According to resolution of the VIII EAAS Congress (June 1-6, 2005)
the current edition of the Statutes/Regulations has been adopted
by the EAAS Board on June 5, 2005.
Additions adopted by the EAAS Board on May 2006, May 2007 and December 2019.

Ratification of the Statutes/Regulations

Acting Statutes/Regulations
on the International Astronomy Olympiad


General Part.

With the aim of providing a steady development of astronomy and spreading astronomical knowledge, of enhancing the development of international contacts in the field of school education in astronomy and physics, in recognition of the growing significance of astronomy in all fields of science and human culture, and in the general education of young people, an annual astronomy competition has been founded by the Euro-Asian Astronomical Society (EAAS) for secondary school students; the competition is called The International Olympiad of the Euro-Asian Astronomical Society (in short - The International Astronomy Olympiad or "IAO") and is a competition between individuals.
Founding and promotion of the idea of the "International Astronomy Olympiad" has been done with the assistance of the Euro-Asian Association of Astronomy Teachers (EAATA), Special Astrophysical Observatory of Russian Academy of Sciences (in Niznij Arkhyz), P.K.Sternberg State Astronomical Institute (in Moscow) and the Moscow-Regional Branch of the M.V.Lomonosov Moscow State University (in Chernogolovka).
The International Astronomy Olympiad (IAO) is held every year in autumn starting 1996, in various countries. Teams of school children (winners of national olympiads) from all interested states take part in the Olympiad. The fundamental principles for the organization, realization and holding of the Olympiad are defined by the Founders and stated in the Founding Statutes and the EAAS-EAATA Declaration about The International Astronomy Olympiad.
The First International Astronomy Olympiads were held in the end of XX century in frames of the Autumn Schools for Young Astrophysicists in the Special Astrophysical Observatory of Russian Academy of Sciences.
Participation in the International Astronomy Olympiad signifies acceptance of the Founding Statutes and present Statutes/Regulations by the Authorized National Representative Organization of the participating country.

1. Aims and Purposes of the Olympiad.

The International Astronomy Olympiad is one of the ways to popularize natural science among children and young people, singling out the most gifted students. The main purposes of the Olympiad are:
  • 1.1. Popularizing knowledge of natural sciences and improving the scientific approach to astronomy and related sciences.
  • 1.2. Enhancement of the interest in astronomy, physics and cosmonautics for children and young people.
  • 1.3. Singling out gifted schoolchildren, rendering them assistance.
  • 1.4. Invigorating activities of faculties, circles, sections, scientific societies and clubs of the participants and other forms of activities with them.
  • 1.5. Improvement of the teaching of astronomy and astronomical aspects in physics in secondary schools.
  • 1.6. Stimulation of teaching of astronomy for the youngest grades of the secondary schools (the Olympiad has founded for school students who will continue to study astronomy, not for graduates from school).
  • 1.7. Rendering possible assistance to the participants in choosing their profession.
  • 1.8. Stimulation of founding and organizing of National Astronomy Olympiads in the participating states.
  • 2. Basic Principles, Statutes and Regulations of the Olympiad.

    2.1. Statutes and Regulations of the Olympiad.

    Basic principles of organization, realization and holding of the Olympiad are defined by the Founders and stated in the Founding Statutes of the IAO and the EAAS-EAATA Declaration about The International Astronomy Olympiad.
    On the basis of the Founding Statutes and the EAAS-EAATA Declaration the Olympic Coordinating Council elaborates and if necessary replenishes the present "Acting Statutes/Regulations on International Astronomy Olympiad" which are approved by the Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.) with recommendations of a conference of authorized representative persons from the founding organizations and participating states (# 7.7.) and ratified by the Congress (General Meeting) of the Euro-Asian Astronomical Society. The Supplementary Instructions may be ratified by the Board of the EAAS.
    The Acting Statutes/Regulations specify the principles of the organization of the Olympiad and define the actual forms of its realization and holding. The Statutes/Regulations are valid from the moment of their adoption and ratification (approval) by the EAAS till new or corrected regulations are adopted.
    The present Statutes/Regulations have been drafted on the basis of the Founding Statutes on the International Astronomy Olympiad, the EAAS-EAATA Declaration about The International Astronomy Olympiad and experience gained during many years of international competitions. Structure of the Founding Statutes has been used. Statutes of the International Olympiads on Physics and Mathematics have been taken into account and some of its points have been used.
    Actual forms of realization and holding the Olympiad, which are not stipulated in the Statutes/Regulations and the Supplement Instructions, are defined by the Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.). Details which are not stipulated by decisions of the Olympic Coordinating Council to be defined by the Chairman of the Olympic Coordinating Council.

    2.2. Originals of the Acting Statutes/Regulations.

    The originals of the first edition of the Acting Statutes/Regulations were written partly in English and partly in Russian. The first edition of the Acting Statutes/Regulations was ratified by the IV General Meeting of EAAS.
    The originals of the next editions of the Acting Statutes/Regulations should be written in English.
    A full English edition (translation to English) of the Acting Statutes/Regulations has been carried out by the Olympic Coordinating Council for the ratification by the V General Meeting of the EAAS.
    The current edition of the Acting Statutes/Regulations has been adopted by the EAAS Board on June 5, 2005, according to resolution of the VIII EAAS Congress (June 1-6, 2005). Additions adopted on May 27, 2006.
    The next edition of the Acting Statutes/Regulations should divide the document into two ones: the Statutes itself and the Regulations.
    The original texts of the Supplementary Instructions should be written in Russian or in English. In the case of absence of text of a Supplementary Instructions its contents to be defined by the Chairman of the Olympic Coordinating Council.
    The original text of the Statutes/Regulations is to be kept by the Chairman of the Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.).
    The original texts of the Supplementary Instructions are to be kept by the Chairman of the Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.).
    The original texts of the Statutes/Regulations and the Supplementary Instructions are written in HTML-format.

