TBQ Rules Browser
Purpose and Use of the Bible Quiz Rules
Numbered rules are not a list of options to choose from unless the rule indicates otherwise.
p.4Numbered or lettered rules are not a specified hierarchy (e.g., rule 1 is not more important than rule 5 and "a" is not more important than "b"). In some cases, a chronological order must be followed to the conclusion of that rule or rules.
p.4In many situations, several rules must be considered together in order to make a just ruling.
p.4Any reference to a quizzer buzzing in, answering, being at the quiz table, etc., refers to an active quizzer.
p.4Examples are not all-inclusive but give guidance regarding proper use of the rules.
p.4Definitions in the glossary are fully enforceable rules. Glossary words are italicized throughout the rules.
p.4Match Guidelines
Team Privileges and Restrictions
Teams must comply with the schedule set by the coordinator or risk forfeiting the affected matches.
p.5A designated head coach, assistant coach, or captain must remain so for the entire match.
p.5At the beginning of each match, a quizzer is either active or inactive.
p.5One to three active eligible quizzers may be at the quiz table to begin the match. Coaches and inactive quizzers should be seated behind active quizzers.
p.5Both teams may replace active quizzers during a time-out. The head coach should announce that a new active quizzer has entered the match when the time-out is completed.
p.5If the captain quizzes out, strikes out, or fouls out:
p.5They may be replaced by an eligible quizzer and remain at the table. (The Quizmaster decides where the captain will sit at the table, and their quiz pad will be removed or placed away from them.)
p.5They are still considered an active quizzer with the same privileges and restrictions as active quizzers while at the table.
p.5The head coach may choose to have the captain sit behind the active quizzers. In this case, the captain becomes an inactive quizzer and will not have the same privileges and restrictions as active quizzers.
p.5If a quizzer quizzes out, strikes out, or fouls out, the head coach may immediately replace that quizzer with an inactive eligible quizzer without using a time-out.
p.5Communication during a match is restricted as follows, and violation of these rules will result in a foul:
p.5Verbal communication is only allowed per the rules for conferring, contesting, responding, and time-outs.
p.5All coaches and inactive quizzers may non-verbally communicate at any time among themselves, as long as they do not hinder the match.
p.5No form of communication is allowed among active quizzers or among active quizzers and team members (except as permitted under rules for conferring, contesting, responding, and time-outs).
p.5Communication is not allowed among team members and the audience at any time during the match.
p.5Active quizzers are permitted only closed Scripture Portions on the table and may open them only during conferring, contesting, responding, and time-outs. Other materials within the Scripture Portion or on the table are permitted only during conferring, contesting, responding, and time-outs.
p.5Coaches and inactive quizzers are permitted full use of Scripture Portions, Bibles, and Bible Quiz-related materials.
p.5Electronic Equipment
Electronic quiz equipment must be used for all matches, and each eligible quizzer at the table will have a quiz pad. Quizzers must activate the pad (buzz in) with either their hand(s) or arm(s).
p.5Audio and video equipment may be used to record a match but must first be approved by both the Quizmaster and the head coach of both teams. For matches during official competition, permission to use this equipment must also be obtained from the National Bible Quiz Coordinator.
p.5Audio and video materials are not permitted to be listened to or viewed by the teams or the officials during the match.
p.5Other electronic devices may be used to record the score and other Bible Quiz-related data if they do not create a hindrance as determined by the Quizmaster.
p.5Scoring, Quiz Outs, Strike Outs, and Foul Outs
Each match consists of a set of twenty questions containing eight 10-point questions, nine 20-point questions, and three 30-point questions.
p.6Each quizzer correctly answering a question is awarded the full point value. After answering five questions correctly, a quizzer quizzes out and is awarded twenty bonus points.
p.6Each quizzer incorrectly answering a question will lose half of the point value of the question. After answering three questions incorrectly, a quizzer strikes out.
p.6An active quizzer receiving a foul loses five points. After receiving three fouls, a quizzer has fouled out.
p.6A team loses five points for each foul received by a coach, assistant coach, or inactive quizzer.
p.6Question Reading, Interrupting, and Answering
Immediately after "Question" is called and during the reading of the question, the hands of all active quizzers must be above the table with palms down and in contact with the table, pad, or other hand.
p.6A quizzer should not buzz in during the opening remarks of the question.
p.6If the Quizmaster misreads the question, follow Rule 5 from "Officials Guidelines," pages 9-10.
p.6Quizzers have five seconds to buzz in after the Quizmaster finishes reading the question.
p.6When a tie is indicated between quizzers on the same team, the head coach will choose which quizzer will answer.
p.6A quizzer who buzzes in should not begin to answer before being identified. Any information given before being identified must be disregarded.
p.6After the quizzer who buzzes in is identified, they have thirty seconds to complete the question (if interrupted) and give the answer.
