New Coach Guide

Start here if you are forming, registering, or training an ICPC team. Follow these steps in order, then use the linked resources as your team develops.

1. Find a contest and confirm eligibility

• Regional Contest Finder
  Locate the regional competition that serves your institution.

• Current ICPC Regional Rules
  Review team composition, eligibility, registration deadlines, advancement, and contest requirements.

2. Register and manage your team

• Official Coach Instructions
  Step-by-step guidance for creating a team, adding contestants, and completing registration.

• Registration help and frequently asked questions
  Troubleshooting for accounts, profiles, pending registrations, and required information.

3. Learn the coaching role

• ICPC New Coach Guide (updated May 2025)
  An orientation for coaches who are new to ICPC.

• What I’d Like Coaches to Know
  Practical advice and context for coaching a programming team.

4. Train your team

• Beginner Training Path
  A starting sequence for students building competitive-programming skills.

• Curriculum
  Course materials, practice problems, and references for structured training.

• Practice Platforms
  Online judges and problem collections for regular practice.

• Programming Team Strategy
  Resources for collaboration, role assignment, and contest-day strategy.

5. Prepare for contest day

Recheck the current rules and your regional contest’s instructions, verify that every contestant’s registration is complete, and schedule full-length team practice under contest conditions.

Return to Learn & Practice

Last reviewed: August 3, 2026.