    2.3. Atmosphere and spirit of the Olympiad.

    The International Astronomy Olympiad is conducted in the friendly atmosphere designed to promote future collaborations and to encourage the formation of friendships in the scientific community.
    None of the possible political or religious tensions between the participants should be reflected in any activity during the competition. Any political or other type activity directed against any individuals or countries is strictly prohibited.
    The International Astronomy Olympiad is postulated as a secular event. Is it highly desirable for the teams and participants to avoid any religious activity during the Olympiad and hide their religious and political accessories.
    Is it highly desirable for the teams and participants to follow the cultural and household traditions of the host region (country, province of the country, settlement, observatory) and traditions of the Olympic movement.
    All discussions of the principles and rules of the Olympiad, recommendations to the organizers and participants should be correct and tolerant. The discussions cannot be spread outside the community of representatives from the organizations-founders and the states participating in the Olympiad.
    A person who refuses to follow the above mentioned principles of friendship and tolerance may be barred from participation or punished in another way.
    No state (country) may have its team excluded from participation on any political grounds resulting from political tensions, lack of diplomatic relations, lack of recognition of some country by the government of the organizing country, imposed embargoes and similar reasons. When difficulties preclude formal invitation of the team representing a country students from such a country should be invited to participate as individuals.
    The organizations organizing the Olympiad (Coordinating Council, Local Organizing Committee, institutions, etc.) should prevent misuse (incl. advertisements) of the Olympiad, astronomy, astronomical equipment and correlated events for commercial purposes.

    3. Organizations Sponsoring and Holding the Olympiad.

    3.1. Organizations Sponsoring and Holding the Olympiad.

    The International Astronomy Olympiad is sponsored and held by the Euro-Asian Astronomical Society (EAAS), Euro-Asian Association of Astronomy Teachers (EAATA), European Association for Astronomy Education (EAAE), astronomical organizations of the participating states and other organizations.
    The current Olympiad, organized every year, is held by the Organizing Committee based on the Authorized National Representative (Astronomical) Organization (ANRAO, # 7.1.) of the country on whose territory the Olympiad takes place and the astronomical research centre where the Olympiad takes place.
    The ANRAO (# 7.1.) organizing the Olympiad is obliged to ensure equal participation of all the delegations, and to invite all the participants and observers defined by the Advisory Committee (# 7.6.). Additionally, it has the right to invite (with the permission of the Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.)) other countries.
    The Olympiad has to be organized only in town (settlement, city) with working astronomical research centres: observatories, astronomical institutes or universities with a considerable astronomical department. Other places for the Olympiad are not appropriate. At least once every three years the Olympiad has to be organized by an astronomical research centre of the historical territory of the Astronomy Olympiads (Russian Federation, Crimea or Moscow land).
    Note: The requirement "At least once every three years..." was in operation for the initial period of the Olympiad only (1996-2010).
    In a case of absence other candidates-organizers for the IAO in some year the Olympiad in this year to be organized by the Special Astrophysical Observatory of Russian Academy of Sciences (in Niznij Arkhyz, North Caucasus).
    Within three years of its entry into the Olympiad a country (by the Authorized National Representative (Astronomical) Organization (# 7.1.)) has to declare its intention to be the host for one of the future Olympiads (including acceptance of all financial obligations).
    The mentioned declaration makes obligation to organize the registered international IAO-type event (# 4.6.) in two years after the declaration.
    A country, which refuses to organize the competition in accordance with the current Statutes/Regulations, may be barred from participation or punished in another way (by increasing their participation fees, for example), even if a delegation from that country has taken part in previous competitions.

    3.2. The obligations of the organization - candidate to carry out an IAO.

    The candidate-organizer (the Organizing Committee based on Authorized National Representative (Astronomical) Organization, # 7.1.) is obliged:
  • 3.2.1. To have a tradition in organizing National Astronomy Olympiads.
  • 3.2.2. To give juridical guarantees to organize the Olympiad in accordance with the Statutes/Regulations and the Supplementary Instructions, including all financial obligations (# 9.1.).
  • 3.2.3. To have an experience in organizing IAO-type events (# 4.6.), including an event organizing by the same Organizing Committee in the same place of the proposed IAO in a period defined by the Board of the Euro-Asian Astronomical Society. This might be an open national astronomy olympiad, a regional olympiad or other kind of multilanguage olympiad with a duration and main points of programme like at IAO (# 4.3.), see also Supplementary Instructions N 4 "IAO-type events and Schools for Young Astrophysicists".
  • 3.2.4. To invite the Chairman of the Olympic Coordinating Council and to organize his/her visits to the country in which the host is proposed and to the IAO-type event mentioned in the previous point (incl. # 9.1.2.1. fulfillment for the both trips).
  • 3.2.5. To follow the timetables defined by Supplementary Instructions and definitions of the Board of the Euro-Asian Astronomical Society.
  • The decision of organization the Olympiad in the concrete place can only be ratified by the Board of the Euro-Asian Astronomical Society after a report done by Chairman of the Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.) about preparations for the Olympiad of all candidates-organizers and their organization of "IAO-type events" (# 4.6.).

    3.3. The obligations of the organizer (host Astronomical Centre).

    The organizer is obliged to ensure that the Olympiad is conducted in accordance with the Statutes/Regulations and the Supplementary Instructions, including all financial obligations (# 9.1.).
    The organizer should produce a set of Organization Rules, based on the Statutes/Regulations and the Supplementary Instructions, and send them to the participating states in good time. The set of Organization Rules should be written by the organizer in both official languages of the IAO (# 6.). These Organization Rules shall give details of the Olympiad not covered in the Statutes, and give names and addresses of the institutions and persons responsible for the Olympiad.
    The organizer establishes a precise program for the competition (schedule for the participants, leaders and observers, program of excursions, etc.); the schedule of the main points of the program (opening and closing ceremonies, rounds, etc.) should be sent to the participating teams in advance.
    The organizer should check immediately after the arrival of each delegation whether its contestants meet the conditions of the competition.
    The organizer must provide the teams with interpreters from the native language of organizers to one of the official languages of the Olympiad (Russian or English).
    The organizer must carry out the competing part of the Olympiad in accordance with the Supplementary Instructions N 1.
    The organizer must carry out the noncompeting part of the Olympiad in accordance with the Supplementary Instructions N 2.
    The organizer publishes a review of the Olympiad on the Internet in form of a web-page. Within three months after the end of the Olympiad this page must list the problems and names of winners and prizewinners. Publication should be done at least in both official languages of the Olympiad and the native language of the state where the organizer is placed. The organizers, however, may issue the review in other languages as well.

