All Roads Lead to Tennessee

The All Roads Lead to Tennessee theme brings the Volunteer community together, recognizing that while we all come from different places around the world, our home is on Rocky Top!

The organizations who will be most successful will be as creative with the theme as possible. Incorporating the theme into every competition possible, Paint the Union, Chalk Pedestrian Walkway, Smokey’s Howl, Lawn Display, and Parade, is extremely encouraged.

Homecoming Email: [email protected]

Instgram: @UTKCSE

For general Homecoming questions related to events, see the Frequently Asked Questions section.

For more information on events executed by the greater UT community, please refer to homecoming.utk.edu.

Email any questions to [email protected].

Orange Division

To be eligible to compete in the Orange Division overall competition, your team must enter all eight events listed within the competition guide. Orange Division participants will only be competing against other Orange Division teams. Each event will have a winner and the overall winner of the Orange Division will be awarded the Madge Harrison Trophy at halftime of the 2026 Homecoming football game against Kentucky.

White Division

Any organization not competing in every event outlined in this guide will be competing in this division. Along with organizations, a group of UT students may sign up as a team to participate in the White Division. Teams in the White Division will choose to compete in any combination of events and will solely compete against other White Division teams. There will be an overall division winner as well as individual event winners.

Individual

Throughout the week, there will be the ability for individuals to compete in order to allow more students than ever to participate in Homecoming. Each event will have event winners with specific prizes and there will be no overall winners. Members of organizations that are competing in the Orange or White Divisions are eligible to compete in these events if not contributing to their organization for that competition.

September 2026
Date	Meeting or Important Date	Time	Location
September 29, 2026	Interest Meeting	7 p.m.	Student Union 377A
September 30, 2026	Interest Meeting Recording Ready	noon	Meeting recording

 

October 2026
Date	Meeting or Important Date	Time	Location
October 1, 2026	Registration Opens	midnight	Registration form
October 16, 2026	Registration Closes	11:59 p.m.	Registration form
October 20, 2026	Mandatory Meeting	7 p.m.	Student Union Ballroom A
October 21, 2026	Sketches + Trivia Participants Due	11:59 p.m.	Submission form
October 26, 2026	Banner Painting Begins	midnight	Various Locations
October 29, 2026	Lawn Display Construction Begins	midnight	Various Locations
October 30, 2026	Parade Float Construction Begins	midnight	Various Locations

 

November 2026
Date	Meeting or Important Date	Time	Location
November 1, 2026	Smokey’s Howl Dress Rehearsal	10 a.m.	Student Union 180
November 1, 2026	Sand Volleyball Tournament	3 p.m.	RecSports Sutherland Field Complex
November 2, 2026	Banner Drop  Banner Delivery – Assigned Times Begin at 9 a.m.	noon	Neyland Stadium
November 2, 2026	Chalk Pedestrian Walkway	5 p.m.	Pedestrian Walkway
November 3, 2026	Homecoming Trivia	7 p.m.	Student Union Ballroom
November 4, 2026	Tower of Cans	9 a.m.	Multiple Locations
November 4, 2026	Smokey’s Howl Performances	6 p.m. & 8 p.m.	Student Union 180
November 5, 2026	Lawn Display	2 p.m.	Multiple Locations
November 6, 2026	Homecoming Parade	4 p.m.	Volunteer Blvd.
November 7, 0226	Homecoming Game	TBA	Neyland Stadium
TBD	Banner Pick-Up	TBD	TBD
TBD	Lawn Display + Parade Float Disposal	TBD	Steam Plant

Dates, times, and locations are subject to change.

In the event of a change, all participating groups will be notified via the Homecoming GroupMe message.

Sand Volleyball Tournament: Come on out to RecSports Sutherland Field Complex to play a bracket-style, single-elimination volleyball tournament! Standard volleyball rules and regulations will apply. Teams will be made up of four players, two alternates, and a coach. Participation in this event is required for teams in the overall competition Orange Division and optional for all other organizations.

Banner Drop: Organizations design and create a banner, which will hang from Neyland Stadium for the duration of Homecoming week! Participation in this event is required for teams in the overall competition Orange Division and optional for all other organizations.

Chalk Pedestrian Walkway: Student organizations showcase their design skills during this campus tradition. Each group will have a section of Pedestrian Walkway to decorate with sidewalk chalk in adherence to the theme. Participation in this event is required for teams in the overall competition Orange Division and optional for all other organizations.

Homecoming Trivia: Teams will test their knowledge at our inaugural Homecoming Trivia competition! Teams will be made up of eight players with equal representation from each organization. Participation in this event is required for teams in the overall competition Orange Division and optional for all other organizations.

