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What you Need to Know for Bible Bowl
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General Information
Specific Information
Objectives
Benefits and Features
Rules
Coach's Guide
Description of Rounds
Curriculum Cycle

GENERAL INFORMATION:

National Bible Bowl presents another year of Bible study opportunities for Junior High and Senior High youth and adults.  National Bible Bowl is hosted by Abilene Christian University and Oklahoma Christian University.  Students from several states participate in our meets each year.

Who can test?: The competition is open to junior and senior high students as well as adults and will be held on the ACU campus.  Younger students are welcome to take the test.  However, because of the difficulty of the tests, students must be encouraged to do their best and not get discouraged.

Format: The Bible Bowl competition is in the form of six written tests.  One of these tests is called the “Power Round”.  The Power Round is very difficult and does not count in the team score.  It is optional; however, if your student does not take this test, their individual score will not be considered for individual awards.  Therefore, it is recommended that they take this test.  One correct answer is better than no correct answer.  Each student will be tested individually and every participant is encouraged to demonstrate proficiency in the subject.  Also, there will be "Experienced" and "Inexperienced" divisions in each age grouping to more fairly match participant levels.

Scholarships: Scholarships will be awarded to first ($1000), second ($800), and third ($600) place individual winners overall in the senior division regardless of experience level (excluding adults). Scholarships are to be used during a student's freshman year at ACU.  The student receiving the scholarship must be enrolled as a full time student during the semester they are awarded the scholarship.

Awards: Plaques and ribbons will be awarded to team and individual winners respectively.

Study Materials: Most coaches make up their own. However, if you would like other materials in addition to your own,  below are other materials that will help: 

1) If you would like to order study books on the current testing subject, you might be able to order them from Bible Learn, P. O. Box 38372, Dallas, TX 75238.

2) Bible Quiz Software.  This Software was developed specifically for Bible Bowl students and it includes Verse, Topic, and One Word quizzes that will challenge your knowledge of the text and prepare students for Bible Bowl tests. To purchase the software, or to report any problems, please contact: 
    Raynal Walker                                         Raymond Walker
    rwalk8@sbcglobal.net                           rraymond.walker@ftsi.fujitsu.com
    Phone 817-784-0737                             Phone 936-321-4611 

3) You can also order study materials from Christian Products, Inc., 8240 Scyene Road, Dallas, TX  75227  (214)388-5407 or 800-872-1274  Fax:  (214)388-5408  Email: cpired@aol.com  You can either order a CD of the materials and print off what you need or you can order it already printed.

SPECIFIC INFORMATION:

Bible Bowl consists of one subject of study each year, to be tested over in the Spring at Abilene Christian University.  The meet takes place on a Saturday and includes approximately three hours of testing.  Participants spend the remainder of the day in fellowship activities, getting to know the campus, and in an awards assembly.

Times: Bowl activities generally begin at 7:00 a.m. and end by 4:00 p.m.

Housing and Meals: The noon meal is served at each meet.  For information on nearby motels for lodging.

Enrollment: Teams attending both meets receive maximum benefit from Bible Bowl.  However, a congregation may attend any number of meets and may enter as many teams as desired.  Each university will mail out enrollment information several months before their meet.  Advance enrollment is required.

Costs: The cost for each meet is $48 for each four-member student team or $12 for each individual student or adult.  For the fee, you receive a day of testing for each enrolled participant, lunch for each participant, awards, and complete communication before and after the meet.  The registration fees are used for operating costs.  Therefore, registration fees are not refundable.

OBJECTIVES:

In the interest of our coming to a closer relationship with our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, the general purpose of National Bible Bowl is to encourage commitment to personal Bible study as a continuing way of life.  This is accomplished through an effective and enjoyable system of learning.

Specific Objectives:

  1. Knowledge of Scripture content

  2. Appreciation of the Bible as the Word of God

  3. Familiarity of learners with their Bibles

  4. Ability to handle the Scripture text in locating materials

  5. Confidence resulting from excellence in Bible study and improvement of self-image

  6. Teamwork among Bible students

  7. Christian fellowship among members of various congregations

  8. Development of a large Christian family dedicated to the study of God's Word and to the application of Christian principles in their daily lives

BENEFITS

Bible facts are learned. The Bible is the only source of study.  Students learn the assigned materials thoroughly.