    4. Procedures and Participants of the Olympiad.

    4.1. The Olympic Period.

    The Olympic Period for International Astronomy Olympiad to be held is defined as the period of two first months of "Astronomical Autumn", i.e. from September 22 till November 22 (every year). An International Astronomy Olympiad should be started held during this "Olympic Period".

    4.2. Procedures before the Olympiad.

    The place and preliminary dates of the Olympiad should be finally defined by the Chairman of the Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.) and ratified by the Board of the Euro-Asian Astronomical Society not later than March 22 of the current year. The final dates should be determined not later than May 22 of the current year.
    The Olympic Advisory Committee (# 7.6.) notifies the Authorized National Representative (Astronomy) Organizations (# 7.1.) of the participating countries the name and address of the observatory, scientific centre or university assigned to the organization of the next Olympiad and dates of its holding.

    4.3. Duration and Schedule of the Olympiad.

    The minimum duration of the Olympiad is defined as 10 days (9 nights). The Local Organizing Committee may extend the duration of the Olympiad. The competing part of the Olympiad should be carried out on the following days: from the 3rd to 6th in 10-days programme; from the 3rd to 7th in 11-days programme. The recommended programme for the Olympiad is defined by the Supplementary Instructions N 6.

    4.4. Procedures concerning the competing part of the Olympiad.

    The competition is held in three separate parts: A theoretical, a practical and an observational round. In each round the students are offered a few problems (or one complex problem).
    There should be two possibilities in the schedule to organize an observational round. In the case of bad weather during the both proposed times the observational round is to be abolished or changed by examination using artificial sky, pictures, photos, etc. (in a planetarium, for example). Actual procedures of the observational round are written in the Supplementary Instructions N 1.
    The time allotted to solving the theoretical problems should normally be 4 hours, the practical problems - 3-4 hours. Rules of the observational examinations should be defined by the Local Organizing Committee not later than 3 months before the beginning of the Olympiad.
    When solving the problems the contestants may use tables of logarithms, slide-rules, non-programmable pocket calculators and drawing material. These aids will be brought by the students themselves.
    Organizers may support participants with "the table of physical constants and well-known astronomical facts", which comprises the various data in physics and astronomy. This table should be known for the participating states not later than 3 months (13 weeks) before the beginning of the Olympiad. Other tables and collections (incl. mathematics or physics formulae) are not allowed.
    The marks available for each problem are defined in advance by the organizer of the competition, but the total number of points for the theoretical problems should be 40-48, for the practical 20 and for the observational 20. (Extra points are possible for the most excellent solutions.) The problems of the practical round should consist of theoretical analysis (planning, discussion) and execution. The problems of the observational round should be connected with the real sky. The contestants should be prepared for the sky of the place of the Olympiad.
    A participant cannot be "barred" (or disqualified) because of his knowledge, i.e. for using facts (figures, formulae, etc.) known to him, which may be not evident for jury members.
    All winners and participants of the Olympiad will receive diplomas (Diploma of the I-st prize, Diploma of the II-nd prize, Diploma of the III-rd prize, Diploma of participation) depending on the number of points achieved. (It is possible unofficially to call the first three types of Diploma as Gold, Silver and Bronze medals respectively.) The Jury Board of the Olympiad is responsible for defining appropriate boundary points between the four kinds of Diploma. The distribution of prizes should be separate for each age group. Special prizes may be awarded as well. Diplomas should be designed as defined by the Supplementary Instructions N 8.
    Additional rules for organizing the competing part of the Olympiad are defined by the Supplementary Instructions N 1.
    In case of the absence of rules (incl. absence of the Supplementary Instructions N 1 or other Supplementary Instructions at the initial period of IAO's) or the necessity of some additional rules these should be defined by the Chairman of the Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.).

    4.5. Participants. Groups of participants.

  • 4.5.1. The Olympiad participants are not supposed to study at any institutions of higher education (university or school which can be considered technical colleges). Students who finished their school examination in the year of the Olympiad cannot be members of a team even if they did not start university studies.
  • School children of two groups (alpha group - "juniors" and beta group - "seniors") take part in the Olympiad. These groups are defined by the following:
  • 4.5.2. The junior group participants should be (conjunction of all points):
    • 4.5.2.1. Only the first time participating in IAOs students and
    • 4.5.2.2. ...not older than 15.00 years on January 1st of the year of the Olympiad (i.e. born after January 01 YYYY-15 for the Olympiad of the year YYYY).
    • 4.5.2.3. The last Form educating student cannot participate in the junior group.
  • 4.5.3. The senior group:
    • 4.5.3.1. For the first time participating in IAOs the participants should be: not older than 18.00 years on January 1st of the year of the Olympiad (i.e. born after January 01 YYYY-18 for the Olympiad of the year YYYY).
    • 4.5.3.2. For the second time participating in IAOs the participants should be: not older than 17.00 years on January 1st of the year of the Olympiad (i.e. born after January 01 YYYY-17 for the Olympiad of the year YYYY).
    • 4.5.3.3. For the third time participating in IAOs the participants should be: students: not older than 16.00 years on January 1st of the year of the Olympiad (i.e. born after January 01 YYYY-16 for the Olympiad of the year YYYY).
      Note: It is recommended for the countries' internal rules to restrict for every participant the participation in IAOs by two times.
    • 4.5.3.4. The last Form educating student may participate only in the senior group.

  • 4.5.4. Participants of the both groups must be not younger than 14.00 years on December 31st of the year of the Olympiad (i.e. born before December 31 YYYY-14 for the Olympiad of the year YYYY).