Tower of Cans: Organizations collect canned goods from their members and compete against other groups to stack them into the highest tower. Members will then drop off their cans to a weigh station where all of the cans they collected will be weighed and donated. The scores from this event reflect the weight of donations and the height of the tower! Tower of Cans benefits the Knoxville community through FISH Pantries and UT community through the Center for Basic Needs. If your organization does not have space for this event, please contact us so that we may make arrangements to allow your organization to compete. Participation in this event is required for teams in the overall competition Orange Division and optional for all other organizations.

Smokey’s Howl: Smokey’s Howl is a spirit competition. Groups will rehearse their routine and perform for three minutes for what is sure to be a packed crowd. Participation in this event is required for teams in the overall competition Orange Division and optional for all other organizations.

Lawn Display: Create a lawn display showcasing school, organization, and Homecoming theme spirit! This event can be done on a lawn or an alternate location. If your organization does not have space for this event, please contact us so that we may make arrangements to allow your organization to compete. Participation in this event is required for teams in the overall competition Orange Division and optional for all other organizations.

Homecoming Parade

• Parade Float: Float building is a time-honored tradition at UT. Organizations decorate their float and participate in the Homecoming Parade in front of hundreds of UT community members. Participation in this event is required for teams in the overall competition Orange Division and optional for all other organizations.
• Parade Walk: To increase participation and visibility of the 550+ student organizations, they are able to register to walk in the parade.

Homecoming Game

• Secure your ticket for the Homecoming game against Kentucky. Competition winners will be announced at halftime.
• Only one Homecoming representative per organization will be permitted on the field for the awards presentation. This is subject to change and you will be notified of any changes.
• Paint the Union: A newer Homecoming tradition, student organizations are able to paint a section of glass on the first floor of the Student Union. Priority will be given to White Division participants due to the limited amount of space and considering the other mandatory Orange Division events on Sunday. This competition does not count towards the Madge Harrison Overall Homecoming Winners Trophy.

Our goal is for every organization to be as involved in Homecoming competitions as they want to be.

If an organization wants to participate in an event but is unable to do so due to a lack of resources or space, please contact the Center for Student Engagement.

Theme

• The 2026 Homecoming theme is All Roads Lead to Tennessee celebrating that while as Vols we come from all over the world, our home is on Rocky Top.

Glossary of Terms

• CSE: Stands for the Center for Student Engagement. The office that oversees and coordinates Homecoming activities. CSE also manages Homecoming competitions and serves as the main point of contact for participants.
• Representative: Each participating organization will designate one member to attend meetings on behalf of their team, lead their team during events, and notify their team of any rule changes. Only the one representative is allowed on the field for the halftime awards presentation.
• Judges: UT faculty and staff are invited to judge various Homecoming competition events.
• Organization: All currently registered student organizations that are active on VOLink are eligible to participate.

Fees

• All participation is free of charge.
• Materials may need to be purchased by your organization to compete in certain events:
  • Smokey’s Howl: Costume materials (optional)/music
  • Lawn Display: All Materials
  • Parade Float: All Materials
  • Banner Drop: Grommeted banners + rope will be provided by the Center for Student Engagement. Teams will be required to use banners provided to meet Neyland space specifications. Any decoration materials must be bought by the organization. Banners will be pre-grommeted and will not have to be done by organizations. Painting over the grommets is expected to increase the strength of the banner.
  • Tower of Cans:
    • Required: Canned Food Items
    • Optional for Bonus Points: Basic Needs Items

Spirit of the Rules

The rules and regulations within the 2026 Homecoming Competition Guide are intended to provide fair and uniform policies governing competitions. It is not possible to write individual rules governing every situation or circumstance. Therefore, the “Spirit of the Rules” shall grant the authority and responsibility for interpretation of the written rules, plans, and regulations for the Center for Student Engagement to fairly supervise and coordinate the judging of all competition events. The Center for Student Engagement’s interpretation of the written rules and regulations shall be binding on the participant and the competition under their jurisdiction.

