High School Unified Manual 08 - National Speech & Debate ... · High School Unified Manual Chapter ... Program Oral Interpretation ... Charters issued before 1931 are permanent and

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HighSchoolUnifiedManualChapter,Rules,andTournamentOperations

2016-2017

TheNationalSpeech&DebateAssociationisthelargestinterscholasticspeechanddebateorganizationservingmiddleschool,highschool,andcollegiatestudentsintheUnitedStates.TheAssociationprovidescompetitivespeechanddebateactivities,high-qualityresources,comprehensivetraining,scholarshipopportunities,andadvancedrecognitiontomorethan150,000studentsandcoacheseveryyear.Formorethan90years,theNationalSpeech&DebateAssociationhasempoweredmorethan1.5millionmemberstobecomeengagedcitizens,skilledprofessionals,andhonorableleadersinoursociety.

OURMISSION:Webelievecommunicationskillsareessentialforempoweringyouthtobecomeengagedcitizens,skilledprofessionals,andhonorableleadersinourglobalsociety.Weconnect,support,andinspireadiversecommunityofhonorsocietymemberscommittedtofosteringexcellenceinyoungpeoplethroughcompetitivespeechanddebateactivities.

OURVISION:Weenvisionaworldinwhicheverystudenthasaccesstocompetitivespeechanddebateactivities.Wearetheleadingvoiceinthedevelopmentofresources,competitiveandethicalstandards,curricularandco-curricularopportunities,andrecognitionsystemsforourvastnetworkofstudent,coach,andalumnimembers.

Version2017.1.0

UpdatedFebruary13,2017

@speechanddebate/speechanddebate

NationalSpeech&DebateAssociation•©2016-2017 HighSchoolUnifiedManual 2

TableofContentsSECTION1:HighSchoolChapterManual.........................................................................................6

Membership....................................................................................................................................7 I.SchoolMembership............................................................................................................................7 II.RecordingMeritPoints.......................................................................................................................8 III.IndividualMembership...................................................................................................................11 IV.Degrees...........................................................................................................................................13 V.ChapterProcedures..........................................................................................................................14

Supplies.........................................................................................................................................15

Awards...........................................................................................................................................15

CodeofHonor................................................................................................................................18

CoachesCodeofEthics...................................................................................................................18

DistrictandNationalLeadership.....................................................................................................19 I.DistrictCommittee............................................................................................................................19 II.BoardofDirectors............................................................................................................................19

Calendar:YearAt-a-Glance.............................................................................................................20

QuickReferenceforChapterAdvisors/Coaches..............................................................................21

Section2:HighSchoolEventRulesManual.....................................................................................22

MainEventRules............................................................................................................................23 PolicyDebate.......................................................................................................................................23 PublicForumDebate............................................................................................................................24 Lincoln-DouglasDebate.......................................................................................................................25 CongressionalDebate..........................................................................................................................32 OriginalOratory...................................................................................................................................41 InformativeSpeaking...........................................................................................................................41 ProgramOralInterpretation.................................................................................................................42 Interpretation.......................................................................................................................................43 ExtemporaneousSpeaking...................................................................................................................47

SupplementalEventRules..............................................................................................................50 ExtemporaneousCommentary............................................................................................................50 ProseandPoetry..................................................................................................................................50 ExtemporaneousDebate......................................................................................................................51 Expository............................................................................................................................................52

ConsolationEventRules.................................................................................................................53 Impromptu...........................................................................................................................................53 Storytelling...........................................................................................................................................53

USAWorldSchoolsDebateInvitational..........................................................................................54


SECTION3:DistrictTournamentOperationsManual......................................................................55

PlanningtheDistrictTournament...................................................................................................56 GuidelinesforScheduling....................................................................................................................56 SettingupJoyofTournaments.............................................................................................................56

TournamentRolesandResponsibilities..........................................................................................56 TournamentOfficials............................................................................................................................56 SuggestedTournamentRoles...............................................................................................................56

StandardsforHoldingaDistrictQualifyingTournament.................................................................57 DistrictEligibility..................................................................................................................................57 NationalQualificationLevels................................................................................................................58 Auto-Qualification................................................................................................................................59

RegisteringfortheDistrictTournament..........................................................................................60 SchoolEligibilityandEntryLimits.........................................................................................................60 StudentEligibilityandRequirements...................................................................................................61

RunningtheDistrictDebateTournament.......................................................................................64 GeneralRulesandInstructions............................................................................................................64 AbsolutePairingPriorities....................................................................................................................65 PairingRoundsOneandTwo...............................................................................................................65 PairingSubsequentRounds..................................................................................................................66

RunningtheDistrictCongressionalDebateTournament.................................................................68 GeneralRulesandInstructions............................................................................................................68 AssigningStudentstoChambers..........................................................................................................69 NationalQualification..........................................................................................................................70

RunningtheDistrictSpeechTournament.......................................................................................73 GeneralRulesandInstructions............................................................................................................73 SectioningintheUp/DownModel.......................................................................................................73 Sectioning.............................................................................................................................................73 MovingEntriesfromSections..............................................................................................................73 SpeakerOrder......................................................................................................................................74 BalanceofPower.................................................................................................................................74 ChangingRanks....................................................................................................................................74 ScoringTies..........................................................................................................................................74 FinalRound..........................................................................................................................................74 DeterminingNationalQualifiersandAlternates..................................................................................74

TheCaliforniaPlan.........................................................................................................................76 PlanningPreliminaryRounds...............................................................................................................76 PresetPreliminaryRound.....................................................................................................................76 PoweredPreliminaryRounds...............................................................................................................78 DeterminingSemifinalQualifiers.........................................................................................................78 PairingtheSemifinalRound.................................................................................................................78 DeterminingFinalRoundQualifiers.....................................................................................................79 PairingtheFinalRound........................................................................................................................79 DeterminingNationalQualifiers..........................................................................................................79


SweepstakesAwards......................................................................................................................80 OverallDistrictSweepstakesPlaque....................................................................................................80 Congress,Debate,andSpeechSweepstakesAwards...........................................................................81 DistrictCumulativeSweepstakesAward..............................................................................................81

ReportingtotheNationalOffice.....................................................................................................82

DistrictTournamentAuditProcedures...........................................................................................83

DistrictTournamentRulesandPenalties........................................................................................84 DebateEvents......................................................................................................................................84 SpeechEvents......................................................................................................................................85

JudgeInstructionsandGuidelines..................................................................................................86 GeneralInstructions.............................................................................................................................86 StatementonConflictsofInterestinJudging......................................................................................86

DistrictTeamforUSAWorldSchoolsDebateInvitational...............................................................88 MethodstoSelecttheWorldSchoolsDistrictTeam............................................................................88 CoachoftheWorldSchoolsDistrictTeam...........................................................................................88

DistrictQualificationProcessforBigQuestionsDebates.................................................................89 Entries/QualificationProcess...............................................................................................................89

SECTION4:NationalTournamentOperationsManual....................................................................90

EntryRequirements........................................................................................................................91 InstructionsforRegistering..................................................................................................................91

GeneralRules.................................................................................................................................94 EligibilityandQualification..................................................................................................................94 OverarchingCompetitionRules...........................................................................................................95

TournamentProceduresforDebateEvents....................................................................................97 GeneralRulesandInstructions............................................................................................................97 DebatePairingInstructions..................................................................................................................98

TournamentProceduresforMainSpeechEvents.........................................................................103 GeneralRulesandInstructions..........................................................................................................103 SpeechSectioningInstructions..........................................................................................................103

NationalCongressionalDebateProcedures..................................................................................108

SupplementalandConsolationEventProcedures.........................................................................113 SupplementalEvents..........................................................................................................................113 ConsolationEvents.............................................................................................................................113 SectioningandTabulation..................................................................................................................113

WorldSchoolsDebateProcedures:USWSDI.................................................................................115

BigQuestionsCapstoneEventLogistics........................................................................................116


APPENDIXA:DebateEventTimeLimits........................................................................................119

APPENDIXB:SpeechEventTimeLimits........................................................................................120

APPENDIXC:CasebookQuestions................................................................................................121

APPENDIXD:CongressEvidenceChallengeForm..........................................................................125

APPENDIXE:ChangeLog..............................................................................................................126

Questions?...................................................................................................................................132

NationalSpeech&DebateAssociation•©2016-2017 HighSchoolChapterManual 6

SECTION1:HighSchoolChapterManual

TheNationalSpeech&DebateAssociationfunctionsontwolevels:first,asanorganizationtogovernandpromotespeechanddebateactivities;andsecond,asanhonorsocietytorecognizeandsupportspeechanddebateeducation.

Thissectionfocusesprimarilyonofficialrulespertainingtohighschoolmembership,individualstudentandcoachparticipation,memberenrollment,governance,andacknowledgementofservice.

Forquestionsnotansweredhere,[email protected](920)748-6206.


MembershipI.SchoolMembership

A. ChapterActivation:AschoolmayjointheAssociationorrenewmembershipuponpaymentofyearlychapter$149duesandthesignatureoftheschoolprincipalonthemembershipform.Activechaptersareentitledto:

1. Accesstotheonlinepointrecordingsite(PointsApplication)andenrollmentofindividualstudents/coachesuponpaymentofindividualenrollmentfees(seebelow).

2. Aquarterly(Summer,Fall,Winter,Spring)subscriptiontoRostrummagazineincludestwocopiesmailedinmid-September,mid-November,mid-February,andmid-April;thereisafeeforadditionalsubscriptions.Themagazineandotherpublicationsalsoareavailableatwww.speechanddebate.org.

3. EntryinthedistricttournamenttoqualifyfortheNationalTournament.Entryallotmentisbasedonthechapterstrengthofmembersanddegreesonrecordseven(7)daysor168hourspriortothestartofthetournament.

4. AccesstothousandsofresourcesontheAssociation’swebsite.Fromlessonplans,coachingtechniques,andlivewebinarstorecordedvideosandsamplefinalroundperformances,theNationalSpeech&DebateAssociationistheleadingproviderofacademicandcompetitiveresourcesforspeechanddebate.

ImportantNoticefor2016-2017:Tobestserveourstudents,strengthenthecreationandsustainabilityofprograms,andestablishcontinuityfrommiddleschooltohighschool,theBoardofDirectorsvotedattheFall2015BoardMeetingtorequireschoolaffiliationforallmembershipsbeginningwiththe2016-2017schoolyear.Anyhighschool,middleschool,homeschool,orvirtualschoolrecognizedasanaccreditedpublicorprivateschoolbythestateinwhichthoseschoolscompetemayjointheNationalSpeech&DebateAssociation.Allcurrentnon-school-basedclubsandorganizationsareencouragedtoworkwiththeAssociationandareaschooldistrictstocreatespeechanddebateprogramsthroughtheirstudents'schools.StudentswhoarecurrentlyAssociationmembersthroughtheirareanon-school-basedclubsandorganizationsmayrequesttohavetheirmembershipstransferredatanytimetotheiraccreditedpublicandprivateschoolsbycontactinginfo@speechanddebate.org.

B. ChapterClassification:Eachschoolisdesignatedaprovisionalchapter,memberchapter,orcharterchapter,whichdeterminesitsextentofvotingprivilegesandcredittowardadistrict’sstrengthofchapters.Inturn,thedistrictstrengthdeterminesthenumberofqualifierstotheNationalTournament.

1. ProvisionalChapter:AbrandnewschooloronewhoseAssociationmembershiplapsedformorethanfiveyears.Provisionalchapterscountasone-halfofafullcharterfordistrictstrength.Aschoolattheprovisionalchapterlevelmaystayatthatlevelforuptothreeyears.

2. MemberChapter:Achapterthathaseithercompletedthreeyearsattheprovisionallevelandhasnotmetcharteringrequirements,orisreturningasamemberchapterwithinfiveyearsofabsence.Charterchaptersnotmeetingcharterstrengthrenewalrequirementsoverathree-yearperiodaremovedtomemberchapterstatus.

3. CharterChapter:TheAssociation’shighestschoolmembershiphonor.Achapterisautomaticallycharteredafteratleastoneyearatprovisionalormemberstatus,andhasenrolledatleast50degreeswithinathree-yearperiod.Smallschoolswithagrade9-12enrollmentoffewerthan500studentsmustenrollatleast25degreeswithinathree-yearperiod.Ifacharterchapterdoesnotmeettheminimumthree-yearstrengthrequirements,itcanapplyforaone-yearextension,oritrevertstomemberchapterstatus.Ifacharterissuspendedfornon-paymentofdues,itmayreturnasacharterchapterifithasbeenlessthanthreeyearssinceitslastmembershipandallpriorinvoices(includingmissing


yeardues)arepaidinfull.Chartersissuedbefore1931arepermanentandremainvalidaslongasthechapterremainsactive.Theschoolprincipalmaysurrenderthecharter.

Acharterdocumentisengrossedwiththenamesofcharterstudents/coaches(maximumof14namesperpage;thefirst14namesarefree;additionalpagescost$15each).Thechapteradvisorissentaformtolistthosememberstheywouldliketoappearonthecharterdocument.Sincechartersaresenttoacalligrapher,pleaseallowonemonthforcompletionanddelivery.Whenthecharterisreceived,itmaybeframedanddisplayedinthespeechclassroomorinanappropriateplaceintheschool.Replacementcertificatesforlostcharterscanbeobtainedfor$15.

C. DistrictPlacement:Newmemberschoolsareplacedinadistrictbythenationalofficebasedongeographiclocationanddistrictsizeequalization.

D. DistrictSize:Nodistrictwillbeallowedtosplitintotwodistrictsunlesstheyestablish40charterchaptersfortwoconsecutiveyears.

II.RecordingMeritPoints

A. ChapterRecords1. Studentsearnmeritpointsforparticipatingininterscholasticcontestsandforserviceinnon-competitive

speakingengagements,judgingmiddleschoolornovicecompetition,coachingmiddleschoolstudents,andparticipatingintheatricalspeakingperformances.Onceastudentearns25points(10ofwhichmustbeinhighschoolcompetition),theyareconsideredamemberoftheNationalSpeech&DebateAssociation’sHonorSociety(NationalForensicLeague).Seerulesundereachsectionbelowformoredetails.

2. Pointsmayberecordedanytimeduringastudent’senrollmentingrades9-12forspeakingactivitiesoccurringduringthosegradelevels,exceptforserviceprojects,whichmayberecordedforuptooneyearprior.Onlythechapteradvisorofrecordmaysubmitemailswithchanges/correctionstorecords.

3. Studentsmaytransferone-tenthoftheirmiddleschoolmeritpointstotheirhighschoolrecord,nottoexceed50highschoolmeritpoints(maximumof500middleschoolpoints).Astudentwillnotgainhighschoolmembership,however,untiltheyhaveearnedatleast10pointsinhighschoolcompetition.

4. Thecoachmusttakecaretoenterthestudent’slegalname(notnickname),capitalizingappropriateletters.Thisisimportantforconsistentidentificationofthestudent.“Jon,”“Johnny,”or“Jack”shouldnotbeasubstitutionfor“Jonathan.”“JamesAndrewSmith”isdifferentthanjust“AndrewSmith.”

5. Pleaserecordpointspromptlyaftereacheventinwhichpointsweregained.Indicatethecorrectstartandenddate;separaterecordingmaybenecessaryforCongress,wherethereisadailylimitof24points.

6. Under"WhereHeld,"listtheplaceofeachcontest.Ifaschool,listthenameofthecityandthenameoftheschool(e.g.,Omaha-NorthHS).Genericnamessuchas"WashingtonHS"arevagueandsuchentriesmaybestricken.Instead,usecompletenames(e.g.,KansasCity-WashingtonHS).Ifacollege,listthenameandcity(e.g.,CentralStateUniv.–Edmund).AvoidacronymslikeUCLAorCSU.

7. AninterestedstudentorparentwhoisnotdeeplyinvolvedindebateorcontestactivitymaybeappointedRecordingSecretaryandgiventheresponsibilitiesofkeepingthecreditpointrecords.Theinstructormuststillcheckrecordsforaccuracy.

8. Severaltournamentsparticipateinourautomaticpointrecordingprogram.PleaseseeourHighSchoolPointRecordingGuideformoreinformation.


B. RecordingInterscholasticDebates1. PublicForum,Lincoln-Douglas,andPolicyDebatearerecordedinthe“Debate”category,andareworth6

pointsperwinand3pointsperlossornon-decision.Onlyonewin/lossisrecordedperround,soforapanelofjudges,theprevailingdecisionisentered.

2. CongressionalDebateorotherassemblyspeaking(suchasModelUN,Girls/BoysState)isrecordedinthe“Congress”category.Studentsearn1-6pointsperspeechorpercompletehourofpresiding(soapanelofjudgescoresmustbeaveraged).Whena6-pt.scaleisnotawarded,usethefollowingconversiontable:

8-pt.scale 30-pt.scale 60-100-pt.scale Pts.toRecord TourneyPlacement Pts.toRecord

8 28-30 97-100 6 1st 24

6-7 23-27 90-96 5 2nd 23

4-5 18-22 84-89 4 3rd 22

3 13-17 77-83 3 4th 21

2 8-12 70-76 2 5th 20

1 1-7 60-69 1 (andsoforth)

Nomorethan24pointsmayberecordedpercalendarday.Anofficialscorermustbepresent.Atleastfourschoolsmustparticipate.Atleastfourhoursofdebatemustbeheld.

3. Non-Associationdebateevents,suchasMockTrial,ParliamentaryDebate,orSpontaneousArgumentarerecordedinthe“Debate”category,andareworth4pointsperwinand2pointsperlossornon-decision.

4. Ifadebateroundiscancelledornotheldduetoforfeitureordrawingofabye,nopointsarerecorded.

5. Ifatournamenthasmiddleschoolcompetitors,ahighschoolstudentmayonlyearnpointsforroundsagainstmiddleschoolcompetitorsifthetournamenthasatleastfourhighschoolscompeting.

6. Winsorlossesmaynotberecordedfordebatesagainstnon-schoolentities,suchasacivicorganization.Publicdebatesheldbeforeanaudienceofsuchanentitymayberecordedunder“Service,”butcannotalsoberecordedwithawin/lossunder“Debate.”

7. TheInternationalPublicPolicyForum(IPPF)debateessaycontestisrecordedunderDebate,eitherasPolicyDebateorPublicForumDebate.

C. RecordingInterscholasticSpeechContests1. Aminimumoffourschoolsmustbepresentatatournamentformeritpointstobeearnedinallevents.

2. Publicspeakingorinterpretiveeventsarerecordedbytheirindividualcategoryname.Studentranks,orrank-equivalents(conversionforpointtotalsoralternatesystems)areused.

3. Onlyonerankorroundplacingmaybeenteredforapanelofjudges.Foreliminationroundspriortoafinalround,anaverageofapanel’sranksmaybeused.Forthefinalround,tournamentplacementistherank.

4. MainAssociationeventsmayearn6pointsper1strank,5pointsper2ndrank,4pointsper3rdrank,3pointsper4thrank,and2pointsforranksof5andbelow.ThoseeventsincludeExtemporaneousSpeaking,OriginalOratory,InformativeSpeaking,andHumorous,Dramatic,Duo,andProgramOralInterpretation.

5. Non-mainAssociationeventsmayearn5pointsper1strank,4pointsper2ndrank,3pointsper3rdrank,2pointsper4thrank,and1pointforranksof5andbelow.Usetheappropriatecategoryname,orasimilarcategorynameasappropriate.

6. Extrapolatewhatspeechcategoriesbestmatchoutsidecontests.Forexample,AmericanLegionOratoricalContest’stwospeakingeventsarerecordedasOriginalOratoryandExtemporaneousSpeaking.PoetryOutLoud,SlamPoetry,andSpoken-WordPoetryarerecordedasPoetry.Whereratingsareusedinsteadofrankings,pleaseusethetablebelow.


7. Usethefollowingtabletoconvertnon-rankratingstoranksforthepurposeofonlinerecording:

Non-RankRoundRating Grade Points Points RanktoInput

Superior 25 95-100 1

Excellent 24 90-94 2

GoodorExceedsExpectations A 20-23 71-89 3

FairorMeetsExpectations B 15-19 42-70 4

AverageorDoesNotMeetExpectations C 10-14 10-41 5

0-9° 0-9° None

°Severedeficiency,andtherefore,notworthanypoints

D. RecordingNon-Competitive/ServiceSpeaking1. Limits:Upto200servicepointsmaybereportedperyear;serviceactivitiescanberecordedretroactivelyfor

thecurrentandimmediatepastschoolyearsonly.Studentsmaynotrecordpointsinbothcontestandservicespeaking(thisincludesfinalroundsthatmayhaveanaudienceofmorethan25adults).Pleaseseeadditionallimitsbytypeofserviceenumeratedbelow.

2. AudienceSpeakingEngagements:Designationofaudienceandtypeofspeakingmustbeinaccordancewiththefollowinginstructions:

a. Audience:Itistobenamedspecifically(e.g.,PTA,HartfordRotaryClub,HSAssembly,RadioWHBC).Iftheaudienceisoneusuallycomposedofyoungpeopleand25adultsarealsopresent,theaudiencemaybedesignatedas"ScoutsandParents"or"Hi-YandAdults."Theseaudiencesqualify:

• HighSchoolAssembly

• RadioorTelevisionStation(stationletters)

• Rotary,Kiwanis,andotherservice,community,civic,veterans,orpoliticalclubs/organizations

• Placeofworship/churchcongregation(pleaseidentify)

b. Nopointsareearnedforspeakingtoastudentaudienceofanykindotherthantheofficialhighschoolassembly,sothisexactterm,"HSAssembly,"mustbeused.Suchvagueentriesas"schoolauditorium,""church,"or"school"invalidatetheentry.

c. Adults:Entertheapproximatenumber,atleast25.Onlypersonsbeyondhighschoolageareregardedasadults.

d. TypeofSpeaking:Theexactkindortypeofspeakingistobestated.Thetitleorsubjectisnottobewrittenin.Theterm"Service"istoovague.Oneofthefollowingdesignationsistobeused:AnalysisofAddress,MasterofCeremonies,AfterDinnerSpeech,OratoricalInterpretation,BookReview,Oration,Commentating,PersuasiveSpeech,PublicDebate,Declamation,PanelDiscussion,InterpretiveReading,SalesTalk,Sermon,Sportscasting,Storytelling,Impromptu,ExtemporaneousSpeech,TV&RadioAnnouncing.

e. LengthofSpeaking:Enterstudentspeakingminutes.Foradiscussion,thetimeforeachparticipantmaybeestimated.Aminimumoffourminutesisrequiredforeachservicespeech,oritshouldnotberecorded.

f. PointValue:Allstudentsreceivefivepointsforeachservicespeakingactivity,withalimitoffourprojectsperday.SummerServicespeakingmayberecorded,butworkshops/camps/institutesmaynot.Coachesmaynotrecordmorethanonedayofservicespeakingperentry.

3. Judging:Studentswillearntwopointspernoviceormiddleschoolroundjudged,withalimitoffourroundsperday.Individualtournamentsdeterminetheirowncriteriaforallowingstudentstojudge.


4. MiddleSchoolCoaching:Highschoolstudentsmayearntwopointsperhourforcoachingmiddleschoolpracticesessions,whichdoesnotincludetournaments.Amaximumof50pointsperyearmayberecordedforcoaching.

5. TheatricalPerformanceSpeaking:Studentsmayearnpointsforacting/theatricalperformancesand/ortheatre/festivalcompetition.

a. Studentswillearnfivepointsforeachperformanceofaplayinfrontofanaudienceorincompetition.

b. Astudentmayearnamaximumof20pointsforanyparticularplayorforaparticularcompetitivereaderstheatreselection,oneactteam,ensemble,choralreadinggroup,etc.

c. Mimeandnon-speakingrolesmaynotearnpoints.

6. PresentationsDisallowedFromPointRecording:Studentsmaynotrecordpointsforinter-classorintramuraldebatesorcontests,summerinstitutetournaments,andschooleliminationorprizespeakingcontests,unlessheldbeforeahighschoolassemblyoradultaudienceandreportedasaservicespeech.SchoolpublicaddressannouncementsandInternetbroadcasts/blogsmaynotberecorded.Finally,anypresentationofinferiorqualityshouldbediscounted.

7. DistrictandNationalTournamentPoints:Pointsearnedatthedistrictandnationaltournamentsarerecordedautomatically.Forthedistricttournament,coacheswillbeemailed,promptingthemtopostthosepoints.

III.IndividualMembership

A. Students1. Onceastudenthasearned25creditpoints(seesectiononpointrecording),atleast10ofwhichweregained

ininterscholasticcontests,thelocalchapteradvisormayenrollthestudentasamemberuponpaymentofthe$20enrollmentfee.

2. Standards:Theapplicantshouldhavearealinterestinspeech,maintainahighstandardofcontestethics,andbeofgoodcharacter.Teststobeappliedtoeachapplicantshouldinclude:

a. Deservingbyabilityandachievement,tobehonoredwithAssociationmembershipandthekeyorpin?

b. WillgrantingmembershiptothispersonfavorablyaffectthesignificanceofAssociationmembershipinthisschoolandelsewhere?

Incaseofdoubt,itisbettertodefergrantingmembership.Theapplicantcanalwaysbeadmittedlater;onceadmitted,itisdifficultandpainfultoremovehim/her.

AllstudentswhobecomemembersoftheNationalSpeech&DebateAssociationmustaffirmthehonorsociety’sCodeofHonor.Memberstudentspledgetoupholdthehigheststandardsofintegrity,humility,respect,leadership,andservice.

3. Studentapplicantsshouldrankscholasticallyintheuppertwo-thirdsoftheirclass.Rankmaybebasedeitherontheworkoftheprevioussemesterorupontheentirehighschoolrecord,whichevertheprincipalbelieveswillmostfairlymeasurethescholasticworthoftheapplicant.Iftheapplicantranksinthelowestthirdoftheclass,membershipmustbedeferreduntiltheirworkimproves.InspecialcircumstancestheprincipalmaybyletterrecommendtotheBoardofDirectorsthatastudentbeacceptedformembershipinspiteofscholasticorcreditpointdeficiency.

4. Thehighschoolfacultyisalsoauthorizedtoelectmembersanditshouldberequestedtodosoifthechapterwithoutjustcausedeclinestoelectaqualifiedapplicant.

5. Ninthgradestudentsinajuniorhighschoolmaybeelectedtomembershipbythehighschooltheyexpecttoattend.OnlyninthgradestudentsmaybeelectedtohighschoolAssociationmembershipinjuniorhighchapters.Ninthgradestudentsmay,iflocalrulespermit,participateasmembersofthehighschoolsquad.


B. Instructors/Coaches1. Instructorsreceiveone-tenthofpointsrecordedforstudentstheycoach.Theyqualifyformembershipand

advanceddegreesaccordingtothesamescheduleprovidedforstudentsandmustapplyandpaytheindividualmembershipenrollmentfee.Onattainingatotalof1,500points,theinstructorwillbeentitledtowearadiamond-setAssociationkeyorpin;additionaldiamondsaccrueat3,000,6,000,10,000andeach3,000pointsthereafter,andtheminimumtimeforeachdiamondisfiveyearsasamembercoach.

2. Aninstructorwhoobtainedmembershipasastudentshouldreportthatfacttothenationaloffice.Membership,aswellasone-tenthofthepointsearnedasastudent,willbetransferred.

3. Degreesforuptothreeactivecoachesmaycountineachchaptertowarddistrictstandingandtournamentapportionment.However,morethanthreeactivecoachesmayearnpointsduringaseason.

C. Enrollment/Application1. Recordingatleast25pointsinastudentrecordintheonlinesystempromptsmembershipforthatstudent.

However,additionalstepsmustbetakentoofficiallyenrollthatindividualasamember.Onceacoachhasaccrued25pointsasone-tenthof250studentpointsrecorded,thatcoachshouldbelistedonthisformaswell.

a. Thenationalofficewillemailthechapteradvisoraninvoiceforeachnewmember($20each)afterthestudentisenrolledwithatleast25points.Theadvisorwillalsoreceiveapapercopyoftheinvoicewithmembershipcardsandhand-engrossedcertificates.Pleasepaythisinvoicein30days.Anyindividualmembershipfeenotpaidwithin60daysofthemembershipmeritdatewillincuranadditionalfeeof$5permembershipforatotalmembershipfeeof$25.AschoolwithanyoutstandingdebttotheAssociationwillnotbeallowedtoparticipateintheDistrictorNationalTournamentuntilthosefeesarepaidinfull.

b. Onlystudents/coacheswiththerequired25pointswillbelistedformembership.Studentswithfewerthan25pointsarenotyeteligibleandareviewableontheschoolprofileunder"ViewNon-MemberStudents."

c. SchoolsshouldincludeacheckormoneyorderpayabletoNationalSpeech&DebateAssociation,forfeesof$20foreachindividuallistedforenrollment.Excessremittanceisacknowledgedbycreditvoucherandmustbeusedwithintwoyearstoretainthevalueitrepresents.Thismaybeappliedtofutureenrollmentfees,schooldues,latefees,orNationalTournamentfees.SchoolsmayfileanEarlyInvoicingFormanddepositfundsaheadoftimewiththenationalofficetobeautomaticallydrawneachtimefeesareassessed.Receiptsforremittancearealwaysavailable;simplyrequestwhennecessary.

2. Thechapteradvisorshouldinspectcertificatesforaccuracyandreportanyissuesormissingcertificatestothenationalofficewithin30days.Beyond30days,areplacementfeeof$5percertificateischarged.

C. TransferofMembership:Astudentorcoachmaytransferfromonechaptertoanotherwithoutchargeorlossofpoints.Ifanewcertificateisdesired,$5mustberemitted.Transfermaybedoneautomaticallyonthepointssystem,orbyemailing/callingcustomerservicestaff.

D. InactiveMembership:Astudentorcoachismarked“inactive”inthePointsApplicationbySeptember1iffewerthan10pointswereaddedduringthepreviousschoolyear.Theindividualresumesactivestatusassoonas10pointsareaddedtotheirrecord.Aninactivememberdoesnotcountindeterminingchapterstrength,andtherefore,districtstanding.Aninactivememberremainseligibletoparticipateinthedistricttournament.


E. StudentWebsiteRegistrationProcedures:Onlystudentsofficiallyregisteredasamemberuserontheorganization’swebsitemaycompeteindistrictcompetition.

InstructionsforStudents:

Step1: Gotowww.speechanddebate.org/join.

Step2: Provideyournameandemailaddress.Besuretouseyourformalname,capitalizingthefirstlettersofyourfirst,middle(optional),andlastname,asitwillappearontheirmembershipcertificatethatway!

Step3: Selectausernameandpassword.

Step4: AgreetoabidebytheAssociation’sHonorCodeandTerms&Conditions.

Step5: Reviewyourinformation.Ifeverythingiscorrect,clickthe“Submit”button.

Step6: Afterclicking“Submit,”studentswillseeanAccountConfirmationscreen.Theyshouldloginwiththeirnewlycreatedcredentialsbyclickingthe“LoginNow”buttonorbyclicking“Account”intheupperrightcornerofthescreen.ThiswilltakethemtotheirStudentProfilepage.Studentsneedtoclick“LinktoSchool”andselecttheirrole(student),highschoolormiddleschool,state,andnameofschool.Theywillbepromptedtoverifythattheywishtolinktotheirschool.

InstructionsforCoaches:Tocompletetheregistrationprocess,youshouldlogintowww.speechanddebate.org,click“Account”intheupperrightcorner,andthenclick“EnterPoints”intheleftmenubar(under“QuickLinks”).ThiswilltakeyoutotheSchoolProfilepage.Justbelowtheaddressforyourschool,alinkwillappearfor“ApprovalRequest.”Youshouldthen“LinktoExisting”ifthestudentisalreadylistedonyourSchoolProfilepage,or“CreateNew”iftheyarenotyetlisted.Pleasereviewthelistofnamesinthedropdownmenutoensurethatthestudentisnotalreadylisted.

IV.Degrees

A. AdvantagesofAdvancedDegrees:Advanceddegreesprovideconstantincentiveforfurthereffortevenaftermembership(Merit)levelisearned.Toobtainthemanyadvantagesofadvanceddegrees,advisorsshouldrecordpointsearnedbymembersassoonastheyhavequalifiedforsuchdegrees.Doingsowillgivethechapteranddistrictthefullestmeasureofrecognitionandprovidethemaximuminterestandenthusiasmfortheprogram.

1. Eachdegreeaddsadistinctivesealtothemembershipcertificateandtothemembershiprosterdisplayedinthechapterroom.Thesearesenttochapters,periodically,asindividualsadvanceintheirdegrees.Sealsshouldbeaffixedtotheoriginalmembershipcertificatesothatthree-eighthsofaninchoftheleftsideoftheformersealwillremainuncoveredbythenewone.

2. Thekeyorpinofthemembermaybejeweledtodesignatethehighestdegreeheld.Studentswhoattain500pointsmaywearthesilvermonogram.

3. DegreeofExcellenceandabovepermitsstudentstoreceiveservicepointsforjudgingnovicerounds.

4. Thenumberofentriesinthedistricttournamentfromeachchapterisbasedupontheactivemembersanddegreesonrecordseven(7)daysprecedingthetournament.

5. SeatsinthedistrictCongressionalDebateareapportionedamongthechaptersonthebasisofmembershipanddegreesonrecordbasedonthelastdistrictstandingseven(7)dayspriortotheCongress.

6. Thecharterchapterreportofstandingsisbaseduponthenumberofmembersanddegreesenrolledduringthepastyear.Eachdegreecountsasmuchasoneindividualmembership.

7. Eachdegreeaddstothecumulativechapterrecord,whichleadstoearningtheLeadingChapterAward.

8. Eachdegreehelpstoadvancethestandingofthedistrict,aspublishedinRostrum.


Alertchapterswillseetoitthateachdegreeawardismentionedintheschoolorlocalpaper.Itisaproperformofpublicityandhighlyeffectiveinexpandingstudentinterestinspeech.Newspapersareusuallyeagertousebriefitemsconcerninghonorsawardedtolocalstudentsbyanationalorganization.Coachesmayaccesscustompressreleasetemplatesatwww.speechanddebate.org.

B.ApplyingforDegrees:Noapplicationorfeeisrequiredforanyadvanceddegree.Thedegreeswillberecordedinthenationalofficeassoonasamemberhasthenecessarynumberofpointsonrecord.

Degree Points Votes/Strength CertificateSeal PinInsignia-Gem

Honor 75 2 Bronze Emerald

Excellence 150 3 SilveronWhite BlueSapphire

Distinction 250 4 MetallicGoldonGold Ruby

SpecialDistinction 500 5 SilveronPink DoubleRuby

SuperiorDistinction 750 6 SilveronBlue TripleRuby

OutstandingDistinction 1,000 7 SilveronViolet QuadrupleRuby

PremierDistinction 1,500 8 SilveronBlack QuintupleRuby

V.ChapterProceduresA. ApproachestoRecognizingStudents:Certificates,degrees,andkeysshouldbepresentedtothemembersata

schoolassembly,anawardsdayprogramorotherappropriateoccasion.Bothschoolandcommunitypapersshouldbegiventhenamesofthestudentshonoredandaskedtogivebriefacknowledgmentoftheachievementsthehonorrepresents.

Givingfullanddeservedrecognitiontosuccessfulspeakersisasurewayofarousinginyoungerstudentsthedesiretofollowthesamecourseandlikewisetobehonoredfortheirachievements.

B. Induction:Thenationalorganizationprescribesnoritualfortheinitiationofnewmembers,inasmuchassuchproceduremightbecontrarytolocalschoolregulations.Intheabsenceofsuchrule,anappropriateceremonyfortheinductionofnewmembersmaybeemployed.

C. Insignia:Theemblemofourorganizationisshapedlikeakey,symbolizingtheunlockingofthepowersofexpression.Theshapeofthemainpartoftheemblemisoctagonal,whichsymbolizesthemanyanglesfromwhichaquestionmustbestudied.Theeyesymbolizesthelightwhichstudywillthrowuponallquestions.Theletters“NFL”standfor“NationalForensicLeague.”Thelampdesignatesknowledge.Theemblemismadeofsterlingsilverplatedwithrhodiumtopreserveindefinitelyitsmetallicluster.Silverisusedinsteadofgoldtodistinguishtheemblemfromthecollegiatehonorkeys.Oneshouldbeveryproudtowearthisdistinctiveinsignia.

Generationsofstudentshaveproudlywornourinsigniaasatangiblesignoftheirsuccessinmasteringthetechniquesofeffectivecommunication.Keysandpins,andespeciallytheadvanceddegreejewelsmakeexcellentawardstoworthystudents.Anymembermayobtainakeyorpin(plainorjeweled)toreflectstandingintheAssociation.

Keysaremadeofsilver,heavilyplatedwithaspecialrhodiumplating,andareguaranteedagainstdefectbythemanufacturer.Shouldonebefoundunsatisfactory,pleasereturnittothenationalofficeforreplacement.

TIP:Chaptersmayfindittobesimpler,quicker,andcheapertoestablishasmall“bank”ofinsigniasomemberscantradetheirpinsforjeweledpinsastheyqualifyforthem.Thesemembersreleasetheirplainpinsforusebynewmembers,whointurnwillqualifyforjeweleditemslater.


Medium Large Monogram

Allinsigniashownactualsize

Thepinhasasafetyclaspontheback;thekeydoesnot.

D. OrderingKeysandPins:Honoraryinsigniaareavailableaseitherkeysorpinsintheactualsizesshownhere.Allitemsmaybeorderedeitherplainorwithdesignatedjewel.Toorderonline,visitstore.speechanddebate.org.

1. Advisorsmayordersilverkeysandpinsforstudents.Goldinsigniaareforinstructorsonly.

2. Pleaseorderinsigniaonlineatstore.speechanddebate.org.

3. Ifanemblemislost,anewordercompletedintheregularmannermaybesubmitted.Thereisnorulebarringpossessionofmorethanoneemblembyanymember.

4. Allordersfornewinsigniaaretobemailedtothenationaloffice,nottothemanufacturer.

5. Amemberholdinganadvanceddegreewhentheyobtainakeymayorderthejewelatthattime.

6. Insigniaforjewellingorchangeofjewellingisnottobesenttothenationaloffice.Sendtheinsigniaandacopyofthedegreereportsenttothechapter,plustheproperremittancetothemanufacturer.

SuppliesVarioussuppliesareavailableforpurchaseorofferedcomplimentarytoAssociationchapters.Orderingmaybedoneviatheonlinestore.Remittancemustaccompanytheorderforanypurchases.Followingisasamplelistingofsupplies.

• DiplomaSeals:ChapterswishingtoaffixAssociationsealstothediplomasoftheirgraduatingmembersmayobtainsuchsealsfromthenationaloffice.Thesealsareoneinchinsize,embossedonbronze,silver,gold,rose,blue,andpurplefoiltodesignatethedegreeheldbythemember.Eachpackagecontainsanassortmentofseals.Replacementpacketsofallbronze,allsilver,allgold,allrose,allblue,allpurple,orallblackareavailable.Diplomasealsmustnotbeawardedtomembersnotattainingadvanceddegrees.

• Magazine:Rostrum,theofficialpublicationoftheAssociation,isissuedquarterlyfromSeptembertoApril.Eachchapterreceivestwocopies.Additionalannualschoolsubscriptionscost$15each.Individualannualsubscriptionsare$15($25fortwoyears).

Awards• LeadingChapterAward:Eachyear,theAssociationpresentsaspecialLeadingChapterawardtotheschool

whoseaccumulatedtotalofmembersanddegreesishighestineachdistrict.Therulesaresetforthinbylaw21.Theawardisabeautifulwalnutplaque,eachmadeindividuallyforthechapterwhosenameitbears.Sincemembersanddegreesonceonrecordremainasacredittotheschool,everyschool,nomatterhowfardownthelist,canlookforwardtoattainingtheLeadingChapterAwardeventually.Thestandingofeachchapterinthedistrictinrelationtotheattainmentoftheplaque,aswellasitsrelativepositioninthepreviousyear,isreportedintheFallRostrum.Eachchaptercanthereforenoteitsownprogressfromyeartoyear,aswellastheprogressofitsfriendlyrivalsinspeechexcellence.

• HonoraryMembership:AchaptermayelectoneHonorarymemberforeach100membersanddegreesearnedbythatchapter;notmorethanoneayear.Honorarymembersmustbeadultswhohavecontributedinsomesignificantwaytothespeechprogramofthelocalchapter,buthavenotearnedAssociationmembershipasastudentorinstructor.

Aspecialformforhonorarymembershipisrequiredandisavailablefromthenationaloffice.Thereisnofee.Anappropriatemembershipcertificateisissued.AGoldChapterHonorarykeyisobtainablefromthenationaloffice.


• StudentHonorCords:Wherelocalrulespermit,graduatingseniorsmaywearofficialAssociationSilverandRubyHonorCordsatGraduationceremonies.Thecordsmaybeorderedonlineatstore.speechanddebate.org.

• DistrictChairAwardsinHonorofRalphE.Carey:Districtchairsarechargedwithrunningdistricttournaments,areresponsibleforthewelfareoftheAssociationintheirdistricts,andadvisetheBoardonAssociationpolicy.Districtchairawardsareearnedinthefollowingmanner:

1. ThechairpersonofthedistrictinfirstplaceonMay1receives8units,thenextthreereceive4units,andthenextninereceive2units.Allothersreceive1unit.

2. For3units,achairisgivenabronzechairpersonaward,for5unitsasilveraward,andfor8unitsaRalphE.Careygoldaward.Nochairisevergivenalowerawardthanonepreviouslyreceived,butunitsaccumulateoverseveralyearstowardagoldaward;morethanonemaybeearned.

3. TheRalphE.CareyDistinguishedDistrictChairTrophyisacareerawardpresentedeachyeartooneoutstandingchairforlengthyandsuperlativeservice.Awardsalsoarepresentedtothebestnewchair,chairoftheyear,andthebestchaircommunications.

• StudentoftheYear:EachChaptermaynominateonegraduatingseniorasDistrictStudentoftheYear,usingtheconcise,two-pageapplication.Thenomineemust:beanAssociationmemberintheirsenioryearofhighschool;demonstratestrongacademicstandards;activelyengagetheircommunitythroughserviceandaction;exhibitdedicationtoforensicsandcommitmenttovaluesoftheAssociation.Eachindividualdistrictdeterminesthemannerinwhichnomineesarereviewedandselected.EachDistrictStudentoftheYeariseligibleforconsiderationasNationalStudentoftheYear,determinedthroughareviewprocesscoordinatedbythenationaloffice.

• AcademicAllAmerican:TheAcademicAllAmericanawardrecognizesstudentswhohave:

o EarnedthedegreeofSuperiorDistinction(750points)

o Completedatleast5semestersofhighschool

o Demonstratedoutstandingcharacterandleadership

o EarnedaGPAof3.7ona4.0scale(oritsequivalent)

NOTE:IftheGPAisbetween3.5and3.7ona4.0scale(oritsequivalent),studentsalsomusthavereceivedanACTscoreof27orhigher,oraNewSATscoreof1300orhigher

Coachesofstudentswhomeettheserequirementsshouldsubmitanapplicationfortheaward,availableonline,alongwithcharacterreferencesandacademictranscripts.

• StudentServiceCitations:Studentsreceiveonecitationforevery100servicepointsachieved.Asingleactofservice,suchascommunityspeaking,usuallygarnersbetweentwoandfiveservicepoints.Thenumberofcitationsastudentreceiveswillbenotedas“firstdegree,”“seconddegree,”“thirddegree,”andsoon.CoacheswillreceivenotificationonthePointsApplicationwhenstudentsreachnewdegrees,andmaydownloadcertificatesandpressreleaseswhenstudentsearnthosehonors.

• StudentServicePlaques:EachchaptermayawardAssociationserviceplaquestostudentswhorenderservice(conductingchapteraffairs,runningtournaments,judging,etc.).The4.5”x6.5”plaquesfeaturetheembossedNFLseal.Plaquesmaybeorderedfromthenationaloffice.

• HallofFame:Individualswith25yearsofcoachmembershipintheNationalSpeech&DebateAssociation,orwhoareretiredfromcoachingandteaching,areeligibletobenominatedforthisprestigiousaward.ExistingHallofFamemembersandallcoacheswiththreeormorediamondselecteachyear’sclasstotheHallofFame.

• CoachDistinguishedServiceAward:AspecialhonorconferredbytheAssociationistheDistinguishedServiceAward.Aspecialgoldkeyisgrantedtoacoachmemberfor20citationsandabronzeplaqueisgivenforeachadditional50citationsforthefollowingservices:


Recruitinganewchapter....................................................................2Sponsoringanewchapter..................................................................2Yearasadistrictchair......................................................................1-3Memberofadistrictcommittee........................................................1Yearasanationalofficer....................................................................3ManaginganAssociationdistricttournament................................1-3Holdingatournamentfor10schools.................................................1Directingatournamentfor10schools...............................................1ServiceattheNationalTournament................................................1-3ArticleinRostrum............................................................................1-3ArticleabouttheAssociationinaneducationaljournal..................1-3PresentationabouttheAssociationataconvention.......................1-3OtherservicerequestedbytheBoardofDirectors.........................1-5

Wheneveramemberisentitledtoacitation,theCoachServiceCitationform(availableonline)shouldbefilledoutandsenttothenationaloffice,butnoapplicationshouldbesubmittedforaservicenotspecificallylistedabove.

1. Theserviceshouldbedescribedbycitingtime,place,name,oreventsoastoestablishitsidentitybeyondpossibilityofconfusionwithanysimilarone.Severalservicesmaybelistedononeblank,buttheformsshouldnotbecrowded.

