Speech Rule Book · contests and the Sectional manager. Duties of these committees are generally...

2016-17

Speech

Rule Book

Revision History

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Important Changes in Terms and ConditionsThe IHSA Speech Advisory Committee met on April 13, 2016 at the IHSA Office, Bloomington. The report of the Committee was later submitted to theBoard of Directors for its consideration.

Changes in the Terms and Conditions which were adopted by theBoard are printed with screened background. Note them carefully!

Table of Contents

General InformationSpeech Advisory Committee..............................................Page 2

Administration of State Series........................................... Page 2

List of Participant Instructions...........................................

Terms & Conditions Changes for 2015-16........................ Pages 4-6

Future Dates...................................................................... Page 41

Request for Duplicate Awards........................................... Page 42-43

Individual EventsTerms and Conditions........................................................Pages 7-20

Laptop Use in Extemporaneous Speaking..........................Pages 21-22

Performance In The Round Special Event..........................Pages 23-24

Judge Evaluation Form...................................................... Page 25

Drama/Group InterpretationTerms and Conditions........................................................Pages 26-32

DebateTerms and Conditions........................................................Pages 33-40

Individual Events: Judges are recommended by the StateTournament Committee and appointed by theIHSA. Input as to potential hired judges canbe made to the IHSA office. Once a list of prospective judges iscompiled, the committee meets anddetermines those individuals who are to becontacted as hired judges for the State Final.In addition, the committee prepares a list often to fifteen coaches for consideration ineach of the events to provide guidance to thesub-committee which will contact coachjudges upon completion of the Sectionalcontests. Contact is made by the IHSA and IHSArepresentatives to persons selected as hiredjudges. On Sunday and Monday, following thecompletion of the Sectional, the judgeassignment sub-committee contacts coaches

by telephone to complete the roster of judgesfor the State Final. Coach judges serve toprovide multiple judges in each round ofcompetition. The Committee makes everyeffort to select representative coaches fromthe various parts of the state. Effort is alsomade to avoid using an individual to judge thesame event(s) in the State Finals as he/shemay have judged in a Regional or Sectional.

Drama/Group Interpretation: Judges are recommended by the StateTournament Committee and appointed by theIHSA Office. The Committee meets andprovides the IHSA with a prioritized list ofprospective judges. IHSA then contacts therecommended judges and confirms judgepanels for the State Finals. The committeeseeks to maintain a geographic distribution ofjudges and strives to secure judges who

represent various philosophies and who didnot judge at the State Finals during thepreceding year. Judges for the State Finalscannot judge at the Sectionals in the sameevent.

Debate: Judges for the State Final DebateTournament are reviewed by the StateTournament Committee. One member of theCommittee is delegated the responsibility ofassigning and contacting all judges. Theprocess includes input from coaches andindividual members of the Committee.Minimum standards for judge qualification areincluded in the Rules Book. At the State Final,a strike system is implemented to insure thatjudges are not assigned to objecting coaches’teams.

Judge Selection Process

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Meet the Speech Advisory Committee

Dennis BrumirskiCoach

Chicago (Mt. Carmel)Term Expires 2018

Division 1

Darrell RobinCoach

Schaumburg (H.S.)Term Expires 2018

Division 2

Tom WittingActivities DirectorBurbank (Reavis) Term Expires 2017

Division 3

Marisa RomanelliCoach

Kewanee (H.S.)Term Expires 2019

Division 4

Ed JodlowskiPrincipal

Stanford (Olympia)Term Expires 2019

Division 5

Background Information Regarding IHSA Administration of the State Speech Contest Series

IHSA State Speech Advisory Committee

In Speech, as in all other activities forwhich the Association conducts a statecontest, IHSA appoints a committee ofindividuals to serve as advisors to the staffand Board of Directors. This Committee iscomprised of seven (7) persons, eachappointed for a three-year term. Five membersare active coaches/directors—with at leastone representing the special areas ofIndividual Events, Debate and Drama/GroupInterpretation. The sixth is a principal of amember school. The seventh is an activitiesdirector of a member school. Representativesare selected by the Association in consultationwith the leadership of the Illinois Speech andTheatre Association. In addition to requiringcommittee members to be active coaches withthe recommendation of ISTA, geographicrepresentation and school size are alsoconsidered so a balanced view of the overallstate speech program can be maintained. Ageneral effort is made to appoint no more thanone individual from any given member schoolto any of the IHSA advisory committees in thesame school year. The IHSA Speech Advisory Committeemeets annually to review the Association’sstate contest programs in speech andrecommend changes to the Board ofDirectors. Input to the committee is obtained

through letters from participating schools,occasional surveys, meetings with coachesand/or directors at state final contests andsuggestions offered by contest managers orcoaches through meetings held at the variousRegional and/or Sectional contest sites. Anyindividual who submits a suggestion to theIHSA Office in writing and requests it beconsidered by the contest advisory committeemay be assured the matter will be broughtbefore the committee at its annual meeting. Ifyou call the IHSA Office with a complaint orsuggestion relative to speech contest rules,you will be invited to submit your thought tothe Advisory Committee in writing.

Tournament Committees

Regional and Sectional Under the provisions of the SpeechContest Terms and Conditions, a SpeechTournament Committee is to be appointed ateach Regional and Sectional contest. Regional Tournament Committees forIndividual Events and Sectional TournamentCommittees for Drama/Group Interpretation,consisting of three (3) coaches from three (3)different schools assigned to the contestcenter, will be appointed by each contestmanager. Individuals who would like tovolunteer for committee appointment shouldcall the manager and indicate willingness toserve.

The contest committees for Sectionalcontests in Individual Events are comprised ofthe managers of the subordinate Regionalcontests and the Sectional manager. Duties ofthese committees are generally described inthe Terms and Conditions for each speechactivity. However, the primary purpose of eachcommittee is to provide guidance for the localcontest manager in selection of judges andcontest organization and to provide advice tothe managers in resolving questions, conflictsand rules interpretation issues on contest day.It is essential that the committee be formedand meet prior to the selection/hiring of anyjudges. All committee members must haveinput into the judge selection process.

State Final The IHSA Office appoints a State FinalContest Committee and Chairperson for eacharea of speech competition.

Selection as Contest Host

Persons interested in having a Regional orSectional contest assigned to their schoolneed to complete the Facilities Survey and theHost Availability Survey in the Schools Centeron the IHSA web site at www.ihsa.org.

Jennifer KeithCoachLincoln

Term Expires 2019Division 6

Adam JenkinsCoach

Belleville (West)Term Expires 2018

Division 7

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Instructions for Submitting List of Participants

Schools should complete their online List of Participants to enter their team or individual(s) and coaches. IHSA will provide this datato your regional/sectional manager. Any changes to the original entry must be made online prior to the List of Participants deadline.

INSTRUCTIONS TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE LIST OF PARTICIPANTS FOR INDIVIDUAL EVENTS

Registration for the State Series will be completed online using Speech Wire. Coaches will login using their Speech Wire password atwww.speechwire.com. The registration deadline will be at noon on Monday, Jan. 30, 2017. A paper copy of the registration materialsshould be brought to the meeting.

INSTRUCTIONS TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE LIST OF PARTICIPANTS FOR DRAMA/GROUP INTERPRETATION

Go to www.ihsa.org 1) Click on “School & Officials Center Login” 2) Enter your “User ID” (5 digits, a letter followed by a number) and the password issued to you by your school. All of this

information was emailed to you by your school. Coaches must have a valid email on file in the School’s Center to be issued apassword. PASSWORDS ARE NOW ASSIGNED TO EVERY COACH.

3) Click on Sport & Activity Tracker 4) Click on the “Individual Events”, “Drama/Group Interpretation” link 5) Type in the requested information, save and print all page(s). 6) Certify & Submit your Form 7) PRINT EACH PAGE OF REPORT: (ctrl key+P) on your keyboard. After the deadline, you will not be able to do so. This is how the IHSA knows the names of the participants and coaches. This information will later be used in the State Final

Program. It will be used as it is presented so please double check spellings for accuracy. 8) The deadline for entering the List of Participants is Jan. 30, 2017 for the Title/Author and March 6, 2017 for the entire cast

list.

(If you experience any problems, please call the IHSA Office and ask for Carol Carr.)

INSTRUCTIONS TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE LIST OF PARTICIPANTS FOR DEBATE

IHSA will utilize Joy of Tournaments for our online registration. The Joy of Tournaments website is www.joyoftournaments.com.Each school must complete their online registration on Joy of Tournaments by the deadline date of March 1, 2017.

List of Participants Deadlines:

Individual Events—January 30, 2017 by noon (Take a copy to the Regional Entry Meeting)Drama/Group Interpretation—January 30, 2017—Performance title and author only

March 6, 2017—Entire final cast list due (Print a copy for your records)Debate—Wednesday, March 1, 2017 (Print a copy for your records)

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Terms and Conditions Changes for 2016-17

Board Approved Terms and ConditionsChanges for Individual Events for 2016-17

Individual Events

VIII.F.10.a. Alternate Qualifier Advancement

Recommendation: In the event aqualified student is, for any reason,unable to advance to the succeedingcontest, and provided the IHSAOffice is notified by the principal ofthe qualifier’s school at least oneday prior to the succeeding contest,the highest-placing contestant fromthe qualifier’s last qualifying contestin the same event that has not yetbeen offered the opportunity toadvance shall be designated as thealternate(s), their coach andtournament manager shall benotified by the IHSA, and they shallbe permitted to advance.

Rationale: Provides clarificationregarding the process of contactingalternate qualifier.

“Special Event” Performance in the Round2.a.

Recommendation: Except for musicand sound effects, all performanceelements, including off stagedialogue, must be within the 16-footcircle.

Rationale: Provides clarificationregarding what elements must bedone in the circle.

“Special Event” Performance in the Round2.d.

Recommendation: d. Performancegroups may only use 10 standardchairs (not folding ones) and 2tables which will be provided by thehost school. The tables should bestandard; it is suggested that thetable be approximately 30” x 40”. Ifa table meeting these approximatedimensions is not available,managers should specify thedimensions and any other specificsof the table to be used, to competingschools, prior to the start of thetournament. Schools will not beallowed to bring additional tables,chairs, stools, set pieces, etc.

Rationale: Clarification on the sizeof table that is recommended andthe procedure to communicate the

specifications of the table if table ofthe recommending specifications isnot available.

“Special Event” Performance in the Round2.f.

Recommendation: Move (f) to (b)and re-letter accordingly. Noperformance elements includingsound effects should occur in theaisles.

Rationale: Clarification on what canand cannot be performed outside ofthe circle, in the outer perimeter andaisles.

“Special Event” Performance in the Round-7 Judging

Recommendation: Add thefollowing and change currentlettering accordingly Judging: EachPerformance in the Round willperform only once. (a) At theRegional Tournament, a panel ofthree judges shall be used todetermine the winners. The threejudges’ rankings shall be tabulated.The entry whose total of rankings islowest is the winner; the entry withthe second lowest total is second,etc. The top four finishers in eachRegional and ties shall advance toSectional. (b) At the SectionalTournament, a panel of five judgesshall be used to determine thewinners. The five judges’ rankingsshall be tabulated. The highestranking and the lowest ranking shallbe discarded for each entry, andonly the three (3) intermediaterankings for each entry shall beconsidered in determining its finalstanding. The entry with the lowesttotal of intermediate rankings is thewinner of the event; the next lowestis second, etc., through the listings.The top three in each Sectional shalladvance to the State Tournament.

Rationale: Clarification as to themanner in which rankings aredetermined for both Regionals andSectionals.

“Special Event” Performance in the Round -8 Ties

Recommendation: If a tie occursduring Sectionals, the tied entriesshall be separated from all otherentries and assigned relativerankings. If there is still a tie, then

the ranks assigned by all five (5)judges will be considered, and theentry with the lowest total of fiverankings will be declared the winner.

Rationale: With the five judgestructure, ties must be broken foradvancement in Performance in theRound for consistency with GroupInterpretation and Drama events thatutilize a similar judging structure.

Dramatic/Humorous Duet Acting (DDA/HDA)

Recommendation: Use of Script,Props, and Visual Aids DuringPerformance: It is recommendedthat a table, with four legs,approximately 30 inches by 48inches and two chairs be provided.If a table meeting these approximatedimensions is not available,managers should specify thedimensions and any other specificsof the table to be used, to competingschools, prior to the start of thetournament. Schools will not beallowed to bring additional tables,chairs, stools, set pieces, etc.Performers are not allowed to standon the tables and chairs at any timefor liability reasons. A script may notbe held. No lights, staging,costumes, makeup, sound effects,etc., will be permitted.

Rationale: Clarification on the sizeof table that is recommended andthe procedure to communicate thespecifications of the table if table ofthe recommending specifications isnot available.

Prose Reading (PR)

Recommendation: Material:Material must be prose literature.Sources of material include cuttingsfrom novels, short stories,biographies, nonfiction, letters anddiaries. Use of dramatic literature isnot permitted. The cuttings mustcontain less than 50% dialogue.Each contestant will prepare one (1)selection. Selections for this eventmay be chosen from any sourcedeemed appropriate but must comefrom printed, published sources.Compilations are permissible. Thematerial should be in keeping withacceptable standards for goodliterature

Rationale: Clarification regardingappropriate material for this event.

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Board Approved Terms and ConditionsChanges for Drama/Group Interpretation

for 2016-17

XI.G Judging

Recommendation: Hired judgesshould be experienced and at least25 years of age.

Rationale: Clarifies the qualificationfor State Series judges.

Board Approved Terms and ConditionsChanges for Debate

for 2016-17

IV.B- Judges Fees

Recommendation: Judges hired bythe IHSA shall be paid a flat fee of$250.00 for Policy, Lincoln Douglas,Congressional and Public ForumDebate at the the State FinalTournament. However, if a judge islate for a round or misses anassignment, the flat fee will berescinded and the judge will be paid$10.00 per round actually judged.Any judge who drives more than 70miles round trip to the site of theState Final Contest shall bereimbursed a travel allowance of$.30 per mile in excess of 70 milesround trip. Reimbursement shall bedirectly from the IHSA office uponthe judges’ submission of a travelreport form to be provided by theIHSA to the contest manager. Anyschool that hires a judge will pay$250 for the first judge; anadditional $350 for the secondjudge; and an additional $450 forany other judges.

Rationale: This year the tournamentwas handicapped in terms of thenumber of judges available to runthe tournament, because severalschools used the tournament as away to save money by hiring theirjudges through IHSA. CurrentlyIHSA will hire judges for schoolsthat cannot find judges for the costof $200 per judge for two days. Thatmoney is then paid to the judge.However, schools typically pay theirown judges $300-$400 for two daysof judging. They find that the IHSAcost will save money, and rely onIHSA to hire the judges for them.

VII- Advancement of Winners

Recommendation: Change thecurrent paragraph to A. “EventAwards” and add the followingwording: B. All State The All-StateDebate Team shall consist of the topten speakers in each debate event.

Rationale: Provides informationregarding this award for which theIHSA currently grants medals.

VIII.A.5. Tournament Rules Policy Debate

Recommendation: It will beattempted to allow every debater todebate each side of the question atleast two times in the preliminaryrounds.

Rationale: There are five rounds ofdebate not six. Debating at least twotimes during the preliminary roundsis adequate and allows for a timelyflow of the tournament schedule.This change reflects currentpractices.

VIII.A.5. Matching of Teams and DrawingProcedures

Recommendation: ADD (a), changecurrent lettering accordingly andadd (f): (a) The State Final Managerwill create a list of all judges, asposted by coaches in Joy ofTournaments. Judge changes atregistration will not be reflected.Each team will be given theopportunity to strike judges for theduration of the preliminary rounds,based upon the judge pool. (f) At thestart of each elimination round, a listof possible judges for each roundwill be created by IHSA. A headcoach or assistant coach from eachteam in the round will have 5minutes to strike one judge from thelist for that round.

Rationale: This is common practiceand should be reflected in the termsand conditions.

VIII.B.1. Tournament Rules Lincoln-DouglasDebate – Definition

Recommendation: Delete- “Debateis audience oriented, meaning thatpeople should be able to follow theclash of ideas without taking a flowsheet.”

Rationale: This statement directlycontradicts rule B.6.b.b., thatrequires judges to be specificallytrained and flow.

VIII.B.2. Debate Subject

Recommendation: The topic for theIHSA Lincoln-Douglas debate serieswill be the March topic of theNational Speech and DebateAssociation (speechanddebate.org).Wording of this topic will be postedonline at www.ihsa.org.

Rationale: The NFL changed itsname to the NSDA.

VIII.B.5. Matching Contestants and DrawingProcedures

Recommendation: ADD (a), changecurrent lettering accordingly andadd (d): (a) The State Final Managerwill create a list of all judges, asposted by coaches in Joy ofTournaments. Judge changes atregistration will not be reflected.Each team will be given theopportunity to strike judges for theduration of the preliminary rounds,based upon the judge pool. (d) Atthe start of each elimination round, alist of possible judges for eachround will be created by IHSA. Ahead coach or assistant coach fromeach team in the round will have 5minutes to strike one judge from thelist for that round.


VIII.B.6. Judging

Recommendation: Add as (f):Judges in any round must be atleast four years removed from anyaffiliation with a team in that round.Judges are expected to notify thecontest manager of any conflicts ofinterest prior to the start ofcompetition.


Terms and Conditions Changes

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VIII.C.4.c.1. Order of Events

Recommendation: Add an (a) and(b) after current sentence: (a) Aschool that registers 1-6 debatersare required to provide one (1)qualified judge for the preliminarysessions through the finals. (b) Aschool that registers 7-10 debatersare required to provide two (2)qualified judges for the preliminarythrough final round.

Rationale: Added to clarify thecurrent practice of the number ofjudges need per debater.

VIII.C.4.c.7. Order of Events

Recommendation: Add thesestatements before the currentsentence: When more than onespeaker seeks the floor, thepresiding officer must followprecedence. First, recognizestudents who have not spokenduring the session. Next, recognizestudents who have spoken fewertimes.

Rationale: Added for clarification.Precedence and how to follow it inIHSA Congressional Debate is notdefined currently, which has led tocoach, judge, and participantconfusion. This addition reflects theprocess we currently follow.

VIII.C.4.d.1. General Rules

Recommendation: Add thesestatements after the currentsentence: A participant may speakon the same side of the samelegislation twice – if precedence andregency allow it to occur. Judgesmay evaluate this second speech asthey would any other by asking thequestion: “does it advance debate?”

Rationale: Added for clarification.We currently follow this practice;however, every year, judges andcoaches are confused and/orconcerned as to whether or not it isacceptable.

VIII.C.4.e. Judge Rules

Recommendation: Add as (1) andrenumber accordingly: Judges inany round must be at least fouryears removed from any affiliationwith a team in that round. Judgesare expected to notify the contestmanager of any conflicts of interestprior to the start of competition.


VIII.C.4.

Recommendation: Add as (f)Chambers are “closed chambers”-no debater can leave the chamberunless the chamber recesses oradjourns. Student should askpermission to leave and enter thechamber when it is in session (useparliamentary procedure to move toa point of personal privilege to usethe restroom). However, no debatershould interrupt a speaker who isaddressing the chamber.

Rationale: We currently follow thisprocess in order to maintaindecorum and to prevent studentsfrom roaming the tournament siteunsupervised; however, it isnecessary to allow students to usethe facilities during a three-hoursession if the majority of thecompetitors do not consent to arecess (break) in debate.

VIII.C.5.a.1. Semi-final Congress

Recommendation: Add thissentence after the current sentence:“Presiding Officer (PO) scores donot count toward high-point speakeradvancement.”

Rationale: Added for clarification.We currently follow this processbecause PO scores are not speakerscores, and POs can already breakto semis by winning Best PO.

VIII.D.2. Debate Subject

Recommendation: The topic for theIHSA Public Forum debate serieswill be the March topic of theNational Speech and DebateAssociation (speechanddebate.org).Wording of this topic will be postedonline at www.ihsa.org.

Rationale: The NFL changed itsname to the NSDA.

VIII.D.5. Matching of Teams and DrawingProcedures

Recommendation: ADD (a), changecurrent lettering accordingly andadd (d): (a) The State Final Managerwill create a list of all judges, asposted by coaches in Joy ofTournaments. Judge changes atregistration will not be reflected.Each team will be given theopportunity to strike judges for theduration of the preliminary rounds,based upon the judge pool. (d) Atthe start of each elimination round, alist of possible judges for eachround will be created by IHSA. Ahead coach or assistant coach fromeach team in the round will have 5minutes to strike one judge from thelist for that round.


VIII.D.8. Judging

Recommendation: Add as (j):Judges in any round must be atleast four years removed from anyaffiliation with a team in that round.Judges are expected to notify thecontest manager of any conflicts ofinterest prior to the start ofcompetition.

Rationale: This is common practiceand should be reflected in the termsand conditions. It is already in thePolicy terms and conditions.

Terms and Conditions Changes

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B. Late Entries Any attempt to enter a sport or activityon-line after the established deadlines will bedenied. Schools that wish to enter after thedeadline will be considered late. To beconsidered for late entry, the Principal/OfficialRepresentative must contact the IHSAadministrative officer in charge of thatsport/activity and request late entry. Thepenalty for late entry shall be a payment of$100.00.

C. Breach of Contract By-law 6.041(Withdrawal Procedure) 1. To withdraw without penalty, theschool principal must notify the IHSA office, inwriting, of a school’s team withdrawal fromthe Speech Individual Events State Seriesprior to the Regional Entry Meeting (dateMonday, January 30, 2017). 2. Withdrawal after the Regional EntryMeeting will result in a school being liable forpayment of its Event Fees ($10.00 per IE eventoriginally entered - $20.00 per PIR originallyentered) plus a $100.00 late withdrawalpenalty. 3. If a school withdraws one or moreentries after the Regional Entry Meeting, theschool shall be liable for all event fees (ie-$10/pir-$20) for each category(s) withdrawnand shall be assessed additional penalties inthe amount of $25.00 per event withdrawn. 4. If a school does not officiallywithdraw and/or does not show up forcompetition at any level of the state series, theschool will be assessed the penalties in “2”and “3” above and if applicable, the schoolmay be charged for any additional financialloss sustained by the offended schools or theAssociation as a result of such breach(Judges’ fees if applicable). The school shallalso be considered in Breach of Contractunder the terms of the IHSA By-law 6.040,and the matter shall be reported to the IHSABoard of Directors for disposition.

D. Eligibility All member schools in good standingmay enter an individual(s) or a team under theprovisions of IHSA By-law 4.071. Theprincipal is the official representative ofhis/her school in all interscholastic activities,and the responsibility for seeing that allstudents from his/her school entered inSpeech contests are eligible under the rulesshall rest with the principal. Allcorrespondence with the IHSA Office must beconducted through the principal. In each contest in which a school isrepresented, the principal shall have presentan adult, preferably a member of the faculty,who shall supervise and be responsible for theconduct of the participants and other persons

In accordance with Section 1.450 of the IHSAConstitution, the Board of Directors hasapproved the Terms and Conditions governingthe 2016-2017 IHSA Individual EventsTournament Series.

I. SCHOOL CLASSIFICATION

Competition in the IHSA IndividualEvents Tournament Series will be held for allmember schools without classification.

II. DATES AND SITES

A. The state shall be divided intoRegionals and Sectionals. The number ofcompeting schools, travel distance,geographical location and the number ofentries shall be primary factors in thedetermination of number and boundary linesfor these Regionals and Sectionals.

