Rules And Regulations
While The Global Scavenger Hunt is an adventure of a lifetime, it is also a competition. And, as such, must have rules. As you embark on this extraordinary journey around the world, here are the rules designed to ensure a fair, fun, and thrilling experience for everyone. Let’s dive in!
Rule 1: Team Togetherness
To complete a scavenge, both teammates must be physically present. Snap a team photo at each scavenge as proof. No drive-by photos allowed! Each team gets one official scavenger hunt booklet – don’t copy it. Stick together for ticket purchases and other tasks. Penalty for non-compliance: loss of 50% points for that leg. Lose your booklet? New challenge: print a new copy after the race directors guide you to it.
Rule 2: Team Event
TGSH is about team strategy, not group efforts. No teaming up without prior approval. If you do, inform the race directors which scavenges were done together. This rule requires a bit of common sense. When you are out on a leg, pointing in the direction of a scavenge or helping a lost team out is just what good travelers do, but teaming up to create an advantage is not within the spirit of the game. Penalty: both teams lose 50% of their points for that leg.
Rule 3: Public Transportation Only
Use public transportation unless otherwise instructed by the race directors. Public means public: if it’s just the two of you, it’s not public. Taxi use (or the location’s Uber equivalent) is permitted. Hiring an Uber driver to stay with you over the course of multiple scavenges is not. No hotel cars, car hires, or rentals. Document your travel with timelines, photos, and receipts. Penalty: loss of all leg points for severe violations.
Rule 4: Keep Those Tickets
Save all train, bus, ferry, and other public travel tickets. Note dates and times on the back. Use your travel journals to make timelines of your activities. The race directors will review these records as proof.
Rule 5: Documenting Issues
If a scavenge can’t be found or has changed, document your attempts with photos and notes. Be creative and move on. Notify the race directors of any serious issues at scavenge sites. But note that visiting a place that is closed, going to a place where the event is cancelled because of weather (or any other reason), or going to the wrong place does not get you points. To receive points, you must have completed the task.
Rule 6: Participation Over Sightseeing
Locate, visit, and spend quality time at each place. No drive-by photos from your vehicle. Save entrance tickets and sales receipts. Scavenges must be done outside of hotels unless stated otherwise. Proof is on you – no proof, no points. If there is a time requirement (one hour at a museum) or implied time period (watch a play, watch a soccer match, enjoy a dinner), you must document arrival and departure times. No other scavenges will be permitted during that time period. The time spent at the location should be consistent with the ordinary time spent at the location. So, watching a play does not mean buy a ticket, watch for 5 minutes and leave. It means watch the play. Enjoy brunch at a lovely sidewalk café does not mean down a latte and move on. It means order a meal, take a beat, and enjoy the moment. Point values are assigned in part on the amount of time that a reasonable team would spend at the location, so cutting that time short by rushing through it is, simply put, cheating.
Rule 7: Proof Availability
Keep all proof (receipts, photos, journals) available for verification until the next leg begins. Penalty for not having proofs: no points.
Rule 8: Score Sheet Integrity
Teams must sign score sheets, which the race directors will photograph and keep. No alterations allowed. Claiming completion without proof is cheating. Penalty: loss of points, with increasing severity for repeated offenses.
Rule 9: No Guides or Hotel Help
No professional or amateur guides except taxi drivers. No help from hotel employees. Figure things out independently. No prior research, guides, or concierge services. Penalty: loss of points, possibly all leg points.
Rule 10: No Friends and Family Help
Friends and family in destination cities cannot help your team. They can attend official events but not aid in scavenges.
Rule 11: Tech-Free Legs
During tech-free legs, no personal electronic devices or hotel business centers for research. Use public phones if needed. Penalty: loss of 50% of leg points.
Rule 12: Race Directors' Role
The race directors are there for safety and rule enforcement, not strategy or guidance. Don’t ask them for help with your team’s strategy.
Rule 13: Reporting Violations
Report any rule violations or spirit breaches by other teams to the race directors immediately and privately. Provide documentation if possible. Confrontation is not your responsibility.
Rule 14: Rule Modifications
The race directors may modify rules as needed. Any changes will be announced publicly to all teams at official meetings or through official messages.
Rule 15: Accommodation Rules
Accommodations are for designated evenings only. Teams must negotiate additional nights themselves.
Rule 16: Downtime Conduct
During downtime, refrain from activities that could give your team a competitive edge. Relax and take care of personal needs. Penalty: being sequestered before the next leg.
Rule 17: Handling Infractions
Infractions will be dealt with by the race directors immediately. Points will be subtracted and made public. Continued violations may lead to disqualification. The race directors’ decisions are final.
Rule 18: Respect Local Customs
Respect all people, customs, and laws of the countries visited. Dress appropriately at sacred sites and abide by local customs. We are guests.
Rule 19: No Sabotage
Do not sabotage other teams. Penalty: loss of leg points or disqualification. Avoid spreading gossip or calculating other teams’ scores. Report any issues to the race directors.
Rule 20: Obey Local Laws
Follow all local laws. Ignorance is no excuse. Avoid illegal activities.
Rule 21: Scoring
Scores are tallied and posted after each leg. Teams are ranked based on points earned, with points reset for each new leg. Consistency is key. The team with the lowest aggregate score at the end wins. Ties will be resolved by a coin flip.
Rule 22: Point Adjustments
The race directors may adjust points for partial scavenges or violations. Disputes must be raised before the next leg starts. No instant replays.
Rule 23: Check-In Deadlines
Teams must meet check-in deadlines with completed score sheets. Late submissions may result in point deductions.
Rule 24: Mandatory Scavenges
If a team member cannot complete a mandatory scavenge for moral, ethical, political, or religious reasons, inform the race directors. Optional scavenges are just that – optional.
Rule 25: Scavenge Types
Scavenges come in various types:
- Either/Or Scavenges: Choose and complete one to earn points.
- Eating Scavenges: Taste, chew, and swallow the minimum required.
- Question Scavenges: Answer surveys or questions.
- Bonus Scavenges: Take strategic risks for higher points.
- Red Herring Scavenges: Fool’s errands to catch cheaters.
- Optional Scavenges: Do at your discretion with time requirements noted.
- Bolded Mandatory Scavenges: Must be completed to earn points for the leg.
- Team Challenges: One team earns points for completing a unique scavenge first.
- Experience Scavenges (EXP): Engage in unique experiences.
- Special Serendipity Scavenges: Create your own scavenge from unique experiences.
Unofficial "Quarter After" Rule
Punctuality is crucial. Teams that are late or cause delays must buy everyone a round. Repeated lateness may result in being left behind.
Enjoy your journey, embrace the adventure, and may the best team be crowned The World’s Greatest Travelers™!