2. Citationsmustbeappliedforwithintwoyearsfromthedateoftheserviceortheycannotbeallowed.

3. Signatureofschoolofficialisrequiredonlyiftheservicehasnotbeenestablishedbynationalrecordorattachedpapers.

4. CitationsapprovedatthenationalofficewillbesignedbytheExecutiveDirectorandkeptatthenationalofficeuntilthenumberrequiredforanawardhasbeenattained.Atthattime,theyshouldagainbesenttothenationalofficetoclaimtheaward.


CodeofHonor“AsamemberoftheNationalSpeech&DebateAssociation,Ipledgetoupholdthehigheststandardsof

integrity,humility,respect,leadershipandserviceinthepursuitofexcellence.”

Integrity:Anhonorsocietymemberobeysthehighestethicalstandardsandadherestotherulesoftheorganization.Membersrecognizethatintegrityiscentraltoearningthetrust,respect,andsupportofone’speers.Integrityencompassesthehighestregardforhonesty,civility,justice,andfairness.Humility:Amemberdoesnotregardhimorherselfmorehighlythanothers.Regardlessofaperson’slevelofsuccess,heorshealwayslooksbeyondoneselftoappreciatetheinherentvalueofothers.Respect:Amemberrespectsindividualdifferencesandfostersdiversity.Heorshepromotestolerance,inclusion,andempowermentforpeoplefromavarietyofbackgrounds.Leadership:Amemberinfluencesotherstotakepositiveactiontowardproductivechange.MemberscommittothoughtfulandresponsibleleadershipthatpromotestheothercorevaluesintheCodeofHonor.Service:Amemberexercisesthetalentsheorshehasbeengiventoprovideservicetohisorherpeers,community,andtheactivity.Atalltimesamemberispreparedtoworkconstructivelytoimprovethelivesofothers.

(adoptedSeptember2007)

CoachesCodeofEthicsThefunctionofacoachistoeducatestudentsthroughparticipationinspeechanddebate.Studentsshouldbetreatedwiththeutmostrespect,andtheirwelfareshouldbeconsideredindecisionsbycoachesatalltimes.Accordingly,thefollowingguidelinesforcoacheshavebeenadoptedbytheNationalSpeech&DebateAssociation.

Coachesshallbeawarethattheyhaveatremendousinfluence,foreithergoodorill,ontheeducationoftheirstudentsand,thus,shallneverplacethevalueofwinningabovethevalueofinstillingthehighestidealsofcharacter.

Coachesshallpracticeintegritybyupholdingthehonoranddignityofourprofession.Inallpersonalcontactwithstudents,judges,tournamentofficials,activitiesdirectors,schooladministrators,othercoaches,themedia,andthepublic,coachesshallstrivetosetanexampleofthehighestethicalandmoralconduct.

Coachesshalltakeanactiveroleinthepreventionofstudentdrug,alcohol,andtobaccoabuse.

Coachesshallbeexpectedtoupholdtheirschool’spolicyinregardstodrug,alcohol,andtobaccousewhenincontactwithstudents.

Coachesshallstrivetounderstandthecontestrulesandtoteachthemtotheirstudents.Coachesshallnotseekanadvantagebycircumventionofthespiritorletteroftherules.

Coachesshallexerttheirinfluencetoenhancesportsmanshipandfair-playbycompetitorsandothercoaches.

Coachesshallrespectandsupporttournamentofficials.Coachesshallnotindulgeinconductthatwouldinciteothercoachesorstudentsagainsttournamentofficials.Publiccriticismoftournamentofficials,othercoaches,orstudentsisunethical.

Coachesshallsetthecorrecttoneforatournamentorcompetition.

(adoptedDecember2016)


DistrictandNationalLeadershipI.DistrictCommittee

A. Election:EachchapteradvisormaycastaballotonlineformembersoftheDistrictCommitteefromalistofcoachesactive(affiliatedwithaschool)inthedistrict.Allfiveplacesshouldbefilledwithnamesofactivecoachesinthedistrict.Eachactivememberschoolshallhaveonevote.Electionswillbeheldinodd-numberedyears.DistrictCommitteememberswillbeelectedtoserveatwo-yearterm.

Amemberofthecommitteehastherighttoserveeventhoughtheyleavetheschoolfromwhichtheywereelectediftheytransfertoanotherschoolwithinthedistrict.Ifapositionbecomesvacant,anewmemberischosenaccordingtotheoriginalvote.

II.BoardofDirectorsA. Election:Electionofnationalofficersshallbeconductedinevennumberedyearsasfollows:

1. AnymembercoachwithfiveyearsofAssociationcoachingexperiencemaybecomeacandidatefortheBoardofDirectorsbysoadvisingtheexecutivedirectorinwritingbeforeJanuary20viacertifiedmail.

2. PresentnationalofficerswhosetermsexpireonJuly31shallbecomecandidatesforre-electionbyfilingawrittenstatementwiththeexecutivedirectorbyJanuary20viacertifiedmail.

3. NopersonmayserveasamemberoftheBoardofDirectorsaftertheir70thbirthday.ThisruledoesnotapplytotheadministrativerepresentativewhoisappointedbytheBoardeverytwoyears.

4. CandidatesshallbeallottedonecolumninRostrum,nottoexceed400wordsinlength,tosupporttheircandidacy,dueJanuary20.

5. Eachchaptershallvoteonlineforuptofourdirectors.Eachactivememberschoolshallhaveonevote.ThosecandidatesnotelectedtotheBoardshallbedesignatedasalternatesinorderoffinish.

B. Organization:1. TheBoardofDirectorsconsistsofapresident,vicepresident,atleastsixelecteddirectors,one

representativefromsecondaryschooladministrators,andadditionalBoardappointeddirectors.ThenumberofBoardappointeddirectorsisnottobeequaltoorgreaterthanthetotalnumberofelecteddirectors.TheBoard,bymajorityvote,mayexpandordecreasethenumberofelectedandappointeddirectorsaslongastheactiondoesnotviolatetheaboveprovisions.

2. TheBoardofDirectorswillselectoneofitsownaspresident,andanotherofitsownasvicepresident.Ifthereisavacancyinthepresidency,thevicepresidentassumestheofficeofpresidentfortheremainderofthecurrentterm.Ifthereisavicepresidentialvacancy,theBoardwillselectoneofitsowntoserveasvicepresidentfortheremainderofthatterm.Intheeventofvacanciesinbothoffices,anewofficerelectionwillbeheldatthenextscheduledBoardmeeting.AppointeddirectorsandtheschooladministratorservingontheBoardarenoteligibletobepresidentorvicepresident.


Calendar:YearAt-a-GlanceAugust/September:Chaptersuppliesonhandshouldbecheckedandtherequisitiontothenationalofficeshouldbesentforallitemsneeded.Thechapterduesasbilledbythenationalofficeshouldbepaid.

October:Ifanymatterfromthepreviousschooltermwasnotsatisfactorilycompleted,Octoberisthetimewhenthatmattershouldbecorrected.Reportsandapplicationsforstudentswhohavequalifiedformembershipordegreesshouldbesubmitted.

November:EachchaptershouldnotecriticallythestandingofitschapteraspublishedintheFallRostrum.Ifitisnotentirelygratifying,eachchaptershouldplanspecificallywhatshallbedoneduringtheyeartoadvancethestandinginthenextannualreport.

Beforetheseason'sworktakestoomuchtimeandthelocalschoolcalendarbecomescrowded,itisadvisabletoplanachapterprojectforraisingfunds,ifneedsarenotcoveredbytheschool/activitybudget.Chapterduesoughttohavebeenpaid.

November-April:1. AnychapterwhosecharterexpiresinJune,andneedsadditionalmemberstoqualifyforrenewal,mustmakefirm

plansatthistimeforaspeechprogramthatwillmeettherequirements.Submitapplicationsandcreditpointsheets.

2. Recordparticipation/meritpointsandenrollindividualmembers.Payallfeesassessedonaregularbasis.

3. Prepareforthedistricttournamentseries.ChaptersmustbesurethatalloftheircontestantsareAssociationmembersonrecordinthenationalofficeseven(7)daysbeforethetournament.Pointreportsandapplicationsaretobesubmitted.

4. MostAssociationtournamentsareheldinFebruary,March,andApril.ChaptersmustbesurethatalloftheircontestantsareAssociationmembersonrecordinthenationalofficeseven(7)daysbeforethetournament.

April:Asmanyenrollmentsformembershipaspossibleshouldbefiled.Orderinsignia,plaques,andotherAssociationawardsnowtoguaranteedeliveryintimeforawardsassemblies.Inodd-numberedyears,districtcommitteeelectionsareheldonline.Ineven-numberedyears,Boardelectionsareconductedonline.ElectionresultsareannouncedafterMay31.

May:1. Studentkeysandpinsaretobeorderedatleast20daysbeforetheyareneeded.Orderinstructors’andhonorary

insigniaatleastfourweeksbeforethepresentationdate.

2. Electchapterofficersfornextyear.Chapterrecordsandsuppliesaretobetransferredtothosenewofficers.

3. Holdaninductionorrecognitionceremony.Forrecommendations,seeourHonorSocietyGuide,aswellassamplevideosandmaterialsonline.

4. Recordfinalcreditpointsforgraduates.

June:ThisisthelastopportunitytoadvancechapterstandingpublishedintheFallRostrum.Allunfinishedbusinessneedstobecompleted.TheNationalSpeech&DebateTournamentisheld.Wehopetoseeyouthere!


QuickReferenceforChapterAdvisors/CoachesSchools• Tojoin,sendtheannualapplicationformsignedbytheprincipal,andpaytheannual$149dues.Schoolsrenewingon

aconsistentbasisdonotneedtoobtaintheprincipal’ssignatureeveryyear.

• Toearnandretainacharter,enrollatleast50newdegreeswithinathree-yearperiod.Annualduesmustbepaideveryyeartoretainthecharter,oritissuspended.

Students• Pointsarerecordedonlineforstudentparticipationininterscholasticcontestsorservicespeakingendeavors.

StudentsareenrolledasanAssociationmemberoncetheyhaveearned25points,atleast10ofwhichwereearnedininterscholastichighschoolcompetition.Theschoolwillbeassesseda$20membershipfeeoncethestudent’srecordreachesthe25pointrequirement.

• Studentsmaytransferone-tenthofmiddleschoolpointstotheirhighschoolrecord,nottoexceed50highschoolmeritpoints(maximumof500middleschoolpoints).Astudentwillnotgainhighschoolmembership,however,untiltheyhaveearnedatleast10pointsinhighschoolcompetition.

Points• Astudentmayearnpointsatanytimewhilethatstudentisenrolledingrades9-12.Pointsmayberecordedwhilethe

student’sschoolisamemberoftheAssociation.• Pointvaluesforinterscholasticcompetition:

o Onlyonerankingordecisionshallbeenteredperround.Forspeechroundswithpanels,theaveragerankisused,exceptforfinals,whereoveralltournamentplacingisused.

o PublicForum,Lincoln-Douglas,andPolicyDebate:6pointsperwin;3perlossornodecision.o MockTrial,ParliamentaryDebate,Supplemental,andothernon-Associationdebates:4perwin;2per

loss/nodecision.o Associationmainspeechevents(ExtemporaneousSpeaking,OriginalOratory,InformativeSpeaking,

Dramatic/Humorous/Duo/ProgramOralInterpretation):rankof–1st=6points;2nd=5points;3rd=4points;4th=3points;5th/lower=2points.

o Non-Associationmainspeechevents(includingImpromptu,Commentary,Expository,Poetry,Prose,etc.):rankof–1st=5points;2nd=4points;3rd=3points;4th=2points;5th/lower=1point(seep.5forachartofhowtoconvertnon-rankstoratings).

o CongressionalDebate:1-6pointsperspeech(averageofpanel);1-6pointspercompletehourofpresiding.Maximum24pointspercalendarday;anofficialscorermustbepresent.

• Pointvaluesforservice:o Limit:200pointsperschoolyearo AudienceSpeakingEngagements:Minimumspeakingtimemustbefourminutes;audiencesofatleast25

adults,outsideofinterscholasticcompetition;radioortelevisionisallowed;PAannouncements,Internetbroadcastsarenot

o Value:5pointsperproject;limit4projectsperdayo SeethesectiononNovice/MiddleSchoolJudgingandCoachingpoints.

• Coachesearnone-tenththepointsoftheirstudents,andareenrolledasindividualmembers(degreeofMerit)uponearning25points(atleast250studentpointscreditedtothatcoach).

o Acoachmaytransferone-tenthoftheirpointsasanAssociationstudenttotheircoachingrecord.• ChangestoonlinePointsApplicationrecordsmustbesubmittedbythechapteradvisorofrecord.

Section2:HighSchoolEventRulesManual

Thefollowingrulesshouldbeinterpretedliterallyandfollowedexactly.Allmembersareentitledtoassurancethatpointswereearnedandreportedstrictlyaccordingtotherules.Thenationalofficewillcheckallreportscriticallyandstrikeoutincompleteorquestionableentries.


NationalSpeech&DebateAssociation•©2016-2017 HighSchoolEventRulesManual 23

MainEventRulesPolicyDebate1. Resolution:Theresolutionwillbeonerequiringapolicyjudgment.Thecurrentnationalquestionwillbeusedandwill

bepublishedinRostrumandatwww.speechanddebate.org/topics.

2. Entries:Anentryiscomprisedoftwostudentsfromthesameschool;eachdebatingbothsidesoftheresolutionandadvancingonitsownrecord.Nosubstitutionispermittedoncethetournamenthasbegun.

3. OrderofSpeeches:Eachdebatermustgiveoneandonlyoneconstructivespeech,oneperiodofquestioning,oneperiodofanswering,andonerebuttalspeech,inthefollowingorder:

AffirmativeConstructiveSpeech 8minutes

NegativeCrossExaminesAffirmative 3minutes

NegativeConstructiveSpeech 8minutes

AffirmativeCrossExaminesNegative 3minutes

AffirmativeConstructiveSpeech 8minutes

NegativeCrossExaminesAffirmative 3minutes


AffirmativeCrossExaminesNegative 3minutes

NegativeRebuttal 5minutes

AffirmativeRebuttal 5minutes



Preptime 5minutesperteam

4. PromptingPhilosophy:Oralprompting,excepttimesignals,eitherbythespeaker'scolleagueorbyanyotherpersonwhilethedebaterhasthefloor,isdiscouragedthoughnotprohibitedandmaybepenalizedbysomejudges.Debatersmay,however,refertotheirnotesandmaterialsandmayconsultwiththeirteammatewhiletheydonothavethefloor.

5. UseofElectronicDevices:TheuseoflaptopcomputersispermittedattheNationalTournament.Theuseoflaptopcomputersatthequalifyingtournamentwillbetheautonomousdecisionofeachdistrict.LaptopusemustcomplywiththeGuidelinesforLaptopUseinDebateEvents.

6. Timing:Timekeepersareanoptionbutnotrequired.Ifnotimekeeperisused,debatersmaytimefortheirpartnersorthejudgemaykeeptime.Preptimeforeachteamisfiveminutes.


PublicForumDebate1. Resolution:SpecificresolutionsfordistricttournamentsheldduringcertainmonthsandtheNationalTournament

topicwillbepublishedinRostrumandatwww.speechanddebate.org/topics.PublicForumDebatefocusesonadvocacyofapositionderivedfromtheissuespresentedintheresolution,notaprescribedsetofburdens.

2. Entries:Anentryiscomprisedoftwostudentsfromthesameschool;eachdebatingbothsidesoftheresolutionandadvancingonitsownrecord.Nosubstitutionispermittedoncethetournamenthasbegun.

3. ProcedureandOrderofSpeeches:PriortoEVERYroundandinthepresenceofthejudge(s),acoinistossedbyoneteamandcalledbytheotherteam.Theteamthatwinstheflipmaychooseoneoftwooptions:EITHERtheSIDEofthetopictheywishtodefend(proorcon)ORtheSPEAKINGPOSITIONtheywishtohave(beginthedebateorendthedebate).Theremainingoption(SIDEORSPEAKINGPOSITION)isthechoiceoftheteamthatlosestheflip.Oncespeakingpositionsandsideshasbeendetermined,thedebatebegins(theconteammaylead,dependingonthecoinflipresults).Followingthefirsttwoconstructivespeeches,thetwodebaterswhohavejustgivenspeecheswillstandandparticipateinathree-minute"crossfire".In"crossfire"bothdebaters"holdthefloor."However,thespeakerwhospokefirstmustaskthefirstquestion.Afterthatquestion,eitherdebatermayquestionand/oransweratwill.Attheconclusionofthesummaryspeeches,allfourdebaterswillremainseatedandparticipateinathree-minute"GrandCrossfire”inwhichallfourdebatersareallowedtocross-examineoneanother.Thespeakerwhogavethefirstsummaryspeechmustaskthefirstquestion.

FirstSpeaker-TeamA 4minutes

FirstSpeaker-TeamB 4minutes

Crossfire 3minutes

SecondSpeaker-TeamA 4minutes

SecondSpeaker-TeamB 4minutes

Crossfire 3minutes

Summary-FirstSpeaker-TeamA 2minutes

Summary-FirstSpeaker-TeamB 2minutes

GrandCrossfire 3minutes

FinalFocus-SecondSpeaker-TeamA 2minutes

FinalFocus-SecondSpeaker-TeamB 2minutes

PrepTime 2minutesperteam

4. Plans/Counterplans:InPublicForumDebate,theAssociationdefinesaplanorcounterplanasaformalized,comprehensiveproposalforimplementation.Neithertheproorconsideispermittedtoofferaplanorcounterplan;rather,theyshouldofferreasoningtosupportapositionofadvocacy.Debatersmayoffergeneralized,practicalsolutions.

5. PromptingPhilosophy:Oralprompting,excepttimesignals,eitherbythespeaker'scolleagueorbyanyotherpersonwhilethedebaterhasthefloor,isdiscouragedthoughnotprohibitedandmaybepenalizedbysomejudges.Debatersmay,however,refertotheirnotesandmaterialsandmayconsultwiththeirteammatewhiletheydonothavethefloorandduringtheGrandCrossfire.


7. Timing:Timekeepersareanoptionbutnotrequired.Ifnotimekeeperisused,debatersmaytimefortheirpartnersorthejudgemaykeeptime.Preptimeforeachteamistwominutes.


Lincoln-DouglasDebate1. Resolution:Theresolutionwillbeonerequiringavaluejudgment.DistrictsmustusethecurrentLincoln-Douglas

topicforthemonthinwhichthecompetitionoccurs.RefertoRostrumorwww.speechanddebate.org/topicsforthecurrenttopic.

2. Entries:Eachcontestantwilldebatebothsides.Nosubstitutionispermittedoncethetournamenthasbegun.

3. OrderofSpeeches:AffirmativeConstructive 6minutes

NegativeCrossExamination 3minutes

NegativeConstructive 7minutes

AffirmativeCrossExamination 3minutes




PrepTime 4minutesperdebater

4. Timing:Atimekeeperisanoptionbutisn’trequired.Ifnotimekeeperisused,debatersmaytimefortheiropponentorthejudgemaykeeptime.Preptimeforeachdebaterisfourminutes.


GuidelinesforLaptopUseinDebateEventsA. Computersequippedwithremovablewirelesscardsmusthavethecardsremovedbeforethebeginningofany

roundofcompetition.Itistheresponsibilityofthecontestanttodisengagetheequipment.

B. Computerswithbuilt-inwirelesscapabilitymaybeusedonlyifthewirelesscapabilityisdisabled.Itistheresponsibilityofthecontestanttodisabletheequipment.

C. Wiredconnections(Ethernetorphone)duringroundsofcompetitionarenotpermitted.

D. Computersorotherelectronicdevicesmaynotbeusedtoreceiveinformationfromanysource(coachesorassistantsincluded)insideoroutsideoftheroominwhichthecompetitionoccurs.Internetaccess,useofemail,instantmessaging,orothermeansofreceivinginformationfromsourcesinsideoroutsideofthecompetitionroomareprohibited.(Thisdoesnotprohibitnon-electroniccommunicationbetweendebatepartnersduringpreptime.)

E. Penalty:ContestantsfoundtohaveviolatedprovisionsAthroughCabovewillforfeittheroundofcompetitionandreceivezeromeritpoints.ContestantsfoundtohaveviolatedprovisionD(above)willbedisqualifiedfromthetournamentandwillforfeitallroundsandmeritpoints.

F. AvailabilityofEvidence:Contestantselectingtousecomputershavetheresponsibilitytopromptlyprovideacopyofanyevidencereadinaspeechforinspectionbythejudgeoropponent.Printersmaybeused.Evidencemaybeprintedintheroundorproducedelectronically,butmustbeprovidedinaformatreadablebytheopposingteamandthejudge.

G. Contestantselectingtousecomputersareresponsibleforprovidingtheirowncomputers,batteries,extensioncords,andallothernecessaryaccessories.Tournamenthostswillnotberesponsibleforprovidingcomputers,printers,software,paper,orextensioncordsforcontestants.

H. Becausepublicspeakingdecorumremainsanimportantelementofdebate,alldebatersareexpectedtostandatthefrontoftheroomfacingthejudgewhilespeaking.


I. Contestantschoosingtouselaptopcomputersandrelatedequipmentaccepttheriskofequipmentfailure.Judgesand/orcontestdirectorswillgivenospecialconsiderationoraccommodation,includingnoadditionalspeechtimeorpreptime,shouldequipmentfailureoccur.

J. Bychoosingtouselaptopcomputersintheround,debatersareconsentingtogivetournamentofficialstherighttosearchtheirfiles.Debaterswhodonotwishtoconsentshouldnotusecomputersintheround.


EvidenceRulesforPolicy,PublicForum,andLincoln-DouglasDebate

Evidenceisoneoftheimportantcomponentsofargumentsindebaterounds.Alldebatersinvolvedareexpectedtoactinanethicalmannerthatisinaccordancewiththerules.InkeepingwiththeNationalSpeech&DebateAssociationCodeofHonor,allparticipantsareexpectedtouseandinterpretevidence,evidencerules,andproceduresingoodfaith.

Note:Highlightedsentencesweremodifiedoraddedsincethereleaseofthe2014-2015piloteddebateevidencerules.

7.1.ResponsibilitiesofContestantsReadingEvidence

A. Evidencedefined.Debatersareresponsibleforthevalidityofallevidencetheyintroduceinthedebate.Evidenceincludes,butisnotlimitedto:facts,statistics,orexamplesattributabletoaspecific,identifiable,authoritativesourceusedtosupportaclaim.Unattributedideasaretheopinionofthestudentcompetitorandarenotevidence.

B. Oralsourcecitation.Inalldebateevents,contestantsareexpectedto,ataminimum,orallydeliverthefollowingwhenintroducingevidenceinadebateround:primaryauthor(s)’name(last)andyearofpublication.Anyotherinformationsuchassource,author’squalifications,etc.,maybegiven,butisnotrequired.Shouldtwoormorequotationsbeusedfromthesamesource,theauthorandyearmustbegivenorallyonlyforthefirstpieceofevidencefromthatsource.Subsequently,onlytheauthor’snameisrequired.Oralcitationsdonotsubstituteforthewrittensourcecitation.Thefullwrittencitationmustbeprovidedifrequestedbyanopponentorjudge.

C. Writtensourcecitation.Totheextentprovidedbytheoriginalsource,awrittensourcecitationmustinclude:

1. Fullnameofprimaryauthorand/oreditor2. Publicationdate3. Source4. Titleofarticle5. Dateaccessedfordigitalevidence6. FullURL,ifapplicable7. Authorqualifications8. Pagenumber(s)

D. Paraphrasing,authoritativesourceversusgeneralunderstanding.Ifparaphrasingisusedinadebate,thedebaterwillbeheldtothesamestandardofcitationandaccuracyasiftheentiretextoftheevidencewereread.Forexample,ifadebaterreferencesaspecifictheorybyaspecificauthor,thedebatermustalsobeabletoprovideanoriginalsource.Ifadebaterweretoreferencesocialcontracttheoryingeneral,thatwouldnotbeanauthoritativesourcethatwouldrequirecitation.However,ifthedebaterreferences“JohnLocke’sSocialContract,”evidencewouldneedtobeavailable.

E. Ellipsesprohibited.Inalldebateevents,theuseofinternalellipsis(…)isprohibitedunlessitisareplicationoftheoriginaldocument.Debatersmayomitthereadingofcertainwords;however,thetextthatisverballyomittedmustbepresentinthetextofwhatwasreadforopposingdebatersand/orjudgestoexamine.Theportionsoftheevidencereadincludingwherethedebaterbeginsandendsmustbeclearlymarked(asoutlinedin7.1.G.2.).

F. Availabilityofevidence.

1. Inalldebateevents,forreference,anymaterial(evidence,cases,writtencitations,etc.)thatispresentedduringtheroundmustbemadeavailabletotheopponentand/orjudgeduringtheroundifrequested.Whenrequested,theoriginalsourceorcopyoftherelevant(asoutlinedin7.1.F.2.)pagesofevidencereadintheroundmustbeavailabletotheopponentinatimelyfashionduringtheroundand/orjudgeattheconclusionoftheround.

2. Originalsource(s)defined.Understandingthatteams/individualsobtaintheirevidenceinmultipleways,theoriginalsourceforevidencemayinclude,butisnotlimitedsolelyto,oneofthefollowing:


a. Accessingtheliveordisplayingacopyofawebpage(teams/individualsmayaccesstheInternettoprovidethisinformationifrequested).

b. Acopyofthepage(s)theevidenceison,thepagepreceding,andthepagefollowing,ortheactualprinted(book,periodical,pamphlet,etc.)source.

c. Copiesorelectronicversionsofpublishedhandbooks(i.e.,BaylorBriefs;PlanetDebate,etc.).

d. ElectronicorprintedversionsorthewebpageforadebateinstituteortheNDCAsponsoredOpenEvidenceProjectorsimilarsites.

3. Debaters,eveniftheyhaveacquiredtheevidenceotherthanbyoriginalresearch,areresponsibleforthecontentandaccuracyofallevidencetheypresentand/orread.

G. Distinguishingbetweenwhichpartsofeachpieceofevidenceareandarenotreadinaparticularround.Inalldebateevents,debatersmustmarktheirevidenceintwoways:

1. Oraldeliveryofeachpieceofevidencemustbeidentifiedbyaclearoralpauseorbysayingphrasessuchas“quote/unquote”or“markthecard.”Theuseofaphraseisdefinitiveandmaybepreferabletodebaters.Clear,oralpausesareleftsolelytothediscretionofthejudge.

2. Thewrittentextmustbemarkedtoclearlyindicatetheportionsreadinthedebate.Inthewrittentextthestandardpracticesofunderliningwhatisread,orhighlightingwhatisread,and/orminimizingwhatisunread,isdefinitiveandmaybepreferabletodebaters.Theclarityofothermeansofmarkingevidenceislefttothediscretionofthejudge.

H. Privatecommunicationprohibited.Private,personalcorrespondenceorcommunicationbetweenanauthorandthedebaterisinadmissibleasevidence.

7.2.DefinitionsofEvidenceViolations

A. “Distortion”existswhenthetextualevidenceitselfcontainsaddedand/ordeletedword(s),whichsignificantlyalterstheconclusionoftheauthor(e.g.,deleting‘not’;addingtheword‘not’).Additionally,failuretobracketaddedwordswouldbeconsidereddistortionofevidence.

B. “Non-existentevidence”meansoneormoreofthefollowing:

1. Thedebatercitingtheevidenceisunabletoprovidetheoriginalsourceorcopyoftherelevantpageswhenrequestedbytheiropponent,judge,ortournamentofficial.

2. Theoriginalsourceprovideddoesnotcontaintheevidencecited.

3. Theevidenceisparaphrasedbutlacksanoriginalsourcetoverifytheaccuracyoftheparaphrasing.

4. Thedebaterisinpossessionoftheoriginalsource,butdeclinestoprovideittotheiropponentuponrequestinatimelyfashion(asoutlinedin7.4.C.).

C. “Clipping”occurswhenthedebaterclaimstohavereadthecompletetextofhighlightedand/orunderlinedevidencewhen,infact,thecontestantskipsoromitsportionsofevidence.

D. “Strawargument”A“strawargument”isapositionorargumentativeclaimintroducedbyanauthorforthepurposeofrefuting,discreditingorcharacterizingit.Relianceonastrawargumentoccursinadebateroundwhenadebaterassertsincorrectlythattheauthorsupportsorendorsesthestrawargumentashisorherownposition.

Note:Adebaterwhoacknowledgesusinga“strawargument”whenverballyfirstreadintheround,wouldnotbemisrepresentingevidence.However,ifthedebaterfailstoacknowledgetheuseofa“strawargument”andtheiropponentquestionstheuseofsuchanargument,thenthatdebaterhascommittedanevidenceviolation.


7.3.ProceduresforResolvingEvidenceViolations

A. Judgesareresponsibleforresolvingdisputesbetweendebatersregardingoralcitations(7.1.B.);writtensourcecitations(7.1.C.);distinguishingbetweenwhatpartsofeachpieceofevidenceareandarenotreadinaparticularround(7.1.G.).Whenthejudge(s)havesuchadisputeintheround,theymustmakeawrittennoteontheballotorinformthetabulationcommitteeofthedispute.Theymustdosoparticularlyifitimpactsthedecisioninthedebate.Thesedecisionsmaynotbeappealed.

B. Anappealcanonlybemadeiftheissuehasbeenraisedintheroundwiththeexceptionoftheissueslistedin7.3.C.Appealsmayonlybemadeifjudge(s)havemisapplied,misinterpreted,orignoredarule.

C. Aformalallegationofviolationoftheevidencerulesispermittedduringtheroundonlyifthedebater(s)allegeaviolationof7.2.A.(distortion);7.2.B.(nonexistentevidence);7.2.C.(clipping).Ifaformalallegationofviolationoftheserulesismadeduringaround,thefollowingproceduresmustbefollowed:(seesection7.3.D.forproceduresformakingaformalallegationaftertheconclusionoftheround):

1. Theteam/individualallegingaviolationmustmakeadefinitiveindicationthattheyareformallyallegingaviolationofanevidencerule.

2. Theteam/individualallegingtheviolationoftheevidencemustarticulatethespecificviolationasdefinedin7.2.A.;7.2.B.and/or7.2.C.

3. Thejudgeshouldstoptheroundatthattimetoexaminetheevidencefrombothteams/individualsandrenderadecisionaboutthecredibilityoftheevidence.

a. Ifthejudgedeterminesthattheallegationislegitimateandanevidenceviolationhasoccurred,theteam/individualcommittingtheviolationwillbegiventhelossintheround.Othersanctionsmayapplyaswellasarticulatedin7.3.E.

b. Ifthejudgedeterminesthattheallegationisnotlegitimateandthatthereisnoviolation,theteam/individualmakingthechallengewillreceivethelossintheround.

Note:Teams/individualsmayquestionthecredibilityand/orefficacyoftheevidencewithoutaformalallegationthatrequirestheroundtoend.Teams/debatersmaymakein-roundargumentsregardingthecredibilityofevidencewithoutmakingaformalallegationorviolationoftheserules.Suchinformalargumentsabouttheevidencewillnotautomaticallyendtheround,andwillbetreatedbythejudgeinthesamefashionasanyotherargument.

D. Thetabulationcommitteeisauthorizedtohear:(1)appeals,pursuantto7.3.B.,claimingthatajudgeignored,misinterpretedormisappliedrulesotherthanthosefromwhichnoappealispermittedpursuantto7.3.A.;(2)appealsfromajudge’sdecision,pursuantto7.3.C.,onaformalin-roundallegationofdistortionornon-existentevidence(note:judgedecisionsregardingclippingmaynotbeappealed);and(3)aformalallegationofdistortionornonexistentevidencethatismadeforthefirsttimeafterconclusionofthedebate.

E. Theproceduresformakinganappealorpost-roundformalallegationareasfollows:

1. Acoachorschool-affiliatedadultrepresentativefromtheschool(s)competinginthedebateorajudgefortheroundmustnotifythetabulationcommitteeofintenttosubmitanappealorformalpost-roundallegationwithin20minutesoftheendofthedebateround.The20-minutetimeperiodbeginsoncethelastballotfromallrounds(ifflighted,bothflights)hasbeencollectedbythetabulationcommittee.

2. Thecoachmustsubmitthepost-roundformalallegationtothetabulationcommitteewithin10minutesoftheformalnotificationoftheintenttoappeal.Theallegationmustbeinwritingandarticulatethespecificevidenceviolationthatisbeingchallenged.Thechallengedcontestantandcoachwillthenbenotified.

3. Ifthetabulationcommitteedeterminesthattheoriginalprotesthasmerit,thecoachorschoolaffiliatedadultandcontestant(s)beingchallengedwillbegiven20minutestoprovideevidencedenying,ortothecontraryoftheclaim.Ifsuchevidencecannotbeoffered,thechallengeddebater(s)willbegiventhelossintheroundandmaybesubjecttoadditionalpenalties.Ifthetabulationcommitteedeterminesthattheallegationisnot


legitimateandthatthereisnoviolation,theteam/individualmakingthechallengewillreceivethelossintheround.

4. Thetabulationcommitteehasthediscretionofextendingthetimelimitsfortheseactionsifcircumstancesdonotallowacoachorschool-affiliatedadulttobeavailablewithintheprescribedtimelimits.

F. Thetabulationcommittee’sdecisiontodisqualifyastudentcanbeappealedbythecoachorschoolaffiliatedadult.Thefollowingprocedureshouldbefollowed:

1. Theappealmustbesubmittedinwritingtothetabulationcommitteewithin10minutesofthenotificationtodisqualify.

2. Thetabulationcommitteewillthensubmittheappealtothenationalofficereferee(s).Thecommitteewillcontactthenationalofficerefereeoncethewrittenappealhasbeenreceived.Bothsideswillbeabletoprovidewrittenexplanationsandsupportingevidencetodefendtheirindividualside.

3. Adecisionwillberenderedinatimelymanner.Thedecisionofthenationalofficeshallbefinalandcannotbeappealed.

4. Nomorethanoneroundmayoccurbetweentheroundbeingprotestedandthedecisionofthenationalofficereferee.

5. Iftheappealissuccessfulandthecontestant(s)maynowcontinueinthetournament,theywillbeputintotheappropriatebracketforpairingthedebates.

G. Ifappealsaremadeinroundsinwhichmultiplejudgesarebeingused,normalproceduresshouldbefollowedtoensureeachjudgereachestheirdecisionasindependentlyaspossible.Judgeswillbeinstructednottoconferordiscussthechargeand/oranswertothepotentialviolation.Itwillbepossibleforonejudgetodeterminethatanevidenceviolationhasoccurredandtheotherjudge(s)todeterminenoviolationhasoccurred.Thetabulationcommitteewillrecordthepanel'sdecisioninthesamefashionasanormalwinorloss;theoutcomeisthustabulatedinthesamefashionasaroundinwhichanevidenceviolationhasnotoccurred.Ifthemajorityofthepanelfindsanevidenceviolationdidnotoccur,nosanctionmaybeappliedtotheteam/individualchargedwiththeviolation.Ifthemajorityfindsaviolationhasoccurred,theappropriatepenaltieswillbeadministered.

7.4.PenaltiesforEvidenceViolations

A. Ifthejudgedeterminesthatanentryhasviolatedoneoftheruleslistedin7.3.A.and7.1.H.(oralcitation,writtencitation,indicationofpartsofcardreadornotread,useofprivatecommunication),thejudgemayathisorherdiscretiondisregardtheevidence,diminishthecredibilitygiventotheevidence,taketheviolationintoaccount(solelyorpartially)indecidingthewinnerofthedebate,ortakenoaction.

B. Ifadebater(s)commitsanevidenceviolationfor“clipping”(7.2.C.),theuseofa“strawargument”(7.2.D.),ortheuseof“ellipses”(7.1.E.),itwillresultinalossforthedebater(s)committingtheevidenceviolation.Thejudgeshouldawardzerospeakerpoints(ifapplicable),andindicatethereasonfordecisionontheballot.

C. Ifdebater(s)commitsanevidenceviolationof“distortion”(7.2.A.)orhaveused“non-existentevidence”(asdefinedby7.2.B.)theoffendingdebater(s)willlosethedebateandbedisqualifiedfromthetournament.However,ifadebater(s)losesarounddueto“non-existentevidence”(7.2.B.)violationduringanin-roundformalallegation,butcanproduceitaftertheroundwithin20minutestothetabulationcommittee,thecommitteemaydecidenottodisqualifytheentry.Thelossthatwasrecordedbythejudgemaynotbechanged.Ifapost-roundprotestisleviedagainstadebaterfornotprovidingevidenceoranoriginalsourceinround(non-existentevidence),andthejudgeconfirmstheyinfactdidnotprovidetheevidenceinatimelyfashionwhenrequestedinround,thedebater(s)willlosetheroundandbedisqualifiedfromthetournament.However,ifadebater(s)producestheevidencewithinthepost-roundchallengeperiod,thatdebater(s)mayavoiddisqualification.

D. EvidenceinfractionsviolatetheCodeofHonor.Dependingontheseverity,anoffensemayresultinnotificationofsaidoffensetothecontestant’shighschooladministrationandchapteradvisor,lossofallDistrictand/orNationalTournamentmeritpoints,includingtrophyandsweepstakespointsfortheoffendingstudent(s),and/orrevocationof


Associationmembership.Thesedecisionswouldbelefttothenationaloffice,andnottheindividualDistrictCommittee.

7.5.TournamentAdjustments

A. Undernocircumstancewillatournamentorpartofatournamentbere-runbecauseofaviolationoftheserules.

B. Inthecaseofadisqualificationofadebater(s),allranksanddecisionsofotherdebater(s)madepriortothestartoftheroundbeingprotestedstandandnorevisionofpastroundrankswilltakeplace.Penaltieslistedin7.4.willbeapplied.

C. Whenaroundhasbeenheldbetweentheroundbeingprotestedandafinaldecisionregardingtheprotest,theresultofthatroundwillberecordedasfollows:

1. Iftheprotestisupheld,andadebaterisdisqualified,theopponentofthedisqualifieddebaterwillreceiveaforfeitwin.

2. Iftheprotestisoverruled,andtheprotestingdebaterwontheprotestedround,norevisionoftheresultontheballotwilltakeplace.

3. Iftheprotestisoverruled,theprotestingdebaterlosttheprotestedround,andhadnopreviouslosses,norevisionoftheresultontheballotwilltakeplace.

4. Iftheprotestisoverruled,theprotestingdebaterlosttheprotestedround,andhadapreviousloss,theopponentwillreceiveaforfeitwinregardlessoftheresultontheballot.


CongressionalDebate1. Asessionisdefinedasincluding:

A. Minimumofthreehours.

B. 18-20studentsastheoptimumnumberforathree-hoursession;otherwise,asessionshouldbelengthenedbytenminutespereachadditionalstudentbeyond20.Chambersmaynotbelargerthan30students.

C. Electionofapresidingofficer.Thepresidingofficermustbeelectedwithamajorityofthevote.Ifonecandidatedoesnotreceiveamajorityofvotes,eliminatethecandidatewiththefewestvotesandvoteagain.Ifcandidatesaretiedforthefewestnumberofvotes,votetodeterminewhichofthetiedcandidatesshouldremainincontention.Repeatthisprocessuntilonecandidatereceivesamajorityofvotes.

D. Newseatingchart(necessaryaccommodationsforstudentswithspecialneedsmaybemade).

E. Resettingofprecedence/recency.See‘RecognizingSpeakers’below.

F. Newlegislationthathasnotbeendebatedinaprevioussessionatthattournament.

2. RecognizingSpeakers

A. Whenmorethanonespeakerseeksthefloor,thepresidingofficermustfollowtheprecedence/recencymethod:

1) Firstrecognizestudentswhohavenotspokenduringthesession.

2) Nextrecognizestudentswhohavespokenfewertimes.

3) Thenrecognizestudentswhospokeearlier(leastrecently).

B. Beforeprecedenceisestablished,thepresidingofficershouldrecognizespeakersfairlyandconsistently.Theymaynotlinkrecognitionofspeakerstopreviousrecognitionofstudentsaskingquestions,movingmotions,orlongeststanding(standingtime).

C. Duringanysession,precedence/recencyshouldnotreset,toensurethatallstudentsinachamberhaveanequalopportunitytospeakandreceiveevaluationfromscorers.Whenanewsessionbegins,precedence/recencywillberesetalongwithanewseatingchart,andelectionofapresidingofficer.

D. Beforeprecedenceisestablished,thepresidingofficershouldexplaintheirrecognitionprocessanditmustbefair,consistentandjustifiable.

E. Scorerswillincludeanswerstoquestionswhenevaluatingspeeches.

F. Aspeakermayyieldtimeonthefloorduringdebate(forquestionsorclarifications)butthatspeakerwillremainincontroloftheirthreeminutes(see#6belowregardingquestioning).

3. Speechesintroducinglegislationareallotteduptothreeminutes,followedbytwominutesofquestioningbyotherdelegates.Astudentfromtheschool(oratthenationallevel,thedistrict)whowrotethelegislationgetstheprivilegeofrecognition(calledauthorship),regardlessofprecedence;otherwisethepresidingofficermayrecognizea“sponsor”fromthechamber,providedthisrecognitionfollowstheprecedenceguidelinesabove.Regardless,thisspeechofintroductionmustbefollowedbytwominutesofquestions.Shouldnostudentseekrecognitionfortheauthorship/sponsorship,thechamberwillmovetolaythelegislationonthetableuntilsuchtimethatastudentispreparedtointroduceit.

4. Thefirstnegativespeechmustbefollowedbytwominutesofquestions.

5. Followingthefirsttwospeechesonlegislation,thepresidingofficerwillalternatelyrecognizeaffirmativeandnegativespeakers,whowilladdressthechamberforuptothreeminutes,followedbyoneminuteofquestioningbyotherdelegates.Ifnoonewishestoopposetheprecedingspeaker,thepresidingofficermayrecognizeaspeakerupholdingthesameside.Whennooneseeksthefloorfordebate,thepresidingofficermayaskthechamberiftheyare“readyforthequestion,”atwhichpoint,ifthereisnoobjection,votingmaycommenceonthelegislationitself.Thereisno“minimumcycle”rule;however,ifdebategets“one-sided,”thechambermaydecidetomovethepreviousquestion.


A. Intheeventastudentspeaksonthewrongsidecalledforbythepresidingofficerandtheerrorisnotcaught,thespeakershallbescoredandthespeechshallcountinprecedence,butthespeakermustbepenalizedatleastthreepointsfornotpayingcloseattentiontotheflowofdebate.

B. Intheeventastudentspeaksonanitemoflegislationnotcurrentlybeingdebated,saidspeechshallcountinprecedence,butzeropointsshallbeawarded.

6. Thepresidingofficerfairlyandequitablyrecognizesmemberstoaskquestionsfollowingeachspeech.Thepresidingofficerstartstimingquestioningperiodswhentheyhaverecognizedthefirstquestioner,andkeepstheclockrunningcontinuouslyuntilthetimehaslapsed.Speakersareencouragedtoaskbriefquestions,andmayonlyaskonequestionatatime.Two-part/multiple-partquestionsarenotallowed,unlesspilotingthedirectquestioningmethod(seebelow).Thereisnoformal“permissiontopreface,”however;presidingofficersshoulddiscouragestudentsfrommakingstatementsaspartofquestioning,sincethatisanabusiveuseofthelimitedtimeavailable.

7. Thepresidingofficerwillpausebrieflybetweenspeechestorecognizeanymotionsfromthefloor;however,theyshouldnotcallformotions(atthebeginningofasession,thepresidingofficershouldremindmemberstoseektheirattentionbetweenspeeches).

8. Amendmentsmustbepresentedtothepresidingofficerinwritingwithspecificreferencestolinesandclausesthatchange.Thismustbedoneinadvanceofmovingtoamend.

A. Theparliamentarianwillrecommendwhethertheamendmentis“germane”—thatis,itupholdstheoriginalintentofthelegislation—otherwise,itisconsidered“dilatory.”Thetitleofthelegislationmaybechanged.

B. Alegislatormaymovetoamendbetweenfloorspeeches.Oncethatmotionismade,thepresidingofficerwillreadtheproposedamendmentaloudandcallforasecondbyone-thirdofthosememberspresent,unlesshe/sherulesitdilatory.

C. Shouldstudentswishtospeakontheproposedamendment,thepresidingofficerwillrecognizethemasperthestandingprecedenceandrecency,andthespeechwillbecountedtowardtheirtotals,accordingly.

D. Simplyproposinganamendmentdoesnotguaranteean“author/sponsor”speech,andanyspeechesonamendmentsarefollowedbythenormaloneminuteofquestioning.

E. Amendmentsareconsideredneutralanddonotconstituteanaffirmativeornegativespeechontheoriginallegislation.

F. Iftherearenospeakersorthepreviousquestionismoved,thechambermayvoteonaproposedamendmentwithoutdebatingit.

9. Allmajorvoting(suchasthemainmotion/legislation)whichacongressperson’sconstituentsshouldhavearecordof,shallbedonewithacountedvote.Secretballotingisusedwhenvotingforpresidingofficer.

10. Studentsshouldaskpermissiontoleaveandenterthechamberwhenitisinsession(moveapersonalprivilege).However,donotinterruptaspeakerwhoisaddressingthechamber.

11. Newin2016-2017:Districtsmaypilotdirectquestioningattheirdistricttournaments.Atthe2017NationalTournament,directquestioningwillbepilotedinthesemifinalandfinalcongressionalsessions.Thepresidingofficerwillopenthefloorforquestionsfollowingeachspeech.Thepresidingofficerwillrecognizequestionersforacross-examinationperiodofnomorethan30seconds.Questionerswillbechosenaccordingtoaseparatequestioningrecency.