B. Dates for contests are: Regional February 4, 2017 Sectional February 11, 2017 State Final February 17-18, 2017

C. Sites for Regional and Sectionalcontests shall be posted on the IHSA website.The State Final Contest will be held at thePeoria Civic Center in Peoria, IL.

III. ON-LINE ENTRIES, WITHDRAWALPROCEDURES, ELIGIBILITY, ANDON-LINE LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

The policy for Original Entry Deadlines,Late Entries, and Late Withdrawals shall bethe policies and procedures regarding entryfor all IHSA-sponsored sport/activitiesincluded in the 2016-2017 Entry Policies andProcedures which can be found in the SchoolsCenter on the IHSA website.

A. On-line Entries All member schools must enter theirschool into the state series competitionthrough the IHSA School Center on the IHSAWebsite at www.ihsa.org. The deadline forentry is November 1, 2016. The 2016-17 EntryPolicies and Procedures outlining the onlineentry procedures for all IHSA-sponsoredtournaments can be found in the SchoolsCenter on the IHSA website.

Competing schools are responsible forEvent Fees as described in Section IV. Event Fees- Regional: $10 per event Event Fees- Sectional: $10 per event Event Fees- State Final: $10 per event (Event Fees-Performance in the Round:$20 per performance group per level)

from the school. A school’s failure to complywith this provision shall result indisqualification of its contestants.

E. On-Line List of Participants Registration for the State Series will becompleted online using Speech Wire.Coaches will login using the Speech Wirepassword at www.speechwire.com. Theregistration deadline will be at noon onJanuary 30, 2017. A paper copy of theregistration materials should be brought to theregional entry meeting. If a school does notcomplete registration on Speech Wire by thedeadline, coaches and/or participants from theschool are subject to penalties which couldinclude, but not be limited to being ruledineligible to compete in the State Seriesand/or charged $100.00.

IV. HOST FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS

A. Event Fees-Regional: For eachindividual event in which a school hasparticipants in the Regional Contest, anEVENT FEE of ten ($10) dollars per event shallbe paid to the Regional host school at theRegional Entry Meeting. No contestant from aschool will be permitted to participate in theRegional contest if EVENT FEES ($10 perevent entered to regional managers) are notpaid.

B. Event Fees- Sectional: For eachindividual event in which a school advancesan entry from Regional to Sectionalcompetition, an EVENT FEE of ten ($10)dollars shall be paid to the Sectional hostschool.

C. Event Fees- State Final: For eachindividual event in which a school advancesan entry from Sectional to State Finalcompetition, an EVENT FEE of ten ($10)dollars shall be paid to the Peoria Civic Center.

D. Event Fees- Performance in theRound: At all levels of competition, eachschool entered in Performance in the Roundshall pay an EVENT FEE of twenty ($20) to thehost school for Regional and Sectionalcompetition and to the Peoria Civic Center forthe State Final competition.

E. Judges Compensation: Judges fees shall be paid as follows: Regional $20.00 per round Sectional $20.00 per round State Final $25.00 per round Each group of performances for which ajudge completes a ballot is considered a”round”.

2016-2017 Individual Events Terms and Conditions

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Any judge who drives more than 70miles round trip to the site of a Regional,Sectional, or State Final Contest shall bereimbursed a travel allowance of $.30 permile in excess of 70 miles round trip.Reimbursement shall be directly from theIHSA office, upon the judges’ submission of atravel report form to be provided by the IHSAthrough the contest managers.

V. TOURNAMENT ASSIGNMENTSAND REGIONAL ENTRY MEETING

A. Regional and SectionalAssignments Regional and Sectional Assignments canbe found on-line at www.ihsa.org. after Nov.1.

B. Material Verification At each of the IHSA tournaments, theoriginal published source of any selectionused, along with a complete script of thecutting to be performed in all interpretiveevents: Dramatic Duet Acting, DramaticInterpretation, Humorous Duet Acting,Humorous Interpretation, Prose and PoetryReading, must all be available within areasonable amount of time as determined bythe contest manager. Failure to produce suchmaterials shall result in the disqualification ofthe contestant from the contest in that event.

C. Regional Entry Meeting 1. An entry meeting shall be heldat each Regional site on Monday, January 30,2017. 2. The online List of Participants(Regional Entry Form), together with eventfees of $10.00 for each Regional evententered, must be delivered to the Regionalmanager at the Regional Meeting to be heldon Monday, January 30, 2017. Checks forevent fees should be made payable to thehost school. 3. Guidelines for ConductingRegional Entry Meeting: a. The Regional Entry Meetingshall not be held during the regular schoolday. b. It is required for the coachor another official school representative toattend the Regional Entry Meeting, exceptunder the following conditions: 1) Host schools can makearrangements to receive telephone calls fromparticipating schools on the day of the EntryMeeting. 2) In the event that illness,severe weather conditions or otheremergency will prevent a school’srepresentative from attending the EntryMeeting, notice MUST BE GIVEN to thecontest manager by telephone on the day ofthe meeting.

Individual Events Terms and Conditions—Page 2

f. Substitutions and changesin Regional entries may be made until thecompletion of the Regional Entry Meeting.Following the Regional meeting, substitutionsfor personnel and changes in tit les ofselections for the Regional Contest may bemade provided (1) the manager is notifiedprior to the start of the contest, and (2) theprincipal attests in writing that the substituteand/or material are approved and eligible.(3)Proof of publication must be verified by thecontest committee. g. Substitution for qualifiersfor Sectional and/or State Final contests shallnot be permitted. If a qualifier cannot or doesnot advance, the alternate qualifieradvancement provisions of Article VIII-F-10shall be followed.

VI. TOURNAMENT STRUCTURES ANDTIME SCHEDULES

A. Events Dependent upon Entries 1. Individual Events competitionshall be held at the Regional contests in allevents in which there are at least two entries. 2. At Sectional and State Finalcontests there shall be competition in allevents for which entries have been made.

B. Contest Management 1. Designation of manager: In allcases in which a member school is selectedas a contest site, the principal of the highschool shall automatically assume entireresponsibility for the contest. The principalmay delegate the authority to manage thecontest to another staff member. If the site isnot located in a member school, then theIHSA Board of Directors shall appoint a localmanager with like responsibilities. 2. Contest Managers Meeting: Ameeting in December shall be held at the IHSAoffice for all contest managers. The subject ofthe meeting will consist of contestmanagement. Managers will receiveinformation from the IHSA confirming the dateand time of the meeting. 3. Contest Committee: Regionalcontest committees, consisting of three (3)coaches from three (3) different schoolsassigned to the contest site, will be appointedby each contest manager. Sectional contestcommittees will be comprised of themanagers of the three (3) subsidiary Regionalcontests and the Sectional manager. Participating schools shall benotified of the names of Committee membersby the host site at least five (5) days prior tothe date of the contest. 4. The functions of the ContestCommittee shall be: a. to aid the manager inplanning, organizing and administering thecontest;

3) If a school notifies thehost school it will not be represented at theentry meeting, it must also verbally report allits entries to the manager and must acceptwhatever judging assignments the managerdetermines at the entry meeting. It will beresponsible for payment of fees for allcontestants entered by the telephone call tothe manager on the date of the entry meeting.Proof of Publication should be faxed to themanager. c. If the coach or other schoolrepresentative fails to comply with theseprovisions, the individuals entered from thatschool may not be permitted to participate inthe Regional contest. 4. The Regional Entry Meeting willprovide opportunity to all schools to finalizetheir Regional entries. Please note thefollowing limitations: a. Each school shall completethe List of Participants by noon on theMonday of the Regional Entry Meeting,containing the names of students who willparticipate along with other pertinentinformation. In addition, each school shallsubmit a copy of the form at the regionalmeeting. b. Proof of publication, whichwill include the original source books OR theoriginal printed web manuscripts for allinterpretive events: Dramatic Duet Acting,Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous DuetActing, Humorous Interpretation, Prose andPoetry Reading, must be provided at theRegional Meeting. Photocopies are NOTacceptable. Cuttings from publication sitesmust be accompanied by the original sourcematerial. Coaches will be given untilregistration on the day of the tournament toprocure any materials that they do not have atthe meeting. Contestants will NOT be allowedto compete unless these materials have beenapproved. c. Schools are permitted oneentry in each Individual Event. d. Individual students may notparticipate in more than two (2) IndividualEvents. Individuals entered in Performance inthe Round may not be entered in any otherevent. Violation shall result in the school’sdisqualification in all the events in which thestudent participated. If the student or schoolwins any awards in, or as a result of, theevents in which the violating studentparticipates, such awards must besurrendered to the IHSA Office. e. No individual student mayperform any part of a given piece of literaturein any Individual Event, in more than one yearduring his/her high school career. In addition,no student may perform any part of any givenpiece of literature in more than one IndividualEvent during any given year.

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the decision of any judge will not beconsidered. b. State Final Contest. The State Final Committee shallbe authorized to conduct the contest underthe provisions of these Terms and Conditions.If a situation develops in which there is anapparent unfairness to a contestant, andwhich is determined to be the result of anadministrative or judge’s error, the Committeeshall determine the manner in which thesituation shall be resolved. In addition, the Committee shallbe responsible to resolve questions of rulesinterpretation, to arbitrate disputes and torecommend applied penalties for violations ofcontest rules. Decisions of the ContestCommittee Chairperson in all cases hereindescribed shall be final. C. Approval of Material 1. Material which is inappropriatefor public performance by high schoolstudents will not be tolerated. The principal isrequired to see and approve both the selectionand performance of all material, includingsubstitute material, to be used by contestantsfrom the member school in the contest series. 2. IHSA By-law 6.010 will beapplied in the event contestants util izematerial which, upon investigation by theIHSA Executive Director, is determined to beinappropriate. By-law 6.010 states: Any violation of the Constitutionand/or By-laws, Terms and Conditions, IHSAPolicies and Guidelines, and/or other rules ofthe Association, shall be reported to theExecutive Director, who shall have authority toinvestigate all alleged violations. The findingsof the investigation shall be made known tothe school (or schools), person (or persons),alleged to have committed the violation. TheExecutive Director shall then have fullauthority to invoke penalties against suchschool or persons found to have committedviolations. Penalties shall include, but not belimited to, written warning or reprimand,requisite affirmation corrective action... up toand including suspension and/or expulsion.Failure to take the corrective action requiredby any penalty shall be the basis for furtheraction up to and including suspension and/orexpulsion. Note that these provisions includepossible penalties against the school orindividual persons found to have committedviolations. This means that competitors,coaches, directors, and/or principals may bepenalized directly for the use of inappropriatematerial in the IHSA Speech Contests. A performance (language or action)which is a literal, symbolic or colloquialexpression describing or naming anythingwhich is profane and/or vulgar, whether or notsuited to a specific character being portrayed,IS ALWAYS CONSIDERED INAPPROPRIATE!

D. Royalties The Association assumes noresponsibility for the payment of royalties orother fees connected with the performance ofany material in the Individual Events contestseries. E. Sectional and State Final: The Report of Winners will be completedby the Regional and Sectional Managers andshall be the official entry form for thesecontests. Entry fees for qualifiers shall be paidupon arrival at the Sectional and State Finalsites. Qualifiers for whom fees are not paid asprescribed shall not be permitted toparticipate.

F. Regional/Sectional Time Schedule Following is a suggested time schedulefor Regional and Sectional contests. Localmanagers, with the majority approval of theircontest committees, may alter this schedule inthe event the number of contestants entereddoes not require both Preliminary and FinalRounds in all events, or if necessary to meetjudging needs during the contest day. Localmanagers, with the majority approval of thecontest committee, may seek approval of theIHSA administrator, to alter the state time ofthe schedule due to unique travel situations.7:30-8:00 Registration7:45 Radio and Extemp Prep. for

Round I, Sec. A8:00 Judges Meeting Coaches Meeting8:30 Round I, Section A (All Events)9:00 Radio and Extemp Prep. for

Round I, Sec. B9:45 Round I, Section B (All Events)10:30 Radio and Extemp Prep. for

Round II, Sec. A11:15 Round II, Section A (All Events)11:45 Radio and Extemp Prep. for

Round II, Sec. B12:30 Round II, Section B (All Events) LUNCH2:00 Posting of Finals2:30 FINALS: Dramatic Duet Acting,

Humorous Interpretation,Impromptu Speaking, OratoricalDeclamation, Oratory, OriginalComedy, Prose Reading.

3:15 Radio and Extemp Prep. forFinals

4:00 FINALS: Dramatic Interpretation,Extemporaneous Speaking,Humorous Duet Acting,Informative Speaking, PoetryReading, Radio Speaking,Special Occasion Speaking.

5:30 Awards


b. to interpret the rules whennecessary; and c. to serve as a panel to selectcontest judges. All Committee members must beconsulted about potential judges prior to theselection/hiring of any person(s). Writtenconsensus of the Committee shall be requiredfor each judge employed and shall be obtainedby the contest manger prior to contracting thejudge. Contest Committees shall nothave authority to screen or edit radio scripts,extemp topics or impromptu topics. Thesematerials must be used as provided by theIHSA Office. Any direction to update extemptopics must come solely from the IHSA office. A Contest Committee composedof six sectional managers, six at-largerepresentatives (one from each sectional), anda representative of the Speech AdvisoryCommittee will be appointed by the IHSAOffice to assist the State Final manager. 5. Authority of Contest Managersand Contest Committee: a. Regional and SectionalContests The Contest manager shall beauthorized to conduct the contest under theprovisions of these Terms and Conditions. If asituation develops in which there is anapparent unfairness to a contestant, andwhich is determined to be the result of anadministrative or judge’s error, the managershall consult with his Contest Committee anddetermine the manner in which the situationshall be resolved. However, managers shallnot have the authority to advance studentsaffected by any unfairness to the succeedingcontest. Resolution of such matters must bewithin the framework of each individualcontest. In addition, the manager shall beresponsible to resolve questions of rulesinterpretation, to arbitrate disputes and toapply penalties for violations of contest rules.In all cases, the manager shall consult withthe Contest Committee prior to making adecision in any such matter. Decisions of theContest Manager in all cases herein describedshall be final. The authority and responsibilityof the contest manager and his/her contestcommittee shall end when results areannounced at the contest awards assembly.Any question relative to contest rules or anyaspect of the contest which arises followingthe announcement of results shall be referreddirectly by the principal of the school involvedto the IHSA Office. The IHSA Office will giveconsideration to questions relative toadministrative and/or clerical matters only,and will do so only through the end of the firstMonday following the completion of thecontest involved. In compliance with IHSA By-law 6.033, protests or challenges relative to

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G. State Final Time ScheduleThe State Final time schedule shall be asfollows: Friday12:00-1:00 p.m. Registration12:45 Radio and Extemp Prep. for

Round I, Sec. A1:30 Round I, Sec. A2:15 Radio and Extemp Prep. for

Round I, Sec. B3:00 Round I. Sec. B3:45 Radio and Extemp Prep. for

Round I, Sec. C4:30 Round I, Sec. C

Saturday7:45 Radio and Extemp Prep. for

Round II, Sec. A8:30 Round II, Section A9:00 Radio and Extemp Prep. for

Round II, Sec. B9:45 Round II, Section B10:15 Radio and Extemp Prep. for

Round II, Sec. C11:00 Round II, Sec. C1:30 FINALS: Dramatic Duet Acting,

Humorous Interpretation,Impromptu Speaking, OratoricalDeclamation, Oratory, OriginalComedy, Prose Reading.

2:30 Radio and Extemp Prep. forFinals

3:15 FINALS: Dramatic Interpretation,Extemporaneous Speaking,Humorous Duet Acting,Informative Speaking, PoetryReading, Radio Speaking,Special Occasion Speaking.

5:45 AWARDS ASSEMBLY

H. Performance Order 1. Regional: The order ofappearance of competitors shall beestablished by the IHSA in conjunction withthe local contest manager in consultation withthe contest committee, and under thefollowing stipulations: a. The assignment ofcompetitors to Preliminary Round I and theirorder of performance shall be establishedrandomly except when adjustments arenecessary to permit students to participate intwo events and to separate identicalselections. Assignment of contestants andspeaking order for Preliminary Round II shallalso be random with the further limitation thatno more than one-half the contestants may bedrawn to compete against the samecontestants they competed against inPreliminary Round I. b. Order of performance for allFinal Rounds shall be established by thecontest manager randomly. With the advice ofthe contest committee, the contest managermay alter the drawn schedule for thosestudents who have conflicting double entries


4th place and four (4) contestants wouldadvance. However, if there is a two-way tie forfourth place, then five (5) contestants 1st,2nd, 3rd, and the two tied for 4th wouldadvance.)

C. Substitution of selections by anadvancing Individual Event contestant may bemade prior to any contest, provided thematerial is approved by the school’s principaland the manager of the contest is notified atleast three (3) days prior to the contest.

D. Determination of Winners: 1. Tabulation procedure: Followingthe completion of each preliminary and finalround, ballots and critique forms from eachjudge shall be returned to contestheadquarters. Contest managers shall crosscheck ballot cards with critique forms toinsure the accuracy of rankings and identify towhom rankings are assigned. In the event anyerror or other question is identified, thejudge(s) involved shall be contactedimmediately to resolve the matter. To insure equality in rankingbetween different sections of an event, in nocase, except for overtime penalties, shall acontestant rank lower than the smallestnumber in any section of the event for theround. In other words, if Section A has 5contestants and Section B has 6 contestants,personnel in the Tab Room should record anyrank of 6 given by any judge as a rank of 5,since that is the smallest number ofcontestants in any section of the event for theround. This is to be done exclusively in theTab Room. Judges are to traditionally rank allcontestants and any adjustment of ranksunder this provision are to be made by theTab Room personnel. 2. Advancement from Preliminariesto Finals: Following completion of bothpreliminary rounds of competition at theRegional and Sectional contests, the ranksreceived from both (at the Regionals), or allfour (at the Sectionals) preliminary roundjudges by each contestant shall be tallied. Thesix (6) contestants with the lowest cumulativetotals of preliminary round rankings shall beadvanced to the finals. In the event of a tie forthe last qualifying position, all tied contestantsshall also advance to the finals. At the State Final, followingcompletion of the preliminary rounds, the six(6) rankings received by each contestant shallbe reviewed. The highest and lowest rankingsfor each contestant shall be discarded and theintermediate four rankings tallied. The six (6)contestants with the lowest cumulative totalsof the intermediate rankings shall be advancedto the finals in each event. In the event of a tiefor the last qualifying position, all t iedcontestants shall also advance to the finals.

or if necessary to separate identicalselections. c. Students shall participate intwo preliminary rounds of competition if thereare eight (8) or more contestants entered inan event. In such cases, the competitors shallbe divided into two groups randomly by thecontest manager. Groups may be revisedrandomly by the contest manager for eachpreliminary round. The top six (6) contestants,plus ties, after two Preliminary Rounds, willbe advanced to the finals. d. In the event there are seven(7) or fewer contestants competing in anevent, only a final round will be conducted. Insuch cases, team points will be awarded onlyto the top six (6) ranked performers. e. Contest managers shall postALL PRELIMINARY ROUND RESULTS in adesignated area so that COACHES ONLY maycheck cumulative judging tallies prior to thepublic posting of the contestants advancing tothe final round. Managers shall also post allperformers’ times in the coaches’ loungeimmediately following each round ofcompetition. 2. Sectional: Performance order ineach event shall be made by the IHSA Office. ALL EVENTS: Speaking order for thefinal round of competition shall be establishedrandomly conducted following the completionof the second preliminary round by thecontest manager and the contest committee.With review of the contest committee, thecontest manager may adjust the schedule forthose students who have conflicting doubleentries or if necessary to separate identicalselections. 3. State Final: Performance order ineach event shall be made by the IHSA Office.

I. Programs:Identification of Competing Schools: Everyschool will be identified in the Regional,Sectional and State Final program under theCompetitor Roster. Each performer will beidentified in the program under their event bytheir first and last name and material title ifapplicable.

VII. ADVANCEMENT OF WINNERS

A. The winners of first, second, thirdand fourth places in each Individual Eventshall be advanced from Regional to Sectional.Winners of first, second and third places ineach Individual Event shall be advanced fromSectional to the State Final.

B. In the event there is a tie for a placewhich qualifies for advancement, all tiedcontestants shall be advanced. (For example:if in the Regional Contest, two contestants aretied for 2nd place, the tie involves the 2nd and3rd places. The next place awarded shall be

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3. Individual winners: a. Regional and Sectional:After the final round for each event, the threeJudges’ rankings shall be tabulated and asummation made of the rankings received byeach finalist. The entry whose total of rankingsis lowest is the winner; the entry with thesecond lowest total is second, etc. b. State Final: With five judgesbeing used, the highest and lowest rankingsfor each contestant shall not be considered indetermining final standing. The contestantwith the lowest total of intermediate rankingsis the winner; the contestant with the secondlowest total is second, etc. 4. Resolution of Ties: a. Ties affecting Advancementfrom Preliminaries to Finals: At all contests(Regional, Sectional and State Final)contestants tied for the last position whichqualifies for advancement from preliminariesto finals shall be advanced without the tiebeing broken. b. Ties Affecting Awardsand/or Team Scoring: At Regional andSectional contests, ties for places for whichawards are presented shall be broken byseparating the tied competitors from all othercontestants and assigning them relativerankings on the basis of judges’ decisions, asthough they were the only competitors. Thecontestant whose total of relative rankings islowest is the winner. If there is still a tie,duplicate awards will be provided and theteam points for the tied places will be addedand equally divided among the teams of thetied contestants. At the State Final Contest,the tied competitors shall be separated fromall other competitors and assigned relativerankings. If there is still a tie, then the ranksassigned by all f ive (5) judges will beconsidered, and the contestant with the lowesttotal of five rankings will be declared thewinner. Example: Three (3) contestantstied for fourth place at the Regional. The tie isunbreakable, so the points for fourth, fifth andsixth places (3, 2 and 1 respectively,) areadded and divided by three. Each school isthen awarded two (2) points for itscontestant’s finish. 5. School winners: Points shall beawarded on the basis of the following scale foreach Individual Event: 1st 6 points; 2nd 5points, 3rd 4 points; 4th 3 points; 5th 2points; 6th and all other finalists 1 point. Thispoint scale shall be followed at all contests,except as specified in Art. VI-G-1-d.

VIII. TOURNAMENT RULES

A. Material: 1. Material which is inappropriatefor public performance by high schoolstudents will not be tolerated. The principal is

6. If a school is enteringImpromptu, a coach may submit a list ofsuggested topics in each category(Quotations, Proverbs, and Phrases). Pleasesend your topics to the IHSA office no laterthan November 1, 2014. Earlier topics will beaccepted.

B. Material Verification: At each of the IHSA tournaments, theoriginal published source of any selectionused, along with a complete script of thecutting to be performed in all interpretiveevents: Dramatic Duet Acting, DramaticInterpretation, Humorous Duet Acting,Humorous Interpretation, Prose and PoetryReading, must all be available within areasonable amount of time as determined bythe contest manager. Failure to produce suchmaterials shall result in the disqualification ofthe contestant from the contest in that event.If the contestant has been ranked in the roundwhere the violation is discovered, the rankingwill be changed to DQ and the ranks of theother contestants in that round will beadjusted as necessary.

C. Properties: A property shall be defined as any item,except a manuscript, including thecontestant’s apparel and accessories, which isused for effect during the presentation.

