We will spell the words from your grade levels during round one and then move on to the next level for round two, if necessary. We will take a 10 minute break between the rounds.

If more than one contestant is still in the competition at the end of two hours, a tie will be declared.

If the given word begins with a capital letter, you must indicate this when you first begin to spell. For example, to spell the word Christmas, you would need to say, “capital C – h – r – i - s – t – m - a – s Christmas”

You must begin spelling the word within 15 seconds. Spellers who do not will be eliminated. You must complete spelling the word within 30 seconds.

Repeat the word before spelling to help the judges make sure that you heard the word correctly. You will not be penalized if you begin spelling without saying the word, but if you spell the wrong word, even correctly, the word will be wrong.

You may begin to spell more than once using the same letters, but once a wrong letter is used, you may not begin again. Remember, you still have only 30 seconds to complete the word.

You should also say the word after spelling so that the judges know when you have completed spelling the word.

The judges reserve the right to ask you to repeat the spelling of a word, if for example, the judges have difficulty hearing you spell the word or if your voice cracks during the spelling.

If the word is spelled correctly, you will return to your seat. If it is not spelled correctly, you will need to return your number necklace and find a seat in the audience.

When two contestants remain, both will be asked to stand at the microphone. Rounds will continue until one speller misspells. At that time, the opponent must spell that word correctly, plus an additional word to win.

If both students misspell the same word, a new word will be given.

The winner must spell two consecutive words correctly.

The decision of the judges is final. The bee will be tape recorded and the recording will be replayed in the event of a dispute.

Parents and other audience members may not coach the contestants during the bee.

Photographs may be taken before and after the bee, but not during competition. Parents may videotape only their child during the bee and from the back of the room.

Audience members are asked to remain from audible reactions.

Please turn off all cell phones and pagers before the bee begins.

We ask that younger siblings remain quiet and in their seats. Loud noises and movement are distractions for the spellers.

Divisions: Grades 1-2 and 3-4

Registration: 9:15 – 9:45 a.m.

Spelling Bee: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Break: 11:00 – 11:10 a.m.

Spelling Bee: 11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Awards Assembly: 12:00 p.m. (or earlier, if the bee ends early)

Divisions: Grades 5–6 and 7-8

Registration: 12:45 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Spelling Bee: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Break: 2:30 p.m. – 2:40 p.m.

Spelling Bee: 2:40 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Awards Assembly: 3:35 p.m. (or earlier, if the bee ends early)