12. UseofEvidence(alsoseethePilotedCongressionalDebateEvidenceRules)A. VisualaidsarepermittedinCongressionalDebate,providedtheydonotrequireelectronicretrievaldevicesinthe

chamber.

B. Allevidenceusedissubjecttoverification.Honestyandintegrityareofutmostimportanceinlegislativedebate.Falsificationordeliberatemisuseofevidencemayresultinthelegislatorbeingsuspendedbytournamentofficials.


C. TheuseoflaptopcomputersispermittedattheNationalTournament.Theuseoflaptopcomputersatthequalifyingtournamentwillbetheautonomousdecisionofeachdistrict.LaptopusemustcomplywiththeGuidelinesforLaptopUseinDebateEvents.

13. Sincetherulesaboveensurefairnessforcompetition,theymaynotbesuspended;thepresidingofficershouldrulesuchmotionsoutoforder;excepttoextendquestioningandallowforopenchambersprovidedthetournamentstaffpermitsdoingso.


CongressionalDebateLegislationGuidelines

Mostlegislationshouldhaveanational/domesticfocusthattheU.S.Congresswouldhavejurisdictionover,takingtheformofabill.Abillestablishesdetailsbehindhowaparticularlawmustwork,includingwhenittakeseffect,howmuchtaxlevywouldbeappropriated(ifapplicable),howinfractions/violationswillbedealtwith,etc.Abillmayanswerthewho,what,when,where—andmostspecificallyhow—butitwillneveranswer“why.“Legislatorsexplainrationalebehindbillsintheirspeeches,andhowabillimplementsitssolutioncansparkdeeper,moremeaningfuldebate.

StudentsshouldconsiderwhattheU.S.Congresshasjurisdictionover.SincetheExecutiveBranchrunsmostoftheagenciesthatenforcefederallaws,understandingthosehelps;formoreinformation,visitwww.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/Executive.shtml.WhileforeignaffairsoftenfallunderthejurisdictionoftheExecutiveBranch,fundingeffortssuchasUSAIDcanhaveanimpactonthesuccessorfailureofUnitedStatesinvolvementinothercountries,andtherefore,canbeframedasabill.Inspirationforlegislativeideascanbefoundatthomas.loc.gov.

Writinganeffectivebillinvolvesmoretimeandresearchthanresearchingonewrittenbysomeoneelse.Astudentmustaskher/himselfwhatthelegislationdoes,whoisinvolved(governmentagencies),whereithappens,whenitisfeasibletotakeplaceandhowmuchtimeisneededforimplementation,andhowitshouldbecarriedout(aplanofaction).Allofthesequestionsmustbeansweredinwritingthesectionsofthebill,withthoughtfulconsiderationastohowthoroughlyeachsectionexplainsitsplankofimplementingtheoverallbill’splanofaction.

ResolutionsaresimplypositionstatementsonissuesCongressdoesnothavejurisdictionover(suchasaforeignissue,althoughabillcansuggestforeignaid),orfurtheraction(suchasamendingtheConstitution).Resolutionslacktheforceoflaw,andneverestablishenforcement.

Appropriatetopicsexhibitseriousnessofpurpose.Theactionproposedshouldbefeasible,andsuchthattheactualUnitedStatesCongressmightdebateit.Topicsshouldbedebatable,meaningsubstantiveargumentationexistsonbothsides.Legislationshouldbetypedanddouble-spacedwithlinenumbers,notexceedingonepage.Capitalizingthewords“WHEREAS”and“RESOLVED”inresolutions,and“SECTION”inbills,aswellasinverse-indentingeachclauseorsectionhelpstodistinguishbetweenideasandconcepts.

Thesamplesaboveshowproperformatting.Intheresolution,notethesemicolon,andhowitprecedestheword“and”attheendofeach“whereas”clause,andthephrase“now,therefore,beit”attheendofthelast“whereas”clause.

Note:Legislationthatissubmittedforconsiderationatthedistrictand/ornationaltournamentmayberejectedifseriousissuesexistwiththeadherencetotheseguidelines.

Templatesforbills,resolutions,andresolutionstoamendtheConstitutionareavailableonlineatwww.speechanddebate.org.

ABilltoEstablishaSpecificPolicy

BEITENACTEDBYTHISCONGRESSTHAT:

SECTION1. Statethenewpolicyinabrief

declarativesentence,orinasfew

sentencesaspossible.

SECTION2. Defineanyambiguoustermsinherent

inthefirstsection.

SECTION3. Namethegovernmentagencythatwill

overseetheenforcementofthebill

alongwiththespecificenforcement

mechanism.

SECTION4. Indicatetheimplementation

date/timeframe.

SECTION5. Statethatallotherlawsthatarein

conflictwiththisnewpolicyshall

herebybedeclarednullandvoid.

IntroducedbyNameofSchool

1.

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3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

AResolutiontoUrgeFurtherActiononaSpecificIssue

WHEREAS, Statethecurrentproblem(thisneeds

tobeaccomplishedinonebrief

sentence);and

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citedinthefirstwhereasclause(this

clauseneedstoflowlogicallyfromthe

first);and

WHEREAS, Explaintheimpactandharmsallowed

bythecurrentproblem(onceagain,

theclauseneedstoflowinalogical

sequence);now,therefore,beit

RESOLVED, BythisCongressthat:stateyour

recommendationfordealingwiththe

problem(theresolutionshouldbea

clearcallforaction);and,beit

FURTHERRESOLVED,That(anoptionaladditional

recommendation;ifnotused,endthe

previousclausewithaperiod).

IntroducedbyNameofSchool

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.


Newin2016-2017:PilotedCongressionalDebateEvidenceRulesBasedonrecommendationsfromtheCongressEvidenceCommittee,theBoardofDirectorshadadiscussionofhowevidenceiscurrentlyusedinCongressionalDebateandtheconcernssurroundingstudents’appropriate,substantiated,andethicaluseofevidenceinCongressionalDebatespeeches.TheBoardofDirectorsvotedtoadoptpilotedCongressionalDebateevidencerulesasanoptionforusebydistrictsduringthe2016-2017districtcompetitionseason.DistrictCommitteesmaychoosetousetheseattheirdistrictcongresstournament,provided60days’advancenoticeisgiventothecommunity.Coachesareencouragedtocheckwithlocaltournamentofficialstoseewhichsetofruleswillbeusedintheirarea.

7.1.ResponsibilitiesofContestantsReadingEvidenceinCongressionalDebate

A. Evidencedefined.Debatersareresponsibleforthevalidityofallevidencetheyintroduceinthedebate.Evidenceincludes,butisnotlimitedto:facts,statistics,orexamplesattributabletoaspecific,identifiable,authoritativesourceusedtosupportaclaim.Unattributedideasaretheopinionofthestudentcompetitorandarenotevidence.

B. Oralsourcecitation.Inalldebateevents,contestantsareexpectedto,ataminimum,orallydeliverthefollowingwhenintroducingevidenceinadebateround:primaryauthor(s)’name(last)andyearofpublication.Anyotherinformationsuchassource,author’squalifications,etc.,maybegiven,butisnotrequired.Shouldtwoormorequotationsbeusedfromthesamesource,theauthorandyearmustbegivenorallyonlyforthefirstpieceofevidencefromthatsource.Subsequently,onlytheauthor’snameisrequired.Oralcitationsdonotsubstituteforthewrittensourcecitation.Thefullwrittencitationmustbeprovidedifrequestedbyanopponentorjudge.

C. Writtensourcecitation.Totheextentprovidedbytheoriginalsource,awrittensourcecitationmustinclude:

1. Fullnameofprimaryauthorand/oreditor2. Publicationdate3. Source4. Titleofarticle5. Dateaccessedfordigitalevidence6. FullURL,ifapplicable7. Authorqualifications8. Pagenumber(s)

D. Paraphrasing,authoritativesourceversusgeneralunderstanding.Ifparaphrasingisusedinadebate,thedebaterwillbeheldtothesamestandardofcitationandaccuracyasiftheentiretextoftheevidencewereread.Forexample,ifadebaterreferencesaspecifictheorybyaspecificauthor,thedebatermustalsobeabletoprovideanoriginalsource.Ifadebaterweretoreferencesocialcontracttheoryingeneral,thatwouldnotbeanauthoritativesourcethatwouldrequirecitation.However,ifthedebaterreferences“JohnLocke’sSocialContract,”evidencewouldneedtobeavailable.

E. Ellipsesprohibited.Inalldebateevents,theuseofinternalellipsis(…)isprohibitedunlessitisareplicationoftheoriginaldocument.Debatersmayomitthereadingofcertainwords;however,thetextthatisverballyomittedmustbepresentinthetextofwhatwasreadforopposingdebatersand/orjudgestoexamine.Theportionsoftheevidencereadincludingwherethedebaterbeginsandendsmustbeclearlymarked(asoutlinedin7.1.G.2.).

F. Availabilityoforiginalsource.

1. Whenchallenged,theoriginalsourceorcopyoftherelevant(asoutlinedin7.1.F.2.)pagesofevidencereadinroundmustbeavailabletothestudentmakingthechallengewithintwospeeches.Inalldebateevents,forreference,anyevidencethatispresentedduringtheroundmustbemadeavailabletotheopponentduringtheroundifrequested.

2. Originalsource(s)defined.Understandingthatteams/individualsobtaintheirevidenceinmultipleways,theoriginalsourceforevidencemayinclude,butisnotlimitedsolelyto,oneofthefollowing:


a. Accessingtheliveordisplayingacopyofawebpage(teams/individualsmayaccesstheInternettoprovidethisinformationifrequested).

b. Acopyofthepage(s)theevidenceison,thepagepreceding,andthepagefollowing,ortheactualprinted(book,periodical,pamphlet,etc.)source.

c. Copiesorelectronicversionsofpublishedhandbooks(i.e.,BaylorBriefs;PlanetDebate,etc.).

d. ElectronicorprintedversionsorthewebpageforadebateinstituteortheNDCAsponsoredOpenEvidenceProjectorsimilarsites.

3. Debaters,eveniftheyhaveacquiredtheevidenceotherthanbyoriginalresearch,arestillresponsibleforthecontentandaccuracyoftheevidencetheypresentand/orread.

G. Distinguishingbetweenwhichpartsofeachpieceofevidenceareandarenotreadinaparticularround.Inalldebateevents,debatersmustmarktheirevidenceintwoways:

1. Oraldeliveryofeachpieceofevidencemustbeidentifiedbyaclearoralpauseorbysayingphrasessuchas“quote/unquote”or“markthecard.”Theuseofaphraseisdefinitiveandmaybepreferabletodebaters.Clear,oralpausesareleftsolelytothediscretionofthejudge(s)andparliamentarian.

2. Thewrittentextmustbemarkedtoclearlyindicatetheportionsreadinthedebate.Inthewrittentextthestandardpracticesofunderliningwhatisread,orhighlightingwhatisread,and/orminimizingwhatisunread,isdefinitiveandmaybepreferabletodebaters.Theclarityofothermeansofmarkingevidenceislefttothediscretionofthejudge.

H. Privatecommunicationprohibited.Private,personalcorrespondenceorcommunicationbetweenanauthorandthedebaterisinadmissibleasevidence.

7.2.DefinitionsofEvidenceViolationsinCongressionalDebate

A. “Distortion”existswhenthetextualevidenceitselfcontainsaddedand/ordeletedword(s),whichsignificantlyalterstheconclusionoftheauthor(e.g.,deleting‘not’;addingtheword‘not’).Additionally,failuretobracketaddedwordswouldbeconsidereddistortionofevidence.

B. “Non-existentevidence”meansoneormoreofthefollowing:

1. Thedebatercitingtheevidenceisunabletoprovidetheoriginalsourceorcopyoftherelevantpageswhenrequestedbytheiropponent,judge,ortournamentofficial.

2. Theoriginalsourceprovideddoesnotcontaintheevidencecited.

3. Theevidenceisparaphrasedbutlacksanoriginalsourcetoverifytheaccuracyoftheparaphrasing.

4. Thedebaterisinpossessionoftheoriginalsource,butdeclinestoprovideittoastudentwhochallenges,thechair,ortheparliamentarianuponrequest.

C. “Clipping”occurswhenthedebaterclaimstohavereadthecompletetextofhighlightedand/orunderlinedevidencewhen,infact,thecontestantskipsoromitsportionsofevidence.

D. “Strawargument”A“strawargument”isapositionorargumentativeclaimintroducedbyanauthorforthepurposeofrefuting,discreditingorcharacterizingit.Relianceonastrawargumentoccursinadebateroundwhenadebaterassertsincorrectlythattheauthorsupportsorendorsesthestrawargumentashisorherownposition.

Note:Adebaterwhoacknowledgesusinga“strawargument”whenverballyfirstreadintheround,wouldnotbemisrepresentingevidence.However,ifthedebaterfailstoacknowledgetheuseofa“strawargument”andtheiropponentquestionstheuseofsuchanargument,thenthatdebaterhascommittedanevidenceviolation.


7.3.ProceduresforRaisingEvidenceQuestionsDuringaCongressionalDebateSession

TheproceduresformakinganIn-roundevidencequestionareasfollows:

A. CongressionalDebateentriesmustrisetoapointofinformationafteraspeechtoformallyrequestacopyoftheevidencecited,thecitation,ortheoriginalsourceofevidence.Whenrequestedduringthepointofinformation,thepresidingofficerwillinstructthedebaterbeingchallengedtoproducethecopyoftheevidence,citation,ororiginalsource.Thedebaterbeingchallengedmustproducetherequestedmaterialsinatimelyfashion.Shouldadebaterfeeltheyarenotreceivingtheinformationtheyrequestedinatimelyfashion,theymayrisetoanotherpointofinformationforthepresidingofficerandparliamentariantoaddressthesituation.

B. Debaterswhorequesttheinformationmayreceivetheevidencefromthepresidingofficerwithinaperiodoftwospeeches.Theroundwouldnotbeputonholdfortherequesttobecompleted.Forexample,ifadebaterrisestoapointoforderafterspeech#4,thenbytheconclusionofspeech#6,therequestedevidenceshouldbepresentedtothepresidingofficer.

C. Ifafterreviewingtheevidenceinquestion,adebaterfeelsthatanevidenceviolationhasoccurred,theymaysubmitaformalallegationbycompletinganevidencechallengeform(seeAppendix)and,aftermakingamotiontoapproachthechair,thedebaterwillpresenttheformtothepresidingofficerandparliamentarian.

7.4.PenaltiesforResolvingEvidenceViolationsDuringCongressionalDebate

A. AllevidencechallengesmustoccurduringthesessionofCongressionalDebatewhereanallegedviolationtookplace,andshouldhappenbeforeavoteonthependinglegislation.Iftheconcernarisesduringthelastcycleofspeeches,theparliamentarianmaygrantachallengeafterthevote,priortothefirstspeechonanewpieceoflegislation.

B. Parliamentariansareresponsibleforresolvingdisputesbetweendebatersregardingoralcitations(7.1.B.);andwrittensourcecitations(7.1.C.).Whentheparliamentarianhassuchadisputeintheround,theparliamentarianmustsubmittheprotestformtothetabulationcommittee.Allprotestformswillbesubmittedtothetabulationcommittee.

1. Theparliamentarianwilldeterminethelegitimacyofthechallenge,andiftheparliamentarianconsiderstherequestjustified,thedebatermakingtheallegationwillmoveapointofordertoaddresstheallegationtothechamber.

2. Thedebaterbeingchallengedwillberecognizedbythepresidingofficerforaresponsetotheevidenceviolation.

3. Theparliamentarianwillevaluatethelegitimacyandseverityofthechargeandmakearecommendationtothepresidingofficerforaction.Therecommendationmaybechargedagainsteitherstudentinvolvedinthedispute.Dependingupontheseverityoftheoffense,theparliamentarianmayopttocensurethedebater(s).Refertosection7.5.foranoutlineoftheseverityofoffensesandcorrespondingactions.

4. Thepresidingofficerwillannouncetheparliamentarian’sdecisionandrecognizeeither/bothdebatersforconsequentaction.

C.ProceduresforAppealingtheParliamentarian’sDecision

1. Anappealcanonlybemadeiftheissue-in-questionhasbeenraised,byastudent,intheround.Appealsmayonlybemadeiftheparliamentarianhasmisapplied,misinterpreted,orignoredarule.

2. Acoachorschool-affiliatedadultrepresentativemustnotifythetabulationcommitteeofintenttosubmitanappealoftheparliamentarian’srulingwithin20minutesoftheendofsessionasrecordedbytheParliamentarianforthatchamber.


a. Thecoachmustsubmitthepost-roundappealtothetabulationcommitteewithin10minutesoftheformalnotificationoftheintenttoappeal.Theallegationmustbeinwritingandarticulatethespecificevidenceviolationandrulingthatisbeingchallenged.

b. Ifthetabulationcommitteedeterminestheappealhasmerit,bothpartiesinvolvedintheoriginaldisputewillbegiven20minutestorespond.

c. Thetabulationcommitteewillmakeadecisionandhasthediscretionofextendingthetimelimitsfortheseactionsifcircumstancesdonotallowacoachorschool-affiliatedadulttobeavailablewithintheprescribedtimelimits.

3. Atthedistricttournamentlevel,thetabulationcommittee’sdecisiontodisqualifyastudent’srankingsforthatsessioncanbeappealedbythecoachorschool-affiliatedadult.Thefollowingprocedureshouldbefollowed:

a. Theappealmustbesubmittedinwritingtothetabulationcommitteewithin10minutesofthenotificationtodisqualify.

b. Thetabulationcommitteewillthensubmittheappealtothenationalofficerepresentative(s).Thecommitteewillcontactthenationalofficerepresentativeoncethewrittenappealhasbeenreceived.Bothsideswillbeabletoprovidewrittenexplanationsandsupportingevidencetodefendtheirindividualside.

c. Adecisionwillberenderedinatimelymanner.Thedecisionofthenationalofficerepresentativeshallbefinalandcannotbeappealed.

d. Noeliminationsessionmayoccurbeforearulingismadebythenationaloffice.

e. Iftheappealissuccessful,anystudent(s)involvedwillreceivetheappropriaterankasiftheevidencechallengewasnevercalledintoquestion.

f. AttheNationalTournament,theappealwillgodirectlytotheombudsperson,andacceptedproceduresandpracticeswillbefollowed.

7.5.PenaltiesforEvidenceViolationsinCongressionalDebate

A. Iftheparliamentariandeterminesthatanentryhasviolatedoneoftheruleslistedin7.1(A-D,F-H)(oralcitation,writtencitation,indicationofpartsofcardreadornotread,useofprivatecommunication),theparliamentarianmustnotifythejudge(s)oftheviolation.Thejudge(s)andparliamentarianmayattheirdiscretiondisregardtheevidence,diminishthecredibilitygiventotheevidence,taketheviolationintoaccount(solelyorpartially)intherankingofchamberparticipants,ortakenoaction.Theseoffensesareconsideredminorandaparliamentariansanctionistheonlyprescribedpenalty.

B. Ifadebater(s)commitsanevidenceviolationof“distortion”(7.2.A.),uses“nonexistentevidence”(7.2.B.),usesa“strawargument”(7.2.C.)ortheuseof“ellipses”(7.1.E.)suchactionwillresultinthedebater(s)committingtheevidenceviolationnotbeingrankedbythejudge(s)andparliamentarian.Theseoffensesareconsideredmajorandcensurebytheparliamentarianwouldbeapplied.

C. EvidenceinfractionsviolatetheCodeofHonor.Dependingontheseverity,anoffensemayresultinthenotificationofsaidoffensetothecontestant’shighschooladministrationandchapteradvisor,lossofallDistrictand/orNationalTournamentmeritpoints,includingtrophyandsweepstakespointsfortheoffendingstudent(s),and/orrevocationofAssociationmembership.ThesedecisionswouldbelefttotheNSDAnationaloffice,andnottheindividualtabulationcommittee.

7.6.TournamentAdjustmentsinCongressionalDebate

A. Undernocircumstancewillatournamentorpartofatournamentbere-runbecauseofaviolationoftheserules.

B. Inthecaseofcensure,allranksanddecisionsmadepriortothestartoftheroundbeingprotestedstandandnorevisionofpastsessionrankswilltakeplace.Penaltieslistedin7.4.willbeapplied.


C.Whenasessionhasbeenheldbetweenthesessionbeingappealedandafinaldecisionregardingtheprotest,theresultofthatsessionwillberecordedasfollows:

1. Iftheprotestisupheld,allranksandscoreswillremainasrecorded.Theevidenceviolationwouldapplyonlytothesessioninwhichitoccurredandnotaffectpriororsubsequentsessions.

2. Iftheappealisupheld,thejudgeand/orparliamentarianwillrestoreanyranksandscoresthatwereearnedbythatdebater.


OriginalOratory1. Purpose:Thegeneralpurposeofthespeechistopersuade.Anyotherpurposesuchastoinformorentertainshallbe

secondary.

2. Contest:Thiscontestcomprisesonlymemorizedorationsactuallycomposedbythecontestantsandnotusedbythemduringapreviouscontestseason.Novisualaidsarepermitted.

3. Subject:Anyappropriatesubjectmaybeused,buttheoratormustbetruthful.Anynon-factualreference,especiallyapersonalone,mustbesoidentified.

4. Length:ThetimelimitinOriginalOratoryistenminuteswitha30-second“graceperiod.”Iftherearemultiplejudgesintheround,allmustagreethatthestudenthasgonebeyondthegraceperiod.Shouldastudentgobeyondthegraceperiod,thestudentmaynotberanked1st.Thereisnootherprescribedpenaltyforgoingoverthegraceperiod.Therankingisuptoeachindividualjudge’sdiscretion.Judgeswhochoosetotimearetouseaccurate(stopwatchfunction)timingdevices.Nominimumtimeismandated.

5. Quotation:Notmorethan150wordsoftheorationmaybedirectquotationfromanyotherspeechorwritingandsuchquotationsmustbeidentifiedinaprintedcopyoftheorationsuppliedpriortoregistration.Extensiveparaphrasingfromothersourcesisprohibited.

6. Script:Theorator'sscriptmustidentifythequotedmaterials,statethenumberofquotedwords,includeaworkcitedpageinAPAorMLAformat,andboththeoratorandthecoachmustattestbysignaturethattheorationistheoriginalworkofthecontestant.Itistheresponsibilityofthecontestanttohaveascriptreadyuponrequestshouldthespeechbechallenged.

7. Re-Use:Astudentmaynotuseanorationthestudentusedindistrictornationalcompetitioninanypreviouscontestyear.

Newin2016-2017:AttheFall2016BoardofDirectorsMeeting,theBoardvotedtomakeInformativeSpeaking(INF)andProgramOralInterpretation(POI)maineventsatthedistrictandnationaltournaments.

InformativeSpeaking1. Purpose:Aninformativespeechisanoriginalspeechdesignedtoexplain,define,describe,orillustrateaparticular

subject.Thegeneralpurposeofthespeechisfortheaudiencetogainunderstandingand/orknowledgeofatopic.Anyotherpurposesuchastoentertainortoconvinceshallbesecondary.Theuseofaudio/visualaidsisoptional.(See#4onAids.)

2. Contest:Thiscontestcomprisesonlymemorizedspeechescomposedbythecontestantsandnotusedbythemduringapreviouscontestseason.

3. Subject:Effectivespeechesprovidenewinformationorperspectivesonatopic,includingthosethatarewidelyknown.Theresponsibilityforchoosingaworthwhiletopicrestswiththecontestant.Afabricatedtopicmaynotbeused.Anynon-factualreference,includingapersonalreference,mustbesoidentified.

4. Aids:Audio/visualaidsmayormaynotbeusedtosupplementandreinforcethemessage.Ifused,theaudio/visualaidsshouldenhanceorsupportthemessageratherthandistractfromtheoveralleffectivenessofthepresentation.Duringthepresentation,noelectronicequipmentispermitted.Electronicequipmentisdefinedasanyobjectrequiringanelectricalcord,battery,orsolarpowertooperateit(projectors,cellphones,radios,iPads,computers,etc.).Theuseofliveanimalsoranyadditionalpeopleasvisualaidsisnotallowedduringthespeech.Itemsofdressputonand/orremovedforillustrationduringthecourseofthepresentationareconsideredcostumesandmaynotbepartofthecontestant’spresentation.Visualaidsmaynotviolatepoliciesasdictatedbylocalandstatelaw(weapons,drugs,etc.)Thehostschoolisnotresponsibleforprovidinganyfacilities,equipment,includingtables,chairs,oreasels,orassistanceinacontestant’suseofvisualaids.Expedientsetupandtakedownofaidsisexpected.Ifavisualaiddisplayspublishedpictorialmaterial,thesourcemustbeincludedinthework-citedpagebutdoesnotneedtobecitedorally.


5. Length:Thetimelimitis10minuteswitha30-second“graceperiod.”Iftherearemultiplejudgesintheround,allmustagreethatthestudenthasgonebeyondthegraceperiod.Shouldastudentgobeyondthegraceperiod,thestudentmaynotberanked1st.Thereisnootherprescribedpenaltyforgoingoverthegraceperiod.Therankingisuptoeachindividualjudge’sdiscretion.Judgeswhochoosetotimearetouseaccurate(stopwatchfunction)timingdevices.Nominimumtimeismandated.

6.Quotation:Notmorethan150wordsofthespeechmaybedirectquotationandsuchquotationsmustbeidentifiedorallyandinaprintedcopyofthespeechsuppliedpriortoregistration.

7. Script:Manuscriptsmustbeavailableatalldistricttournamentcontestsintheeventofaprotest.However,itshallbethechoiceofeachindividualDistrictCommitteewhetherornottorequirethesematerialsbesubmittedpriortothedistrictcontest.Thescriptmustidentifythequotedmaterials,statethenumberofquotedwords,includeawork-citedpageinAPAorMLAformat,andboththespeakerandthecoachmustattestbysignaturethatthespeechistheoriginalworkofthecontestant.

8. Re-Use:Astudentmaynotuseaninformativespeechthestudentusedindistrictornationalcompetitioninanypreviouscontestyear.

ProgramOralInterpretation1. Purpose:POIisaprogramoforalinterpretationofthematically-linkedselectionschosenfromtwoorthreegenres:

prose,poetry,drama(plays).Atleasttwopiecesofliteraturethatrepresentatleasttwoseparategenresmustbeused.Unliketheotherinterpretationevents,ProgramOralInterpretationmayusemultiplesourcesfortheprogram.Allselectionsmustbeverballyidentifiedbytitleandauthor.Competitorsareencouragedtodevoteapproximatelyequaltimestoeachofthegenresusedintheprogram.Thisdistinctionpertainstothesetwoorthreegenresasawhole,nottypesofliteraturewithinagenre(suchasfiction/nonfiction).Proseexpressesthoughtthroughlanguagerecordedinsentencesandparagraphs:fiction(shortstories,novels)andnon-fiction(articles,essays,journals,biographies).Poetryiswritingwhichexpressesideas,experience,oremotionthroughthecreativearrangementofwordsaccordingtotheirsound,theirrhythm,theirmeaning.Poetrymayrelyonverseandstanzaform.

2. Contest:Theuseofamanuscriptduringtheperformanceisrequired.Commonpracticesincludetheuseofabinderorfolder.Readingfromabookormagazineisnotpermitted.Theintactmanuscriptmaybeusedbythecontestantasaprop,solongasitremainsinthecontestant'scontrolatalltimes.Nocostumesorpropsotherthanthemanuscriptarepermitted.Thecontestantmustaddressthescript;however,introductionandtransitionalmaterialmaybememorized.

3. Length:Thetimelimitis10minuteswitha30-second“graceperiod.”Iftherearemultiplejudgesintheround,allmustagreethatthestudenthasgonebeyondthegraceperiod.Shouldastudentgobeyondthegraceperiod,thestudentmaynotberanked1st.Thereisnootherprescribedpenaltyforgoingoverthegraceperiod.Therankingisuptoeachindividualjudge’sdiscretion.Judgeswhochoosetotimearetouseaccurate(stopwatchfunction)timingdevices.Nominimumtimeismandated.

4. PublicationRules:AllliteratureperformedmustmeetthepublicationrulesoftheAssociation.AllonlinematerialmustfirstbevettedandapprovedthroughtheNSDAnationaloffice.Approvedmaterialand/orsiteswillbelistedontheNSDAwebsite.Songlyricsmaybeusediftheperformerhasanoriginal,hardcopyofthelyricssuchassheetmusicoraCDjacket.Lyricsmayonlybeusedfromonlinesourcesthatappearontheapprovedwebsiteslist.

5. Adaptationsmaybeusedonlyforthepurposeoftransition.Anywordchanges(toeliminateprofanelanguage)and/oradditions(fortransition)mustbeindicatedclearlyinink.Failuretoclearlyindicatetheadditionofwordswillbesubjecttodisqualification.Changestothescriptmayonlybeusedforthepurposeoftransitionortoeliminateprofanelanguage.Transitionsmaybeusedtoclarifythelogicalsequenceofideas.Theyarenottobeusedforthepurposeofembellishingthehumorousordramaticeffectoftheliterature.


InterpretationThisincludescategoriesofindividual(solo)performanceofdramatic(serious)andhumorousliterature,aswellasduoperformanceofeitheremotiveappeal,withselectionsdrawnfrompublished,printed:novels,shortstories,plays,poetry,orotherprinted,publishedworks,PDFs,e-books,aswellaslimitedonlineworksasprovidedforintherulesbelow.

1. Divisions.ContestsareconductedinDramatic,Humorous,Duo,andProgramOralInterpretation.SeeadditionalrulesforthesupplementalandconsolationinterpretationeventsofPoetry,Prose,andStorytelling.

2. Length:ThetimelimitinInterpretationMainEvents(Dramatic,Humorous,Duo,andProgramOralInterpretation)istenminuteswitha30-second“graceperiod.”Iftherearemultiplejudgesintheround,allmustagreethatthestudenthasgonebeyondthegraceperiod.Shouldastudentgobeyondthegraceperiod,thestudentmaynotberanked1st.Thereisnootherprescribedpenaltyforgoingoverthegraceperiod.Therankingisuptoeachindividualjudge’sdiscretion.Judgeswhochoosetotimearetouseaccurate(stopwatchfunction)timingdevices.Nominimumtimeismandated.

3. Material:Selectionsusedinthesecontestsmustbecuttingsfromasingleworkofliterature(oneshortstory,play,ornovel).Ifthesourceisananthology(collectionofshortstories,plays,ornovels),eachselectionofliteratureisindependentandonlyoneselectioncanbeused,evenifitisfromthesameauthor.Inthegenreofpoetry,cuttingsmaycomefromoneormorepoemsoracollectionofpoems.Unliketheotherinterpretationevents,ProgramOralInterpretationmayusemultiplesourcesfortheprogram.Songlyricsmaybeusediftheperformerhasanoriginal,hardcopyofthelyricssuchassheetmusicoraCDjacket.Lyricsmayonlybeusedfromonlinesourcesthatappearontheapprovedwebsiteslist.

A. Print,PDF,andE-bookPublications:

1) Printpublicationsincludenovels,shortstories,plays,orpoetry,publishedinprintasper4A.

2) Inaddition,published,unalteredPDFdocumentsthatarecommerciallyorprofessionallyavailablearealsoeligiblesources.

3) E-books(suchasKindle,Nook,etc.)mayalsoserveaseligiblesources.NOTE:Inadditiontothesesources,certainonlinematerialsareallowedasper3B.

4) Also,ifatreatmentofamoviescriptisorderedfromacompanythatprovidesprintedmoviescripts,keeptheoriginaltreatment.Pleasenotethattextofthetreatmentmaydifferfromtheactualfilm,sostudentsareadvisedagainsttranscribingdirectlyfromthefilm.

B. Digital(Online)Publications:Materialisonlyallowedfrompre-approvedonlinepublishingsourceslistedatwww.speechanddebate.org/approvedwebsites.Onlinematerialmustmeetthewebpagestandardsoutlinedbelow:

1) Ifthewebsiteoffersonlinematerialinavarietyofformats,onlymaterialthatcanbeprinteddirectlyfromthewebpageisallowed.

2) TheAssociationdefinesawebpageasadocumentcodedwithhypertextmarkuplanguage(HTML),displayedinawebbrowser.

3) Thefollowingguidelinesdeterminedigital(online)publicationsourcesselected:

a. Theliterarymaterialisfromawebsitewithstricteditorialsubmissionstandardsthatincludeeditorialreviewandacceptance.Also,websitesthathaveeditorialreviewfortheirownstaffwritersarepermissible.Ineithercase,thewebsitemustbeontheNSDAApprovedList.Seesubmissionguidelinesbelow.

b. Unacceptablesitesinclude:

i. Personalsites(socialnetworkcontent,suchasFacebookposts,tweets,andunmoderatedblogs)

ii. Personalprofessionalsites(thosewhereawriterwhohastheirownsiteandcanplacetheirworksforsaleorviewsuchasWixorsimilarplatforms)

iii. Publishitsites(thosewithoneclickuploadorthatacceptsubmissionswithoutaselectionprocess)


c. Textsmustcomefromaverifiablewebsitethatcanbeaccesseduniversallybyanyuser.Thesiteandliterarytextneedstobeverifiableonthewebifchallenged.

i. Unmarkedorcasualsiteswhereindividualscaneasilypostworkeitherforperformanceorcriticismwillnotbeaccepted.

ii. ThewebsitehasbeeninexistenceforaminimumoftwoyearspriortosubmissionforconsiderationbytheNationalSpeech&DebateAssociationfortheupcomingschoolyear(severalonlinetoolsallowforverificationoftheexistenceofawebsite).

C. ProhibitedMaterial:notpublishedinprintorallowableonlinematerialasperabove,including:

1) Recordedmaterial(videotape,DVDs,audiotape,CDs,MP3s,orphonographrecordings).

2) Originalmaterialpublishedinahighschoolpublicationsuchasanewspaper,literarymagazine,oryearbook.

D. SourceVerification:Interpsourcematerialmustbeavailableatalldistricttournamentcontestsintheeventofaprotest.However,itshallbethechoiceofeachindividualDistrictCommitteewhetherornottorequirethesematerialsbesubmittedpriortothedistrictcontest.AttheNationalTournament,allquarterfinalistsarerequiredtoturnintheoriginalprint,PDF,ore-booksourceORprintedwebmanuscript(asoutlinedaboveunderSourceVerification)totheombudspersonbynoononthethirddayofcompetitionunlessofficiallynotifiedotherwisebytheNationalTournamentdirector.Photocopiesarenotacceptable.Anycontestantfailingtoproducetheoriginalsourcetotheombudspersonbytheaforementioneddeadlinewillnotqualifyforthesemifinalroundsofcompetition.

1) Whenrequestedbytournamentofficials,accesstothesourcematerialupondemand,eitherinelectronicorprintform,mustbepresented.

2) Forprintpublications,theoriginalpublicationmustbepresented.

3) Fore-books,anoriginal,unalterede-puborotherrecognizede-bookformatviaflashdriveoremailmustbepresented;however,assomee-bookformatsareexclusivetotheirspecificappsorelectronicreaders,studentsmustprovidetherequiredtechnologyand/orInternetaccesstoverifythematerialperformedfortournamentofficials.

4) ForPDFs,anoriginal,unalteredPDFviaflashdrive,email,oronanelectronicdevice(e.g.,laptop)mustbepresented.ManipulationofaPDFscriptoutsidethescopeoftheruleswillbesubjecttodisqualification.

4. MaterialAvailability:ItistheaffirmativedutyofeachcoachandeachstudententeredinInterpretationconteststodetermineabsolutelythatthecuttingbeingperformedmeetsallrulesformaterial.

A. PrintPublications:Theoriginalpublishedsourceofanyselectionusedmustbeimmediatelyavailableatthetournamentaswellasaword-processedmanuscriptofthecuttingperformed,andacompletecopyofthehighlightedpagesfromtheoriginalscriptusedinthecutting.Thetypedmanuscriptandthetextusedfromthepagecopiesoftheoriginalscriptshouldreflectthecontentperformed.Acompletescriptofthecuttingfromtheoriginaltextincludes:

1) Aphotocopy(orprintedscreenshotfore-books)ofeverypagefromwhichanylineofthecuttingistaken;pagesaretobeplacedintheorderinwhichtheyareperformed(e.g.,iftextfromonepageisusedmorethanoncewithinthecutting,thatpageshouldbecopiedagainwiththosewordshighlightedandre-insertedwhereitisusedinthecutting).

2) Allwordsusedfromthescriptshouldbehighlighted(anywords/linesnotusedshouldbeleftunmarked).

3) Anywordchanges(toeliminateprofanelanguage)and/oradditions(fortransition)mustbeindicatedclearlyinink.Failuretoclearlyindicatetheadditionofwordswillbesubjecttodisqualification.Changestothescriptmayonlybeusedforthepurposeoftransitionortoeliminateprofanelanguage.Transitionsmaybeusedtoclarifythelogicalsequenceofideas.Theyarenottobeusedforthepurposeofembellishingthehumorousordramaticeffectoftheliterature.


4) TheNSDAprovidedchecklistmustbecompletedbythecoachattestingthattheoralinterpretationtypedmanuscriptandthepagessubmittedfromtheoriginalscriptaccuratelyreflecttheperformance.Seesamplechecklistbelow:

Icertifythatwe,thecoach(es),student(s),andadministrator(s)directlyaffiliatedwithourNSDAchapter,havecompliedwiththefollowingrequirements.

_____ Ihaveincludedaword-processedmanuscriptofthecutting.

_____ Ihaveincludedahighlightedcopyoftheoriginalscript.Thepagesareintheorderofthecutting.Iflinesfromonepagewereusedmorethanoncewithinthecutting,theoriginalpagewasre-copied,highlighted,andinsertedtoshowtheorderoftheline(s)used.

_____ Ihaveclearlyindicatedininkanywordsaddedorchangedaspermittedintherules.

_____ IamawareoftheTransitionRule:“Failuretoclearlyindicatetheadditionofwordswillbesubjecttodisqualification.Changestothescriptmayonlybeusedforthepurposeoftransitionortoeliminateprofanelanguage.Transitionsmaybeusedtoclarifythelogicalsequenceofideas.Theyarenottobeusedforthepurposeofembellishingthehumorousordramaticeffectoftheliterature.”

_____ Thepagessubmittedfromtheoriginalscriptaccuratelyreflecttheperformance.

B. Digital(Online)Publications:Thematerialthecompetitorperformsmustpresentlyappearonthewebsiteifquestionsariseincompetition,additionally,aprintedmanuscriptmustbeavailable:

1) Manuscriptitemstobeprinteddirectlyfromthescreen:

a. Thefirstpageinthewebsite(thehomepage)

b. Allotherlinkedpagesneededtonavigatetotheliterarytextselectedforcompetitionshallbeprintedoutandthelinkmustbehighlightedinthemanuscript

c. Allwebpagesuponwhichthecuttingappears

2) Eachpagemusthaveprintedintheheaderand/orfooter:

a. Datethepagewasprinted

b. Webaddress

3) Onlytheprintedmanuscriptshallbeconsideredadequateproofofauthenticity.Inotherwords,thestudentorcoachmustprovideprintedpagesoranidenticalcopyforexamination.

4) Thehighlightedmanuscriptsubmittedformaterialverificationwillfollowthesamerulesdesignatedforprintpublicationsasper4A.

5) Thewebsiteandonlineversionofthedigitalpublicationneedtobeavailableforcomparisonifchallenged.Onlineaccessisthefundamentalresponsibilityoftournamentofficialsand/orindividualfilingtheprotest.NOTE:Iftournamentofficialscannotgainonlineaccessandtheaboverequirementshavebeenmet,thepieceisconsideredlegalforuse.

5. Performance:Thepresentationmaynotusephysicalobjectsorcostuming.Duringthepresentationthecontestant/teammustnametheauthorandthebookormagazinefromwhichthecuttingwasmade.Additionally:

A. Adaptationstomaterialmayonlybeusedforthepurposeoftransition.Thegenderstatedbytheauthormustbehonored.However,afemalecontestantmayplayamalerole,andamalecontestantmayplayafemalerole.

B. Humorous,Dramatic,andDuoInterpretationselectionsmustbepresentedfrommemory.ProgramOralInterpretationmustuseamanuscript.

C. InDuoInterpretation,eachofthetwoperformersmayplayoneormorecharacterssolongasperformanceresponsibilityinthecuttingremainsasbalancedaspossible.


D. Monologues,prose,andpoetryselectionsareacceptableinDramatic,Humorous,andProgramOralInterpretation.InDuoInterpretation,iftheselectionisproseorpoetryandcontainsnarration,eitherorbothoftheperformersmaypresentthenarration.

E. ArtisticPlagiarism:Videosofpreviousfinalroundperformancesareintendedtoprovideeducationalexamplesforcoachesandstudents.Theyarenotintendedtoserveasamodeltodirectlyimitateorduplicateinperformance.Thewholesaleimpersonationoffinalroundperformancesisstronglydiscouraged.

6. Focus:InDramatic,Humorous,andProgramOralInterpretation,useoffocalpointsand/ordirectcontactwiththeaudienceshouldbedeterminedbytherequirementsoftheliteraturebeinginterpreted.InDuoInterpretation,focusmaybedirectduringtheintroduction[theperformersmaylookateachother]butmustbeindirect[off-stage]duringtheperformanceitself.

7. Re-Use:AstudentmaynotuseacuttingfromaworkofliteraturethestudentusedinNationalSpeech&DebateAssociationdistrictornationalcompetitioninanypreviouscontestyear.Astudententeredintwoeventsmaynotusethesameselectionofliteratureinbothevents.

8. WebsiteApprovalSubmissionProcess:Literaturesourcesubmissionsfortheapprovedwebsitelistwillbeacceptedyear-roundforreview.Ifthesourcemeetsthestatedcriteria,itwillbepostedontheapprovedwebsitelistfourtimesayear.Submissionsreceivedbythe15thofeachdesignatedmonthwillbereviewedandpostedbythe1stofthenextmonth.ThemonthsforsubmissionsareAugust,November,February,andApril.Onceasiteisapproved(e.g.,TheNewYorkTimes),allarticlespostedbythatsourcewouldbeapprovedforuse.


ExtemporaneousSpeaking1. Divisions:TwodivisionsofExtemporaneousSpeakingwillbeheldatthedistrictandnationallevel:

A. UnitedStatesDivision:QuestionswillcoverU.S.domesticandU.S.foreignpolicy.

B. InternationalDivision:Questionswillcoverthedomesticaffairsofforeigncountriesandtheforeignaffairsofallcountries,includingtheUnitedStates.

2. Topics:Thedistrictchairwillobtainalistofquestionsphrasedforcontestuseandbasedonsubjectsdiscussedinperiodicalsduringthecurrentschoolyear.Thecontentsofthelistmustnotbedisclosedexceptascontestantsdrawquestions.Anewsubjectareawillbeusedforeachroundwithnoduplicationofquestionsbetweenthedivisions.

3. Entry:AttheNationalTournament,nostudentisallowedtoenterbothdivisionsinasinglecontestyear.EachdistricthastheautonomytodeterminewhetherdoubleentryinExtemporaneousSpeakingeventsisallowed.ThedecisionoftheDistrictCommitteeisfinal.

4. Drawing:Thirtyminutesbeforethecontestistobegin,thefirstspeakerdrawsthreequestions,chooseone,andreturntheothertwo.Theothercontestantsdrawinlikemanner,intheorderofspeaking,atintervalsofsevenminutes.Theentirelistofquestionsforthatroundmustbeusedforeachentryineachsection.Acontestantdrawingaquestiononwhichtheyhavespokenpreviouslyinthetournamentmustreturnitanddrawagain.

5. Preparation:Assoonasaquestionischosen,thecontestantwillprepareaspeechwithoutconsultationandwithoutreferencestopreparednotes.Studentsmayconsultpublishedbooks,magazines,newspapersandjournalsorarticles,provided:

A. Theyareoriginalsorcopiesofwholepages.

B. Providedthoseoriginalsorcopiesareuncut.

C. Thereisnowrittenmaterialonthatoriginalorcopyotherthancitationinformation.

D. Topicalindexwithoutannotationmaybepresent.

NoothermaterialwillbeallowedintheExtemppreproomotherthanstatedabove.Extempspeeches,handbooks,briefsandoutlinesareprohibitedfromtheExtemppreproom.UnderliningorhighlightinginExtempwillbeallowedifdoneinonlyonecoloroneacharticleorcopy.Pleaseseerulesonp.26concerninguseofelectronicretrievaldevices.Printedcopiesofinformationfromonlinecomputerservicesmaybeused.ElectronicallyretrievedevidenceusedinanyAssociationExtempcompetitionmustconformtothecitationstandardoftheModernLanguageAssociation[consulttheMLAHandbookforWritersofResearchPapers(7thedition)orhttp://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/05/].

6. Notes:Contestantsmaymakenotesduringthepreparationtime,buttheuseofnotes,cards,briefsorotheraidsisprohibitedduringthespeech.

7. Time:ThetimelimitinbothExtemporaneousSpeakingeventsissevenminuteswitha30-second“graceperiod.“Iftherearemultiplejudgesintheround,allmustagreethatthestudenthasgonebeyondthegraceperiod.Shouldastudentgobeyondthegraceperiod,thestudentmaynotberanked1st.Thereisnootherprescribedpenaltyforgoingoverthegraceperiod.Therankingisuptoeachindividualjudge’sdiscretion.Judgeswhochoosetotimearetouseaccurate(stopwatchfunction)timingdevices.Nominimumtimeismandated.