p.6A question is interrupted when:
p.6The quizzer buzzes in during or after the first sound of the first word of the question, following the Introductory Remarks.
p.6The quizzer buzzes in before the first sound of the last word of the question (except for Quotation Completion Questions or Essence Completion Questions).
p.6The quizzer buzzes in before the first sound of the Scripture in a Quotation Completion Question or Essence Completion Question.
p.6If a question is interrupted, the Quizmaster will immediately stop reading and call "Interruption."
p.6If a quizzer buzzes in during or after the first sound of the last word of the question, including the last word of the Scripture in a Scripture Text Question, Quotation Completion Question, or Essence Completion Question, the Quizmaster will finish that word.
p.6If a quizzer buzzes in between the first sound and the last word of the Scripture in a Quotation Completion Question or Essence Completion Question, the Quizmaster will immediately stop reading. ("Interruption" will not be called.)
p.6If the Quizmaster or a Judge fails to call "Interruption" before the quizzer who buzzed in is identified and begins answering, then the quizzer does not have to complete the question.
p.6If the answer is ruled incorrect, either team may call "Point of Order" before the reading of the next question to determine if the question was interrupted.
p.6The Quizmaster and Judges will consult, and if they agree, the question will be reread to the opposing team.
p.6An interrupted question that was initially ruled incorrect will be reread to the opposing team unless the question was being read to only one team. This must occur before any confer, contest, or time-out is granted.
p.6If the Quizmaster fails to reread an interrupted question (e.g., question 5) and proceeds to the next question (e.g., question 6), either team may call a "Point of Order" between the conclusion of that question and answer (e.g., question 6) and the calling of the next question (e.g., question 7). The question (e.g. question 5) must then be reread.
p.7When an interrupted question was initially ruled correct and is later ruled incorrect due to a contest, the following rules apply:
p.7The Quizmaster will read the entire question for both teams to listen to only. Then,
p.7The team ruled incorrect has the right to confer and may contest before a substitute question is read to the opposing team. Either team may contest validity. Then,
p.7If following all contesting there is no change concerning the validity of the question or the correctness of the answer, the Quizmaster will read a substitute question to the opposing team.
p.7Conferring
A quizzer may confer for thirty seconds with all active quizzers and the head coach. Only the quizzer whose answer is ruled incorrect may request permission to confer following any necessary rereading of the question.
p.7The confer must take place at the table and the head coach may bring any materials to use during the confer. Any active quizzer may verbally request for the head coach to join the confer.
p.7If two quizzers from opposing teams are both ruled incorrect, both may receive permission to confer at the same time.
p.7Time-outs
A thirty-second time-out may be requested by any team member between the conclusion of a question and before the next question is called. It will not be granted until all conferring and contesting is completed.
p.7Each team will be granted only three team time-outs.
p.7All members of both teams are allowed to verbally communicate during a time-out.
p.7If a tie exists at the end of a match, the Quizmaster will reopen the match and declare a one-minute time-out for both teams. Remaining team time-outs may not be used in overtime.
p.7Fouls
Each foul is a loss of five points. There is no limit to the number of fouls a team can receive. Assessed fouls remain even if the question on which it occurred is later voided or ruled invalid. (The exception is a foul assessed during the rereading of an interrupted question originally ruled incorrect on which the Quizmaster and Judges later reverse their decision.)
p.7Individual Quizzer Fouls
A quizzer buzzes in during the opening remarks of the question.
p.7A quizzer begins to answer before being identified.
p.7A quizzer begins to answer when another quizzer was identified. (For the exception, see Rule 9b from "Officials Guidelines," page 10.)
p.7An active quizzer gives help to a member of their team who has buzzed in.
p.7An active quizzer improperly communicates. If two or more quizzers are communicating, each will be assessed a foul.
p.7An active quizzer has an open Scripture Portion and/or other material at the table or within the Scripture Portion (except during conferring, contesting, responding, or time-outs).
p.7The Quizmaster and Judges determine by a majority vote that flagrant hand or body movement by an active quizzer was an attempt to distract the opposing team, draw the opposing team into reacting, or signal their teammates.
p.8The Quizmaster and Judges determine by a majority vote that an active quizzer expressed an un-Christlike or unsportsmanlike attitude.
p.8Team Fouls
A coach or inactive quizzer improperly communicates.
p.8The presenter of the contest or response does not stop at the calling of "time."
p.8A coach or inactive quizzer gives help to an active quizzer on their team.
p.8A team contests with the intent of solely using it as a time-out.
p.8The Quizmaster and Judges determine by a majority vote that a coach or inactive quizzer expressed an un-Christlike or unsportsmanlike attitude.
p.8Conclusion of the Match
When the match is "officially closed," both teams may communicate quietly until the score is read or until the match is reopened in the event of a tie.
p.8Contesting is not allowed after the match is declared closed.
