Start a Team

 

Unlock curiosity. Build confidence. Lead the League.

🔹 Why Start a Team?

Academic competitions build more than knowledge — they build focus, composure, teamwork, and confidence.
When you form a team, you don’t just study facts; you build habits that last. Every meeting, every round, every buzzer hit is a step toward sharper thinking and stronger leadership.

🔹 Step 1: Choose Your Competition

Start with what you love.

• History Bee or Bowl – test your knowledge of people, places, and events.

• Geography Bee or Olympiad – explore the world and its patterns.

• Math Olympiad or Science Bowl – tackle logic and problem-solving challenges.

• FBLA or DECA – develop business, communication, and leadership skills.

• Model UN or Quiz Bowl – sharpen diplomacy, debate, and teamwork.

Visit our Competitions page for summaries, links, and eligibility info.

🔹 Step 2: Find Your People

You only need a few to start.
Ask classmates, friends, or teachers who love learning and want a challenge.
Start small — a few committed members can grow into a full team once others see how fun it is.

🔹 Step 3: Get a Coach or Advisor

Find a teacher who’s willing to help you organize meetings and register for events.
They don’t need prior experience — just enthusiasm. LOCS provides simple guides, practice resources, and planning checklists to make coaching easy.

🔹 Step 4: Practice with Purpose

Meet weekly. Mix formats: study sessions, buzzer drills, mini-quizzes.
Keep it fun — rotate question writers, celebrate breakthroughs, and share study materials.
Use Alex’s method: track progress, fix one variable at a time, and review after each round.

🔹 Step 5: Host or Join a Competition

Once your team is ready, sign up for regional events — or host your own.
LOCS provides sample event timelines, contact templates, and publicity materials.
Hosting builds leadership and community pride, just like Alex’s first regional competition he brought to his school in December 2025.

🔹 Step 6: Share Your Story

After your first event, write about it!
Post on the LOCS blog or submit to Under LOCS and Key.
Your story might inspire another student to start a team of their own.

🗝️ Ready to Begin?

Start small. Stay curious.