8. Recuse:ContestantsmaynotleavethepreparationareauntildismissedbytheExtempproctor.ConsultationwithanypersonotherthantheExtempproctorbetweenthetimeofdrawingandtimeofspeakingisprohibited.

9. Cross-Examination:Eachdistricthastheautonomytodeterminewhethercross-examinationwillbeusedinthefinalroundofExtemporaneousSpeakingeventsatthedistricttournament.TheNationalTournamentwillutilizeanopen-crossexaminationperiodoftwominutesforboththesemifinalandfinalrounds.Ifcross-examinationisused,thedistrictmustusetheNationalTournamentfinalroundformat.ThedecisionoftheDistrictCommitteeisfinal.Procedure:Eachspeakershallbeassignedaspeakerorderposition.Drawingshalltakeplaceat12-minuteintervals.Thirtyminutesafterspeakerfirsthasdrawn,speakersfirstandlastshallenterthecontestroom.Speakerfirstshallgiveaspeechandspeakerlastshalllistenandmaytakenotes.Attheconclusionofspeakerfirst'sspeech,speakerlastshallquestionspeakerfirstfortwominutes.Speakerlastshallreturntothepreproomandspeakerfirstshallstayand


questionspeakersecond.Speakersecondwillquestionspeakerthird,etc.Unlessitisunavoidable,studentsfromthesameschoolshallnotcross-examineoneanother.Speakerordershouldbeadjustedaccordingly.

10. Observation:StudentsinExtemporaneousSpeakingareencouraged,butnotrequired,tostayandwatchtheremainingspeakersaftertheydelivertheirspeech.Studentswhoaredoubleenteredmaybeabletoobserveastimepermits.

GuidelinesforLaptopUseinExtemporaneousSpeaking

TheuseoflaptopcomputersinExtemporaneousSpeakingispermitted.

1. ExtemporaneousSpeakingcontestantsmaymakeuseofelectronicretrievaldevicestostoreandtoretrievetheirsubjectfilesattournaments(districtornational).Studentscanretrieveextemporaneousfilestoread,butcannotwritespeechesororganizetheirthoughtsonthecomputers.ThisruleinnowaypreventsstudentsfromstillutilizingtraditionalpapercopyfilestoenablethecompetitortosuccessfullycompeteinExtemporaneousSpeaking.TheAssociationtakesnopositiononwhichformoffilestorageispreferableforuseattournaments(districtornational).

2. Theuseofelectronicretrievaldevicesatthedistrictcompetitionwillbetheautonomousdecisionofeachindividualdistrictcommittee.

3. Electronicretrievaldevicesaredefinedaslaptopcomputers,netbooks,iPads,orotherportableelectronicretrievalequipment.Secondarydevicessuchasflashdrivesorexternalharddrivesareallowedaswell.Cellphonesorsmartphonesareprohibitedfrombeingusedwhilepreparingorbeforespeakingattournaments(districtornational).

4. SourceMaterials:Studentsmayconsultpublishedbooks,periodicalarticles,newspaperarticles,thinktankarticles,governmentreportsorjournalarticlessavedontheirelectronicretrievaldeviceorpresentinhardcopyformprovided:

a. Therearenonotationsmadewithinoronthesavedarticleotherthancitationinformation.

b. Anyhighlightingorunderliningofthearticlesisdoneinonlyonecolorwithineacharticle.Bolding,italicizing,oranyothermanipulationoftheoriginaltextofsources(otherthanhighlightingorunderliningaspreviouslystipulated)isprohibited.

5. NoothersourcematerialswillbeallowedintheExtemporaneouspreproomotherthanstatedabove.Pre-writtenExtemporaneousspeeches,handbooks,briefsoroutlinesareprohibitedfromthepreproom,whetherstoredelectronicallyorpresentinhardcopyform.

6. PowerSource:Powerplugsoroutletsmaynotbeusedinthepreproomatanytime.Allcomputersusedinthepreproommustbebatteryoperatedatalltimes.

7. Competitorsareresponsibleformakingcertaintheirelectronicretrievaldevicesarefullychargedatthestartofeachcompetitiondayandforproperpowermanagementensuringthattheirdeviceremainsfunctionalthroughoutthecompetitionday.Contestantsmaynotuseexternalpowersourcesinthepreproom,suchaswalloutletsand/orextensioncords.

8. Internet:ExtemporaneousSpeakingcontestantsshallnotaccesstheInternetorcommunicateelectronicallywithanyotherindividualwhileinthepreproomatanyAssociationtournament(districtornational).Allcomputersmustcomplywiththefollowingprovisions:

a. Computersequippedwithremovablewirelesscardsmusthavethecardsremovedbeforethebeginningofanyroundofcompetition.Itistheresponsibilityofthecontestanttodisengagetheequipment.

b. Computerswithbuilt-inwirelesscapabilitymaybeusedonlyifthewirelesscapabilityisdisabled.Itistheresponsibilityofthecontestanttodisabletheequipment.

c. Wiredconnections(Ethernetorphone)duringroundsofcompetitionarenotpermitted.

d. Computersorotherelectronicdevicesmaynotbeusedtoreceiveinformationfromanysource(coachesorassistantsincluded)insideoroutsideoftheroominwhichthecompetitionoccurs.Internetaccess,useofe-mail,instantmessaging,orothermeansofreceivinginformationfromsourcesinsideoroutsideofthe


competitionroomareprohibited.

e. Penalty:Contestantsfoundtohaveviolatedprovisionsithroughiiiabovewillberankedlastintheroundandreceivezeropoints.Contestantsfoundtohaveviolatedprovisioniv(above)willbedisqualifiedfromthetournamentandwillforfeitallroundcreditsandpoints.Atdistricttournaments,thedistrictcommitteewillmakethefinaldecisionconcerningdisqualification.Incaseofaseriousdisputeorcriticalquestion,theactingtournamentreferee(representingthenationaloffice)maybecontactedforaruling.

9. Liability:ExtemporaneousSpeakingcompetitorsacceptfullresponsibilityforthesafetyandsecurityoftheirelectronicretrievaldevicesthroughouttheentirecourseofanyAssociationtournament(districtornational).TheAssociationmayputstickersand/ortapeoncomputerstoensuretheyarenotopenedorused,ortoensureappropriateownerstaketheirownmachines.TheAssociationdoesnotassumeanyliabilityforthecomputers.StudentsarewelcometouseKensingtonlocksorothersuchdevicestosecuretheircomputersinthepreproom.Students,parents,andcoachesshouldbeawarethatthestudentsarebringingandusingthecomputersattheirownrisk.TheAssociationisnotresponsibleforlost,stolen,orbrokencomputers.

10. FileMonitoring:TheAssociationretainstherighttoviewandsearchanyelectronicretrievaldevicestoensurecompliancewithanyandallrulesatanyAssociationtournament(districtornational).

11. Devicesshouldbemutedinthepreproom.Contestantsshouldnotplaygamesorengageinotherdistractingactivitiesontheirelectronicdevicesinthepreproom.Tournamentofficialsmayaskastudenttopower-offthedeviceifitbecomesdistracting.

12. Studentsfromthesameschoolmaysharecomputersduringpreparation.However,communicationamongcontestantsduringpreparationtimeisstrictlyprohibited.

Contestantswithlaptopsareresponsibleforprovidingsufficientbatterypower.Noelectricalpowerwillbesuppliedbythetournament,andcontestantsmaynot

plugintooutletsintheExtemppreparea.


SupplementalEventRulesExtemporaneousCommentary1. Topics:Thetournamentdirectorshallobtainalistoftopicsphrasedforcontestuse,basedonsubjectsannouncedon

theAssociation’swebsiteonMay1.Thecontentsofthelistshallnotbedisclosedexceptascontestantsdrawtopicstherefrom.

2. Drawing:Twentyminutesbeforetheroundistobegin,thefirstspeakershalldrawthreetopics,chooseone,andreturntheothertwo.Theothercontestantsshalldrawinlikemanner,intheorderofspeaking,atintervalsofsixminutes.Thesamelistoftopicsshallbeusedforthedrawingbyeachsection.Adifferenttopicareawillbechoseneachround.

3. Preparation:Assoonasatopicischosen,thecontestantshallwithdrawandprepareaspeechwithoutconsultationandwithoutreferencestopreparednotes.Studentsmayconsultpublishedbooks,magazines,newspapersandjournalsorarticlestherefrom,provided:

a. Theyareoriginalsorphotocopiesoforiginals.

b. Originalarticlesorcopiesareintactanduncut.

c. Nowrittenmaterialisonoriginalsorcopies.

d. Topicalindexwithoutannotationisallowed.

NoothermaterialshallbeallowedintheCommentarypreproomotherthanstatedabove.Speeches,handbooks,briefs,andoutlinesshallbebarredfromthepreproom.Underliningorhighlightingwillbeallowedifdoneinonlyonecoloroneacharticleorcopy.Noelectronicretrievaldevicemaybeused,butprintedmaterialsfrom"online"computerservicesmaybeused.SourcecitationsofsuchmaterialsmustmeetMLAstandards.

4. Recusal:Acontestantmaynotleavetheprepareawithoutfirstcheckingoutwiththeproctor.

5. Notes:Nonotesareallowedduringpresentation.

6. Time:Themaximumtimelimitis5minuteswitha30-second“graceperiod.”Iftherearemultiplejudgesintheround,allmustagreethatthestudenthasgonebeyondthegraceperiod.Shouldastudentgobeyondthegraceperiod,thestudentmaynotberanked1st.Thereisnootherprescribedpenaltyforgoingoverthegraceperiod.Therankingisuptoeachindividualjudge’sdiscretion.Judgeswhochoosetotimearetouseaccurate(stopwatchfunction)timingdevices.Nominimumtimeismandated.

7. Presentation:Thecommentarymustbedeliveredseatedbehindatableordesk.

ProseandPoetry1. Prose:Proseexpressesthoughtthroughlanguagerecordedinsentencesandparagraphs:fiction(shortstories,

novels)andnon-fiction(articles,essays,journals,biographies).

2. Poetry:Poetryiswritingwhichexpressesideas,experience,oremotionthroughthecreativearrangementofwordsaccordingtotheirsound,theirrhythm,theirmeaning.Poetrymayrelyonverseandstanzaform.

3. Selections:Onlypublished,printedworksmaybeused,unlesstheworksmeettheInterpretationRules(p.17-18)forPDFs,e-books,andonlinematerial.Noplaysorotherdramaticmaterialsmaybeused.InProseandPoetry,astudentmaynotusethesamesourcetheyusedinDuo,Dramatic,Humorous,orProgramOralInterpretationatanydistrictornationalAssociationtournament.

4. Time:Themaximumtimelimitis5minuteswitha30-second“graceperiod.”Iftherearemultiplejudgesintheround,allmustagreethatthestudenthasgonebeyondthegraceperiod.Shouldastudentgobeyondthegraceperiod,thestudentmaynotberanked1st.Thereisnootherprescribedpenaltyforgoingoverthegraceperiod.Therankingis


uptoeachindividualjudge’sdiscretion.Judgeswhochoosetotimearetouseaccurate(stopwatchfunction)timingdevices.Nominimumtimeismandated.

5. Presentation:Performancesmustbefromamanuscript(whichmaybeinafolder).Readingfromabookormagazineisnotpermitted.

ExtemporaneousDebate1. Resolutions:Tournamentofficialswillposttheresolutionthatwillbedebatedforeachround30minutespriortothe

startofflightA.

2. Sides:Contestantswillbeassignedsidesbythetabroom.

3. Evidence:Studentsmayconductresearchpriortothedebateanduseauthoritativereferenceswithintheirspeeches,butarenotrequiredtodoso.StudentsmayusetheInternettoconductresearchbetweenthepostingofthetopicandthestartofthedebate.Ifusingauthoritativesources,studentsareexpectedtoactinaccordancewiththeAssociation’s“EvidenceRulesforPolicy,PublicForum,andLincoln-DouglasDebate.”

4. ExpectationsofDebaters:Contestantsmustdebatethetopicthatwasassignedforthedebateround.Studentsmayusematerialstheycreateduringthepreparationtimebeforetheirrounds,includingbutnotlimitedtoresearchtheyhavecompleted,pre-writtenblocks,andflows.Contestantsshoulddirectlyclashwiththeiroppositionintherebuttalspeechesandprovideclearorganizationalschemesthroughoutthedebate.

5. ExpectationsofJudges:Judgesshoulddecidetheroundasitisdebated,notbasedontheirpersonalbeliefs.

6. StructureoftheRound:Allspeechesaretwominutesinlengthandallspeechtimesareprotected;aspeakermaynotbeinterruptedbytheotherspeakerorbythejudge.ThePropositiondebatermustaffirmtheresolutionbypresentinganddefendingasufficientcaseforthatresolution.TheOppositiondebatermustopposetheresolutionand/orthePropositiondebater’scase.

PropositionConstructive 2MinutesCross-ExaminationofProposition 1MinuteOppositionConstructive 2MinutesCross-ExaminationofOpposition 1MinuteMandatoryPrepTime 1MinutePropositionRebuttal 2MinutesOppositionRebuttal 2MinutesMandatoryPrepTime 1MinutePropositionRebuttal 2MinutesOppositionRebuttal 2Minutes

7. Decisions:Attheconclusionoftheround,thejudge(s)willdeterminewhichdebaterwontheround.Judgeswillnotmakeanyoralorwrittencommentstothedebaters.Ballotswillnotbereturnedtothedebaters.


Expository1. Purpose:Expositoryspeechesareoriginalcompositionsofthecontestant.TheExpositoryspeechisaspeechto

inform,notaperformance.Itshoulddescribe,clarify,illustrate,ordefineanobject,idea,concept,orprocess.Afabricatedtopic/subjectmaynotbeused.InExpository,astudentmaynotuseanyportionoftheiroriginalorationorinformativespeechenteredatanydistrictornationalAssociationtournament.


3. Aids:Nonotecards,audioand/orvisualaidsareallowed.NOanimalsorotherperson(s)maybeusedasaidsoraides.Itemsofdressputonandremovedduringthecourseofthepresentationareconsideredvisualaidsandmaynotbepartofthecontestant'spresentation.


ConsolationEventRulesImpromptu1. Topics:Topicswillincludeproverbs,abstractwords,events,quotations,andfamouspeople.

2. Drawing:Ajudgeineachsection/roomshallbeprovidedanenvelopecontainingauniformsetoftopics,withadifferentsubjectareausedforeachround.Oncethefirstspeakeriscalled,theotherspeakersshallleavetheroom,andwaitoutsidethedoor.Eachspeakerwilldrawthreetopics,chooseone,andreturntheothertwototheenvelope.

3. PreparationandDelivery:Thespeakerhassevenminutesinwhichtopreparearesponseandpresentaspeechwithoutconsultationofpreparednotes.Studentsmayconsultpublishedbooks,magazines,newspapersandjournalsorarticlestherefrom,provided:

a. Theyareoriginalsorphotocopiesoforiginals.

b. Thatoriginalarticleorcopyisintactanduncut.

c. Thereisnowrittenmaterialonoriginalorcopy.

d. Topicalindexwithoutannotationisallowed.

4. Noothermaterialshallbeallowedintheroomotherthanstatedabove.Speeches,handbooks,briefs,andoutlinesshallbebarred.Underliningorhighlightinginmaterialswillbeallowedifdoneinonecoloroneacharticleorcopy.Noelectronicretrievaldevicemaybeused,butprintedmaterialsfromonlinecomputerservicesmaybeused.

5. Recuse:Onceaspeakerhasspoken,theymaylistentootherspeakersinthatround.

6. Notes:Nonotesshallbeusedduringpresentation.

7. Time:Themaximumtimelimitis7minuteswitha30-second“graceperiod,”whichincludesbothpreparationandspeaking.Iftherearemultiplejudgesintheround,allmustagreethatthestudenthasgonebeyondthegraceperiod.Shouldastudentgobeyondthegraceperiod,thestudentmaynotberanked1st.Thereisnootherprescribedpenaltyforgoingoverthegraceperiod.Therankingisuptoeachindividualjudge’sdiscretion.Judgeswhochoosetotimearetouseaccurate(stopwatchfunction)timingdevices.Nominimumtimeismandated.

Storytelling1. Asinglepublished,printedstory,anecdote,tale,myth,orlegendmustberetoldwithoutnotesorprops.Any

theme/topicareamaybeused.


3. ThestudentmaynottellastorytheyhaveusedpreviouslyinanyAssociationtournaments(districtornational).

4. Thedeliverymustbeextempore,notread.Nobookorscriptmaybeused.Thestorymaybedeliveredstandingorseated.

5. Gestures,pantomimeandcharacterization,maybeusedwithrestraintbutthefocusmustbeonthenarrative.

6. Theretellingmustbetruetotheoriginaltale.Thecontestantmaynotaddoriginalmaterialormateriallychangethecontentofthestory.


USAWorldSchoolsDebateInvitationalWorldSchoolsDebatefeaturesadynamicformatcombiningtheconceptsof“prepared”topicswith“impromptu”topics,encouragingdebaterstofocusonspecifiedissuesratherthandebatetheoryorproceduralarguments.Thishighlyinteractivestyleofdebateallowsdebaterstoengageeachother,evenduringspeeches.Thischallengingformatrequiresgoodteamworkandin-depthqualityargumentation.

Pleaseconsultthe2016-2017USAWorldSchoolsDebateInvitationalManualforofficialdebaterules,procedures,andprotocolsgoverningthisevent.

SECTION3:DistrictTournamentOperationsManual

TheNationalSpeech&DebateAssociationiscommittedtoprovidingeverystudentwiththeopportunitytoqualifyfortheNationalTournamentinafairandimpartialmanner.Thisdocumentprovidesthespecificproceduresfordeterminingthenationalqualifiersineachdistrict.Duediligencemustbemadetoensurethattheseproceduresarefollowedtoensurefairnessaswellastheabsenceoftheperceptionofimproprietywhenrunningthedistrictcontest.TheBoardofDirectorshasestablishedandapprovedtheseproceduresforalldistrictcontests.TheExecutiveDirectormustapprovespecificexceptionstotheserulesinwriting.AllrulesestablishedintheEventRulesManualguidethespecificrulesforeachevent.Duringeachcontest,anombudspersonisavailablethroughthenationalofficetoadjudicatedisputesregardingtheserules.Pleasecontactthenationalofficetoidentifywhoyourombudspersonwillbeaswellastoclarifyanyoftherulesorproceduresregardingdistricttournamentoperations.


NationalSpeech&DebateAssociation•©2016-2017 DistrictTournamentOperationsManual 56

PlanningtheDistrictTournamentThedistrictchair,inconsultationwiththeDistrictCommitteeandmembersofthedistrict,willdeterminethedate,time,andplaceofthedistrictcontest.Thisinformationandanychangestoitmustbereportedtothenationalofficeimmediately.

GuidelinesforScheduling• TheDistrictCommitteeshouldofficiallyregisteralltournamentdateswiththenationalofficebyNovember1of

thecompetitionseason.

• Thedateshouldbedeterminedafterconsideringtheinterscholasticcalendarsoastoavoidconflictwithstatecontests,majorschoolevents,andcollegeentranceexaminations.Ifmultipledatesorlocationsareavailable,thedecisionshouldbemadebyavoteofthechapterschoolsortheDistrictCommittee,ratherthanbythechair.

• AdistricttournamentmaynotbeheldafterMay1,2017.NopartofadistrictcontestmaybeginonorafterMay1,2017.

• Ifnecessary,multipleweeksorweekendsmaybeused.

• Nomorethansixroundsofasingleeventaretobescheduledperday.

• Sitelogistics(roomaccess,judges,andcooperativehosts)shouldbeprioritizedoveracentralizedlocationorrotation.

• Non-districtqualifyingcontestsshouldnotbeheldatthesamelocationoratthesametimeasthedistrictqualifyingcontestsunlessapprovedbythenationaloffice.

• Noroundmaystartafter9:30p.m.(Extemproundafter9:45p.m.)unlessitisthefinaldayofthetournament.

• Atleastthreeroundsmustbeheldinallcontests.

SettingupJoyofTournamentsTheAssociationrequeststhatalldistrictsusetheJoyofTournamentswebsiteregistrationandsoftwareforoperationofthedistrictcontest,includingCongress.ThewebsiteregistrationsystemandsoftwareareavailablefreeofchargetoallAssociationdistricts.

TournamentRolesandResponsibilitiesTournamentOfficials• DistrictChair:ThechairexercisesgeneralsupervisionoverthetournamentandshouldNOTworkoneoftheother

specifiedtournamentroles.Thechairshouldbeavailableforconsultationandgiveassistancewherenecessary.Thechairmusthaveamasteryofthismanualaswellasunderstandeachpartofthetournamentprocess.

• DistrictCommitteeMember:Asindividuals,committeemembersshouldtakemajorassignmentsintournamentoperations.Asacommittee,theyadjudicatedisputes,protests,andinterpretationsofrules.Ifacommitteemember’sschoolisinvolvedinadispute,anotherpartyappointedbythecommitteemayserveinthiscapacity.

• DistrictCoaches:Thechairandcommitteeshouldworktomaketheoperationofthetournamentacommunityexperience.Distributingleadershipbeyondjustthecommitteewouldassistinthisendeavor.

SuggestedTournamentRoles• Registration:Dependingonthesizeofthetournament,oneormanyindividualsmaybenecessarytoregisterschools

atthebeginningofthetournament.ItistheresponsibilityoftheseindividualstoensureeachstudententeredisanAssociationmember,allfeesarepaid,formsarecompleted,etc.

• BallotDistribution/Check-In:Dependingonthesizeofthetournament,oneormanyindividualsmaybenecessarytodistributeballotstojudgesandensureallroundshavestarted.Thisindividualorgroupwillalsoaccountforreturnofallballotsandproperdeliverytothetabulationroom.


• HelpDesk:Atleastonepersonshouldanswerquestionsabouttournamentoperations,logistics,judgingconcerns,etc.

• BallotReader:Thispersonistaskedwithreadingtheballotaloudtotherecorder/computeroperator.

• Recorder/ComputerOperator:Thispersonenterstheinformationintothecomputer.

• Audit:Thisteamofindividualsreplicatesthereader/recorderrolestoensurethattheinformationoneachballotmatchestheinformationenteredintothesoftware.

• ExtempPrepSupervisor:ThisindividualensuresstudentsintheExtemporaneousSpeakingpreparationareacompletetheirdrawanddonotconsultwithoneanotherduringtheirpreparationtime.

• CongressDirector:ThisindividualsupervisestheCongress.Thiscouldbethedistrictchairordesignee.

NOTE:Thedistrictchairandcommitteemaydeterminethatadditionalpersonnelarenecessaryfortheadministrationofthetournamentandassignadditionalroles,accordingly.

StandardsforHoldingaDistrictQualifyingTournamentDistrictEligibility1. MinimumSchoolsRequirement:Anydistrictthatmaintainsatleast8activecharterchaptersor16activechaptersof

anytypeisallowedtoholdadistrictqualifyingtournamentseries.Ifadistrictdoesnotmeetthisminimumrequirement,itmaynotholdatournamentseries.However,schoolsinthedistrictmaypetitiontoattendaqualifyingtournamentinacontiguousdistrict.Schoolsmustattendtheentiredistricttournamentseries(inclusiveofdebate,speechandcongress)intheirowndistrict.

2. MinimumEntriesRequirement:Ifaparticularspeechordebateeventhasfewerthanfourentries,regardlessofthedistrict’squalificationlevel,noqualifiersareallowedinthatevent.Anentrymustparticipateinatleastoneround(orinthecaseofCongressionalDebate,mustgiveatleastonespeech)inordertocountasanentry.

3. MinimumSchoolEntryRequirement:InordertoqualifyentriesinaspeechordebateeventtotheNationalTournament,aminimumoftwoschoolsmusthaveentriesthatparticipateintheevent.(SeeCongressionalDebateExceptionbelow.)

4. CongressionalDebateException:ThenumberofSenateandHousequalifiersisindependentofallotherdistricttournamentbenchmarkstandards.Adistrictwitheight(8)ormoreschoolsrepresentedintheSenatewillqualifytwo(2)senatorstotheNationalSenate.Iffewerthaneight(8)schoolsarerepresented,noSenatemaybeseated.However,adistrictmaystillconductaHousewithsufficiententries.RefertothechartbelowtodeterminenumberofHousechambers,finalsessionrequirements,andadvancementtotheNationalHouse(notethatthenumberofstudentsinthefarleftcolumnisbasedonparticipation—speakingorpresidingatleastonce):ParticipatingStudents(mustgiveaspeechorpreside)

PreliminaryChambers(ifnofinalsession,onestudentperchamberqualifiestotheNationalCongress)

StudentswhoAdvancetoFinalSessionfromeachPreliminaryChamber

StudentsAdvancingtotheNationalCongressfromtheFinalSession

16-29 1 Notapplicable Notapplicable

30-60 2 8-12 2

61-90 3 6-8 3

91ormore 4 4-6 4

Formoreinformation,pleaseconsultthe“RunningtheDistrictCongressionalDebateTournament»NationalQualification”sectionofthismanual.


NationalQualificationLevelsNationalQualification:Level1

1.1 AdistrictthatmeetstheminimumschoolsandentriesrequirementsisallowedoneentrytotheNationalTournamentperspeechanddebateevent,aslongastheeventmeetsthefour-entryminimum.Also,forLevel1districts:

1.1.1 Ifthereareatleast16entriesinateameventor20entriesinasoloevent,thateventisallowed2qualifiers.1.1.2 Ifthereareatleast32entriesinateameventor46entriesinasoloevent,thateventisallowed3qualifiers.1.1.3 Ifthereareatleast56entriesinateameventor66entriesinasoloevent,thateventisallowed4qualifiers.

NationalQualification:Level2

2.1 AdistrictthatmaintainsanyoneofthefollowingcriteriaisallowedtwoentriestotheNationalTournamentperspeechanddebateevent,aslongtheeventmeetsthefour-entryminimum:

2.1.1 Maintain16ormoreactivecharterchapterspriortothefirstdistricttournamentdate(note:districtsreceiveonecharterchaptercreditforeverytwoactiveprovisionalchapters).

2.1.2 Maintain24ormoreactivechaptersofanytypepriortothefirstdistricttournamentdate.2.1.3 Maintain700ormoredistricttournamententriesinthepreviousthreeyears.2.1.4 Maintain900ormorenewmembersanddegreesfromactiveschoolsduringthepreviousschoolyear.2.1.5 Increasetotaldistrictstrengthinmembersanddegreesby15%inthepreviousschoolyearovertheyearprior.2.1.6 Enroll300newindividualmembershipsasadistrict,bysevendayspriortothefirstdistricttournamentdate.

2.2 IfthedistrictqualifiesforLevel2underoneoftheabovecriteria,thatdistrictmay:

2.2.1 Earnathirdqualifierinanyeventwith30teamor38soloentries.2.2.2 Earnafourthqualifierinanyeventwith50teamor58soloentries.

NationalQualification:Level33.1 AdistrictthatmaintainsanyoneofthefollowingcriteriaisallowedthreeentriestotheNationalTournamentinevery

speechanddebateeventaslongasatleast12soloentriesor10teamentriesineacheventcompeteinatleastoneround;ifthatminimumisnotmetbyaparticularevent,onlytwoentriesshallbegrantedinthatevent:

3.1.1 Maintain1,400ormorenewmembersanddegreesfromactiveschoolsduringthepreviousyear.3.1.2 Earn1,400ormorenewmembersanddegreesfromactiveschoolsduringthecurrentyear,priortothefirst

districttournamentdate.3.1.3 Maintainmorethan45activechapterspriortothefirstdistricttournamentevent.3.1.4 Enroll400newindividualmembershipsasadistrict,bysevendayspriortothefirstdistricttournamentdate.

3.2 IfthedistrictqualifiesforLevel3underoneoftheabovecriteria,thatdistrictmayearnafourthqualifierinanyeventwith50teamor58soloentries.

QualifierstotheNationalTournament–EntriesRequiredperEvent

NationalQualifyingLevel

1Qualifier 2Qualifiers 3Qualifiers 4Qualifiers

Level1 Atleast4entries 16teamentries

20soloentries

32teamentries

46soloentries

56teamentries

66soloentries


38soloentries

50teamentries

58soloentries


12soloentries

50teamentries

58soloentries


Auto-QualificationInanygivenyearattheNationalTournament,anystudentwhoplacesinthetop14inanymainevent,hasnotcompletedmorethansixsemestersofhighschool,andisstillenrolledinhighschool(asastudentingoodstanding)mayenterthefollowingyear’sNationalTournamentinthesamesoloeventorinthesameteameventwiththesamepartner.Thedistrictwillpermitanauto-qualifiedstudenttoparticipateinthedistrictcontestandtodoubleenterasspecifiedbythedistrict’suniformdouble-entrypolicies.Noruleregardingdoubleentrymaybeviolatedbyauto-qualification.Theentrymustindicateacceptanceoftheauto-qualificationthroughhisorherSingleEntryLetterofIntentpriortoitsdistrictcompetition.Thedistrictchairshouldnotifythenationalofficeofacceptanceoftheauto-qualificationinreportingdistrictresults.Astudentwhoacceptsauto-qualificationmaydouble-enterbasedonrulesabovebutmustsignhis/hersingleletterofintent,whichisbinding,infavoroftheeventoftheirauto-qualification.Iftheentrysignsthesingleletterofintentandrejectsauto-qualification,theresultsofthedistrictcontestarebinding.

NOTE:Anentrythatacceptsauto-qualificationisaboveandbeyondthenumberofqualifiersadistrictmayearnaspertheLevel1-3requirementsabove,whetherornottheentryparticipatesinthecurrentyear’sdistricttournamentseries.However,anauto-qualifiermayparticipateandhelpadistrictmeetitsquotarequirements.

Thetop14studentswhocompetedinProgramOralInterpretationorInformativeSpeakingatthe2016NationalTournamentmayenterthe2017NationalTournamentinthesamesoloeventiftheymeettheotherrequirementsforauto-qualificationoutlinedabove.


RegisteringfortheDistrictTournamentThedistrictchairmustnotifychapterschoolsoftournamentdatesandlocationsinatimelymanneraswellascommunicaterequirementsforentry.Eachschoolisresponsibleforensuringallrulesofentryaremetpriortoarrivingatthetournamentsite.

SchoolEligibilityandEntryLimitsAnentryisdefinedasaregisteredunitinanyevent.Inapartnershipevent(PolicyDebate,PublicForumDebate,orDuoInterpretation),eachteamisoneentry.Astudentwhoisdoubleenteredcountsastwoentries.Twostudentsinapartnershipeventwhobothdoubleenter(insoloevents)arecountedasthreeentries.

1. Allotment:Thenumberofentriesaschoolispermittedtoenterisbaseduponthenumberofactivemembersanddegreesonrecordwiththenationalofficeasof4:00p.m.CTaminimumofsevendays(168hours)priortothedistrictcontestbeginning.Ifmultipledatesareused,allotmentisassessedpriortoeachcontest,subtractingentriesthatmayhavebeenusedinapriorcontest.CurrentschoolstrengthcanbefoundontheSchoolProfilepageofthePointsApplicationwebsite.PleaserefertotheChapterManualtodeterminehowmembersanddegreesarecalculated.(Theentrylimitswererevisedin2016-2017toaccountfortheadditionsofPOIandINFasmainevents.)

MembersandDegrees(Strength)

Speech,Lincoln-Douglas,Policy,andPublicForum

EntriesAllowed

MembersandDegrees(Strength)

SenateEntriesAllowed

HouseEntriesAllowed

1-15 4 1-20 2 2

16-20 6 21-35 2 3

21-30 10 36-55 2 4

31-40 12 56-75 2 5

41-50 15 76-100 2 6

51-60 16 101-150 2 7

61-70 18 151-200 2 8

71-80 21 201-250 2 9

81-90 23 251-300 2 10

91-100 24 301-350 2 11

101-120 27 351-400 2 12

121-140 29 401+ 2 13

141-160 32

161-180 33

181-200 34

201-230 35

231-260 37

261-300 38

301-350 39

351-400 40

401-500 42

501-600 43

601+ 44


2. EntryLimitperEvent:Eachschoolmayenteruptofourentriesineachevent.Congressusesaseparateformulaforentrylimits.SeetheSenate/Housechartaboveunder“Allotment.”

3. PenaltyforExcessEntry:TheDistrictCommitteemustnotpermitexcessentry.Ifaschoolentersinexcessofitsallotment,itforfeitsallcoachingcreditpointsandallsweepstakespointsfortheentiretournamentaswellasapenaltyoftentrophypoints.Iftheexcessentriescreateadditionalqualifiers,theDistrictmayfacepenaltiesresultinginlossofqualifiers.

4. BonusEntries:Anyschoolthatregisterstwoentriesineverycategorythatactuallycompete(byparticipatinginatleastoneround)inthedistricttournamentwillbepermittedtoregistertwoadditionalentriesinthetournament.However,notmorethanfourentriesarepermittedineachevent.

5. Registration:Thecompletedtournamententrymustbecompletedsevendays(168hours)priortothebeginningofthetournament,onlineatJoyofTournaments—includingdownloadingandprintingtheofficialformandobtainingnecessarysignatures,orbyusingtheofficialdistricttournamententryform(availableonline),andsubmittingittothedistrictchair.

A. Thedistrictmaychoosetoimposealatefeeof$5perday,or$5perentry,whicheverisless.

B. Entrytothetournamentmaynotbemadewithoutanofficialsignatureofthechapteradvisor.Therefore,entriesmadebyphoneoremailareinvalid.

C. Entrytothetournamentisprohibitedwithin48hoursofthestartofthecontest.Onlycancellationsorsubstitutionswithinthesameeventwillbepermittedwithinthistimeperiod.

D. Anysubstitutionsindistrictentriesafterthecloseofregistrationmustbeapprovedbythedistrictchair.

E. Thedistrictchairwillacceptincompleteregistrationsandnotifytheschoolthattheirregistrationisincomplete.Ifregistrationremainsincompleteatthestartofthecontest,theaffectedstudentswillbeineligibletoparticipate.

F. Allschoolfeesandoutstandinginvoicesmustbepaidpriortothebeginningofthetournament.Thedistrictchairreceivesalistofoutstandingbalancespriortothetournamentandshouldcommunicatethisinformationtoeachschool.Thechairwillacceptpaymentatthetimeofregistration,whichwillbesenttothenationalofficealongwithotherrequiredtournamentinformation.Ifoutstandingfeesarenotpaidpriortothestartofthecontest,theschoolanditsstudentsareineligibletoparticipate.Districtchairsmustcallatournamentofficialbeforeallowinganunpaidschooltocompeteoritsresultswillbeinvalid.

StudentEligibilityandRequirements1. NationalSpeech&DebateAssociationMembership:OnlyactiveAssociationmembersingoodstandingare

permittedtoparticipateinthedistricttournament.ItistheaffirmativedutyofeachcoachtoprovideproofofAssociationmembershipandproofofwebsiteregistrationforeachnewstudentmemberenteredinthedistrictcontest.TheDistrictCommitteemustdisqualifyanynon-memberstudentfromcompetition.Beginningwiththe2014-15schoolyear,onlystudentsofficiallyregisteredasamemberuserontheorganizationwebsite(www.speechanddebate.org)maycompeteindistrictcompetition.Further,onlystudentswhoareregisteredwillcounttowardaschool’sallotment.

A. Studentsmustbemembers(meritdegree;25points)aminimumofsevendays(168hours)priortotheofficialstarttimeofthecontest,or4:00p.m.CTFriday,ifthecontestwillstartafterward.Allnecessarypointsandfeesmustbesubmittedtothenationalofficebythisdeadline.

B. Astudentmaynothaveattendedasecondaryschoolmorethanninesemestersandmustmeettheage/eligibilityrequirementsofhis/herstateactivitiesassociation.

2. CommunityStandards:Priortoregisteringonlineforthedistrictcontest,allcoachesarerequiredtoconfirmthefollowingstatement:“Icertifythatwe,thecoach(es),student(s),administrator(s)directlyaffiliatedwithourNSDAchapter,haveagreedthatthestudentperformance(s)reflect(s)ourschoolstandardsintermsofsubjectmatter,language,anduseofgesture.”


3. DoubleEntryPolicy

A. NostudentmaydoubleenterattheNationalTournament.Therefore,aSingleEntryLetterofIntentmustbefiledwiththedistrictchairindicatingtheeventinwhichthestudentwillcompeteattheNationalTournament,shoulds/hequalify.Thislettermustbeonfilebeforethestudentcompetesinthesecondevent.

B. TheDistrictCommitteemaylimitentrytooneeventinthedistricttournament.Thedistrictmaychoosetopermitdoubleentryunderthefollowingguidelines:

1) CongressionalDebateException:StudentswhodoubleenterwithinthespeechanddebatedistricttournamentarestilleligibletocompeteintheDistrictCongress.

2) NoTripleEntry:TheDistrictCommitteeisallowedautonomyintermsofitsdoubleentrypolicy.However,tripleentryisnotpermittedunlessoneoftheeventsisCongressionalDebate.AstudentwhoentersmorethantwoofthefollowingeventswillforfeitNationalTournamententry,districtpoints,andtrophypoints:HumorousInterpretation,DramaticInterpretation,DuoInterpretation,OriginalOratory,UnitedStatesExtemporaneousSpeaking,InternationalExtemporaneousSpeaking,PolicyDebate,Lincoln-DouglasDebate,andPublicForumDebate.Nostudentmaytripleentertheimmediateaforementionedeventsevenifportionsofthetournamentoccurondifferentdatesordifferenttimesoftheyearoriftheyhavefailedtoqualifyinapreviousevent.

3) QualifyinginaPartnershipEvent:Ifastudentqualifiesinapartnershipevent(PublicForumDebate,PolicyDebate,orDuoInterpretation)andanindividualevent,thestudentmustattendtheNationalTournamentinthepartnershipevent.

4) PartnershipEvents:Studentsmayonlyenteronepartnershipdebateevent(PolicyDebateorPublicForum).StudentsmayenterinonepartnershipdebateeventaspartnersandinDuoInterpretationasthesamepartnership.AstudentmaynotenterapartnershipdebateeventandaDuoInterpretationwithdifferentpartnersunlessthetwoeventsareheldondifferentweekends(seeexceptionsbelow).

5) PartnershipEventException:IftwostudentsqualifyfortheNationalTournamentinapartnershipeventandbothindividualsalsoqualifyfortheNationalTournamentintheirrespectiveindividualevents,thestudentsmaychoosetoentertheNationalTournamentintheirindividualeventsifindicatedontheirSingleEntryLetterofIntent.IftwostudentsenterthedistricttournamentinapartnershipdebateeventandinDuoInterpretation(asthesamepartners)inwhichthetwoeventsoccuronthesameweekend,thestudentsmustchooseoneoftheteameventsandbothindicatethesamepreferenceontheirrespectiveSingleEntryLetterofIntentpriortothebeginningofthetournamentinwhichthepartnershipwoulddoublequalify.Ifthepartnerdebateeventandtheduoeventdonotoccuronthesameweekend,theschoolmayforfeititsalternatepositionthatresultedfromthefirstcompetition,allowingnewpartnershipstobecreated.Iftheschoolwishesforthealternatestatustoberetainedfromthefirstcompetition,thesamepartnershiphastobeusedwhenenteringthenextcompetition.Ifthefirstcompetitionresultedinaqualificationfornationals,thosestudentsareineligibletoenterateameventwithdifferentpartners.

6) IndividualEvents:AstudentwhoisdoubleenteredintwoindividualeventsmustsubmitaSingleEntryLetterofIntentindicatingtheeventinwhichtheywillcompeteattheNationalTournament,priortothebeginningofthetournamentinwhichtheindividualwoulddoublequalify.

7) Denialofentry:NostudentwillbedeniedentryintoaneventordeniedparticipationinthedistricttournamentbasedonpreviousNationalTournamentqualificationorperformanceunlessthatstudentisattemptingtoviolatetheaboverulesorhasfailedtosubmitaSingleEntryLetterofIntent.

8) Penalty:ViolationoftheaboveruleswillresultindisqualificationfromNationalTournamententry.

3. OrationsandLiteraryMaterial

A. Ininterpretiveevents(Dramatic,Humorous,Duo,andProgramOralInterpretation),thesameselectionofliteratureenteredaton-siteregistrationshouldbeusedforthedurationofthetournament.


B. Oratorymanuscriptsmustbeavailableatalldistricttournamentcontestsintheeventofaprotest.However,itshallbethechoiceofeachindividualDistrictCommitteewhetherornottorequirethesematerialsbesubmittedpriortothedistrictcontest.Thescriptmustidentifyquotedmaterials,statethenumberofquotedwords,includeaworkcitedpageinAPAorMLAformat,andboththeoratorandthecoachmustattestbysignaturethattheorationistheoriginalworkofthecontestant.

C. AllmaterialsusedareexpectedtomeetthestandardsintheHighSchoolUnifiedManual.

4. Penalties:Anineligibleparticipantoronewhousesineligiblematerialwillnotearncreditpoints,pointstowardtournamenttrophies,tournamentawards,orNationalTournamententry.Astudentwhocompetesinthewrongcontestsectionoragainstthewrongopponent,atnofaultofhisorheropponentorthetournamentofficials,willautomaticallyreceivelastintheroundoralossforthatround.


RunningtheDistrictDebateTournamentThefollowingrulesapplytoLincoln-Douglas,Policy,andPublicForumDebateeventsatthedistricttournament.Thedistricttournamentisadoubleeliminationcontest.Entrieswhoreceivetheirsecondlossareeliminatedfromthetournament.

GeneralRulesandInstructions1. StartingTimes:Nodebateisvalidifstartedafter9:30p.m.unlessitisthefinaldayofthetournament.

2. MinimumRounds:Atleastthreeroundsmustbeheldinallcontests.

3. NumberofJudges:Oneorthreejudgesmaybeusedinthefirsttwodebatecontestrounds(evenifthereareeightentriesorless),asdeterminedbytheDistrictCommittee.Wheneightorfewerdebateentriesremain,threejudgesmustbeused.Anyoddnumberofthreeorgreatermaybeusedfordebateeliminationandfinalrounds.Oncemultiplejudgeshavebeenused,itisessentialthatthesamenumberorhigherbeusedforallsubsequentrounds.Allsectionswithinthesameeventmustusethesamenumberofjudges.College-agejudgesmusthavecompletedtheirsecondyear(foursemesters).Collegecoursestakeninhighschoolforadvancedcreditdonotcounttowardjudgestanding.

4. Fines:Ifajudgefailstofulfillajudgingassignment,afinemaybeassessedatthediscretionoftheDistrictCommittee.

5. ProtestofJudges:Judgesassignedbythetournamentcommitteearefinalunlessprotestedbeforethebeginningofthetournament.Ifajudgeisaddedtothepoolafterthetournamentbegins,anyprotestmustbemadepriortotheroundinwhichthatindividualisassignedtojudge.Ifprotested,theDistrictCommitteewillheartheprotest,anditsdecisionisfinal.Ifamemberofthecommitteeisinvolvedintheprotest,s/heshouldberecused.

6. JudgeStrikes:TheDistrictCommitteemaypermitajudgestrikepolicyatthedistricttournament.

A. Districtsareencouragedtosolicitopinionsofallschoolsinthedistrictwhendeterminingwhetherastrikesystemwillbeused,andifso,whattypeofsystem.ThedecisionoftheDistrictCommitteeisfinal.

B. IfaDistrictCommitteechoosestoimplementajudgestrikesystem,thechairmustsubmitacompletedescriptionoftheproposedstrikeproceduretothenationalofficefortheapproval.Thedescriptionmustbeapprovedatleastsevendayspriortothebeginningofthetournament.Strikepolicywordingsshouldbesenttodirector@speechanddebate.org.

C. Thesystemusedmustbemaintainedthroughouttheentiredistricttournament.

7. ComputerUsage:PermissiontouselaptopcomputersinanyeventshallbetheautonomousdecisionoftheDistrictCommittee.Grantingusagesubjectsdebaterstotheguidelinescontainedintherulessectionofthismanual.

8. Forfeits:Debaterswhoare15minuteslateforfeittheround,butthedistrictcommitteemaywaivethepenalty.

9. Disqualification:Inthecaseofadisqualification,allpreviousdecisionswillstandandnorevisionofdecisionswilloccurunlessdictatedbyaspecificprotestprocedure(e.g.,evidenceviolation).

10. Harassment:Harassmentinanyformatanycontestisprohibitedandisgroundsfordisqualification.

11. Scouting:Scoutingisstronglydiscouraged.12. Disputes:TheDistrictCommitteeortournamentcommitteeappointedbyithasthefullpowertoadjudicatedisputes

orinterpretationofrulesbutmaynotchangetherules.TheDistrictCommitteeisauthorizedtodeterminehowaruleistobeinterpretedorappliedinaspecificsituation.Incaseofaseriousdisputeorcriticalquestionofprocedure,whichtheDistrictCommitteecannotresolve,thenationalofficeoractingtournamentrefereemustbephonedforaruling.Pleaseconsultthenationalofficetodeterminetherefereeforyourevent.


AbsolutePairingPrioritiesThefollowingsevenpairingprioritiesareabsoluteandcontrolthepairingproceduresdescribedbelow:

1. Drawabyeifoneisrequired.Drawthebyefirst,beforepairinganyotherrounds.

• Seethe“DrawingaBye”sectiononp.11.