p.8During the official score announcement, teams should check for errors and notify the Quizmaster if any are found. If a head coach fails to challenge the score during this time, they cannot do so later.
p.8Overtime
In the event of a tie after the twentieth question, the match will go into sudden death overtime. The Quizmaster will announce that the match is "officially reopened" and then declare a one-minute time-out.
p.8Following the time-out, as many ten-point substitute questions will be read as needed to break the tie.
p.8The overtime question(s) will be taken from the unused ten-point substitute questions from the current or previous question set(s).
p.8An interrupted overtime question answered incorrectly must be reread to the opposing team.
p.8Once overtime is declared, any foul occurring before or during the reading of any overtime question is considered part of that question, and the overtime question is still read.
p.8Officials Guidelines
The Officials for each match should include one Quizmaster (who also serves as a Judge), two Judges, one Scorekeeper (may be one of the Judges), and one Timekeeper (may be one of the Judges).
p.9Quizmaster
General Duties
Supervise the quiz room, read the questions, serve as a Judge, and grant a confer, contest, or time-out.
p.9Review the questions if time permits before each match. If an error is found in the question set, the following rules apply:
p.9If an Introductory Remark is inaccurate or if a spelling or reference error is found, correct it.
p.9If the question itself needs to be rewritten or reworded, or if there is a point value error, a substitute question of equal/correct value must be used.
p.9Identify the quizzer who buzzes in, or appoint an official to do so.
p.9Call an official time-out to handle special situations which are not generally part of the match (e.g., official score error, illness, etc.), and determine if teams will be allowed to communicate verbally.
p.9Opening the Match
Confirm that the correct teams are present; have the quizzers test their quiz pads and introduce themselves; identify the head coach, assistant coaches, captain, and inactive quizzers on each team.
p.9Request that all cell phones and electronic devices be silenced.
p.9Introduce the officials, facilitate prayer, and then declare the match "officially open."
p.9Duties During the Match
The Quizmaster will begin each question by announcing "Question" (not written on the page), "Question number ___ for ___ points."
p.9The Quizmaster will read each question in its entirety unless it is interrupted (including reread, substitute, and overtime questions).
p.9The Quizmaster should read loudly, clearly, and without pausing for punctuation (being consistent in their reading style).
p.9If a quizzer buzzes in during the opening remarks of the question, the Quizmaster will:
p.9Assess a foul immediately.
p.9Reread the question for the same team(s). Interruption of the question is permitted.
p.9The Judges will listen carefully to the reading of the question and should immediately call "misread" if the Quizmaster misreads the question.
p.9If the Quizmaster misreads a question but catches the mistake and stops, or if a Judge calls "misread," the Quizmaster and Judges will consult to determine if the key word(s) of the question was read.
p.9If the key word(s) was not read, the question will be reread.
p.9If the key word(s) was read, the question will be voided and a substitute question will be read. If the question was being read to only one team, it will not be voided, but will be read again.
p.10The Quizmaster will proceed to the next question if a quizzer does not buzz in within five seconds after the last word of the question.
p.10The Quizmaster will follow the procedures below for all questions:
p.10If a quizzer buzzes in before the first sound of the last word of the question, the Quizmaster will immediately stop reading, even in the middle of the word, and call "Interruption."
p.10For a Quotation Completion Question or Essence Completion Question, if a quizzer buzzes in during or after the first sound of the Scripture but before the first sound of the last word of the Scripture, the Quizmaster will immediately stop reading, even in the middle of the word. "Interruption" will not be called.
p.10If a quizzer buzzes in during or after the first sound of the last word of the question, the Quizmaster will finish that word. (Hyphenated words are considered one word, including numbers pronounced as a hyphenated word, such as 27 [twenty-seven].)
p.10If a quizzer who buzzes in begins to respond prior to any identification, the Quizmaster or a Judge should immediately stop the quizzer; and:
p.10Any information given before the quizzer is identified must be disregarded.
p.10The quizzer will be properly identified and then the time will be reset for thirty seconds.
p.10A foul must be assessed after the answer is ruled correct or incorrect.
p.10If an official identifies a quizzer who did not buzz in, the Quizmaster or a Judge should immediately identify the quizzer who did buzz in and then reset the time.
p.10If the incorrectly identified quizzer begins to answer, no foul will be assessed, the question will be voided, and a substitute question will be read to the team who buzzed in.
p.10If the quizzer who originally buzzed in begins to answer before being correctly identified, no foul will be assessed. Rule 8 from "Officials Guidelines" on page 10 will not be applied.
p.10If a quizzer who did not buzz in and was not identified begins to respond, the Quizmaster or a Judge should immediately stop the quizzer and assess a foul; and
p.10If the quizzer was on the same team as the quizzer who buzzed in, the answer will be counted as incorrect for the quizzer who committed the foul (with no confer allowed). Then the question, interrupted or not, will be reread to the team which did not commit the foul, unless it was being read to only one team.
