As we prepare for the Wisconsin Civics Games Regional Competitions, we’ve compiled the answers to some of your frequently asked questions. Have a question that isn’t addressed here? Let us know.
If you haven’t already, don’t forget to sign up for Thursday’s practice session and submit your final registration for the Wisconsin Civics Games using the email associated with your Zoom account.
How will the day go? When do you expect things to finish?
We expect everything to be wrapped up by 12:30 p.m.
Competition will consist of four rounds. Each will last approximately 10 minutes.
Rounds 1 & 2
The first two rounds will include either four or five head-to-head matches, depending on your region. The six teams with the highest cumulative scores through two rounds will advance to the third round.
Round 3
The third round will consist of three head-to-head matches. The four teams with the highest cumulative scores through three rounds will advance to the fourth and final round.
Round 4
The fourth round will consist of two head-to-head matches. At the end of the fourth round, the three teams with the highest cumulative scores for the day will advance to the state championships.
What will participants be doing when they aren’t competing?
Prior to competing in any given round, participants will be placed in a designated Zoom meeting room. Cameras must remain on during this time and staff will be available to answer questions and address technical issues. Once it is a team’s turn to compete, those participants will be moved into the competition room.
Observing others in competition
After competing within a given round, participants will be allowed to remain in the Zoom competition room until the conclusion of that round, at which time, advancing participants will be removed to their designated breakout room until it is their turn to compete again.
If a team is eliminated from further competition, they may remain in the competition room until the conclusion of the Games.
Students who are not actively participating in competition, but are in the competition room to observe will be required to mute their microphones.
I need to confirm the members of my team with the WNA. How should I do that?
All students must submit their name and the email they will be using to login to Zoom on the day of competition here by Tuesday, April 19. If you have any changes or are no longer able to participate, please contact WNA Communications & Membership Director Julia Hunter.
Should students on a team expect to participate using their own individual Zoom accounts and computers?
Each team member will need to use a separate computer. They will also need to sign up for a Zoom account if they don’t already have one. A free account will work just fine. They can sign up here.
Should members of a team gather in the same room?
Participants may decide whether they’d like to gather in the same classroom or in separate rooms. However, they are forbidden from discussion during competition, with the exception of during tiebreaker questions.
Audio considerations
Echo is usually caused by two people sitting in the same room or near each other who separately join the same meeting with audio. It can also occur if one person joins twice with audio, such as by phone and PC. If you’re joining with multiple people in the same room, call in from the conference room phone or have only one person connect to audio and use an external microphone if possible.
It is highly recommended that all participants, at a minimum, use headphones for audio output.
Will advisers be able to observe competition?
Advisers will be allowed in the competition room whenever participants are permitted. They will be required to mute their microphones.
What about friends and family?
Unfortunately, we’re unable to allow friends and family to join the virtual competition room. However, regional competitions will be recorded for viewing at a later date.