2. Donotpairaschoolagainstitselfunlesstheyare:

A. Theonlytworemainingundefeatedentries,or3of4undefeatedentries,or4of5undefeatedentries.

B. Thelasttwoonce-defeatedentries.

C. Thelasttwoofthreeonce-defeatedentriesandtheotherentrydrawsthebye.

D. Amajorityoftheonce-defeatedafterthebyeisdrawnandaftertheundefeatedbrackethasbeenpaired.

3. Donotpairentriesthathavemetbeforeinthetournament.

• Exception:Twoentrieswhohavemetpreviouslymaymeetagaintoavoidthesameschoolmeeting,ortheymaymeetagainifallremainingteamsinthatbrackethavepreviouslymet.

4. Donotbreakbracketsatanytime.Undefeatedentriesareinonebracketandonce-defeatedentriesareinanotherbracket.Ifthereareanoddnumberofundefeatedentries,thenandonlythen,shouldaonce-defeatedbedrawnuptomeetanundefeatedentry.

• Drawfromtheteamswhoare“due”theoppositesideoftheundefeatedopponenttheywillface.InPublicForum,drawfromalleligibleundefeatedteams.

5. EntriesinPolicyandLincoln-DouglasDebate(notPublicForum)whohavedebatedanunequalnumberofaffirmativeandnegativeroundsareconsideredduethesidetheyhavedebatedtheleast.Sideconstraintscannotviolatetheprioritieslistedabovethataresubstantiallymoreimportant.Whenanentryhasdebatedanequalnumberofaffirmativeandnegativerounds,theteamisconsideredeligibleforeithersideinthenextround.Sidealterationfromthepreviousroundisnotapriorityandshouldnotbeconsideredinpairing.InPublicForum,noentryisdueasideatanytime.

6. Duringaspecificround’spairingprocedure,onceanentryhasappropriatelybeendrawnuptotheundefeatedbracketorhasdrawnthebye,thatentryisnolongerconsideredapartoftheonce-defeatedbracketandshouldnotbeconsideredwhenpairingtheonce-defeatedbracket.Neverre-pullanentryfromtheonce-defeatedbracketonceanentryhascorrectlybeendrawnup,evenifthatparticularpullupcreatesapriorityconflictintheonce-defeatedbracket.

7. IneveryPublicForumdebate,sideswillbedeterminedbyacoinflipbetweentheteams,eveniftheteamshavepreviouslymet.

PairingRoundsOneandTwoTheJoyofTournamentssoftwareisdesignedtorandomlycreatepreliminaryroundpairingsforroundsoneandtwotomeetthefollowingconstraints:

1. Seedingisnotpermittedinthepreliminaryrounds.

2. Unlessthesmallnumberofentriesortherandomdrawingofbyesmakesitunavoidable,noteamshouldmeetanotherteamfromitsschool,andnoschoolshouldmeetanotherschoolmorethanonce.

3. InPolicyandLincoln-DouglasDebate,eachentryshouldbeassignedoneaffirmativeandonenegativeroundunlessitdrawsabye.

4. Ifnecessary,abyeshouldbedrawnbutnoschoolmayreceivetwobyesinroundsoneandtwo.

*Ifpreliminaryroundsaremanuallyassignedbycards,theseconstraintsmustbemet.

ItistheaffirmativedutyoftabulationstafftoauditJoyofTournamentspairingstodetermineallpairingruleswerefollowed.


PairingSubsequentRoundsAnentryisanindependentunitandwillbepairedandassignedsidesbaseduponitsownrecord.Theopponentsdebatedorsidesdebatedbyotherteamsfromitsschoolareirrelevantandmustnotbeconsideredwhenpairingorassigningsides.

A.DrawingaBye1. Allentrieseligibleforabyemustbeincludedinthedrawingofabye.

2. Untilthreeentriesremainordrawingforanationalqualifier,byeswillfirstbedrawnfromentrieslosingtoanentrywhoisstillundefeated.Ifnoentrieshavelosttoanundefeatedortheentrieslosingtoanundefeatedhavealsodrawnabye,ablinddrawwilltakeplaceamongallonce-defeatedteamswhohavenotdrawnabye.

3. Noentrywillhavemorethanonebyeuntilthreeentriesremain.Whenthreeentriesremain,thebyemustgototheundefeatedeveniftheentryhaspreviouslyreceivedabye.Ifnoentriesareundefeated,drawthebyefromallentrieswhohavenotpreviouslydrawnabye.

4. Anentrymaynotrefuseabye.

B.PairingtheUndefeatedBracketTheundefeatedbrackettakespriorityovertheonce-defeatedbracketonceanyeligiblebyehasbeendrawn.OncethisbrackethasbeenpairedcorrectlybasedontheAbsolutePairingPriorities(above),itmustnotbeadjustedorchangedtoeliminateconflictsintheonce-defeatedbracket.

NOTE:Ifaonce-defeatedentryispulleduptocreateanAbsolutePairingPrioritiesconflictintheUNDEFEATEDbracketandthereareentriesintheonce-defeatedbracketthatcanbedrawnuptoavoidthisconflict,anewentryshouldbepulledup.

1. Pairundefeatedentriesagainstundefeatedentries.WhenviewingpairingsonJoyofTournaments,usethe“ShowSeeding”optiontoensurethattheundefeatedentriesarepairedagainstundefeatedentries.

2. InLincoln-DouglasandPolicyDebate,ensurethatJoyofTournamentshasproperlypairedtheentriestoensuresideequalization.Sidealterationisneverapriority,sothiswarningmustbeignored.

A. Ifpairingmanually,placecardsofentrieswithmoreaffirmativerounds(duenegativeinthenextround),inapiletotheright.Placecardsoftheentrieswithmorenegativerounds(dueaffirmativeinthenextround)inapiletotheleft.Allentrieswhohaveanequalnumberofrounds(dueeitheraffirmativeornegative)shouldbeplacedinaseparatepile.Ifthepilesareunequal,randomlydrawfromthepileofequalsidestocreateequalpiles.

B. Ifthereareanoddnumberofundefeatedentries,drawupaonce-defeatedentrywhoisduetoupholdtheoppositesideoftheundefeatedentry.

C. Shuffleandlayoutcardsofentriesdueaffirmativeintoacolumnontheleftsideofthetable.Shuffleandplacethecardsofthenegativeentriesinacolumntotherightoftheaffirmativecolumn,ensuringthattheAbsolutePairingPrioritiesaremet.

3. InPublicForumDebate,ensurethatJoyofTournamentshaspairedbracketsproperlyandnoabsolutepriorityhasbeenviolated.Sidealterationandequalizationwarningsmustbeignored.

A. Ifpairingmanually,shuffleallofthecardsfortheundefeatedbracketandlayhalfinacolumnontheleftandtheremaininginacolumnontheright.Ifthereareanoddnumberofundefeatedteams,drawfromthepileofeligibleonce-defeatedteams.

C.PairingtheOnce-DefeatedBracket1. Ifnecessary,checktoseeifthesoftwareselectedaonce-defeatedentrytomeetanundefeated.Unlessabsolutely

unavoidable,ensurethatthepullupintotheundefeatedbracketdidnotviolatetheAbsolutePairingPriorities.

2. Atthispoint,theundefeatedbracketisfinalandshouldnotbealteredforanyreason.Whenusingthesoftware,besurenottomoveanentryintooroutoftheundefeatedbracket.

3. FollowtherulesfromtheundefeatedbracketforLincoln-DouglasandPolicyDebateasdescribedin#2aboveandforPublicForumin#3above.


D.DeterminingNationalQualifiers1. IfadistrictiseligibletosendonlyoneentrytotheNationalTournament,thequalifieristhefinalroundwinner.

2. Ifadistrictiseligibletosendtwoentries:

A. Thelasttworemainingentriesarethequalifiers.

B. Ifthreeteamsremain,onewilldrawabye(whichmustgototheundefeatedifthereisoneortoanentrywhohasnotpreviouslydrawnabye)andtheothertwoentriesdebate.Thebyeandthewinnerarethequalifiers.

3. Ifadistrictiseligibletosendthreeentries:

A. Thelastthreeremainingentriesarethequalifiers.

B. Iffourentriesremainandoneisundefeated,allfourentrieswilldebate.

1) Iftheundefeatedloses,thenthreeentriesremainandarethequalifiers.

2) Iftheundefeatedwins,itandtheotherwinningentryqualify.Thetwoentrieswholosttothequalifierswilldebatetodeterminethethirdqualifier.

C. Iffourentriesremainandtherearenoundefeatedentries,allentriesdebate,andthetwowinnersaretwoofthequalifiers.Thetwolosingentriesdebateagaintodeterminethethirdqualifier.

D. Iffiveentriesremain,abyegoestotheundefeated.Ifthereisnoundefeatedentry,drawabyefromallentrieswhohavenotpreviouslydrawnabye.Thefourremainingentriesdebateeachother.Thebyeandthetwowinnersarethequalifiers.

4. Ifadistrictiseligibletosendfourentries:

A. Thelastfourremainingentriesarethequalifiers.

B. Iffiveentriesremain,abyegoestotheundefeatedandtheotherfourentriesdebateeachother.Thebyeandthetwowinnersarethreeofthequalifiers.Thetwolosingentriesdebateagaintodeterminethefourthqualifier.

C. Ifsixentriesremain,drawtwobyes.Byesfirstgotoundefeatedentries.Ifoneundefeatedentryremains,thatundefeatedentryreceivesabyeandqualifies.Then,abyeisdrawnfromtheremainingonce-defeatedentrieswhohavenotalreadyreceivedabye,andthatentryqualifies.Theremainingfourentriesdebateeachother.Thetwobyesandthetwowinnersarethefourqualifiers.

D. Ifsevenentriesremain,abyegoestotheundefeatedandtheremainingsixdebateeachother.Thebyeandthethreewinnersarethequalifiers.

E.DeterminingAlternatesAlistof14alternatesmustbedeterminedineventswith30entriesormore.Ineventswith29entriesorfewer,noentrythatfinishesinthebottomhalfofthefieldmaybelistedasanalternate.Alternatesaredeterminedbythemostnumberofroundsdebated.Byesandforfeitwinsarecountedasroundsdebated.Tiesmustbebrokeninthefollowingorder:

1. Theresultofahead-to-headdebatebetweentheentries,iftheymetinthetournament.

2. Totalballots.Thenumberofballotsforabyeequalsthenumberofjudgesintheroundwherethebyeoccurred.

3. Arun-offroundbetweentheentries.


RunningtheDistrictCongressionalDebateTournamentGeneralRulesandInstructions1. Legislation.Chaptersareencouragedtosubmitatleasttwobillsorresolutionsnolaterthan24dayspriortothe

scheduledCongress.AlllegislationpresentedshallmeetAssociationformattingcriteria(seerulessection),andmustbetheoriginalworkofstudentsfromthesubmittingschool.Non-originalworkshallnotbeconsideredfortheagenda.ItshallbetheaffirmativedutyofeachcoachandeachstudententeredintheDistrictCongresstodetermineabsolutelythatmaterialsubmittedisoriginal.

A. TheDistrictCommitteeshallattempttoacceptatleastonebillorresolutionfromeachschoolsubmittingbillsorresolutions,providedthelegislationissubmittedbythedeadline.

B. Atleast14daysbeforetheofficialCongressdate,thedistrictchairshouldsendtoeachparticipatingschoolacopyofnotfewerthansixbillsorresolutions,whichshallconstitutetheagendaforeachchamberperday.

C. IftheDistrictCommitteeallowsforasuspensionoftherules,billsorresolutionsnotsubmittedmaybeconsideredonlyafterthedistrict’sofficiallyestablishedlegislativeagendahasbeenconsidered(debated).

D. ADistrictCommitteemaydenybillsorresolutionsfrombeingofferedfromthefloorattheDistrictCongress.

2. TimeAllowanceandSessions.Districtsshouldallowsevenhoursforaone-daytournamenttoincludetwosessions,breaks,andmeals.Foratwo-daytournament,tenhourstoallowforatthreesessions(oneofwhichmaybefinals),breaks,andmeals.Aminimumoftwosessionsofdebatemustbeheld,oneofwhichmaybethefinalchamber.Eachsessionisthreehoursandincludes:

A. Electionofapresidingofficer

B. Newseatingchart(necessaryaccommodationsforstudentswithspecialneedsmaybemade)

C. Resettingofprecedence/recency

D. Newlegislationthathasnotbeendebatedinaprevioussessionatthattournament

3. DistrictCongressOfficials

A. TheDistrictCommitteewilldeterminethemannerinwhichjudgesareprocured:whetherfromparticipatingschools,orfromthecommunity(suchaslocallegislators,legislativestaff,attorneys,lawstudents,civicorganizationmembers,chamberofcommerceprofessionals,etc.).Unaffiliatedjudgesandparliamentariansarerequired.College-agejudgesmusthavecompletedtheirsecondyear(foursemesters).Collegecoursestakeninhighschoolforadvancedcreditdonotcounttowardjudgestanding.

B. Aparliamentariansuperviseseachchamberandremainsthroughoutallpreliminarysessions:tocallrollandensurestudentsareinassignedseats,tomonitortimekeepingbythepresidingofficer,tointerveneincaseastudentofficerbecomestoodeeplyinvolvedinparliamentaryrules,tocorrectgrosserrorsinprocedure,torecordsessionstartandendtimes,andtorecordactionstaken.Ordinarilys/heshouldremaininthebackground,butstepforwardfirmlywhenhis/herpresenceisrequired.ThepurposeofCongressistodebatelegislation;theparliamentarianensuresthisisdone.Theparliamentarianisalsoconsideredajudgeinthechamberandwillrankallparticipantsattheendofthesession(orinthecaseofamultiplesessionpreliminaryround,attheendofthelastsession).

C. Scorers:Inadditiontotheparliamentarian,atleasttwoscorersmustbeusedforeachsessionineachchamber,andthosescorersmustnotbeaffiliatedwithstudentsinthatchamber.TheDistrictCommitteecandecidetoassigndifferentjudgeseachsession,orkeepthesamejudges,aswellaswhethertouseonescorerinpreliminarysessionsprecedingafinalsession(whichmusthaveatleastthree,includingaparliamentarian).

1) Assignuptoeight(8)pointsperspeech,consideringanswerstoquestionsintheawardingofpoints.

2) Presidingofficersshallreceivenotlessthanfour(4)ormorethaneight(8)speakercreditpointsforeachfullhourofpresiding(fractionsofanhourarenotscored).


3) Points–Nomorethan40pointsmaybeawardedadayperstudent.Atotaloftheaverageofthescorerpanel’spointsforeachspeechandcompletehourofpresidingshallbereportedbythechairasmeritpointsforthetournament,butpointsnolongerhavebearingonadvancement.

D. Attheendofeachscorer’sandparliamentarian’sjudgingcommitment,theyranktheireightmostpreferredlegislators(whichmayincludepresidingofficers);theparliamentarianalsoranksallstudentsinthechamber.

E. Alljudge/parliamentarianballotsmustbecheckedcarefullybytournamentofficialstoensureeightnameswerelisted,andthatnameswerenotrepeated.

4. Protests.Judgesassignedbythetournamentcommitteeshallbefinalunlessprotestedbeforethetournamenthasbegun.Ifajudge(s)isaddedtothejudgepoolafterthetournamenthasbegun,anyprotestsmustbemadepriortothesessioninwhichthatindividual(s)isassignedtojudge.Ifprotested,theDistrictCommitteeshallheartheprotest,anditsdecisionshallbefinal.MembersoftheDistrictCommitteeinvolvedintheprotestshouldrecusethemselves.

5. SettinguptheDistrictCongress.

A. Roomsmustallowforallcontestantstobeseatedappropriatelyastobeseenbythepresidingofficer,withnobarriersbetween.

B. Seatingchartsshouldbepreparedinadvancebasedontheentryformsreceivedfromtheschools.Assignalternatestudentstotheseatsassignedtothenon-attendingdelegates.

C. Thedistrictchairand/ordesignatedDistrictCongressDirectorshouldcreateatimescheduletofacilitatetheminimumnumberoffloordebatehoursenumeratedaboveinitem2.

D. Obtaingavels.ThenationalofficewillsendNationalQualifierPlaquesfortheDistrictCongress.AdditionalCongressplaquesmaybeorderedfromthenationalofficeoronlineathttp://store.speechanddebate.org.

E. Obtainneededmaterials/supplies:

1) Seatingcharts:aminimumoffive(presidingofficer,parliamentarian,andscorers)foreachchamberonwhichthenamesoflegislatorsarewritteninthepatternofseatingasonefacestheassembly

2) Timersorstopwatches

3) Ballotsforvoting(generateanofficialformorhaveslipsofpaper)

4) TableofParliamentaryMotions,amendmentforms,andrecencycharts

6. Disqualification.Inthecaseofadisqualificationofacontestantinadistricttournamentseriesevent,allpreviousscores,ranks,anddecisionsofothercontestantsstandandnorevisionofpastsessionswilltakeplace.

7. Harassment.HarassmentinanyNationalSpeech&DebateAssociationeventwillnotbepermitted.

8. Scouting.ScoutingisdiscouragedattheDistrictCongresstournament.

9. Petitions.ProtestsofDistrictCommitteedecisionsmaybefiled,inwriting,withtheExecutiveDirectorwhoshallissueadecision.Thedirector’sdecisionmaybeappealedtotheBoardofDirectors,whosedecisionshallbefinal.

AssigningStudentstoChambers1. Allparticipatingschoolscanchoosetoenterzero,one,ortwostudentstoparticipateintheSenate.Therequestof

specificstudentstobeenteredintheSenateshallbehonored.Aminimumofeight(8)schoolsmustparticipateintheSenateforaDistrictSenatetobeheld.

2. WhenenteringstudentsintheHouse,schoolsshalldeterminethegroupingofindividualstudentsfromtheirschools,aslongasthenumberofentriesineachhouseisapproximatelyequal(i.e.,threehouses3-3-2ortwohouses4-3).Placementofaschool'sgroupsintospecificchambersshallbedonebyblinddraw,butthetournamentdirectormayadjustplacementofindividualschoolgroupings,sothatchambersareapproximatelyequalinsize.

3. Achambershallseatnomorethan30contestants.

4. Chamberassignmentsshallbemadeatregistrationandarefinal.Atregistration,studentswhoaremembersandhaveastarnexttotheirnameindicatingtheyarearegisteredmember,maybeseatedinthechamberreplacinganabsentstudentfromthesameschool.


5. NochangesintheDistrictCongressentryorinthoseseatedintheCongressmaybemadeonceachamberhasconvened.

PresidingOfficersPresidingofficerswillbenominatedfromthefloorwitheitheraparliamentarianand/orDistrictCommitteemember/coachtoconducttheelection.ADistrictCommitteemayappointadultpresidingofficerswithnoaffiliationtoanyparticipants.Notethenewrulethatbeforeprecedenceisestablished,thepresidingofficershouldrecognizespeakersfairlyandconsistently.Theymaynotlinkrecognitionofspeakerstopreviousrecognitionofstudentsaskingquestions,movingmotions,orlongeststanding(standingtime).

NationalQualification

A.SenateAdistrictwitheight(8)ormoreschoolsrepresentedintheSenatewillqualifytwo(2)senatorstotheNationalSenate.Iffewerthaneight(8)schoolsarerepresented,noSenatemaybeseated;however,adistrictmaystillconductaHousewithsufficiententries.When31ormorestudentsareentered,twoSenates,orafinalsessionSenate,shallbeconductedtodeterminenationalqualifiers.

B.HouseofRepresentativesUsethistabletodeterminenumberofchambers,finalsessionrequirements,andadvancementtotheNationalCongress(notethatthenumberofstudentsinthefarleftcolumnisbasedonparticipation—speakingorpresidingatleastonce):

ParticipatingStudents(mustgiveaspeechorpreside)

PreliminaryChambers(ifnofinalsession,onestudentperchamberqualifiestotheNationalCongress)

StudentswhoAdvancetoFinalSessionfromeachPreliminaryChamber

StudentsAdvancingtotheNationalCongressfromtheFinalSession

16-29 1 Notapplicable Notapplicable

30-60 2 8-12 2

61-90 3 6-8 3

91ormore 4 4-6 4

Achambershallseatnomorethan30Congresscontestants.AdistrictmayhavenoSenateoroneortwoSenateChambersanduptofourHouseChambersasdeterminedbytheaboveformula.Non-qualifying(Non-DistrictCongress)Housesmayalsobeheldforregularmeritpoints.Nomorethanfour(4)studentsfromadistrictmayqualifytothenationalHouseofRepresentatives.

ContestantsqualifytothenationalHouseofRepresentativesaccordingtothenumberofactualparticipantsineachchamber(numberofstudentsgivingatleastonespeech).Nodistrictshallstateorimplythatifastudentqualifiedinapreviousevent,thatstudentmaynotentertheDistrictCongressorimplythatastudentpreviouslyqualifiedcannotqualifyfortheNationalCongress.

C.TabulatingRanksTotabulateCongressionalDebate,thedistrictmustuseeitherJoyofTournamentsorthetabulationspreadsheetsavailablewithotherdistrictformsonline.Thedatafilesmustbesenttothenationaloffice.

Scorers’ranksareinputted,withnon-rankedstudentsconsideredasranksof9(JoyofTournamentsdoesthisautomatically,but9smustbeenteredmanuallyonthespreadsheet).Theparliamentarian’sranks,uptoeighthareinputtedaswell,withsubsequentranksconsideredasranksof9.

Eachindividualchamberistabulatedindependentoftheothers.Legislatorswiththelowestcumulativeranktotaladvancetothenextlevelofcompetition,employingthefollowingtiebreakers:


1. Judges’preference(orstudents’preferenceforthestudentrankoption,below)

2. Reciprocalfractions

3. Adjustedcumulativeranktotalafterdroppinghighestandlowestranks

4. Judges’preferenceofadjustedcumulativeranktotal(orstudents’preferenceforthestudentrankoption,below)

5. Reciprocalsofadjustedcumulativeranktotal

6. Rankbytheparliamentarian


D.StudentRankOptionDistrictshavetheoptionofallowingstudentcumulativeranktotals(nottobeconfusedwithstudentpreferentialredistributionofballots)todetermineplacement.Ifadistrictexercisesthisoption,itmustdosoforallchambers(inclusiveofbothSenateandHouse).Afterjudgecumulativeranktotalshavedeterminedthetopeightstudentsinthechamber,studentsshallwritetheirrankorderofpreferencenexttoeachstudent’sname.Eachindividualrankforallparticipatingstudentswillbeinputted,andtotaledtodeterminethelowestcumulativeranktotal.Again,thedistrictmustuseJoyofTournamentsorthestudentranktabulationspreadsheetavailable.Ifastudentcompletesaballotincorrectly(duplicateormissingrank),itmustbediscarded,andshallnotcountintabulationatall.Tournamentofficialsineachchambershouldensurethatstudentscompletetheirballotscarefully.

E.QualifiersandAlternatesThetopcontestants,upto14thplaceineachchamber,arequalifiersandalternatesinorderoffinish.AlternatesmayattendifqualifierswithdrawbeforeJune1regardlessofwhetherornotthequalifierhasenteredthetournament.AfterJune1,alternatescanonlyreplacequalifiersthathavebeenofficiallyenteredintothetournament.Noalternate(whoisreplacinganofficiallyenteredqualifier)mayentertheNationalTournamentafter4:00p.m.onregistrationdayoftheNationalTournament.NationalTournamentalternatesaredeterminedasfollows:

1. Alternatesarefirstdeterminedbyorderofplacement,whetherbycumulativeranktotalbyjudges,orbystudents.

2. Ifstudentrankingwasusedandadditionalalternatesarenecessarybeyondthoserankedbythestudents,theoriginaljudgecumulativeranktotal,usingappropriatetiebreakersthroughtheparliamentarian’srank,shallbeused.


RunningtheDistrictSpeechTournamentUnlikedebateevents,thespeechportionofthetournamentpresentsthedistrictwithanopportunitytoautonomouslydeterminehowtorunitscontestwithinarangeofvariations.Whenchoosingasystem,becertainthatallrulesforthatparticularsystemarefollowed.

TheUp/DownMethodmimicsthedebateportionofthetournamentbycreatingadoubleeliminationsystemforspeechevents.Halfthecontestantsactuallycompetingaremarkedupineachsection.Threearemarkedupinasectionoffiveandseven.Fourmaybemarkedupinasectionofsevenifanunbreakabletripletieoccursforsecondplaceoratripletieoccursforsecondorthird(seebelow).Fivearenevermarkedup.Ifanentryisrankeddowntwice,itiseliminatedfromcompetition.Onlyonejudgeisrequiredinthefirsttwopreliminaryrounds,threejudgesmustbeusedineachsubsequentround,andonlythreejudgesmaybeusedinthefinalround(whenthenumberofentriesremainingissevenorfewer).

TheCaliforniaPlanusesamoretraditionalspeechtournamentapproachtodeterminingthequalifiers.Thenumberofpreliminaryroundsispredeterminedbaseduponthenumberofentriesintheevent.Eithertwoorthreejudgesmaybeusedinthepreliminaryrounds,threejudgesinthesemifinalround,andfivejudgesinthefinalround.

NOTE:ThedistrictmustdecideinadvancewhetheritwillusetheUp/DownMethodortheCaliforniaPlan.IfchoosingtheCaliforniaPlan,itmustdeterminewhetheritwillusetwoorthreejudgesineachpreliminaryround.Thenumberofjudgesmaynotchangefromeventtoeventorroundtoround.Nohybridizationispermitted.College-agejudgesmusthavecompletedtheirsecondyear(foursemesters).Collegecoursestakeninhighschoolforadvancedcreditdonotcounttowardjudgestanding.

GeneralRulesandInstructions1. StartingTimes:Noroundmaystartafter9:30p.m.(Extempafter9:45p.m.)unlessitisthefinaldayofthe

tournament.

2. MinimumRounds:Atleastthreeroundsmustbeheldinallcontests.

SectioningintheUp/DownModelOncetheJoyofTournamentssoftwarehassectionedthepreliminaryrounds,thetabulationroomshouldensurethefollowingparametersaremet.Eachstudentisguaranteedtwopreliminaryroundsofcompetition.ItistheaffirmativedutyofthetabulationstafftoauditJoyofTournamentspairingstodeterminethatallpairing/sectioningrulesarefollowed.

SectioningEntriesineacheventshouldbedividedasequallyaspossibleintoasmanysectionsasrequired.Theminimumnumberofentriesinasectionisfour;maximumiseight,acceptableonlyunderextremecircumstances.Asectionwithsixentriesisideal,whilesevenoreightshouldbeavoided.Seedingisnotpermittedinsectioningeitherofthefirsttworounds.Anentrywhoreceivesatleastoneupinthefirsttwopreliminaryroundsiseligibletocontinuecompetinguntilitreceivestwodowns.

Insubsequentrounds,thetotalofeachentry’srankswilldetermineitsseed.Entriesshouldbesectionedtopreventthehighestseedsfrommeetingineachsubsequentround.Aserpentine(orsnaking)distributionshouldbeused.

MovingEntriesfromSectionsEntriesaretobemovedonlytoavoid(asmuchaspossible)thefollowing,inorderofpriority:

1. Twoentriesfromthesameschoolinasection.

2. Twointerpretationentrieswiththesametitleinasection.

3. Havingthesamespeakerscompeteagainsteachotherasecondtime.


SpeakerOrderSpeakerordershouldbevariedfromoneroundtothenext.Entriesareguaranteedavariationinspeakerpositionunlessitisimpossibletoprovidevariationbaseduponthenumberofpreviousrounds,theotherpairingpriorities,orunavoidabletournamentcircumstances.Inthiscase,theoptimalpairingisonethatdoesnotreplicatethepreviousround’sspeakerpositionandminimizesthenumberofrepeatedspeakerpositions.

NOTE:JoyofTournamentshighlightsinredentrieswhosesectioningconstraintshavenotbeenmet.Therefore,theleastpossibleredhighlightingistheoptimalpairing.

Doubleenteredcontestantsshouldbescheduledtoappearearlyinoneeventandlateinthesecondevent.IfanExtemporaneousspeakerisdoubleentered,s/heshouldbescheduledearlyinExtempandlaterinthesecondevent.

InExtemporaneousSpeakingevents,unlessitisunavoidable,studentsfromthesameschoolshallnotcross-examineoneanother.Speakerordershouldbeadjustedaccordingly.

BalanceofPowerAfterthefirsttwopreliminaryrounds,anoptimalpairingisonethatbalancesthepowerthesections.Todeterminethepowerofasection,addthetotalranksofeachentry.Thesumofeachsectionshouldbeasclosetoequalaspossible.Iftheyarenot,moveentriesfromonesectiontoanotherusingtheMovingEntriesfromSectionsparagraphabove.Whenthenumberofcontestantsineachsectionisunequal,usetheaveragepowertobalance.

Wheninconflict,cumulativeranktotalsaremoreimportantthatupswhenbalancingsections.

ChangingRanksRecordallranksofsixandsevenasfivesexceptinthefinalround.Neverbreaktiesbyusingoriginalranksexceptinthefinalround.Inthefinalround,ranksofsixandsevenwillbecounted.

ScoringTiesIngeneral,atieisnottobebrokenexcepttoavoidmarkingupmorethanhalftheentriesinasection.

• EXCEPTIONS:Threearemarkedupinasectionoffive.Fourmaybemarkedupinasectionofsevenifanunbreakabletripletieoccursforsecondplaceoratripletieoccursforsecondorthird.Fivesareneverup.

SimpleTies:Ifasimpletwo-waytiemustbebroken,usejudge’spreferencetodeterminewhichentryreceivesthehigherplace.Ifunbreakablebyjudge’spreference,usereciprocalfractions.Ifstillunbroken,bothstudentsreceivethehigherplace.Inasimpletie,bothentriesreceivetheplaceforwhichtheytied.Aplaceistobeskippedandplacingcontinuesasusual.

TripleTies:Atripletieshallonlybebrokentoavoidmarkingmorethanthreeupinasectionoffourorfive,ormorethanfourinasectionofseven.Tobreakatripletie,judge’sranksmustbeconvertedtoreciprocalfractions.Inatripletie,allthreeentriesreceivethemiddleplace.Oneplaceistobeskipped,andremainingplacescontinueasusual(e.g.,ifthreeentriestieforfirst,allreceivesecondplace,andthenextentryreceivesfourth).

UnbreakableTripleTie:Inatripletiewhereallentrieshaveidenticalranks,thetieisunbreakable.Allaretobegiventhesamemiddleplaceforwhichtheytieandgivenanupifthatnumberisintheupperhalfofasectionorthirdinasectionofseven.

FinalRoundThefinalroundoccurswhensevenorfewerentriesremain.Threeandonlythreejudgesaretobeusedinthefinalround(requirementsaredifferentfortheCaliforniaPlan;seethenextsection).

DeterminingNationalQualifiersandAlternatesFinalplacementisdeterminedbyaddingplacementsofeachpreliminaryroundandthethreejudges’ranksinthefinalround.Lowfinalroundtotalbreaksatie.The14alternatesaredeterminedinthefollowingorder(‘semifinals’referstotheroundimmediatelyprecedingthefinalround):

1. Finalroundplacementasdescribedabove.


2. Totalcumulativeroundranksthroughsemifinals.

3. Iftied,determinethewinnerofahead-to-headcompetitioninsemifinals.

4. Iftheentriesdidnotmeetinsemifinalsorarestilltied,countthenumberofones,usingalljudgeranks,throughsemifinals.

5. Ifstilltied,countthenumberoftwos,usingalljudgeranks,throughsemifinals.


TheCaliforniaPlanIn2009,theBoardofDirectorsapprovedastreamlinedprocessforusingtheCaliforniaPlaninrunningdistrictspeechcontests.Thedistrictmayselecttousetwojudgesorthreejudgesineachpreliminaryroundbutmustapplythisdecisionconsistentlythroughoutthetournamentandacrossallevents.

PlanningPreliminaryRoundsTwoJudgeSystem:Ifusingtwojudgesinpreliminaryrounds,thenumberofroundsineacheventisdeterminedbythenumberofactualparticipantsintheeventatthebeginningofroundone,basedonthefollowingtable:

NumberofEntries NumberofPreliminaryRounds14orfewer 224orfewer 342orfewer 443ormore 5

ThreeJudgeSystem:Ifusingthreejudgesinthepreliminaryrounds,thenumberofpreliminaryroundsineacheventisdeterminedbythenumberofactualparticipantsintheeventatthebeginningofroundone,basedonthefollowingtable:

NumberofEntries NumberofPreliminaryRounds14orfewer 224orfewer 342orfewer 443ormore 5

Newin2016-2017:WhenusingtheCaliforniaPlan,DistrictCommitteesinspeecheventswith14orfewerentriesmaydeterminetoholdtwopreliminaryroundsofcompetition.

PresetPreliminaryRoundRoundOne:Thefirstroundofeacheventwillbepresetusingarandomdraw.Twoorthreejudgesmustbeusedineachpreliminaryround.Thenumberofjudgesmustbethesameineverypreliminaryroundandthesameforeachevent.Entriesaretobechangedfromonesectiononlytoanothertoavoidthefollowingintheprecedencelisted:

1. Entriesfromthesameschoolinthesamesection.

2. (Ifpossible)Entrieswiththesameselectioninthesamesection.

Onlysectionsoffive,six,orsevenarepermitted.

SpeakingOrder:Inpreliminaryrounds,speakingordershouldbevaried.Eachentryshouldreceiveatop,middle,andbottomspeakerorder,nottoberepeatedinpreliminaryroundsunlessunavoidable.

1. Inthesemifinalround,speakingpositionisdeterminedbyblinddraw.

2. Inthefinalround,speakingorderisdeterminedbyblinddraw.However,anentryshouldnotreceivethesamespeakingorderithadinthesemifinals.

DoubleEntries:Accommodatedoubleentriesbypermittingentriestospeakearlyinoneeventandlaterinanother;however,itisnotnecessarytoplaceentriesinthefirstorlastposition.

Rankings:Eachjudgewillrankentriesfromoneasthebesttosevenastheworst.Wheneverajudgehasmarkedanentrylowerthanfifth,suchrankwillbechangedtofifthbeforetabulationbegins.However,afterasixthorseventhrankhasbeentabulatedasafiveandatieoccursbetweenentriesforarankintheround,thesixandsevenisusedtodeterminethejudges'preference.

Definitionsofterms

• Compositere-rank:Sumtheindividualjudgeranksforeachentryandlisttheentryinorderoftheirrespectivetotals.Theentrywiththelowestcumulativescorewouldbere-rankedfirst,second-mostassecond,andsoon.


• Adjustedrank:Insectionsofsixorseven,eachjudgewillrankentriesthroughthesixthandseventhplacing.Thetabulationstaffwilladjusteachrankofsixorseventoafiveforthepurposeofcreatingthecompositere-rank.Thisistheonlyinstancewhentheadjustedrankisused.

• Actualrank:Rankthejudgegavetheentry,countingsixesandsevens.

Scoring:Addjudges’ranksandre-rankentriesineachsectionbasedonthecumulativescore.

BreakingTieswithTwoJudges

Intheeventofatwo-waytie,bothentriesareawardedthehigherplacingrank.

ExampleASpeaker Judge1 Judge2 Sumofranks CompositeRe-rank

1 3 4 7 32 7(5) 5 10 63 2 1 3 14 4 6(5) 9 55 1 2 3 16 6(5) 3 8 47 5 7(5) 10 6

Intheeventofathree-waytie,entriesareawardedatied,middlerank.Intheeventofafour-waytie,entriesareawardedanupper-middlerank(inafour-waytieforfirst,allentrieswouldberankedsecond).Acompositere-rankmaynotbehigherthan5.

ExampleBSpeaker Judge1 Judge2 Sumofranks CompositeRe-rank

1 6(5) 5 10 52 5 6(5) 10 53 4 4 8 44 1 3 4 25 3 1 4 26 2 2 4 2

BreakingTieswithThreeJudges

Intheeventofatwo-waytie,thetiewillbebrokenbyjudges’preference.

Intheeventofathree-orfour-waytie,theentriesareawardedthebettermiddlepositionforwhichthespeakersaretied.Forotherentriesinthesection,eliminatethenextpositionafterthetieranking.InExampleC(below),thenextrankingintheroundwouldbefourth.

ExampleCSpeaker Judge1 Judge2 Judge3 Sumofranks CompositeRe-rank

1 1 2 3 6 22 2 3 1 6 23 3 1 2 6 2


PoweredPreliminaryRoundsRoundtwoandsubsequentroundsmustbedeterminedaftertheresultsarerecordedfromthepreviousround.

Seeding:Theentry’sseedingisdeterminedbythesumofitscompositere-ranksfrompreviousrounds.

SectioningPoweredRounds:Placeentriesinsections,bytheirseeding,inaserpentineorsnakingpattern.Beginwiththefirstseedinsectiononeandcontinuetoplaceseedsinseparatesectionsuntilplacinganentryinthelastavailablesection.PlacethenextseededentryinthenextavailablesectionandcontinuetoplaceentriesinseparatesectionsasindicatedinExampleD.Wheretiesinseedingoccur,randomlyplacetheequalseedsinsubsequentseparatesections.

ExampleDSection1 Section2 Section3 Section4

1stSeed--> 2ndSeed--> 3rdSeed--> 4thSeed▼

8thSeed▼ 7thSeed<-- 6thSeed<-- 5thSeed<--

9thSeed--> 10thSeed--> 11thSeed--> 12thSeed

AlteringContestantPlacementinSections

Entriesaretobemovedfromsectionsonlyunderthefollowingconditions:

1. Toavoidanimbalanceofschools.Thehigherseededentryfromaschoolmustremainintheoriginalsection.Thelowerseededentry(EntryB)fromthesameschoolmustbeplacedinthenextavailablesectioninthesnakingpatternuntilschoolbalanceoccurs.Thenextseededentry(EntryC)isplacedinEntryB’soriginallocation.

2. IfplacementofEntryBresultsinaschoolimbalance,placeEntryBinthenextavailablesectioninthesnakingorderuntilschoolbalanceoccurs.Ifaschoolconflictisunavoidable,placetheentryintheoriginalseedinglocation.Thenextseededentry(EntryC)isplacedinEntryB’soriginallocation.

3. Tobalancepower,entriesmaybemovedfromasuboptimalpairingtoanoptimalpairingifitdoesnotresultinentrieswiththelowestcompositeranks(equaltothenumberofsectionsintheround)meetingeachotheroranimbalanceofschools.Thebalanceofpowerisdeterminedbythesumofthecompositeranksineachsectionifsectionshavethesamenumberofentries.Ifunevensectionsexist,powerisdeterminedbytheaverageofthecompositeranksineachsection.

Newin2016-2017:WhenusingtheCaliforniaPlan,DistrictCommitteesinspeecheventswith14orfewerentriesarenotrequiredtoholdasemifinalroundandstudentsmayadvancedirectlytothefinalround.

DeterminingSemifinalQualifiersTwelveentrieswillbeselectedtoparticipateinthesemifinalroundonthebasisoflowestcumulativescoreofcompositere-ranksfromtheentry’spreliminaryrounds.

BreakingSemifinalTies:Ifthecumulativescoreofcompositere-ranksbringsthetotalnumberofqualifierstomorethan12,determinethequalifiersinthefollowingorderofprecedence:

1. Iftheentriesarestilltied,theentrywiththemostnumberofones,twos,etc.,incompositeranksadvances.

2. Iftheentriesarestilltied,theentrywiththelowestsumofactualranksadvances.

3. Iftheentriesarestilltied,theentrywiththemostnumberofones,twos,etc.,inactualranksadvances.

4. Iftheentriesarestilltied,includethosetiedinthesemifinals.

PairingtheSemifinalRoundNOTE:Threejudgesmustbeusedinthesemifinalroundineachevent.

1. Speakerorderisdeterminedbyblinddraw.

2. Usethesameprocedureoutlinedin“PoweredPreliminaryRounds.”


3. Noaccommodationwillbemadetoseparateentriesfromthesameschoolinasectionwheretheyarerequiredtomeetbythepreviousrulesasoutlinedin“PoweredPreliminaryRounds.”

4. Accommodatedoubleentriesbypermittingentriestospeakearlyinoneeventandlaterinanother,however,itisnotnecessarytoplaceentriesinthefirstorlastposition.

DeterminingFinalRoundQualifiersAddcompositepreliminaryroundre-ranksandeachjudge’sballotinthesemifinalroundtodeterminesixqualifiersforthefinalround.

*Inthecaseofunevensemifinalsections,countsevensassixesunlessatieoccurs.

BreakingFinalRoundTies:Ifthenumberoffinalroundqualifiersexceedssix,usethefollowingtiebreakersinorderofprecedence:

1. Iftiedentriesmetinthesemifinalround,determinejudges’preferenceinthesemifinalround.

2. Ifstilltied,advancetheentrywiththelowesttotalfromsemifinalballotsalone.

3. Ifstilltied,advancetheentrywiththegreatestnumberofones,twos,etc.,fromthesemifinalballots.

4. Ifstilltied,advancetheentrywiththelowesttotalofadjusted,actualpreliminaryroundranksandsemifinalranks.

5. Ifstilltied,advancetheentrywiththegreatestnumberofones,twos,etc.,fromallcompositere-ranksandsemifinalroundranks.

6. Ifstilltied,includethosetiedentriesinthefinalround.

PairingtheFinalRoundNOTE:Fivejudgesmustbeusedinthefinalround.Ifadistrictchoosestousesevenjudgesinthefinals,thehighandthelowscoresmustbeexcludedwhendeterminingtheNationalQualifier.

1. Speakerorderisdeterminedbyblinddrawbutmustnotbethesameasthesemifinalroundspeakingposition.

2. Noaccommodationwillbemadetoseparateentriesfromthesameschoolinthespeakerorder.

3. Reverseaccommodationsfordoubleenteredentriesfromanyaccommodationmadeinthesemifinalround.

DeterminingNationalQualifiersEntriesqualifyingfortheNationalTournamentareselectedbydeterminingthelowesttotalofpreliminarycompositere-ranks,addedtothreesemifinalranks,addedtofivefinalranks.Ifatieexistsamongqualifiersoralternates,determinefinalplacementbyusingthefollowingtiebreakersinorderofprecedence:

1. Thecumulativescoreoffinalroundjudgesonly.

2. Judges’preferenceinthefinalroundonly.

3. Greatestnumberofones,twos,etc.,inthefinalroundonly.

4. Ifstilltied,repeatsteps1through3byaddingthesemifinalscores.

5. Ifstilltied,addtheactualranksfrompreliminaryroundstosemifinalranksandtofinalranks,todetermineplacement.


SweepstakesAwardsOverallDistrictSweepstakesPlaqueOverview:

1. Aschoolmustactivelyparticipateinbothdebateandspeechwithatleastthreeentriesineacharea.CongressionalDebateisnotcurrentlyincludedincalculationoftheoverallDistrictSweepstakesPlaque.

2. Topfivespeechandtopfivedebateentriesperschoolwillcounttowardsitssweepstakescalculation.

3. Teamevents(PublicForum,Policy,Duo)countasoneentry.

4. Tiebreakers:

A. Addthe6thspeechandthe6thdebateentryperschool.B. Greatestnumberof1sts,2nds,3rds,etc.C. Addthe7thspeechandthe7thdebateentryperschool.D. Addthe8thspeechandthe8thdebateentryperschool.

5. TiebreakersdescribedintheDistrictTournamentOperationsManualwillbeusedtodetermineplaces.Iftiescannotbebroken,bothstudentswillreceivethepointsforthehighestplaceinwhichtheytie.

6. 1st,2nd,and3rdplacesweepstakesfinishesshouldbeawardedineachdistrict.

PointSchedulePerEvent-Pointsareallocatedbasedonactualentriesforqualificationratherthananydistrictbonus.

CategoryAEvent≤37entries

Teamevent≤29entries

CategoryBEvent=38-57entries

Teamevent=30-49entries

CategoryCEvent≥58entries

Teamevent≥50entries 1or2qualifiers 3qualifiers 4qualifiers

Speech Debate Speech Debate Speech Debate1stPlace 6 7 7 8 8 92ndPlace 5 6 6 7 7 83rdPlace 4 5 5 6 6 74thPlace 3 4 4 5 5 65thPlace 2 3 3 4 4 56thPlace 1 2 2 3 3 4

Example:

TeamA TeamBPF2Qualifiers

1stPlace3rdPlace

12points 2ndPlace 6points

DUO Policy2Qualifiers

2ndPlace4thPlace

10points 5thPlace 3points

LD3Qualifiers

4thPlace 5points

IX2Qualifiers

6thPlace 1point 2ndPlace 5points

USX2Qualifiers

4thPlace6thPlace

4points

DI2Qualifiers

1stPlace 6points

HI2Qualifiers

2ndPlace 5points

OO2Qualifiers

1stPlace3rdPlace

10points

TeamATotal: 32points TeamBTotal: 35points


Congress,Debate,andSpeechSweepstakesAwardsInadditiontoanoverallDistrictSweepstakesPlaque,awardswillbegivenforthethreedistinctdivisionsatthedistricttournament:Congress,Debate,andSpeech.Eachoftheseareasfunctionsessentiallydifferent,andareoftenheldondifferentdays/weekends.Thisalsoallowsschoolswhoseprogramsfocusinoneortwooftheareastostillhaveachanceatearningsometypeofsquadaward.

Aschool’stopeightplacingspeech,topsixdebate,andtopfivecongressentrieswillcounttowardcalculationineacharea,respectively.

ComputingthesweepstakesawardforSpeechandtheawardforDebatefunctionsinthesamemannerasthosetwoareasarefiguredfortheoverallsweepstakesaward(seescheduleforawardingsweepstakespointsonthepreviouspage).

InCongress,eachofaschool’stopfivestudentswhoplaceintheirrespectiveSenateandHousechamberswillreceivepointsbasedonthescheduletotheright.Ifapreliminaryandafinalsessionareheld,onlythefinalsessionwillcount.