Teams

• One or two independent student organizations may enter the competition as a single team.
• A group of UT students may create a team to compete against other White Division teams.
• If two organizations are teaming up, they will submit one registration form together as a team.
• If competing in the Orange Division, the same two student organizations must wait four subsequent Homecomings to pair up with each other again, unless specifically approved by the CSE. This is to prevent unfair advantages and to create more of a sense of collegiality in the spirit of Homecoming. For example, if Sigma Sigma and the Mac and Cheese Club partner together in 2025, they may not partner together again until 2030.
  • Penalty: Any groups that violate this rule and pair together within this time frame will not have their scores tallied for any individual event thus will not be eligible for any individual event or overall awards.
• If competing in the White Division, the same two student organizations must wait two subsequent Homecomings to pair up with each other again. The difference in regulations between the Orange and White Divisions is consistent with the difference in the competitive nature and stakes between the two divisions. For example, if Alpha Alpha Alpha and the Sandwich Club partner together in 2025, they may not partner together again until 2028.
  • Penalty: Any groups that violate this rule and pair together within this time frame will not have their scores tallied for any individual event thus will not be eligible for any individual event or overall awards.
• All team members must be currently registered students at UT with a valid student ID. All students will be required to use their VolConnect QR Code for check-in at all competition events.
• All organizations or teams entering into any of the Orange or White Division competition events must send a representative from each organization to the mandatory meeting on October 20, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Student Union Ballroom A. Representatives will be scanned in via VolConnect. Due to the amount of pertinent information given out at the mandatory meeting, organizations not present will be deducted five points. The representative does not have to be the organization’s designated chair.
• Organizations participating in any of the competition events must be fully registered on VOLink and in good standing with UT, as well as the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life if applicable. Organizations on social probation by the registration deadline and/or during Homecoming week will not be eligible to participate in Homecoming competitions. If the organization’s status changes from good standing to social probation between the registration deadline and the beginning of Homecoming week, the organization will no longer be able to participate. The Center for Student Engagement will work with our partners in Student Conduct and Community Standards and the Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life to verify the status of organizations.
• All teams entering into any event must be registered by the deadline and submit liability forms as required. No late registrations will be accepted.
• Each team may only enter one division.

Liability Forms/Student IDs

• Each team member participating in Sand Volleyball Tournament, Tower of Cans Construction or Delivery, Smokey’s Howl, Lawn Display Construction, Parade Construction and/or Driving/Walking must sign the liability roster form upon check-in at the respective event.
• Construction liability forms will be available at the mandatory Homecoming meeting on October 20, 2026, at 7 p.m. for participating teams of Lawn Display and/or the Parade. If an organization is competing in those events a liability form from the head builder must be submitted by the beginning of construction. We will provide extra liability forms for others on the construction team.
• Participants must have their student IDs, physical or mobile app, and their VolConnect QR Code with them at all events. Drivers’ licenses will NOT be accepted.

Meetings

• The following meetings will take place before Homecoming:
  • Interest Meeting: September 29, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Student Union 377A (Executive Dining Room)
  • Mandatory Meeting: October 20, 2026, at 7 p.m. in Student Union Ballroom A
    • If an Orange or White Division team is made up of two organizations, a representative from each organization must be present.

Sketches

• Sketches, which are required for any event involving creative design, will be due by October 21, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Teams will be notified via email or text if alterations are needed.
• Sketches can be submitted via form.

University Rules

• Students at UT are members of both the university community and the larger community of which the university is a part. Accordingly, students are responsible for conducting themselves in a lawful manner as well as in compliance with university rules and policies. In addition to all guidelines put forth, all Homecoming activities are subject to federal, state, local, and university regulations. Students who engage in conduct that is inconsistent with the Standards of Conduct are subject to university disciplinary action.

Amendments

• If necessary, rules and regulations may be amended, provided that said revisions are announced with consideration given to timing.
• In the event that rules or regulations should be implemented past the publication of this guidebook, all participating organizations will receive advanced notice via email or GroupMe.

Cheating

• Homecoming competitions are all about celebrating school spirit, camaraderie, and friendly rivalry. To ensure a fair and fun event for all participants, we have listed specific dates, times, and appropriate materials that should support your organization’s completion of each competition. As Volunteers, we ask that you adhere to the Volunteer spirit, and express kindness, honesty, and integrity to uphold the competitions to high standards and keep them desirable to participate in for years to come.

Performance and Competition Orders

• Performance orders for Smokey’s Howl and bracket seeding for Sand Volleyball will be randomly drawn prior to and then shared at the mandatory meeting on October 20, 2026.

Judging Authority and Appeals

• Students do not serve as judges for the competitions. All judges are faculty and staff.
• If a team chooses to question the ruling of an event, they must consult a member of the Center for Student Engagement. All rule interpretations and decisions will be made by a Center for Student Engagement staff member.
• If a team believes they have been judged unfairly, an appeal must be filed within 24 hours of the trophy presentation. To file an appeal, a team must submit a written statement to [email protected].
• All decisions on appeals made by the Center for Student Engagement are final.
• Team representatives will receive their team’s final scores via email as requested.
• Judges score based on the criteria listed. Any penalty points for breaking rules will be assessed after the event. A member of the Center for Student Engagement will notify the Homecoming representative(s) of any penalty points that have been assessed.

