
- Review strategy: Remember your plan
Prev: Contest Format & Scoring | Next: Mindset & Focus | Back to: Strategy Guide