  • 4.5.5. Removed.
  • 4.5.6. A student who won I or II Diploma at the Nth IAO at his/her next time participation at IAO (at (N + 1)th or (N + 2)th or later till age limit allows) takes part in "out of quota" ("personal invitation") category.

  • 4.5.7. In order to popularize the Olympiad during the initial period (1996-2010), not so strong temporal rules for the groups are established, as defined by the Supplementary Instructions N 3.
  • 4.5.8. Other rules and restrictions for the students of the groups may be defined by the Supplementary Instructions N 3.
  • Note: In general, the age limits are defined for the stimulation of astronomy education in the youngest grades of the secondary schools and realization of the main purposes of the Olympiad (# 1.6. in particularly). There are many other astronomical competitions and conferences for students of age 17-20.

    4.6. IAO-type events.

    In order to stimulate founding and organizing of various (national, regional, etc.) astronomy olympiads, invigorating activities of faculties, circles, sections, scientific societies and clubs in the various countries and their provinces, preparation for the future International Astronomy Olympiads the IAO-type events to be held. These might be open national astronomy olympiads, regional (in national or international scale) olympiads or other kind of olympiads with a duration and main points of programme like at IAO (# 4.3.).
    Organizers of an IAO-type event may register it at the Olympic Coordinating Council. For the IAO-type event made as a preparation for the future IAO such a registration is obligatory. Registration includes observation of the event by the Chairman of the OCC (or his/her deputy).
    Actual forms of the IAO-type events are written in the Supplementary Instructions N 4 "IAO-type events and Schools for Young Astrophysicists".

    5. Participating States. Formation of Teams.

    5.1. General rules for participating teams.

    5.1.1. Teams of the states-members (i.e. the states registered # 5.1.3.) at the Olympic Coordinating Council # 7.2.) take part in the International Astronomy Olympiad.
    5.1.2. Moscow city/land and Peninsula of Crimea, as organizers of the oldest open astronomical olympiads/competitions (more than 50 years), and due to their historical service in the formation and development of IAO, are considered as independent states with all rights and duties for all Olympiads.
    5.1.3. Registration for participating in the IAO may be done:
  • for any country which ANRAO organized IAO during last ten years;
  • for any country from which an official team was sent to an IAO during last five years;
  • for any country from which an official ANRAO observer was sent to an IAO during last three years;
  • for a few some countries according to special possibilities metioned in the Supplementary Instructions N 3.

  • Registration for participating in the IAO to be done by the Chairman of the Olympic Coordinating Council.
    Note: List of the actual states-members is here.
    5.1.4. For the initial period of the Olympiad (1996-2005):
    City (settlement, town, province, region or territory) may represent Astronomical Research Centre and participate as separate team at the current Olympiad in the following cases:
  • the Astronomical Research Centre is a host of the current IAO and has organized preliminary registered international IAO-type event (# 4.6.) not earlier than two years before the current IAO.
    Note: This possibility has been used by hosts two times: only at VIII (Stockholm) and X (Beijing) IAOs.
  • the Astronomical Research Centre was a host of the previous IAO and has organized preliminary registered international IAO-type event (# 4.6.) after that IAO. (I.e. to participate at the next after IAO-host year with a separate team organization of one more registered international IAO-type event is necessary).
    Note: This possibility never has been used in IAO history.
  • the Astronomical Research Centre has organized registered many years traditional international IAO-type events (# 4.6.), and the traditions being long so that number of such events have to be at least or more than half of number of the current IAO.
    Note: This possibility never has been used at all since the IAO was found.
  • the Special Astrophysical Observatory due to its historical service in organizing the first IAOs in the end of XX century in the case of organizing registered international IAO-type event (# 4.6.) not earlier than two years before the current IAO.
    Note: This possibility officially been used only one time (in 2002 when SAO was a host as well) since the IAO was found.

  • 5.1.5. Authorized National Representative (Astronomy) Organizations (# 7.1.) of the states are responsible to form the teams of their states.
    5.1.6. Each participating state may send a team consisting of students of general or technical secondary schools: winners of National Astronomy Olympiad and maybe prize-winners (Diploma of the I-st and II-nd prize) of one of the previous International Astronomy Olympiads. Number of persons in the delegations defines by National representation quota.
    5.1.7. For the initial period of the Olympiad (1996-2007) there are additional possibilities (for regions, cities and towns) to form teams as proposed by the Supplementary Instructions N 3.

    5.2. National representation.

    5.2.1. National representation quota. This quota may be done for the countries, whose ANRAO (# 7.1.) organizes National Astronomy Olympiads recognized by the Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.), including organization of the National Astronomy Olympiad during the current year. The issue about fulfilment of the last requirement to be done by the Advisory Committee (# 7.6.). The quota is:
  • not more than 3 participants for the younger age group.
  • not more than 2 participants for the senior age group.
  • prize-winners (I-st or II-nd Diploma) of the previous for him or for her IAO, but not older than the age limit (* not used such a possibility before *).
  • exactly 2 team leaders (specialists in astronomy or astronomy education).
    5.2.2. Representation quota for teams from the other countries:
  • not more than 2 participants for the younger age group.
  • not more than 1 participant for the senior age group.
  • prize-winners (I-st or II-nd Diploma) of the previous for him or for her IAO, but not older than the age limit (* not used such a possibility before *).
  • exactly 2 team leaders (specialists in astronomy or astronomy education).
    5.2.3. For the initial period of the Olympiad (1996-2005) in order to popularize the Olympiad there may be some exceptions from these rules as proposed by the Supplementary Instructions N 3.
    5.2.4. Maximal number of possible observers from a state may be defined by a common solution of OCC and LOC.
    5.2.5. No other accompanying persons are possible if it is not stipulated by a common solution of OCC and LOC.