Sunday, November 1, 2026, at RecSports Sutherland Field Complex

• Before the first game begins, a designated person will give a brief summary of the rules and perform a coin toss. After the rules briefing, the representative from each team must give a verbal “yes” affirming that they understand the rules, and that the measurements of the court are fair and even.
• Teams will flip a coin to determine the team that will go first; the winner of the coin toss will get the opportunity to choose between three of the following choices:
  • Side: The winning team of the coin toss gets to choose which side of the net they would like to play on.
  • Serve: The winning team of the coin toss can choose to serve the ball first.
  • Receive: The winning team of the coin toss can choose to receive the ball first.
• The event will be refereed by staff members from RecSports. They make the final call when it comes to game-play rules
• Teams will play to 15, and the winning team must win by two points to end the game.
• Teams will play best 2-out-of-3 sets; the winning team must win two of the three matches to be named the winner of the match.
• All team members must display good sportsmanship toward other teams.
• Each team must have four players on the court at all times. If the team competing is made up of two organizations, there must be equal representation on the court and within alternates.
• Teams may consist of up to seven total participants. a. four active players, two alternates, and one coach. b. Substitutions may occur in between sets. If injuries occur, a substitution can be made, but the injured player cannot return to the match. If the team moves on to the next round, the injured player can return.
• In Play rules:
  • The server on the serving team must serve the ball behind the out-of-bounds line.
  • Each team gets three touches on the ball and each player may not hit the ball two times in a row (the ball may only be touched three times before it crosses the net).
  • If a player hits the net while blocking/hitting the ball/setting/etc, an immediate turnover happens and the other team gets the ball receiving a point.
• A point can be won in any of the following ways:
  • The ball is hit by team 1 and team 2 does not receive the attack and the ball hits the ground (a.k.a. a “kill”).
  • Team 1 serves the ball and Team 2 does not receive the ball, so the ball hits the ground (a.k.a. an “ace”).
  • The team uses more than three consecutive touches on any given play before sending it over the net.
  • The ball is hit out of bounds when serving or returning the ball.
  • A player on one of the teams hits the net as they attack the ball.
  • A team fails to send the ball over the net.
  • A player on one of the teams reaches over the net as they attack the ball.

Monday, November 2, 2026, at Neyland Stadium

• A sketch must be submitted to the Center for Student Engagement by October 21 at 11:59 p.m. for review.
• Submit sketches.
• Grommeted banners will be provided and available for pick-up at the mandatory meeting.
• Groups may begin to work on their banners on Monday, October 26.
• No weights are allowed on the banner.
• No glitter or attachments should be used on banners. Failure to comply will disqualify your banner, and it will not be hung up per university policy.
• On the day of the event, teams will enter Gate 21 with 2-5 members of their team to hang their banner.
• No time extensions will be given if banners are damaged in transit.
• Facilities Services will take the banners down on Sunday and will have them available for your team to pick up the following week. Be on the lookout for notifications via email and/or GroupMe. You may only pick up your team’s banner. If you do not pick up your banner during this time, your team will be responsible for any extra fees or costs.
• The Center for Student Engagement is not responsible for lost or stolen banners.
• Anyone working on the banners must be currently enrolled UT students and members of the team being represented. Failure to comply with this rule will result in disqualification.
• Banners will be judged on the following criteria:
  • Overall Design and Execution – 30%
  • Originality and Creativity – 30%
  • Adherence to Homecoming Theme – 30%
  • Display of Volunteer Spirit – 10%

Monday, November 2, 2026, at Pedestrian Walkway

• Teams will be given 9 ft. by 6 ft. spaces on Pedestrian Walkway to create a design with chalk to promote Homecoming, UT spirit, and the Homecoming theme. There will be designated spaces for all organizations in all divisions.
• Each team will be provided with one allotment of basic chalk. All other materials must be provided by the team themselves. Teams can bring more chalk if they desire.
• Chalk Pedestrian Walkway will be a judged competition. Each team will have one hour to finish their design before being judged. Your hour starts at 5 p.m. To ensure starting on time, please show up early to check in. Arriving after the start time only allows teams to use the remaining time.
• Each team may have up to six members total. If two organizations are paired together, they must have an equal number of members from each organization.
• Teams may only draw in their assigned space.
• A sketch must be submitted by October 21, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. for review.
• Teams must use traditional washable sidewalk chalk to create their design. The use of glitter, glue, or other items besides traditional chalk will result in disqualification per university policy. If the use of inappropriate materials results in damage to university property, the team will be responsible for the cost of a professional cleaning service. Facilities Services will bill charges to the organizations. The use of water and paper towels for blending will be allowed.
• Chalk Pedestrian Walk will be judged by the following criteria:
  • Overall Design and Execution – 30%
  • Originality and Creativity – 30%
  • Adherence to Homecoming Theme – 30%
  • Display of Volunteer Spirit – 10%

Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Student Union Ballroom

• Before trivia begins a member of the Homecoming team will give an overview of the rules and procedures for the event.
• Teams will be a maximum of eight people. If organizations are partnering together, the team must include equal representation from each team. For example, if the Cheese Club and Alpha Alpha Alpha are partnered together, the team of eight must include four members of the Cheese Club and four members of Alpha Alpha Alpha.
• Teams will be pre-assigned a table in the events location and will be able to enter the event space after each member scans their VolConnect QR Code.
• We have space for up to 70 total teams. Orange Division participants will be guaranteed a table as it is a required competition. White Division teams will fill the remaining tables as they register for the event until all spots are filled. Any remaining tables with then be filled on a first come, first served basis.
• Trivia Format
  • Five Rounds with a Final Wager Question
  • Eight Questions Per Round
    • Groups will receive pre-labeled answer slips that will be turned in and then scored after each question. Once an answer is submitted it is final. If a team fails to turn in an answer slip prior to the next question being called, they will not receive credit for the missed answer.
  • Final Wager Question
    • Total team scores will be read aloud in advance of the final wager question category. Participating groups will submit their wager prior to the final question being asked. Once the final question has been asked, if a wager is not submitted, the wager will be 0.
    • Teams are only able to wager up to the total amount of points they have accumulated through the five rounds.
  • Total Number of Questions: 41
• Trivia Rounds/Categories (Eight Questions per Round/Category)
  • The State of Tennessee
  • UT Knoxville
  • Tennessee Athletics
  • Homecoming Theme (All Roads Lead to Rocky Top)
  • Tennessee Icons
• Points vs. Prizes
  • Orange and White Division: Points will be awarded based on overall finish and teams are ineligible to win the supplemental prizes provided for individual participants. At the conclusion of turning in your final answer and when the final answer is revealed, Orange and White Division teams are asked to depart the ballroom.
  • Individual participants or those participating with a small group of friends: Upon the exit of the Orange and White Division teams, we will then announce the winners of trivia and prizes will be awarded as supplies last.

Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at multiple locations

• Teams will be given a space of 25 square feet and a time of 15 minutes to create a Tower of Cans. These will happen in a space provided by organizations. The Homecoming team will come by at your assigned time to watch you build your tower. The Homecoming team is not liable for uneven terrain or unsuitable building conditions.
• Blue painters tape will be provided before the event as needed. It is your organization’s responsibility to tape out a 5 ft. by 5 ft. square (25 square feet). CSE will measure to ensure correct dimensions and retape if needed prior to building.
• After building a tower, you will be assigned a drop-off time to unload cans at the UT Recycling Center. Cans will be organized and weighed at this location.
• To ensure efficiency, we recommend having your cans separated between building cans and non-building cans. Please have your non-building cans already loaded into whichever vehicle you plan to take to the Recycling Center.
• Each team will be evaluated on tower height in the allotted time within the allotted dimensions.
• Cans will not be provided. It is the team’s responsibility to collect cans and have them delivered to the site prior to their designated time. Once the building starts, no more cans will be permitted to be delivered for your team.
• Each team may have up to eight people participating in this event. For dual organization teams, there must be an equal number of participants for both organizations.
• Teams will not be allowed to use outside props to help build the tower.
• The only way to build your tower is with the people you bring.
• Towers must be freestanding for five seconds before judging.
• In the case that your tower collapses, teams will have the opportunity to continue building until the allotted time is completed.
• At the end of the allotted time, Homecoming judges will measure the height of the towers. Teams can ask to be measured during the allotted time.
• Teams will also be judged on the weight of cans that they donate.
• Each team will place in height and weight of cans with respect to the other teams, just like in any other event. Then the points for your two places will be added together to give you a score for the event. The team with the highest score will get first place overall and so on and so forth.

