- During competition each team is given a Spontaneous Problem and a short period of time in which to solve it, approximately 5 to 8 minutes. All team members must participate in solving the Spontaneous Problem, and it is worth 100 points toward their overall score. The coach is not allowed in the spontaneous room, and the problem the team is given is a secret. The team must not tell anyone what their Spontaneous Problem was because all other teams in their Problem and Division will have the exact same one.
- The nature of the spontaneous problems varies with each having its own set of specific rules that are read to the team in the competition room. Teams will have to solve only one type of spontaneous problem in a competition, so they should be prepared for any of the three types of spontaneous problems.
– Verbal spontaneous problems require verbal responses. They may incorporate improvisation or dramatization. Teams are scored for common and creative responses.
– Hands-on spontaneous problems require teams to physically create a tangible solution. Each hands-on problem has its own specific scoring categories.
– Verbal/hands-on spontaneous problems require teams to create a tangible solution and include some type of verbal component, for example, creating a story about the solution. Teams are scored for both the tangible solution and the verbal presentation. - Preparation for Spontaneous should begin right away once team meetings begin. The coach should be prepared to practice Spontaneous at almost every meeting, alternating between types. Discussion of the various outcomes and brain storming other possible solutions are good ways to help a team improve. Links to practice problems can be found on this website.
Spontaneous Captain Jae Bingham gives an example of each type of Spontaneous Problem along with discussion of how to help teams improve their skills.
Below are links to libraries of Spontaneous Practice Problems. Please keep in mind that the problems may need to be adapted as the rules have changed over the years. For example, in previous years only a limited number of team members were required to solve the problem; now every team member is expected to participate.