Foundations of faith are enlarged.  Knowledge of God's Word serves as the foundation for building Christian faith and character.

The kingdom of God is strengthened.  By reinforcing each student in Bible knowledge and skills, the Bowl dedicates itself to the improvement of the church both now and in coming generations.

Results are long-lasting.  Youth is the prime time for determining life's priorities.  Knowledge of the Scriptures equips young people for Christian service throughout their lives.

Peer appeal accompanies Bible learning.  Bible Bowl is a high point of the year for participants, combining fun, travel, fellowship and learning.

Christian fellowship is promoted.  Young people enjoy fellowship with hundreds of other Christian young people from wide geographical areas.

Family Bible study is encouraged.  The program provides excellent opportunity for family interaction in the study of the Bible.

Churches of all sizes may participate.  Churches of all sizes and of varying social and economic backgrounds realize benefits.

FEATURES

Emphasis on proficiency.  Students are encouraged to demonstrate proficiency in the subject studied rather than competitive skills.

No audiences.  Each student is tested privately.  All responses are written.

No bells or buzzers.  The Bowl measures only Bible knowledge and skills, not physical dexterity.

No elimination.  Each team is tested throughout the day.  All participants receive the same full examination.

"Experienced" and "Inexperienced" divisions.  Such divisions encourages participants who have no Bible Bowl experience.  In essence, five concurrent Bowls occur at each meet:  Senior Experienced Division, Senior Inexperienced Division, Junior Experienced Division, Junior Inexperienced Division, Elementary, and Adult.  (The Inexperienced Divisions are for those who have not attended a National Bible Bowl.)

Scoring.  Our customized computer system allows the scoring of teams and individuals to be handled separately.  In other words, a Junior level student can be on a Senior level team, but that student's individual score will still be calculated on the Junior level.  This allows congregations to compete together on teams, while not unfairly scoring the less advanced or younger team member.  This affects inexperienced students on experienced teams and Junior level students on Senior level teams.

Full team participation.  Each team member is an active part of the success of his team.  A team must have well-balanced membership to score well.

Testing area.  All participants are tested in one area.

Based on the New International Version.  Research and experience have demonstrated the clarity and readability of the NIV.  Questions are taken from the 1978 or later copyright editions.

Various testing methods.  National Bible Bowl emphasizes not only knowledge of facts, but also the ability to handle the text of Scripture in finding materials. Students are asked to identify facts from their open Bibles, to locate Scripture passages using their open Bibles, and to locate materials by chapter number from memory.

Additional challenge.  For individuals wishing to compete for individual awards and scholarships, an optional, more difficult "Power Round" is provided.  (No advance description of the Power Round is given.)

Meet awards.  Awards are presented at each meet to teams and individuals who demonstrate high proficiency in the subject studied.

Participation certificates.  Each participant receives a participation certificate or ribbon for each meet he attends.

Unlimited enrollment.  A congregation may enroll any number of teams and individuals.  However, each team consists of only four players, with no alternates.

Flexibility of curriculum.  A team or players may attend any number of meets desired, and may begin at any point in the curriculum cycle.

RULES

I. Divisions

  1. There are three divisions of competition:  Junior Division, Senior Division, and Adult.

    1. "Elementary Division" consists of students younger than grade 6.

    2. "Junior Division" teams consist of four participants of grades 6-9.

    3. "Senior Division" teams consist of four participants of grades 10-12.

    4. "Adults" are individuals who are beyond senior high age.

  3. Participants up to grade 9 may participate in the Senior Division; no participant of grades 10-12 may participate in the Junior or Elementary Divisions.

  4. The Junior Division and the Senior Division each consist of two fields:  "Experienced" and "Inexperienced".  An "experienced" team is a team that has one or more members who have participated in any Bible Bowl meet at Abilene Christian University, Harding University, Lubbock Christian University or Oklahoma Christian University.

  5. If you have a student younger than 6th grade that you feel would enhance your team you may use him/her understanding that the tests will be geared for upper grades.

II. Teams

  1. A team consists of four participants with no alternates.

  2. A participant may not change teams during a meet.

III. Text of the Bible

  1. All questions are taken from the New International Version.

  2. All questions are taken from the 1978 or later copyright editions of the NIV.

  3. NIV textnotes can be considered as part of the text.

IV. Answers

  1. Each team member answers independently by marking pre-printed answer sheets.

  2. No participant speaks during the testing.

  3. Answers to questions are not given during the testing.


COACH'S GUIDE

So that you and your team(s) will be properly prepared, it is necessary for each person to be aware of the policies and procedures of the meet.  Following is information you will need at home and at the meet.

