Odyssey of the Mind is an international competition that promotes good sportsmanship, team building, creative problem solving, and fun by all! Teams may compete on the regional, state and world levels.  Emphasis is placed on working together as a team, creativity and problem solving, as well as designing costumes, building props, writing, dancing, poetry, etc. Coaches aid students in keeping time limits, transporting teams to hunt for materials that can't be scavenged from home or yard sales and providing opportunities for research and the teaching of new skills. Other than this support, the teams are basically on their own. Students must sign a code of ethics stating that they had no outside assistance. They are also required to present their solutions on a strict budget.