D. Royalties: The Association assumes noresponsibilities for the payment of royalties orother fees connected with the performance ofany material in the Speech Contest Series.

E. Timekeeping 1. Time will be kept at all contestsfor all events. Contest managers will arrangeto have two (2) timers in every round for allevents in all contests. To accommodate thisrequirement, managers are authorized to givetimekeeping assignments as needed toparticipating schools. Timers will be seatedout of the judges/spectators’ sight but in fullview of the performers. Timing devices otherthan those used by the appointed timekeepersare unofficial. 2. In all events except Impromptu,Extemporaneous Speaking, and RadioSpeaking, when a timer’s watch is read todetermine time, a reading of 8:30.00 or less,will not be considered a time violation. If awatch reads 8:30.01 or greater on a digitalwatch or is a tic past 8:30 on a sweep-handwatch, the time will be considered to be 8:31.If both timers confirm the overtime, penaltieswill be assessed. In Impromptu,Extemporaneous Speaking, and RadioSpeaking the same time concept applies pertheir specific time limitations.


required to see and approve both the selectionand performance of all material includingsubstitute material, to be used by contestantsfrom the member school in the contest series. 2. IHSA By-law 6.010 will beapplied in the event contestants util izematerial which, upon investigation by theExecutive Director, is determined to beinappropriate. By-law 6.010 states: Any violation of the Constitutionand/or By-laws, Terms and Conditions, IHSAPolicies and Guidelines, and/or other rules ofthe Association, shall be reported to theExecutive Director, who shall have authority toinvestigate all alleged violations. The findingsof the investigation shall be made known tothe school (or schools), person (or persons),alleged to have committed the violation. TheExecutive Director shall then have fullauthority to invoke penalties against suchschool or persons found to have committedviolations. Penalties shall include, but not belimited to, written warning or reprimand,requisite affirmation, and corrective action upto and including suspension and/or expulsion.Failure to take the corrective action requiredby any penalty shall be the basis for furtheraction up to and including suspension and/orexpulsion. Note that these provisions includepossible penalties against the school orindividual persons found to have committedviolations. This means that competitors,coaches, directors, and/or principals may bepenalized directly for the use of inappropriatematerial in the IHSA Speech Contests. A performance (language or action)which is a literal, symbolic or colloquialexpression describing or naming anythingwhich is profane and/or vulgar, whether or notsuited to a specific character being portrayed,IS ALWAYS CONSIDERED INAPPROPRIATE! 3. Not more than 150 words of anyOration, Informative Speaking, OriginalComedy or Special Occasion Speech may bedirect quotation. 4. In Oratory, InformativeSpeaking, Original Comedy and SpecialOccasion Speaking, the content, style andthought of the selection must be solely theproduct of the contestant. 5. The Internet may be used as asource for printed published material as longas the following provisions are met: a. It must be copyrighted andavailable to all (equal access). b. It must NOT have beenposted solely for a student’s use incompetitive speech activities. c. It may NOT be transcribedfrom an audio or video source; it must beavailable in its original written form. d. In addition, it isrecommended that all internet sites beevaluated for authenticity.

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Impromptu timer will direct the competingstudent to begin their speech. 6. In Radio Speaking, the timersshall be seated in such a way that they arevisible to the speaker. Timers shall usestopwatches which will be the only officialtiming devices. If possible, the localmanagement should provide a wall clock with asweep second hand placed within view of thecontestants. Contestants may also use theirown timing devices. One of the timekeepersshall use time cards to notify the speaker whenthe following time remains: two (2) minutes,one (1) minute, thirty (30) seconds and fifteen(15) seconds. Thereafter, he will notify thespeaker by means of upraised fingers, whenten (10) seconds are left, and finally, when onlyfive (5) seconds remain in the five (5) minutestime limit. After each presentation, the timersshall inform the judges of the exact time of theperformance; and after the final presentation,the timers shall each deliver cards to thecontest management showing the exact timeconsumed by each speaker. For RadioSpeaking, if both timers show a violation of thetime limit, the contestant shall be ranked last inthat round by the contest management. NOTE: The term “ranked last” shallmean given a rank on each individual judge’sballot equal to the number representing thenumber of contestants in the round. In otherwords, if there are six (6) contestants in theround, ‘ranked last’ means being given the rankof six (6) on each judge’s ballot. Othercontestants in the round who do not violate thetime limits will have their ranks from eachjudge adjusted upward as appropriate.

F. Special Rules and Limitations: 1. These Terms and Conditions havebeen established under the authority of Article1.450 of the IHSA Constitution. Violation issubject to penalty by the IHSA Board ofDirectors under the provisions of IHSA By-lawsand any special provisions contained herein. 2. Protests and challenges of aperformance’s compliance with the rules maybe filed in writing with the contest manager byany coach or judge. Other persons wishing tofile such a protest or challenge, shall do sothrough a coach or judge at the contest. 3. General Penalty for Violations byContestants: Unless otherwise specified in therules, the penalty for rules violations in anyround of competition throughout the entirecontest series shall be that the contestant’sranking in the round where the violation occursbe changed to last (see VII-D) and the ranks ofother contestants will be adjusted asnecessary. For example: In Preliminary Round IIof Humorous Duet Acting, a student from DuetA stands on the table during the duet’sperformance. The penalty is that the duet is tobe ranked last in the round. Thus, the final

results for Preliminary Round II will beadjusted as follows: Duet A was 2nd becomes 6th Duet B was 1st remains 1st Duet C was 3rd becomes 2nd Duet D was 5th becomes 4th Duet E was 6th becomes 5th Duet F was 4th becomes 3rd 4. The penalty for accessing theinternet or using a contraband device forExtemporaneous Speaking will bedisqualification from the tournament. 5. Tardiness, Absence, Perform -ance Out of Order: Contestants must bepresent when called upon in accordance withthe schedule prepared by the contest managerand printed in the program. In the event acontestant cannot, for any reason, complywith the printed schedule, he must personallyconsult the contest manager to be excused.Only if the manager or a member of thecontest committee gives the student writtenpermission may any contestant perform out ofthe order printed in the program. Contestantsfailing to comply with the printed schedulewithout written excuse shall be disqualified. 6. Manuscripts: For all IndividualEvents except Radio Speaking,Extemporaneous and Impromptu Speaking,coaches must be able to produce in areasonable amount of time, as determined bythe contest management, a typed manuscriptor copy of selections to be performed by theirstudents for presentation to the contestmanager if requested. Manuscripts mustcontain identification of sources of quotes.The actual source of non-original cuttingsshould also be identified on the manuscript.Failure to produce such copy shall result indisqualification of the contestant from thecontest. 7. Failure to Present OriginalSelections: a. Quoted Material: If it isdiscovered that a contestant has includedmore than 150 words of direct quotation in hisselection, he/she shall be disqualified. In theevent of late discovery of a violation of thisrule, procedure as outlined in Art. VIII-E-8below shall be followed. b. Originality of Material: In allcases where originality of material isquestioned, the local contest committee shallbe responsible for examining the material andruling on its eligibility. If a judge suspects thata speech is not original, he should so informthe contest committee and the committee willinvestigate. 8. Use of Inappropriate Material: If,in the opinion of any contest judge, materialwhich is performed for his/her adjudication isinappropriate for public performance by a highschool student, he/she may rank theperformance down. If, in the opinion of amajority of the judges, a performance ispersistently inappropriate or is flagrantly


3. In all events except RadioSpeaking, both timers designated by themanager shall raise their hands above theirheads upon expiration of the allotted time, tolet the performer know the time limit has beenreached. Both timers shall keep the handsraised above their heads until the performerconcludes. When the speaker concludeshis/her presentation, both timers shall recordthe total elapsed time shown on theirindividual watches on an official time sheet.Times shall not be announced to competitors,judges or audiences, except in RadioSpeaking. Judges shall be instructed not totake time into consideration in their rankings.The timers must deliver their time sheets tothe contest headquarters at the conclusion ofeach Section. All penalties for time violationsshall be assessed by the contest management.Timers must use stopwatches. 4. Penalties for Violation a. Regional, Sectional andState Final Prelims: For each full thirty (30)seconds of overtime, as defined in 2. above,the contestant’s ranking from each judge shallbe lowered by one (1) place. This reduction inranking shall be mandatory and shall beadministered by the contest management.This rule supercedes Article VII-D-1. Thus acontestants ranking may exceed the leastnumber of contestants in a round of thatevent. For example: Contestant A is ranked 2,3, 1 by three judges, but is overtime by forty-five (45) seconds. Contestant B is ranked 3,1,2 and Contestant C is ranked 1, 4, 3. Themanager shall then adjust the rankings forcontestant A to 3, 4, 2 before the tabulation ofrankings is made. No change is made in therankings of Contestant B or Contestant C. Thus final results become: A-3, 4, 2 = 9 B-3, 1, 2 = 6 C-1, 4, 3 = 8 b. State Final Rounds: In thefinal rounds of the State Final Contest only, nopenalty for time violations will be assessed inany event except Radio Speaking, until one (1)minute beyond the specified time limit. Forexample, if the time limit is eight (8) minutes,no penalty will be assessed until the speakerhas exceeded nine (9) minutes as verified bytwo (2) stopwatches. 5. In Extemporaneous Speakingand Impromptu Speaking, time cards shall beused to inform the speakers of the amount oftime remaining. These cards should be visibleto the speaker at all times. a. In Radio and ExtemporaneousSpeaking, the prep room monitor will informspeakers of the allowable prep time anddismiss the speakers accordingly. InImpromptu Speaking, the timer will give thespeaker oral prep time signals in thirty (30)second intervals in the competition room. Attwo (2) minutes the prep time ends and the

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Individual Events Terms and Conditions—Page 7profane or vulgar, the judges may stop theperformance and disqualify the contestant orgroup from the contest. In either case, judgesshall explain their opinions and actions inwritten critiques, and the judge/contestmanager shall forward a copy of the critiquesto the IHSA Office. Contest officials shallsubmit a Special Report to the IHSA. Inaddition, any report of the use of inappropriatematerial shall be investigated by the IHSAExecutive Director, who shall investigate theallegation and take action if warranted underthe provision of IHSA By-law 6.010 and theprocedures stated in Art. VI-C and VIII-A ofthese Terms and Conditions. 9. Late Discovery of Violations: If aviolation is not discovered until after the closeof the contest in which the violation occurred,the following procedure shall be followed: a. The contestant, group orschool shall be disqualified and advancementto the next succeeding contest shall be deniedif the violation is reported to the IHSA Officeprior to the next contest. If the violation is notreported until after the next contest, no actionshall be taken and the matter shall beconsidered closed. b. The rankings of the othercontestants in the event shall be revisedupward. c. If the violation is reported tothe IHSA Office prior to the next succeedingcontest, the winners shall be advanced on thebasis of the revised rankings. d. If the disqualified individual,group or school has won any awards, suchawards shall be returned to the IHSA Office.An attempt will then be made to redistributethese awards on the basis of the revisedrankings mentioned above. 10. Alternate Qualifier Advancement a. In the event a qualifiedstudent is, for any reason, unable to advanceto the succeeding contest, and provided theIHSA Office is notified by the principal of thequalifier’s school at least one day prior to thesucceeding contest, the highest-placingcontestant from the qualifier’s last qualifyingcontest in the same event that has not yetbeen offered the opportunity to advance shallbe designated as the alternate(s), their coachand tournament manager shall be notified bythe IHSA, and they shall be permitted toadvance. b. Any alternate qualifier(s)shall be treated from that point forward asqualified contestants, and if they are, for anyreason, unable to advance to the succeedingcontest, the process shall be repeated with thenext highest-placing contestant until analternate qualifier who is able to advance isfound, all contestants at the qualifier’s lastqualifying contest have been offered thechance to advance, or it is now less than oneday before the succeeding contest. c. If a contestant is involved ina tie in a final round that was broken by

judges’ preference for the purposes ofsweepstakes tabulation would become analternate qualifier, all other contestantsinvolved in the tie that was broken by judges’preference must also be treated a alternatequalifiers. d. The IHSA Office may, at itsdiscretion, permit alternate qualifieradvancement less than one day prior to thesucceeding contest, but there is norequirement to do so. e. In any situation where thestudent that is unable to advance would haveadvanced in a position other than the lastqualifying place, the places of qualifyingstudent who placed below them but who willadvance to the succeeding contest will beadjusted up one place for the purposes ofscheduling the succeeding contest so that noplaces are skipped.

IX. TOURNAMENT POLICIES

A. Damage to Property or EquipmentIf contestants or people from any schoolentered in a state series are found guilty ofcarelessness or maliciously breaking,damaging or destroying property or equipmentbelonging to the host school, such schoolshall be held responsible for costs incurred inreplacing or repairing such property orequipment. B. Media Policies 1. Media Personnel a. Any media person wishing totake photographs will contact the Regional,Sectional, or State Final manager to verifyarrangements to take photos at thetournaments. Photographers are welcome totake photos in the commons area. IHSARegional/Sectional Site Managers names andinformation can be found on the IHSA websiteor by contacting the IHSA Office. b. Photography is NOT allowedin rooms while rounds are taking place,however, reporters are invited and encouragedto sit in on rounds as spectators. c. At all levels of IHSAcompetition, a media area may be set aside forphotographs. All participating students will beinvited and encouraged to make themselvesavailable during the tournament for the OfficialIHSA Photographer as well as other localmedia outlets. d. Results from each level ofthe tournament can be obtained by logginginto the IHSA website and choosing theappropriate activity. Results will be posted forRegionals and Sectionals as soon as thetournament concludes. State Final results willbe posted as soon as possible following thetournaments. 2. Managers a. May arrange a room forphotographers and students to gather forphoto opportunities.

b. Will post any information forall participating students to have theopportunity to meet with area media. c. Will cooperate fully withmedia personnel to arrange photoopportunities and ensure coverage of all levelsof the tournament.

C. Tobacco/Liquid Nicotine Products:The use of tobacco or liquid nicotine productsin any competition area, either during apractice or while a contest is in progress, oraffiliated property of any IHSA state seriescontest by any coach, player, any other personconnected with a team, or fan shall beprohibited. State series hosts are required tomake all state series contest sites and anyaffiliated property, including parking lots, fanaccommodation areas, and other school orevent venue property, tobacco/liquid nicotinefree zones on the date or dates of any IHSAevent being held at the site.

D. Use of Inhalers:A student with asthma may possess and usehis/her medication during an IHSAcompetition, while under the supervision ofschool personnel, provided the school meetsthe outlined procedures of self administrationin the Illinois school code.

E. Alcoholic Beverages and IHSA StateSeries Events: The possession, distribution, sale and/orconsumption of alcoholic beverages areprohibited at the site and on any affiliatedproperty of any IHSA state series contest.State series hosts are required to make allstate series contest sites and any affiliatedproperty, including parking lots, fanaccommodation areas, and other school orevent venue property, alcohol free zones onthe date or dates of any IHSA event being heldat the site. Violation of this policy by an eventhost will subject the host to a penalty forviolation of IHSA By-law 2.020. Such penaltymay include but not necessarily be limited toprohibition against subsequent event hostingassignments. Violation of this policy by a non-hosting member school will subject the schoolto penalty for violation of IHSA By-law 2.020.Patrons of any IHSA state series contestdetermined to be in violation of this policy willbe removed from the premise, and lawenforcement officials will be called aswarranted.

F. Special Report Forms and SAWAReports Special report forms have beendeveloped to facilitate schools reporting anymatter concerning high school programs thatmerit the attention of the high school principal.These forms can be used for reporting anyincidents or problems with a competitor,coach, director or spectator. The forms mayalso be used to report errors in applying rules

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or any phase of judging in which a judgeshould immediately attempt to improve. TheSAWA Report form should be used forreporting any instances where a coach,director, participant, judge or spectator hasdone an exemplary job of Sporting A WinningAttitude. These forms can be found on theIHSA website at www.ihsa.org.

G. Responsibility for Theft or OtherLosses The IHSA will not be responsible for lossor theft of any personal or school propertyduring the course of a contest.

H. Prayer at IHSA State Series Contest: Prayer at an IHSA state series contestthat takes place over the public addresssystem is prohibited.

X. AWARDS

A. Regional and Sectional: Medalsshall be given to first, second, third and fourthplace winners at Regionals, and to first,second and third place winners at Sectionals.A plaque shall be given to the school winningfirst place.

B. State Final: The finalists in each ofthe Individual Events shall receive medallions.Trophies and team medallions shall be givento the schools winning first, second and thirdplaces.

C. In case of a tie between two or moreschools, an award for the highest place tiedshall be given to each of those schools ifawards are provided for that place.

XI. JUDGING

A. In accordance with Art. VI-B-4-c,Regional and Sectional managers shall appointjudges after consultation with the entireContest Committee.

B. Selection: Local managers, inconjunction with their contest committees, areurged to select judges from the list ofpreferred judges supplied by the IHSA Officeand to employ those who are located as nearthe contest center as possible. Also, coaches

from participating schools must be availablethroughout each contest for judgingassignments. Judges for the State Final will beselected by the State Contest Committee.Tournament workers and Contest Committeepersonnel, assigned to work with thetabulation of results, should not be used asjudges, except in emergency situations andwith the approval of the Contest Committee.

C. Duties: 1. It shall be the duty of each judgeto rank all contestants in each round in theorder of the excellence of their performances.Judges may not award the same ranking tomore than one (1) individual or group in agiven section. 2. A judge shall confer with no oneprior to the submission of his ballot to thecontest manager. A judge shall not change orrevise his ballot after it has been signed andplaced in the hands of the contest manager.Judges shall not reveal their decisions toanyone prior to the announcement of resultsby the contest manager. No one may questiona judge’s ballot or confer with a judgeconcerning his decisions unless it is necessaryto do so because the ballot is not intelligible orthe decisions or rankings were not made inconformity with the rules. 3. In all events, at all contests, eachjudge shall prepare brief written critiques ofthe work of each contestant. All critiques shallspecify major reasons for ranking. Thesecritiques shall then be made available at theend of the contest to the coach of eachcompeting school. 4. The same judge shall rank allcontestants within an event during a givenround.

D. Number: 1. In the Regional contests, one (1)judge shall be used in each preliminary groupand three (3) judges shall be used in the finalround in each event. 2. In the Sectional contests: a. In Individual Events, two (2)judges shall be used in each preliminary groupand three (3) judges shall be used in the finalround in each event.

b. For Performance in theRound, five (5) judges shall be used and thehighest ranking and the lowest ranking shallbe discarded for each performance and onlythe three (3) intermediate rankings for eachshall be considered in determining its finalstanding. 3. In the State Final, three (3)judges shall be used in the preliminary roundsof each event. Five (5) judges, selected by theState Tournament Contest Committee, shall beused in the final round of each event, and thehighest ranking and the lowest ranking shallbe discarded for each performance and onlythe three (3) intermediate rankings for eachshall be considered in determining its finalstanding. 4. The number of hired judges shallbe determined by the contest manager withinthe framework of the budget for the contestapproved by the IHSA Office. All others are tobe coaches supplied by the participatingschools and assigned by the contest manager.Each school with an entry at the StateTournament must provide at least one coachto serve as a judge at the tournament.

E. Judges Compensation: Judges fees shall be paid as follows: Regional $20.00 per round Sectional $20.00 per round State Final $25.00 per round Each group of performances for which ajudge completes a ballot is considered a“round.” Any judge who drives more than 70 milesround trip to the site of a Regional, Sectional,or State Final Contest shall be reimbursed atravel allowance of $.30 per mile in excess of70 miles round trip. Reimbursement shall bedirectly from the IHSA office, upon the judges’submission of a travel report form to beprovided by the IHSA through the contestmanagers.

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Dramatic/Humorous Duet Acting (DDA/HDA)

Definition: Dramatic and Humorous Duet Acting are the presentations of dramatic orhumorous selections by two individuals.

Purpose: The purpose of these events is to give students the opportunity ofdeveloping their characterization and acting skills in a confined setting.

Material: Material must come from a single printed, published source and must meethigh standards for good literature. Cuttings from plays, verse plays, teleplays,screenplays, or other works that meet all criteria for the event may be presented.Excluding the introduction, a cutting may include the portrayal of no more than twocharacters. Material in which an author assigns multiple characters to one actor isacceptable. Combining the lines of two or more characters to create one compositecharacter is prohibited. Adaptations condensing multiple characters andcreating/combining dialogue are prohibited. Assigning a line from the text to a givencharacter for the purpose of transition or continuity is not to be considered thecreation of a “composite” character. A transition is considered part of the cutting andmay not include portrayal of additional characters. Material other than the author’swork must be limited to 15%.

Appropriateness of Material: See Art, VIII-A-1-2 of the Individual Events Terms andConditions.

Time Limit: 8 minutes

Timekeeping Procedures: See ART VIII-E of the Individual Events Terms andConditions.

Time Limit Penalty: For each full thirty (30) seconds of overtime (8:30.01, 9:00.01,etc or 1 tic past 8:30, 9:00, etc on a sweep hand) the contestant’s ranking from eachjudge will be lowered by one (1) place. This reduction is mandatory and will beadministered by the contest management. The other contestants’ ranks will not beaffected. There is no penalty for speaking less than eight (8) minutes.

Use of Script, Props, and Visual Aids During Performance: It is recommended thata table, with four legs, approximately 30 inches by 48 inches and two chairs beprovided. If a table meeting these approximate dimensions is not available, managersshould specify the dimensions and any other specifics of the table to be used, tocompeting schools, prior to the start of the tournament. Schools will not be allowedto bring additional tables, chairs, stools, set pieces, etc. Performers are not allowed tostand on the table and chairs at any time for liability reasons. A script may not beheld. No lights, staging, costumes, makeup, sound effects, etc., will be permitted.

Presentation: Characters may direct dialogue to off stage characters or to silentcharacters and /or audience. All performances must include an introduction which willname: the author(s) and the title of the material.

Standards for Excellence: The material should provide opportunity for the actors todevelop an understandable scene with clear character relationships. Thecharacterization should be believable and consistent with the author’s intent. Themovement should flow naturally from the characters, giving proper focus on actionand reaction. The scene should grow with character insight, plot or moodintensification and thematic statement.

Dramatic/Humorous Interpretation (DI/HI)

Definition: Dramatic and Humorous Interpretation are the oral presentation ofliterature.

Purpose: The purpose of these events is to increase the student’s understanding ofcommunication of ideas through performance and to encourage the application oftheories of oral interpretation.

Material: Material must be from a printed published source and may be from plays,verse plays, teleplays, screenplays or other works. One character plays, monologuesand soliloquies will be allowed. Though the performer may select to do multiplemonologues, the presentation will be limited to a single work. Material other than theauthor’s work must be limited to 15%.





Use of Script, Props, and Visual Aids During Performance: No properties of anykind may be used in presenting the readings and the script must not be held.

Presentation: Although body language is not prohibited, it should be used withrestraint. All performances must include an introduction which will name: theauthor(s) and the title of the material.

Standards for Excellence: An understanding of the literature being presented shall bedemonstrated by the contestant’s communication of the intent of the author, therelationship of the cutting to the work as a whole, and the specific meanings of thepassages presented. The selection should be such that the performer can respondemotionally to the thought and mood; the literature should be more than superficial incharacterization or development of theme. The delivery should be such thattechniques of presentation are not obvious. The performer’s voice should reveal themeaning of the selection, as should any bodily movement; the total effect should bereal and genuine, rather than artificial and mechanical. Attention should be paid togood pronunciation and articulation, adequate volume, and acceptable vocal quality.