Note:Asnewmainevents,ProgramOralInterpretationandInformativeSpeakingcounttowardtheSpeechSweepstakesAward.

DistrictCumulativeSweepstakesAwardRoundsforallstudententriesaccumulatefromyeartoyearandaDistrictTournamentTrophyisawardedforone-yearpossessiontotheschoolparticipatinginthepresenttournamentwhosetotalishighestattheconclusionofthetournament.Itsrecordwillbesetbacktozeroandtherecordsforotherschoolscarriedforwardtothenextyear.Thetrophywillbecomethepermanentpossessionoftheschoolwinningitthree(3)times.Atiewillbebrokeninfavoroftheschoolwhosestudentswereinthelargestnumberofroundsinthepresenttournament.Ifstilltied,thetrophywillbeawardedtotheschoolwiththehighesttotalofAssociationmeritpointsearnedatthepresenttournament.

Note:Asnewmainevents,ProgramOralInterpretationandInformativeSpeakingcounttowardtheCumulativeSweepstakesAward.

Congress

1stPlace 82ndPlace 73rdPlace 64thPlace 55thPlace 46thPlace 3


ReportingtotheNationalOfficeThedistrictchairisrequiredtosubmitseveralreportstothenationalofficewithin48hoursofthecompletionofthedistrictcontest.Ifthedistrictholdscontestsonseparateweekend,submitmaterialsaftereachsegmentofthecompetition.Pleasedonotsubmitmaterialsnotrequestedhere.

JoyofTournamentsDistricts:

1. AnyfeesduetotheNationalSpeech&DebateAssociationcollectedatthetournament.

2. AsignedcopyoftheQualifiersandAlternateReport.JoyofTournamentswillgeneratethisforalleventsexceptCongress,whichmustbecompletedmanually.Thesignatureofthechairindicatestheorderoffinishrepresentedonthesetwopagesiscorrect.Itistheaffirmativedutyofthechairtoensurethatthequalifiersandalternateslistedonthisformareaccurate.

3. Allentry(registration)forms.Theseusedtobecalledgreensheetsandareidentifiablebytheprincipal’ssignature.

4. AllSingleEntryLetterofIntentforms.

5. TheJoyofTournamentsdatafile.Saveonecopyforyourrecordsandsubmitonecopytosupport@joyoftournaments.comandonecopytoinfo@speechanddebate.orgbyattachingthefileswiththeextensionJOTandTRNtoanemail.Thenationalofficewillconfirmyoursubmission.ThisincludesdistrictsusingJoyofTournamentstotabulateCongressionalDebate.

Non-JoyofTournamentsDistricts:IfthenationalofficehasexemptedyourdistrictfromusingJoyofTournamentssoftware,youmustsubmitthefollowingmaterial.Yourauditanddistrictpointswillbeprocessedslower,sinceyouwillnotbenefitfromtheautomationprovidedbyJoyofTournaments.

1. AnyfeesduetotheNationalSpeech&DebateAssociationcollectedatthetournament.

2. AsignedcopyoftheQualifiersandAlternateReport,includingforCongress.Thismustbefilledoutmanually.Thesignatureofthechairindicatestheorderoffinishrepresentedonthesetwopagesiscorrect.Itistheaffirmativedutyofthechairtoensurethatthequalifiersandalternateslistedonthisformareaccurate.

3. Allentry(registration)forms.Theseusedtobecalledgreensheetsandareidentifiablebytheprincipal’ssignature.

4. AllSingleEntryLettersofIntentforms.

5. Allresults/pointsmustbemanuallyenteredintothePointsApplicationwithin48hoursoftheconclusionofthedistrictcontest,withallscreensprintedbeforethechairsubmits/finalizedthoseresults.Thoseprintoutsmustbesubmittedtothenationaloffice.

6. Allentrycards,groupedbyevent,aswellasallscoresheetsandspeechballots.

7. Congress:adigitalfileandprintedcopyoftheofficialAssociationjudgecumulativeranktotalspreadsheetforeachchamber,andifused,astudentcumulativeranktotalspreadsheetforeachchamber.PleasedonotsendCongressevaluationforms/[email protected].

Decreaseyourpaperwork!Use

JoyofTournamentstotabulateyourtournament.

Plus,schoolscanregisterforNationals

sooner!


DistrictTournamentAuditProceduresThepreferredmethodoftabulatingthedistricttournamentistousetheapprovedtournamentsoftwareonacomputer.

Atthecompletionofeachround,theDistrictCommitteewillproduceanauditsheet.Thatsheetwillbecomparedtotheballotsforeachroundtodeterminethattheballotshavebeenaccuratelytabulated.Ifmistakeshavebeenmade,theresultswillbeevaluatedandcorrected.

Onceeventsaretabulated,theDistrictCommitteemustauditorchecktheresultsofroundsintwoways:

1. TheauditwillbeconductedbyanAuditCommitteeappointedbytheDistrictCommittee.2. Ballotsandtheauditsheetwillbemadepublicsothatheadcoachesortheirdesigneesmaytakeresponsibility

fortheaudit.DistrictCommitteesarestronglyencouragedtomakethetabulationprocessastransparentaspossible.

Ballotsandauditsheetswillbemadeavailabletothedesignatedcoachattheconclusionofeachroundaudit.Ifadistrictisnotauditingresultsand/orprovidingtheaudittoacoachrepresentative,thecoachrepresentativeshouldfileaprotesttothecommittee,citingthisproceduralviolation.Ifaprotestisfiled,theDistrictCommitteeisrequiredtocontactthetournamentrefereeforaruling.

Ifcoachesbelieveerrorsintabulationhaveoccurred,theymustfirstaddresstheissuewiththeDistrictCommitteeinatimelyfashion.Ifthetournamentisstillinprogress,theprotestshouldbelodgedwithinoneroundoftheauditbeingavailabletocoaches.

Theauditforthefinalroundresultsmustbemadeavailablebeforetheawardsassembly.Noprotestsregardingtabulationwillbepermittedaftertheawardsassembly.

Thenationalqualifiersdeterminedbythenationalofficefinalauditwillbeofficial.IftheDistrictCommitteeerroneouslyidentifiesandannouncesthatastudenthasqualifiedfortheNationalTournament,thatstudentwillnotbeallowedtoattendorcompeteintheNationalTournament.


DistrictTournamentRulesandPenaltiesInadditiontopairing/sectioningprotocolsoutlinedabove,thedistricttournamentserieshasspecificrulesandpoliciesthatmustbefollowedinordertoensurethatqualificationtotheNationalTournamentisvalid.

ItistheaffirmativedutyoftheDistrictCommitteetoensureallrulesandproceduresinthismanualarefollowed.Failuretoadheretotheserulesmayinvalidatetournamentresults.

ThemembersoftheDistrictCommitteepresentshallhavefullpowertoadjudicateanyprotest,dispute,orinterpretationoftherules.Protestsmustbefiledinwritingandmustinclude:

• Nameofcoachfilingprotest(acoachofrecordmustfiletheprotest)andschool,city,state.• Codeofperson/teambeingprotested.• Roundbeingprotested.• Section/roomandspeakernumberofperson/teambeingprotested.• Specificinfractionbeingprotesteddescribedwithsupportingdetail.• Signatureofprotestingcoach.

Aftertheinfractionhasbeenobserved/discovered,theprotestmustbefiledinatimelymatter.Atimelymannerisdefinedaswithinonehouroftheendoftheroundinwhichtheinfractionoccurred,unlessaspecificrulespecifiesotherwise.

Ifthedistrictchairand/orcommitteeareunclearastohowaruleshouldbeinterpretedorthepenaltyforarule,pleasecontactthedistricttournamentrefereeassignedtothedistrictbythenationaloffice.Thisenumerationdoesnotimplythatothertournamentrulesmaybeviolated.

DebateEvents1. StartTime:Nodebatemaybeginafter9:30p.m.unlessitisthefinaldayofthetournament.

Penalty:Noofficialwinnerofthateventandnonationalqualifier.

2. MinimumRounds:Atleastthreeroundsmustbeheldinspeechanddebateevents.CongressionalDebatemustincludeatleastfivehoursoffloordebateforaone-dayCongress,eighthoursoffloordebateforatwo-dayCongress,andthreehoursofdebateforafinalsession. Penalty:Noofficialwinnerofthateventandnonationalqualifier.

7. Judges:Oneorthreejudgesmaybeusedinthefirsttwodebaterounds.Wheneightorfewerentriesremain,threejudgesmustbeused.Anyoddnumberofjudgesgreaterthanorequaltothreemaybeusedfordebateeliminationandfinalrounds.Oncemultiplejudgeshavebeenused,thesamenumberorhighermustbeusedinallsubsequentrounds.Allsectionswithinthesameeventmustusethesamethesamenumberofjudges.AtleastthreejudgespersessionmustbeusedinCongressionalDebate. Penalty:Noofficialwinnerofthateventandnonationalqualifier.

3. Retrieval:UnlessdisallowedinparticulareventsbytheDistrictCommittee,theAssociationallowsforcomputeruseasenumeratedbelow.Usebycontestantsofanyelectronicretrievalsystem(recordingorinformationretrievalsystem)thatisnotallowedresultsinthepenaltybelow.Otherwise,electricorelectronicdevicesmaybeusedforthesolepurposeofkeepingtime.Judgesmayuseacomputertotakenoteswhilejudgingduringcompetitionatthedistrictand/orNationalTournament.MaterialsprintedfromtheInternetarepermittedifproperlycited.

Penalty:Ifadebaterusesacontrabanddevice,s/hewillreceivealossintheround.ACongressionaldebaterwillbesuspendedfromasession.


SpeechEvents1. StartTime:Nospeechroundmaybeginafter9:30p.m.(Extemproundafter9:45p.m.)unlessitisthefinaldayofthe

tournament.


4. MinimumRounds:Threeroundsmustbeheldinallspeechevents.


5. FinalRound:Nomorethansevencontestantsmayparticipateinthefinalround.


6. Judges:Thedistrictmustusetheappropriatenumberofjudgesforthetypeofsystem.

• Up/Down:Afterthefirsttworoundsthreejudgesmustbeused.

• Two-judgeCalifornia:Twojudgesmustbeusedineachpreliminaryround,threejudgesmustbeusedinthesemifinalround,andfivejudgesmustbeusedinthefinalround.

• Three-judgeCalifornia:Threejudgesmustbeusedineachpreliminaryround,threejudgesmustbeusedinthesemifinalround,andfivejudgesmustbeusedinthefinalround.Penalty:Noofficialwinnerofthateventandnonationalqualifier.


JudgeInstructionsandGuidelinesGeneralInstructions

• Alljudgesaretoreporttotheirassignedroomsatleastfiveminutesbeforethetimethecontestroundisscheduledtobegin.

• Eachjudge'sballotistobesecuredfromcontestofficialandreturnedimmediatelyfollowingeachround.

• Readtheinstructionsontheballot.

• Donotconferwithotherjudges.

• Judgesshouldnotinterrupttheflowofdebatesorcontestsinanyway.Theyaresilentevaluatorsandshouldnotrevealtheirdecision.

• College-agejudgesmusthavecompletedtheirsecondyear(foursemesters).Collegecoursestakeninhighschoolforadvancedcreditdonotcounttowardjudgestanding.

StatementonConflictsofInterestinJudgingFaircompetitionrequiresnotmerelytheabsenceofimproprietybutalsotheappearanceofimpropriety.Aconflictofinterestisarelationshipthatmightreasonablybethoughttobiasajudgetowardoragainstacompetitor.Suchrelationshipsmaythemselvesbequiteinnocent,buttheycouldreasonablybethoughttocompromiseajudge’simpartiality.

Ajudgemustrecusehimselforherselffromjudgingastudentunderthefollowingconditions:

1. Thejudgeandthestudentmaybeperceivedtohaveacompetitiveorfinancialagreementthatmaybiasthejudge’simpartialevaluationoftheround.Examplesincludebutarenotlimitedto:

A. Thestudentattendsaschool(oracollaborationofschools)thatthejudgeattended,coachedfor,orcompetedwith.NOTE:Twopotentialexceptionstothisguidelinewouldbethatifadesignatedcommitteeorombudspersonfeltthatenoughtimehaspassedsincethatjudge’sattendanceattheschooltoresolveconcernsofimpropriety.Inaddition,ifbothcoachesfeltcomfortablewithajudgethatgraduatedfromaschoolofoneofthecompetitors,thetabroommayallowthatjudgeplacement.

B. Thejudgehasapaidorunpaidcoaching,consulting,orjudgingrelationshipwiththestudentorschoolduringthesameacademicyear.NOTE:Servingatournament-hiredjudgedoesnotconstituteaconflictofinterest.

C. Thejudgehasreceivedorprovidedexpressedorimpliedofferstoprovidefuturecoaching,consulting,orjudgingtoaschoolorstudent.

D. Thejudgehasprovidedexclusivepre-roundpreparationtoastudenteitherbeforeorduringatournamentthroughanymethodincludingelectronically,verbally,orthroughthetransferofresources.NOTE:Sharingofinformationdoesnotconstitutepreparation,butthediscussionofstrategies,arguments,evidence,etc.,wouldconstitutepreparation.Ifsuchpreparationisprovidedduringatournament,thejudgeshouldimmediately(beforepairingsarereleased)recusehimselforherselffromjudgingthestudenttheypreparedfortherestofthetournament.Ifpracticeroundsbeforeorduringthetournamenthasoccurredbetweenschoolsthatajudgeisfulfillingobligationsforandcouldpotentiallyjudge,thatwouldbedefinedaspreparationandallpartiesshouldconsiderthataconflict.

2. Thejudgeandthestudentmaybeperceivedtohaveapersonalorsocialarrangementthatmaybiasthejudge’simpartialevaluationoftheround.Examplesincludebutarenotlimitedto:

A. Thejudgeandthestudentmaybeperceivedtohavehadapersonalrelationshipthatmaybiasthejudge’simpartialevaluationoftheround.

B. Thejudgeandthestudentareorhavebeeninafamilial,physical,oremotionalrelationship.


C. Thejudgeandthestudenthavecommunicationsofapersonalnatureoveremail,telephone,ortheInternetincludingsocialnetworkingsitesthatgoesbeyondcausalexchanges.Forexample,communicationsthatareextensiveand/orrepetitivemaycreateaconflict.Judgeswhosocializewiththestudentoutsideofthecompetitionarenaareconsideredtohaveestablishedapersonalorsocialrelationshipwiththatstudent.

3. Thejudgedoesnotbelievetheyareabletofairlyandimpartiallyadjudicateacompetitioninvolvingaparticularstudentforwhateverreason.

Judgesmaychoosetorecusethemselvesfromadjudicatingastudentunderthefollowingconditions.(Iftheseconditionsexist,itistheaffirmativedutyofthejudgetomakesuchinformationpubliclyavailablepriortotheroundbeginning.)

1. Thejudgesharestransportationand/orlodgingwiththestudent’steamonaregularbasis.

2. Thejudgehasapersonal,financial,orfamilialrelationshipwiththestudent’scoachormemberofthestudent’sfamily.

3. Thejudgeisanadministratorof,currentlyemployedby,oranticipatesemploymentfromaforensic-relatedenterprisewithwhomafinancialoradvisoryrelationshipexistsorissoughtwiththestudent.NOTE:Theseguidelinesdonotprohibitlableaders/institutestafffromjudgingtheirlabstudents;however,ifthoselableadersmaintainconsistentcontactwiththosestudentsand/orengageinpersonalrelationshipswiththem,theyshouldrecusethemselvesfromjudgingthosespecificindividuals.

Theexpectationofcompetitors,judges,andcoachesistoengageinthehighestlevelsofprofessionalismandintegrity.Whiletheresponsibilityisonjudgestoaidetransparency,theresponsibilityexistsforcoachesandstudentcompetitorsaswell.Itistheaffirmativedutyofallcoachesanddebaterstoassisteffortsintransparency.Nodecisionswillbemodifiedasaresultofdisclosedinformation.


DistrictTeamforUSAWorldSchoolsDebateInvitationalAllAssociationdistrictsareallowedtoqualifyuptotwoteamsofthreetofivestudentsusingtheproceduresoutlinedbelow.ThedeadlineforthedistrictchairtoofficiallynameateamisMay1,2017.Theentryfeeis$50perstudentontheteam.Eachdistrictmustprovideafull-timejudgeforeachteamavailablefortheentiretyofthecompetition.Districtsthatdonotprovideafull-timejudgeforeachteamwillnotbepermittedtoenter.

MethodstoSelecttheWorldSchoolsDistrictTeamTeamsarecomprisedofthreetofivemembersfromeachdistrictoptingtoparticipate.Aftertheentiredistricttournamentseries(speech,debate,congress)iscomplete,anystudentwhocompetedatdistrictsbutdidnotqualifytoNationalswouldbeeligibleforparticipationontheWorldSchoolsDistrictTeam.Theestablishedcriteriaofthedistrictshouldbemadeavailabletoallcoachesattendingthedistricttournament.Thiscouldbedoneviathetournamentinvitationorthroughanemailannouncement.Adistricthastwooptionsforselectingitsmembers:

OptionA–Districtsmayinvitealternatestobeontheteam.Toprovideanobjectivemethodofselectingtheteammembers,districtswoulddothefollowing:

• Invitethehighestpointearnersthataresenior,1stalternatestoserveontheteam.

• Ifastudentturnsdowntheopportunity,gotothenextnameonthelistofsenior,1stalternatesbymeritpoints.

• Ifyougetthroughallsenior,1stalternates,thengotosenior,2ndalternatesbymeritpoints.

• Keepworkingthroughthesenioralternates(3rd,4th,5th,etc.).Iftherearenoseniorsleft,gotojunior,1stalternatesbymeritpoints,thensophomores,andthenfreshmen.JoyofTournamentscanproducethisreportforanydistrictthatusestheJOTsoftwaretotabulatethedistricttournamentseries.

OptionB–Anydistrictparticipantwouldbegiventheopportunitytoapplyforconsideration.Thedistrictwouldselectacommitteetoexaminetheapplicationsandmakedecisionstofieldtheteam.Theselectioncommitteemayconsistofactivecoaches,retiredcoaches,communitymembers,administrators,andmore.Selectioncommitteemembersshouldrecusethemselvesfromscoringtheirownstudentapplicants.InadditiontotheabovecriteriasuggestedinoptionA,theselectioncommitteemightalsoconsideradditionalcriteria,butarenotboundtothem:

• GivepreferencetoapplicantswhoarefromschoolsthatdidnotqualifytotheNationalTournament.

• Givepreferencetoapplicantsfromschoolswithfewerthanthreeentries.

• Givepreferencetonewschoolstothedistrict.

• Givepreferencetoschoolswithnewcoachesinthedistrict.

Note:Ifyourstateassociationpreventshybridteams,adistrictmayselectentriesallfromoneschooltoenableaparticipatingteamtoattendNationals.Studentsdonothavetobeanon-qualifyingentryfromdistrictstobeselectedtocompeteforthedistrictWorldSchoolsDebateteam.Studentswhoattendthedistricttournamentandqualifyinamaineventforthe2017NationalTournamentmayforgotheirqualificationandparticipateinthe2017USAWorldSchoolsDebateInvitational,iftheyareselectedfortheteambytheirdistrictandhavepreferreditontheSingleLetterofIntentpriortotheDistrictTournamentSeries.

CoachoftheWorldSchoolsDistrictTeamThecoachofthedistrictteamcouldbeselectedbytheDistrictCommittee.Thispersonwouldbethemainpointofcontactbetweenthenationalofficeandthedistrictteam.


DistrictQualificationProcessforBigQuestionsDebatesForadditionalinformationaboutdebaterulesandaccesstoresourcesandjudgetraining,visittheBigQuestionswebsiteatwww.speechanddebate.org/big-questions.

Entries/QualificationProcess• Thetop-placingstudentateachdistrict’sBigQuestionsdivisionwillbeinvitedtoparticipateatNationals.• TohostadistrictBigQuestionsevent,fillouttheonlineapplicationbyApril1,2017.Togetstarted,visit

www.speechanddebate.org/[email protected].• BigQuestionsentrieswillnotcounttowardaschool’sdistrictentrylimits.• ThedistrictBigQuestionsdivisionmaybeheldinconjunctionwiththedistricttournamentorasastand-alone

eventonaseparatedateaslongasitoccursbeforeMay15,2017.Thedistricteventmustmeetthefollowingrequirements:• Minimumof15highschoolcompetitors.• Allstudentsmustcompeteasindividuals.• Morethanoneschoolinattendance.• Theeventmustbeorganizedthroughorwiththepermissionofthedistrictchair.• Theeventwilleithera)followthedoubleeliminationformatofotherdistrictdebateeventsorb)holda

minimumoffourpreliminaryroundsandsemifinals.• Thetop-placingstudentwillnotbeeligibletocompeteintheBigQuestionsCapstoneEventiftheyhave

qualifiedinamainevent.• IftheBigQuestionsdistricteventisheldbeforethedistrict’smainNationalQualifyingtournament,thetop-

placingstudent’snamemaybewithdrawnandreplacedwithanalternate’sifthetop-placingstudentqualifiesinanotherevent.

• “At-large”invitationswillalsobesenttoindividualstudentswhohaveperformedwellintheeventthroughouttheseasoniftheydidnotqualifyattheirdistricttournament.InvitationswillbesentstartingApril15,2017.

• OnlyentriescomposedofindividualdebatersmaycompeteatNationals.

SECTION4:NationalTournamentOperationsManual

08Fall

TheNationalSpeech&DebateTournamentisthelargestacademiccompetitionintheworld.Toattend,studentsmustplaceamongthetopcompetitorsatoneoftheAssociation’sdistricttournaments.TheNationalSpeech&DebateAssociationiscommittedtoprovidingeverystudentafairandimpartialcompetitionexperience.AllrulesestablishedintheEventsRulesManualguidethespecificrulesforeachevent.ThisdocumentprovidesthespecificproceduresestablishedbytheBoardofDirectors.Tournamentombudspeopleareavailabletoanswerquestionsandfieldprotestsregardinginfractionofruleshereinenumerated.


NationalSpeech&DebateAssociation•©2016-2017 NationalTournamentOperationsManual 91

EntryRequirementsOfficialNotice:AllschoolsmustregisterONLINEforthe2017NationalSpeech&DebateTournamentatwww.speechanddebate.org/nationals.Youmustreadallinformationbelowbeforeclickingthelinkentitled“BEGINREGISTERING.”PleasedirectallquestionstothenationalofficebycallingLisaVossekuilat(920)[email protected].

REMINDER:TheAssociationnolongeracceptsmailedscriptsorspeeches.AdvisorsmustUPLOADthedigitalfilesduringonlineregistrationinstead.

InstructionsforRegistering1) Registration:NationalTournamentregistrationisavailablebeginningFebruary15.Coachesmayregisterbyclicking

thelinkentitled“IAGREE.”Althoughtheentireregistrationprocessdoesnothavetobecompletedinonesitting,coachesmustcompletetheonlineprocess,printoutALLdesignatedpaperwork,andsendwithALLappropriatefeestothenationalofficebeforetheentrywillbeconsideredofficial.

2) CommunityStandards:PriortoregisteringonlinefortheNationalTournament,allcoachesarerequiredtoconfirmthefollowingstatement:“Icertifythatwe,thecoach(es),student(s),administrator(s)directlyaffiliatedwithourNSDAchapter,haveagreedthatthestudentperformance(s)reflect(s)ourschoolstandardsintermsofsubjectmatter,language,anduseofgesture.”

3) Supervision:InordertocompeteintheNationalTournament,eachstudentmustbesupervisedbyanadultapprovedbytheprincipal.Theadultsupervisormustbethestudent’scoach,aschooldistrictfacultymemberoradministrator,orthechild’sownparent(s).Thesupervisingadultmuststayatthesamelodgingwithstudent(s)undertheirsupervision.Studentswithoutanaccreditedsupervisorstayinginthesamelodgingwillnotbepermittedtoparticipateinthetournament.CoachesfromotherschooldistrictsmaynotbetheadultsupervisorwithoutpriorwrittenpermissionofbothschooldistrictsuperintendentssubmittedtotheAssociationbeforetheentrywillbeaccepted.

4) Fees:Paymentmustaccompanyyourregistrationmaterials.Seebelow:Policy,PublicForum,orDuoEntry $150perentrySpeech,Lincoln-Douglas,orCongressEntry $75perentryWorldSchoolsDistrictTeam $50perteammemberSupplementalEvents(Commentary,Expository,Poetry,Prose,ExtemporaneousDebate)

$20eachevententered(maypre-registerforallfive,butmayonlyre-registerfortwospeechORExtemporaneousDebateonly)

ConsolationEvents(ImpromptuorStorytelling)

$10eachevententered(maypre-registerforboth,butmayonlyre-registerforone)

ArefundinfullisavailableuponcancellationinwritingreceivedbythenationalofficebeforeMay1,2017,and50%uponcancellationbeforeMay8,2017.Norefundsthereafter.

5) Deadline:TheENTIREentryform,includingmailedmaterials,MUSTbecompletedandpostmarkedviacertified

mailbyMonday,May1,2017.Onlyregistrationscompletewithrespecttoeveryessentialitemwillbeaccepted.Lateorincompleteentriesandeachentrylackingsignaturesorpaymentinfullwillbesubjecttoa$200latefee,ordenialofentry.AlternateswillbenotifiedofavailablevacantslotsstartingMonday,May8,2017.Alternateshaveseven(7)daystocommittoentryoncenotified,ortheywillforfeittheirqualification.DeadlineforregistrationofalternatesisFriday,May26,2017.

6) CongressionalDebate:DistrictchairsareencouragedtoUPLOADoneortwoitemsoflegislation(preferably,onebillandoneresolution)tothePointsApplication(points.speechanddebate.org)byApril1,2017.LegislationisreviewedtoensureitadherestoAssociationguidelines,andblindlyvettedbyacommitteewhoratesandselectslegislationfromavarietyofgeographicregions.ThenationaldocketwillbereleasedontheAssociation’swebsitebyMay10,


2017.DistrictchairsalsosendnamesofcoachesexperiencedinjudgingCongress,socoachesshouldcontactthechairtocommunicateinterest,aswellasselect“preferCongress”and/or“Parliamentarian”onthenationalentryjudgingform.Note:Serviceasaparliamentarianisonlyatwo-daycommitment.

7) OriginalOratoryandInformativeSpeaking:EntrantsmustUPLOADacopyoftheirmanuscriptduringonlineregistration,signedbythecontestantandthecoach,certifyingthespeechisthestudent’soriginalwork.Note:Nomorethan150wordsmaybequotedfromothersources.Extensiveparaphrasingfromothersourcesisprohibited.ThedocumentMUSTincludeacompleteworkcitedpageinMLAorAPAformat.

8) Interpretation(HI,DI,Duo,andPOI):EntrantsmustUPLOADthehighlightedmanuscriptoftheoriginalsourceuseduringonlineregistration.Ataminimum,thismustincludethecuttingthestudentwillperform,includingtheintroduction.AllPOIentriesmustincludeaworkscitedpagewiththeirupload.AttheNationalTournament,allquarterfinalistsarerequiredtoturnintheoriginalsourceORprintedwebmanuscripttotheombudspersonbynoononthethirddayofcompetition.Photocopiesarenotacceptable.Anycontestantfailingtoproducetheoriginalsourcetotheombudspersonbytheaforementioneddeadlinewillnotqualifyforthesemifinalroundsofcompetition.Pleaseseethe“EventRulesManual”sectionofthismanualforfurtherdetails.

9) NoDoubleEntry:Acontestantmayenteronlyonemaineventcategory.

10) SupplementalEventEntry:Studentsmaypre-registerforuptofoursupplementalspeechevents(Commentary,Expository,Poetry,Prose)ANDExtemporaneousDebate.Thereisapre-registrationfeeof$20perevent.Allstudentsenteringsupplementaleventsarerequiredtopre-registerwiththenationalofficebeforeJune1,2017.Studentswhohavebeeneliminatedfrommaineventcompetitionpriortoround9orpriortothesemifinalsofCongressionalDebatemayre-registerTuesdayevening,June20,andofficiallyenteruptotwosupplementalspeecheventsORExtemporaneousDebate(ifpre-registered).

11) ConsolationEventEntry:Studentsmaypre-registerforbothconsolationevents(StorytellingandImpromptu).Thereisapre-registrationfeeof$10perevent.Allstudentsenteringconsolationeventsarerequiredtopre-registerwiththenationalofficebeforeJune1,2017.Allpre-registeredstudentseliminatedfrommaineventorsupplementalcompetitionbytheendofconsolationre-registrationonWednesday,June21,mayre-registerforeitherStorytellingorImpromptu.

12) WorldSchoolsDebate:AllNSDAdistrictsareallowedtoqualifyuptotwoteamsofthreetofivestudentsusingtheproceduresoutlinedintheHighSchoolUnifiedManual.ThedeadlineforthedistrictchairtoofficiallynameateamisMay1,2017.Theentryfeeis$50perstudentontheteam.Eachdistrictmustprovideafull-timejudgeavailablefortheentiretyofthecompetition.Districtsthatdonotprovideafull-timejudgewillnotbepermittedtoenter.

13) BigQuestionsDebate:AllNSDAdistrictsareallowedtoqualifyoneentryusingtheproceduresoutlinedintheHighSchoolUnifiedManualaslongastheeventoccursbeforeMay15,2017.OnlyentriescomposedofindividualdebatersmaycompeteatNationals.Thecostofentryis$50perstudent.Eachdistrictmustprovideafull--timejudgeforeachentryavailablefortheentiretyofthecompetition.BeginningApril15,2017,“at-large”invitationswillalsobesenttoindividualstudentswhohaveperformedwellintheeventthroughouttheseasoniftheydidnotqualifyattheirdistricttournament.

14) Lodging:Informationconcerninghotelsandtournamentactivitiesisavailableonlineatwww.speechanddebate.org/nationals.AllattendeesareencouragedtostayatoneoftheAssociationrecommendedproperties.

15) “ParticipantReleaseForms”AND“EntryConfirmationandSignatureSheets”:Onceyou’veprintedandobtainedsignaturesforALLstudentscompeting,pleaseUPLOADtheseformsaspartofonlineregistration.DONOTmailtheseforms.


16) Mailing:OURADDRESSHASCHANGED!Sendtherequiredregistrationmaterialsandfeesviacertifiedmail

postmarkednolaterthanMonday,May1,2017,to:NationalSpeech&DebateAssociation,401RailroadPlace,WestDesMoines,IA50265-4730.NOTE:Faxedoremailedregistrationswillberejected!NOTE:REMEMBERTOMAILalltournamententryfees,notpaidbycreditcard,includingjudgefeesandjudgebond.

17) Pre-OrderNationalsT-Shirts:Guaranteeyouandyourstudentsgettheshirtssizesyouneed!Sizestendtoselloutquickly,sopre-purchasingisagreatoption.T-shirtsmaybepre-orderedatadiscountedrateduringonlineregistrationORbyvisitingstore.speechanddebate.orgbyMay1,2017.T-shirtswillbeavailableforpickupinBirminghamonJune18andthroughouttheweek.GetyoursbeforepricesgoupinJune!

18) Pre-OrderMealTickets:Affordable,pre-purchasedmealsareavailableduringtheonlinetournamentregistrationprocess.Teamswithpre-purchasemealticketswillreceivefastandconvenientmealserviceduringverybusycompetitiontimeperiods.

19) JudgingInformation:AlljudgesmustbeavailabletojudgeMonday,Tuesday,Wednesday,ANDThursday.Alljudgesareeligibletojudgesupplementalandconsolationeventsregardlessofmaineventassignment.

A. EventsEachPolicyDebateTeam* 8roundsEachPublicForumDebateTeam** 5roundsEachLincoln-DouglasDebater 5roundsEachDuoTeam 4roundsEachSpeechEntry 4roundsEachCongressionalDebateEntry 4roundsor2sessionsofCongressEachSupplementalSpeechEntry 2roundsEachExtemporaneousDebateEntry 2roundsEachConsolationEntry 1round

B. Astudententeredintwosupplementaleventscountsastwoentries.

C. EachschoolthatqualifiesaPolicyDebateteamtotheNationalTournamentmustprovideaqualifiedPolicyjudgeforeachteamthatqualifies.Eachjudgemustbeavailableforaminimumof8rounds.

D. **EachschoolthatqualifiesaPublicForumteamtotheNationalTournamentmustprovideaqualifiedPublicForumjudgeforthatteamwhocanjudgeaminimumof5roundsofPublicForum.SchoolswithtwoPublicForumteamsmayprovideonejudgefor8rounds.JudgeswhoarecoveringaPublicForumobligationalsomayfilloutaLincoln-DouglasDebatejudgingcardtobeconsideredfortheserounds.

E. Eachschoolmustprovideajudgeforatleast6rounds(PolicyDebateteam8rounds)andbeavailableonMonday,Tuesday,Wednesday,ANDThursday.Schoolsthatdonotfurnishajudgewillbeassessedaminimumpenaltyof$700.APolicyDebateteamorPublicForumteamwithnojudgewillbedeniedentry!ThejudgequotaforeachCongressionalDebateentryisfourroundsortwosessionsofCongressionalDebate.CoacheswithonlyCongressentriesmayberequiredtojudgeCongressionalDebate.

F. SchoolsmaychoosetobringadditionaljudgesforadditionalowedroundsORpay$30perroundbasedupontheabovequota.Youmustfillouttheenclosedjudgecalculationworksheet.NOTE:YoucannotbuyoutofPolicyroundsorPublicForumrounds.

G. Eachschoolmustpostajudgebondof$200.Thisbondisinadditiontoentryfeesandjudgefees.Ifalljudgesfromaschoolcompletealljudgingassignments,the$200willbereturnedattheendofthetournament.AlljudgebondsmustbeclaimedbyJuly31,2017.IfyoudonotclaimyourbondatthetournamentorbyJuly31,itwillbeappliedasschoolcredit.Failuretoreportforajudgingassignmentorpoolingassignmentwillforfeityourjudgebondof$200forthefirstroundmissed,anda$100perjudgeperroundpenaltywillbeassessedthereafter.Aschoolwillnotbepermittedtocompetethefollowingyearunlessalloutstandingfees


havebeenpaid.

H. Eachjudgemaypledgetojudgeasmanyas8rounds,butnomorethan8.

I. TheAssociationcannotacceptregistrationunlesstheENTIREonlineregistrationprocessiscomplete,ALLmailedmaterialshavebeenreceived,andacheckcoveringallfeeshasbeenreceived.Eachincompleteregistrationwillbeassesseda$200latefee.

J. PolicyandLincoln-DouglasDebatejudgesmustincludecompletedjudgephilosophycardswithregistration.FailuretodosobytheMay1,2017,entrydeadlinewillresultinalatefeeof$200.TeamswillNOTbeallowedtocompeteunlessALLjudgephilosophycardsarefiledwiththenationalofficebyJune1,2017.

Severalotherformsarerequired,includingaparticipantrelease,signedbythestudentandparent/guardian(ifthestudentisnotoflegalage).Pleaseseetheregistrationwebsiteformoredetails.

GeneralRulesEligibilityandQualification13. Events:ThetournamentshallconsistofmaineventcontestsinPolicyDebate,PublicForumDebate,Lincoln-Douglas

Debate,CongressionalDebate–Senate,CongressionalDebate–HouseofRepresentatives,InternationalExtemporaneousSpeaking,UnitedStatesExtemporaneousSpeaking,OriginalOratory,InformativeSpeaking,DramaticInterpretation,HumorousInterpretation,DuoInterpretation,andProgramOralInterpretation.Supplementalandconsolationcontestsmaybeconducted.FeesandjudgingrequirementsareestablishedeachyearbytheBoardofDirectors

14. Qualification:NationalqualificationshallbedeterminedbydistrictNationalQualificationLevelsenumeratedintheDistrictTournamentOperationsManual.

15. Auto-Qualification:InanygivenyearattheNationalTournament,anystudentwhoplacesinthetop14inanymainevent,hasnotcompletedmorethansixsemestersofhighschool,andisstillenrolledinhighschool(asastudentingoodstanding)mayenterthefollowingyear’sNationalTournamentinthesamesoloeventorinthesameteameventwiththesamepartner.Thedistrictwillpermitanauto-qualifiedstudenttoparticipateinthedistrictcontestandtodoubleenterasspecifiedbythedistrict’suniformdouble-entrypolicies.Noruleregardingdoubleentrymaybeviolatedbyauto-qualification.Theentrymustindicateacceptanceoftheauto-qualificationthroughhisorherSingleEntryLetterofIntentpriortoitsdistrictcompetition.Thedistrictchairshouldnotifythenationalofficeofacceptanceoftheauto-qualificationinreportingdistrictresults.Astudentwhoacceptsauto-qualificationmaydouble-enterbasedonrulesabovebutmustsignthesingleletterofintent,whichisbinding,infavoroftheeventoftheirauto-qualification.Iftheentrysignsthesingleletterofintentandrejectsauto-qualification,theresultsofthedistrictcontestarebinding.

16. DoubleQualification:Astudentmaynotqualifyfor,orenterin,morethanonemainevent.

17. Alternates:Ifqualifier(s)donotregisterfortheNationalTournamentbytheestablishedandpublisheddeadlinedate,alternate(s)may,inorderoffinishatthedistricttournament,registerandattendthetournament.Thetop14contestants(teams)inorderoffinishineacheventatthedistricttournamentshallbedesignatedasqualifiersand/oralternates.

18. Eligibility:AnystudentwhohasattendedasecondaryschoolmorethanninesemesterscannotbeenteredintotheNationalTournament.AnystudentwhoisnotanAssociationmembercannotbeenteredintotheNationalTournament.NostudentmayparticipateintheNationalTournamentwhohasnotmettheageandeligibilityrequirementoftheirstateactivitiesassociation.IfastudenthasalreadyqualifiedtocometotheNationalTournamentbeforetheygraduate,theywillbeallowedtoattendtheNationalTournament,butnostudentmayreturnfromcollegeandparticipateinadistricttournament.Graduationisdefinedasthereceivingofadiplomaoritsequivalent,ornoticeofapassingGEDtestscore.


OverarchingCompetitionRules19. Forfeit:Acontestantwhodoesnotappearatthescheduledtimetospeakshallbemarkedlast.Adebateteammore

than15minuteslateshallforfeitthedecision.Theombudspersonmaywaivethesepenaltiesforvalidreasons.

20. Ifastudent/teamcompetesinthewrongcontestsectionoragainstthewrongopponent,atnofaultoftheiropponentorthetournamentofficials,thatstudent/teamwillautomaticallyreceivelastorwillreceivealossforthatparticularround.

21. Judges:Preliminarydebatesandspeecheventsshallbejudgedbytwojudges;eliminationroundsbythreejudges;semifinalsbyfive.Infinalroundsofdebateanyoddnumber9orgreaterjudgeswillbeassignedbythetournamentdirectorinconsultationwiththelocalhostandBoardofDirectors.Infinalroundsofspeecheventsatleast13judgeswillbeassignedbythetournamentdirectorinconsultationwiththelocalhostandBoardofDirectors,withaminimumofonehighandlowrankdroppedtoallowfor11finalroundballotstobecounted.College-agejudgesmusthavecompletedtheirsecondyear(foursemesters).Collegecoursestakeninhighschoolforadvancedcreditdonotcounttowardjudgestanding.Thefirstballotmissedbyajudgefromaschoolwillresultinthelossofthejudgebond.A$100perjudgeperroundpenaltyisassessedwhenajudgemisseseachsubsequentjudgingassignment.Judgesassignedbythetournamentcommitteeshallbefinalunlessprotestedinwritingforcause.

22. Protests:Protestsarefiledwithanofficialombudspersononduty,appointedbythetournamentdirector.TheAssociationwillprovideaforminthebudroomonwhichprotestsmaybefiled:

a. Nameofcoachfilingprotest(acoachofrecordmustfiletheprotest)andschool,city,state.b. Codeofperson/teambeingprotested.c. Roundbeingprotested.d. Section/roomandspeakernumberofperson/teambeingprotested.e. Specificinfractionbeingprotesteddescribedwithsupportingdetail.

Aftertheinfractionhasbeenobserved/discovered,theprotestmustbefiledinatimelymanner.Forcoachesinitiatingprotests,decisionsoftheombudspeoplearefinal.Ifaperceivedviolationoccursinasubsequentround,anotherprotestmaybefiled.

23. AdjudicationofAppeals:Thecoachoftheaccusedmayappealthedecisionofanombudspersontothetournamentdirector.Thetournamentdirector'srulingmaybeappealedtoacommitteeofpresentorformerboardmembers(appointedbythetournamentdirector)whosedecisionisfinal.

24. Disqualification:IncaseofadisqualificationofacontestantintheNationalTournament,allpreviousranksanddecisionsofothercontestantsstandandnorevisionofpastroundrankswilltakeplace.

25. CumulativeTrophyPoints:Eachtimeastudentappearsinadebateoramaineventcontest,theirschoolshallreceiveonetrophypoint.Trophypointsshallaccumulatefromyeartoyear,andtheparticipatingschoolwiththelargesttotalattheconclusionofeachtournamentshallreceivetheBrunoE.JacobawardsponsoredbyPiKappaDelta.

26. InterpretationMaterial:Theinterpretationcuttingperformedinthefirstroundofcompetitionmustbeusedthroughouttheentiretyofthetournamentinthatevent(DI,HI,Duo,POI,Prose,Poetry,Storytelling).Ifamainevent(DI,HI,Duo,POI)cuttingischangedbetweenthedateitissubmittedonlineandregistration,anewcuttingmustbereportedandsubmittedtothenationalofficepriortotheendofregistration.

27. Harassment:Harassmentinanyformatanycontestisprohibitedandisgroundsfordisqualification.28. TournamentAdjustments:

a. Undernocircumstanceshallatournamentorpartofatournamentbere-runbecauseofaviolationoftheserules.

b. Inthecaseofadisqualificationofacontestant,allpreviousranksanddecisionsofothercontestantsstandandnorevisionofpastroundrankswilltakeplace.

29. TabulationErrors:IfatabroomerrorattheNationalTournamentresultsinanannouncementattheawardsassemblyofanincorrectplacementinanevent,nocontestant'splacewillbelowered.Contestantswhoseranksjustifyahigherpositionwillbeawardedthecorrectplaceandaward.Tiesmayresult.


30. MeritPoints:a. Inpreliminaryrounds:

i. Debate:Win(2judges)=10pts.;Split(1-1)=8pts.;Loss(0-2)=7pts.ii. Speech:

twojudgetotalsof2or3=10pts.;4or5=9pts.;6or7=8pts.;8or9=7pts.;10+=6pts.b. Ineliminationrounds:

i. Debate:Win=10pts.;Loss=7pts.ii. Events1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th/7th

Speech 10 9 8 7 6Supplemental6 5 4 3 2

c. InCongress:averageofpointsawardedbyofficialscorers,onascaleof3-9pointsperspeechandcompletehourofpresiding.

d. Bonus:(tonationalwinners):1st=15pts.;2nd=10pts.;3rd=5pts.

Contestantswithlaptopsareresponsibleforprovidingsufficientbatterypower.Noelectricalpowerwillbesuppliedbythetournament,andcontestantsmaynot

plugintooutletsintheExtemppreparea.


TournamentProceduresforDebateEventsThefollowingrulesapplytoPublicForum,Lincoln-Douglas,andPolicyDebateevents.

GeneralRulesandInstructions1. Entries:AnentryisdefinedasateamoftwoPolicyorPublicForumdebaters,oranindividualLincoln-Douglas

debater.Nosubstitutionisallowed.

2. Codes:Entriesareidentifiedbyarandomalphanumericalcode.

3. Advancement/Elimination:Entriesareguaranteedsixpreliminaryrounds;thosewhohavewon8ormoreballotscompeteinrounds7and8.Beginningwithround7,anentryiseliminatedassoonasitlosestwodebates.

4. PromptingPhilosophy:Oralprompting,excepttimesignals,eitherbythespeaker'scolleagueorbyanyotherpersonwhilethedebaterhasthefloor,isdiscouragedthoughnotprohibitedandmaybepenalizedbysomejudges.Debatersmay,however,refertotheirnotesandmaterialsandmayconsultwiththeirteammatewhiletheydonothavethefloororduringPublicForumGrandCrossfire.

5. Timing:Timekeepersareanoptionbutnotrequired.Ifnotimekeeperisused,debatersmaytimefortheirpartnersorthejudgemaykeeptime.Seerulesforeachevent,particulartopreparationtime.

6. ReadingCaseand/orPlan:Ateammaydecide,whenaskedbytheopponentteamforacopyoftheircaseand/orplan,whetherornottoprovideit;iftheteamrefusestheywillnotbepenalizedinanyway.

7. OralCritiques:Nodebateballotmaybereturnedwithoutareasonfordecision.Oralcommentaryisnotconsideredasubstituteforthewrittenballot.TheAssociationstronglydiscouragesjudgesfromdisclosingdecisionsinthepreliminaryroundofcompetition.Commentsmadebyajudge(orallyorwritten)shouldbeconstructiveandprofessional.

8. Judges:a. Twocomputer-assignedjudgeswillbeusedinallpreliminaryrounds;threejudgesinelimroundsprior

tosemifinals.b. Insemifinals,fivejudgesareassignedwhohavebeennominatedforsemifinalsbythedistrictchairs.The

semifinalisanyroundthatmayresultinthefinalistsbeingdetermineduponitsconclusion.c. Inthefinalround,anyoddnumber9orgreaterjudgeswillbeassignedbythetournamentdirectorin

consultationwiththelocalhostandBoardofDirectors.

