Coach Resources
Learning all there is to start a new team can be overwhelming. If there is not already a membership at your school, start here. You may also consult our glossary to help with terms commonly used.
Here are some resources to help you understand the basics. Of course, reading the "Program Guide" is a must for all coaches, new and experienced alike as rules do change from year to year.
Coaches must sign-up every year to be on their Regional Director’s Mailing List, Facebook page to receive all periodic updates.
Training Materials
Coach Training Materials (video and PDF) are intended for the Coach.
Odyssey Academy is a series of videos to watch with the whole team.
Spontaneous resources including sources for practice problems.
Step-by-Step Information
Coaching a Team
Forming a Team
The Team Parents
The First 5 Team Meetings
How Do Teams Compete?
Preview of Current Problems. You can download the full problems with an active membership, through the Member Area. Contact your OM Coordinator to get access.
Files to download
Updated 09/01/25
PDF: 2025-26 Problem Synopses. (Coaches must use the Member Area to get the full problems).
PDF: The Odyssey of the Mind 2025-26 Program Guide. This is essentially your rule book and it is updated every year. Please read carefully the specific sections on Membership (chapter II) and Program Rules (chapter V). There is an online searchable version as well here. You may like to add this easy Index (coming soon) in your Coach Binder.
PDF: Suggested Lesson Plans for the first 5 Team Meetings (in more detail).
PDF: The Odyssey Passport (coming soon), an interactive planner/guide to help new and seasoned teams and coaches navigate our program in 10 Phases, from the first meeting to competition. (Coaches must use the Member Area to access the download).
PDF: The Coaches Handout (coming soon). This collection of articles contains tips on teaching teamwork, brainstorming, and how to answer the team questions. Also information about Style, Paperwork and several example of Outside Assistance explained.
PDF: Here is a handy guide of Parent Guidelines that we encourage you to pass to all team parents.
Create your team
Follow instructions and timeline to get access to the full long-term problems, create your team, add team members, and later register for competition.