This is a free practice run for registered P4 (balsa problem) teams who have never been to tournament before or for experienced teams who wish to test weight held for one or more of their structures. Some or all members of a team can participate.

You will not practice any performance part or weigh-in - only the weight placement until crushing (sections B13-B14 of the long term problem).. Teams can bring multiple structures to test-crush. Teams will participate as they arrive within their specified one-hour slot. Partial teams can attend; team members must follow same rules as defined in problem for weight placement and adult assist. Closed toed shoes are required. Eye protection will be provided.

Note: Even if you do not have a structure ready for crushing, first time teams are welcome to sign-up for a quick show of the experience.

We will open more timeslots to accommodate all teams as needed, after each hour fills.

EVERYONE IS INVITED!! Join us on Thursday, November 20th at 7:30 PM for our monthly Association Training Workshop. This workshop will focus on Spontaneous. Coaches, team members, parents, problem captains, volunteers, and any Texas association members are invited to attend. There will be prizes!

Topic: AD MONTHLY WORKSHOP
Time: Nov 20, 2025 07:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
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Passcode: 771639

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TRACK A:

This free event is primarily geared for coaches to learn strategies and practice with multiple teams. It is strongly recommended for beginner coaches, co-coaches or other parents. The format will be a training session and discussion first. Then participants will be broken into small groups and assigned a problem. You will be “judging” multiple teams who are rotating between problems. The value you take home is that you observe how it happens at tournament; you have the opportunity to watch teams other than your own. Coaches must come alone. If your team participates, they must be escorted by a separate chaperone .

Coaches sign-up here.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct 25th - 8:30 am to 1:30 pm

WHERE: Spring ISD Transportation Center, 341 E Richey Rd, Houston, TX 77073 (west of IAH)

This training session is for late-starters but anyone can join! First year, second year and experienced coaches are welcome. Advance sign-up here is strongly recommended, to receive information and handouts..

Join us for Coach’s Training and learn step by step how to prepare your team for competition. New and Veteran coaches are encouraged to attend.

Technology permitting, the North TX Coach Training will support remote connectivity.

Sign-up here for registration. Access link will be shared closer to the time.

Join us for Coach’s Training and learn step by step how to prepare your team for competition. New and Veteran coaches are encouraged to attend.

Sign-up here for registration.

WHEN: Saturday, Sept 27th - 8:30 am to 1:30 pm

WHERE: Presbyterian School, 40 Oakdale St, Houston, TX 77006 (Museum District)

First year, second year and experienced coaches are welcome. Advance sign-up here is requested, to receive information and handouts. We cannot exceed a certain capacity due to planned hands-on exercices.

WHEN: Tuesday, September 26th from 7:30 – 8:30pm

WHERE: Online

Odyssey of the Mind Orientation session for New Parents and Teachers. We explain what Odyssey of the Mind is and how teams are formed. Live webinar. Sign-up here for access details and handouts.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 3rd from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm

WHERE: Online - Google Meet

Odyssey of the Mind Orientation session for New Parents and Teachers. We explain what Odyssey of the Mind is and how teams are formed. Live webinar. Sign-up here for access details and handouts.

This video conference session serves as a Q&A for teams advancing to World Finals at MSU in E. Lansing, MI. It will be hosted by Lilian Wannall, Chair of our TX World Finals Committee, and Suzanne Rieter, TXOM Association Director.

https://join.freeconferencecall.com/TXOM

We recommend you connect from a computer/laptop or tablet to view the presentation. If you are in a team/family party, consider adding an external speaker.

Dial-in Number: (712) 770-5505, Access Code: 326-805

Before the Q&A session, we invite coaches and team parents to read the preliminary information published on our website regarding preparations and costs.

The Team Mixer is a free open social event for all local and traveling teams to mingle and have fun before the State competition. Pizza, drinks, face painting, dancing and games.

WHERE: Fine Arts Building grounds (#15), outdoors.

WHEN: Friday 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Free for team members and up to two coaches. We will open rsvp mid-March.

Guests are welcome to join (a nominal $12 fee applies for additional food tickets). No rsvp necessary.

Join us for a conference call with a full walk-through of procedures and what to expect this year at the State competition. No rsvp needed, we recommend both new and returning coaches to attend as every competition site is different.

If you plan to join by phone only, please download and print the latest version of the Tournament Information Packet (“TIP”) one hour before.