    5.3. Leaders of the teams and observers.

    Every team should be accompanied by two team leaders. Participation with the only team leader or with larger number of team leaders is forbidden.
    Both team leaders and observers should be specialists in astronomy or astronomy education and be well experienced in leading teams of students for remote trips. (Possible ages of leaders and observers may be defined by the local organizers as well.)
    It is recommended that team leaders to be at least 26 y.o. (Note: LOC may use this restriction as an official limitation).
    One of the leaders invited from each state is designated delegation head and is responsible for the whole delegation. The other is the pedagogical leader and is obliged to take part in work of the jury (# 7.5.) and so to meet necessary for jury member requirements.
    Officials of Ministries of Education may take part in the Olympiad as additional observers.
    The delegation head, the pedagogical leader and (if any) observers must be selected from specialists in astronomy or astronomy education, capable of solving the problems of the competition competently. Each of them should be able to speak English or Russian.
    The delegation head of each participating team should, on arrival, hand over to the organizers a list containing personal data on the leaders, participants and observers (the content of the personal data is defined by the Supplementary Instructions N 7).
    Every team leader and observer has to inform the organizers in advance which of the working languages of the Olympiad he or she would prefer: English or Russian.

    5.4. Representative persons.

    If other points are not mentioned by a decree of the Authorized National Representative (Astronomy) Organization (# 7.1.) the leaders (one or two from every state) become the representative persons from a participating state including that the delegation head become the "National Representative Person". Observers may become the representative persons from the other (nonparticipating at the current Olympiad) states, but there can be no more than 1 representative person from each such state.
    The list the National Representative Persons is to be kept by the Chairman of the Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.).

    6. Official and Working Languages of the Olympiad.

    The official and working languages of the International Astronomy Olympiad are Russian and English. The originals of official documents about the International Astronomy Olympiad (Founding Statutes, the current Acting Statutes/Regulations, Supplement Instructions, etc.) are written in one of these two languages, Russian being the initial administrative language of IAO.
    The Authorized National Representative (Astronomy) Organizations (# 7.1.) of the participating states are responsible and obliged for the proper translation of the initial and fundamental official documents, circulars from Russian and from English languages to the state's languages.
    The official documents for the Olympiads, the competition problems and the solutions to them must be prepared in both official languages (Russian and English). The organizers may, however, prepare them in other languages as well.
    The delegation leaders are responsible and obliged for the proper translation of the problems, tables and all other information from the Russian or English languages to the mother tongue of the participants.

    7. Representative and Working Bodies of the Olympiad.

    7.1. Authorized National Representative (Astronomical) Organizations.

    There should be an Authorized National Representative (Astronomical) Organization (ANRAO) in every participating state: A national astronomical society, a department (section) of the EAAS or IAU in the state, a leading observatory, an astronomical department of a leading university, a ministry of education or another appropriate competent institution. Hereafter, the term of National Astronomical Society is used in the meaning stated above.
    An astronomical organization of a state which claims to be the Authorized National Representative (Astronomy) Organization has to send an application to the Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.) signed by the Chairman of the organization. It is necessary to mention in the application the names of the persons responsible to contact in Russian and in English. Some documents (including translation of some official IAO documents into native language) have to be included to the application (see the Supplement Instructions about ANRAO).
    In the case the only organization of the state claims to be the Authorized National Representative Organization the juridical power of the organization to be ANRAO started since the date of receiving the application by the Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.) and till not more than for 4 years (shorter period may be mentioned in the decree of election/appointment) since the date of issuing the application. Prolongation should be done by a confirmation or a new application.
    In very special cases (like serious changing in the IAO statutes) the EAAS may cancel validity of all previous applications (even if formally they are not expired) and demand every ANRAO to issue new version of the application.
    In the case several astronomical organizations (two or more astronomical societies, two universities, etc.) of the state claim to be the Authorized National Representative Organization the preference should be given to the organization that organizes national astronomy olympiads/competitions. Points at issue should be determined by a Decree of the EAAS Board.
    An Authorized National Representative (Astronomy) Organization has to organize National Astronomy Olympiad, form the team of the state to participate in IAO, prepare annual report about National Olympiad to IAO, prepare application to participate in coming IAO, etc.
    An Authorized National Representative (Astronomy) Organization has to supervise all events in its country connected with the astronomy olympiads and promote the style of IAO for these events. ANRAO has to prevent specialized training becoming more important than intelligence. Particularly, the maximum length of training in a group smaller than 50 students should not exceed two weeks.
    An Authorized National Representative (Astronomy) Organization has to communicate with the IAO bodies either in Russian or in English.
    An Authorized National Representative (Astronomy) Organization has to translate the initial and fundamental official documents of the Olympiad from Russian and from English languages to the National language (languages).
    An Authorized National Representative (Astronomy) Organization may elect or appoint "National Representative Person" for the state in IAO. A decree of election (appointment) is valid since the date of receiving the decree by the Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.) and till not more than for 4 years (shorter period may be mentioned in the decree of election/appointment) since the date of issuing the decree. Prolongation may be done by a new decree. In the case of absence (expiry) of such election (appointment) the delegation head of the state's participated team become the "National Representative Person" (# 5.4.) for the next year (but only for 1 year).
    An Authorized National Representative (Astronomical) Organizations may nominate national candidate to the Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.). A decree of nomination is valid since the date of receiving the decree by the Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.) and till not more than for 4 years (shorter period may be mentioned in the decree of nomination). In the case of expiry of such nomination the official permission of the former OCC-member to be canceled automatically. ANRAO may also cancel the nomination earlier by a decree.

    7.2. The Olympic Coordinating Council.

    The long-term work involved in organizing the Olympiads is coordinated by the Coordinating Council of the IAO (Olympic Coordinating Council or Olympic Council) - the leading body of IAO.
    Methodical Commissions (# 7.9.) and other commissions assigned to work in concrete directions are formed under the Olympic Coordinating Council.