p.10If the quizzer was on the opposing team, the question, interrupted or not, will be reread to the team which did not commit the foul.
p.10If a quizzer who buzzes in receives help from a member on their team:
p.10The answer will be counted as incorrect for the quizzer who buzzed in.
p.10A team or individual foul will be assessed to the team member who committed the foul.
p.10The question, interrupted or not, will be reread to the opposing team, unless it was being read to only one team.
p.10If the Quizmaster fails to call "Interruption," a Judge should do so before the quizzer who buzzed in is identified.
p.10The Quizmaster and Judges will listen to the question completion (if interrupted) and answer, noting differences from the official question, and base their decision on the answer given, the rules, and the requirements of the question and/or answer. They should use the question writer's notes and underlining only as supplemental information to help determine the correctness of the answer.
p.10The Quizmaster and Judges may check a Scripture Portion prior to calling an answer correct or incorrect only if there is a need to verify one of the following:
p.11The answer to the official question (e.g., possible typographical errors, etc.).
p.11Where the three-verse context begins and ends.
p.11Where a verse begins and ends.
p.11The phrasing used by the quizzer in the completion of an interrupted question.
p.11Unless the Quizmaster is certain that the completion of a question and/or answer is correct or incorrect, it should never be called "correct" or "incorrect" before the calling of "time."
p.11If a Judge believes a Quizmaster erred in a decision, the Judge should quietly ask the Quizmaster for a Judges' ruling. The normal voting procedure will then take place.
p.11If the Quizmaster requests that the Judges assist with a ruling or a Judge has asked for a Judges' ruling, they will immediately vote independently without discussion.
p.11This vote is based on: the completion of the question (if interrupted); the answer given by the quizzer; the answer on the official question; the rules; and the requirements of the question and/or answer.
p.11Using a coin, they will select heads for correct and tails for incorrect, revealing their decision simultaneously. The majority vote will stand as the ruling, and the Quizmaster will announce the result.
p.11When only a Quizmaster and one Judge are present in a room and there is a split vote, the Quizmaster and Judge may discuss their vote and then vote again. The final decision is made by the Quizmaster (the Quizmaster can use their own vote or the Judge's vote).
p.11The Quizmaster will reread to the opposing team an interrupted question that was ruled incorrect, unless the question was being read to only one team.
p.11The Quizmaster will pause between questions to give teams the opportunity to request a confer, contest, or time-out. Before granting a time-out, the Quizmaster should ask both teams if they would like to contest.
p.11Following a confer by quizzers from opposing teams, the Quizmaster should:
p.11Ask the team who responded to the question first if they would like to contest.
p.11Following that contest or decline to contest, ask the opposing team if they would like to contest.
p.11Fouls should be called by the Quizmaster or Judges as close as possible to the infraction of the rule, but in such a way as not to hinder the proper flow of the match. They must not assess a foul while the quizzer is answering a question or when a team is preparing or presenting a contest or response. A foul should be assessed at the conclusion of either situation.
p.11The Quizmaster and Judges will not keep a running score unless a Scorekeeper is unavailable. They should not look at the official score during the match if a Scorekeeper is available.
p.11Closing the Match
Ask both teams if they would like to contest, and if they decline, then declare the match "officially closed." The Quizmaster may reopen the match only if it is tied.
p.12Facilitate the reading of the following items from the official score in a similar fashion as below, correcting all scoring discrepancies (this must be done before either team leaves the room).
p.12"The individual second high scorer with ___ points is (quizzer's name)."
p.12"The individual high scorer with ___ points is (quizzer's name)."
p.12All other individual points should then be announced.
p.12"The final score is (first place team) with ___ points and (second place team) with ___ points."
p.12Scorekeeper
Record the running individual and team score, which includes:
p.12Adding the full point value of the question for each correct answer.
p.12Deducting half the point value of the question for each incorrect answer.
p.12Adding twenty bonus points for each quizzer who answers five questions correctly.
p.12Deducting five points for each team or individual foul.
p.12Circle the question number of each interrupted question.
p.12Record the time-outs and notify the Quizmaster if a team requests a fourth team time-out.
p.12Record the Contests, indicating whether each is successful or unsuccessful (which is denoted by drawing a slash through the "Contest" mark) and notify the Quizmaster if a team has accumulated a third unsuccessful Contest.
p.12Notify the Quizmaster if any quizzer has answered five questions correctly ("quiz out"), answered three questions incorrectly ("strike out"), or received three fouls ("foul out").
p.12At the conclusion of the match, give the score to the Quizmaster.
p.12Disclose the official score during the match only when requested to do so by the Quizmaster.
p.12Timekeeper
Give the quizzers five seconds to buzz in after the Quizmaster finishes reading the question.