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Prose Reading (PR)

Definition: Prose Reading is the oral interpretation of prose literature.

Purpose: The purpose of Prose Reading is to acquaint students with the genre andthe application of the principles of oral interpretation.

Material: Material must be prose literature. Sources of material include cuttings fromnovels, short stories, biographies, nonfiction, letters and diaries. Use of dramaticliterature is not permitted. The cuttings must contain less than 50% dialogue. Eachcontestant will prepare one (1) selection. Selections for this event may be chosenfrom any source deemed appropriate but must come from printed, published sources.Compilations are permissible. The material should be in keeping with acceptablestandards for good literature.





Use of Script, Props, and Visual Aids During Performance: The script will be held.No properties or visual aids will be allowed.

Presentation: Although body language is not prohibited, it should be used withrestraint. All performances must include an introduction which will name: theauthor(s) and the title of the material.

Standards for Excellence: The material should be a logical cutting to give theinterpretation intended by the author and should give the listener the impression thatthe presentation is total and complete. The delivery should indicate the reader’sfamiliarity with the material. The contestant should gain eye contact with theaudience; his/her voice should be clear and direct and the volume adequate; the totalpresentation should be natural and interesting.

Poetry Reading (PT)

Definition: Poetry Reading is the oral interpretation of poetry.

Purpose: The purpose of Poetry Reading shall be to acquaint students with the genreand the application of the principles of oral interpretation.

Material: Each contestant will prepare one (1) program of one (1) or more poem(s).Selections for this event may be chosen from any source deemed appropriate butmust come from printed, published sources. Compilations of poems are permissible.The material should be in keeping with acceptable standards for good literature.





Use of Script, Props, and Visual Aids During Performance: The script will be held.No properties or visual aids will be allowed.

Presentation: Although body language is not prohibited, it should be used withrestraint. All performances must include a required introduction which will name: theauthor(s) and the title of the program and/or the poem(s).

Standards for Excellence: The material performed should convey the theme selected.The delivery should be such that the reader conveys the thought of the verse throughvocal expression; rhythm should be apparent but not obvious and distracting; tonequality should enhance meaning. The reader should be natural and interesting.

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Oratorical Declamation (OD)

Definition: Oratorical Declamation is the oral presentation of persuasive orinspirational material of literary merit, such as editorials, essays, speeches, preparedby another person.

Purpose: The purpose of Oratorical Declamation is to acquaint students with notableexamples of persuasive or inspirational literature and give them opportunity to developskills of interpretation and delivery through the preparation and oral presentation ofsuch examples.

Material: Material must come from printed published sources. It is recommendedthat the material be pertinent to current problems.





Use of Script, Props, and Visual Aids During Performance: None.

Presentation: The speech shall be presented from memory.

Standards for Excellence: The material should be a logical cutting to give theinterpretation intended by the author. The delivery should indicate the speaker’sfamiliarity with the material and should gain direct eye contact with the audience; thespeaker’s voice should be clear and direct and the volume adequate. If cut, theorganization should be clear and focused upon the purpose of the author’s originalmaterial.

Oratory (O)

Definition: Oratory is the oral presentation of the work of the student and is designedto persuade.

Purpose: The purpose of Oratory is to guide students in research, organization, anddevelopment of a sense of a literary style in a speech designed to express theirpersonal convictions.

Material: The content, format, style and thought of the material must be the productof the contestant. No more than 150 words in the speech may be direct quotation.




Time Limit Penalty: For each full thirty (30) seconds of overtime (8:30.01, 9:00.01,etc or 1 tic past 8:30, 9:00, etc on a sweep hand) the contestant’s ranking from eachjudge will be lowered by one (1) place. This reduction is mandatory and will beadministered by the contest management. The other contestants’ ranks will not beaffected. there is no penalty for speaking less than eight (8) minutes.

Use of Script and Props During Performance: Notes or manuscripts may be used.

Presentation: Students may use notes or manuscripts or speak from memory. Anintroduction, if used, will be included in presentation time.

Standards for Excellence: The subject of the speech should be of current interest andhave a purpose. The material should show preparation, knowledge and clear thinking.The organization should demonstrate a clear, logical development of ideas. The styleshould demonstrate an effective choice of words and phrases. The delivery should beclear, sincere and interesting and the speaker’s appearance effective without beingdistracting.

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Original Comedy (OC)

Definition: Original Comedy is the oral presentation of the work of the student anddesigned to entertain.

Purpose: The purpose of Original Comedy is to enable students to employ theircreative skills in the writing and presentation of humorous material.

Material: The content, format, style and thought of the material must be the productof the contestant. There shall be no restriction on form. It may be dialogue,monologue or a combination of both. Not more than 150 words of the speech may bedirect quotation.





Use of Script, Props, and Visual Aids During Performance: Notes or manuscriptmay be used. No properties, visual aids or costumes shall be used.

Presentation: Students may use notes or manuscripts or speak from memory. Anintroduction, if used, will be included in presentation time.

Standards for Excellence: The material should be one of general interest and notoffensive to any audience; should be organized around some unifying idea and shouldbe entertaining. The delivery should be lively and clear; the voice should be pleasingand the volume adequate; the speaker’s appearance should provide no distraction.

Special Occasion Speaking (SOS)

Definition: Special Occasion Speaking is a speech which is the original work of thestudent and, in which, the student is himself or herself at his or her current agespeaking in a realistic situation for the purpose of entertaining an audience. It is apublic speaking event.

Purpose: The purpose of Special Occasion Speaking is to provide an opportunity forcontestants to present a practical message in an entertaining manner under simulated“real life” conditions.

Material: The content, format, style, and thought of the material must be solely theproduct of the contestant. Not more than 150 words of the speech may be directquotation.





Use of Script and Props During Performance: Notes or manuscripts may be used.

Presentation: Students may either use notes or manuscripts or speak from memory.An introduction, if used, will be included in presentation time.

Standards for Excellence: The material for the speech should be organized to suit thesubject, purpose, and occasion and to entertain. Though Special Occasion Speakingis a speech to entertain, the entertaining elements should supplement, not replace, thespeech structure. Thus, if the entertaining elements were removed from the speech,there would still be a clear speech structure. In a public speaking event,characterization is used as an example, when done by the speaker. It should not be aprimary element in the speech. The delivery of the speech should demonstrate thepoise and audience contact of the speaker. Pronunciation, articulation, and volumeshould be adequate; the speaker’s voice should be pleasant; the speaker’s appearanceshould provide no distractions.

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Extemporaneous Speaking (ES)

Definition: Extemporaneous Speaking is an event in which a student is given forty-five minutes to prepare an original speech indicating his/her knowledge of currentevents concerning an assigned topic.

Purpose: The purpose of Extemporaneous Speaking is to encourage a student to gaina broad knowledge of current events and to develop the ability to analyze thesignificance of such events and prepare, in a short period of time, a meaningfulspeech which can be delivered in a skillful manner.

Material: Topics shall concern events which have been of state, national orinternational importance at any time between the beginning of the current school yearand the date of the contest. They shall be worded in the form of question, which doesnot elicit blanket yes or no responses.




Time Limit Penalty: For each full thirty (30) seconds of overtime (6:30.01, 7:00.01,etc or 1 tic past 6:30, 7:00, etc on a sweep hand) the contestant’s ranking from eachjudge will be lowered by one (1) place. This reduction is mandatory and will beadministered by the contest management. The other contestants’ ranks will not beaffected. There is no penalty for speaking less than six (6) minutes.

Use of Script, Props, and Visual Aids During Performance: Only notes made duringthe preparation period are allowed.

Presentation: Drawing of topics: contestants shall draw topics according to theirorder of speaking at intervals to provide each contestant 45 minutes of preparationtime., Contest managers shall publish and /or post specific preparation andperformance times for each contestant in each round. The contestant shall draw threetopics and, within one minute, choose the one on which to speak. The choice shall berecorded by the monitor of the drawing. There will be a separate set of questions foreach round. The topic chosen and spoken on will be presented to the judge.Contestants will speak on a different topic in each round. A monitor shall be presentduring the presentation time to assure that there is no consultation and that only theallowable materials are used. After drawing his or her topic, a contestant may notconfer with anyone nor may he or she leave the preparation room without theauthorization of the room monitor. The speaker may use an annotated bibliography inaddition, consult books, magazines, newspapers and summary notes (not to beconstrued as a prepared speech outline). Past speeches and/or prepared speechoutlines may not be used. Students must provide their own preparatory materials.Computers or other electronic devices may not be used to receive information fromany source inside or outside of the room in which the competition occurs. Internetaccess, use of e-mail, instant messaging, or other methods of receiving informationfrom sources inside or outside of the competition room are prohibited. Electronicretrieval devices are defined as laptop computers, netbooks, iPads, or other portableelectronic retrieval equipment. Cell phones or smart phones are prohibited from beingused while preparing or before speaking at IHSA tournaments. (See Laptop Use inExtemporaneous speaking document in Rules Book/online) In all contests, thecompetitor shall begin forty-five minutes after the first contestant has drawn his or hertopic. NOTE: Extemporaneous Speaking competition is open to spectators, includingall participants.

Standards for Excellence: The organization of the speech should be such that theintroduction gains attention and previews the main points which are clear and inlogical order. The conclusion should be satisfactory. The development of the speechshould be such that the speaker does not deviate from his topic, progresses with histopic, and demonstrates a reasonable analysis. The information used by the speakershould be accurate, pertinent and demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the topic. Indelivery, the speaker should be poised, hold attention, use language effectively, have apleasing voice, and demonstrate true extemporaneous style.

Impromptu Speaking (IS)

Definition: Impromptu Speaking is an event in which a student is given two (2)minutes to prepare and six (6) minutes to deliver an original limited preparationspeech.

Purpose: The purpose of Impromptu Speaking is to utilize creativity and logic toorganize and deliver a meaningful speech in a skillful manner.

Material: Topics shall be chosen from the following categories: Quotations, Phrasesand Proverbs. Categories will vary from round to round. Topics will vary from sectionto section. In a given round, all students within the same section will speak on a topicof their choice from a selection of three topics. Judges will be given the three topicsthat the students may select. Topics for each round shall be from the same genre:Quotations, Phrases and Proverbs.


Time Limit: Two (2) minutes of mandatory prep time will be given in the performanceroom and six (6) minutes of speaking time will be allowed.


Time Limit Penalty: For each full thirty (30) seconds of overtime (6:30.01, 7:00.01,etc or 1 tic past 6:30, 7:00, etc on a sweep hand) the speaker’s ranking from eachjudge will be lowered by one (1) place. This reduction is mandatory and will beadministered by the contest management. The other speakers’ ranks will not beaffected. There is no penalty for speaking less than six (6) minutes.

Use of Script, Props, Visual aids During Performance: Only one (1) note card ofany size/type made during the prep time may be used.

Presentation: All scheduled Impromptu Speakers will begin in the performing room.The room chair will welcome the speakers and take roll. The speakers will then bedismissed to the hallway. The first scheduled speaker will remain in the competitionroom. At an appropriate time before each student speaks, the room chair shall givethe three impromptu topics to the speaker. The speaker shall select a topic in whichto speak and then return the topics to the room chair. After receiving the topics, thestudent may not leave the room (unless there is an emergency) or consult withanyone during his/her allotted prep time. Preparation materials are limited to a stopwatch, writing implement and one (1) note card of any size/type that may be usedduring delivery. No other material shall be allowed in the Impromptu prep room otherthan stated above; this includes cell phone devices which could be used as timepieces. Students may not consult published books, magazines, newspapers, journals,articles, speeches, handbooks, briefs, or outlines. No electronic retrieval device maybe used. During the preparation period, the contestant shall not receive advice,information or suggestions from anyone. The speaker may not enter the room untiltheir scheduled speaking time and must remain after they have finished speakingunless they are double entered and ask permission to leave to perform in anotherround. Students who leave the room due to double entries must not share the topicor genre with other students. Compromising the confidentiality of the topic(s) mayresult in disqualification. The other speakers shall proceed in like manner, in the orderof speaking. Spectators must remain in the room until all contestants have finishedspeaking. The same three topics shall be used by each section. A different categorywill be used for each round. Immediately upon opening the envelope and reading thetopics, prep time has begun and the student shall have two minutes to prepare aspeech without consultation and without references to prepared notes in theImpromptu competition room. Students may not enter the competition room until theroom chair directs them to enter. Cell phones or smart phones are prohibited frombeing used for all limited prep events at IHSA tournaments.

Standards for Excellence: The organization of the speech should be such that theintroduction gains attention and previews the main points which are clear and inlogical order. The conclusion should be satisfactory. Speakers should demonstratereasonable creativity in analysis, logic, and exposition of the topic and literary devices.In delivery, the speaker should be poised, hold attention, use language effectively, anddemonstrate variety in mechanics.

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Radio Speaking (RS)

Definition: Radio Speaking is the presentation of a newscast, including a commercial.

Purpose: The purpose of Radio Speaking is to encourage concentration on deliveryand style.

Material: A script approximately fifteen (15) minutes in length will be supplied by theIHSA office. From this, the contestant will prepare a newscast by deleting any parts oritems. No new content may be added except transition sentences, introductions andconclusions. Contestants may enter the preparation room with pre-prepared outsidecontent as long as it is limited exclusively to transition sentences, introductions, orconclusions. Contestants may prepare content for their newscast in the preparationroom before their preparation begins as long as the content that they prepare islimited exclusively to transition sentences, introductions, or conclusions. However,the use of creative transitions, commentary and colorful verbs in sports, weather andthe commercial is allowed to enhance the performance. The newscast will include acommercial advertising some well-known product or service. A prepared commercialsupplied by the IHSA office will be given to each contestant and must be used. Adifferent script and commercial will be supplied for each round. A copy of the Radioscript will be given to the judges.


Time Limit: 4:50 to 5:05 with the contestant expected to finish at 5:00. At theconclusion of a student’s performance, the times must be announced out loud tocompetitors and judge(s).


Time Limit Penalty: If the contestant does not finish within the time allowed, 4:50 to5:05, he/she will be ranked last in the round and the other contestants’ ranks will beadjusted.

Use of Script, Props, Visual Aids During Performance: The contestant will read fromthe script developed during the preparation period. The student may not utilize anyelectronic or mechanical device in his or her performance other than the microphoneprovided by the management and a timing device.

Equipment: Minimum Radio Equipment:

Table—no smaller that 48” x 24”ChairAdjustable Mic StandMultidirectional Microphone

Presentation: Different Scripts and additional preparations periods will be providedprior to each preliminary round and the final rounds at all levels of competition.Contest managers shall publish and/or post specific preparation and performancetimes for each contestant in each round. During the preparation period, the contestantshall not receive advice, information or suggestions from anyone. The local managershall provide one fairly large room for the preparation period and all contestants at agiven contest shall use this same room. A supervisor shall be in charge of the room,and it shall be his or her duty to see that all the rules regarding the preparation periodare observed. The preparation period shall begin approximately forty-five (45)minutes before the contest is scheduled to begin. The contestants will speak into astandard public address microphone, preferably while seated at a table. The speakerunits must be arranged so that the speaker’s voice will be clearly audible to the judgeor the audience. A contestant should perform in an adjoining room. Each competitorshall have the option of requesting a microphone check prior to beginning his or herperformance. If requested, such an opportunity shall be granted. Timing shall beginwith the first word spoken by a competitor (not including the microphone check priorto the performance). A ‘countdown’ does not count as part of a microphone check andshould not be used. All words spoken after timing begins will be considered to havegone out ‘on the air’ as part of the newscast. Cell phones or smart phones areprohibited from being used for all limited prep events at IHSA tournaments.

Standards for Excellence: The organization of material should be logical; transitionsshould be smooth. The delivery should include a clear, pleasant and confident voice;the rate should be understandable and varied; news items should be separated bypauses and changes in pitch; correct emphasis and phrasing of thought should beapparent. The time limit is 4:50 to 5:05 with the student expected to finish at 5:00minutes.

Informative Speaking (INFO)

Definition: Informative Speaking is the original expository oral presentation of thestudent.

Purpose: The purpose of Informative Speaking is to guide students in research,organization and the development of a sense of literary style in speech designed toexpress their own interests.

Material: The content, format, style and thoughts of the material must be the originalproduct of the student. No more than 150 words in the speech may be directquotation. A fabricated topic/subject may not be used. A student may not use anyportion of his/her original oratory if double entered at the tournament.




Time Limit Penalty: For each full thirty (30) seconds of overtime (8:30.01, 9:00.01,etc or 1 tic past 8:30, 9:00, etc. on a sweep hand) the speakers’ ranking from eachjudge will be lowered by one (1) rank. This reduction is mandatory and will beadministered by tournament management. The other speakers’ ranks will not beaffected. There is no penalty for speaking less than eight (8) minutes.

Use of Script, Props, and Visual Aids during Performance: Notes or manuscriptmay be used. Visual aids may not be included in the presentation.

Presentation: Students may use notes, manuscripts or speak from memory. Anintroduction, if used, will be included in presentation time.

Standard for Excellence: The student should describe, clarify, illustrate or define anobject, idea, concept or process. The topic of the speech should be of current interestand have a purpose. The material should show preparation, knowledge and clearthought. The organization should demonstrate clear, logical development of idea. Thestyle should demonstrate an effective choice of words and phrases. The deliveryshould be clear, sincere and interesting and the speaker’s appearance should beeffective without being distracting.

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Laptop Use in Extemporaneous Speaking

a. Extemporaneous Speaking contestants may make use of electronic storage/retrieval devices to store and to retrieve

their subject files in the IHSA Individual Events Series. Students can retrieve extemporaneous files to read, but

cannot write speeches or organize their thoughts on the computers. This rule in no way prevents students from

still utilizing traditional paper copy files to enable the competitor to successfully compete in Extemporaneous

Speaking. The IHSA takes no position on which form of file storage is preferable for use by any given student.

i. Electronic retrieval devices are defined as laptop computers, netbooks, iPads, or other portable electronic

retrieval equipment. Secondary devices such as flash drives or external hard drives are allowed as well. Cell

phones or smart phones are prohibited from being used while preparing or before speaking.

ii. Source Materials: Students may consult published books, periodical articles, newspaper articles, think tank

articles, government reports or journal articles saved on their electronic retrieval device or present in hard

copy form provided:

1. There are no notations made within or on the saved article other than citation information.

2. Any highlighting or underlining of the articles is done in only one color within each article. Bolding,

italicizing, or any other manipulation of the original text of sources (other than highlighting or underlining

as previously stipulated) is prohibited.

iii. No other source materials will be allowed in the Extemporaneous prep room other than stated above. Pre-

written Extemporaneous speeches, past speeches, handbooks, briefs, notes or outlines are prohibited from the

prep room, whether stored electronically or present in hard copy form.

iv. Power Source: Power plugs or outlets may not be used in the prep room at any time. All computers used in

the prep room must be battery operated at all times.

v. Competitors are responsible for making certain their electronic retrieval devices are fully charged at the start of

each competition day and for proper power management ensuring that their device remains functional

throughout the competition day. Contestants may not use external power sources in the prep room, such as

wall outlets and/or extension cords.

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vi. Internet: Extemporaneous Speaking contestants shall not access the Internet or communicate electronically

with any other individual while in the prep room. All computers must comply with the following provisions:

1. Computers equipped with removable wireless cards must have the cards removed before the beginning

of any round of competition. It is the responsibility of the contestant to disengage the equipment.

2. Computers with built-in wireless capability may be used only if the wireless capability is disabled. It is the

responsibility of the contestant to disable the equipment.

3. Wired connections (Ethernet or phone) during rounds of competition are not permitted.

4. Computers or other electronic devices may not be used to receive information from any source (coaches

or assistants included) inside or outside of the room in which the competition occurs. Internet access,

use of e-mail, instant messaging, or other means of receiving information from sources inside or outside

of the competition room are prohibited.

5. Penalty: Contestants found to have violated provisions 1 through 3 above will be ranked last in the

round. Contestants found to have violated provision 4 (above) will be disqualified from the tournament.

vii. Liability: Extemporaneous Speaking competitors accept full responsibility for the safety and security of their

electronic retrieval devices throughout the entire course of all IHSA Tournaments. The IHSA and host schools

do not assume any liability for the computers. Students are welcome to use Kensington locks or other such

devices to secure their computers in the prep room. Students, parents, and coaches should be aware that the

students are bringing and using the computers at their own risk. The IHSA or host schools are not responsible

for lost, stolen, or broken computers.

viii. File Monitoring: The IHSA retains the right to view and search any electronic retrieval devices to ensure

compliance with any and all rules at any IHSA tournament. Once competition begins, the history on the

computer should not be deleted.

ix. Devices should be muted in the prep room. Contestants should not play games or engage in other distracting

activities on their electronic devices in the prep room. Tournament officials may ask a student to power-off the

device if it becomes distracting.

x. For invitational level competition, students from the same school may share computers during preparation.

However, communication among contestants during preparation time is strictly prohibited.

b. Penalty: If a speaker uses a contraband device, s/he will receive last in the round and may be disqualified from the

tournament.

(Rules adapted for use by the IHSA from the National Forensic League rulebook.)

Laptop Use in Extemporaneous Speaking, Continued

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The purpose of Performance in the Round isto provide students with opportunities forexpanded performance at the Individual EventsState Series.

THE RULES FOR PERFORMANCE IN THEROUND:

1. DEFINITION OF THE EVENT:Performance in the Round will involve three ormore students performing original or scriptedliterature. Performance may be humorous ordramatic in nature and will be staged in theround with the audience in an arenaarrangement and the performance space in thecenter of the area. (The audience will beplaced around the performance space at anappropriate distance as allowed by theperformance area from the circle allowing foradequate movement.)

2. SPECIFIC RULES & GUIDELINES: a. The actual performance spaceshall be in a 16 foot diameter taped circulararea. The width of the aisle should be no lessthan 30 inches. This may be in a classroom,study hall, cafeteria, gymnasium, or on astage, etc. Except for music and soundeffects, all performance elements, including offstage dialogue, must be within the 16-footcircle. b. Live or electronic music/soundmay be used. If used, music should enhancethe performance, not dominate theperformance. Character or charactersperforming solo or ensemble singing initiatedwithin the performance circle must resolveitself upon leaving the circle. Solo orensemble singing initiated while outside of thecircle should support contextual mood and notrepresent a specific character or charactersintensions and must resolve itself uponentering the performance circle. Noperformance elements should occur in theaisles. c. No auxiliary/supplementallighting cues shall be used. Facility lighting willremain on at all times. d. No scenery may be used. e. Performance groups may onlyuse 10 standard chairs (not folding ones) and2 tables which will be provided by the hostschool. The tables should be standard; it issuggested that the table be approximately 30”x 40”. If a table meeting these approximatedimensions is not available, managers shouldspecify the dimensions and any other specificsof the table to be used, to competing schools,prior to the start of the tournament. Schoolswill not be allowed to bring additional tables,chairs, stools, set pieces, etc. f. Only personal hand props andcostumes may be used. Footwear must beworn.

g. Only IHSA eligible students arepermitted to operate any technical equipmentduring the performances. Violation of this rulewill result in disqualification. h. After the physical set-up, thecircle is cleared. The actual performancebegins as soon as the title of the performance,author, and name of the school performing isannounced. Timers shall start the clock withthe first identified audio and or visual elementinside or outside of the performance circle. i. Performers may enter and leavethe performance space aisles as dictated bythe director and/or script. j. Entrance and exit for Regional,Sectional, and State Final: See Illustration.