I. Before the meet

  1. Team organization

    1. Each team has four members with no alternates. (The computer does not handle substitutions.)

    2. Each student will be identified throughout the meet by an assigned code number. This code is to be used throughout the day. (The computer does not recognize names, and individual scores cannot be computed with out the code)

    3. Team members will sit in the same seat throughout the day.

  3. Study

    1. Study books MAY be available through Bible Learn, P. O. Box 38372, Dallas, Texas 75238 for a minimal fee.  John Kimbrough writes and sells these study books.  His telephone number is (214)349-3441.

    2. BibleQuiz Software may be purchased through Raynal Walker at rwalk8@sbcglobal.net or by phone 817-784-0737or you may contact Raymond Walker at rbw@txucom.net or by phone 936-321-4611

    3. Software may also be purchased through Christian Products, Inc., 8240 Scyene Road, Dallas, TX  75227.  Phone number (214)388-5407 or 800-872-127. Fax:  (214)388-5408.  Email: cpired@aol.com

    4. Any method of study that best suits you and your students is allowable.

  5. Bibles

    1. Each student MUST have a copy of the New International Version.

    2. Bibles may be marked or color-coded in any way.

    3. No paper of any kind may be added to a Bible used in testing.

    4. Photocopied or computer printout pages of the Bible text are allowed.  However, margins must be no more than 1 1/2".

    5. Quote listings and heading listings are not allowed.

  7. What to bring

    1. EACH PARTICIPANT IS TO BRING A BIBLE.  Extras are not provided by National Bible Bowl.  (Coaches might like to bring an extra.)

    2. Dress is casual.  Jeans and tennis shoes are fine.

II. At the meet

  1. Registration

    1. Coaches are to report to registration to register teams.  REGISTRATION TIME IS FRIDAY FROM 8:00 - 10:00 PM.  Late registration is Saturday from 7:30 - 8:15 am.  It is possible that each university will set their own registration time.  Watch the schedule you receive from them for exact registration times.

    2. At registration you will declare your team divisions.  1 team = 4 individual students.  There are no Elementary or adult teams.  You may declare any combination at registration.

    3. For extra players or teams needing players

      • To participate, an extra player must be on a team.  He can be added to an existing team needing a player, or may help in forming an "ad hoc" team.

      • If you have an incomplete team or extra players, tell the registration desk of your need.

    5. A congregation is entitled to the number of meal tickets equal to the number of enrolled participants.

  3. Testing

    1. Teams are to arrive no later than 8:15 a.m.

    2. All testing of all teams will occur in one room.

    3. All players of all divisions receive the same tests.

    4. Coaches are responsible to have their teams in their places on time for each round.  If a player is not in their seat when the test begins, they miss that round.

    5. Participants may not consult at any time during the testing.

    6. Study questions may not be used in any part of the testing.

    7. Only the TEXT (which may include textnotes) of the Bible may be used during testing.  Students may not use concordances, maps, or any other study aids.  No added paper of any kind may be inside or on a Bible during testing.

    8. Time limitations are part of the testing procedure.

    9. In each round, each student will receive the questions in written form.  Questions will not be asked orally.

    10. If cheating or the appearance of cheating is understood by a quizmaster or monitor to have occurred, the student will receive a score of zero in the round.  Judgment of the official is final and not subject to discussion.

    11. Final scores at the end of the day determine levels of proficiency for teams and individuals.

      • Team scores are determined by performance in Rounds 1-5, with no regard to the Power Round.

      • Individual scores are determined by performances in Rounds 1-5 and the Power Round.

    13. No student is allowed to take tests early for any reason.

  5. Team answer sheets and keys to quizzes will be available for pickup after the awards assembly.

  6. If you have students with special needs, inform the meet director prior to the meet.

III. After the meet

  1. Each congregation is encouraged to give special recognition to its Bible Bowl students in a congregational setting.

  2. Please let the hosting university know how the meet went.  This is the only way that we can make the meet better next year.