p.12Give the quizzer who buzzes in thirty seconds to answer after the quizzer is identified by an official (not when the quizzer buzzes in), or after the head coach has designated which quizzer will answer in the case of a tie.
p.12Give a quizzer thirty seconds to confer. Time begins after the Quizmaster grants the confer.
p.12Give a team initiating a contest two minutes and thirty seconds to prepare and present their contest. Time begins after the Quizmaster grants the contest and should be handled as follows:
p.12First, start a thirty-second timer and allow it to continue until it expires, then,
p.12If the contesting team continues the contest, start a two-minute timer.
p.12Upon completion of the initial contest, give the opposing team one minute for their response. Time begins after the Quizmaster recognizes the responding team.
p.12Give thirty seconds for a time-out. Time begins after the Quizmaster grants the time-out.
p.12Give a one-minute time-out after it is declared by the Quizmaster at the beginning of overtime.
p.12If the quiz equipment is not being used to keep time, call "time" loudly when time is expired.
p.13The Timekeeper's actions involving the starting and calling of "time" are matters of judgment and cannot be contested.
p.13It is acceptable for the official time to be kept by a countdown timer built into the quiz equipment or by a stand-alone countdown timer. The sound made by the equipment may be used to replace the calling of "time" by the Timekeeper.
p.13Answering Guidelines
What Makes an Answer Correct
The answer contains the information required by the question. (See "Question and Answer Requirements" for the specific information required for the type of question and/or answer.)
p.14The first answer given completely contains the information required even though additional, irrelevant (cannot be counted as correct, but it's not incorrect) information is given during the answer, or incorrect information is given after the required answer was completed.
p.14Mispronunciations of any word (especially proper names of individuals and geographical locations) are still recognizable as the information required.
p.14Answers for a Give a Complete Answer, Essence Question, or Essence Completion Question contain all the phrases, clauses, and/or key words required. The answer does not have to be a perfect quotation.
p.14The answers are given in any order when the question does not require a certain order.
p.14A quizzer gives the answer in their own words if the words they use mean the same thing.
p.14Quotation Questions and Quotation Completion Questions (Correct)
The quizzer follows all the applicable guidelines for "What Makes an Answer Correct."
p.14The answer to a Quotation Question or Quotation Completion Question is a perfect quotation. Once the answer is correctly quoted, any additional Scripture quoted will not be incorrect.
p.14In answering a Quotation Completion Question, the quizzer perfectly quotes the remainder of the Scripture, from the point where the Quizmaster stopped reading to the end of the answer required. The quizzer may also choose to quote any part or all the portion of the Scripture read by the Quizmaster but must also perfectly quote this portion.
p.14In a Quotation Question requiring more than one verse, the quizzer perfectly quotes each verse as a whole in any order unless the question requires a certain order.
p.14It is acceptable for quizzers to give a chapter and/or verse number before quoting a verse even when it is not required by the question; however, it must be accurate.
p.14Chapter Analysis Answers (Correct)
The quizzer follows all the applicable guidelines for "What Makes an Answer Correct."
p.15For questions labeled with the Chapter Analysis Answer Introductory Remark, the quizzer gives only the Chapter Analysis answers required by the question.
p.15For questions requiring Chapter Analysis individuals and/or geographical locations: a quizzer may include the correct title of an individual or geographical location (e.g., Lord Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, King David, etc.). A quizzer may include irrelevant connecting words between individuals and/or geographical locations.
p.15For any type of question requiring a Chapter Analysis question, exclamation, parenthetical statement, and/or Old Testament Scripture in their entirety, the quizzer gives all the phrases, clauses, and/or key words of the required Chapter Analysis answers. The answer does not have to be a perfect quotation.
p.15When a question requires Chapter Analysis answers with non-chapter analysis answers, the quizzer gives the basic information required for the type of question and/or answer and follows the chapter analysis rules above.
p.15Interrupted Questions (Correct)
The completion of an interrupted question is correct when it: requires the same answer as the official question; does not contain incorrect information; agrees with the Introductory Remarks of the official question; and asks the same basic question containing at least the essential parts of the question, though not necessarily in the same words as the official question.
p.15If a quizzer interrupts a Quotation Completion Question or an Essence Completion Question before the word "quote," the quizzer must finish the question up to the word "quote" but does not have to include the word "quote." If a quizzer interrupts on the word "quote," the quizzer only needs to perfectly quote or give in essence the Scripture completion per the requirements of the Introductory Remark.
p.15If a quizzer interrupts a Quotation Question, the quizzer does not have to use the word "quote" to complete the question (the words "give," "say," etc., can be used to complete the question).
p.16When completing an interrupted Scripture Text Question, the quizzer does not have to say the word "quote" and only needs to give the Scripture in essence to finish the question.
p.16If a quizzer interrupts a question before or in the middle of a section title found in the question itself, the quizzer only needs to give the section title in essence.
