Regulations of the European Mathematical Olympiad (EMO)

1. General

1.1 The European Mathematical Olympiad (EMO) is governed by these Regulations, which serve both as the General Regulations and the Annual Regulations for the first EMO. They may be updated or expanded for future editions as necessary.

1.2 The first EMO takes place on dates and in the Host Countries of Lithuania and Ukraine, jointly responsible for the organisation and delivery of all official events and activities.

1.3 The Organising Committee of the EMO, appointed by the host countries, has overall responsibility for ensuring that the arrangements for the Olympiad support its aims and uphold the spirit of fair play. The Organising Committee may approve reasonable changes to deadlines or procedures where necessary.

1.4 The aims of the EMO are:

• to discover, encourage and challenge mathematically gifted young people across Europe;

• to foster friendship and cooperation among young mathematicians in different European countries;

• to create opportunities for the exchange of ideas and experience in mathematical education and training across the region;

• to promote mathematics and problem solving as a creative and inspiring discipline.

1.5 The Organising Committee acts on behalf of the EMO in all matters related to the competition, logistics, communication, and administration. It also makes recommendations for the organisation of future EMOs.

1.6 These Regulations may be amended for future EMOs by decision of the Organising Committee in consultation with team leaders.

1.7 The official language of the EMO is English.

1.8 The European Mathematical Olympiad must be free from bullying, harassment, and any form of discrimination (for example, on grounds of gender identity, nationality, physical ability, religion, or sexual orientation). All participants, volunteers, and organisers are expected to conduct themselves with dignity and show respect to everyone.

Any allegations of inappropriate behaviour will be handled by the Organising Committee, which may take appropriate action, including warnings, removal from events, or exclusion from future participation.

This regulation is in addition to the laws of the Host Countries. In the event of serious misconduct, the matter will be referred to the relevant national authorities.

2. Participation

2.1 Participation in the European Mathematical Olympiad (EMO) is by invitation only.
Each invited country or region may send a team consisting of:

• up to six contestants (Contestants),

• one Leader, and

• one Deputy Leader,

  collectively referred to as the Participants.

A team must have a Leader. If a team does not have a Deputy Leader, the Leader follows the official programme for Deputy Leaders and does not participate in the Jury until after the contest.

The host countries may send up to two teams.

2.2 Each country’s Contestants should be selected through that country’s national Mathematical Olympiad or an equivalent selection process.

Contestants must:

• have been born on or after 1 July in the year (x − 20), where x is the year of participation in the EMO;

• have been enrolled in full-time primary or secondary education on or after 1 December of the year preceding the EMO, or, if home-schooled, must not yet have received a high-school diploma (or equivalent) by that date.

Contestants should normally be citizens or long-term residents of the country they represent. Exceptions may be permitted for genuine educational reasons (for example, a student studying abroad for family reasons).

Students may not attempt the national selection processes of more than one country in the same EMO year.

Any exceptions to these eligibility rules may be approved by the Organising Committee in exceptional circumstances.

2.3 Observers, including accompanying persons or officials (Observers), may apply to attend the EMO as:

• Observer A, accompanying the Leader and residing at or near the Leaders’ site;

• Observer B, accompanying the Deputy Leader and residing at or near the Deputy Leaders’ site.

The Organising Committee determines the participation fees for Observers and the deadlines for payment.

Accommodation for Observers is limited, and acceptance of applications cannot be guaranteed.

2.4 The Official Programme refers to the schedule of the EMO and associated events.
The Organising Committee reserves the right to amend or revise the programme if necessary. In the event of significant changes, all Leaders and Deputy Leaders will be notified.

The Official Programme includes details of accommodation, meals, and venues for all official events. The detailed version may not be disclosed until arrival.

2.5 Each invited country must confirm its participation by the deadline specified by the Organising Committee.
This confirmation also indicates that the Leader agrees to abide by these Regulations.
All Participants, Observers, and travel details must be registered by the specified dates.

2.6 Leaders and Deputy Leaders are responsible for the conduct, safety, and well-being of their Contestants during the EMO.
They act in loco parentis for their team unless another accompanying adult has been formally designated in writing.

2.7 Leaders and Deputy Leaders must ensure that their Contestants:

• understand the competition rules (see Clause 5);

• are aware that violations may lead to disqualification; and

• are fully informed of the safety and conduct guidelines issued by the Organising Committee.

