Judges

Every student is capable of a moment of genius, and this moment is not always limited to solving a complex math equation, programming a computer, composing an opus or putting the finishing touches on a beautifully painted masterpiece. This moment refers to the point in a student's' educational journey when they find their inner strength and realize that they are capable of great things. When kids are given the ability to take a risk in an environment where there is no right or wrong; no grades, no standardized tests, their minds flourish and their character shines. Odyssey of the Mind provides kids with that environment and the chance to discover their own genius...that is why Maine Odyssey of the Mind does what it does.

Without the help and dedication for the hundreds of adult volunteers, Maine Odyssey would not be able to provide quality creative problem solving experiences to hundreds of students from around the state. As a judge, you are guaranteed to make an impact on the education journey and provide the most memorable part of the Odyssey experience! Training is essential for all judges since the problems change every year even as a non-scoring position.  We ask all judges attend training each year to receive the most up to date information and learn about multiple roles that may be needed from each and every judge.

Note: Judges will not be able to leave the site they are assigned to during the day. This means judges will not be able to leave at any time to see a team’s performance in another problem during the judging day.

All Judges must:

  • be 18 years or older and high school graduates.
  • attend a training seminar to qualify to judge at a tournament.  
  • judge at at least one regional tournament in order to qualify to judge at the State Tournament

Volunteers

Volunteers are generally parents or family members of a team member.  They will be asked to act as door monitors, help with traffic flow, judge's hospitality, sales or a variety of other roles. Volunteers are asked to for 1-2 hour shifts. We ask that volunteers be registered with the team and the team judge. Maine Odyssey of the Mind will make every effort to ensure that a volunteer will be able to see their team perform.  

In their own words...

"I love Odyssey and I look forward to it every year! Its awesome to be creative with my friends to come up with our solutions and know that we did it together! It makes us really proud"

-Makenna Wheeler, Village Elementary

"Odyssey of the Mind has changed the way I think and has opened me up a completely different way of approaching everything I do. I love the ability to find all the loopholes and come up with a solution that I know no one else has ever thought of. I have been involved in OM for eight years now, I cannot imagine my life without it."

-Avery Arena, Gorham High School