Let the Kids Take the Lead: Understanding the Rule of Interference in Destination Imagination

One of the most powerful aspects of the Destination Imagination Challenge Experience is the way it empowers young people to become confident, creative problem solvers. At the heart of this experience lies a foundational principle: The Rule of Interference. This rule is not just a guideline—it's what makes the Challenge experience uniquely impactful.

What Is the Rule of Interference?

In Destination Imagination, only team members are allowed to contribute to the development of their solution to the Challenge. This means that adults, parents, Team Managers, and other non-team members must not interfere in any way with how the team solves its Challenge.

That includes:

  • Offering ideas or suggestions

  • Building, designing or repairing parts of the solution

  • Coaching during the Instant Challenge at a tournament

  • Editing scripts or written components

  • Making decisions for the team

  • Telling teams where to stand and how loud to speak for their Challenge presentation

Even with the best intentions, outside help can take away the ownership of the solution from the team— and that's what DI is all about. Not only that, a team can lose points at a tournament if it is determined that Interference has taken place.

Why Is This Rule So Important?

The Rule of Interference exists to protect the core of the DI philosophy: student-driven learning. When team members are solely responsible for the solution, they develop critical skills like:

  • Independent thinking

  • Creative problem-solving

  • Collaboration and communication

  • Decision-making

  • Perseverance

By stepping back, adults give students the invaluable opportunity to try, fail, adapt, and succeed on their own. This is where real growth happens.

But Don’t Worry—Adults Still Have a Role!

Team Managers and parents play a vital role in supporting the team. Here’s how:

  • Encourage the team members and cheer them on

  • Help with logistics, such as scheduling meetings and managing materials

  • Facilitate team collaboration by creating a safe, positive environment

  • Ask questions that spark discussion rather than provide answers

  • Teach skills (when asked) in a general way that the team can apply on their own later

  • Celebrate the team’s efforts, creativity, and progress

Trust the Process

Watching from the sidelines can be hard—especially when you know the “perfect” idea or how to fix a tricky technical issue. But the most valuable thing you can do is trust the process and let the team take the lead.

When team members arrive at their solution independently, they don’t just complete a Challenge—they build confidence, resilience, and a sense of ownership they’ll carry with them for life.

Bottom Line: It’s Their Journey. Let Them Drive

The Rule of Interference isn’t a barrier—it’s a bridge to authentic learning. So, step back, cheer loud, and watch in awe as your team dreams, builds, and creates—on their own terms.

Ready to learn more?  Contact Wisconsin Destination Imagination (WIDI) or visit DestinationImagination.org.

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