This past year was the third (and final) season that I coached some Science Olympiad events. It started out being a way to stay connected with my kids (and show them their Dad wasn't so dumb after all). There is rampant cheating going on and nobody says a word about it. The rules aren't followed by competitors or the Event Supervisors but everyone just looks the other way. You end up with kids who worked hard and followed the rules getting screwed over by people who not only obviously, but admittedly cheated. Kids who followed the rules and competed fairly, who would have actually stood a good chance of placing if it hadn't been for the cheating, end up watching while cheaters get medals and trophies. Then, if you have the audacity to call someone on it, even in a diplomatic way, you get pounded.
This past year was the third (and final) season that I coached some Science Olympiad events. It started out being a way to stay connected with my kids (and show them their Dad wasn't so dumb after all). There is rampant cheating going on and nobody says a word about it. The rules aren't followed by competitors or the Event Supervisors but everyone just looks the other way. You end up with kids who worked hard and followed the rules getting screwed over by people who not only obviously, but admittedly cheated. Kids who followed the rules and competed fairly, who would have actually stood a good chance of placing if it hadn't been for the cheating, end up watching while cheaters get medals and trophies. Then, if you have the audacity to call someone on it, even in a diplomatic way, you get pounded.
Dude, that sucks :(
That's why I'm finished with it. Lots of impressive looking rules that nobody follows and the kids are the ones who pay the price.