p.16What Makes an Answer Incorrect
The answer fails to comply with the rules for "What Makes an Answer Correct."
p.16A quizzer fails to speak loudly or clearly enough for the Quizmaster and/or Judges to hear.
p.16The answer was not accurately completed before time ends (time ends at the initial sound of the calling of "time" or the initial sound made by the timer). The Quizmaster and Judges must disregard any word, syllable, or letter of the alphabet given after time ends.
p.16Incorrect information is given before the answer is completed.
p.16The answer is given by the quizzer who did not buzz in and was not identified and they are on the same team as the quizzer who did buzz in.
p.16The answer is given by the quizzer who buzzes in, and they received help from a member of their team.
p.16In a Give a Complete Answer, Essence Question, or Essence Completion Question, obvious information from another verse is given before the completion of the required answer.
p.16The answer to a Scripture Text Question is given from outside the three-verse context or from outside of the extended context required by the Introductory Remarks or the question itself.
p.16The quizzer incorrectly pairs the parts of the question with their answers.
p.16Quotation Questions and Quotation Completion Questions (Incorrect)
Any word, syllable, or letter of the alphabet is omitted, repeated, added, or changed in the perfect quotation.
p.16A quizzer incorrectly gives the chapter and/or verse number prior to quoting the verse or incorrectly gives the reference as required by the question.
p.16Chapter Analysis Answers (Incorrect)
For individuals and/or geographical locations, the quizzer gives incorrect information (anything other than the correct title and/or irrelevant connecting words) before the required answer is completed.
p.16For questions labeled with the Chapter Analysis Answer Introductory Remark requiring a question, exclamation, parenthetical statement, and/or Old Testament Scripture, a quizzer gives incorrect information or additional information outside the required Chapter Analysis answers before the required answer is completed.
p.16For any type of question requiring a Chapter Analysis question, exclamation, parenthetical statement, and/or Old Testament Scripture in their entirety as part of the required answer, the quizzer does not give all the phrases, clauses, and/or key words for those Chapter Analysis answers found within the required answer.
p.16A quizzer includes an interjected phrase(s) before, in the middle of, or at the end of a Chapter Analysis required answer with their correct answer.
p.16Interrupted Questions (Incorrect)
The completion of an interrupted question is incorrect when it does not require the same answer as the official question, contains incorrect information, does not agree with the Introductory Remarks of the official question, and/or does not ask the same basic question.
p.17The quizzer gives an answer before correctly completing the question.
p.17Question and Answer Requirements
Validity
A question is invalid if it contains incorrect information or if it violates one of the rules for "Question and Answer Requirements."
p.18Question Introductory Remarks
Statement and Question: A Statement gives additional information upon which to base the question. The required answer must be based on both the statement and the question. The Statement is part of the overall question and may be interrupted.
p.19Two-Part Question (Three-Part Question, etc.): A multiple part question has two or more distinct questions that require separate answers.
p.19Scripture Text Question: A Scripture Text Question contains the word "quote" followed by a quotation from the Scripture and requires the answer(s) to be associated with the Scripture text given. The required answer must come from the three-verse context.
p.19Application Question: An Application Question requires answers that are not necessarily found in the material being studied about the author, history, doctrine, or other related topics.
p.20Quotation Question: A Quotation Question requires a perfect quotation as an answer from a complete verse or verses. For XP5 and Contender Divisions, all quotes must come only from marked verses.
p.20Quotation Completion Question: A Quotation Completion Question requires a perfect quotation as an answer that must be completed from a verse(s), sentence(s), question(s), saying(s), etc. It must not be asked after question 17 or in overtime.
p.20Essence Question: An Essence Question requires a verse or verses to be given in essence. For XP5 and Contender Divisions, any verse can be required.
p.21Essence Completion Question: An Essence Completion Question requires a completion to a verse(s), sentence(s), question(s), saying(s), etc. in essence.
p.21Answer Introductory Remarks
Two-Part Answer (Three-Part Answer, etc.): A multiple part answer Introductory Remark requires multiple answers and should be used when the question requires more answers than there are parts in the question.
p.21Give a Complete Answer: A Give a Complete Answer Introductory Remark may be used only when each required answer(s) contains a phrase(s), clause(s), or multiple key words.
p.21Chapter Analysis Answer: A Chapter Analysis Answer Introductory Remark indicates that the Chapter Analysis listed in the Scripture Portion will be used as the required answer to each part of the question.
p.22Location Introductory Remarks
Consecutive Verses: A Consecutive Verses Introductory Remark indicates that the required answer(s) occurs in consecutive verses. Must be used when the required answer(s) comes from two or more consecutive verses.
p.22Separate Verses: A Separate Verses Introductory Remark indicates that the required answer occurs in more than one separate verse or in a combination of separate and consecutive verses.
