SHS Family Feud – Moderator Instructions

Welcome! As the Moderator, you help the Host keep the game running smoothly. You’re part referee, part timekeeper, and part cheerleader — keeping everyone on track and making sure the rounds flow well.

No tech experience needed — just focus on pacing, fairness, and energy.

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🎯 Your Core Responsibilities

• Track time during the Bonus Round (and keep an eye on pacing in normal rounds)
• Monitor buzz-ins — confirm who buzzed first if there’s confusion (coordinate with Tech Support if it’s unclear)
• Count X’s (wrong answers) and remind the Host when a team reaches 3
• Judge close answers (e.g., “Take a walk” vs “Go for a walk”)

• Manage Steals:

  • After 3 X’s, make sure all teams write down their steal guess
  • Confirm which team got the highest remaining correct answer
  • If no team gets a correct guess, the original team keeps their points
• Track the Bonus Round timer (20 seconds per player)
• Help the Host and Sara stay synced for tallying points and announcing totals

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⏱ Timing and Flow

• Let the Host know if rounds are going too long or too short
• Keep the pace consistent — each normal round should take 3–5 minutes

• For the Bonus Round:

  • Use a stopwatch or phone timer
  • Give a 5-second warning near the end
  • Call “Time!” when the limit hits

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⚡ During the Game

Normal Rounds

• Confirm the first team that buzzed in (prompt Tech Support to confirm if the display helps)
• Record each wrong answer (X)
• If a question is tough, recommend giving a 4th X before switching to steals
• Confirm if answers are “close enough” to count
• If the Host cues a reveal and Tech Support misses it, prompt Tech Support to click
• Support the Host in keeping things light and moving along

Bonus Round

• Start and stop the timer for each player (20 seconds each). Timers are set in the uploaded FamilyFeudSHS.json; if a separate timer is needed, keep time on your phone.
• Enforce the “no duplicate answers” rule — if repeated, prompt the Host to ask for a new one
• Tech Support controls reveals at the end of the round
• Ensure a designated scribe is writing down each player’s answers so Tech Support can enter them immediately after each run
• Help the Host confirm scoring at the end

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🧾 End of Each Round

1. Confirm how many points the team earned
2. Double-check the total with Sara before announcing
3. Encourage the Host to celebrate the team’s win or strong effort

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🧠 Quick Tips

• Be decisive — it’s okay to make judgment calls quickly
• Keep the atmosphere fun and encouraging
• You’re the Host’s main support — help them stay on track

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✅ At the End of the Game

• Help Sara confirm the total scores
• Celebrate the winning team
• Keep the applause going — your energy helps close the game on a high note!