DESCRIPTION OF ROUNDS

"Power Round" (This round is optional.  However, if your student is competing for individual awards or university scholarships they must take this test.  Youth and adults may participate.)

The Power Round will be administered with no prior indication of its nature.  The test will be very difficult and should be taken by well-prepared students.   It will be CLOSED-BIBLE.  There isno special registration; just be present ten minutes early.

Possible Score:  50 Round Time:  25 minutes

Round 1 "Find the Verse"  (For all participants)

Using OPEN BIBLES, participants will locate, by giving chapter and verse numbers, forty (40) quotations drawn from the assigned text of the Bible.    (Quotation marks are not required.  ANY reference from the text may be used.  We consider these to be quotations or references since we are quoting the text itself.)  Single words will not be cited.

Possible Score:  40 Round Time:  25 minutes

Round 2 "Fact Finder"  (For all participants)

Using OPEN BIBLES, participants will answer forty (40) multiple-choice questions by marking one of three multiple-choice answers.

Possible Score:  40 Round Time:  20 minutes

Round 3 "Identification"  (For all participants)

Using OPEN BIBLES, participants will, by marking one of five multiple-choice answers, identify forty (40) items (persons, places, things, times, numbers, etc.)

Possible Score:  40 Round Time:  20 minutes

Round 4 "Know the Chapter -- Quotations" (For all participants)

WITHOUT USING BIBLES, participants will locate, by chapter number only, forty (40) quotations from the assigned text of the Bible.  (Quotations may be drawn from narrative or discourse.  Quotation marks are not required.  ANY reference from the text may be used.  We consider these to be quotations or references since we are quoting the text itself.)  Single words will not be cited.

Possible Score:  40 Round Time:  15 minutes

Round 5 "Know the Chapter -- Headings and Events" (For all participants)

WITHOUT USING BIBLES, participants will locate, by chapter number only, forty (40) general descriptions or subject headings of particular sections of Scripture.

Possible Score:  40 Round Time:  10 minutes

Sample Meet Questions

"Find the Verse" Round 1

Using your Bible, write the chapter and verse location of each reference in the space provided on the right.

1. "Everything that lives and moves will be food for you." ____:____

2. "Now leave this land at once...." ____:____

"Fact Finder" Round 2

Using your Bible, complete each of the following multiple-choice statements by marking the letter corresponding to the correct response on your score card.

1. How many times did Noah send birds out from the ark?

A.   Three B.   Four C.   Five

2. Before Abram had any child who was to receive his estate?

A.   Eleazar B.   Eliezer C.   Eliazar

"Identification" Round 3

Using your Bible, complete each of the following multiple-choice statements by marking the appropriate letter on your score card.

1. On the seventh day of creation God

A.  Blessed the day    B. Rested     C. Made it holy           D.  All of these   E. None of these

2. Who was less than 900 years at their death?

A.  Adam   B.  Noah    C.  Seth    D.  All of these         E.  None of these

"Know the Chapter -- Quotations Round 4

Without using your Bible, mark on your score card the letter corresponding to the chapter number in Genesis in which each of the following quotations is found:

1. "Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the Lord             has blessed"

A.  24    B.  25    C.  26    D.  27    E.  None of these

2. "But the Lord God called to the man, 'Where are you?'"

A. 2  B. 3  C. 4  D. 5  E. None of these

"Know the Chapter (Headings and Events)" Round 5

Without using your Bible, mark on your score card the letter corresponding to the chapter number in Genesis in which each of the following chapter headings is found:

1. Abraham Pleads For Sodom

A.  18 B.  19 C.  20 D.  21 E.  None of these

2. Jacob Blesses His Sons

A.  45 B.  46 C.  47 D.  48 E.  None of these


CURRICULUM

2007-08 -  I Samuel

2008-09 -  John

2009-10 -  II Samuel

2010-11 -  Revelation

*The standardized 10-year curriculum begins.

2011-12 -  Genesis
2012-13 -  Matthew
2013-14 -  Life of Moses
2014-15 -  Luke
2015-16 - Joshua, Judges, Ruth
2016-17 -  Acts

When the cycle is completed, the years will repeat.

Chapters of books to study for Life of Moses:

    Exodus 1-20
    Exodus 32-34
    Numbers 1-3
    Numbers 10-14
    Numbers 16-17
    Numbers 20-27
    Numbers 31-36
    Deuteronomy 31-34