What are the rules for the bee?

What information am I allowed to ask about the word I've been given to spell?

You may ask for a definition of the word and the language of origin of the word. You may also ask that the word be used in a sentence.

Even if you are almost 100% sure you know the word you have been given, we always encourage you to ask for some information about the word. It allows you to collect your thoughts and you always want to be as sure as possible that you have heard the word correctly.

If you are not sure you heard the word correctly, you are encouraged to ask that the word be pronounced again for you.

It is YOUR responsibility to make sure you understand the word you have been given to spell, so take your time and ask the questions you need.

Do I have to say the word before and after I spell it?

It's a very good idea to do both, but you will NOT be eliminated just for failing to say the word before or after you spell it.

Saying the word before you spell it is a good idea, because the judges may be able to stop you if they think you have misunderstood the word. Then the pronouncer can repeat the word and try to make sure you understand the word you are expected to spell.

Saying the word after you spell it is also a good idea, because it lets the judges clearly know when you have finished spelling the word.

Do I have to indicate capital letters, for example, if I am given a proper noun to spell?

No. The rules do not require that spellers indicate capitalization when they spell a word.

Am I allowed to stop in the middle of a word and go back to the beginning and retrace my steps?

Yes, but you may NOT change any of your original letters when you do so.

Suppose my parents and I believe that I correctly spelled a homonym of the word given by the pronouncer, but I was eliminated?

If the pronouncer failed to give a definition or sentence that distinguished the word from its homonym, your parents may file an appeal by handing a note to the pronouncer. Such an appeal must be filed BEFORE you would have received your next word, had you stayed in the bee. The judges will then consider the appeal and make a decision on whether to reinstate you.

Are there any other rules I should know?

We've covered the rules that come up most commonly above, but you can find a complete set of the rules for the bee, with annotations highlighting important points is available here.

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