p.23Scripture Location: The following Introductory Remarks can be used in referring to the location in Scripture from which the question and/or answer will come: From Book(s), From Chapter(s), From the Section(s) Title(d), From Book(s) Chapter(s), From the Section(s) of Book(s) and/or Chapter(s) Title(d).
p.23Corrective Procedures
Point of Order
Any member of a team may state "Point of Order," wait to be recognized by the Quizmaster, and state the "Point of Order." If the Quizmaster determines that a "Point of Order" is proper, they will correct the situation.
p.26Contesting
General Rules Regarding Contesting
Each team is allowed a maximum of three unsuccessful contests. Any further contests by that team will not be permitted.
p.26A contest will not be permitted after the Quizmaster calls the next question, grants a time-out, or officially closes the match.
p.26Contesting is permitted on the following three issues: (a) To challenge the validity of the question (Application Questions are exempt from validity contests). (b) To void the question. (c) To change the decision of the Quizmaster and/or Judges concerning the correctness of the completion of the question and/or answer.
p.26Each team is limited to two contests per question. One on the validity issue, and one on either the voiding issue and/or the correctness issue.
p.26A contest challenging the validity of a question must be presented before any other contest.
p.26Only information from the Scripture Portion and the Bible Quiz Rules may be used.
p.26A withdrawn contest is an unsuccessful contest.
p.26A substitute question is treated as a new question. Therefore, both teams have the right to contest twice on any substitute question even if they contested on the original question.
p.26Contests are not allowed for the intent of solely using them as a time-out.
p.26Team Contesting and Responding Procedures
To initiate a contest, any member of the team must express their desire to contest and wait for the Quizmaster to grant the contest.
p.27The initiating team has two minutes and thirty seconds to prepare and present their contest to the Quizmaster and Judges. During the preparation of the contest, the entire team may verbally communicate. Before, at, or just after the expiration of the first thirty seconds, a team may elect to withdraw the contest in exchange for a time-out (if they have one available) instead of taking an unsuccessful contest–even if they have begun presenting their contest.
p.27Any one member of the team may present the contest or response.
p.27The issues and rules being used to support the contest should be stated during the presentation.
p.27If "time" is called during the initiating or responding team's presentation, the presentation must stop.
p.27If "time" is called before the initiating team has a chance to begin their presentation, it will be an unsuccessful contest, and no response will be allowed.
p.27At the conclusion of the initiating team's contest, the responding team will be given one minute to finish preparing and/or to present their response.
p.27Contests and responses must be presented in a sportsmanlike manner, avoiding any unnecessary comments regarding members of the other team or the officials.
p.27Quizmaster and Judges Contesting Procedures
The Quizmaster should make note of the issues for the contest and use this to prompt the Judges for a vote after the completion of both the contest and response.
p.27During and after a contest and subsequent response, the Quizmaster and Judges may briefly consult the rules and Scripture Portion. They may not discuss the contest or response with each other before the initial vote unless a Judge requests clarification from the Quizmaster.
p.27The initial vote cast by the Quizmaster and Judges will be independent. Using a coin, they will select heads to accept the contest or tails to deny, revealing their decision at the same time.
p.27If the vote is unanimous to either accept or deny the contest, the Quizmaster will announce this decision and then, if necessary, take the appropriate steps to correct the situation.
p.28If the vote is not unanimous, the Quizmaster and Judges will discuss the contest and response among themselves without exerting undue influence on each other, then vote again.
p.28The second vote on a contest does not have to be unanimous. The Quizmaster will announce the majority decision.
p.28Use of Additional Scriptural Evidence in Contesting
Additional Scriptural Evidence may be used to show additional acceptable answers.
p.28Additional Scriptural Evidence may also be used to support the answer given by a quizzer in the case where key phrases, clauses, or words found in the answer of the official question are interchangeable with other key phrases, clauses, or words found in the Scripture being studied.
p.28Additional Scriptural Evidence presented to show additional acceptable answers will not make the question invalid unless the question violates rules for "Fewer Answers than Exist."
p.28Additional Scriptural Evidence can be used to prove the question invalid due to incorrect information or violation of the rules for "Question and Answer Requirements."
p.28Additional Scriptural Evidence cannot be used for a contest involving an Application Question.
p.28Voiding Questions
Voiding and Replacing for Both Teams
The Quizmaster and Judges rule a question to be invalid that was originally read to both teams.
p.28There is obvious help or hindrance by anyone or anything before or during the reading of the question and before a quizzer has buzzed in.
p.28There is obvious help after a quizzer has buzzed in by the officials, audience, or other source(s) not related to either team.
p.28An active quizzer who is no longer an eligible quizzer is permitted to answer a question(s), whether correctly or incorrectly. All affected questions must be voided and replaced.
p.28It is proven that the equipment is malfunctioning.
p.28The Quizmaster misreads the question and the Quizmaster and Judges determine that the key word(s) was read, or a quizzer buzzes in before either the Quizmaster or Judges recognize the misread.