Judges seatingpositions must beapproved by thecommittee theday of theperformance.

Judges needto bepositioned an

equal distanceapart from one

another around the circle, as reasonablypossible. Avoid sitting judges directly besideaisle. k. Performers are not allowed tostand on tables and chairs at any time forliability reasons. l. General Penalty for Violations byContestants: Unless otherwise specified in therules, the penalty for rules violations in anyround of competition throughout the entirecontest series shall be that the contestant’sranking in the round where the violationoccurs be changed to last and the ranks ofother contestants will be adjusted asnecessary.

3. STANDARDS FOR EXCELLENCE: a. The material should provide anopportunity for the performers to develop anunderstandable sequence, with coherence andclarity. b. The movement should flownaturally from the performers, giving properfocus to action and reaction. The performanceshould use space effectively to provide foroptimum visual effects.

4. MATERIAL: Material performed inPerformance in the Round may includeoriginal or published materials. Excerpts, fulllength works, adaptations, and compilationsare permissible. Material must conform to theIHSA rules for appropriateness (See ArticleVIII-A of the IHSA Speech Rules Book).

5. TIME LIMIT: Performances shall notexceed 15 minutes in length from the initialperformance element to the final performanceelement. a. The director/student of each PIRshall describe to the timers prior to the start ofthe performance, the precise moments of theinitial cue and final performance element.Timers shall use these suggestions asguidelines to start and stop the watches.However, timing the performance will beginwith the first performance element andconclude with the final performance element. b. Two timers shall keep time andfollow the same procedures as are used in theregular Individual Events. (See Article VIII-Dof the IHSA Speech Rules Book.) c. In addition to the actualperformance time, each group performing willhave an additional 30 seconds to “set up” andan additional 30 seconds to “take down” theirmaterials. d. The time limit for a PIRperformance is fifteen (15) minutes. When atimer’s watch is read to determine time, areading of 15:30.00 or less will not beconsidered a time violation. If a watch reads15:30.01 or greater on a digital watch, or is atic past 15:30 on a sweep-hand watch, thetime will be considered to be 15:30.01. If bothtimers watches confirm that a performanceran more than 15:30.01 minutes from theinitial cue to the final performance element,the performance shall be penalized one (1)rank per judge for each full thirty (30) secondsof overtime.

6. ENTRY LIMIT: A school may onlyhave one entry for Performance in the Roundat the Regional Contest. Individuals entered inPerformance in the Round may NOT beentered in any other event at the sametournament. Substitutions and changes inentries are permitted with the followinglimitations: a. After the Regional Entry meeting,changes with any original entries may be madeby notifying the IHSA office and the contestmanager in writing. b. Substitutions and/or additionsfor personnel may be made provided the IHSAoffice and the local contest manager arenotified in writing at least one (1) day prior tothe contest. Exceptions may be permitted onlyin cases of i l lness or other extenuatingcircumstances and provided the principalattests in writing that the substitute is eligible.Note: A student who competed in theRegional/Sectional Individual Events contestand does not advance in an individual event atany level cannot be substituted/added to a PIRcast. The penalty will be disqualification of aschool if they violate this rule.

2016-2017 PERFORMANCE IN THE ROUND IHSA Speech Contest “Special Event”

Entrances at 12, 3, 6, 9 on the circle

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7. JUDGING: Each Performance in theRound will perform only once. a. At the Regional Tournament, apanel of three judges shall be used todetermine the winners. The three judges'rankings shall be tabulated. The entry whosetotal of rankings is lowest is the winner; theentry with the second lowest total is second,etc. The top four finishers in each Regionaland ties shall advance to the Sectional. b. At the Sectional Tournament, apanel of five judges shall be used to determinethe winners. The five judges' rankings shall betabulated. The highest ranking and lowestranking shall be discarded for each entry, andonly the three (3) intermediate rankings foreach entry shall be considered in determiningits final standing. The entry with the lowesttotal of intermediate rankings is the winner ofthe event; the next lowest is second, etc.through the listings. The top three in eachSectional shall advance to the StateTournament. c. At the State Tournament, the 18qualifiers from the six Sectionals will bedivided into two sections of nine performanceseach. Entries in each section will performonce and be ranked by a panel of three judges.The three performances in each section withthe lowest cumulative rankings will advance tothe finals along with any performance whose

total of rankings is lower than the total ofrankings for the third place performance in theopposite preliminary group. The final roundwill be conducted during the Saturdaymorning of the State Tournament. The finalswill be judged by a panel of five judges; eachjudge will rank the performances first through6th (no ties). The high and low rankings willbe discarded, and the remaining ranks will beadded. The performance group with thelowest cumulative rankings is first; secondlowest is second, and so on. At the StateFinals if a tie occurs, the tied competitors shallbe separated from all other competitors andassigned relative rankings. If there is still a tie,then the ranks assigned by all five (5) judgeswill be considered, and the contestant with thelowest total of five rankings will be declaredthe winner.

8. TIES: If a tie occurs duringSectionals, the tied entries shall be separatedfrom all other entries and assigned relativerankings. If there is still a tie, then the ranksassigned by all f ive (5) judges will beconsidered, and the entry with the lowest totalof five rankings will be declared the winner.

9. TEAM POINTS: Team points will notbe tabulated for this event.

10. AWARDS: At Regionals andSectionals the first place teams will receive aplaque. State Final: Medallions will be awardedto the team members of the first place team.Plaques will be awarded for first, second andthird place performances.

11. EVENT FEES: There will be an eventfee of $20.00 per performance group enteredat the Regional, Sectional, and State Contests.

12. JUDGES FEES: Judges fees shall bepaid at $10.00 per performance judged forRegional, Sectional and State Finalcompetition.

Any judge who drives more than 70 milesround trip to the site of a Regional, Sectional,or State Final Contest shall be reimbursed atravel allowance of $.30 per mile in excess of70 miles round trip. Reimbursement shall bedirectly from the IHSA office, upon the judges’submission of a travel report form to beprovided by the IHSA through the contestmanagers.

Performance In The Round—Page 2

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Illinois High School AssociationJudges Top 15 List

____Regional____Sectional Site:______________________________________________________State

Rank order your selection of the top 15 I.E. judges - these names will be confidentially secured and used whenselecting our top state series judges. Copies of critique sheets may be included. Please report any concernswith judges to the IHSA.

JUDGE RANK Judge Name Contact Info. (1 through 15)

_________________________________________________ ________________

_________________________________________________ ________________

_________________________________________________ ________________

_________________________________________________ ________________

_________________________________________________ ________________

_________________________________________________ ________________

_________________________________________________ ________________

_________________________________________________ ________________

_________________________________________________ ________________

_________________________________________________ ________________

_________________________________________________ ________________

_________________________________________________ ________________

_________________________________________________ ________________

_________________________________________________ ________________

_________________________________________________ ________________

Tournament Management Rating ________________(Regional/Sectional Committee)

Please return this form to:Susan Knoblauch, IHSA, 2715 McGraw Drive, Bloomington, IL 61704

Fax: 309-663-7479

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2016-2017 Drama/Group Interpretation Terms and Conditions In accordance with Section 1.450 of theIHSA Constitution, the Board of Directors hasapproved the Terms and Conditions governingthe 2016-2017 IHSA Drama/GroupInterpretation Tournament Series.


Competition in the IHSA 2016-2017Drama/Group Interpretation TournamentSeries will be held for all member schoolswithout classification.

II. DATES AND SITES

A. The state shall be divided into six (6)Sectionals. The number of competingschools, travel distance, geographical locationand the number of entries shall be primaryfactors in the determination of number andboundary lines for these Sectionals.

B. Dates for the contests are: Sectional March 17-18, 2017 State Final March 24-25, 2017

C. Sites for Sectional contests shall beposted on the IHSA website at www.ihsa.org.

D. The State Final Drama/GroupInterpretation Contest site is SangamonAuditorium at the University of Illinois inSpringfield.

III. ON-LINE ENTRIES, WITHDRAWALPROCEDURES, ELIGIBLITY, ANDON-LINE LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

The policies for Original Entry Deadlines,Late Entries and Late Withdrawals shall be thepolicies and procedures regarding entries forall IHSA-sponsored activities, included in the2016-2017 Entry Policies and Procedureswhich can be found in the Schools Center onthe IHSA website.

A. On-line Entries: All member schools must enter theirschool into the state series competitionthough the IHSA Schools Center on the IHSAWebsite at www.ihsa.org. The deadline forentry is November 1, 2016. The 2016-17Entry Policies and Procedures outlining theonline entry procedures for all IHSA-sponsored tournaments can be found in theSchools Center on the IHSA website. Competing schools are responsible forEvent Fees as described in Section IV. Checksfor Event Fees should be made payable tothe host school for Sectionals and to theUniversity of Illinois at Springfield for theState Final.

B. Late Entries: Any attempt to enter a sport or activityon-line after the established deadlines will be

line List of Participants by the deadline dateof January 30, 2017. The deadline date ofJanuary 30, 2017 (standardized date of thelast Friday of week 30) shall only include theperformance title and author, not the entirecast list. The entire final cast list shall bedue online March 6, 2017 (standardized dateof the first Monday of week 36) prior tosectional competition. It is no longernecessary for the Principal to sign the form. Ifa school does not submit the On-line List ofParticipants by the deadline, coaches and/orparticipants from the school are subject topenalties which could include, but not belimited to being ruled ineligible to compete inthe State Series and/or charged $100.00.Confirmation of receipt of On-line List ofParticipants: Schools should login to theirSchool Center site on the IHSA website and goto the Activity Tracker. The Activity Trackerwill show “Completed”, if you have checkedthe button indicating you have finished withyour report. If it doesn’t indicate “Completed”,then you must go back into your schools Listof Participants and check the button on theOnline List of Participants indicating you arefinished with your report. Note: All participants must beeligible students under the provisions of IHSABy-law 4.071. (This includes all cast and crewmembers.) 2. Entry Limitations a. Schools are permitted oneentry in Dramatics and one in GroupInterpretation at the Sectional Contests. b. Individual students mayparticipate in both Drama and GroupInterpretation. c. No individual or school mayperform any of the same lines from a givenpiece of literature in the Drama and/or GroupInterpretation competition more than once inany five (5) year period. d. No school may perform anypart of the same piece of l iterature inDramatics and/or Group Interpretation in thecurrent year. e. Substitutions and changesin entries may be made prior to the final datefor acceptance of Original Entries, by notifyingthe IHSA Office in writing. f. Substitutions and/oradditions for personnel in Dramatics andGroup Interpretation at any contest may bemade provided the local contest manager andthe IHSA office are notified at least one (1)day prior to the contest. Exceptions may bepermitted only in cases of illness or otherextenuating circumstances and provided theprincipal attests in writing that the substituteis eligible.


A. Schools will be required to pay eventfees for all entries listed on the Assignment

denied. Schools that wish to enter after thedeadline will be considered late. To beconsidered for late entry, the Principal/OfficialRepresentative must contact the IHSAadministrative officer in charge of thatsport/activity. The penalty for late entry shallbe a payment of $100.00.

C. Breach of Contract By-law 6.041(Withdrawal Procedure): 1. To withdraw without penalty, theschool principal must notify the IHSA office, inwriting, of the school’s team withdrawal fromDrama Group Interpretation State Series priorto December 1. 2. Withdrawal after December 1but before January 30, 2017 will result in aschool being liable for payment of a $100.00late withdrawal penalty. 3. If a school withdraws one orboth entries after January 30, 2017, theschool shall be liable for all event fees ($75for Drama and/or $75 for GroupInterpretation) for each events withdrawn andshall be assessed an additional penalty in theamount of $100. 4. If a school does not officiallywithdraw and/or does not show up forcompetition at any level of the state series, theschool will be assessed the penalties in “2”and “3” above and if applicable, the schoolmay be charged for any additional financialloss sustained by the offended schools or theAssociation as a result of such breach(Judges’ fees if applicable). The school shallalso be considered in Breach of Contractunder the terms of the IHSA By-law 6.040,and the matter shall be reported to the IHSABoard of Directors for disposition.

D. Eligiblity: All member schools in good standingmay enter 1 (one) team in Drama and 1 (one)team in Group Interpretation under theprovisions of IHSA By-law 4.071. Theprincipal is the official representative ofhis/her school in all interscholastic activities,and the responsibility for seeing that allstudents from his/her school entered inDrama/Group Interpretation contests areeligible under the rules shall rest with theprincipal. All correspondence with the IHSAOffice must be conducted through theprincipal. In each contest in which a school isrepresented, the principal shall have present,an adult, preferably a member of the faculty,who shall supervise and be responsible for theconduct of the participants and other personsfrom the school. A school’s failure to complywith this provision shall result indisqualification of its contestants.

E. On-line List of Participants: 1. List of Participants Deadline Each school must complete the On-

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The authority and responsibility ofthe contest manager and his/her contestcommittee shall end when results areannounced at the contest awards assembly.Any question relative to contest rules or anyaspect of the contest which arises followingthe announcement of results shall be referreddirectly by the principal of the school involvedto the IHSA Office. The IHSA Office will giveconsideration to questions relative toadministrative and/or clerical matters only,and will do so only, through the end of thefirst Monday following the completion of thecontest involved. In compliance with IHSABy-law 6.033, protests or challenges relativeto the decision of any judge will not beconsidered. 2. State Final Contest: The State Final Contest Committeeshall be authorized to conduct the contestunder the provisions of these Terms andConditions. If a situation develops in whichthere is an apparent unfairness to aDrama/Group Interpretation Entry, and whichis determined to be the result of anadministrative or judge’s error, the Committeeshall determine the manner in which thesituation shall be resolved. In addition, the Contest Committeeshall be responsible to resolve questions ofrules interpretation, to arbitrate disputes andto apply penalties for violations of contestrules. Decisions of the Contest Committee inall cases herein described shall be final.

D. Programs: 1. Sectional: The order of performance forDramatics and Group Interpretation shall beestablished by the local contest manager inconsultation with the contest committee usinga blind draw, except where adjustments arenecessary to accommodate Friday nightperformances, to permit students toparticipate in two events and/or to separateidentical selections. Competition shall beginon Friday evening, with schools being givenopportunity to volunteer for a Friday eveningperformance time. If volunteers are notsecured, the local manager and ContestCommittee shall randomly assign schools forFriday evening performances. 2. State Final a. Dramatics: Performanceorder in Dramatics shall be made randomly bythe IHSA office. An attempt will be made toseparate duplicate entries. Adjustments fordouble entries will be made as necessary. Groups will then perform under thefollowing time schedule in accordance with aperformance order established by the IHSAOffice:

Friday: 8:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.9:45 a.m. 2:45 p.m. 7:45 p.m.11:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.

Saturday: 8:30 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

page which can be found on the IHSA websiteat www.ihsa.org after December 1. Nocontestant from a school will be permitted tocompete if such fees are not paid. Checks forevent fees should be made payable to thehost school for Sectionals and to the IHSAfor the State Final. Event fees shall be: Sectional StateDramatics $75.00 $75.00Group Interpretation $75.00$75.00

B. Special Costs:If the properties and equipment for anyDramatics entry are not readily available at thehost school, then the school desiring suchitems must assume responsibilities both forsecuring and transporting them.

C. Judges Fees: Judges Fees shall be:SectionalDramatics $20.00 per play

judgedGroup Interpretation $15.00 per

performance judgedState FinalDramatics $20.00 per play

judgedGroup Interpretation $15.00 per

performance judged Any judge who drives more than 70miles round trip to the site of any contest inthe IHSA State series shall be reimbursed atravel allowance of $.30 per mile in excess of70 miles round trip. Reimbursement shall bedirectly from the IHSA office upon the judges’submission of a travel report form to beprovided by the IHSA through the contestmanagers.

V. TOURNAMENT ASSIGNMENTS

Sectional Assignments can be found on-line at www.ihsa.org after Dec. 1.

VI. TOURNAMENT STRUCTURE ANDTIME SCHEDULES

A. Contest Management: In all cases in which a member school isselected as a contest site, the principal of thehigh school shall assume responsibility for thecontest. The principal may, however, delegatethe authority to manage the contest to anotherstaff member. In case the site is not located ina member school, then the IHSA Board ofDirectors shall appoint a local manager.Contest managers shall be responsible for allaspects of contest administration.

B. Contest Committee: A sectional committee will be appointedby the IHSA Director to be comprised of theSectional Manager and (3) three directorsfrom (3) three different schools assigned to

Drama/Group Interpretation Terms and Conditions—Page 2

the contest site while striving to have abalanced representation of Drama and GroupInterpretation directors. The State CommitteeMember from each of the sectionals shall beone of the directors on the committee.Participating schools shall be notified of thenames of the committee members after thecommittee is formed and all directors haveaccepted the responsibility. The functions of the Contest Committeeshall be: 1. to aid the manager in planning,organizing and administering the contest; 2. to tabulate the results. (Onlycommittee members) 3. to interpret the rules whennecessary; and 4. to serve as a panel to selectcontest judges. All Sectional and State FinalCommittee members must be consulted aboutpotential judges prior to the selection/hiring ofany person. Written consensus of thecommittee shall be required for each judgeemployed. For the State Final, a ContestCommittee composed of the State FinalCommittee Members, the six SectionalManagers, and additional members shall beappointed by the IHSA Office to assist theHost manager in the running of the StateFinal. Note: It is recommended that eachsectional site conduct a sectional meetingprior to the contest to allow competingschools an opportunity to view theperformance spaces and address anyquestions or issues prior to the contest. Thismeeting shall not be held during the regularschool day.

C. Authority of Contest Manager andContest Committee: 1. Sectional Contests: The contest manager shall beauthorized to conduct the contest under theprovisions of these Terms and Conditions.However, if a situation develops in which thereis an apparent unfairness to a Drama/GroupInterpretation Entry, and which is determinedto be the result of an administrative or judge’serror, the manager shall consult with his/herContest Committee and determine the mannerin which the situation shall be resolved.However, managers shall not have theauthority to advance the Drama/GroupInterpretation entry affected by an unfairnessto the state contest. In addition, the managershall be responsible to resolve questions ofrules interpretation, to arbitrate disputes andto apply penalties for violations of contestrules. In all cases, he/she shall consult withthe contest advisory committee prior tomaking a decision in any such matter.Decisions of the contest manager in all casesherein described shall be final.

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b. Group Interpretation:Performance order in Group Interpretationshall be made by the IHSA office. An attemptwill be made to separate duplicate entries.Adjustments for double entries will be madeas necessary. Groups will then perform underthe following time schedule.Friday: PRELIM A PRELIM B

8:00 a.m. 2:45 p.m.8:40 a.m. 3:25 p.m.9:20 a.m.. 4:05 p.m.10:00 a.m. 4:45 p.m.10:40 a.m. 5:25 p.m.LUNCH DINNER11:50 p.m 6:40 p.m.12:30 p.m. 7:20 p.m.1:10 p.m. 8:00 p.m.1:50 p.m. 8:40 p.m.

Post Finalists – Directly after the lastperformanceSaturday: 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

9:20 a.m. 11:50 a.m.10:10 a.m. 12:40 p.m.

(1:30 p.m. if needed)

D. Tardiness or Absence: If any group is not ready to performat its scheduled time, the management shallbe under no obligation to assign it a later hourand shall not so assign it if it would delay theprogram.

VII. ADVANCEMENT OF WINNERS

A. Advancement of Winners: 1. Dramatics: The winners of firstand second places in each Sectional shalladvance to the State Final. Ties foradvancement will be broken according toArticle VII-B-3. 2. Group Interpretation: Thewinners of first, second and third places ineach Sectional shall be advanced to the StateFinal. Ties for advancement will be brokenaccording to Article VII-B-4. 3. The Report of Sectional Winnerswill be completed online by the SectionalManager. This shall be the official entry formfor the State Final.

B. Determination of Winners: 1. Sectional (Dramatics and GroupInterpretation): The five (5) judges’ rankingsfor each entry shall be listed by the contestmanager. The highest ranking and the lowestranking shall be discarded for each group, andonly the three (3) intermediate rankings foreach entry shall be considered in determiningits final standing. The entry with the lowesttotal of intermediate rankings is the winner ofthe event; the next lowest is second, etc.,through the list. 2. State Final Dramatics: The five(5) judges’ rankings for each entry shall belisted by the contest manager. The highest


solely online are prohibited. Selections may beeither serious or comedic in nature. The playshall not be an operetta or other musicalpresentation; however, background andincidental music will be permitted. Coachesmust be able to produce, if requested by thecontest committee, the original publishedscript performed. Failure to produce such acopy shall result in disqualification from thecontest. The Association assumes noresponsibilities for the payment of royalties orother fees connected with the performance ofany material in the Dramatic/GroupInterpretation contest series. 4. Time Keeping: a. Unload: Performing groupsshall have a total maximum of fifteen (15)minutes elapsed time in which to unload theirvehicle(s) and store their entire set in adesignated storage area. Any group exceedingthis time limit shall automatically be droppedone (1) rank per judge per 30 secondsovertime. If needed, groups will be allowedfive (5) minutes after the set strike to movetheir set from the strike area to the designatedloading area. Any group exceeding this timelimit shall automatically be dropped one (1)rank per judge per 30 seconds overtime. b. Set-up/Strike: Performinggroups shall have a total maximum of twenty(20) minutes elapsed time in which they mustboth set up and strike the staging and set forperformance (e.g. If sixteen (16) minutes areused to set up, then four (4) minutes areavailable for striking). Set up and strike timeshall include any adjustment, addition orremoval of lighting instruments and focusingprojections on the cyc wall. When the set upis complete, the director may call for the cycwall to be lowered, exposed, and may focusany effect to be used on that wall. The clockwill NOT be stopped during this performance.Any group exceeding this time limit shallautomatically be dropped one (1) rank pereach 30 seconds. Each school may call for anon-timed safety check after its set is up.However, this check should be made only ifthere is a possibility of a failure in the powersource from the host school or if there is thepossibility of danger to the general welfare ofthe cast, crew and audience. The safety checkmay not be used to move props or readjustlighting or sound levels or anything that has todo with set-up of the play. If a host site hasdifficulties or a dangerous situation arises, thecommittee members and host(s) of thecontest will decide the necessary course ofaction. The clock timing set-up for eachperformance shall be started when the firstmovement of any set pieces is made from thedesignated storage area to which the set wasunloaded from the vehicle(s), and stopped atthe cue of the director when the crew is offstage (wings or house). If a participant isinjured during the set up and/or striking phase

ranking and the lowest ranking for each playshall be discarded and only the three (3)intermediate rankings for each entry shall beconsidered in determining its final standing.The entry with the lowest total of intermediaterankings is the winner of the event; the next tolowest is second, etc., through the list. 3. State Final GroupInterpretation: a. Pre-Lims: The rankingsassigned by all f ive (5) judges in eachpreliminary group shall be listed and totaledby the contest manager. The highest rankingand the lowest rankings for each entry shallnot be considered in determining its finalstanding in its preliminary group. The three(3) performances from each preliminarygroup with the lowest totals of judges’rankings (after high and low are discarded)shall be advanced to the finals, along with anyperformance whose total of rankings is lowerthan the total of rankings for the third placeperformance in the opposite preliminarygroup. b. Finals: Followingcompletion of the finals, the five (5) finalround judges’ rankings for each entry shall belisted by the contest manager. The highestranking and the lowest ranking shall bediscarded for each performance and only thethree (3) intermediate rankings for each shallbe considered in determining its finalstanding. The entry with the lowest total ofintermediate rankings is the winner of theevent; the next to lowest is second, etc.,through the list. 4. Ties: If a tie occurs in preliminary and/orfinal rounds, the tied entries shall beseparated from all other entries and assignedrelative rankings. If there is still a tie, then theranks assigned by all five (5) judges will beconsidered, and the entry with the lowest totalof five rankings will be declared the winner.


