Role of the Coach

This program can not run without volunteer coaches. 

We need you!

What Does the Coach Do?

• Offer guidance and encouragement! OotM is hands on for students and hands off for adults! You teach your team members in grades K-12 how to be open to new ideas, respect and listen to others, and evaluate solutions effectively. (Thinking outside of the box is a must for OMERS!) It’s all about the students’ ideas! 

• Handle logistics such as scheduling meetings and their location(s), assist with completing paperwork and reviewing the OotM Program Guide to make sure the team is following the required guidelines. 

• Work with the parents and kids to gather items needed to solve the long term problem. This could include items in your junk drawer, kids pulling materials from their garage or a trip to the Salvation Army! 

• Attends an initial coaches training and then monthly coaches meetings to gain insight from other coaches and to discuss your team’s progress. 

Time Commitment for Odyssey of the Mind Coaches:

• Each team handles the challenges of a new season (October – March) differently. Meetings are typically held after school, evenings and/or weekends dependent on the coaches’ availability. Teams (K-2) meet once a week and spend most of their time learning the basics of Odyssey and how to work well together. Older students (3-12) with more experience are encouraged to meet more than once a week, especially when competition time is approaching. 

• At each level of competition, the coach needs to ensure that all team members arrive at the designated performance sites on time. Outside Assistance is closely monitored at tournaments, so coaches must also remind parents and other well-meaning adults of the rules to ensure a fun and memorable day for the Odyssey team. 

Benefits of Coaching:

Odyssey coaches gain as much, if not more, than the students on the team. A coach’s preconceived notion of what is possible grows and changes as the team members stretch their minds and imagination. Often-times, coaches continue to volunteer for the program long after their own children graduate because they strongly support the principals emphasized by Odyssey of the Mind.

Do you have questions about the time commitment for coaching or acting as an assistant coach? Please contact us at scotiaootm@gmail.com and we will be happy to help!