Rules

• Teams must consist of 3–5 students from the same school.

• Each team must have an adult coach.

• Teams must have at least 3 students present to compete.

• One adult may only coach one team.

• All required forms and permissions must be submitted by published deadlines

• The Battle consists of multiple rounds of questions based on the official reading list.

• Questions may come from any part of the books, including illustrations, photographs, author notes, and visual details.

• Questions will be read twice.

• Teams will have 30 seconds to quietly discuss and submit their answer after the second reading of the question.

• Answers are submitted as a team.

• All scoring decisions are final.

Participants are expected to:

• Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times

• Compete honestly and fairly

• Respect other teams, volunteers, judges, and staff

• Remain quiet while questions are being read

• Stay seated in designated team areas unless instructed otherwise

• Follow all directions from event volunteers and staff

• Students may not use phones, smart watches, tablets, AI tools, or other electronic devices during competition rounds.

• Coaches may carry phones for emergency communication only.

• Any use of devices that could impact competitive integrity may result in disqualification.

Team shirts, coordinated outfits, school spirit wear, and costumes are encouraged but optional.

Costumes must:

• Be school appropriate

• Follow AACPS dress code expectations

• Avoid masks that fully cover the eyes

• Avoid props resembling weapons

• Avoid oversized props that block seating or create safety concerns

Book titles, author names, and character names may NOT appear on:

• Costumes

• Shirts

• Signs

• Props

• Posters

School names and logos ARE allowed.

A Best Team Costume award will be presented during the event. Judges will prioritize creativity, teamwork, and fun over cost.

Teams are encouraged to create team posters or signs.

Posters may:

• Include team names

• Include original artwork, graphics, emojis, or school spirit themes

• Include student photos

Posters may NOT include:

• Book titles

• Book covers

• Character names

• Authors

• Direct clues related to books on the reading list

The Broadneck Battle of the Books is about more than competition. Teams are expected to:

• Encourage one another

• Include all team members

• Celebrate reading and teamwork

• Win and lose respectfully

• Help create a positive environment for all schools

Any form of cheating, outside assistance, unauthorized materials, or disruption of the event may result in:

• Score deductions

• Removal from a round

• Team disqualification

Event staff and judges reserve the right to make final decisions regarding rules, safety, and competitive integrity.

We are committed to making the event accessible and inclusive for all participants. Families needing accommodations should contact the event team in advance so support can be arranged.

Have fun. Seriously. This event exists to celebrate reading, teamwork, school spirit, and the Broadneck community!