Science Olympiad WorkshopArbitration: “Here Comes the Judge”

November 1, 2013David B. Johnson

Overview

• What is Arbitration and the Arbitration Panel?

• What kinds of things lead to Arbitration?

• How does the Arbitration process work?

What is Arbitration?

• The place where contestants and supervisors come to be satisfied that their concerns are considered.

• Philosophy - Dedication to making Science Olympiad work.

The Arbitration PanelThree members – typically the members represent

specialties that include:

• biology• geology• physics• chemistry• engineering

But issues are seldom related to the subject. More commonly they relate to the conduct of the event.

Problems

• The sooner we know about problems, the better.

• Options disappear as time passes.

General Kinds of Problems(Perceived and Actual)

Conduct of the event (in no particular order)

• Accusations of cheating• Impounding irregularities• Quality of the competition area or provided materials• Not conducted as expected by participants

– Differs from regional events– Failure of the event supervisor to follow published

guidelines and rules – especially an issue for new events and established events that change.

– Publication of rules clarifications

Other Kinds of Problems

– Tardy because of long running prior event

– Impediments related to travel

Who may file an appeal?

• Competitors (team members and coaches) who have a concern regarding the conduct of an event.

• Supervisors

General kinds of problems(Perceived and Actual)

If there is a question related to the conduct of an event, please have the team member(s) bring this to the attention of the Event Supervisor immediately.

– Have contestant speak with the event supervisor immediately.– Try to resolve issues before resorting to arbitration.– If issue is unresolved, inform the event supervisor that an appeal

will be filed.– File appeal

Where is Arbitration?Typically located in the vicinity of scoring

(probably Brown Hall Rm. 210)

How Does Arbitration Work?• Arbitration begins when a report is filed with the receptionist at

Arbitration.

• Must be filed within 30 minutes of completion of event

• This report is typically filed by a coach.

• The person filing the report will be asked to have the affected students come to Arbitration when it is convenient so that their story can be heard.

• The report is delivered to the panel who reviews it. If appropriate, a panel member will visit the event supervisor immediately.

• Students are asked to tell the panel what happened.

Student Interview

• Who?

• What?

• When?

• Where?

• Why?

• Possible resolutions?

Filling out the form:

The top line will be completed by the receptionist after the form is submitted.

Filling out the form:

One (not both) of these is required.

Description of the problem should be as complete as possible.

Filling out the form:

Resolution Requested

Processing the Appeal

• Interviews

• Deliberation

• “Publication”

• Decision may be reviewed at the receptionist’s desk. The team will entertain follow-up questions.

You may return to determine the findings of Arbitration. If you see an entry for “Time completed” you may ask to see the “Decision/Recommendation” sheet.

Judge’s Decision/Recommendation Form

“Typical” outcomes

• Resolve misunderstandings• Re-runs• Penalties or disqualifications• Recommendations for future years.• We do everything possible to avoid throwing an

event out entirely.

Questions?

Thank you and

good luck to you and your teams

in the2014 NM Science Olympiad!