In programming contests a team has a coach. A coach registers a team for the contest and is the main contact between the organisers of the contest and the team. There are other things a coach can do for a team. This article will describe multiple types of duties a coach can take. There is no right (or wrong) way to coach a team and the roles described are meant as inspiration.

Training of teams⌗

The most obvious role linked to a coach is being the trainer of a team. You can train teams by practicing and explaining the type of problems appearing in contests. There are multiple books published that can help you to do this. A small incomplete selection:

Another option is to practice previous problems. This can be done in open Kattis or using the CHipCie problem archive. Having regular sessions where teams practice in a simulated contest environment. Having a time with one computer available, factors on roles of team members can be fine-tuned. Think about setting up the code environment, selecting the first problems and efficiently using the computer.

Preparing for a contest⌗

A coach can help a team prepare for a contest. Most contest allow for a Team Reference Document (TRD, sometimes called Team Contest Reference (TCR)), sometimes may bring a keyboard and/or mouse and a dictionary. This information can usually be found in the rules and systems pages on the website. If you can’t find this information, don’t hesitate to contact to organisation to ask.

For TRD, a selection of following templates exist which can be used for a team as basis:

The TRD should be in a folder, or at least be stapled together. Make sure the teams bring a printed version to the contest, since not all contests offer the opportunity to print the document on site.

Other tips you can give your teams as coach is to check the schedule and see when/if there is dinner. If the award ceremony is before the dinner, advice your teams to bring some snacks for after the contest.

Another common issue is the temperature in the contest halls. It can heat up very fast with many people and pc’s at the same time. Dressing in easily removable layers can help manage the temperature. Note that the T-shirt should usually be worn on top and make sure your contestants are aware of it.

In case one of your team members has dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, nut allergy), make sure this is known by the organisation. In ICPC there is a special needs field the contestants should fill in. It depends per contest how this is handled. Making sure there is food that fits the needs of the contestant, as this greatly helps their results.

Also check the systems page if all expected IDEs are present. Sometimes teams prefer a specific IDE that is not listed. Contacting the organisation beforehand has a better chance of it being available then during the contest.

Travelling to the contest⌗

An important part the coach can play is arranging funding for travel. Often the university is willing to support by financing (a part of) the travel expenses of the teams.

Benelux specific travel⌗

Travel in the Netherlands can usually be done by public transport. The NS group ticket can be a cheap way to travel to the contest location. For trips outside the Netherlands sometimes a group trip will be organised in the BAPC slack.

Hotels and youth hostels⌗

Sometimes a host offers special deals on hotels. These are often the cheapest options available. Sometimes these are already available before you have selected your teams. You can usually already reserve them and give the names afterwards.

During the Contest⌗

Not all coaches are attending the contest. This is highly recommended to do if you are able to.

During registration⌗

By the on-site registration, make sure your teams hand everything in, such as keyboards to be checked. Depending on the contest the TRD also should be hand in at registration or during the test session.

During the Test Session⌗

Make sure teams use the test session to test everything they might do during the contest. They should try everything, including printing, sending in wrong submissions, sending a clarification request. An extensive list of things to check is available on the CHipCie Resources page.

During the Contest⌗

Teams are not allowed to have electronics on them. Not all contests offer facilities to safely store them and the contestants are instructed to store it by their coach. Make sure to bring something to store the devices in and let them be put on silent or off. It’s advisable to tell the teams to not bring laptops.

There is not much more you can do. You can check the scoreboard and report back to the fans at home through social media. There are usually meetings with all coaches and organisation to discuss future contest and to give feedback.

After the Contest⌗

Teams are exhausted and ranging from happy to disappointed. The coach can both celebrate and comfort the teams. Make sure teams bring back their keyboards and give them back their electronics.