Join the online meeting: https://join.freeconferencecall.com/TXOM

All Teams that intend to participate in a Regional tournament must ensure that their tournament fee is PAID on or before the deadline of January 15th.

Specific instructions are available here.

Topic: Unleash your Creative Flair, Finding Odyssey Style

When: December 17, 2024 • 7:00pm Central
Where: Zoom
Topic: Delve into an exciting aspect of Odyssey of the Mind--developing and showcasing your team’s unique style! Style is a key part of what makes Odyssey so creative and fun—it's your team's chance to shine by showing off your personality, talents, and creative flair.
Register Here in advance

Join us for the next OMER Talks!

Submit questions at registration or bring with you to OMER Talks. If you're unable to attend, submit questions to omertalksootm@gmail.com and watch the recording for responses. Recordings will be available in the Member Area.

Note: You should NOT ask questions specific to your team solution in an open forum - only in Clarifications.

General deadline to register your team for our Regional Competitions. This is the last date for late starting teams to be automatically accepted. After the deadline, late teams are accepted at the discretion of the Regional Director.

In general, teams should register their roster as soon as they start discussing the long term solution.

Topic: Spontaneous Secrets

Dive deep into the problems of the 2024-25 season and the resources that help a team discover and clarify along the creative journey.
Register Here in advance

Join us for the next OMER Talks!

Speakers will include:

• Kayce Caugh, International Problem Captain for Spontaneous

• Alumni and Officials that have been in the room!

There will be Q&A on Spontaneous, Spontaneous problems and resources available to teams. Submit questions at registration or bring with you to OMER Talks. If you're unable to attend, submit questions to omertalksootm@gmail.com and watch the recording for responses. Recordings will be available in the Member Area.

Note: You should NOT ask questions specific to your team solution in an open forum - only in Clarifications.

All Annual Memberships must be renewed/purchased by 11/1/24 for Texas. A Membership in good standing has access to all online materials for their teams (including current year problems, program guide, team registration, etc.).

Note: Memberships are renewed and paid at the National Organization (CCI), whereas the tournament fees are paid at the local Texas Association. Please do not issue/send payment to the wrong location.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct 12th, 2024 from 4 pm to 6 pm.

WHERE: online via instructor-led webinar. Computer or tablet recommended.

First year, second year and experienced coaches are welcome. Sign-up here.

This is a condensed version of Coach Training. We will send links of separate videos that you must watch on your own to complete your training.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 1st from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm

WHERE: This session is now canceled. Signup below to receive a link to the recording.

Odyssey of the Mind Orientation session for New Parents and Teachers. We explain what Odyssey of the Mind is and how teams are formed. Live webinar. Sign-up here for access details and handouts.

If you plan to volunteer your time coaching an Odyssey of the Mind team this year, you don’t want to miss this training! First Year, Second Year and Seasoned Coaches are all welcome.

11AM Bring your Lunch

We will provide drinks and dessert!

September 28, 2024

The Clariden School

100 Clariden Ranch Road Southlake, TX 76092

For more information, please contact Sandy Sook northtxodyssey@gmail.com

Members of the Odyssey of the Mind Community are invited to our first Association meeting of the year. We discuss preparations for the new season, changes to be expected, tournament plans. Coaches, Parents, Judges, Alumni are all welcome who would like to hear about or get involved in the administration of our program.

For more information or to receive an early link to the meeting, please email directors@txodyssey.org.

Agenda and other documents will be posted here soon for review prior to the meeting.

The Odyssey of the Mind - Texas Association invites the general OM public to attend our next Assocation meeting on Sunday, March 24th, 2024 from 10 am to noon. Doors open at 9:45 am.

Location: TWU, Arts and Sciences, Second floor, Room 207

Topics include:

• Review of the State competition

• Preparations for the World Finals competition at Iowa State University

• Vote for three open Board positions (Association Director, Jr., Treasurer and Secretary).

• Detailed agenda will be published on the website one week before.
  

The Awards Ceremony is an exciting event that culminates in the recognition of all participating teams and coaches. The top TWO ranking teams in each problem and division will be recognized and advance to the World Finals 3-day competition in Ames, IA.

WHERE: Southwest Ballroom, Student Union, 2nd Floor

WHEN: Saturday, March 23rd at 6 pm

The ceremony is will be followed by a short briefing on World Finals for teams and families.