9. Conflicts:Contestantsinanydebateeventwhoareabouttobejudgedbysomeonewhohastaughtthematanytimemustreportthatfactimmediatelytotheombudsperson.Failuretocomplymayresultindisqualification.Ajudgemustrecusehimselforherselffromjudgingastudentunderthefollowingconditions:

1. Thejudgeandthestudentmaybeperceivedtohaveacompetitiveorfinancialagreementthatmaybiasthejudge’simpartialevaluationoftheround.Examplesincludebutarenotlimitedto:

A. Thestudentattendsaschool(oracollaborationofschools)thatthejudgeattended,coachedfor,orcompetedwith.NOTE:Twopotentialexceptionstothisguidelinewouldbethatifadesignatedcommitteeorombudspersonfeltthatenoughtimehaspassedsincethatjudge’sattendanceattheschooltoresolveconcernsofimpropriety.Inaddition,ifbothcoachesfeltcomfortablewithajudgethatgraduatedfromaschoolofoneofthecompetitors,thetabroommayallowthatjudgeplacement.

B. Thejudgehasapaidorunpaidcoaching,consulting,orjudgingrelationshipwiththestudentorschoolduringthesameacademicyear.NOTE:Servingatournament-hiredjudgedoesnotconstituteaconflictofinterest.

C. Thejudgehasreceivedorprovidedexpressedorimpliedofferstoprovidefuturecoaching,consulting,orjudgingtoaschoolorstudent.

D. Thejudgehasprovidedexclusivepre-roundpreparationtoastudenteitherbeforeorduringatournamentthroughanymethodincludingelectronically,verbally,orthroughthetransferofresources.NOTE:Sharingof


informationdoesnotconstitutepreparationbutthediscussionofstrategies,arguments,evidence,etc.,wouldconstitutepreparation.Ifsuchpreparationisprovidedduringatournament,thejudgeshouldimmediately(beforepairingsarereleased)recusehimselforherselffromjudgingthestudenttheypreparedfortherestofthetournament.Ifpracticeroundsbeforeorduringthetournamenthasoccurredbetweenschoolsthatajudgeisfulfillingobligationsforandcouldpotentiallyjudge,thatwouldbedefinedaspreparationandallpartiesshouldconsiderthataconflict.

2. Thejudgeandthestudentmaybeperceivedtohaveapersonalorsocialarrangementthatmaybiasthejudge’simpartialevaluationoftheround.Examplesincludebutarenotlimitedto:

A. Thejudgeandthestudentmaybeperceivedtohavehadapersonalrelationshipthatmaybiasthejudge’simpartialevaluationoftheround.

B. Thejudgeandthestudentareorhavebeeninafamilial,physical,oremotionalrelationship.

C. Thejudgeandthestudenthavecommunicationsofapersonalnatureoveremail,telephone,ortheInternetincludingsocialnetworkingsitesthatgoesbeyondcausalexchanges.Forexample,communicationsthatareextensiveand/orrepetitivemaycreateaconflict.Judgeswhosocializewiththestudentoutsideofthecompetitionarenaareconsideredtohaveestablishedapersonalorsocialrelationshipwiththatstudent.

3. Thejudgedoesnotbelievetheyareabletofairlyandimpartiallyadjudicateacompetitioninvolvingaparticularstudentforwhateverreason.

Judgesmaychoosetorecusethemselvesfromadjudicatingastudentunderthefollowingconditions.(Iftheseconditionsexist,itistheaffirmativedutyofthejudgetomakesuchinformationpubliclyavailablepriortotheroundbeginning.)

1. Thejudgesharestransportationand/orlodgingwiththestudent’steamonaregularbasis.

2. Thejudgehasapersonal,financial,orfamilialrelationshipwiththestudent’scoachormemberofthestudent’sfamily.

3. Thejudgeisanadministratorof,currentlyemployedby,oranticipatesemploymentfromaforensic-relatedenterprisewithwhomafinancialoradvisoryrelationshipexistsorissoughtwiththestudent.NOTE:Whiletheseguidelinesdonotprohibitlableaders/institutestafffromjudgingtheirlabstudents.However,ifthoselableadersmaintainconsistentcontactwiththosestudentsand/orengageinpersonalrelationshipswiththem,theyshouldrecusethemselvesfromjudgingthosespecificindividuals.

Theexpectationofcompetitors,judges,andcoachesistoengageinthehighestlevelsofprofessionalismandintegrity.Whiletheresponsibilityisonjudgestoaidetransparency,theresponsibilityexistsforcoachesandstudentcompetitorsaswell.Itistheaffirmativedutyofallcoachesanddebaterstoassisteffortsintransparency.Nodecisionswillbemodifiedasaresultofdisclosedinformation.

10. Scouting:Scoutingisstronglydiscouraged.

DebatePairingInstructions

I.PairingPrioritiesThesetakeabsoluteprecedenceoverpairingmethods.Prioritiesaremoreimportantthansidealternation.

A. Thefirstpriorityisthedrawingofbyes.B. Thesecondpriorityistoavoidthepairingofteamsfromthesameschool.C. Thethirdpriorityistoavoidthepairingofteamswhohavemetpreviouslyinthetournament,excepttoavoid

thepairingofteamsfromthesameschool.D. Thefourthpriorityistoavoidthepairingofteamsfromthesamestateexcepttoavoidpairingteamsfromthe

sameschoolorteamswhometearlier(waivedafterround11).

II.DrawingofByesA. Onceabyehasbeencorrectlydrawn,itcannotbechanged.B. Allteamseligibleforabyemustbeincludedinthedrawing.


C. Untilthreeteamsremain,byesshallfirstbedrawnfromteamslosingtoateamstillundefeated.Ifnoremainingteamshavelosttoundefeatedsorifteam(s)losingtoanundefeatedhavehadpreviousbye(s),ablinddrawshalltakeplaceamongoncedefeatedteam(s)whichhavehadnobye.

D. Whenonly3teamsremainandonlyoneisundefeated,thatteammustgetthebye,evenifithashadapreviousbye.

E. Noteammayrefuseabye.

III.StepsinPairingWhenpairingdebateroundsatthenationaltournament,thefollowingorderofbusinessshouldbefollowedunlesstheyviolatethepairingprioritiesabove.

A. Thefirststepisthedrawingofbyes.B. Thesecondstepisthepairingofundefeatedteams.C. Thethirdstepistheselectionofaonce-defeatedteamtomeetanundefeatedteam,ifnecessary.D. Thefourthstepisthepairingofonce-undefeatedteams.

IV.PairingofGuaranteedRoundsA. ApresetscheduleforthefirstsixpreliminaryroundsoftheNationalTournamentwillbepreparedbycomputer.B. Eachteamshallupholdthreeaffirmativesandthreenegativesunlessbyed,exceptPublicForumroundsthat

alwaysfliptodeterminesides.C. Byes,ifnecessary,aretobeselectedatrandom.Noschoolorteammayreceivemorethanonebyeinthesix

guaranteedrounds.

V.QualificationforEliminationRoundsA. Eachdebateinthesixpreliminaryroundswillbejudgedbytwojudges.B. Eachteamwillcountballotscastinitsfavor[byescountastwoballots;receivingaforfeitwincountsastwo

ballots]C. Anyteamwhowinseightballotsormorequalifiesforeliminationrounds7and8.

VI.Rounds7and8A. Thequalifyingteamsshallbeginrounds7and8withaclearrecord(0-0).Eachteamshallbeaffirmativeinone

roundandnegativeintheother,unlessbyed.B. Pairingsshallbemadeatrandom,but

1. Noteamshallbepairedagainstitsownschool.2. Teamswhohavemetpreviouslyshallnotbepaired.3. Teamsfromthesamestateshallnotbepaired.

C. Afterround8,thoseteamslosingbothrounds7and8areeliminated.Theremainingteamscontinueuntillosingasecondtimeorreachingthefinalround.

D. Noteamshallbeeliminatedbeforelosingtwiceorlosingthefinalround.

VII.PairingMethodsforSubsequentRoundsPhilosophy:Ateamisanindependentunitandshallbepairedandassignedsidesbaseduponitsownrecord.Theopponentsdebated,sidesdebated,orbyesdrawnbyotherteamsfromitsschoolareirrelevantandmustNOTbeusedwhenpairingorassigningsides.

A. PairingtheUndefeatedBracket1. Pairundefeatedteamsagainstundefeatedteams.2. Teamsshouldalternatesides,ifpossible;however,alterationofsidesisnotoneofthecore

priorities.3. PairingprocedureinLincoln-DouglasandPolicyDebate:

a. Onatableattheleft,placetheregistrationcardsofteamswithmorenegativedebateswhoarethenduetodebateaffirmativeinthenextround.


b. Attheright,placethosewithmoreaffirmativedebateswhoarethenduetodebatethenegativeinthenextround.

c. HoldbackanywhohavehadanequalnumberofaffirmativeandnegativedebatestoeventheshortercolumnastheseteamsARENOTDUEaparticularside.

d. Ifstillunequalinnumber,movecardsfromthesidewithmoretothesidewithless.Choosethosecardsbyblindlot.

e. Workingwiththestackofaffirmativecards,dealtheminaverticalrow.f. Thenegativecardsaretobeshuffledandplacedinsequenceoppositetheaffirmative

cards.EveryeffortshouldbemadetoadheretopairingprioritiesaslistedinSectionI.g. Ifthereisanoddnumberofundefeatedteams,drawfromthepileofonce-defeatedteams

whoAREDUE(seeletteribelow)toupholdthesideoppositetheoddundefeatedteamunlessthepairingcreatesaconflictwiththepairingpriorities.Iftheblinddrawresultsinpairingsofteamsinconflictwiththepairingpriorities,thedrawshallberedonetocreatepairingsofteamsnotinconflict.

h. Iftherearenoonce-defeatedteamswhoareduetoupholdthesideoppositeanoddundefeatedteam,drawonefromalloftheonce-defeatedteams.Iftheblinddrawresultsinpairingsofteamsinconflictwiththepairingpriorities,thedrawshallberedonetocreatepairingsnotinconflict.

i. Teamswhohavedebatedanunequalnumberofaffirmativeandnegativedebatesareconsideredduethesideinwhichtheyhaveparticipatedintheleast,thesesideconstraintsCANNOTviolatetheprioritieslistedaboveinpairingpriorityruleIwhicharesubstantiallymoreimportant.Whenateamhasdebatedanequalnumberofaffirmativeandnegativedebates,theteamisconsideredeligibleforeithersideinthenextround,andsidealternationfromthepreviousroundisNOTAPRIORITYandshouldnotbeconsideredinpairing.

4. PairingProcedureinPublicForumDebate:Shuffleallcardsfromtheundefeatedbracket.Placehalfoftheregistrationcardsonatablettheleftinasinglecolumnfromtoptobottom.Theremainingcardsaretobeshuffled,onceagain,andplacedinsequenceinasinglecolumnfromtoptobottomsothateachcardisoppositeacardintheleftcolumn.Ifthereisanoddnumberofundefeatedteams,drawfromthepileofonce-defeatedteams.

5. Teamsfromthesameschoolshallnotbepairedintheundefeatedbracketunless,a. Theyarethelasttwoundefeatedteams,orb. Thelastthreeundefeatedteams,orc. Threeofthelastfourundefeatedteams,ord. Amajorityoftheundefeatedteams(afterabye,ifany,)hasbeendrawn.

B. PairingtheOnce-DefeatedBracket.1. Paironce-defeatedteams(exceptthatoneonce-defeatedteammaybedrawntomeetan

undefeated)againstoncedefeatedteams.2. Teamsshouldalternatesides,ifpossible.3. PairingProcedureinLincoln-DouglasandPolicyDebate:

a. Onatableattheleft,placetheregistrationcardsofonce-defeatedteamswithmorenegativedebateswhoareduetodebateaffirmativeinthenextround.

b. Attheright,placethosewithmoreaffirmativedebateswhoareduetodebatenegativeinthenextround.

c. InPolicyandLDholdbackanywhohavehadanequalnumberofbothtoeventhecolumnsasthesearenotdueeitherside.

d. Ifstilluneveninnumber,movecardsfromthesidewithmoretothesidewithless.Choosethosecardsbyblindlot.

e. Workingwiththestackofaffirmativecards,dealtheminaverticalrow.f. Thenegativecardsaretobeshuffledandplacedinsequenceoppositetheaffirmative

cards.EveryeffortshouldbemadetoadheretopairingprioritiesaslistedinSectionI.


4. PairingProcedureinPublicForumDebate:Shuffleallcardsfromtheoncedefeatedbracket.Placehalfoftheregistrationcardsonatableattheleftinasinglecolumnfromtoptobottom.Theremainingcardsaretobeshuffled,onceagain,andplacedinsequenceinasinglecolumnfromtoptobottomsothateachcardisoppositeacardintheleftcolumn.

5. Teamswhohavemetpreviouslyshouldnotbepairedunlesstoofewteamsremain.Toofewteamsshallbedeemedtoremainwhennocombinationofpairingscanbeconstructedwhereallteamsaremeetingforthefirsttimewithoutleavingthebracket.

6. Teamsfromthesameschoolshallnotbepairedunless,a. Theyarethelasttwoonce-defeatedteams,orb. Theyarethelast3once-defeatedteams.c. Twoofthelastthreeonce-defeatedteamsandotherteamdrawsabye.d. Threeofthelast4once-defeatedteams,ore. Threeofthelast5oncedefeatedteamsandoneoftheothertwoteamsdrawsabye.

VIII.AssignmentofSidesSidesarenotassignedinPublicForumDebate.Everyroundisaflipround.SidesareassignedinPolicyandLDDebate.Eachteamoperatesasanindependentunit.SideassignmentsareNOTbasedonsidesdebatedbyotherteamsfromitsschool.Sideassignmentislessimportantthanotherpairingpriorities.

A. Sidealternationisnotapriority.However,intheprelimroundseachteamshoulddebateanequalnumberofroundsastheaffirmativeandnegativeteam.Abyecancreateanunequalnumber.Also,inrounds7and8,eachdebatemustdebateeachsideonce.

B. Noteamshouldbeassignedtodebatethreetimesinsuccessiononthesamesideunlesspairingprioritiesforcethistohappen.PriorityDiswaivedafterround11.

C. Ifteamsmeetasecondtime,theymustreversesides.D. Ifteamsmeetathirdtime:

1. Ifbothhavehadanunequalnumberof"affirmatives"and"negatives"andthelessdebatedsidesareopposite,eachshallbeassignedthelessdebatedside.

2. Ifoneteamhasanunevennumberof"affirmatives"and"negatives,"andtheotherteamanequalnumber,theteamwiththeunevennumbershallbeassigneditslessdebatedsideandtheotherassignedtheoppositeside.

3. Ifbothteamshaveanequalnumberof"affirmatives"and"negatives"andare,therefore,duetoupholdthesameside,orifbothteamshaveanunequalnumber,andbothhavedebatedmoreonthesamesideandlessontheother,thensidesshallbeassignedbyblinddraw.

IX.EliminationandFinalRoundA. Beginningwithround7,doubleeliminationshallbeineffectuntiltherearetwoteamsremaining.B. Whentwoteamsremain,theyshallbeassignedtoafinalround.Thedecisionofthatroundshalldeterminethe

nationaldebatechampion.C. Determining3rd-14thplace:

1. Placementshallbedeterminedbythemostnumberofrounds.Byesandforfeitwinscountasroundsdebated.

2. Whencontestantsareeliminatedinthesameround,placementshallbedeterminedbytotalballotcountthroughouttheeliminationrounds.Byesshallcountasmanyballotsasjudgesineachdebateintheroundwherethebyeoccurred.Forfeitsshallnotcounttowardballotcount.

3. Ifstilltied,placementshallbedeterminedbytotalballotcountthroughoutthepreliminaryrounds.Byesshallcountasmanyballotsasjudgesineachdebateintheroundwherethebyeoccurred.Forfeitsshallnotcounttowardballotcount.

4. Ifstilltied,placementshallbedeterminedbythewinnerofapreviousmeetingbetweenthetwoteamsintheeliminationrounds.

5. Ifthetiedteamsdidnotmeetintheeliminationrounds,placementshallbedeterminedbythewinnerofpreviousmeetinginthepreliminaryrounds,ifoneoftheteamswonbothballots.

6. Ifstilltied,bothcontestantswillreceivethesameplacementandthesameaward.


XI.TabulationofSpeakerPoints(PolicyDebateonly)A. Eachballotistoberecorded.Ifballotsaresubmittedwithincompleteinformation,everyattemptshouldbe

madetogetinformationinordertocompleteballottabulations.Averageswillbeusedifballotsremainincomplete.

B. Determinationofthetopspeakersshallproceedasfollows:1. Drophighandlowballotsfrom12totalballotsof6preliminaryrounds.2. Adduptotalspeakerpointsfromtheremainingballotsoftheguaranteedrounds(10ballots).

C. Tie-breakingprocedures:1. Usetotalspeakerpoints(12ballots)2. Dropasecondsetofhigh-lowballots(8ballots).3. Thedebaterontheteamadvancingthefurthestinthetournament.


TournamentProceduresforMainSpeechEventsGeneralRulesandInstructions1. Codes:Entriesareidentifiedbyarandomalphanumericalcode.

2. Judges:a. Twocomputer-assignedjudgeswillbeusedinallpreliminaryrounds;threejudgeswillbeusedinelim

roundspriortosemifinals.b. Insemifinals,fivejudgesareassignedwhohavebeennominatedforsemifinalsbydistrictchairs.c. Inthefinalround,atleast13judgeswillbeassignedbythetournamentdirectorinconsultationwiththe

localhostandBoardofDirectors.Aminimumofonehighandlowrankwillbedroppedtoallowforelevenballotstobecountedforthefinalround.

3. Scripts:a. Interpretation(HI,DI,DUO,andPOI):EntrantsmustUPLOADthehighlightedmanuscriptofthecutting

usedduringonlineregistration.ItshallbetheaffirmativedutyofeachcoachandeachstudententeredinInterpretationtodetermineabsolutelythatthecuttingbeingperformedmeetsAssociationrules.

b. OriginalOratoryandInformativeSpeaking:EntrantsmustUPLOADacopyoftheirspeechduringonlineregistration.ItshallbetheaffirmativedutyofeachcoachandeachstudententeredinOriginalOratoryandInformativeSpeakingtodetermineabsolutelythatthemanuscriptbeingperformedmeetsAssociationrules.

SpeechSectioningInstructions

I.GuaranteedPreliminaryRoundsSectioning:Guaranteedroundswillberandomlypairedbycomputer:

1. Pairings:Nostudentisplacedinasectionwithanotherstudentfromtheirsameschool,Associationdistrict,orstate.

2. Opposition:Eachstudentwillmeetdifferentoppositionineachround.3. Eachstudentwillbeassignedadifferentspeakerpositioneachround.

II.EliminationRounds:A. EliminationProcess:

1. Afterround6,eachmaineventwillbereducedtothetop60contestantsdeterminedonthebasisoflowtotalranksinthesixpreliminaryrounds.Tieswillbebrokenusingtheprioritysystem.(SeeruleVII.)

2. Thetop60contestantsineachindividualeventwillbeguaranteedcompetitionthroughround8.3. Attheconclusionofround8,eachindividualeventwillbereducedtothetopthirtycontestantsdetermined

bythetotalofjudgeballotsinrounds7and8only.Tieswillbebrokenusingtheprioritysystem.4. Thetop30contestantsineachindividualeventwillbeguaranteedcompetitionthroughround10.Rounds9

and10shallbeknownasthequarterfinals.5. Attheconclusionofround10,eachindividualeventwillbereducedtothetop14contestantsdetermined

bythetotalofjudgeballotsinrounds7-10only.Tieswillbebrokenusingtheprioritysystem.6. Thetop14contestantsineachindividualeventwillbeguaranteedcompetitionthroughround12.Rounds

11and12shallbeknownasthesemifinals.7. Attheconclusionofround12,eachindividualeventwillbereducedtothetopsixcontestantsdetermined

bythetotalofjudgeballotsinrounds7-12.Tieswillbebrokenonthebasisoftheprioritysystem.8. Thetopsixcontestantsineachindividualeventwillcompeteinthefinalround.9. Attheconclusionofthefinalround,thefinalplacementofcontestantswillbedeterminedonthebasisof

thelowcumulativetotalofalljudgeballotsinrounds7-12pluselevenballotsfromthefinalroundafterdroppingatleastonehighandlowrankforeachcontestantinthefinalroundonly.

B. Paneling:

1. Number:Thenumberofpanelsineacheventshallbeasfollows:


a. Rounds7and8:10panelsofsixcontestantseach.b. Rounds9and10:fivepanelsofsixcontestantseach.c. Rounds11and12:twopanelsofsevencontestantseach.d. Round13:onepanelofsixcontestants.

2. Procedures:Totaleachspeaker'sranks.Thenorganizethecontestantsinorderfromlowtotaltohightotal.Determinethenumberofpanels.Sectioncontestantsinabackandforth(weave)pattern. Example1–5panels(1hasthelowesttotal,30thehighesttotal)

3. Balance:Pairingintheeliminationroundsshallbebalanced.Thesumofcontestantranksineachsectionshallbeequalorbeclosetoequal.

4. Adjustment:Contestantsshouldbechangedfromonepaneltoanothertoavoid(intheprecedencelisted):a. Contestantsfromthesameschoolinthesamepanel.b. Contestantsfromthesamedistrictinthesamepanel(throughround10).c. Contestantswiththelowestcumulativerankstotalinthesamepanel.d. Contestantswhohavecompetedagainsteachotherinprecedingrounds.

Inlaterrounds,someoftheseconditionsbecomeunavoidable;however,eachandeveryoneshouldbeavoidedwheneverpossible.

III.SpeakingOrderA. Philosophy:Speakingorderforcontestantsshouldbevariedthroughoutthetournament.

1. Inthesixguaranteedrounds,nocontestantshouldbegivenaspeakingpositiontwice.

2. Inalleliminationroundsspeakingpositionsshouldbevaried.Aspeakershouldnotrepeataspeakingpositionuntilitbecomesunavoidable.

B. Procedure:Todeterminespeakingorder,totalthespeaker'spositionsinpreviousroundsoneachspeaker'scard,andthenarrangethecardsineachsectionhightolow.Thehighernumberswillspeakinthetophalfoftheround,andthelowernumberswillspeakinthebottomhalf.Adjustthecardswithintheframeworksothatastudentspeaksinanewposition,ifpossible.Example2:NotethatG,F,B,havesametotal,yetspeak2,4,5asadjustmentsaremadetogivethemanewposition.

C. Priority:Newpositionsforseveralspeakerstakespriorityoverexacthightolowplacementorder.Example3:

D. InExtemporaneousSpeakingevents,unlessitisunavoidable,studentsfromthesameschoolshallnotcross-examineoneanother.Speakerordershouldbeadjustedaccordingly.

A B C D E1 2 3 4 510 9 8 7 611 12 13 14 1520 19 18 17 1621 22 23 24 2530 29 28 27 26

Speaker Position Total Comment PositionRd.5Rd.1 Rd.2 Rd.3 Rd.4

A 1 3 5 2 11 Lowtotal;never7 7B 4 1 7 3 15 Never5 5C 2 6 7 4 19 Hightotal;never1 1D 7 1 6 2 16 2ndhigh;never3 3E 5 3 2 4 14 Never6 6F 6 2 5 2 15 Never4 4G 3 7 4 1 15 Never2 2

Speaker Position Total Comment PositionRd.4Rd.1 Rd.2 Rd.3

A 2 5 3 10 2ndhighest;hasbeen2,3 4B 3 2 4 9 Middle;never5 5C 4 1 4 9 Never3 3D 4 3 1 8 Low;butnever2 2E 6 3 2 11 High;never1 1


E. Speakingorderinthefinalroundofspeecheventsshallbedeterminedbyrandomplacement.

IV.EliminationRoundSelectionA. Round7Selection:Onalowcumulativebasis,totalingthe12judges'ballotsinthesixpreliminaryrounds,rounds7

and8shallbecomposedofthetop60contestantsdividedinto10panelsofsixeach.Iftiesincumulativescoresbringthenumbertoover60,theprioritysystemshallbreakties:

1. Greatestnumberoffirsts,thenseconds,thenthirds,etc.,inanindividualjudge'srankings.2. Iftiescannotberesolvedbytheabovemethod,thosetiedshallbeincludedinelimrounds7and8.

B. Round9Selection:Usingonlytheindividualjudge'sballotsfromrounds7and8,round9shallbecomposedofthetopthirtycontestantsdividedintofivepanelsofsixeach.Iftiesincumulativescoresbringthenumbertooverthirty,thefollowingprocedureshallbeemployed.

1. Inatwo-waytieiftheparticipantshavemet,thetieisresolvedinfavorofthewinner.Ifthereisamultipletieortheopponentshavenotmet,then

2. Greatestnumberofjudges'firsts,seconds,thirds,etc.,ineliminationroundsonly.3. Greatestnumberoffirsts,seconds,thirds,etc.,ineliminationroundre-rankings.4. Ifstilltied,both(all)participate.

C. Round11–SemifinalistSelection:Onalowcumulativebasis,consideringtheindividualjudge'sballotsfromrounds7-10,rounds11and12(semifinals)shallbecomposedofthetopfourteencontestantsdividedintotwopanelsofseveneach.Iftiesincumulativescoresbringthenumbertoover14,theprocedureusedabove(fordetermininground9contestants)shallbeemployed.

D. FinalistSelection:Thefinalroundshallbecomposedofthetopsixcontestantsselectedonalowcumulativebasis,addingthethreejudges’ranksineachround7-10,andthefivejudgesinrounds11and12(22numbers).Iftiesbringthenumberoversix,thefollowingshallbeconsideredintheorderlistedtobreakties:

1. Lowcumulativejudges’ballotscountedinrounds11and12only(speakersneednothavebeeninthesamepanels).

2. Greatestnumberoffirstsinbothsemis.3. Greatestnumberofindividualjudge'sfirsts,seconds,etc.,awardedinallelimrounds.4. Iftiescannotberesolvedbytheabovemethods,thosetiedaretobeincludedinthefinals.

E. FinalScore:Thewinnerineacheventshallbedeterminedonthebasisoflowtotalcumulativescore,countingtheindividualjudges’ranksinrounds7-10andtheranksofall10judgesinrounds11and12,andelevenindividualjudge'sranksinthefinalround,afterdroppingatleastonehighandonelowrankforeachcontestantinthefinalround.INALLROUNDS,ACTUALJUDGES'RANKSSHALLBERECORDEDANDADDED.

F.BreakingTiesinFinalScores:Iftiesexist,thefollowingshallbeconsideredinorderlistedtobreakties:a. Lowtotalinthefinalroundonly,afterdroppinghighandlowranksforeachspeaker.b. Judges'preferenceinthefinalroundonly,afterdroppinghighandlowranksforeachspeaker.c. Lowtotalofallranksinthefinalround.d. Greatestnumberoffirstsinthefinalroundonly.e. Judgespreferenceorreciprocalsfromallfinalroundjudges.f. Iftiesstillexist,duplicateawardswillbegiven.

*Twohighandtwolowranksdropped.SpeakersAandCtieat70cumulativetotal.SpeakerAwinswith24inthefinalround.SpeakerChas28.

Speaker Rd.7Ranks Rd.8Ranks Rd.9Ranks Rd.10Ranks Rd.11Ranks Rd.12RanksA 123 141 152 111 15221 23214B 111 222 333 243 31142 11322C 233 111 122 211 22315 32141

Speaker JudgeRanks CumulativeTotalA (1) 4 1 3 3 1 2 1 2 2 (5) 3 2 70B 4 (5) 2 2 2 3 (1) 2 3 5 2 2 3 77C 2 3 3 1 (1) 2 (5) 2 4 1 1 4 5 70


V.TiesinEliminationRoundsA. Two-WayTies:Two-waytiesshallbebrokeninelimrounds

(seeexampleatright).

B. Three-andFour-WayTies:Three-orfour-waytiesshallnotbebrokeninanypanel(seeexamplebelow).

Eachcontestantinvolvedinathree-orfour-waytieinapanelshallbeawardedthebettermiddlepositionforwhichthespeakersaretied.Forothercontestantsinthepanel,eliminatethenextposition(s)afterthetieranking.

VI.TabulationofResultsA. InPreliminaryrounds:

Aftereachround,thetwojudges’ranksforeachstudentinthatroundshouldberecordedinthecomputer.B. InEliminationrounds:

1. ScoreSheets:Thecomputerwillgenerateascoringsheetforeachpanelofanevent,listingthecodenumbersofeachcontestantinthepanelinspeakingorder.Whenballotscomein,recordthedecisioninthecomputer.Thecomputerwillthentotalthejudges'decisionsandgivearanktoeachcontestant,lowcumulativerankingfirst,etc.Staplethescoresheettothethreeballots.

VII.SpeechRulesViolations

Rulesviolationsaredefinedasactionsinwhichacompetitorhaspresentedmaterialthatdoesnotfitwithintheguidelinesoftheactivityinwhichtheyareparticipating.Suchviolationsmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,plagiarism,exceedingtransitionalmaterialguidelines,usingnon-existentevidenceinextemporaneouspreparationevents,andmisrepresentingthecontentofthescriptsubmittedwithwhatisactuallypresentedinrounds.Insuchinstances,thefollowingconsequenceswillresult:

A. Thecompetitorwillbeimmediatelydisqualifiedfromthetournament.Thedisqualificationwilloccurafterallappealshavebeenexhaustedandthedecisionthatarulesviolationhasoccurredisconfirmed.

B. Ifinafinalround,anyplacingsorpointsearnedbythatstudentwillbevacated.Allcompetitorsrankedlowerthanthedisqualifiedcompetitorwillbemoveduponeplacementinthatround.Ifmultipleviolationsinthesameeventhaveoccurred,competitorswillbeadvancedaccordingly.Iftheviolationisdiscoveredduringthesemifinalround,theoffendingcompetitorwillberanked6thinthesemifinalround.Ifthestudentstillqualifiesforthefinalroundwiththatranking,theirplaceinthefinalroundwillbevacated,andthe7thplacecompetitorwillbeplacedinthefinalround.Iftheviolationoccurspriortothesemifinalround,allpreviousplacingswillremainthesame.

C. IftheviolationoccursinthefinalroundoftheNationalTournamentandtheviolationwouldresultinanewchampion,thechampionshipwillbevacated.Potentialscholarshipsmaybeforfeited.

D. Allcoachingpointsearnedforalloftheschool/chapter’scompetitorsfortheentiretournamentwillberemoved.

Speaker Judge1 Judge2 Judge3 Cume PlaceA 1 2 3 6 2ndB 2 3 1 6 2ndC 3 1 2 6 2ndThenextrankintheroundwouldbefourth.

Speaker Judge1 Judge2 Judge3 Cume PlaceA 1 3 4 8 2ndB 2 5 1 8 2ndC 3 2 3 8 2ndD 5 1 2 8 2ndThenextrankwouldbefifth.

Speaker Judge1 Judge2 Judge3 Cume PlaceA 1* 3 2* 6 1stB 2 1* 3 6 2ndSpeakerAispreferredbytwoofthethreejudges.


E. IftheviolationoccursattheNationalTournament,theoffendingschool/chaptermay,dependingontheseverityoftheviolation,loseuptofourentryslotsforthenextyear’sdistricttournament.Theschool/chapterwillnotbeeligibleforanybonusentriesforthedistricttournament.

F. AllroundsinwhichthecompetitorparticipatedwillnotbeincludedinthecounttowardeligibilityforSchoolofExcellenceandBrunoE.Jacobawards.

VIII.NationalTournamentAuditProceduresA. Beginningwiththe2016NationalTournament,thenationalofficewillperformanauditofallfinalroundspeech

performancesaftertheconclusionofthetournamenttoconfirmthatnoegregiousviolationsoftheruleshasoccurred.Oncetheauditiscomplete,alldecisionswillbefinal.

B. AttheNationalTournament,theoriginalsourcemusttobeturnedintotournamentofficialsbyquarterfinals.Itisduebynoononthethirddayofcompetition.Ifanelectronicdeviceisnecessarytoreadthedocumentandcannotbeaccessedbytournamentofficials,itmustbeprovidedbythestudent.Thesourceandequipmentwillbereturnedafterthecompletionoftheaudit.Forsemifinalistandfinalists,thismayrequirekeepingthedeviceforonemonthandreturningitbymail.


NationalCongressionalDebateProceduresI. NationalLegislation

A. Eachdistrictcansubmitoneortwoitemsoflegislation,preferablyonebillandoneresolution.B. TheNationalOfficewillreviewthelegislationandselectoneitemtobeconsideredbyanationalcommittee

ofcoaches.C. District identity will be kept blind from the committee, but legislation will be grouped in six geographic

regionsofabalancednumberofAssociationdistrictstoensuregeographicdiversity.D. Thecommitteewillrateeachbillandresolution,andrankwithineachgeographicregion.Thetopsixranked

legislation,plusthenexthighestratedlegislationoverallwilladvancetoadocketof37items,toberankedagainbythecommittee.

E. Thetop12itemsrankedbythecommitteewillcomprisethesemifinaldocketfortheNationalTournament.F. Thenext25-rankeditemswillcomprisethedocketforpreliminarysessions.G. TheNational Officewill add another four items of legislation as “reserve” items for the final preliminary

session; thesewill be selected to avoid duplication of topics already selected, and from the next-highestrateditems,aswellasfromavarietyofgeographicregions.

H. LegislationforthefinalsessionwillbewrittenbyappointeesdesignatedbytheExecutiveDirectortoavoidduplicationoftopicsandabalanceofdebatableissues.

II. OpeningAssembly–includesthePledgeofAllegianceandOathofOffice,andgeneralannouncements.AlltimesareprintedintheNationalTournamentBook.Allparticipantsandofficialsareexpectedtoadheretostartandendtimes,accordingly.

III. PreliminaryChambers–intheSenateandHouseofRepresentatives,therearechambersofapproximately18-21studentseach.

A. Preliminaryroundsaresplitintofoursessionsofaboutthreehoursapiece;eachsession:1. Beginswithelectingapresidingofficer.2. Featuresanewseatingchart,withnecessaryaccommodationsmadeforstudentswithspecial

needs.3. Resetsprecedenceandrecency.4. Beginswithdebateonnewlegislationnotdebatedinaprevioussession.

B. Aparliamentarianwillbeassignedtoachamberforallpreliminarysessions.Parliamentarianscalltheirchamberstoorderandwill:

1. Announcetheyshallremaininthebackground,butwillnothesitatetostepforwardfirmlywhentheirpresenceisrequired.Theywillimpressuponmembersoftheirchambersthattheirpurposeistodebatelegislation;nomisuseoftheparliamentaryprocedurewillbetolerated.Theywillannouncethatinquestionsofprocedure,priorityisasfollows:

a. Associationrulesandprocedures.b. Rulingsbythetournamentdirector’sdesignee,whowillconsultRobert’sRulesofOrder

andotherAssociationofficialsifnecessary.c. Theparliamentarianmaynotaddguidelinesorsuggestionsthatarenotapprovedby

Associationrulesand/orthetournamentdirector’sdesignee.2. Wheneachsessionbegins,conductasingle-ballotelectionforpresidingofficer.Unlessone

candidatereceivesamajorityofvotescast,thepersonwiththefewestvotesisdropped.Ifcombinedvotesofthetwolowestcandidatesdonotequalvotesofthenextlowestcandidate,bothareeliminated.Onceacandidatereceivesamajority,theywillserveforthesessionimmediatelyfollowingtheelection,andreceivesanengravedgavel.Note:astudentmayrunforpresidingofficereachsession,butoncetheyareelectedandserve,theymaynotbeconsideredforfuturepreliminarysessionsunlessnootherstudentwishestoserve.

3. Onceelected,thepresidingofficerwillconductbusinessofthechamber.Atthebeginningofsession1,thechamberwillestablishanagenda,eitherbycaucusingcommitteeswhowillproposeagendas,orbynominatinganagendafromthefloor.Tournamentstaffmaydebriefthefirstsessionpresidingofficerswhilechambersdetermineagendas.


4. Priortoestablishingprecedenceandrecency,presidingofficersmaynottierecognitionforspeechestoquestionsandmotions(oftencalled“activity”),norto“longeststanding”or“standingtime.”

5. ParliamentariansshouldfamiliarizethemselveswithAssociationrulesandprocedures(furnishedwithchambermaterials),andbecomeacquaintedwithnamesofstudentsinthechamberasplacedontheseatingchart.

6. Sincedifferentdistrictsandleaguesusetheirownrules,legislatorsfrequentlybelievelocalrulesaresynonymouswithnationalrules.Theparliamentarianmustbewellversedwiththenationalrulesandwillingtoconsulttournamentstaffwhennecessary.He/shemustbefirmbutfairatalltimes.

7. Ensurethateachsession,thechamberreachesasclosetothreehoursoffloordebateaspossible(notcountingrecessesorpresidingofficerelections).

8. Ensureproperspeechtimes:uptothreeminutesforspeakingandoneminuteforquestioningbyotherdelegates,withtheexceptionofspeechesintroducinglegislation,andthefirstnegative,whichallowfortwominutesofquestioning.

9. Ensuretheprecedence/recencychartisresetforeachnewsession.Contestantsshouldkeeparecordofhowmanyspeechestheyhavegiven,andmayconfirmwiththeparliamentarian.

10. Keeparecordofallamendments,proposedandpassed,usingamendmentforms.11. Keepalistofspeakersandthetotalnumberofspeecheseachgives,makingnotesofthestrengths

andweaknessesofeach,butwithoutconsultingscorers.Attheendofthepreliminarysession,parliamentarianswillpreferentiallyrankallofthestudents,withthetopeightrankstabulatedwiththeotherjudges’aspartofthecumulativeranktotal.

C. Twoscorersareassignedeachsessioninrotationbetweensessionstovariouschambers.Theywill:1. Awardthree(3)tonine(9)pointsperspeechwithoutconsultingeachanotherregardingtheir

evaluation.Aspeaker’sanswersduringthequestioningperiodshouldweighinthescorers’evaluation.

2. Awardthepresidingofficerthree(3)tonine(9)pointspercompletehourofservice.3. Ranktheireight(8)morepreferredstudentsineachsessiontheyevaluate.

D. ThereshouldbelittleconsultationbetweenCongressofficialsconcerningthechamberwhenitisinsession.Theparliamentarianshouldconsultwithscorerstoconfirmthenumberofspeechesactuallygivenbyeachstudent.

E. Debateonlegislationshallcommenceasfollows:1. Thedistrictcongresspersonshallhavetherighttoopendebateontheirdistrict’slegislation;

however,theymayrelinquishthisrighttothechamber.2. Anyamendmentmustbepresentedtothepresidingofficerinwritingontheappropriateform

beforebeingmovedandpresented.Inconsultationwiththeparliamentarian,theamendmentwillberuledeithergermaneordilatory.Anylegislatormayseekthefloortodefendoropposetheamendment,recognizedinorderaccordingtoprecedence/recency.

F. Aftereachpreliminarysession,thepresidingofficer(PO)willbepresentedagavel,andmusteitheragreeordeclinetoserveasaPOiftheyadvancetosemifinals.Thischoice,oncemadeinwritingontheofficialform,isbinding,andaPOwhohasagreedtofurtherservicemaynotwithdrawuntilthatroundofservicehasbeencompleted.

G. Attheendofthepreliminarysession,thetopstudentsineachchamberwilladvance.Eachchamberwilladvanceanequalnumberofstudentssuchthatthetotalnumberofsemifinalistsdoesnotexceed60.

1. Attheendofeachscorer’sandparliamentarian’sjudgingcommitment,theywillranktheireight(8)mostpreferredstudentsinthechamber;theparliamentarianalsowillcompleteaballotrankingallstudentsinthechamber.Studentswiththelowestcumulativeranktotalwilladvancetothenextlevelofcompetition.Tieswillbebrokeninorderofthefollowingpriorities:

a. Judges’preferenceb. Reciprocalfractionsc. Adjustedcumulativeranktotalafterdroppinghighestandlowestranksd. Judges’preferenceofadjustedcumulativeranktotal


e. Reciprocalsofadjustedcumulativeranktotalf. Rankbytheparliamentarian

IV. SemifinalSession-Thesemifinalsessioniscomprisedofchambersof15-18contestantseach.A. Studentsareassignedtochambersintheprioritylisted:

1. Seed(mathematicalprogression;“snaking”)2. Avoiddistrictconflict3. Equaldistributionofpresidingofficernominees.4. Equalstatedistribution.

B. Threescorersandoneparliamentarianwillbeassignedtoeachchamber.C. Thesemifinalroundissplitintotwosessionsofthreehoursapiece;eachsession:

1. Beginswithelectingapresidingofficer.2. Featuresanewseatingchart,withnecessaryaccommodationsmadeforstudentswithspecial

needs.3. Resetsprecedenceandrecency.4. Beginswithdebateonnewlegislationnotdebatedinaprevioussession.

D. Onlypreliminarysessionpresidingofficersmaybeconsideredascandidatesforpresidingthesemifinalandfinalsessions.

1. Astudentmaydeclinenominationinwritingatanytime,butoncetheydoso,theymaynotbeconsideredforpresidingofficerinlatersessions.Onceastudentagreestonomination,theymustserveinthenextlevelofadvancement,ifdesignated.

2. Thetopfourpresidingofficercandidateswilladvanceinnominationforthenextlevelofpresiding,usingaprioritysystemasfollows:

a. Pointsawardedforpresidinginthepreliminarysession.b. Cumulativeranktotal.c. Adjustedcumulativeranktotal.d. Parliamentarian’sballot.

E. Atthebeginningofeachsemifinalsession,conductasingle-ballotelectionforpresidingofficerfromamongthecandidatessuppliedbytournamentstaff,followingthesameproceduresasinthepreliminarysession(II.B.2).Intheeventthereisnostudentinachamberwishingand/oreligibletopreside,anadultofficialwillbeassignedtopreside.Thewinnerreceivesanengravedgavel.Thereisnolongeranauditionperiodinthesemifinalsession.

F. Attheendofthesemifinalsessionthetopsixlegislatorsineachchamberadvancetothefinalsession:1. Attheendofeachscorer’sandparliamentarian’sjudgingcommitment,theywillranktheireight(8)

mostpreferredlegislatorsinthechamber;theparliamentarianalsowillcompleteaballotrankingalllegislatorsinthechamber.Legislatorswiththelowestcumulativeranktotalwilladvancetothenextlevelofcompetition.Tieswillbebrokeninorderofthefollowingpriorities:

a. Judges’preferenceb. Reciprocalfractionsc. Adjustedcumulativeranktotalafterdroppinghighestandlowestranksd. Judges’preferenceofadjustedcumulativeranktotale. Reciprocalsofadjustedcumulativeranktotalf. Rankbytheparliamentarian

2. StudentsnotadvancingtothefinalsessionmayclaimaSenatorKarlE.MundtMedallionduringBondCheckout.

V. FinalSessionA. Eight(8)scorersandoneparliamentarianwillbeassignedtoeachchamber.B. Studentswillberandomlyassignedseatsonaseatingchartrandomlygeneratedoncomputerbythetab

room,withnecessaryaccommodationsmadeforstudentswithspecialneeds.


C. Presidingofficernomineeswillbeselectedfromthosethatservedasapresidingofficerinthesemifinalsession,withthesamecaveatsenumeratedinIII.D.1.Thetopfourwillbeplacedonthelistofnominees,basedonthefollowingcriteria:

1. Pointsawardedinthesemifinalsessionforpresiding.2. Pointsawardedinthepreliminarysessionforpresiding.3. Semifinalcumulativeranktotal.4. Adjustedsemifinalcumulativeranktotal.5. Parliamentarian’sballotinthesemifinalround.

D. Beforeelectingthepresidingofficer,anauditionperiodofapproximately30minuteswillbeused,andcandidates’namesshallbedrawnrandomlytodeterminetheorderofauditioning.Theauditionisnotscored,norwillitcountinprecedence(forrecognitionpurposes).Intheeventthereisnostudentinachamberwishingand/oreligibletopreside,anadultofficialwillbeassignedtopreside.

1. Followingauditions,theparliamentarianwillconductanelectionforthefinalsessionSpeakeroftheHouseandPresidentoftheSenate.Thesestudentswillberecognizedattheawardsassemblyandeachpresentedatwo-footpresentationgavel,engravedaccordingly.

2. Thefinalsessionpresidingofficeriseligibletoberankedamongthespeakersinthesession.3. Allspeechesgivenbythefourpresidingofficercandidateswillbescored,andmeritpointsshallbe

recorded,accordingly.Theelectedpresidingofficeralsowillreceivepointsforpresiding,perhour,followingtheelection.Auditioningtimeshallnotcounttowardmeritpoints.

