Invitational

Background
An invitational tournament is a friendly, no-stakes competition that allows for Science Olympiad teams to practice for events. They are a way of practicing for qualifying tournaments such as regionals, states or nationals. These are often organized by individual schools, and sometimes colleges or universities. Generally a few invitationals will run during November and occasionally October, with substantially more in December. By far the most invitationals are run in January, with the rest finishing in February and early March

Most invitational tournaments mimic a real competitive tournament, and they hand out awards for individuals and teams. Some invitationals will hold all 23 events, while other invitationals may choose not to hold events. Invitationals also can hold alternate events as well.

Team Setup
Typically, schools are allowed to bring up to two teams of 15 people each. Trophies are generally presented to the top schools, not the top teams. Medals are typically awarded for the top 3 places. Ribbons are sometimes awarded to 4th place to 6th place; some invitationals even award 7th and 8th place.

In some states, such as Illinois, there are "Junior Varsity" and "Varsity" divisions, which allow for schools to bring less experienced students to be placed in an easier competition to get awards.

List of Invitationals
This is a list of invitational tournaments during each competitive season. It currently goes back to the 2012-2013 season. The lists are not comprehensive; however, with the exception of 2013-2014, they are mostly complete. In the teams column, the forward slash separates the number of teams in each division; Division B is listed first, while Division C is listed second.

2015-2016 Season
Ordered first by State, then by Division, then by date (then alphabetical).

1 A second team from Casady School finished in second place 3 28 events were run (23 events and 5 Texas events)

2014-2015 Season
1Mentor High School's B team came second with 109 points.

2West Windsor-Plainsboro North won the tie by two gold medals.

3No Building events were held.

4Hillsdale Middle School's second team (Black) came second with 78 points

2012-2013 Season
*Tentative Dates