2.8 Invitations to the first EMO are extended by the Organising Committee to European countries and regions.

2.9 The Leader should be sufficiently involved in mathematics to carry out the following responsibilities:

1. Inform the Contestants and Deputy Leader of the EMO Regulations and ensure compliance.

2. Ensure their country submits proposed problems to the Problem Selection Committee and keeps them confidential.

3. Attend all Jury meetings and take part in its work.

4. Report any potential conflicts of interest (e.g., if a proposed problem is already known to them or their team).

5. Prepare accurate translations of the problems into the team’s working language if required.

6. Ensure all deadlines set by the Organising Committee are met.

7. Ensure fair and accurate scoring during coordination in line with marking schemes.

8. Communicate Jury decisions to their national organisers.

2.10 The Deputy Leader assists the Leader and, in case of emergency, may act as the Leader. Responsibilities include:

1. Helping the Leader evaluate the team’s solutions.

2. Assisting during coordination.

3. Supervising the team’s conduct and welfare during all activities.

4. Ensuring Contestants understand the competition rules and daily schedule.

2.11 Officials, educators, and guests with an interest in mathematics are welcome to attend the EMO as Observers A or B, subject to approval and available capacity.

3. Responsibility for Accommodation and Expenses

3.1 The official arrival and departure sites for the EMO are specified by the Organising Committee of the Host Countries (Lithuania and Ukraine).

3.2 The Organising Committee covers all official expenses for Participants and approved Observers during the Official Programme, including:

• accommodation,

• meals,

• transport between the official arrival and departure sites and the accommodation sites, and

• transport between the accommodation sites and other official venues.

3.3 Other than the provision of accommodation, meals, and transport during the Official Programme as detailed above, the Organising Committee is not liable under any circumstances for any additional costs or expenses incurred by any Participant or Observer in connection with the EMO.

In particular, the Organising Committee is not responsible for expenses related to:

• extra days in the Host Countries outside the official programme period;

• international travel to and from the Host Countries;

• domestic travel within the Host Countries prior to arrival at, or following departure from, the official sites.

3.4 All Participants and Observers are responsible for obtaining full accident, health, and travel insurance valid for the entire duration of their stay in the Host Countries.

It is the Leader’s responsibility to confirm that adequate insurance coverage has been arranged for all Participants and Observers of their team.

3.5 The Organising Committee will offer opportunities for excursions and cultural activities as part of the EMO experience, but is under no obligation to organise specific events or cover additional costs beyond those included in the Official Programme.

3.6 Accommodation arrangements (shared or single rooms) will be specified by the Organising Committee.
Where accommodation is in shared rooms, requests for single rooms may be submitted, subject to availability and an additional fee.

Since accommodation capacity is limited, no guarantee can be given that such requests will be granted.

4. Problem Proposals

4.1 Each participating country (other than the Host Countries, Lithuania and Ukraine) may submit up to six proposed problems along with solutions.

Problems must be submitted by the Leader of each team using the secure procedure provided by the Organising Committee. The deadline for submission will be specified by the Organising Committee.

4.2 Proposed problems should:

• cover various fields of pre-university mathematics;

• have varying degrees of difficulty;

• be original, and not previously used or suggested in other mathematics competitions.

4.3 Proposals must be submitted in English.

5. Contest Regulations

5.1 The contest element of the EMO (the “Contest”) takes place on two consecutive days, scheduled by the Organising Committee.
Each examination starts in the morning and lasts four and a half hours. Each of the two examination papers consists of four problems, one from each of Algebra, Geometry, Combinatorics and Number Theory.

5.2 Each Contestant may receive the problems in one or more languages previously requested during registration, provided that the Organising Committee has approved the translations.

5.3 Each Contestant must work independently and submit solutions in their chosen language.
Solutions must be written on answer forms provided by the Organising Committee.

Contestants must write on one side only of each answer form.

5.4 The only instruments permitted during the Contest are writing and drawing instruments, such as rulers and compasses.
Books, papers, tables, calculators, protractors, computers, and any communication devices are not allowed.

5.5 Leaders, Deputy Leaders, Observers, and anyone with prior knowledge of the problems must ensure that no Contestant receives any information about the problems before the Contest.

All Contest problems and solutions are strictly confidential until the Contest ends.
From the moment of arrival at the Contest site until the end of the second examination:

• Observers A and B, Deputy Leaders, and Contestants cannot have external communication regarding the problems.

• Contestants, Deputy Leaders and Observers B cannot contact Leaders or Observers A.

In case of emergencies, the Organising Committee will provide necessary assistance. Information about arrivals, delays, or urgent messages should be directed only to the official EMO office.

5.6 The total number of prizes (first, second, and third) will be determined by the Organising Committee.
Typically, prizes should not exceed half the total number of Contestants, and the ratio of first:second:third prizes should be approximately 1:2:3.

5.7 Special prizes may be awarded for solutions deemed outstanding by the Organising Committee.

5.8 Prizes are awarded at the Closing Ceremony.
Each Contestant who does not receive a first, second, or third prize may receive a Certificate of Honourable Mention if they earn at least seven points on any single problem.

5.9 All Participants and Observers receive a Certificate of Participation.

5.10 Participants and Observers consent to the publication of their names and photographs on the official EMO website.
Requests to anonymize results or remove photographs may be made at least two years after a Contestant’s final participation, through the registered EMO contact of their country.