Tower of Cans – Bonus Points

• In an effort to better support both the Knoxville community and the Center for Basic Needs we are piloting a secondary, bonus point element to Tower of Cans for Homecoming 2026.
• Teams are able to donate specific items to earn bonus points. There is a limit to the number of points you are eligible to earn as the primary focus of this event is can collection and donation.
• These items will not be weighed and it is a matter of total quantity rather than weight.
• These items are not included in the building of your tower of cans!
• ONLY Items Approved for Purchase:
  • 3-4 oz (travel sized) bottles of shampoo
  • 3-4 oz (travel sized) bottles of conditioner
  • 3-4 oz (travel sized) bottles of body wash

Maximum number of bottles able to be donated with bonus points associated:

Sunday, November 1, 2026 (Rehearsal) | Wednesday, November 4, 2026 (Performances) at the Student Union Auditorium 180

• Groups can start independent practices for Smokey’s Howl on October 28, 2026.
• Smokey’s Howl is a spirit performance competition not a cheer competition. All teams will be judged on their expression of UT spirit not technical merit.
• The routine, including music, must consist of tasteful dialogue and physical expression in the spirit of Big Orange sportsmanship.
• The routine may last no more than three minutes.
• A maximum of 20 participants may participate per team. For teams that have multiple organizations, there needs to be an equal number of participants from both organizations. If someone cannot attend, an alternate from the same organization must be the replacement.
• All participants and alternates must sign a liability form during check-in to participate.
• All participants must also have their student IDs with them at both the dress rehearsal and the final performance.
• Performance introduction must be submitted to the Center for Student Engagement via submission form by October 21, 2026, via submission form.
• No changes permitted to your music following dress rehearsal as they will be preloaded with the Student Union.
• All teams must be dressed in the same attire for dress rehearsal and the final performance.
• Costumes must be appropriate.
• Teams will have 10 minutes of stage time to run through their performance as many times as preferred at the dress rehearsal.
• The order chosen at the October 20, 2026, meeting will be the order for dress rehearsal and final performance.
• Teams may not perform stunts of any kind in which they assist another person to be fully in the air (ex. basket-toss, cheer stunt). A two-person standing jump is permitted as long as one person remains on the ground and does not let the person jumping go (ex. someone holding onto the waist of a person doing a toe-touch). Jumps (cheer, ballet) and kip-ups are allowed. Any type of flip is not permitted (cartwheel, backflip, handspring, etc.).
• Teams must have a designated person to manage their music. This person should bring your team’s two cued USB drives when your team is called to the floor. This person will work with our sound personnel to run your team’s music (i.e. push play, pause when needed). Failure to have this person will result in a 5-point penalty.
• Music tracks must be on a USB drive in MP3 file format. Please purchase your tracks for the best audio quality possible.
• Music via USB must be turned in by Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 5 p.m. to the Center for Student Engagement. The USB drive must be labeled and please ensure the music file on your drive is labeled with your groups name(s).
• Practices may not be held at the Student Union Auditorium. Failure to comply will result in a 10-point penalty. Practices include any team rehearsal requiring that all participants be in attendance. If there is any question regarding what is or is not allowed, please contact the Center for Student Engagement.
• In order to reach a wider audience and allow for as many as possible to see and enjoy the event, organizations will perform two performances of their routine. Both performances will take place on Wednesday night, with a second show beginning shortly after the conclusion of the first.
  • The second performance will be judged by a different set of judges.
• Judging Criteria:
  • Adherence to Theme – 40%
  • Overall Execution – 25%
  • Originality and Creativity – 25%
  • Display of Volunteer Spirit – 10%

Thursday, November 5, 2026 at multiple locations

• All materials used in the construction of the display must be non-flammable.
• All decorations must be within the dimensions given.
• The display must be a free-standing structure that falls within 12 ft. long, 12 ft. wide, and 12 ft. tall.
• Participating groups will be responsible for obtaining the use of a lawn. If an organization is unable to find lawn or lobby space, contact the Center for Student Engagement to discuss alternate locations.
• There may be no electrical, gas-driven, or any other type of mechanically powered parts. Lawn displays must be free-standing. This means that displays may not be tied to permanent structures or trees. (No rope or string may be seen around the structure.) However, displays may be anchored to the ground. No people or live animals are allowed to be in the Lawn Display.
• A proposed sketch must be turned in to the Center for Student Engagement by October 21, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
• Any and all lights added to displays must be non-flammable.
  • Lights must be battery-powered.
• At least one member from each group must remain outside with the display until the judging has concluded. Traditionally, judges will ask for a brief description of the display. Judging begins at 4 p.m. All work must be stopped by 2 p.m. Any group caught working after 2 p.m. will be penalized.
• All pieces and parts of the display must be properly disposed of in dumpsters provided on campus at the Steam Plant by the time communicated by the CSE. The Steam Plant is located off of Lake Loudon Blvd. You will enter the road by turning into the parking lot at the corner of Lake Loudon and Neyland Drive. You will go all the way to the end of that unnamed road.
• Facilities Services will designate a timeframe where they will be available for free.
• Specific information about assistance with disassembly will be provided at a later date to those registered. Any team that leaves pieces at other dumpsters or outside of dumpsters around campus will be subject to a fine. Facilities Services will send the organization a bill for the labor costs to remove the pieces. This could cost your organization up to $1,000.
• Judging Criteria:
  • Overall Design and Execution – 30%
  • Originality and Creativity – 30%
  • Adherence to Homecoming Theme – 30%
  • Display of Volunteer Spirit – 10%

