A single Odyssey of the Mind membership allows multiple teams of up to seven members each to enter competition, according to the eligibility of the individual school or organization. For more information about Odyssey of the Mind memberships, read Chapter 2 of the Program Guide; a link to it is available on the Resources page.
School Memberships
A school membership may enter one team per problem per division into competition. The grade of the team members determines the division in which a team is eligible to compete. For example, consider a school of grades 6-8. This would be made up of all Division II students (grades 6-8). This membership could enter a total of five teams in competition — one team per problem.
Now consider a school of grades K-6. This would be made up of Division I (grades K-5) and II (grade 6) students. This membership could potentially enter a total of ten teams in competition — five in Division I and five in Division II. In addition, the membership could enter an unlimited number of non-competitive primary teams.
If a school wants to enter multiple teams in the same problem and division, it may purchase additional memberships at a reduced rate.
Community Groups
Established community groups such as Scouts, church groups, libraries, etc., may purchase a membership under the group’s name and enter one team per problem per division in competition. If a group wishes to enter more teams, it may purchase additional memberships.
A community group may not be organized for the purpose of competing in Odyssey of the Mind.
Home-Schooled Students
Home-schooled students can purchase memberships under a home school name. A home school membership may enter one team per problem into competition. Each of these teams must include a minimum of four home-schooled students. Each team may also include up to three students from one other school.
Age Divisions
Teams are formed by division and compete against teams in the same division and problem. The team must compete in the lowest division for which it qualifies. For example, if a team qualifies for Division II, it cannot compete in Division III. The team member in the highest grade determines the team’s division:
- *Primary: Kindergarten to Grade 2
- Division I: Grades K-5
- Division II: Grades 6-8
- Division III: Grades 9-12
*Note: If all team members are in Grade 2 or below, then the team may choose to participate in either the Primary problem or in a Division I problem. The Primary problem is non-competitive and is a great introduction to Odyssey of the Mind for younger children.
Students who are not assigned a grade will have their division determined by the ages of the team members. You can use this online division calculator to determine the division of your team.