    7.3. Formation of the Olympic Coordinating Council.

    The Olympic Coordinating Council (OCC) consists of a Chairman and members: members-representatives the founding organizations mentioned in the Founding Statutes, leading international astronomy organizations and representatives of some of the participating states. The total number of OCC-members is defined to be at least 9 and at most 17. A preference to delegate a person to the OCC should be done for the states having considerable traditions in organizing national astronomy olympiads/competitions. For the beginning period of the International Astronomy Olympiads (only a few states participating) every participating state may have one member in the Olympic Coordinating Council.
    The Chairman has to be a member of the Euro-Asian Astronomical Society and appointed by the Congress (or Board) of EAAS. Knowledge of the both official languages of IAO (Russian and English) is obligatory for the Chairman.
    For the initial period of the Olympiad (since founding and till authorities of the Founding Chairman are valid) the Chairman of the Olympic Coordinating Council is appointed also as the Chairman (President) of the International Astronomy Olympiad.
    Members-representatives of the founding organizations and leading international astronomy organizations (like IAU, EAAS, EAAE, EAATA, etc.) have to be nominated by the Boards of these organizations.
    Members-representatives of the states should be nominated be their national astronomical society or other Authorized National Representative (Astronomy) Organization (# 7.1.).
    The Chairman and at least 1/2 of the number of members have to have a scientific degree of Dr.Sci. or PhD in astronomy, physics or mathematics. Other members have to be at least Magisters.
    It should be possible to contact the Chairman and every member of the Olympic Coordinating Council via e-mail in English. Knowledge of Russian is highly desirable but not obligatory.
    The election of all members has to be done by the Board of the Euro-Asian Astronomical Society. The Board will have to ask for the necessary documents (for example, ones of scientific degree) of every candidate.
    Every decree of nomination is valid not more than for 4 years (shorter period may be mentioned in the decree of nomination). In the case of expiry of such nomination the official permission of the former OCC-member to be canceled automatically.
    Leading international astronomy organizations and ANRAOs may also cancel the nomination earlier by a decree. The cancelling of the official permission of the former OCC-member due to cancelling of nomination to be done by the Board of the Euro-Asian Astronomical Society.

    7.4. Responsibilities of the Olympic Coordinating Council.

    The Olympic Coordinating Council has the following responsibilities:
  • to direct the competition and supervise that it is conducted according to the regulations;
  • to define additional rules of holding and realizing of the Olympiad not defined by Statutes, Regulations or Instructions;
  • to review the results of the competition and other events during the Olympiad;
  • to recommend for the EAAS the astronomical research centre which will be assigned the organization of the next Olympiad;
  • to register the states which may send teams to IAO (# 5.1.);
  • to register IOA-type events (# 4.6.);
  • to supervise the jobs and activilies of the Olympic Advisory Committee (# 7.6.);
  • etc.
  • 7.5. The Jury Board.

    The Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.) forms an IAO Jury Board for the period of the current Olympiad. Members of the Methodical Commissions (# 7.9.), Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.), scientists and teachers of the organizing states together with scientists, teachers and amateurs from other states take part in the work of the Jury Board.
    The main requirements for the Jury members are:
  • Astronomy. To be a specialist in astronomy or astronomy education, capable to solve problems of a level of the IAO and a little higher.
  • Languages. To know Latin and Cyrillic alphabets, English language and at least initial level of Russian language. Jury member have to know English in a level enough to understand solutions of students in English and to communicate with other jury members about these solutions.
  • Rules and regulations. To be familiar with the rules and regulations for a participant of the Olympiad.
    The requirements for the Jury members, the recommended means to form the Jury Board and the rules for its working are mentioned in the regulations about Jury Board and Methodical Commissions - Supplementary Instructions N 5 "Rules and Regulations for a jury member of the Olympiad".
    To ensure correct and just classification of the students all grading has to be accepted by the members of the Olympic Coordinating Council presenting on the current Olympiad. The grading of the prize-winners and those who win honourable mentions will be made public (but not earlier than after the closing ceremony.
    The Jury Board establishes the winners of the competition and make a decision concerning presentation of the prizes and honourable mentions. The decision of the Jury Board is final.

    7.6. The Olympic Advisory Committee.

    There shall be an Advisory Committee convened at the Chairman of the Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.). The Olympic Advisory Committee consists of: 1. The Chairman (the Chairman of the Advisory Committee is the Chairman of IAO, if other not postulated by a special decision), 2. The Secretary, 3. A member, representing the host of the past Olympiad (as usual the Chairman of LOC of the past Olympiad), 4. A member, representing the host of the coming Olympiad (as usual the proposed Chairman of LOC), 5. Such other persons appointed by the Chairman.
    The Advisory Committee has the responsibilities:
  • to organize and fulfil jobs necessary to prepare coming IAO;
  • to notify the Authorized National Representative (Astronomy) Organizations (# 7.1.) of the participating countries the name and address of the observatory, scientific centre or university assigned to the organization of the coming IAO and the dates of its holding;
  • to publish and send for all necessary institutions information and announcements about coming IAO, make its promotion and popularisation in the world;
  • to receive and review the reports about National Astronomy Olympiads of participating states (all issues concerning the report should be done not later than 5 weeks after its receiving);
  • to make solution about the representation quota (according to # 5.2.1. or to # 5.2.2.) for each participating country, in case of disputes the decision of the Chairman of the Advisory Committee will be final;
  • to ascertain, after the arrival of the competing teams, that all their members meet the requirements of the competition in all aspects. The Committee will disqualify those contestants who do not meet the stipulated conditions. The costs incurred by a disqualified contestant are covered by his/her country;
  • to supervise the jobs and activilies of the Local Organizing Committee (# 7.8.);
  • to issue desisions and recommendations for the next International Astronomy Olympiads;
  • etc.
  • 7.7. The conference of the representative persons.

    A conference may be organized (for instance via-e-mail) during three months after closing the Olympiad.
    The representative persons from the states (# 5.4.), from the founding organizations (# 1. of Founding Statutes), from the leading international astronomy organizations and from the Host Observatory participate in the conference, where they have equal rights and duties.
    The conference has consultative rights to give recommendations for the Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.), the Olympic Advisory Committee (# 7.6.), Local Organizing Committee (# 7.8.) of the next Olympiad, participating states, founding organizations, etc.
    The restriction of three months is done for keeping stability of the IAO and prevention uncertainties in preparing for the next Olympiad. All the discussions about the rules of the Olympiad must be done only during these three months. After that period the conclusions of the discussuons should be summarized and the discussions should be stoped till the end of the next Olympiad.

