If this is your first year to attend a tournament or you simply want to know more about what happens during tournaments, this page is for you.

Pointers for Your 1st Trip to a
National Mathematics Pentathlon^® Tournament

(click here to download in a printable pdf format)

1. Pentathlete check-in begins at 8:00 AM. (Arrival after 8:30 may result in forfeiture of first game.) Pentathletes should: A) bring the online registration receipt or the registration confirmation postcard that was mailed to each Pentathlete the week prior to tournament to verify the Pentathletes’ registration. (Late registrants will not receive a postcard.) B) pick up the Pentathlete star and a neck cord at the check-in table. The star identifies the order of the five games that each Pentathlete will play. NOTE: Do not pick up any other Pentathletes’ star.
   
2. Adult Game Supervisors should be onsite at 7:30 AM. Supervisors report directly to the assigned game area and checki in with the Game Leader.
   
3. Find your school’s seating section and check in with your adult contact person. Let them know who you are and that you will be competing.
   
4. Listen to ALL announcements and follow directions.
   
5. Parents not supervising games may view the tournament from designated seating areas only and will not be allowed in the game playing areas at any time. Non-supervising adults must stay in the stands (like a basketball game).
   
6. Remember, Pentathletes must play all 5 games. There may be short periods between games to get a snack or practice for the next game.
   
7. Pentathletes are encouraged to check in with their contact person after each game for words of encouragement, praise, and to record scores.
   
8. Be polite to adults and other Pentathletes – shake hands before and after each game.
   
9. NEVER leave the facility. NEVER run in the building. DO NOT play in the stands. Always be VERY quiet during tournament play.
   
10. LUNCH – Expect a half hour lunch break during Divisions III and IV tournaments. There will be no time to leave the facility to get food. Concessions will be available at the tournament. Although students may bring sack lunches, we appreciate your support of the service group that provides concessions at the tournament. No food or drink is allowed on the gym floor. However, supervisors may take bottled water to their tables.
    
11. After the tournament, Pentathletes will be recognized for their efforts that day, receiving a certificate and award.
    
12. Everyone is expected to stay until the end of the ceremony.
    
13. Approximate ending times:
    Div I – 1:00 | Div II – 3:00 | Div III 4:00 | Div IV – 4:30

• Where do I find information and maps to tournaments? Tournament dates, times, maps, etc can be found at www.mathpenath.org in the Tournament Info section.
  
• How do I know my child is officially registered? If students register by the March 1 deadline, they will receive confirmation postcards the week of tournament. To verify your child’s registration you may check with your school’s contact person.
  
• Who may register for a tournament? “Any child” who is well versed in all five divisional games and has an adult willing to supervise may participate in a Math Pentathlon tournament.
  
• Can our school send more supervisors? YES! We encourage schools and clubs to send MORE than the required number of supervisors.