E. FinalRanking:1. Attheendofeachsession,scorer’swillranktheirtopeight(8),andattheendofthesegment,

parliamentarian’swillrankallmembers,withtheirtop8countingtowardsinitialranking.Finalplacementwillbedeterminedbyaddingupalloftheranksanddeterminingtheorderbaseduponthelowestcumulativerank.Tieswillbebrokeninthefollowingpriorities:

a. Judges’preferenceb. Reciprocalfractionsc. Adjustedcumulativeranktotalafterdroppinghighestandlowestranksd. Reciprocalsofadjustedcumulativeranktotale. Rankbytheparliamentarian

2. AllfinalsessionparticipantsreceivetheSenatorJohnC.StennisMedallion.VI. LeadershipAward:Attheendofthepreliminarysession,thesemifinalsessionandthefinalsession,thestudentsin

eachchambershallpreferentiallyrankanumberofstudentsinthechamber.ThestudentwhoadvancestothefinalroundintheSenateandintheHousewiththelowestcumulativeranktotalwillearntheleadershipbowl,withtiesbroken:

A. DroppingthehighestandlowestranksB. ReciprocalfractionsC. MostfirstplaceranksD. Placementbythejudges,withanyapplicabletie-breakersfactored

VII. TrophiesandAwardsA. Eachpresidingofficerwillreceiveagavel.B. Non-advancingsemifinalistswillreceivetheSenatorKarlE.MundtMedallions.C. AllfinalsessioncontestantswillreceivetheSenatorJohnC.StennisMedallions.D. Contestantsfinishing7ththrough14thwillberecognizedwithatrophyfollowingtheconclusionofthe

PublicForumfinalround.E. Contestantsfinishing1stthrough6thwillberecognizedwithatrophyattheAwardsCeremony.F. KarlE.MundtNationalCongressTrophy–Thishonor(awardedsincethefirstNationalCongressinWooster,

Ohio,in1938)ispresentedeachyeartotheschoolrepresentedatthatyear’sNationalCongresswhosestudentshaveaccumulatedthemostparticipationpoints,awardedasfollows:

1. Onepointforeachsession(finalscountsastwosessions,sinceitissolong)2. Twopointsforadvancing,orforbeingelectedpresidingofficerinasession


3. Threepointsforplacing4th,5th,or6th4. Fourpointsforplacing2ndor3rdplace5. FivepointsforthenationalchampionintheSenateandHouse6. Uponearningthisaward,aschool’stotalresetstozero


SupplementalandConsolationEventProceduresSupplementalEvents1. Contestantseliminatedfromthemaineventsafterround8andCongressionalDebatepreliminarysessionsmay

participateinuptotwoofthespeecheventsORExtemporaneousDebateifpre-registeredineach.Assoonaseliminated,thestudentsshouldreportpromptlytosupplementalre-registrationduringthepostedtime.

a. ExpositorySpeakingb. ExtemporaneousCommentaryc. Prosed. Poetrye. ExtemporaneousDebate

2. Twodownseliminateacontestant.

ConsolationEvents3. EachstudenteliminatedinalleventspriortoThursdaymorningorCongressionalDebatecontestantswhodonot

advancetofinals—ifpreviouslyregistered—mayenterImpromptuorStorytelling.

4. Asingledowneliminatesacontestant.

SectioningandTabulation5. SectioningandPanels:sectionsof5,6,or7willbeevaluatedbyasinglejudge.

6. Elimination:alltieswillbebroken,anda“down”isdefinedintheseeventsas:a. Rankof3,4or5inasectionof5b. Rankof4,5or6inasectionof6c. Rankof4,5,6,or7inasectionof7

7. Semifinals:Whenthenumberofcontestantsinasupplementaryorconsolationeventreaches18orfewer,asemifinalroundmaybeheld.Eachsectionwillhave3judgesandthesectionswillbeapportioned:18(6,6,6);17(6,6,5);16(6,5,5);15(5,5,5);14(7,7);13(7,6);12(6,6);11(6,5);10(5,5);9(5,4);8(4,4).

8. Finals:Sevenjudgeswillevaluatethefinalround.Winnerswillbechosenbyaddingtheranksofallpreliminaryroundsinwhichallstudentsparticipatedtothesemifinalandfinaljudges’ranks.Ahighandlowrankfromfinalswillbedismissedinthecalculation.

9. BreakingTiesinFinalScoresofSupplementalSpeechEvents:Iftiesexist,thefollowingshallbeconsideredintheorderlistedtobreakties:

a. Lowtotalinthefinalroundonly,afterdroppinghighandlowranksforeachspeaker.b. Judges'preferenceinthefinalroundonly,afterdroppinghighandlowranksforeachspeaker.c. Lowtotalofallranksinthefinalround.d. Greatestnumberoffirstsinthefinalroundonly.e. Judgespreferenceorreciprocalsfromallfinalroundjudges.f. Iftiesstillexist,duplicateawardswillbegiven.

10. Determining3rdthrough14thplaceinExtemporaneousDebate:Iftiesexistindeterminingplacings,thefollowing

shallbeconsideredintheorderlistedtobreakties:a. Placementshallbedeterminedbythemostnumberofrounds.Byesandforfeitwinscountasrounds

debated.b. Whencontestantsareeliminatedinthesameround,placementshallbedeterminedbytotalballotcount

throughoutallrounds.Byesshallcountasmanyballotsasjudgesineachdebateintheroundwherethebyeoccurred.Forfeitsshallnotcounttowardballotcount.


c. Ifstilltied,placementshallbedeterminedbytotalballotcountfromrounds6toroundeliminated.Byesshallcountasmanyballotsasjudgesineachdebateintheroundwherethebyeoccurred.Forfeitsshallnotcounttowardballotcount.

d. Ifstilltied,placementshallbedeterminedbythewinnerofapreviousmeetingbetweenthetwodebatersinanyround.

e. Ifstilltied,bothcontestantswillreceivethesameplacementandthesameaward.


WorldSchoolsDebateProcedures:USWSDIBasicOverviewPleaseconsultthe2016-2017USAWorldSchoolsDebateInvitationalManualforofficialdebaterules,procedures,andprotocolsgoverningthisevent.

TheWorldSchoolseventwillconsistofsix(6)preliminaryroundsofcompetition.Afterprelims,thetop32teams(orportionthereof)withwinningrecordswillbeinvitedtoasingleeliminationbrackettodetermineachampion.

Alljudgesandcompetitorswillberequiredtoattendatwo-houreventtrainingonSunday(registrationday),alongwithapracticeimprompturoundthemorningofMondaybeforeregularcompetitionbegins.

Entries• WorldSchoolsteamsarecomprisedofthreetofivestudents.Thecostofentryis$50perstudent.• Thecostoftravelandlodgingistheresponsibilityoftheparticipants.• EachNationalSpeech&DebateAssociationdistrictmayenteruptotwoteamstotheNationalTournament,

providedtheyofferasecondjudgetocoverthecommitmentforthesecondteam.• Guestnationsmayenterteams,aswell.Seewww.speechanddebate.org/nationalsfordetails.

Judges• Eachteammustfurnishonejudge.ThejudgemaynotbeenteredintoanyotherjudgingpoolattheNational

Speech&DebateTournament.• Therearenohiredjudgesavailable.• JudgesmustattendjudgetrainingonSunday!

Motions• Therewillbeamixtureofpreparedandimpromptumotionsforthecompetition.• PreparedmotionswillbeannouncedbyMay1,2017.

ParticipationinSupplementalandConsolationEvents• Teamswhodonotadvancetothesingle-eliminationroundsareeligibletoenterinsupplementaleventsifpre-

registered.Teamsmustre-registerduringthestudentpostingpartyTuesdayevening.• TeamswhodonotadvancetoThursday’sroundsmayenterinconsolationeventsifpre-registered.Teamsmust

re-registerWednesdayevening.


BigQuestionsCapstoneEventLogisticsForadditionalinformationaboutdebaterulesandaccesstoresourcesandjudgetraining,visittheBigQuestionswebsiteatwww.speechanddebate.org/big-questions.

Entries• Thetop-placingstudentateachdistrict’sBigQuestionsdivisionwillbeinvitedtoparticipateatNationals.(For

details,refertothe“DistrictQualificationProcessforBigQuestionsDebates”inthe“DistrictTournamentOperationsManual”sectionofthismanual.)

• “At-large”invitationswillalsobesenttoindividualstudentswhohaveperformedwellintheeventthroughouttheseasoniftheydidnotqualifyattheirdistricttournament.InvitationswillbesentstartingApril15,2017.

• OnlyentriescomposedofindividualdebatersmaycompeteatNationals.Thecostofentryis$50perstudent.

Judges• Eachdistrictmustprovideafull-timejudgeforeachentryavailablefortheentiretyofthecompetition.Thejudge

maynotbeenteredintoanyotherjudgingpoolattheNationalSpeech&DebateTournament.• Therearenohiredjudgesavailable.• JudgesmustattendjudgetrainingonMonday,June19,2017,at9:00a.m.

Topic• Studentswilldebatethe2016-2017topic,Resolved:Scienceleavesnoroomforfreewill.• StudentsmustattendthetopicdiscussiononMonday,June19,2017,at9:00a.m.

ParticipationinSupplementalandConsolationEvents• StudentswhoareeliminatedfromcompetitiononTuesdayareeligibletoenterinsupplementaleventsifpre-

registered.Studentsmustre-registerduringthestudentpostingpartyTuesdayevening.• TeamswhodonotadvancetoThursday’sroundsmayenterinconsolationeventsifpre-registered.Teamsmust

re-registerWednesdayevening.


NationalTournamentAwardsTeamAwards

PiKappaDelta/BrunoE.JacobTrophyEachtimeastudentappearsinamaineventround,theirschoolshallreceiveonetrophypoint.TrophypointsshallaccumulatefromyeartoyearandtheparticipatingschoolwiththelargesttotalattheconclusionofeachtournamentshallreceivetheBrunoE.JacobAward,sponsoredbyPiKappaDelta.

SchoolAwardsCoacheswhobelievetheirteamhasqualifiedforoneofthefollowingSchoolAwards(seenextpage)mayvisitthebudroomonFridaytoviewalistofqualifiedschools.OnecoachfromeachqualifiedschoolshouldattendtheNationalAwardsAssemblyFridayeveningtoaccepttheawardonbehalfoftheirschool.FormulaforDeterminingSchoolAwardsSpeechRound7/8 6points Round9/10 +4points (Total10)Round11/12 +4points (Total14) Round13 +6points (Total20)DebateRound7/8 6pointsRounds9through12 +2pointsperround (Totalupto14)Top6PlaceWinner +6points (Total20)CongressSemifinalist 6pointsFinalist +4points (Total10)Top7-14 +4points (Total14)Top6PlaceWinner +6points (Total20)SchoolsofOutstandingDistinctionTop10schoolsaftercombiningbothdebateandspeechpoints(mustscorepointsinbothdivisions).SpeechSchoolsofExcellenceTop20schoolsintotalspeechpointsthatdidnotwinaSchoolofOutstandingDistinctionAward.DebateSchoolsofExcellenceTop20schoolsintotaldebatepointsthatdidnotwinaSchoolofOutstandingDistinctionaward.SpeechSchoolsofHonorTop21-40schoolsintotalspeechpointsthatdidnotwinaSchoolofOutstandingDistinctionaward.DebateSchoolsofHonorTop21-40schoolsintotaldebatepointsthatdidnotwinaSchoolofOutstandingDistinctionaward.OutstandingSchoolAchievementSchooladministratorsofthetopsixindividualsorteamsineachmaineventwillbesentanOutstandingSchoolAchievementplaquewithintwoweeksoftheendoftheNationalTournament.Theplaqueswillbepersonalizedwithstudents’names,school,event,place,andyear.


IndividualAwards1. Mainspeecheventcontestantseliminatedafterrounds8and10(excludingTop14)mayclaimplaques.

2. Maindebateeventcontestantseliminatedafterround8(excludingTop14)mayclaimplaques.

3. CongressionalDebatecontestantsinthefinalsessionreceiveaStennisMedallionattheCongressionalBanquet;presidingofficersreceiveawardgavelsinchambers;CongresssemifinalistsmayclaimaSenatorKarlE.Mundtmedals.

4. Supplementalandconsolationeventcontestantseliminatedinthesemifinalround(non-advancingsemifinalists)mayclaimplaques.

5. ThestudentsearningthemostmeritpointsinDebateandinSpeechduringthecurrentyear’sNationalTournamentwillreceivenationalrecognition.

6. ThewinnersofthefinalUnitedStatesExtemporaneousSpeaking,InternationalExtemporaneousSpeaking,andOriginalOratoryroundwilleachreceiveaPresident’sBowl.ThewinnersofthefinalroundinHumorous,Dramatic,andDuoInterpretationwilleachreceiveanInterpBowl.ThefinalroundbowlforDuowillbenamedinhonorofSandraSilvers.

7. Thetop14maineventcontestantsandtop6supplementalandconsolationeventfinalistsareawardedtrophies.

8. InPolicyDebate,thetop14debatersbaseduponpreliminaryroundspeakerpoints(droppinghighandlow)willreceivespeakerawards.ThePhyllisFloryBartonTrophywillbepresentedtothetopspeaker.

NationalSpeech&DebateAssociation•©2016-2017 HighSchoolUnifiedManualAppendices 119

APPENDIXA:DebateEventTimeLimits

PolicyDebate CongressionalDebate–appliestoeachnewlegislationAffirmativeConstructiveSpeech 8minutes SponsorSpeech 3Minutes

NegativeCrossExaminesAffirmative 3minutes QuestioningofSponsor 2Minutes

NegativeConstructiveSpeech 8minutes FirstNegativeSpeech 3Minutes

AffirmativeCrossExaminesNegative 3minutes QuestioningofFirstNegative 2Minutes

AffirmativeConstructiveSpeech 8minutes Allsubsequentspeeches 3Minutes/each

NegativeCrossExaminesAffirmative 3minutes Questioningofallsubsequentspeakers 1Minute/each


AffirmativeCrossExaminesNegative 3minutes ExtemporaneousDebateNegativeRebuttal 5minutes PropositionConstructive 2Minutes

AffirmativeRebuttal 5minutes Cross-ExaminationofProposition 1Minute

NegativeRebuttal 5minutes OppositionConstructive 2Minutes

AffirmativeRebuttal 5minutes Cross-ExaminationofOpposition 1Minute

Preptime,perteam 5minutes MandatoryPrepTime 1Minute

PropositionRebuttal 2Minutes

Lincoln-DouglasDebate OppositionRebuttal 2Minutes

AffirmativeConstructive 6Minutes MandatoryPrepTime 1Minute

NegativeCrossExamination 3Minutes PropositionRebuttal 2Minutes

NegativeConstructive 7Minutes

AffirmativeCrossExamination 3Minutes WorldSchoolsDebateAffirmativeRebuttal 4Minutes PropositionTeamSpeaker1 8Minutes

NegativeRebuttal 6Minutes OppositionTeamSpeaker1 8Minutes

AffirmativeRebuttal 3Minutes PropositionTeamSpeaker2 8Minutes

PrepTime,perdebater 4Minutes OppositionTeamSpeaker2 8Minutes

PropositionTeamSpeaker3 8Minutes

PublicForumDebate OppositionTeamSpeaker3 8Minutes

FirstSpeaker-TeamA 4Minutes OppositionRebuttal 4Minutes

FirstSpeaker-TeamB 4Minutes PropositionRebuttal 4Minutes

Crossfire 3Minutes

SecondSpeaker-TeamA 4Minutes

SecondSpeaker-TeamB 4Minutes

Crossfire 3Minutes

Summary-FirstSpeaker-TeamA 2Minutes

Summary-FirstSpeaker-TeamB 2Minutes

GrandCrossfire 3Minutes

FinalFocus-SecondSpeaker-TeamA 2Minutes

FinalFocus-SecondSpeaker-TeamB 2Minutes PrepTime,perteam 2Minutes


APPENDIXB:SpeechEventTimeLimits

Event PreparationPeriod MaximumTime “GracePeriod”

ExtemporaneousSpeaking 30minutes 7minutes 30seconds

OriginalOratory 10minutes 30seconds

DramaticInterpretation 10minutes 30seconds

HumorousInterpretation 10minutes 30seconds

DuoInterpretation 10minutes 30seconds

InformativeSpeaking 10minutes 30seconds

ProgramOralInterpretation 10minutes 30seconds

ExtempCommentary 20minutes 5minutes 30seconds

Expository 5minutes 30seconds

PoetryorProse 5minutes 30seconds

Impromptu 7minutestoprepareandspeak 30seconds

Storytelling 5minutes 30seconds


APPENDIXC:CasebookQuestions Thefollowingcasebookquestionswereadoptedatthe2016SpringBoardMeetingtohelpclarifytheevidencerulesinLincoln-Douglas,PublicForum,andPolicyDebate. Question:Ateam/individualreadsevidenceinaroundthatcomesfroma)apurchasedhandbook,b)theOpenEvidenceProjectsponsoredbytheNDCA,orc)adebateinstituteevidencepacket.Theotherteamcallsfortheoriginalsourceoftheirevidence.Theteam/individuala)showstheoriginalpagefromthehandbook,b)showseithertheoriginalelectronicorprintedversionoftheOEPdownloadorshowsthewebpagefromwhichtheevidencewasprocured,orc)showstheelectronicorprintedversionoftheinstituteevidence.Isthissufficientprooffortheoriginalsource?

Answer:Yes.Theteam/individualhasmettheburdenofdemonstratingtheoriginalsourceoftheevidence.However,iftheteam/individualusesanyofthesesources,theyarestillresponsibleforthevalidityoftheevidence.Question:Ateamcallsfortheoriginalsourceofevidencereadbyateam/individual.Whatarethechoicesthatthechallengedindividual/teamhastoproducetheoriginalsource?Answer:Theteam/individualmayprovidetheoriginalsourceofevidenceinseveralacceptableways:

1. Theoriginalsourceinanelectronicorprintversion2. Printedphotocopiesoftheoriginalsource3. Onlineversionsoftheoriginalsourcethatcanbeaccessedattheconclusionoftheround4. Thefulltextoftheevidencefromtheoriginalsourcewithafullcitationthatcanthenbeusedtogettheoriginal

sourceQuestion:Ateam/individualreadsevidencefromabook.Theopposingteamaskstoseetheoriginalsourceofthebook.Musttheteam/individualproducetheactualbookastheoriginalsource?Answer:Ifevidenceisquotedfromabook,thedebaterisnotexpectedtocarrytheentirebookwiththem.Instead,theywouldberequiredtohaveeitheraprintedorelectroniccopyofthepageonwhichtheevidenceappears,thepagepreceding,andthepagefollowingtheevidenceinquestion.Question:Ateam/individualusesa“strawargument”(definedasahypotheticalstatementmadebyanauthorwhichislaterdisprovenbythesameauthorwhichisusedbytheteam/individualastherealpositionoftheauthor).Maythatteam/individualusesuchanargument?Answer:Debatersmayusea“strawargument”iftheyexplicitlycite,whentheargumentisfirstpresented,thatitisastrawargumentandtheauthordoesnotdrawthisconclusion.Question:Ateam/individualreadsaphilosophytext,agreeswithoneormoreargumentsadvancedbytheauthor,butdisagreeswiththeauthoronwhatconclusionsthoseargumentsbestjustify.Isthisanacceptableuseofthisevidence?Answer:Iftheteam/individualclearlyestablishesthatitistheiranalysis,theconclusionoftheauthorisnotbeingaltered,andtherefore,wouldbeanacceptableuseofevidence.


Question:Ateam/individualreadsapieceofevidenceintheround.Theopposingteam/individualclaimsthattheteam/individualhasremovedtheword“not”fromtheevidenceandis,therefore,misrepresentingtheevidence.Theteam/individualmakingtheclaimdoesnothaveacopyoftheoriginalsourcetosubstantiatetheirclaim.Isthisalegitimateandsubstantivechallenge?Answer:Thechallengeisnotasubstantiveone.Theteammakingthechallengemusthaveevidencethattheteamtheyarechallenginghasmisrepresentedtheevidence.TheymustprovidetheoriginalsourceasdescribedinQuestion#2.Failuretodosowouldrenderthechallengeillegitimate.Question:Ateam/individualusesanarrativetodescribeaconditiononwhichargumentsarebased.Theopposingteam/individualclaimsthatnarrativesareaviolationoftheevidencerules.Isthisalegitimateviolationclaim?Answer:Thedefinitionofevidencedoesnotrestrictsourcesthatcanbecitedbydebaters.Nontraditionalornonacademicsourcesmaybeusedtosupportclaims.Thedefinitionisnotintendedtolimittherangeofmaterialdebaterscanrelyupontosupporttheirargumentsinrounds,nordoesitmerelydefinethetypesofmaterialtowhichtherulesapply.Itdoesnotfavortraditionalacademicsourcesattheexpenseoforganicintellectualismandothernontraditionalsources.Thejudge’sdiscretionmaybeusedtodeterminethevalidityoftheevidenceandclaim.Question:Theteam/individualreadsonlythenameandyearofthesourcewhenpresentingevidence.Isthisadequatetoallowforthefindingofasource?Answer:Readingonlythenameandyearofthesourceisacommonlyacceptedciteformat.Thisformatcanoftendeterminethemostbasiclevelofvalidity/credibilityfromaquotedcite.Thefullciteinformationhastobeavailableifthereisaquestion.Question:Ateam/individualreadsevidencebythesameauthorfromtwodifferentworksbythatauthor.Maytheteam/individualonlyusetheauthor’snameormusttheyagainciteauthornameandyearasrequiredfororalcitation?Answer:Sincetheteam/individualhasusedtwodifferentworks,bothwouldneedtobecitedseparately.Failuretodosowouldbeaviolationoftheoralcitationrequirement.Question:CommonacademicpracticesrequiretheuseoftheeitherMLAorAPAcitationwhendoingacademicwork.Whyaren’tourevidenceguidelinesfollowingthosesamerequirements?Answer:MLAand/orAPArequirementsarenotconsistentwithtraditionalexpectationsforvariousformsofdebate.Teams/individualsshouldadheretotherequirementslistedintheNSDAguidelines.Question:Ateam/individualparaphrasesanauthorinthefollowingmanner(s):1)Inreferringtotheauthor’swork/concept,theteam/individualusesthespecificauthor’sname;2)Inreferringtothegeneraltheory,theteam/individualreferstotheconcept/workingeneraltermswithoutspecificreferencetoaspecificauthororperson.Whataretheevidencecitationrequirements?Answer:Inthefirstinstance,theteam/individualshouldbeheldtothesameevidencecitationstandardsasiftheyhadactuallyreadevidencefromthatauthor/person.Inthesecondcircumstance,theyareusingthe“generalunderstanding”conceptandwouldnotberequiredtoofferafullsourcecitation.However,theyarestillaccountablefortheaccuracyandvalidityoftheclaimtheyaremaking.


Question:Ateam/individualuses“ellipses”inevidencebydoingthefollowing:1)Theteam/individualusesevidencefromthesameparagraphofawork,butusesthefirstpartoftheparagraphasonepieceofevidenceandthelastpartoftheparagraphasasecondpiece,omittingthesentence(s)betweenthetwopartsoftheparagraph;2)Theteam/individualparaphrasestheevidencetheyareciting,omittingpartsoftheevidencetheyareparaphrasing.Aretheseviolationsoftheevidenceguidelines?Answer:Inbothinstances,theteam/individualmustbeabletoproducetheoriginalsourceoftheevidencethatwouldincludetheentirelanguageofthequotedmaterialbeingused.Failuretodosowouldbeaviolationoftheevidenceguidelines.Question:Ateam/individualischargedwithnothavingreadparticularpartsofevidencethattheyclaimedtohaveread.Howisthatdisputetoberesolved?Answer:Theteammustgivesomeclearoralcueastotheendofthepieceofevidencetheyhavereadandclearlyindicateinthewrittentexttheportionsoftheevidencethathavebeenread.Ifthejudgedeterminesthatthesestandardshavenotbeenmet,thentheymayrendertheirdecisionaccordingly.Iftheychoosetoignorethechallengeandfailtofollowprescribedprocedures,thenthatdecisionmaybeappealedtothetournamentcommittee.Question:Ateam/individualusesprivatecorrespondenceasevidenceinaround.Issuchcorrespondenceallowedtobeusedinthatmanner?Answer:Teams/individualsmaynotuseprivatecorrespondenceasevidence.Thereasonsaremany.First,otherteamsdonothavethesameaccesstotheevidencethattheteam/individualmighthave.Corroborationandverifyingtheauthenticityoftheevidence/correspondenceisdifficult,aswell.Foracademicreasons,teams/individualsmaybeencouragedtocontactsourcesofevidencedirectly.However,theyshoulddosoonlyfortheirowneducationandabilitytobetterexplainpublicallyaccessibleevidencebythatauthor/person.Question:Ateam/individualchallengestheevidenceusedorpresentedbytheiropponent.Thejudgedeterminesthatthechallengeislegitimateandanevidenceviolationhasoccurred.Whatshouldthejudgedoatthispoint?Answer:Inmostcasestherulesareveryclear.Inmostcases,theteam/individualisgivenalosswithnospeakerpointsawarded(ifapplicable).Thejudge(s)shouldthennoteontheballotthereasonforthelossandthelackofspeakerpoints.Judgeeducationmayneedtotakeplacetoassistjudgesinsuchsituations.Unlessthejudgehasmisinterpretedorfailedtofollowarule,theirdecisionisfinalandbinding.Itmaynotbeappealed.Question:Ateam/individualissuesanevidencechallengeby1)merelyquestioningthevalidityoftheevidencewithlittleornoexplanationorsupport;2)producingtheoriginalsourceindicatingthattheopposingteamhasviolatedoneormoreoftheevidencerequirements.Aretheselegitimateevidencechallenges?Answer:Thesecondchallengeisindeedlegitimateandshouldbeconsideredbythejudgeand/ortabulationcommittee.Thefirstisnotalegitimatechallenge.Ifsuchachallengeisoffered,thejudgehastwochoices.Theymaychoosetomerelyignorethechallengeandproceedwiththeround.Theymayalsochoosetopausetheround,andasktheteammakingthechallengeiftheywouldliketoissueaformalchallenge,withtheunderstandingbeingthattheroundwouldthenbeoveroncethechallengehadbeendecided.Theteamwouldthenchoosetoeitherproceedormaketheformalchallenge.Challengingteamsmustmeetparticularcriteria.Thechallengingofevidenceisaseriouschargeandshouldnotbetakenlightly.


Question:Ateam/individualquestionsthelegitimacyofevidenceintheround,butdoesnotissueaformalevidencechallenge.Oncethedecisionismade,andtheteam/individualfindsoutthattheyhavelosttheround(orbelievesthattheyhavelosttheround),theychoosetofileaprotestwiththetabroom.Isthisconsideredtobealegitimateevidencechallenge?Answer:Anyteamorindividualmayprotestthelegitimacyofevidenceatthecompletionofaround.However,theallegationmustmeetthesameburdensasifthechallengeweremadeintheround.Failuretomeetanyoftheburdensrequiredwouldrenderthechallengemoot.Thetabulationcommitteewouldfollowthesameproceduresasajudgewouldintheroundtodetermineiftheallegationislegitimate.Thesameconsequenceswouldapplyasifthejudgewererenderingthesamedecision.Question:Ateam/individualmakesaformalallegationthatateam/individualhasdistortedevidence,whichcouldresultinalossforthatteam.Theteam/individualbeingchargednowmakesacounterallegationthattheteam/individualisusingnon-existentevidence.Howshouldthejudge(s)proceedinthissituation?Answer:Thejudge(s)shouldaddresseachallegationseparatelyandintheorderinwhichtheywerepresented.Inthiscase,thejudge(s)shouldaddresstheallegationofdistortedevidencefirst.Iftheallegationisfoundtobelegitimate,thejudge(s)wouldgivethelosstotheteamfoundtohaveviolatedtheevidencerules.Iftheallegationhadnomerit,thejudge(s)wouldgivethelosstotheteammakingtheallegation.Thejudge(s)wouldthenaddressthesecondallegation.Thesameprocedureswouldbefollowed.Iftheallegationhadnomerit,thejudge(s)wouldnowbeaffirmingthepreviouslyawardedwin.Iftheallegationhadmerit,thejudge(s)wouldthengiveeachteamalossintheround.Subsequentpenalties(7.3.B)wouldthenapplytobothteams.Question:Ateam/individualmakesaformalallegationthatateam/individualhasdistortedevidence.Theteambeingaccuseddoesnotrespond,butallowsthejudgetorenderadecision.Thejudgeupholdstheallegationandvotesagainsttheteam/individualaccusedofdistortingevidence.Oncetheballothasbeenturnedin,theteam/individualand/ortheircoachfileaprotestoftheround,allegingthattheiropponenthasviolatedtheevidencerules.Whatshouldthetabulationcommitteedoatthispoint?Answer:Theallegationmustbetreatedjustasanyotherpostroundprotestshouldbehandled.Thepersonsprotestingmustdosowithintheprescribedtimeframe,withthesamerequirementstobringtheprotest.Theteam/individualbeingprotestedhastherighttorespond.Thetabulationcommitteewouldthenruleinthesamemannertheywouldwithanyotherprotest.Iftheychoosetodenytheprotest,thedecisionintheroundwouldstand.Iftheydecidethataviolationhasoccurred,bothteams/individualswouldbegivenalossintheround,dependingontheviolationthathadoccurred.


APPENDIXD:CongressEvidenceChallengeFormTobesubmittedtotheParliamentarianforconsiderationwithin20minutesofthecloseofthesession.(PleasePRINT.)

Student: Code:

School: State:

Pleasedetailthespecificpieceofevidencethatyouarechallenging,includinganycitedsourceinformationandwhereinthespeechtheevidencewasused.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pleaseexplainyourreasoningand/orproofforchallengingthispieceofevidence.Pleaseincludewhetheryouareinpossessionofthesourceandcanproduceituponrequest.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Iunderstandthatallegingaviolationwithoutmeritortobefoundinaccuratecouldleadtoacensurebytheparliamentarian.

Student’sSignature:

State: Coach’sName:

SupervisingAdult’sName:


APPENDIXE:ChangeLogThissectionhighlightsrevisionsmadetothisdocument.Overarchingmodificationsareindicatedbyachangeintheseconddigit(e.g.,2.1.0),whileminoreditsorrevisionstothecurrentdocumentareindicatedbyachangeinthethirddigit(e.g.,2.0.1).Thefollowingareupdatestotheoriginalversions.

Editor’sNote:Forquickreferencethroughoutthisdocument,newchangesforthecurrentyeararehighlightedinyellow.Otherrecentchangesmadewithinthepastoneortwoyearsremainhighlightedingray.

SECTION1:HighSchoolChapterManualUpdates

Date Version ChangeDescription

01/31/2011 2.0.2 Pointrecordingchartfornon-rankedevaluationinspeecheventsadded;chartforservicepointrecordingadded;conversationofranksvs.pointsinCongressionalDebateadded.Addedgraphicstoclarifytheindividualapplication/enrollmentprocess.

09/15/2011 2.0.3 Releaseforthe2011-12schoolyear.Districtcommitteeinformationupdatedtoreflectabolishmentofthealternateposition,aswellasonlinevoting.Minordocumentformatting.

01/05/2012 2.0.4 Stipulationaddedthatcandidatesfordistrictcommitteemembersmustbeactivecoaches(affiliatedwithaschool)inthedistrict.

CongressionalDebatepointrecordingconversationtableaddedforwhen6-pt.scoringisnotused.

Referencetoautomaticpointrecordingadded.

02/24/2012 2.0.5 Clarifiedthatonlyonescorecanbeenteredperroundforinterscholasticcompetition(p.4-5).Speechranksareaveragedforpanels,exceptforfinalrounds,wheretheoveralltournamentplacementisused.Noteaddedonquickreference.

Addedruleprohibitingretroactivepointrecordingforservicespeakingprojectsbeyondoneyearprior.

Clarifiedthatchangestoonlinepointsdatabaserecordsmustbesubmittedbythechapteradvisorofrecord.

AddedinformationaboutthenewStudentServiceCitations.

01/07/2013 2.0.6 ClarifiedchangesinRecordingMeritPoints,includingnon-competitive/servicepoints.

12/10/2013 2.1.0 NotedchangetoquarterlyRostrumpublicationcycle.

AminimumoffourschoolsmustbepresentatatournamentforAssociationmeritpointstobeearnedinallevents.

AddednewproceduresforStudentWebsiteRegistration.

UpdatedtheNationalQualificationLevels,whichreplacethered,yellow,greenstatussystempreviouslyinplace.

8/22/2014 3.0.0 Updatedbrandingtoreflecttheorganization’snamechange(NationalForensicLeaguetoNationalSpeech&DebateAssociation).

Updatedwebsiteandemailcontactinformationthroughout:www.speechanddebate.org/[email protected].

UpdatedproceduresforStudentWebsiteRegistration.


11/17/2015 2016.0.0 Releaseforthe2015-2016schoolyear:

Adaptedformattingtocreateunifiedmanual—contentcombinedwithHighSchoolEventRulesManual,DistrictTournamentOperationsManual,andNationalTournamentOperationsManual.

Addednoticeaboutschool-basedmembershipfor2016-2017.

Nodistrictwillbeallowedtosplitintotwodistrictsunlesstheyestablish40chaptersfortwoconsecutiveyears.


ClarifiedstudentwebsiteregistrationprocedureswiththelaunchoftheAssociation’snewwebsite.

WiththepassingoftheConstitutionalReferenduminApril2016,eachactivememberschoolshallhaveonevoteindistrictandnationalmatters.

02/13/2017 2017.1.0 AddedtheCoachesCodeofEthics,adoptedinDecember2016.

SECTION2:HighSchoolEventRulesManualUpdates



Adaptedformattingtocreateunifiedmanual—contentcombinedwithHighSchoolChapterManual,DistrictTournamentOperationsManual,andNationalTournamentOperationsManual.

AddedpiloteventrulesforInformativeSpeakingandProgramOralInterpretation.


UpdatedtherulesforInformativeSpeakingandProgramOralInterpretation,whichwereadoptedasofficialmaineventsbeginningin2016-2017.

UpdatedtherulesforInterpretationeventsregardingonlinepublishingsources:PDFdownloads,e-books,andwebsiteswitheditorialreview.

ClarifiedthesourceverificationrulesinInterpretationevents.

ClarifiedthetransitionsruleinInterpretationevents.

ModifiedtheWebsiteApprovalSubmissionProcessforonlinepublishingsources.

UpdatedtherulesforProse/PoetrytoreflectuseofPDFs,e-books,andonlinematerial.

InOriginalOratory,thegeneralpurposeofthespeechistopersuade.Anyotherpurposesuchastoinformorentertainshallbesecondary.

Adoptedcasebookquestionsforclarifyingevidencerulesindebate(seeAppendixC).

AddedpilotevidencerulesforCongressionalDebate.

AddedprovisionsfordirectquestioninginCongressionalDebate.

AddedtheCongressEvidenceChallengeForm(seeAppendixD).

02/13/2017 2017.1.0 UpdatedtheInformativeSpeakingrulesforparitywithothereventrules:“Astudentmaynotuseaninformativespeechthestudentusedindistrictornationalcompetitioninanypreviouscontestyear.”


SECTION3:DistrictTournamentOperationsManualUpdates


12/01/2011 4.0.0 Ininterpretiveevents(DI,HI,Duo),thesameselectionofliteratureenteredaton-siteregistrationshouldbeusedforthedurationofthetournament.

CongressionalDebatejudgesaffiliatedwithaparticularschoolmustnotjudgeastudentfromthatschool.

01/16/2012 4.0.2 Addedremindertodistricttournamentofficialstocheckalljudge/parliamentarianballotsinCongressionalDebatebeforetabulationbeginstoensurethatnamesarecompletedcorrectly.

AddedclarificationofrulesfordiscardingstudentballotsthatarecompletedincorrectlyfortabulationofstudentranksinCongressionalDebate.

ClarifiedthatchairsusingJoyofTournamentssoftwaremuststillsendasignedcopyoftheQualifiersandAlternatesformfollowingthedistricttournament.

12/06/2012 5.0.0 Allreferencestotheformerwebsitehavebeenupdated.

Addednew,uniformdistrictstandardsforqualifyingtoNationals.

ReminderthatCongressjudgesmaynotpersonallyknowstudentsinthechamber.

Addednewrulethatspeakerrecognitionbystudentpresidingofficersmaynotbetiedtopreviousrecognitionofstudentsaskingquestions,movingmotions,orlongeststanding/standingtime.

NotedthatlegislationbyeachdistrictfortheNationalTournamentmustbesubmittedonlineviathePointsApplication.

Addednewrulespertainingtoonlinesourcesforliterarymaterialforinterpretation.Pleasenotethatmerelyfindingmaterialfromanapprovedsitedoesnotmakeitlegal;itmustalsomeetthecriteriaoutlinedinthatsection.

01/04/2012 5.0.1 RevisednameoftheDistrictCumulativeSweepsAwardtomoreaccuratelydescribeit,sincetheawardusedtobeatrophy,andisnowaplaque.Also,clarifiedtournamententryformrequirements.

02/28/2013 5.0.2 RevisedAbsolutePairingPrioritiesfordebatetoclarifythatentriesfromaschoolshouldnotbepairedagainsteachother,unlesstheyaretheonlytworemainingundefeatedentries,or3of4undefeatedentries,or4of5undefeatedentries.Previouslytherulesaidtwooramajorityofundefeatedentries,whichimpliedthatif2of3arefromthesameschool,theycouldbepairedagainstoneanother,whichwasnottheintentionofthatrule.

Addedatabletoclarifydistrictqualifyinglevels.

03/06/2013 5.0.3 ClarifiedrulesforpublishedinprintaswellasonlinesourcesforInterpmaterial.

12/02/2013 6.0.0 Addedminimumschoolentryrequirement.

Outlinedwebsiteregistrationrequirementfornewstudentmembers.

Clarifiedthe“PartnershipEventException”explanation.

Addedpilot“EvidenceinDebateRules,”whichwereoptionalin2013-2014.

ClarifiedproceduresregardingdistricttournamentInterpsourcematerialandOratorymanuscriptsubmissions.

Addeddisclaimeraboutfinalroundvideoperformances.

UpdatedthelistofApprovedWebsitesforonlinesourcesofliterarymaterial.

ClarifiedobservationofotherExtemporaneousSpeakingcompetitors.


09/24/2014 7.0.0 Updatedbrandingtoreflecttheorganization’snamechange(NationalForensicLeaguetoNationalSpeech&DebateAssociation).

Updatedwebsiteandemailcontactinformationthroughout:www.speechanddebate.org/[email protected].

Addedrevisedstandardsforevidenceindebate,whichtournamentscouldchoosetopilotin2014-2015.Coachesareencouragedtocheckwithlocaltournamentofficialstoseewhichsetofruleswillbeusedintheirarea.

Clarifiedrulespertainingtothe“graceperiod”inspeechevents.



ClarifiedthatadistricttournamentmaynotbeheldafterMay1,2016.NopartofadistrictcontestmaybeginonorafterMay1,2016.

Addedpiloteventsfor2015-2016:InformativeSpeakingandProgramOralInterpretation.

Addedthesectionentitled“DistrictAuditProcedures.”

Clarifiedthatalistof14alternatesmustbedeterminedineventswith30entriesormore.Ineventswith29entriesorfewer,noentrythatfinishesinthebottomhalfofthefieldmaybelistedasanalternate.

02/03/2016 2016.1.0 InWorldSchoolsDebate,eachAssociationdistrictisallowedtoqualifyONEteamofthreetofivestudents.Districtswillnotbeallowedasecondteam.


AdoptedrequiredcommunitystandardsstatementthatcoachesmustaffirmpriortoDistrictandNationalTournamentcompetition.

Asnewmainevents,ProgramOralInterpretationandInformativeSpeakingcounttowardtheSpeechSweepstakesAwardandCumulativeSweepstakesAward.

AdjustedthedistrictentryquotaformulainlightofPOIandINF.

WhenusingtheCaliforniaPlan,DistrictCommitteesinspeecheventswith14orfewerentriesmaydeterminetoholdtwopreliminaryroundsofcompetition.

WhenusingtheCaliforniaPlan,DistrictCommitteesinspeecheventswith14orfewerentriesarenotrequiredtoholdasemifinalroundandstudentsmayadvancedirectlytothefinalround.

InWorldSchoolsDebate,eachAssociationdistrictmayenteruptotwoteamstotheNationalTournament,providedtheyofferasecondjudgetocoverthecommitmentforthesecondteam.

12/02/2016 2017.0.1 Removedtheprincipalsignaturerequirementfordistricttournamentregistration.

02/13/2017 2017.1.0 OutlinedthedistrictqualificationproceduresforBigQuestionsDebates.

SECTION4:NationalTournamentOperationsManual

Date Version ChangeDescription05/24/2012 2012.0.0 Releaseforthe2012NationalTournament.Newfor2012:

Auto-qualificationextendedfromtop6totop14studentsineachmaineventfromthe


previousyear’sNationalTournament.

Regardingprotests,onlytheaccusedmayappealthedecisionoftheombudsperson.Thecomplainantmaynotappeal,butmayprotestsubsequentrounds.

Forinterpretationmaterial,thecuttingperformedinthefirstroundofcompetitionmustbeusedthroughouttheentiretyofthetournamentinthatevent.

Speecheventpointsunified(previously,pointsearnedinInterp.eventswerelessthaninspeechevents).

InCongressionalDebate,thefinalroundseatingchartwillbegeneratedbycomputer(ratherthandrawnbyrandomnumberatthebeginningofthesession).Also,speechesgivenbypresidingofficercandidateswillbescoredwithmeritpoints,butauditioningperiodsforpresidingwillnotbescored.

03/28/2013 2013.0.0 Releaseforthe2013NationalTournament.Newfor2013:

AddedCongressionalDebatetoDebateEvidenceRulesandpenalties.

NewCongressionalDebatespeakerrecognitionrule,disallowing“activity,”and“longeststanding”/“standingtime”added.

InCongressionalDebate,thesemifinalsessionpresidingofficerauditionperiodhasbeencuttoallowequivalentpresidingtimeduringthetwoseparatesessionsfortheseparatejudgepanels.

NewrulesforonlinesourcematerialandverificationinInterpretation.

NewrulesforImpromptuadded.Therenolongerwillbeaseparatepreproom;studentswillhaveacombinedsevenminutestobothprepareandspeakinthesameroomwiththejudge.

05/31/2013 2013.1.0 Clarifiedthenumberofjudgesinfinalrounds;andinspeech,droppingatleastonehighandonelowranktoensureeleven.

Clarifiedspeakingorderforfinalroundsofspeechevents.

06/06/2013 2013.1.1 Whenthepreviousupdatewasreleased,thesentencepertainingtocollege-agejudgeswaserroneouslyomitted.Ithasbeenplacedback,withadditionalclarification.

06/11/2013 2013.1.2 ClarifiedthenumberofRepresentativesthatbreakintheHouse.

06/19/2013 2013.1.3 CorrectedthereferencebulletpointonImpromptutimelimit,referencingtimetoprepareandspeak.


Updated“InstructionsforRegistering.”CoachesmustUPLOADdigitalfilesofInterpandOratoryscriptsduringonlineregistrationratherthanmailinghardcopiestothenationaloffice.

Clarifiedtie-breakingproceduresforSupplementalSpeechandExtemporaneousDebate.

UpdatedweblinktolistofApprovedWebsitesforDigital(Online)PublishingSources.

NewrulesforExtemporaneousDebateadded.Duetotheextemporaneousnatureofthissupplementaldebateevent,debatetopicswillnotbereleasedinadvance,insteadrequiringa30-minuteprepperiod.

06/10/2014 2014.1.0 ClarifiedthenumberofcontestantsineachCongresssemifinalchamber.Thisadjustmentallowsthetournamentdirectortoadjustforavailablespaceandvaryingcontestantfields.


UpdatedtheformulaanddescriptionoftheSchoolAwardsgivenoutattheNationalTournament.


AdjustedtheNationalTournamententryfees.

Changedthejudgingrequirementowedpersupplementaleventpre-registration.

Changedthejudgingrequirementowedperconsolationeventpre-registration.

Adjustedtheperround-hiredjudgefee.

Clarifiedrulespertainingtothe“graceperiod”inspeechevents.



Addedpiloteventsfor2015-2016:InformativeSpeakingandProgramOralInterpretation.

EntrantsinINFandPOImustUPLOADacopyoftheirspeechduringonlineregistration.

ClarifiedfinalrankingintheFinalSessionofCongressionalDebate.

ClarifiedthenumberoffinalroundjudgestobeusedinSupplementalandConsolationEvents.

02/03/2016 2016.1.0 InWorldSchoolsDebate,eachAssociationdistrictisallowedtoqualifyONEteamofthreetofivestudents.Districtswillnotbeallowedasecondteam.

06/04/2016 2016.1.1 Updatedthenamesofmaineventspeechfinalroundbowlstoreflectcurrentsponsorship.


AdoptedrequiredcommunitystandardsstatementthatcoachesmustaffirmpriortoDistrictandNationalTournamentregistration.

Addednewmaineventsfor2016-2017:InformativeSpeakingandProgramOralInterpretation.

InWorldSchoolsDebate,eachAssociationdistrictmayenteruptotwoteamstotheNationalTournament,providedtheyofferasecondjudgetocoverthecommitmentforthesecondteam.

OutlinedNationalTournamentAuditProcedures.

02/13/2017 2017.1.0 Updatedthemailingaddressforthenationaloffice:401RailroadPlace,WestDesMoines,IA50265-4730.

Advisorsnowhavetheoptiontoindicatehowtheywouldliketheirjudgebondappliedduringonlineregistration.AlljudgebondsmustbeclaimedbyJuly31,2017.IfyoudonotclaimyourbondatthetournamentorbyJuly31,itwillbeappliedasschoolcredit.ClarifiedthatallPOIentriesmustincludeaworkscitedpagewiththeirscriptuploadduringonlinetournamentregistration.

AddedanoverviewoflogisticsfortheBigQuestionsCapstoneEvent,whichwillbeheldinconjunctionwiththeNationalTournament.

Signed“ParticipantReleaseForms”shouldbeuploadedduringonlinetournamentregistration,NOTmailed.


OutlinedprescribedpenaltiesforSpeechRulesViolations,adoptedinDecember2016.

Questions?We’[email protected](920)748-6206.Youmayalsofindmoreinformationonlineatwww.speechanddebate.org.

Documents

High School Unified Manual 08 - National Speech & Debate ... · High School Unified Manual Chapter ... Program Oral Interpretation ... Charters issued before 1931 are permanent and