    7.8. The Local Organizing Committee.

    The Host Astronomical Research Centre (# 3.1.) forms a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) which should be appointed by the Authorized National Representative (Astronomical) Organization (# 7.1.) of the state where the observatory-organizer is placed and by the Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.).

    7.9. The Methodical Commissions.

    The Methodical Commissions are formed under the Olympic Coordinating Council. There are three Methodical Commissions at the IAO:
  • 1. The Theoretical Round Methodical Commission.
    Number of members of the Commission is from 4 to 6.
    Knowledge of the both official languages of IAO (Russian and English) is obligatory for every member of the Theoretical Round Methodical Commission.
    For the initial period of the Olympiad (since 1996 and till special solution) the Chairman of the Olympic Coordinating Council is appointed as the Chairman of the Theoretical Round Methodical Commission and has to form the Commission.
    One of the members of the Commission have to be appointed by the Local Organizing Committee.
  • 2. The Practical Round Methodical Commission.
    Number of members of the Commission is from 3 to 5.
    Local Organizing Committee is obliged to appoint the Chairman and at least one more member of the Practical Round Methodical Commission. Knowledge of the both official languages of IAO (Russian and English) is obligatory for one of them.
    The Chairman of the Olympic Coordinating Council is obliged to be a third member the Commission.
    Other of the members of the Commission may be appointed either by the Local Organizing Committee or by the Olympic Coordinating Council. Knowledge of the both official languages of IAO (Russian and English) is desirable but not obligatory for these members of the Commission.
  • 3. The Observational Round Methodical Commission.
    Number of members of the Commission is from 4 to 6.
    Chairman of the Olympic Coordinating Council is responsible to appoint the Chairman and at least one more member of the Observational Round Methodical Commission. Knowledge of the both official languages of IAO (Russian and English) is obligatory for one of them (Chairman). As usual these persons are organizers of one of the previous IAOs.
    The Chairman of the Olympic Coordinating Council is obliged to be a third member the Commission.
    Local Organizing Committee is obliged to appoint other members of the Commission. Knowledge of the both official languages of IAO (Russian and English) is desirable but not obligatory for them.
    For the initial period of the Olympiad (1996-2003) the Chairman (or the Vice-Chairman) of the Local Organizing Committee was obliged to execute functions of the Chairman of the Observational Round Methodical Commission.
  • Other functions of the Methodical Commissions are defined by the regulations about Jury Board and Methodical Commissions - Supplementary Instructions N 5.

    8. Problems for the Olympiad, their Preparation and Selection.

    The scientific part of the competition must be within the competence of the Olympic Coordinating Centre under the control of professional international astronomy organizations (like EAAS, IAU).
    The Methodical Commission (# 7.9.) of the Coordinating Council jointly with the Commission of the Astronomical Centre, where the Olympiad is held, prepares and selects problems for the Olympiad:
  • 8.1. Theoretical round - The Methodical Commission of the Olympic Coordinating Council, the number of theoretical problems should be from four to six. The theoretical problems should involve at least four areas of astronomy. Secondary-school students should be able to solve the competition problems with standard high school mathematics and without extensive numerical calculations.
  • 8.2. Practical round - The Common Commission of the host Astronomical Centre and the Olympic Coordinating Council, the number of practical problems should be one or two. It is desirable to prepare the practical rounds based on real research of the host Astronomical Centre.
  • 8.3. Observational round - The Common Commission of the Olympic Coordinating Council and host Astronomical Centre, the number of observational problems should be from one to three (each problem may consist of a set of questions).
  • The complexity of the problems depends on the various levels of competence of the participants. It is advisable to select problems where the solutions require a certain creative capability and a considerable level of knowledge.
    The Commission of the host observatory (scientific centre) has to prepare spare problems for the practical round and one spare problem for the observational round which will be presented to the Methodical Commission (# 7.9.) of the Olympic Coordinating Council if some of the initially proposed problems is rejected. The rejected problem cannot be considered again.
    Everyone taking part in the preparation of the competition problems is obliged to preserve complete secrecy.
    The commissions mentioned above formulate the problems (including spare ones) in Russian and English. However, they may prepare the texts in other languages as well.

    9. Financing of the Olympiad.

    The Olympiad is financed by fund of fees of the participating states and funds of the Local Organizing Committee.
    The financial principles of the organization of the Olympiad are as follows:

    9.1. Financial obligations of the Local Organizing Committee.

    9.1.1. The Local Organizing Committee has to cover the following expenses for the participating teams (for the official number of the students and leaders) and for one authorized by ANRAO (# 7.1.) observer (obliged to take part in jobs of jury) from the states, which have never participated or observed in the IAO before:
  • For the persons who have informed (presented all necessary data) about their participation later than 5 weeks before the beginning or who did not inform about their participation, but who suddenly arrived:
    0. Nothing.

  • For the persons who have informed (presented all necessary data) about their participation not later 5 weeks before the beginning:
    1. All costs from the moment of arrival until the moment of departure (including possible two days before the official beginning and two days after). In particular, this concerns the costs for board and lodging of the Olympiad, the cost of excursions, local transport (incl. transport from the nearest International Airport to the place at which the competition is held and back to the Airport), awards for the winners, etc.

  • For the persons who have informed (presented all necessary data) about their participation not later than 13 weeks before the beginning of the Olympiad, additionally to the previous item:
    2. All expenses for invitations and visa issuing fees (i.e. the LOC is forced to take contact with the Consulates of the hosting country to diminish these fees).