A. Dramatics 1. Definition: Dramatics is an eventin which students perform in and run (withadult supervision as necessary) an actualdramatic production, cut to fit within the timelimits if necessary. Only IHSA eligible studentsare permitted to operate any technicalequipment during the performances. Violationof this rule will result in disqualification. 2. Purpose: The purpose ofDramatics is to give students on-stageexperience in acting and other theatre-relatedskills. 3. Selection: The choice of apresented play shall be from either publishedone-act plays or cuttings from longerpublished plays. Published adaptations writtenfor the stage are permitted. Unpublishedadaptations and plays that are published

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c. The director of each GroupInterpretation shall describe to the timers anda representative of the Contest Manager, priorto the start of the performance, the precisemoments of the initial cue and the finalperformance element. Timers shall use thesesuggestions as guidelines to start and stopwatches. However, timing of the productionwill begin with the first performance elementand conclude with the final performanceelement. d. The time limit for groupInterpretation is 30 minutes. In GroupInterpretation, if a timer’s watch reads30:30.00 or less, it is not considered a timeviolation. For each full 30 seconds ofovertime, the contestants’ ranking from eachjudge will be lowered by one ranking. Ifboth timers’ watches confirm that aperformance ran more than 30:30.01 minutesfrom the initial cue to the final performanceelement, the performance shall be penalized.For example at 30:30.01, a performance islowered one ranking from each judge. At31:00.01, the performance would belowered two rankings from each judge. Thisreduction is mandatory and will beadministered by the contest management.The other performances’ rankings will not beaffected. 5. In the Sectional contests, GroupInterpretation selections may be presented ina classroom or other appropriate performancespaces. 6. Standards for Excellence: TheStandards of Excellence are indicated on theJudges Critique Sheets and should be used toprovide the basis for both performance andjudging. Judging forms may be found on theIHSA website. a. Gesture and pantomimeshould be used as justified by interpretation ofthe text. b. At the discretion of theperforming group, the script may be used. c. Focus should be primarilyoff-stage. On-stage focus should be usedsparingly and with purpose although mixedfocus (a combination of off-stage and on-stage focus) is allowed. d. Uniformed dress ispermitted. Costuming is not allowed. Clothingthat delineates specific character(s) worn byan individual or the entire cast shall beconsidered costuming. All GroupInterpretation performers must wear shoes. e. Character makeup isprohibited. f. Sound effects may be used,but music and or singing may be used only asbackground, to aid in transitions, or toestablish mood. While a book from a musicalmay be used, the production's musicalnumbers may not be used to establishcharacters or to advance the plot. The lyrics,however, may be incorporated as spokendialogue.

of the performance, the clock may be stoppedby the manager until the emergency isaddressed. After the performance, the clockwill start at the cue of the director when thecrew is off stage (wings or house) and bestopped when the last set piece is placed intothe designated strike area. Following this non-timed check, the set-up timing watches may be started again topermit the stage crew to make furtheradjustments within the time limit. No otherstart or stop of the watch shall be allowed. c. Two (2) timers, usingstopwatches, shall be required. No time signalshall be given by either timekeeper. d. Prior to the start of theperformance the director shall describe to thetimers and a representative of the ContestCommittee a precise moment of the initial cueand the final performance element. However,timing of the Drama production will begin withthe first performance element and concludewith the final performance element. Noelement of production or performance,including any stage lighting, house lighting, orsound, may begin prior to the announcementof the play. Following the last element ofproduction or performance, the stage shall godark and actors shall exit. Projectors andcomputers or other electrical devices usedmust be completely dark before the start ofthe timing tool and shall be dark at the end inorder for the timing tool to stop. No light orghosting image should be seen before thetiming tool starts, nor should it be visible afterthe timing tool has stopped. e. The time limit for Drama is40 minutes. In Drama, if a timer’s watchreads 40:30.00 or less, it is not considered atime violation. For each full 30 seconds ofovertime, the contestants’ ranking from eachjudge will be lowered by one ranking. If bothtimers’ watches confirm that a performanceran more than 40:30.01 minutes from theinitial cue to the final performance element,the play shall be penalized one (1) rank perjudge for each thirty (30) seconds of overtime.For example at 40:30.01, a performance islowered one ranking from each judge. At41:00.01, the performance would belowered two rankings from each judge. Thisreduction is mandatory and will beadministered by the contest management.The other performances’ rankings will not beaffected. At the State Final Contest only, nopenalty will be assessed until one (1)minute beyond the specified time limit. Forexample, In Drama, if a timer’s watch reads41:00.00 or less, it is not considered a timeviolation. For each full 30 seconds ofovertime, the contestants’ ranking fromeach judge will be lowered by one ranking.For example if both timers’ watches read at41:00.01, a performance is lowered oneranking from each judge. At 41:30.01, theperformance would be lowered two rankings

from each judge. This reduction ismandatory and will be administered by thecontest management. The otherperformances’ rankings will not be affected. 5. Standards for Excellence: TheStandards of Excellence are indicated on theJudges Critique Sheets and should be used toprovide the basis for both performance andjudging. Judging forms may be found on theIHSA website. a. The judge’s writtenevaluation should clearly identify the majorstrengths and weaknesses of the performanceand specify the reasons for the rankingassigned. b. Undue emphasis should notbe placed on technical elements or judge’spreferences, like or dislikes of literature.Acting should be of primary importance andwithin a supportive or unified concept. B. Group Interpretation: 1. Definition: Group Interpretationis an event in which groups of three (3) ormore students interpretively present literature. 2. Purpose: The purpose of GroupInterpretation is to give students experience inthe group performance of literature. Theinterrelatedness of the narrator(s), themovement of the literature, and charactervoices control the performance. GroupInterpretation encourages students to createan ensemble performance which showcasestheir interpretive skil ls and group workwithout the aid of costumes, make-up, set orprops. Successful Group Interp. performancesshould be based primarily on interpretation.Focus should be primarily off-stage, althoughmixed focus (a combination of off-stage andon-stage focus) is allowed. 3. Selection: The choice of a groupinterpretation to be presented for competitorsshall be, but is not limited to prose, verse,drama, speeches, diaries, letters, essays, orcompilations and original material. 4. Time Keeping: a. Set-up/Strike: Groups will beallowed five (5) minutes to move their setfrom the backstage entrance to the strike line.Set pieces are only allowed behind thedesignated strike line as determined by thecontest management. Any group exceedingthis time limit shall automatically be droppedone (1) rank per judge per 30 secondsovertime. The time limit for GroupInterpretation Set & Strike is a total combined5 minutes. Group Interpretation setup andtakedown must be done in 5 minutes total.For setup, once the director requests the clockto be stopped, it cannot be restarted. The castmust enter the designated performance spaceafter the production is announced and exit atthe conclusion of the presentation. b. Two (2) timers, usingstopwatches, shall be required. No time signalshall be given by either timekeeper.

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g. Participating schools willprovide their own stools, chairs, boxes,platforms, ramps, risers and stairs only. Theseitems may be placed on appropriate flooring.Ladders, posts, pil lars, and walls areprohibited in Group Interpretation.Performers are not allowed to stand onchairs or stools. Performers may stand onsafe boxes, platforms, ramps, risers andstairs. Group Interpretation sets should beuniversal, able to be used for any show.Explicit sets are prohibited; painting withspecific designs is included in this definition.(For example, if the show being performed isabout a man-eating plant, the set could not bepainted with vines.) While set pieces may bemoved to represent a new general location,they may not be arranged to suggest a specificlocation. (For example, boxes may not bepiled on top of each, turned on their sides orheld by actors to represent specific formationssuch as walls, columns, doorways or specificlarge props such as a desk.) Smaller piecesmay not be used as hand-props. h. Props shall be prohibited;creative use of scripts shall not be interpretedas use of props. i. Undue emphasis should notbe placed on technical elements or judges’preferences, likes or dislikes of literature.

C. Material Appropriateness: Material presented by all contestinggroups shall be appropriate for publicperformance by high school students. Anymaterial which is inappropriate for publicperformance by high school students will notbe tolerated. 1. The principal is required to seeand approve both the selection andperformance of all material includingsubstitute material, to be used by contestantsfrom the member school in the contest series. 2. IHSA By-law 6.010 will beapplied in the event contestants utilize materialwhich, upon investigation by the ExecutiveDirector, is determined to be inappropriate.By-law 6.010 states: Any violation of the Constitutionand/or By-laws, Terms and Conditions, IHSAPolicies and Guidelines, and/or other rules ofthe Association, shall be reported to theExecutive Director, who shall have authority toinvestigate all alleged violations. The findingsof the investigation shall be made known tothe school (or schools), person (or persons),alleged to have committed violation. TheExecutive Director shall then have fullauthority to invoke penalties against suchschool or persons found to have committedviolations. Penalties shall include, but not belimited to, written warning or reprimand orrequisite affirmation corrective action. Failureto take the corrective action required by anypenalty shall be the basis for further action upto and including suspension and/or expulsion.

Note that these provisions includepossible penalties against the school orindividual persons found to have committedviolations. This means that competitors,coaches, directors, and/or principals may bepenalized directly for the use of inappropriatematerial in the IHSA Contests. A performance(language or action) which is a l iteral,symbolic or colloquial expression describingor naming anything which is profane and/orvulgar, whether or not suited to a specificcharacter being portrayed, IS ALWAYSCONSIDERED INAPPROPRIATE! 3. Use of Inappropriate Material. If,in the opinion of any contest judge, materialwhich is performed for his/her adjudication isinappropriate for public performance by a highschool student, he/she may rank theperformance down. Judges shall explain theiropinions and actions in written critiques, andthe contest manager shall forward a copy ofthe critiques to the IHSA office.

D. Special Rules and Limitations 1. The following items areprohibited for use in a Drama and GroupInterpretation production: • fire • firearms and explosives • animals • non-member school students 2. General Penalty for Violations byContestants: Unless otherwise specified in therules, the penalty for rules violations in anyround of competition throughout the entirecontest series shall be that the contestant’sranking in the round where the violationoccurs be changed to last and the ranks ofother contestants will be adjusted asnecessary. 3. All competing schools must be incompliance with all provisions outlined by thehost site in the qualifiers manual. Behaviordeemed unsafe by a state official will first begiven a warning and then penalties mayinclude but not be limited to: warnings,lowering one rank per judge and/ordisqualification. 4. Late Discovery of Violations: If aviolation, the penalty for which isdisqualification, is not discovered until afterthe close of the contest in which the violationoccurred, the following procedure shall befollowed: a. The contestant, group orschool shall nevertheless be disqualified andadvancement to the next succeeding contestshall be denied if the violation is reported tothe IHSA Office prior to the next contest. b. The rankings of the othercontestants in the event shall be revisedupward. c. If the violation is reported tothe IHSA Office at least three (3) days prior tothe next succeeding contest, the winners shall

be advanced on the basis of the revisedrankings. d. If the disqualified individual,group or school has won any awards, suchawards shall be returned to the IHSA Office.An attempt will then be made to redistributethese awards on the basis of the revisedrankings mentioned above.


A. Damage to Property or Equipment: If contestants or people from any schoolentered in a state series are found guilty ofcarelessness or maliciously breaking,damaging or destroying property or equipmentbelonging to the host school, such schoolshall be held responsible for costs incurred inreplacing or repairing such property orequipment.

B. Media Policies: 1. Media Personnel a. Any media person wishing totake photographs will contact the Sectional orState Final manager to verify arrangements toset photos at the tournaments. Photographersare welcome to take photos in the commonsarea. Managers names and information canbe found on the IHSA website or by contactingthe IHSA Office. b. Photography is NOT allowedin rooms during performances, however,media is invited and encouraged to sit in onperformances. c. At all levels an area may beset aside for photographs. All participatingstudents will be invited and encouraged tomake themselves available during thetournament for the Official IHSA Photographeras well as local outlets. d. Results from each level ofthe tournament can be obtained by logginginto the IHSA website. Results will be postedfor Sectionals as soon as the competitionconcludes. State Final results will be postedas soon as possible following the tournament. 2. Managers a. May arrange a media areafor photographers and students to gather forphoto opportunities. b. Will post any information forall participating students to have theopportunity to meet with area media. c. Will cooperate fully withmedia personnel to arrange photoopportunities and ensure coverage of all levelsof the tournament.

C. Tobacco/Liquid Nicotine Products: The use of tobacco or liquid nicotineproducts in any competition area, either duringa practice or while a contest is in progress, oraffiliated property of any IHSA state seriescontest by any coach, player, any other personconnected with a team, or fan shall be

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prohibited. State series hosts are required tomake all state series contest sites and anyaffiliated property, including parking lots, fanaccommodation areas, and other school orevent venue property, tobacco/liquid nicotinefree zones on the date or dates of any IHSAevent being held at the site.

D. Use of Inhalers: A student with asthma may possess anduse his/her medication during an IHSAcompetition under the supervision of schoolpersonnel, provided the school meets theoutlined procedures of self administration inthe Illinois School Code.

E. Alcoholic Beverages and IHSA StateSeries Events: The possession, distribution, sale and orconsumption of alcoholic beverages areprohibited at the site and on any affiliatedproperty of any IHSA state series contest.State series hosts are required to make allstate series contest sites and any affiliatedproperty, including parking lots, fanaccommodation areas, and other school orevent venue property, alcohol free zones onthe date or dates of any IHSA event being heldat the site. Violation of this policy by an eventhost will subject the host to a penalty forviolation of IHSA By-law 2.020. Such penaltymay include but not necessarily be limited toprohibition against subsequent event hostingassignments. Violation of this policy by a non-hosting member school will subject the schoolto penalty for violation of IHSA By-law 2.020.Patrons of any IHSA state series contestdetermined to be in violation of this policy willbe removed from the premise, and lawenforcement officials will be called aswarranted. F. Special Report Forms and SAWA: Special report forms have beendeveloped to facilitate schools reporting anymatter concerning High School programs thatmerit the attention of the high school principal.These forms can be used for reporting anyincidents or problems with a competitor,coach, director or spectator. The forms mayalso be used to report errors in applying rulesor any phase of judging in which a judgeshould immediately attempt to improve. TheSAWA Report form should be used forreporting any instances where a coach,director, participant, judge or spectator hasdone an exemplary job of Sporting A WinningAttitude. These forms can be found on theIHSA website at www.ihsa.org.

G. Responsibility for Theft or otherLosses: The IHSA will not be responsible for lossor theft of any personal or school propertyduring the course of a contest.


X. AWARDS

A. Sectional: A plaque shall be awarded to the firstplace winner in both Drama and GroupInterpretation.

B. State Final: Trophies shall be awarded to the schoolsranking first, second, and third in both Dramaand Group Interpretation. Individualmedallions shall be given to the members ofthe first, second, and third place Play Casts,Group Interpretation Casts, the All State PlayCast and the All State Group InterpretationCast.

C. All-Contest Casts/Tech CrewsAwards: 1. Judges at Sectional contestsshall each nominate individual students for All-Contest Cast consideration in both the dramaand group interpretation events. There shall beno maximum on any judge nominations. At thesectional contest, any student whose name iscontained on at least three (3) ballots shall benamed to the All-Contest Cast for his or herparticular event. 2. At the State Final, judges in eachevent shall nominate a minimum of ten (10)students for All-State Cast consideration.There is no maximum on any judges’nominations. Any student whose nameappears on a minimum of four (4) nominationballots shall be named to the All-State Cast. 3. Judges at the Sectional contestsshall nominate individual students forexcellence in running lights or sound for theAll-Contest Lighting/Sound Award in Drama.There shall be no maximum on any judgenominations. At the Sectional contest, anystudent whose name is contained on at leastthree (3) ballots shall be named to the All-Contest Lighting/Sound Tech Award. 4. Judges at the State contestsshall each nominate individual students forexcellence in running lights or sound for All-Contest Lighting/Sound Tech in Drama. Thereshall be no maximum on any judgenominations. At the state contest, any studentwhose name is contained on at least four (4)ballots shall be named to the All-ContestLighting/Sound Tech Award.

D. Sportsmanship/Teamwork Awards A sportsmanship/teamwork award will bepresented to the schools whose director, castand crew in Drama and Group Interpretationworked best behind the scenes. Adult staff atUIS will be used to make this determinationand selection.

E. Technical Performance Award A Technical Performance Award will bepresented to recognize the fine technical crewswho conduct the "pre-show" that make thiscontest possible. The criteria for the award isbased on the conditions in which the technicalcrew and directors unload the set and place instorage, set up the scenery and technicalelements, and strike and reload in the allottedtimes. The processes will be viewed andevaluated by university personnel and theIHSA Theatre Manager. They will be lookingfor the following qualities:

• Teamwork in a timely manner• Efficiency in setting up with accuracy• Congenial relationship with each other

and the theatre personnel• Harmonious in respecting the safety of

each other and the facility Awards will be given based on the size ofthe set. Categories will be determined andeach category will be given recognition.(When possible the awards will be given toSmall, Medium and Large. When sizedetermination is not possible, it will be givento the three most effective set-ups, keeping inmind that size does not determine excellence.

XI. JUDGING

A. The local manager and the contestcommittee shall appoint five (5) judges eachfor Drama and Group Interpretation at theSectional contests. The State Final ContestCommittee shall appoint five (5) judges forDramatics; two (2) panels of five (5) judgeseach for Group Interpretation preliminariesand one panel of five (5) judges for GroupInterpretation Finals at the State Final contest.

B. Each judge shall rank theperformances in the order of their excellencein his or her judgment. Judges may not awardthe same ranking to more than one group.There shall be no consultation between judgesor with anyone else before the judges rank theperformances and submit their ballots to thecontest manager.

C. Each judge shall prepare a briefwritten critique of each performance. Theseshall be distributed to the participating schoolsfollowing the contest.

D. Undue emphasis should not beplaced on technical elements or judges’preferences, likes or dislikes of literature.

E. Judges shall not reveal theirdecisions to anyone prior to theannouncement of results by the contestmanager.

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F. Judges Fees: 1. Sectional Dramatics: $20.00 per play judged Group Interpretation: $15.00 perperformance judged 2. State Final Dramatics: $20.00 per play judged Group Interpretation: $15.00 perperformance judged Any judge who drives more than 70 milesround trip to the site of any contest in theIHSA State series shall be reimbursed a travelallowance of $.30 per mile in excess of 70miles round trip. Reimbursement shall bedirectly from the IHSA office upon the judges’submission of a travel report form to beprovided by the IHSA through the contestmanagers. G. Hired judges should be experiencedand at least 25 years of age.

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In accordance with Section 1.450 of theIHSA Constitution, the Board of Directors hasapproved the Terms and Conditions governingthe 2016-2017 IHSA Debate TournamentSeries.


Competition in the IHSA 2016-2017Debate Tournament Series will be held for allmember schools without classification.

II. DATES AND SITES

A. The State Final Debate Tournamentwill be held at the University of Il l inoisSpringfield.

B. Dates for the tournament shall beMarch 17-18, 2017. Registration will takeplace on Thursday, March 16, 2017.

III. ON-LINE ENTRIES, WITHDRAWALPROCEDURES, ELIGIBILITY, ANDON-LINE LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

The policies for Original Entry Deadlines,Late Entries and Late Withdrawals shall be thepolicies and procedures regarding entries forall IHSA-sponsored activities, included in the2016-2017 Entry Policies and Procedureswhich can be found in the Schools Center onthe IHSA website.

A. On-line Entries All member schools must enter theirschool into the state series competitionthrough the IHSA Schools Center on the IHSAWebsite at www.ihsa.org. The deadline forentry is November 1, 2016. The 2016-17Entry Policies and Procedures outlining theonline entry procedures for all IHSA-sponsored tournaments can be found in theSchools Center on the IHSA website. Competing schools are responsible forEvent Fees as described in Section IV. Checksfor Event Fees should be made payable to theUniversity of Illinois at Springfield and broughtto registration at the tournament.

B. Late Entries Any attempt to enter a sport or activityonline after the established deadlines will bedenied. Schools that wish to enter after thedeadline will be considered late. To beconsidered for late entry, the Principal/OfficialRepresentative must contact the IHSAadministrator in charge of that activity. Thepenalty for late entry shall be a payment of$100.00.

C. Breach of Contract By-law 6.041(Withdrawal Procedure) 1. To withdraw without penalty, theschool principal must notify the IHSA office, inwriting, of the school’s team withdrawal fromDebate State Finals prior to March 1, 2017.

2. Withdrawal after March 1, 2017will result in a school being liable forpayments of $100.00 late withdrawal penalty. 3. If a school withdraws one ormore entry after March 1, 2017, the schoolshall be liable for all event fees (see terms andconditions Article IV-A) for each debatecategory withdrawn and shall be assessedadditional penalties in the amount of $25.00per event withdrawn. 4. If a school does not officiallywithdraw and/or does not show up forcompetition, the school will be assessed thepenalties in “2” and “3” above and ifapplicable, the school may be charged for anyadditional financial loss sustained by theoffended schools or the Association as a resultof such breach (Judges’ fees if applicable).The school shall also be considered inBreach of Contract under the terms of theIHSA By-law 6.040, and the matter shall bereported to the IHSA Board of Directors fordisposition.

D. Eligibility Responsibility of Individual School: Theprincipal is the official school representative inall interscholastic activities and is responsibleto see that all students from his/her schoolentered in competition are eligible under therules. All correspondence with the IHSA Officeshould be conducted through the principal. In each contest in which his/her school isrepresented, the principal shall have presentan adult, preferably a member of the faculty,who shall supervise and be responsible for theconduct of the participants and other personsfrom the school. Failure to comply with thisprovision shall result in disqualification of theschool’s contestants.

E. On-Line List of Participants IHSA will utilize Joy of Tournaments forour online registration. The Joy ofTournaments website iswww.joyoftournaments.com. Each schoolmust complete their online registration on Joyof Tournaments by the deadline date of March1, 2017. If a school does not submit theirregistration on Joy of Tournaments by thedeadline, coaches and/or participants from theschool are subject to penalties which couldinclude, but not be limited to being ruledineligible to compete in the State Series and/orcharged $100.00. Confirmation of receiptwill be found In Joy of Tournaments. If youhave any questions about your registration,contact the Tournament Manager to verifyyour registration. 1. Entry Limitations a. Schools are allowed to haveup to four entries in Policy, Lincoln-Douglas,and Public Forum Debate. All entries willdebate both sides of the question. Schools areallowed to have up to ten (10) entries inCongressional Debate.

b. Policy Debaters mayparticipate in only one (1) debate event at theState Finals. c. Substitutions and changes inentries are permitted with the followinglimitations: 1) Changes in Original onlineentries may be made prior to the deadline forsubmitting final entries to the contest manager(March 1, 2017), by notifying the IHSA Officein writing. 2) Members of participatingteams shall be determined prior to the start ofcompetition. No substitutions will be permittedonce the Debate contest has begun.


