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There are two groups within each NAL team. The first is the buzzer
team, who compete by answering questions to score points against
the opposing team. The second is the presentation team, who prepares
a presentation on a specific question given to them in the game.
Depending on how much information is in their presentation and
how well it is communicated, the presentation team can score up
to twenty-five points.
There are also four quarters in a game. Each quarter is different
from all the others in some way which will be explained below.
The buzzer team competes in the first, second, and fourth quarters.
The presentation team competes in the third quarter.
Tip Off Question
The game begins with a tip off question. The captains of each
team are asked a question, and the first captain to answer correctly
wins the tip off. They now have the choice of going first or second
in first quarter, or first or second in third quarter. Captains
almost always choose to go first in first quarter because it gives
the team a decisive advantage.
First Quarter
The buzzer team competes in first quarter. First quarter lasts
for exactly twelve minutes with fifteen seconds (maximum) for
each question. Five members sit in the front row and five in reserve.
The first question goes to seat one, the captain. If he answers
correctly, two points are added to the team's score. The second
question will go to seat two. If he also answers correctly, two
more points are added to the score and the question goes to seat
three. If he also answers correctly, two more points are added,
but the team does not get another question. After three correct
answers, the questions go to the opposing team.
If one of the questions are answered incorrectly, the other team
is given a chance to steal. If they answer correctly, the series
of questions goes to the other team and one point is added for
a steal. They then have a chance to score up to six points.
If any team member answers wrongly, they are given a foul. After
two fouls, the first reserve player in line takes the fouled-out
player's seat, and the fouled-out player moves to the back of
the reserve line.
Second Quarter
In second quarter, five members of the buzzer team work as a
team to answer lengthy questions. There is a back row of five
reserve players, but this reserve is rarely used. This quarter
lasts exactly twelve minutes with one minute (maximum) for each
question. The questions are printed on a card, which is carried
to the team by a player of the opposite team. Each correct answer
is worth three points.
Third Quarter
In third quarter, the presentation team gives a presentation
on the question they were given after the tip off question. They
work on the presentation for thirty minutes, or until the end
of second quarter. The two judges over the match judge the presentation
on basis of eye contact, memorization, information, etc. The team
must take at least three minutes, but no longer than five in their
presentation. The scores (out of a possible 25) are averaged out
and added to the team's score.
Fourth Quarter
The buzzer team participates in fourth quarter. Five players
sit at the buzzers with an additional five in reserve. The first
question is given to seat one, then seat two, three, and so forth.
When a question is given to seat one, for example, no one but
seat one may answer. The student must wait until the judge calls
on them. If a student answers correctly, they are awarded two
points. If the answer is wrong, however, one point is deducted
from the score and a foul is given to the player. If a student
does not know the answer, they may pass. This means they receive
a foul, but no point deduction. If both students pass, answer
wrongly, or time runs out and the right answer has still not been
given, the judges may declare "Free for all". The student
must wait until the judge finishes saying "Free for all."
Anyone on either team at this point may buzz in and answer.
End of the Game
At the end of the game, the team with the highest cumulative
score wins. |
Students in NAL study a broad range of topics in preparation,
including math, science, geography, world history, and english.
These are the main topics that are studied in each category:
Math: GCF, LCM, probability, roman numerals,
area, and perimeter.
English: Parts of speech, pronouns, poetry terms,
gerunds, participles, infinitives, authors, and greek roots.
Geography: US states and state capitals, postal
abbreviations, nicknames, world rivers, world capitals, and currency.
World History: Explorers, inventors, branches
of US government, requirements for US office, wars, US bill of
rights, and amendments.
Science: Elements, biology, and compounds.
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