MHLS Battle of the Books

Coaching Guidelines

Coaches for the Battle of the Books teams will have the following responsibilities:

1.      Read and become familiar with all 10 books on BOB title list.

2.      Relay to team members the BOB rules and how the process will work.

3.     Make up sample questions and conduct mock BOB to familiarize team members with process. Kids can also submit questions. Arrange practice Battles with neighboring libraries, using local questions.

4.      Encourage team member attendance at every BOB meeting.

5.      Make sure each team member knows which books on the BOB list he/she is expected to read, if not all.

6.      Meet with the team on a regular basis to check on reading progress, help team members learn details of books read, use sample questions to simulate BOB competition.

7.      Get names, addresses, phone numbers and email for each team member.

8.      Act as communication link between library staff and team members, reporting to library personnel any problems and issues that arise with team.

9.   Communicate with team members and their parents, sharing information like meeting dates and times, reading expectations, etc.

10. Discuss good sportsmanship with team members and foster good loser behavior as well as good winner actions, like shaking hands with opponents

11.  Create a fun atmosphere for the young people!