Format & Rules
(from the Organizational Framework for the Georgia Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl, Updated June 2025)
A. Game Format – These rules may be amended by the HRRB State Steering Committee.
Each school will participate in four to six rounds for a total of 60 questions.
Each round will consist of an equal number of questions.
Bye rounds are necessary when there are not an equal number of teams competing and are equal to a break.
B. Game Format – These rules may not be amended and will be the same for all competitions.
Alternates may be substituted between rounds.
Teams will receive 10 points for each correct answer.
There will be no penalties for wrong answers.
Teams will include one to five members and up to five alternates.
A school may have no more than one team per grade band.
C. Rules During the Game/Round – These rules may not be amended and will be the same for all competitions.
Players may hold the buzzer.
When the player buzzes in, the Console Judge must acknowledge the player by color and number (ex.: red, two). If a player who is not acknowledged answers the question, that team’s response is not recorded and the question is repeated for the opposing team.
After buzzing in, the player must begin answering the question within 10 seconds. Conferring is NOT allowed. If the answer is correct, the Moderator acknowledges that it is correct, and the Scorekeeper posts the score.
If the answer is incorrect, the question will be repeated for the other team, which must begin answering within ten seconds after buzzing in.
If neither team buzzes in, the Moderator will answer the question and proceed to the next question. No score will be tallied for that question.
If a player buzzes in before the completion of a question, the Moderator stops reading and, after being recognized, the player must answer immediately. If an incorrect answer is given, the Moderator reads the entire question for the opposing team which has an opportunity to begin answering the question within 10 seconds.
At no time during the actual round may the team consult with the coach, with one another, or have a time-out.
The challenge procedure states that any concern about an answer to a question MUST be addressed by one of the five currently competing players to the COACH before the next question is asked.
a) Participating team member raises a hand to challenge.
b) The coach comes forward to determine the legitimacy of the challenge.
c) Coach grants permission for players to address the Moderator with challenges.
d) Only the challenging player will address the Moderator. Coaches, parents, visitors, and other team members remain silent.
e) If a challenge goes forward, the Moderator may make a decision based on the written answer or the Moderator may confer with HRRB Committee members.
Identify:
(1) room number,
(2) the grade band,
(3) the question number,
(4) book title, and
(5) page number where the answer should be located.
f) Coaches stay with your team. (A coach’s chair will be provided directly behind your team.) Use your discretion when allowing a player to challenge. Only you are to direct any challenges and ask any questions, not a team member, a parent, or other visitor.
g) The Moderator should not discuss the question and/or answer in the competition room (step outside with coaches if needed).
h) Once a decision has been made about the question by the Moderator, the Moderator’s decision is final.