p.28Electronic equipment indicates a tie between quizzers on opposing teams.
p.29Voiding and Replacing for One Team
The voiding situation occurs when the question is being read to only one team.
p.29A quizzer has buzzed in and there is obvious hindrance by a member of the opposing team, one of the officials, audience, or other sources not related to the offended team.
p.29The Quizmaster and Judges reverse a decision of "correct" on an interrupted question due to a contest.
p.29There is an error on the part of the officials in identifying the correct quizzer.
p.29A quizzer is not given a full thirty seconds to complete the answer and the answer is merely incomplete and does not contain incorrect information.
p.29The Quizmaster and Judges rule in favor of a contest because of Additional Scriptural Evidence but were unable to either accurately recall or record the answer that was given.
p.29A quizzer is hindered from answering correctly when the Quizmaster or a Judge fails to call "Interruption" and the meaning of the question has changed.
p.29A quizzer is hindered from answering correctly when the Quizmaster or a Judge calls "Interruption" on a non-interrupted question.
p.29Unusual Situations
If unusual situations arise which are not clearly covered in the rules, the Quizmaster and Judges, in private consultation with the coordinator, will make as fair and just a ruling as possible. These special rulings are not contestable. A head coach may not appeal a decision of the Quizmaster and/or Judges because of a disagreement on judgment calls. The coordinator should only be requested to intervene in the event of a major rule violation.
p.29Glossary
Active Quizzer: A quizzer seated at the quizzing table.
p.30Chapter Analysis: Answers with clear and specific markings in the Scripture Portion limited to individuals (bolded), geographical locations (italicized), questions (?), exclamations (!), parenthetical statements ( ), and Old Testament Scriptures (underlined and inside quotation marks ""). An official listing of the Chapter Analysis is found in the Scripture Portion and can also be found in the Basic 5.
p.30Consecutive Verses: Verses immediately adjacent to each other within a book, regardless of a change in the section or chapter.
p.30Eligible Quizzer: A quizzer who has not quizzed out, struck out, or fouled out.
p.30Help: Information or actions that could help a quizzer complete a question or answer the question.
p.30Hindrance: Distraction sufficient to cause a quizzer to be unable to correctly complete an interrupted question and/or answer.
p.30Identified/Identifying: The process of an official recognizing the quizzer who buzzed in by calling that quizzer's color and number (e.g., "Red One").
p.30Inactive Quizzer: A quizzer seated behind the active quizzers.
p.30Introductory Remark(s): Information before the question about what type of question to expect, what type of answer is required, the number of questions and/or answers, and the location from where they come.
p.30Key Word(s): 1. For Complete Answers, Essence, or Chapter Analysis: A Key word(s) is not a word like "a," "an," "the," etc. 2. For the words which make up a question: It is the word or words necessary to give a quizzer the ability to finish the question.
p.30Marked Verses: Verses in the Scripture Portion that have a black, filled-in circle next to them.
p.30Member(s): Any person on the team during the match consisting of a quizzer(s), and may include a head coach and assistant coaches.
p.30Misread: When the Quizmaster adds, omits, repeats, or changes anything in the question from "Question number..." to the end of the question.
p.30Non-Verbal Communication: Non-oral, non-auditory communication between team members. Non-verbal communication as allowed within the rules will be defined as any form of written and/or printed communication, hand signaling, motioning, etc.
p.31Opening Remarks: Information before the question that contains the question number, point value, and may also have Introductory Remarks.
p.31Perfect Quotation/Perfectly Quote: A quotation in which no word, syllable, or letter of the alphabet is omitted, repeated, added, or changed. A stumble, cough, mispronunciation, lisp, etc., does not make a quotation imperfect.
p.31Point of Order: A "Point of Order" attempts to correct a procedural error on which the officials have not already acted.
p.31Quiz Out/Strike Out/Foul Out: A quizzer has answered five questions correctly, three questions incorrectly, or has received three individual fouls. The quizzer must then leave the table and be seated behind the active quizzers unless they are the captain.
p.31Required Answer(s): The entirety of the answer(s) demanded by each part of the question.
p.31Scripture Portion: An official portion of the Bible being studied containing an official listing of the Chapter Analysis, the concordance, and other official information from Assemblies of God Youth Ministries.
p.31Separate Verses: Verses that are not all consecutive verses (or a combination of consecutive and non-consecutive verses).
p.31Three-Verse Context: 1. In a Scripture Text Question, it is the verse from which the Scripture was taken and the verse immediately preceding and following that verse. 2. In a question containing a verse reference, it is the verse that is indicated in the question and the verse immediately preceding and following that verse.
p.31Verbal Communication: Any oral communication between team members or with the audience, audible or not. Also, any attempt to speak, motion, mouth words, or signal with the mouth will be considered verbal communication.
p.31