6. Jury Regulations

6.1 The “Jury” consists of all Leaders (also called Jury members) together with a Chair appointed by the Organising Committee.
A Leader may be replaced by their Deputy Leader in an emergency, with the approval of the Chair.

Observers A may attend Jury meetings only with permission of the Chair, but they cannot vote. They may speak only at the explicit request of the Chair.

6.2 Only Jury members may vote in decisions. Each Jury member has one vote.
Decisions are made by a simple majority. In the event of a tie, the Chair has a casting vote.

6.3 The Jury may appoint sub-committees to consider specific matters if needed.

6.4 Jury meetings are conducted mainly in English.

6.5 The members of the Problem Selection Committee are selected by the Organizing Committee.
On or before each day of the Contest the Jury approves the Contest problems selected by the Problem Selection Committee, or alternative problems if a problem proves to be already known, and approves the translations of the Contest problems into all required languages (including the final English version).

6.6 Before the Contest, the Jury:

• verifies that all Contestants meet the conditions for participation;

• approves the official versions of the Contest problems in English;;

• approves translations of Contest problems into other required languages;

• approves the marking schemes prepared under the direction of the Chief Coordinator.

6.7 During each day of the Contest, the Jury considers written questions raised by Contestants in the first half hour and decides on replies.

6.8 After the Contest, the Jury:

• receives and approves a report from the Chief Invigilator on the conduct of the examinations;

• receives a report from the Chief Coordinator on any unresolved disputes arising during coordination and determines appropriate scores;

• approves the scores of all Contestants;

• decides winners of first, second, and third prizes;

• considers and decides on proposals for special prizes;

• discusses matters related to future EMOs.

6.9 Any allegation or suspicion of a regulation violation must be reported to the Chair of the Jury.
If there is a prima facie case, the Chair may form a committee to investigate. The committee reports its findings to the Jury, which decides whether a violation has occurred and, if so, what sanction to apply.

Possible sanctions include disqualification of an individual Contestant or an entire team.

The decision of the Jury is final.

7. Coordination

7.1 Coordination is the process by which the official scores of each Contestant are determined in a fair and transparent manner.
Leaders of each country submit their Contestants’ papers to a coordination group provided by the Host Organisation. This group consists of a Chief Coordinator and, for each problem, a Problem Coordinator responsible for scoring that problem.

7.2 For each problem, each Contestant receives an integer score out of a maximum of seven points.

7.3 Before official approval, Contestants’ solutions are assessed independently by Leaders and Deputy Leaders, and by the Coordinators, in accordance with the marking schemes approved by the Jury.

Only the Leaders, Deputy Leaders, Participants and Observers A and B may see Contestants’ solutions during this process. Leaders and Observers are encouraged to assist other Countries’ Leaders and Deputy Leaders in evaluating difficult solutions.

7.4 Each coordination session involves two Coordinators provided by the Host Organisation and representatives of the relevant Country. Normally, these are the Leader and Deputy Leader. With the Chief Coordinator’s approval, one additional observer may be present but cannot participate actively in scoring.

7.5 The Leader and Coordinators must agree on the scores for each Contestant. Scores are recorded on official forms and signed by both the Leader and Coordinators.

If the Leader and Coordinators cannot agree on a score:

1. The matter is referred to the Problem Coordinator for that problem.

2. If no agreement is reached, it is referred to the Chief Coordinator.

3. If disagreement persists, the Chief Coordinator reports the case to the Jury with a recommendation. The Jury decides the final score.

7.6 If an irregularity is suspected during coordination, Coordinators must immediately inform the Chief Coordinator. Unless satisfied that no violation has occurred, the Chief Coordinator must report the matter to the Chair of the Jury (see Section 6.9).

7.7 For each problem proposed by the Host Countries (Lithuania or Ukraine), the solutions of their Contestants are coordinated by the Leader and Deputy Leader of the submitting Host Country, with the assistance of the Problem Coordinator.

8. Entire Agreement and Understanding

8.1 The Participants and Observers acknowledge that these Regulations constitute the full agreement and understanding between the parties regarding the EMO. They supersede any prior discussions, representations, or communications made by or on behalf of the Host Organisation concerning the EMO.

9. Force Majeure

9.1 In these Regulations, “force majeure” means any cause preventing the Host Organisation from fulfilling its obligations that arises from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• strikes, lock-outs, or other industrial disputes;

• acts of God, war, riot, civil commotion, or malicious damage;

• compliance with any law, governmental order, or regulation;

• accident, breakdown of equipment, earthquake, fire, flood, storm;

• default of suppliers or contractors.

9.2 If the Host Organisation is prevented or delayed in performing any obligations under these Regulations due to force majeure, it will not be liable for those obligations affected, both during the continuation of such events and for the reasonable time required to resume normal operations.