Interested in Starting a Team?

Steps for Starting a Team

1. Find an adult who would like to be the Team Manager
2. Select 2-7 kids to be on your DI team (Unless you have an early learning "Rising Stars" team - preschool through 2nd grade. Then, you could have hundreds of kids on your team! Though, we don't recommend it.)
3. Determine a time and place for team meetings
4. Look through the Challenge Previews and First Look Document to see the variety of challenges your DI team can choose from. Later, your team will select a Challenge. (Having trouble choosing a Challenge? Complete the Team Interest Inventory survey, located on page 102 in the Roadmap.)
5. Purchase a Team Number at the DI Store
6. Begin registering your team (full instructions can be found here): You will fill out team information on the DI Resources site AND sign up for a tournament on the Register Your Team site.
7. Have the Team Manager(s) complete a Background Check
8. Communicate with team parents and begin planning team meetings using the DI Roadmap (The Roadmap can be accessed through DI Resources)
9. Attend Team Manager Training (see if there are any upcoming TM trainings near you, or email your Regional Director). You can also download important documents from the Resource Area like Rules of the Road for rules, procedures, and forms as well as peruse our collection of resources that aim to increase your and your team's success!
10. Have a great season problem-solving!

Want to join a team, but aren't ready to start your own?

Fill out your information on this interest form and we will do our best to pair you with a team!

Most teams are formed independently through schools, youth groups, etc. and require a dedicated adult to help coordinate the team. So, while forming your own team is the best way to guarantee involvement, we understand that this can be a large undertaking. If you fill out the interest form, we will keep you informed about training and info nights, and will work to match you with other interested parties in your geographic area.

Join us in our mission to engage Washington's students as they become the innovators of the future. Washington DI provides an educational experience that encourages learning through clarifying questions, curious exploration, and authentic self-expression.

Teams work from imagination to innovation to implementation with the guidance of adult team manager, and with support from Washington DI.
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Suggested Timeline Breakdown

AS EARLY AS AUGUST
Step 1:  Visit the Destination Imagination Start A Team Website and the challenge previews to learn about the program.
​Step 2:  Identify a team manager. See Team Manager Resources or FAQs
Step 3:  Purchase a Destination Imagination Membership to obtain program materials on the Destination Imagination website.
​Step 4:  Form a team with 2 - 7 team members.  This is a great time for the team members to get to know each other!

BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND JANUARY
Step 5:  To participate in a tournament, each team must identify a volunteer to help run the tournament as an appraiser. See FAQs  
Step 6:  Fill out your team information on DI Resources, and register your team for a regional tournament (additional fee) at RegisterYourTeam

FEBRUARY
Step 7:  Your team's volunteer attends training to become an appraiser (mandatory).  Check your region under the Events page for the regional training date and location nearest you.
​Step 8:  Review general clarifications and submit team specific clarifications for your selected challenge to Destination Imagination before the deadline.

LATE FEBRUARY AND EARLY MARCH​
Step 9:  Compete in a regional tournament.  See Tournament FAQs.

MARCH
Step 10:  Celebrate! Congratulations on a successful tournament season! Celebrate how much your team has learned about the creative process, interpersonal and management skills, critical thinking, project management, team building, conflict resolution and perseverance. These are all skills they will use to thrive in their education and subsequent careers.​
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FOR TEAMS INVITED TO THE STATE TOURNAMENT
​Step 11:  Eligible teams register for the state tournament (additional fee) on RegisterYourTeam.
​Step 12:  Prepare for the state tournament.  See State Tournament FAQs

FOR TEAMS INVITED TO THE GLOBAL FINALS TOURNAMENT
Step 13:  Attend the Going to Globals meeting at the end of the State Tournament Awards Ceremony
​Step 14:  Eligible teams register for the Global Finals tournament
​Step 15:  Prepare for the Global Finals tournament.  See Global Finals FAQs

Check out our FAQs and​ resources for Team Managers