Friday, November 6, 2026, at Fraternity Park and Volunteer Blvd.

• The parade route will be announced closer to the time of the parade but will likely follow a similar route to the previous year.
• Floats are encouraged to adhere to the Homecoming theme.
• Any and all lights added to designs must be non-flammable. These lights must be battery-powered.
• A sketch must be submitted by October 21, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. to the Center for Student Engagement via submission form.
• Sizing:
  • Large floats cannot exceed 28 ft. length x 12 ft. width x 11 ft. height.
  • Small floats cannot exceed 10 ft. length x 10 ft. width x 10 ft. height.
  • Height measurements will be taken from the ground to the top of the float, and width measurements will be taken from the longest dimension. If a large float exceeds the given dimensions, it will not be allowed in the parade.
• If whatever pulls your float (not limited to trucks, tractors, cars) is decorated, then it will be included in these dimensions.
• If a float turns or contains moving parts, it may not in any way exceed these dimensions.
• Humans or animals may not pull floats.
• All floats must pass fire safety regulations. You must have a fire extinguisher on or near the float throughout the parade.
• Per Facility Services, no gooseneck trailers will be permitted in the parade.
• No motors may be used to facilitate the movement of parts on the float. No electrical, petroleum-driven, or any other motorized apparatus may be used.
• No projectiles may be launched outside the boundaries of the float or thrown from the float (i.e., no confetti cannons with confetti falling outside of the float). Projectiles can be used when it remains within the confines and boundaries of the float. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
• A maximum of two people may be on board the float to facilitate movement. These people may not be a part of the float’s outward construction or appearance. They are there strictly to provide movement of parts.
• Because of the need for judges to see the entirety of the float, members may walk behind the float, but not in front of or beside.
• No candy may be thrown during the parade. Team members are highly encouraged to walk behind the float and hand candy to spectators, but it may not be thrown.
• Teams must bring their float to line-up at their designated time. Floats must be ready to be moved from their point of origin to their designated position in the parade line-up immediately. In order to guarantee participation in the parade, your organization must be on time.
• Floats must be completed on all four sides and will be judged on all four sides.
• If your float has a back wall, the float should face right. Failure to complete the float or have it facing the wrong way will result in a 15-point penalty.
• All work on the floats must be completed by 2 p.m. Friday, November 6, 2026. Minor adjustments can be made to the floats while in line for the parade. All work must stop and trash around the float cleaned up by the start of the parade at 4 p.m. Keep the parade route clean! No changes may be made to the float once the parade has begun.
• Floats are required to stop in front of the judges until given an all clear.
• Please do not leave your float unattended at any time during the parade line-up. Event planners are not responsible for any loss or damage to floats.
• All pieces and parts of the float must be properly disposed of in dumpsters provided on campus at the Steam Plant by the set deadline.
• Following Homecoming week, Facilities Services will designate a specific timeframe when they will be available for free assistance with the disassembly (specific information will be provided at a later date to those registered for the parade). Any team that leaves pieces at other dumpsters or outside of dumpsters around campus will be subject to a fine. Facilities Services will send the organization a bill for the labor costs to remove the pieces. This could cost you up to $1,000.
• Parade script blurb to be read by the parade emcee, limited to 100 words, must be submitted by October 21, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. via submission form.
• Judging Criteria:
  • Overall Design and Execution – 30%
  • Originality and Creativity – 30%
  • Adherence to Homecoming Theme – 30%
  • Display of Volunteer Spirit – 10%
• Judging will occur on all four sides. While only three sides will be shown during the actual parade, the fourth side will be judged before the parade takes place.

