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Treasure Hunt Rules

Treasure hunts come in a large variety of types with different sets of rules. Some treasure hunts are a race to find the final clue and solve it. For others, each clue is worth points and sometimes offers the choice of completing one of two tasks. Teams must choose based on skills of the team and the point value for the task. Regardless of which version of a treasure hunt you conduct, the rules must be specified clearly before the hunt begins.

Time Limits
- Set a time limit for your treasure hunt. There should be a definite starting time and a time to report to the finishing location, even if the contestants have not completed the treasure hunt by then. Deduct a specified number of points for every five minutes the individual or team is late arriving to the finish line. This will prevent teams from trying to complete the hunt after the deadline.
Assign Point Value
- Assign point values for each clue that is found during the treasure hunt. This will allow you to determine a winner in case none of the teams complete the hunt within the time limit. For each clue, have the same number of clues. Make the points worth more for the first team to find the clue. As an example, if there are five teams, have five of each clue numbered one to five. The first team to the clue gets the five point clue; points decline for every succeeding team that arrives and the last team to pick up that clue gets just one point.
Transportation
- Specify the permitted forms of transportation. If the hunt is supposed to be a walking one and a team uses a vehicle instead, such as a bike or car, assign a point penalty or disqualify the team completely.
Teamwork
- The rules must state if an entire team must stay together or the team can split up to find different clues to help them on the treasure hunt. If a team splits up when this is not permitted, penalize them with a point penalty or a disqualification from the contest.
Hiding Of Clues
- Teams may pick up only one copy of the clue at each location. The team cannot hide or touch any of the copies intended for teams that arrive after they pick their own clue up. Doing this is cheating and results in disqualification.
Physical Contact
- Any team that tries to physically obstruct the hunt for the other teams is disqualified. This includes using a teammate to block other teams from their goals, or touching a member on an opposing team in an attempt to delay her team.
Outside Help
- The rules of the treasure hunt should specify if outside help is permitted during the treasure hunt. If this is not allowed, items such as cell phones should not be used during the treasure hunt because they could be used to contact others not playing for assistance. If the rules permit this, then items such as cell phones and even laptop computers may be permitted.

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