Basic Info | Contest Logistics | Contest Rules | Judging/Scoring Rules | Previous Contests Problems
Previous Contests Standings | On-Line Registration Form

Contest Environment:

The contest will be conducted on Gateway computers (Pentium IV processors) running Windows 2000 . Programming problems will be solved and tested using each team's choice of the C, C++, Java, Ada or Visual Basic languages. The Microsoft Visual C/C++ 6.0, ObjectAda-Ada95, SUN JDK 1.4.2, GRASP, and Visual Basic 6.0 programming environments will be available for use under Windows 2000. A networked laser printer will be available for producing hard copies of programming solutions.

The 45 minute practice session from 10-10:45 a.m. will demonstrate basic techniques of the operating system and the compilers. However, it is expected that the participating teams will have some familiarity with their chosen environment.

Location:

Each team will be assigned an ID number and a computer. All of the computers to be used for the contest are located in the computer labs on the ground floor of E-Building, rooms E-0190 and E-0220. The work area for team members who are not currently working on the computer will be rooms E-0310 and E-0370 on the same floor. The judging area will be Room E-0220, adjacent to the contestants.

On-Site Registration:

Each team must complete an official on-site registration form upon their arrival at the contest. The registration desk will be located in the hallway in front of the lab area. Each team will be given an information packet that updates contest rules for the competition, if necessary. Registration will be from 9:00 am to 9:45 am. Try to be early for registration. There will be a session reviewing the rules and logistics for the contest from 9:45-10:00 am in the work room E-0370. It would be best for all teams to be present.

Problem Submissions:

All teams will be given the same six problems to solve at the outset of the contest. The problems may be solved in any order. Each team will also be provided with access to a collection of private, networked submission folders (one for each problem) and a set of paper submission forms. Each solution must be saved to the correct folder. Solutions must be submitted as executable files. (This is a change from previous years, in which source files were required.) When a team wishes to have a problem judged, a submission form must be completed giving the team name and problem number, and then one of the volunteer Room Monitors (or "runners") must be summoned to take the submission form to the judging area. The runner will note the official submission time on the form upon receipt. Afterward, the runner will return with the submission form marked either "accept" or "reject," with a brief reason given in the latter case.

File Input:

The input data which will be used to test all programs will be read from a text file. (Output will be to the screen.) The name of each input file will be clearly specified as part of the problems themselves. It is the responsibility of the contest participants to be familiar with the mechanisms for reading from files in Visual C/C++, Ada, Visual Basic, Visual J++ or the JDK . Programs are to look for the input file in the current folder, that is, the same folder that the executable file is stored in. Programs that look for the input file elsewhere (e.g., in any folder referred to by an absolute path) will be judged incorrect.

Clarification Requests:

If a problem or procedure is found to be vague or ambiguous, a team may request a clarification by filling out a request for clarification form and having a runner take it to a judge. All clarifications will be posted in the work room for all teams to see.

Posting of Standings:

At half-hour intervals during the contest, the current standings will be posted in the work rooms.

Advisors:

To reduce congestion in the contest room, the number of individuals who may be in Room E-0190 or E-0220 at a given time will be limited to two per team. Team advisors are asked not to visit the contest rooms or the work rooms after the competition commences.

Awards:

An engraved plaque for the top two finishing teams will be presented to their respective colleges. Each member of the top five teams will be awarded a certificate noting his or her achievement. These will be mailed to the team sponsors shortly after the contest. Depending upon availability, additional prizes may be awarded on site.

Meals:

Snacks, sandwiches, and drinks will be provided in the workrooms during the contest. No food or drinks will be allowed in the computer labs. The final standings will be announced at the wrap-up session at 3:30 pm in the E Building Atrium.

In addition, all participants are cordially invited to a pizza party on Friday, November 7. This event will take place in the the AmeriSuites Hotel, and will be at the same time as the conference banquet (7 pm).