Penalty points may be assessed for any of the following reasons at the Center for Student Engagement’s discretion. Additional penalties will be at the discretion of the Homecoming committee as described in the Spirit of the Rules section at the beginning of the Homecoming 2026 Competition Guide.

Overall Competition
Infraction	Penalty
No show to any event that a team is registered for.	Event Disqualification
Showing up late to a competition or event.  (Exceptions may be made for extenuating circumstances as deemed necessary by the Center for Student Engagement)	Event Disqualification
Damages to university property.	Facilities Services fine and cost of repair and student conduct referral
Any act deemed to disadvantage another team.	15 points per act
Pairing with another organization within the specified window.  Orange Division = 4 Years | White Division = 2 Years	No consideration for any awards, individual or overall.

 

Meetings
Infraction	Penalty
No representation at mandatory meeting.	5 Points

 

Sand Volleyball Tournament
Infraction	Penalty
Unsportsmanlike conduct as deemed by RecSports referees.	10 Points
Not equal number of organization members per team.	15 Points
Excessive arguing with officials.	25 Points

 

Chalk Pedestrian Walkway
Infraction	Penalty
Not equal number of organization members per team.	15 Points
Using inappropriate and/or unlisted materials.	Event Disqualification

 

Banner Drop
Infraction	Penalty
Not using the provided banner.	Event Disqualification
Use of professional and/or outside assistance.	Event Disqualification
Paint not dry, per Neyland Stadium policy.	Event Disqualification
Use of glitter or attachments, per Neyland Stadium policy.	Event Disqualification

 

TOWER OF CANS
INFRACTION	PENALTY
Not equal number of organization members per team.	15 Points
Using props or anything other than cans while building.	Event Disqualification
Cans used outside of designated area.	Event Disqualification
Failure to load cans in proper containers.	20 Points

 

Lawn Display
Infraction	Penalty
Any group caught working after 2 p.m. on Thursday.	25 Points
Improper disposal of display pieces.	Facilities Services fine

 

Smokey’s Howl
Infraction	Penalty
Distasteful dialogue or physical expressions.	10 Points
Time limit violation.	10 Points
Airborne stunts.	Event Disqualification
Not equal number of organization members per team.	15 Points
No member to run music.	5 Points
Holding practice at Student Union Auditorium.	10 Points

 

Homecoming Parade
Infraction	Penalty
Exceeding size and trailer requirements.	15 Points
Having flammable attachments.	Event Disqualification
Arriving late to parade line-up.	15 Points
Reusing props from previous year.	Event Disqualification

The Center for Student Engagement reserves the right to assess penalty points and/or disqualify a group at any stage of Homecoming competitions whether those infractions are listed above or is something new that arises.

All decisions are made final by the Center for Student Engagement, full time, professional staff.

Thursday, November 5, 2026, at multiple locations

Question: What are the judges looking for in Smokey’s Howl?
Answer: The judges will be evaluating teams on their Volunteer spirit, adherence to the theme, creativity, and execution.

Question: Can we do this during Smokey’s Howl?
Answer: Kip-ups, Yes. Back flips, no. Toe touches, yes. Cheer stunts, no. Any other questions, please send them to the Center for Student Engagement at [email protected].

Question: Can we just compete in one event without competing in the overall competition?
Answer: Yes! Teams in the White Division can compete in any number of events listed within the competition guide.

Question: Can the Center for Student Engagement provide canned goods for Tower of Cans?
Answer: No. All materials for Tower of Cans are up to the team to collect.

Question: Where is the Steam Plant for Lawn Display and Parade Float disposal?
Answer: The Steam Plant is located off of Lake Loudon Blvd. You will enter the road by turning into the parking lot at the corner of Lake Loudon and Neyland Dr. You will go all the way to the end of that unnamed road.

Question: Will the Center for Student Engagement provide banner materials?
Answer: Yes! Thanks to the Center for Student Engagement, banners and hanging materials will be provided. Sizes are pre-determined this year with groups in the Orange Division automatically receiving a large banner. Large banners will be 12 ft. width x 15 ft. length. Groups in the White Division will receive a large banner as well by default but can request a small banner through registration. Small banners will be 9 ft. width x 12 ft. length. Groups are not allowed to supply their own banners due to sizing restrictions needing to be maintained through Neyland Stadium.

Question: Who needs to sign the liability release form?
Answer: Anyone planning to participate in Sand Volleyball Tournament, Tower of Cans construction or delivery, Smokey’s Howl, Lawn Display construction, Parade construction and/or driving/walking. Your team is responsible for each member to sign.