    Note 1: This point (9.1.1.2.) is not concern the Organizing Committee of The Observatory organizing Olympiad two or more times during last 6 years, including Organizing Committee organizing the Olympiad according to # 3.1. ...In a case of absence other candidates-organizers for the IAO in some year...
    Note 2: Nevertheless this point was realized for all 7 first International Astronomy Olympiads: IAOs 1996-2002.
  • 9.1.2. The Local Organizing Committee has to cover the following expenses for the Olympic Advisory Committee (# 7.6.):
  • 1. all expenses for the preliminary visits of the Chairman of the Olympic Coordinating Council to the place of Olympiad (to the preliminary events mentioned in # 3.2., IAO-type event (# 4.6.));
  • 2. all expenses for the visit to the Olympiad of
      a) the Chairman of the Olympic Coordinating Council,
      b) the Chairman of the Theoretical Round Methodical Commission,
      c) the Chairman of the Observational Round Methodical Commission;
  • 3. all expenses for the preparation of the Olympiad;
  • 4. expenses for making the Olympiad known all over in the world (for the Olympiad propaganda).

    Note 1: For the initial period of the Olympiad (since 1996 and till special solution) the Chairman of the Olympic Coordinating Council is obliged to execute functions of the Chairman of the Theoretical Round Methodical Commission (# 7.9.1.) and so realization of the # 9.1.2.2.b. is not necessary.
    Note 2: For the initial period of the Olympiad (1996-2003) the Chairman (or the Vice-Chairman) of the Local Organizing Committee is obliged to execute functions of the Chairman of the Observational Round Methodical Commission (# 7.9.3.) and so realization of the # 9.1.2.2.c. is not necessary.
  • 9.1.3. The Local Organizing Committee have to pay the following salary:
  • a) for members of Olympic Advisory Committee for their jobs while preparing the Olympiad;
  • b) for members of Local Organizing Committee for their jobs while preparing the Olympiad.
  • 9.1.4. Special financial Agreement between EAAS and the host organization (on which the LOC (# 7.8.) is based - Astronomical Centre or the Authorized National Representative Organization (# 7.1.)) to be assigned to fulfill the points 9.1.2., 9.1.3.a. of the current Statutes/Regulations. The recommended form for such Agreement is defined by the Supplement Instructions N 9.

    9.2. Financial possibilities (incomes) of the Local Organizing Committee.

    The Local Organizing Committee may ask the Participating teams for a participation fee:
  • For the official number of the students and the leaders of participating states and for one authorized by ANRAO (# 7.1.) observer (obliged to take part in jobs of jury) from the states which have never participated or observed in the IAO before: not greater than -limit temporary removed- (*) per person for the 10 days (9 nights) of Olympiad plus not more than -limit temporary removed- (*) per day per person for extra days.
  • Also the LOC may ask persons who have informed (presented all necessary data) about their participation later than 13 weeks before the beginning of the Olympiad to cover the expenses for the issuing of their invitations.
  • For other invited participants and team leaders (but excl. observers), persons who have informed (presented all necessary data) about their participation later than 6 weeks before the beginning or who did not inform about their participation, but suddenly arrived: not more than factual expenses covering their invitation, board, lodging, etc.
  • For other invited observers fee may be determined by the LOC.
  • (*) Note 1: 1 f.u. (financial unit) is equal purchasing power of US$ 1 at the date of founding IAO.
    (*) Note 2: This limit is not concern the Organizing Committee of a state organizing Olympiad two or more times during last 6 years, including Organizing Committee organizing the Olympiad according to # 3.1. ...In a case of absence other candidates-organizers for the IAO in some year...
    (*) Note 3: Nevertheless this point was realized for all 7 first International Astronomy Olympiads (IAOs 1996-2002).

    9.3. Financial obligations of the Authorized National Representative (Astronomy) Organization of participating state.

    The Authorized National Representative Organization (# 7.1.) of the participating country, which sends the students to the competition:
  • covers the local travel costs of the students and the leaders to and from the place at which the competition is held (i.e. to and trom the nearest Airport or Railway Station);
  • pays participating fees mentioned in # 9.2. for the Local Organizing Committee.
  • 9.4. Fund of the Olympiad.

    The IAO Coordinating Council may form the Fund of the Olympiad to cover the expenses partially or fully. The fund raises money from allocations of states and organizations, holding the Olympiad, sponsors' contributions and other payments of corporate and physical bodies. The fund spends the money according to the estimate approved by the Coordinating Council.
    National organizing committees of the participating states may form local (national) funds, incl. funds at the expense of the educational institutions. These funds provide organization of the national Olympiads through local organizing committees and pay for the teams sent to the International Olympiad.

    10. Status of the Olympiad.

    The International Astronomy Olympiad has a status of an international intellectual competition. The status of the Olympiad may not be changed or transformed.

    11. Alterations of the Basic Principles of the Olympiad

    Taking into consideration the significant and specific part of Astronomy in the educational system and common human culture, the fundamental principles of the Olympiad are defined initially in the text of the Founding Statutes.
    Correction and specification of principles of organization, realization and holding of the Olympiad are realized by the alteration of the "Acting Statutes/Regulations on the Olympiad". Making changes in the text of the Founding Statutes is not allowed.
    Changes in these Statutes and Syllabus, the insertion of new paragraphs or exclusion of old ones, can only be made by the Olympic Coordinating Council, they require a qualified majority of 3/5 of the number of the members (vote may be done via e-mail).
    In very special cases or critical situations the Euro-Asian Astronomical Society, as the founder and the leading body of IAO, may cancel validity of some points of the current Acting Statutes/Regulation and Supplementary Instructions and oblige the Chairman of the Olympic Coordinating Council to prepare new version of the necessary documents for ratification (approval).
    In any case the changes must be ratified (approved) by the following bodies:
      • Changes in the Statutes:
        - by the General Meeting (Congress) of the Euro-Asian Astronomical Society;
      • Changes in the Regulations, Supplementary Instructions and Syllabus:
        - by the Board of the Euro-Asian Astronomical Society.
    Changes must be in accordance with the Founding Statutes of the Olympiad, the EAAS-EAATA Declaration about The International Astronomy Olympiad and basic principles of Astronomical Science and Culture.
    All ratified changes to these Statutes/Regulations or Supplementary Instructions may have juridical power only one month after the publication new edition in the Internet and the disseminating this information to all members of the Olympic Coordinating Council (# 7.2.) and representative persons (# 5.4.).

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