A. Event Fees An Event Fee of $50.00 per Policy team,$25.00 per Lincoln-Douglas, $15.00 perCongressional Debate Entry and $25 perPublic Forum Debate Entry shall be paid to theState Final Contest Manager. No contestantfrom a school will be permitted to participatein the State Final contest if the Event Fees($50.00 per Policy team, $25.00 per Lincoln-Douglas, $15.00 per Congressional DebateEntry and $25 per Public Forum Debate Entry)are not paid. Checks for Event Fees should bemade payable to the Illinois High SchoolAssociation and brought to registration at thetournament.

B. Judges Fees: Judges hired by theIHSA shall be paid a flat fee of $250.00 forPolicy, Lincoln Douglas, Congressional andPublic Forum Debate at the State FinalTournament. However, if a judge is late for around or misses an assignment, the flat feewill be rescinded and the judge will be paid$10.00 per round actually judged. Any judgewho drives more than 70 miles round trip tothe site of the State Final Contest shall bereimbursed a travel allowance of $.30 per milein excess of 70 miles round trip.Reimbursement shall be directly from theIHSA office upon the judges’ submission of atravel report form to be provided by the IHSAto the contest manager. Any school that hiresa judge will pay $250 for the first judge; anadditional $350 for the second judge; and anadditional $450 for any other judges.

V. TOURNAMENT ASSIGNMENTS

All schools will participate in the statecontest at the University of Illinois Springfieldin Springfield, IL.

VI. TOURNAMENT STRUCTURES ANDTIMES SCHEDULES

A. Contest Management: 1. Tournament Committee: Tourna -ment committees composed of debatecoaches and a representative from the IHSA

2016-2017 Debate Terms and Conditions

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Speech Advisory Committee will be appointedby the IHSA. One member shall be designatedto be in charge of each of the four divisions:Policy, Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, andCongressional. The tournament committeeswill assist the State Final Manager. Participating schools shall refer online toa listing of the State Debate TournamentCommittee members. The functions of theTournament Committee shall be: a. to aid the manager inplanning, organizing and administering thecontest; b. to interpret the rules whennecessary; and c. to serve as a panel to selectcontest judges. The State Final Tournament Committeeshall be authorized to conduct the contestunder the provisions of these Terms andConditions and to make final decisions on anyissues not specifically covered by the rules. Ifa situation develops in which there is anapparent unfairness to a contestant, and whichis determined to be the result of anadministrative or judge’s error, theTournament Committee shall determine themanner in which the situation shall beresolved. The Tournament Committee shall beresponsible to resolve questions of rulesinterpretation, to arbitrate disputes and toapply penalties for violations of contest rules.Decisions of the Tournament Committee in allcases herein described shall be final.

B. Time ScheduleThe time schedule for the State FinalTournament will be established by the statefinal tournament committee and will be postedonline on the IHSA website.

VII. ADVANCEMENT OF WINNERS All contestants will debate five rounds onFriday and Saturday. The highest rankingcontestants shall be paired for eliminationrounds on Saturday. The winner of the finaldebate in each event shall be awarded firstplace and second place shall be awardedrunner-up.


A. Policy Debate Competition Rules 1. Definition: Policy Debate is organized oralargument which, in the setting ofinterscholastic competition, providesparticipants an opportunity to display theirskills of oral persuasion, logical reasoning,research and application of evidence andextemporaneous delivery before critic judges. 2. Debate Subject: The topic for debate will be thenational policy topic developed by theDiscussion and Debate Committee of the

National Federation of State High SchoolAssociations. By a poll of the coaches of thenation, the following resolution has beenselected as the national policy debate topic for2016-2017:

Problem area: China

Resolution:Resolved: The United States federalgovernment should substantiallyincrease its economic and/or diplomaticengagement with the People's Republicof China.

3. Time Schedule and Procedures: a. Tardiness or Absence: Nodebate shall start unless both members ofboth teams are present. If any debater isabsent, the chairman shall wait five minutesfor his/her appearance. If still absent, the teamof which the debater is a member shall forfeitthe debate to the other team. If members ofboth teams are absent, the debate shall beannulled and in determining the final rankingof the teams, both shall be charged with theloss of the debate. If a coach is five (5) minutes latefor a round that he/she is to judge, his/herteam(s) will forfeit that round. Note: If the manager isconvinced that the tardiness of a debater,debate team, or coach/judge is due to clearlyunavoidable causes, the starting time for thedebate may be extended, or the debate may bearranged for another hour provided that itdoes not in any way interfere with or postponetermination of the contest. b. Each elimination round muststart no later than fifteen (15) minutes after itis posted. Coaches will be notified whereelimination pairings will be posted and thetime of posting will be recorded. If a team islate it will forfeit that round. c. Individual Round TimingProcedures: 1) In Policy style debating,the questioner controls the time and mayinterrupt the person being questioned to askthat shorter or more direct answers be givenor to inform the person that the answer isinsufficient. The questioner should askrelevant questions. The questioner shouldneither comment on the answer, argue withthe opponent nor make speeches. He/sheshould use the time for questioning only. 2) Time lost throughunavoidable interruptions shall be made goodto the debater. No debater may be interruptedby an opponent during the course of thedebate. 3) A debate twosome shalltake no more than eight (8) minutes totalelapsed preparation time during a round ofdebate. The timekeeper should keep a recordof elapsed time between speeches and indicateto the debater the time remaining.

4) Speeches in policy debatewill be l imited to: eight (8) minuteconstructives, three (3) minute cross-examinations, and five (5) minute rebuttals. 4. Rules of Competition: a. Debaters and coaches shallnot exchange evidence or other materials withcontestants from other schools during acontest. b. Debaters should make allevidence read in their speeches available forperusal by their opponents. Debaters,however, should not be penalized for refusingto let opponents take such evidence back totheir desks. If any judge wishes to readevidence following the debate, that evidencemay be requested by the judge and should beprovided. Judges must not provide suchmaterials to the opposition. c. Each debater is responsiblefor the validity of evidence read in the debate.All evidence cards or other evidentiarymaterials must contain the name of the author,the qualifications, the source, the date, thepage number, even if the full citation is notread in the debate. d. Prompting is not allowed.Prompting does not exclude time notations,but does prohibit all other forms of assistanceto a debater during a speech or when involvedin a Policy period. e. New issues shall not beintroduced during the rebuttal speeches.

f. The members of either teammay switch the order of rebuttals; however,the judge must be so informed before thedebate begins. g. Observers are permitted toattend debates. Flows of the debates may betaken. Electronic (audio/video) recording ofthe debates shall be prohibited without priorconsent of the IHSA. h. The use of computers,electronic storage and retrieval devices, etc. isallowed in rounds of Policy Debate.Connectivity to any person, machine, device,or server outside the competition room orpersons other than the competitors in theround is not allowed. This includes theprohibition of the use of wired or wirelesslocal, or wide, area networks; cell phones;personal digital assistants; Palm, Treo, orBlackberry type devices; etc. Theestablishment of such a connection willconstitute a violation of this rule. Competitorsviolating this rule will be disqualified fromcompetition. 5. Matching of Teams and DrawingProcedures: It will be attempted to allow everydebater to debate each side of the questiontwo times in the preliminary rounds. a. The State Final Manager willcreate a l ist of all judges, as posted bycoaches in Joy of Tournaments. Judgechanges at registration will not be reflected.

Debate Terms and Conditions—Page 2

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Each team will be given the opportunity tostrike judges for the duration of thepreliminary rounds, based upon the judgingpool. b. There will be a randomdrawing to determine pairings for Rounds 1and 2. Subsequent preliminary rounds shouldbe power matched, high-low within brackets. c. If there are at least forty (40)teams in the tournament, debaters advancingto the octa-final round will be paired accordingto a bracket prepared by the TournamentCommittee. If there are at least eighty-five(85) teams, elimination rounds will begin withdouble octa-finals (top 32). If there are lessthan 40 teams, elimination rounds will beginwith quarterfinals. d. If in the elimination rounds,teams from the same school are necessarilypaired against each other, they may eitherdebate to determine a winner or the coach ofthe school involved may designate one of theteams as the winner of the round. Eliminationbrackets will not be altered to prevent suchpairings. e. In the elimination rounds,sides will be determined by a flip of a coin,unless they have met previously. In suchcases the debaters will switch sides. f. At the start of eachelimination round, a list of possible judges foreach round will be created by IHSA. A headcoach or assistant coach from each team inthe round will have 5 minutes to strike onejudge from the list for that round. 6. Judging: a. Two (2) judges shall be usedfor each debate in the preliminaries. Asavailability permits, three (3) judges should beused in all eliminations except for the finalround. Five (5) judges shall be used in thefinal debate. b. Judges for Policy debateshall be in the second year removed from anIllinois high school. Judges who competed foran out-of-state high school must be highschool graduates. All judges should havejudged at a minimum of two tournaments onthe current resolution. Each participatingschool shall provide a coach-judge for eachteam entered in the State Final. Schools whichfail to provide the required number of judgesin accordance with their entries shall besubject to disqualification of one Policy teamper missing judge. Schools whose judgesmiss individual rounds shall be assessed a$30.00 fee for each round missed. c. Each judge shall completethe ballot indicating the winning team,reason(s) for the decision, and appropriatespeaker points for each debater, and a writtencritique of the debate. The decision as to whowon the round must be turned in to thetournament headquarters within fifteenminutes after the end of the second affirmativerebuttal. The completed ballot must be turnedin as soon as possible and prior to the

distribution of ballot packages to schools. Ajudge’s decision should be made withoutconsultation with anyone. Judges are notprohibited from oral critiques and/ordisclosure of their decision to the debaters.All judges, including those who are schoolcoaches, shall be available for all roundsincluding all elimination rounds. d. Each judge shall keep a flowsheet during the debate to assist him/her incompleting the ballot and reaching a decision.It is recommended that judges concentrate onthe flow sheet during the debate and on theballot after the debate has been completed. e. Judges shall not conversewith anyone, other than the debatersthemselves, prior to submitting their decisionsfor a given round to the tournament manager. f. Judges in any round must beat least four years removed from any affiliationwith a team in that round. Judges areexpected to notify the contest manager of anyconflicts of interest prior to the start ofcompetition. Judges may strike themselvesfrom hearing any individual team(s) in thetournament. g. Schools with teams inelimination rounds must maintain arepresentative in the tab room area until therounds have started.

B. Lincoln-Douglas Debate Com -petition Rules 1. Definition: Lincoln-Douglas Debate is organizedoral argument which, with only one debaterarguing on each side of a proposition of value,provides participants an opportunity to displaytheir skil ls of oral persuasion, logicalreasoning, research and application ofevidence and extemporaneous delivery beforea critic judge. 2. Debate Subject: The topic for the IHSA Lincoln-Douglas debate series will be the March topicof the National Speech and Debate Association(sppchanddebate.org). Wording of this topicwill be posted online at www.ihsa.org on thedebate menu page. 3. Timing Schedule andProcedures: a. The order of speakers andtime limits for each Lincoln-Douglas debatewill be as follows:Affirmative 6 minute constructiveNegative 3 minute cross-examinationNegative 7 minute constructiveAffirmative 3 minute cross-examinationAffirmative 4 minute rebuttalNegative 6 minute rebuttalAffirmative 3 minute rebuttal b. State Final Time Schedule:The time schedule for the State FinalTournament will be established by the statefinal tournament committee and will be postedon the IHSA website.

c. Tardiness or absence: Nodebate shall start unless both contestants arepresent. If any debater is absent, thechairman shall wait five minutes for his/herappearance. If still absent, the absent debatershall forfeit the debate. If both competitors areabsent after the five-minute grace period, thedebate shall be annulled and in determiningthe final rankings, both shall be charged withthe loss of the debate. Note: If the tournament manageris convinced that the tardiness of a debater orjudge is due to clearly unavoidable causes, thestarting time for the debate may be extended,or the debate may be arranged for anotherhour provided that it does not in any wayinterfere with or postpone termination of thecontest. d. Elimination Rounds. Eachelimination round must start fifteen (15)minutes after it is posted. Coaches will benotified where elimination pairings will beposted and the time of posting will berecorded. If a debater is late he/she will forfeitthat round. A debater may take no more thanfour (4) minutes total elapsed preparation timeduring a round of debate. The timekeepershall keep a record of elapsed time betweenspeeches and indicate to the debater the timeremaining after each interval. 4. Rules of Competition: a. Debaters and coaches shallnot exchange evidence or other materials withcontestants from other schools during acontest. b. Each debater is responsiblefor the validity of evidence read in the debate. c. A debater shall not receivehelp from anyone during the debate. d. New issues shall not beintroduced during the rebuttal speeches. e. Observers (includingcoaches with students in the round) arepermitted to attend any debates. Electronic(audio and/or video) recording of the debatesshall be prohibited without prior consent of theIHSA. Scouting is not allowed. f. Competitors are not allowedto attend debates while they are sti l lcompeting. g. The use of computers,electronic storage and retrieval devices, etc. isallowed in rounds of Lincoln-Douglas Debate.Connectivity to any person, machine, device,or server outside the competition room orpersons other than the competitors in theround is not allowed. This includes theprohibition of the use of wired or wirelesslocal, or wide, area networks; cell phones;personal digital assistants; Palm, Treo, orBlackberry type devices; etc. Theestablishment of such a connection willconstitute a violation of this rule. Competitorsviolating this rule will be disqualified fromcompetition.


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Debate Terms and Conditions—Page 4 5. Matching of Contestants andDrawing Procedures: It will be attempted to allow everydebater to debate each side of the questiontwo times in the preliminary rounds. In theelimination rounds, sides will be determinedby a flip of a coin unless they have metpreviously. In such cases the debaters willswitch sides. a. The State Final Manager willcreate a l ist of all judges, as posted bycoaches in Joy of Tournaments. Judgechanges at registration will not be reflected.Each team will be given the opportunity tostrike judges for the duration of thepreliminary rounds, based upon the judgepool. b. Preliminary rounds 1 and 2will be randomly paired. Subsequentpreliminary rounds should be power matched,high-low within brackets. c. If there are at least forty (40)contestants, debaters advancing to the octa-final round will be paired according to abracket prepared by the TournamentCommittee. If there are at least eighty-five(85) contestants, elimination rounds will beginwith double octa-finals (top 32). If there areless than 40 contestants, elimination roundswill begin with quarterfinals. d. At the start of eachelimination round, a list of possible judges foreach round will be create by the IHSA. A headcoach or assistant coach from each team inthe round will have 5 minutes to strike onejudge from the list for that round. If in the elimination rounds,debaters from the same school are necessarilypaired against each other, they may eitherdebate to determine a winner or the coach ofthe school involved may designate one of thecompetitors as the winner of the round.Elimination round brackets will not be alteredto prevent such pairings. 6. Judging: a. Two (2) judges shall be usedfor each debate in the preliminaries. Asavailability permits, three (3) judges should beused in all eliminations except for the finalround. Five (5) judges shall be used in thefinal debate. b. Each participating schoolshall provide one (1) judge per (2) studentsentered as long as the tournament is doubleflighted. Each participating school shallprovide one (1) judge per student entered ifthe tournament is not flighted. All individuals used to fulfill aschool's judging requirements must havegraduated from high school over one yearprior to the date of competition and meet oneof the following criteria: a. Debated at least fivetournaments at the Varsity level in the entereddivision. b. Judged at least 10 Varsityrounds in Illinois in the entered division.

In general, judges should bespecifically trained for the division they arejudging in and are expected to take careful"flows"/notes of arguments made throughoutthe debate. Schools that are unable to meetthe judging requirements can hire a qualifiedjudge through the IHSA Tournament Director.Coaches are responsible for verifying that theirjudges meet the criteria. Schools which fail toprovide the required number of judges inaccordance with their entries shall be subjectto disqualification of one (1) Lincoln-Douglascontestant per missing judge.Schools whose judges miss individual roundsshall be assessed a $30.00 fee per roundmissed. c. Each judge shall completethe ballot indicating the winning debater,reason(s) for the decision, appropriate speakerpoints for each debater, and a written critiqueof the debate. The decision as to who won theround, and the completed ballot, must beturned in to the tournament headquarterswithin fifteen (15) minutes after the end of thesecond affirmative rebuttal. Judges are not prohibited fromoral critiques and/or disclosure of theirdecision to the debaters. All judges, includingthose who are school coaches, shall beavailable for all rounds including allelimination rounds. d. Judges shall not conversewith anyone, other than the debatersthemselves, prior to submitting their decisionsfor a given round to the tournament manager. e. Judges are expected tonotify the contest manager of any conflicts ofinterest prior to the start of competition. f. Judges in any round must beat least four years removed from any affiliationwith a team in that round. Judges areexpected to notify the contest manager of anyconflicts of interest prior to the start ofcompetition.

C. Congressional Debate CompetitionRules 1. Definition: Congressional Debate is a simulatedcongressional activity (debate) modeled afterthe State or National Congress. Participantsresearch and write bills and/or resolutions thatwill be debated on the floor of thecongressional debate, utilizing the tools ofdeliberative decision-making such asParliamentary Procedure and groupcommunication skills. 2. Debate Subject (Legislation): a. After preliminary entries arereceived, each school will be assigned to writelegislation (bill or resolution) for two of thefollowing areas: foreign affairs, economics,and public welfare. A school should submitone piece of legislation for each area assigned.Schools entered in Congressional Debate willbe notified in December to which legislative

committees they have been assigned. Theymay only write for assigned committees.Appropriate legislation must be submitted byJanuary 30. Legislation must follow the IHSAStandard Legislation Template that will beprovided in December. All legislation approvedfor Congressional Debate by the IHSA will beavailable to schools online in a downloadablefile. b. Only legislation sent fromthe head coach’s e-mail address will beaccepted. c. Only one piece of legislationfrom each school will be considered for thePreliminary Sessions. Only one piece oflegislation from each school will be consideredfor the Elimination Sessions (Semis andFinals). d. If a school only submits onepiece of legislation, and it is chosen fordebate, it will be placed in the Prelims, theSemis, or the Finals, and it will not be debatedin more than one session. e. If a school submits twopieces of legislation, one or both may bechosen. If both are chosen, only one will beplaced in the Prelims (to be debated for onlyone session), and the other will be placed inthe Semis or Finals. f. All identifying school andstudent information will be taken off of theSemis and Finals Legislation. g. All legislation assigned tothe Prelims, Semis, and Finals will beannounced shortly after the January 30deadline.

h. A Best Legislation award(overall – of all chambers combined) will beissued after votes are tallied in the PreliminarySessions. 3. State Final Time Schedule: a. Sessions will begin at theposted times. Debate will not wait for any lateparticipants. b. Preliminary Sessions maynot end early. 1) Semi-final Session: Thesession will end immediately (prior to theposted end time) when everyone who wishesto speak twice has done so. 2) Final Session: The sessionwill end immediately (prior to the posted endtime) when everyone who wishes to speaktwice has done so. 4. Procedures in PreliminaryChambers: a. Committee Sessions: 1) Committee Sessions shallbe comprised of a committee of the entirechamber (a Committee of the Whole – allregistered participants) deciding upon theagenda (the order in which legislation will bedebated) for the Preliminary Session. 2) This Committee of theWhole will meet prior to Session I to set theagenda (selection of bills and the order they

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Debate Terms and Conditions—Page 5will be debated). The agenda must alternatethrough legislative committees (100s, then200s, then 300s) 3) Discussions within thecommittee will be restricted to the issue ofdebate-ability. (“Is the bill controversial,t imely, and well written?” “Are theresubstantial pro and con arguments concerningthe bill?”) The merits of the ideacontained within a bill should not be discussedwithin the committee meeting. 4) The bills on the prioritizeddocket will be considered in the orderrecommended by the Committee of the Whole. b. Apportionment: One (1)entry per school will be assigned to achamber. c. Order of Events: 1) Two judges will beassigned to each chamber. The committee willprepare a seating chart for each chamber. a. A school that registers1-6 debaters is required to provide one (1)qualified judge for the preliminary sessionsthrough the finals. b. A school that registers7-10 debaters is required to provide two (2)qualified judges for the preliminary throughthe final round. 2) At the beginning of eachsession, judges will conduct an election for aPresiding Officer (P.O.) for that session. 3) A preliminary session’stime will begin once the Presiding Officer hasbeen elected and all of the judges assigned tothe chamber by the tab room are present. 4) There is no time limit fordebate on each piece of legislation. 5) Debate on each bill willbegin with the Presiding Officer’s request for athree-minute authorship speech to be given bythe actual author. His or her name must be onthe legislation in order to qualify as the author.If the author is not present in the chamber, thePresiding Officer will call for a sponsorshipspeech. A sponsorship speech is a 3 minutespeech supporting the intent of the bill andcan be given by anyone in the chamberregardless of their school’s affi l iation.Preference will not be given to a member ofthe author’s school. Following the delivery ofthe authorship or sponsorship, the PresidingOfficer will ask for a speech in opposition tothe bil l . This speech, and all speechesthereafter, will be three minutes long. Thisalternating process of three-minute speecheswill continue until the bill is placed upon thetable, the bill is passed/failed after previousquestion is called, or time expires within thesession. Should a session terminate while abill is still being debated, previous questionwill be called and an immediate vote will takeplace. 6) Following each speech, atwo-minute question and answer period will beheld. The questioning period will consist ofone question asked per person to the speaker.

No cross-debate shall be allowed during thequestioning period of the preliminarychambers. The time clock will runcontinuously for the question and answerperiod. 7) When more than onespeaker seeks the floor, the presiding officermust follow precedence. First, recognizestudents who have not spoken during thesession. Next, recognize students who havespoken fewer times. Precedence, in regard tospeaking order, will reset at the end of eachpreliminary session. 8) Legislation that is debatedin one preliminary session may not be debatedin another preliminary session of that samechamber. d. General Rules 1) A participant may notspeak on both sides of the same legislation orthat debater will earn a zero for the secondspeech given in opposition to the first speechon the same legislation. A participant mayspeak on the same side of the same legislationtwice- if precedence and regency allow it tooccur. Judges may evaluate this secondspeech as they would any other by asking thequestion: "does it advance debate?" 2) Voting on all matters inthe preliminary sessions will be one vote perperson. 3) Abstentions shall not becounted in voting totals. 4) The members of achamber may not suspend any IHSACongressional Debate rules. e. Judge Rules: 1) Judges in any roundmust be at least four years removed from anyaffiliation with a team in that round. Judgesare expected to notify the contest manager ofany conflicts of interest prior to the start ofcompetition. 2) Judges will beresponsible for evaluating the participants’speeches for content, logic, evidence, rebuttal,extension, structure, delivery, and theirresponse to questions. Both judges will judgeall speeches. In the event that a judge scoresa student from his/her own school, that scorewill not be tabulated and the other judge’sscore will count twice. 3) No participation or ethosscore will be adjudicated or awarded in anysession of IHSA Congressional Debate.Participation and ethos ought to beconsidered, in conjunction with debating andspeaking abilit ies when determiningnominations and rankings. 4) The judges, acting inconcert, shall be the ultimate authorities onparliamentary procedure and fairness inrecognizing speakers. They shall have thepower and the responsibility to correct and/oroverturn a decision of the Presiding Officer if itviolates procedure or fairness.

5) At the end of everysession, each judge will nominate twospeakers (not the Presiding Officer), not fromhis/her own school, to be considered foradvancement to semis. Judges must notconfer when making nominations. 6) Judges will score thepresiding officer twice during each session(once per each ½ of the session). Scores willcount as two speeches. 7) Judges, of the thirdpreliminary session, will conduct an electionfor best legislation within that preliminarychamber. Each debater in the chamber will beallowed one vote. The winning legislationmust receive a simple majority of the votescast. If no person earns a simple majority, thelegislation that received the lowest vote totalwill be dropped from consideration and votingwill be repeated until there is a clear majority.In the instance that more than one piece oflegislation is tied for the lowest vote total,eliminate all legislation that has the lowest vote total before re-voting. Judges willreport the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Legislationfrom their chamber. Tab will use these talliesto calculate which piece of legislation wonacross all ten Preliminary Chambers. Thatlegislation will win IHSA Best Legislation. 8) Judges, of the thirdpreliminary session, will conduct elections forbest Presiding Officer. Each debater in the chamber will beallowed one vote. The winning candidate mustreceive a simple majority of the votes cast. Ifno person earns a simple majority, thecandidate who received the lowest vote totalwill be dropped from consideration and votingwill be repeated until there is a clear majority. f. Chambers are "closedchambers"- no debater can leave the chamberunless the chamber recesses or adjourns.Students should ask permission to leave andenter the chamber when it is in session (useparliamentary procedure to move to a point ofpersonal privilege to use the restroom).However, no debater should interrupt aspeaker who is addressing the chamber. 5. Procedures regarding theElimination Rounds: a. Semi-final Congress 1) Eligibility for the SemifinalSession will be determined in the followingmanner at the end of Preliminary Session 3:The high point speaker (ties will not be broken,any debater with the highest total in theirchamber will advance), any debater with atleast one judge nomination, and the winningpresiding officer from the chamber willadvance. Presiding Officer (PO) scores do notcount toward high-point speakeradvancement. 2) Four Semi-final chamberswill be established. a) Three coaches will beassigned to judge each Semi-final chamber.

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b) Coaches will beassigned to preside over the Semi-finalchambers. c) During this session,Direct Questioning will be used. Thisquestioning will consist of two 30-second timeperiods that will total 1minute. The PresidingOfficer will call on both questioners at thesame time; then, the first questioner willengage in cross-debate with the speaker.When 30 seconds expire, the Presiding Officerwill tap the gavel, and the first questioner andthe speaker will immediately stop speaking;the second questioner will rise andimmediately engage in cross-debate with thespeaker for 30 seconds. d) Four participants fromeach of the Semi-final chambers will advanceto the Final Session (Super Congress). e) Each judge willcomplete a preferential ballot, which ranks thetop eight speakers. Everyone else not rankedwill receive a ranking of 9. The lowest ranking(1st) is the best ranking. When ranking, judgesought to consider speeches for content, logic,evidence, rebuttal, extension, structure,delivery, and their response to questions, aswell as participation, ethos, and quality ofquestions asked. Both judges will judge allspeeches. f) The top four studentswho receive the lowest numerical rankings onthe preferential ballot will advance. Ties willbe broken following this specific order: Judge Preference Speech Points Student Preferential ballot 3) A random numbergenerator will determine precedence in theSemi-final Session. 4) Each participant will havean opportunity to give two speeches. ADebater in the Semi-Final Session may notgive more than two speeches. The session willend immediately when everyone who wishesto speak twice has done so. 5) No authorships will begiven during Semis. a. Final Congress (SuperCongress) 1) Sixteen participants willadvance to the Final Congress. 2) Five coaches will beassigned to judge the Final Session. Eachjudge will evaluate all speeches. 3) A coach will be assignedto preside over the Final Session. 4) Each judge will completea preferential ballot, which ranks the top eightspeakers. Everyone else not ranked willreceive a ranking of 9. The lowest ranking(1st) is the best ranking. When ranking,judges ought to consider speeches forcontent, logic, evidence, rebuttal, extension,structure, delivery, and their response toquestions, as well as participation, ethos, andquality of questions asked.

5) To determine finalawards, each of the five judges will complete apreferential ballot where they rank half of thechamber. The State Champion and Runner-upwill be decided based upon who has thelowest numerical rankings on this preferentialballot. Ties will be broken by the followingcriteria in this specific order: 1 Judge Preference 2 Redistribution of the preferentialballots between tied debaters 6) A random numbergenerator will determine precedence in theFinal Session. 7) Each participant will havean opportunity to give two speeches. ADebater in the Final Session is not permitted togive more than two speeches. The sessionwill end immediately when everyone whowishes to speak twice has done so. 8) No authorships will begiven during Finals. 6. The use of computers, tablets,electronic storage and retrieval devices, etc.are allowed in rounds of CongressionalDebate. Connectivity, wireless or otherwise, toany person, machine, device, or server outsidethe competition room or persons other thanthe competitors in the round is not allowed.This includes the prohibition of the use ofwired or wireless local, or wide, areanetworks; cell phones; personal digitalassistants; Apple, Microsoft, Palm, Treo, orBlackberry type devices; etc. Theestablishment of such a connection willconstitute a violation of this rule. Competitorsviolating this rule will be disqualified fromcompetition.

D. Public Forum Debate CompetitionRules 1. Definition: Public Forum debateuses current controversial subjects as topics(resolutions) to be debated. Topics are brief,require no plan, and are debatable. Debateteams do not know on which side of theargument they will be speaking. Due to thesubject matter of these topics, much of theresearch toward building and understandingthe topic of a public forum debate case will beconducted using current publications andnews sources. 2. Debate Subject: The topic for theIHSA Public Forum debate series will be theMarch topic of the National Speech and DebateAssociation (speechanddebate.org). Wordingof this topic will be posted online atwww.ihsa.org on the debate menu page. 3. Timing Schedule andProcedures: a. Public Forum Debate TimingScheduleFirst Speaker – Team A. 4 MinutesFirst Speaker – Team B 4 MinutesCrossfire (A1&B1) 3 MinutesSecond Speaker – Team A 4 MinutesSecond Speaker – Team B 4 Minutes

Crossfire (A2&B2) 3 MinutesSummary – First Speaker – Team A 2 MinutesSummary – First Speaker – Team B 2 MinutesGrand Crossfire 3 MinutesFinal Focus – Second Speaker – Team A 2 Minutes

Final Focus – Second Speaker – Team B 2 MinutesPREPARATION TIME FOR EACH TEAM 2 Minutes b. State Final Time Schedule:The time schedule for the State FinalTournament will be established by the statefinal tournament committee and will be postedon the IHSA website. c. Tardiness or Absence: Nodebate shall start unless both members ofboth teams are present. If any debater isabsent, the chairman shall wait five minutesfor his/her appearance, this allowance beinggranted specifically for variations intimepieces. If still absent, the team of whichthe debater is a member shall forfeit thedebate to the other team. If members of bothteams are absent, the debate shall be annulledand in determining the final ranking of theteams, both shall be charged with the loss ofthe debate. If a coach is five (5) minutes latefor a round that he/she is to judge, his/herteam(s) will forfeit that round. Note: If the tournament manageris convinced that the tardiness of a debater ofjudge is due to clearly unavoidable causes, thestarting time for the debate may be extended,or the debate may be arranged for anotherhour provided that it does not in any wayinterfere with or postpone termination of thecontest. d. Procedure: Prior to theround in the presence of the judge(s), a coin istossed by one team and called by the otherteam. The team that wins the flip may chooseone of two options: Either the side of the topicthey wish to defend (pro or con) or thespeaking position they wish to have (begin thedebate or end the debate). 1) Once the coin tosswinners select their favored option, the otherteam makes a choice within the remainingoptions. Once speaking positions and sideshas been determined, the debate can begin.

2) Each speaker shall havefour minutes for constructive argument,alternating between pro and con. (Please keepin mind that the debate may begin with a conspeech.) 3) Following the first twoconstructive speeches, the two debaters whohave just given speeches will participate in athree-minute “crossfire”. (In “crossfire” bothdebaters “hold the floor”. However, thespeaker who spoke first must ask the first


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question. After that question, either debatermay question and/or answer at will.) 4) At the end of the first“crossfire”’ the four-minute constructivearguments are continued by the students yetto speak.

5) At the conclusion of thelast two constructive arguments, anotherthree-minute “crossfire” takes place betweenthe two debaters who just spoke using thecrossfire procedure discussed above. 6) Following the fourconstructive speeches and two “crossfire”segments, the 1st speaker for each team willeach give a two-minute summary continuingestablished alternation. The summaryspeeches should include arguments his or herteam is winning and refuting of arguments it islosing. 7) At the conclusion of thesummary speeches, all four debaters willparticipate in a three-minute “Grand Crossfire”in which all four debaters are allowed to cross-examine one another. The speaker who gavethe first summary speech must ask the firstquestion. 8) At the conclusion of the“Grand Crossfire”, the second speaker willeach give a 1-minute “Final Focus” speech.The “Final Focus” is a persuasive finalrestatement of why a team has won thedebate. 4. Rules of Competition: a. The first speaker for eachposition usually has a prewritten case thatprovides reasons for affirming or negating atopic. 1) After both speakers havestated their cases a cross-fire session occurs.In cross-fire both speakers ask and answerquestions in a civil manner. 2) The second speaker foreach position generally attempts to refute thepoints of the opposing side and can alsoprovide additional reasons to vote for theirposition. 3) The second speakersconduct a cross-fire session in the samemanner the first speakers did. The speech thatfollows is the summary in which the firstspeakers of both positions summarize theirpoints and the opposing sides points and tryto show the judges why their points still standor why the opposing team’s points fall. 4) Following this speech is agrand cross-fire, a cross-fire session that isconducted sitting down and includes all fourspeakers. The final speech for both sides is alast shot in which the second speaker for eachteam provides one main reason why thejudges should vote for their position on theresolution. 5) Final Focus Speechesshould present voting issues to the judge.

b. Debaters and coaches shallnot exchange evidence or other materials withcontestants from other schools during acontest. c. Each debater is responsiblefor the validity of evidence read in the debate. d. Judges are not prohibitedfrom oral critiques and/or disclosure of theirdecision to the debaters. e. A debater shall not receivehelp from anyone during the debate. f. The use of computers,electronic storage and retrieval devices, etc. isallowed in rounds of Public Forum Debate.Connectivity to any person, machine, device,or server outside the competition room orpersons other than the competitors in theround is not allowed. This includes theprohibition of the use of wired or wirelesslocal, or wide, area networks; cell phones;personal digital assistants; Palm, Treo, orBlackberry type devices; etc. Theestablishment of such a connection willconstitute a violation of this rule. Competitorsviolating this rule will be disqualified fromcompetition. g. Observers a. Observers, (includingcoaches with students in the round) arepermitted to attend any debates. Electronic(audio and/or video) recording of the debatesshall be prohibited without prior consent of theIHSA. Scouting is not allowed. b. Competitors are notallowed to attend debates while they are stillcompeting. 5. Matching of Teams and DrawingProcedures: a. The State Final Manager willcreate a l ist of all judges, as posted bycoaches in the Joy of Tournaments. Judgechanges at registration will not be reflected.Each team will be given the opportunity tostrike judges for the duration of thepreliminary rounds, based upon the judgepool. b. There will be a randomdrawing to determine pairings for Rounds 1and 2. Subsequent preliminary rounds shouldbe power matched, high-low within brackets. c. If there are at least forty (40)teams in the tournament, debaters advancingto the octa-final round will be paired accordingto a bracket prepared by the TournamentCommittee. If there are at least eighty-five(85) teams, elimination rounds will begin withdouble octa-finals (top 32). If there are lessthan 40 teams, elimination rounds will beginwith quarterfinals. d. If in the elimination rounds,teams from the same school are necessarilypaired against each other, they may eitherdebate to determine a winner or the coach ofthe school involved may designate one of theteams as the winner of the round. Eliminationbrackets will not be altered to prevent suchpairings.

e. In the elimination rounds,sides will be determined by a flip of a coin,unless they have met previously. In suchcases the debaters will switch sides. f. At the start of eachelimination round, a list of possible judges foreach round will be created by the IHSA. Ahead coach or assistant coach from each teamin the round will have 5 minutes to strike onejudge from the list for that round. 6. Advancement and Determinationof Winners: The highest-ranking teams will bepaired for elimination rounds on Saturday. 7. Ties: Speaker points will breakties. 8. Judging: a. Two (2) judges shall be usedfor each debate in the preliminaries. Asavailability permits, three (3) judges should beused in all eliminations except for the finalround. Five (5) judges shall be used in thefinal debate. b. Each participating schoolshall provide one (1) judge per (2) teamsentered as long as the tournament is flighted.Each participating school shall provide one (1)judge per team entered if the tournament isnot flighted. c. Schools, which fail toprovide the required number of judges inaccordance with their entries, shall be subjectto disqualification of (1) Public Forum teamper missing judge Judges must not beaffiliated with the teams they are judging. Allindividuals used to fulfill a school's judgingrequirements must have graduated from highschool over one year prior to the date ofcompetition and meet one of the followingcriteria: a. Debated at least fivetournaments at the Varsity level in the entereddivision. b. Judged at least 10 Varsityrounds in Illinois in the entered division.In general, judges should be specificallytrained for the division they are judging in andare expected to take careful "flows"/notes ofarguments made throughout the debate. c. Schools that are unable tomeet the judging requirements can hire aqualified judge through the IHSA TournamentDirector. Coaches are responsible forverifying that their judges meet the criteria.Schools whose judges miss individual roundsshall be assessed a $30.00 fee per roundmissed. d. Each judge shall completethe ballot indicating the winner debater,reason(s) for the decision, appropriate speakerpoints for each debater, and a written critiqueof the debate. The decision as to who won theround, and the completed ballot, must beturned in to the tournament headquarterswithin fifteen (15) minutes after the end of thelast final focus.

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e. The judge should rate eachspeaker on a scale of 11-30. The judge needsto write a brief reason for his/her decision. f. Judges shall not reveal theirdecisions to anyone prior to theannouncement of results by the contestmanager. All judges, including those who areschool coaches, shall be available for allrounds including all elimination rounds. g. Judges shall not conversewith anyone, other than the debatersthemselves, prior to submitting their decisionsfor a given round to the tournament manager. h. Schools with teams inelimination rounds must maintain arepresentative in the tab room area until therounds have started. i. Judges are expected tonotify the contest manager of any conflicts ofinterest prior to the start of competition. j. Judges in any round must beat least four years removed from any affiliationwith a team in that round. Judges areexpected to notify the contest manager of anyconflicts of interest prior to the start ofcompetition.

E. Special Rules and Limitations: 1. Use of Inappropriate Material: If, in the opinion of any judge,material which is debated for his/heradjudication is inappropriate for publicpresentation by a high school student, thejudge may rank the team down. If, in thejudge’s opinion, a debate is persistentlyinappropriate or is flagrantly profane andvulgar, he/she may stop the debate anddisqualify the students or team. In eithercase, the judge shall explain his/her opinionand action in a written critique and themanager shall forward a copy of the critique tothe IHSA Office. Please Note: Material which isinappropriate for public presentation by highschool students will not be tolerated. IHSA By-law 6.010 will be applied inthe event contestants utilize material which,upon investigation by the Executive Director, isdetermined to be inappropriate. By-law 6.010states: Any violation of the IHSAConstitution and/or IHSA By-laws, IHSA Termsand Conditions, IHSA Policies and Guidelines,and/or other rules of the Association, shall bereported to the Executive Director, who shallhave authority to investigate all allegedviolations. The findings of the investigationshall be made known to the school (orschools), person (or persons), alleged to havecommitted violation. The Executive Directorshall then have full authority to invokepenalties against such school or personsfound to have committed violations. Penaltiesshall include, but not be limited to, writtenwarning or reprimand, requisite affirmationcorrective action... up to and including

suspension and/or expulsion. Failure to takethe corrective action required by any penaltyshall be the basis for further action up to andincluding suspension and/or expulsion. Note that these provisions includepossible penalties against the school orindividual persons found to have committedviolations. This means that competitors,coaches, directors, and/or principals/officialrepresentatives may be penalized directly forthe use of inappropriate material in the IHSAcompetitions. A debate (language or action) whichincludes symbolic or colloquial expressiondescribing or naming anything which isprofane and/or vulgar, whether or not suited toa specific case being presented, IS ALWAYSCONSIDERED INAPPROPRIATE! 2. Violation of Limitation Rule: If a student participates in moreevents than permitted by Art. III-E, his/herschool shall be disqualified in all the events inwhich he/she participated. If the student orhis/her school won any awards in, or as aresult of, the events in which he/sheparticipated, such awards must besurrendered to the IHSA Office. 3. Late Discovery of Violations: If a violation, the penalty for which isdisqualification, is not discovered until afterthe close of the contest in which the violationoccurred, the following procedure shall befollowed: a. The student, team or schoolshall nevertheless be disqualified and theviolation shall be reported to the IHSA office. b. The rankings of the othercontestants in the event shall be revisedupward. c. If the disqualified individual,team or school has won any awards, suchawards shall be returned to the IHSA Office.An attempt will then be made to redistributethese awards on the basis of the revisedranking rankings.


A. Damage to Property or Equipment If contestants or people from any schoolentered in a state series are found guilty ofcarelessness or maliciously breaking,damaging or destroying property or equipmentbelonging to the host school, such schoolshall be held responsible for costs incurred inreplacing or repairing such property orequipment.

B. Media Policies 1. Media Personnel a. Any media person wishing totake photographs will contact the State Finalmanager to verify arrangements to take photosat the tournaments. Photographers arewelcome to take photos in the commons area.Managers’ names and information can be

found on the IHSA website or by contactingthe IHSA Office. b. Photography is NOT allowedin rooms while rounds are taking place,however, media personnel are invited andencouraged to sit in on rounds as spectators. c. At all levels of IHSAcompetition, an area may be set aside forphotographs. All participating students will beinvited and encouraged to make themselvesavailable during the tournament for the OfficialIHSA Photographer as well as local mediaoutlets. d. Results from each level ofthe tournament can be obtained by logginginto the IHSA website and choosing theappropriate activity. State Final results will beposted online as soon as possible followingthe tournament. 2. Managers a. May arrange an area forphotographers and students to gather forphoto opportunities. b. Will post any information forall participating students to have theopportunity to meet with area media. c. Will cooperate fully withmedia personnel to arrange photoopportunities and ensure coverage of all levelsof the tournament.

C. Tobacco/Liquid Nicotine Products:The use of tobacco or liquid nicotine productsin any competition area, either during apractice or while a contest is in progress, oraffiliated property of any IHSA state seriescontest by any coach, player, any other personconnected with a team, or fan shall beprohibited. State series hosts are required tomake all state series contest sites and anyaffiliated property, including parking lots, fanaccommodation areas, and other school orevent venue property, tobacco/liquid nicotinefree zones on the date or dates of any IHSAevent being held at the site.

D. Use of Inhalers: A student with asthma may possess anduse his/her medication during an IHSAcompetition under the supervision of schoolpersonnel, provided the school meets theoutlined procedures of self administration inthe Illinois school code.

E. Alcoholic Beverages and IHSA StateSeries Events: The possession, distribution, sale and orconsumption of alcoholic beverages areprohibited at the site and on any affiliatedproperty of any IHSA state series contest.State series hosts are required to make allstate series contest sites and any affiliatedproperty, including parking lots, fanaccommodation areas, and other school orevent venue property, alcohol free zones onthe date or dates of any IHSA event being held

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at the site. Violation of this policy by an eventhost will subject the host to a penalty forviolation of IHSA By-law 2.020. Such penaltymay include but not necessarily be limited toprohibition against subsequent event hostingassignments. Violation of this policy by a non-hosting member school will subject the schoolto penalty for violation of IHSA By-law 2.020.Patrons of any IHSA state series contestdetermined to be in violation of this policy willbe removed from the premise, and lawenforcement officials will be called aswarranted.

F. Special Report Forms and SAWAForms Special report forms have beendeveloped to facilitate schools reporting anymatter concerning high school programs thatmerit the attention of the high school principal.These forms can be used for reporting anyincidents or problems with a competitor,coach, director or spectator. The forms mayalso be used to report errors in applying rulesor any phase of judging in which a judgeshould immediately attempt to improve. TheSAWA Report form should be used forreporting any instances where a coach,director, participant, judge or spectator hasdone an exemplary job of Sporting A WinningAttitude. These forms can be found on theIHSA Web Site at www.ihsa.org.

G. Responsibility for Theft or OtherLosses: The IHSA will not be responsible forloss or theft of any personal or schoolproperty during the course of the contest.


X. AWARDS

Trophies shall be awarded to the Policy,Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas andCongressional Debate teams finishing first andsecond. In Policy, Lincoln-Douglas,Congressional and Public Forum Debate,medallions shall be given to the top ten (10)ranking speakers in each event after thepreliminary rounds and in Policy, Lincoln-Douglas and Public Forum all othercontestants who qualify for the octa-final,quarter-final, semi-final or final rounds. InCongressional Debate, all qualifiers for theSuper Congress will receive medallions. TheBest Legislation will receive an award.

XI. JUDGING

Refer to the Rules of Competition foreach Debate category in Article VIII.

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Future Standardized Dates

IHSA Standardized Calendar IHSA-sponsored State Tournament Series and IHSA Sport Seasons shall be conducted on dates established in accordance with the AssociatesStandardized Calendar. This calendar shall number the weeks of the year, with week one (No. 1) being the first full week of July (Sunday throughSaturday).

SPEECH - INDIVIDUAL EVENTS 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20List of Participants Due On-Line (Mon. Week 31) Feb. 1 Jan. 30 Jan. 29 Jan. 28 Feb. 3Regional Entry Mtg. (Mon. Week 31) Feb. 1 Jan. 30 Jan. 29 Jan. 28 Feb. 3Regionals (Sat. Week 31) Feb. 6 Feb. 4 Feb. 3 Feb. 2 Feb. 8Sectionals (Sat. Week 32) Feb. 13 Feb. 11 Feb. 10 Feb. 9 Feb. 15State Final (Fri.-Sat. Week 33) Feb. 19-20 Feb. 17-18 Feb. 16-17 Feb. 15-16 Feb. 21-22

SPEECH-DEBATE 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20List of Participants Due On-Line (Wed. Week 35) Mar. 2 Mar. 1 Feb. 28 Feb. 27 Mar. 3State Final (Thurs.-Sat. Week 37) Mar. 17-19 Mar. 16-18 Mar. 15-17 Mar. 14-16 Mar. 19-21Policy Debate Topic Resolution Ballots due Oct. 15 Oct. 15 Oct. 15 Oct. 15 Oct. 15Policy Debate Topic Resolution

Ballots (second ballot) due Dec. 15 Dec. 15 Dec. 15 Dec. 15 Dec. 15Congressional Debate Legislation due Jan. 30 Jan. 30 Jan. 30 Jan. 30 Jan. 30

SPEECH -DRAMA, GROUP INTERPRETATION 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20NOTE: The week of the state series may be adjusted due to Easter Holiday*. List of Participants Due On-Line (Performance Title and Author Only) Jan. 30 Jan. 30 Jan. 30 Jan. 30 Jan. 30

List of Participants Due On-Line(Entire Cast List Due) (Mon. Week 36) Mar. 7 Mar. 6 Mar. 5 Mar. 4 Mar. 9

Sectionals (Fri.-Sat. Week 37) Mar. 18-19 Mar. 17-18 Mar. 16-17 Mar. 15-16 Mar. 20-21State Final (Fri.-Sat. Week 38) Apr. 1-2* Mar. 24-25 Mar. 23-24 Mar. 22-23 Mar. 27-28

2017-2018Note:EasterSunday is boxed.

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