2017 tournament rules - ncfca · november 2016 © ncfca tournament rules 2016-2017 page 3 of 12 b....

2017

Tournament Rules

November 2016 © NCFCA Tournament Rules 2016-2017 of 12

Table of Contents

I. NCFCA Mission Statement ................................................................................................................ 4

II. Sanctioning Process .......................................................................................................................... 4

A. Scheduling ........................................................................................................................................ 4

B. Rule Changes/Modifications .......................................................................................................... 4

III. Participation ...................................................................................................................................... 4

A. Eligibility. ......................................................................................................................................... 4

B. Expectations. ................................................................................................................................... 4

C. Limitations ....................................................................................................................................... 4

D. Dress Code ....................................................................................................................................... 5

E. Conduct ............................................................................................................................................ 5

F. Special Needs Students ................................................................................................................... 6

G. Physically Disabled Participants.. .................................................................................................. 6

IV. Tournament Authority .................................................................................................................... 6

A. Final Authority. ............................................................................................................................... 6

B. Regional Qualifying Tournaments.. ............................................................................................... 6

C. National-Level Tournaments. ........................................................................................................... 6

V. Adjudication Procedures ................................................................................................................. 7

A. Dress Code Violations ..................................................................................................................... 7

B. Competitive Event Rule Violations. ............................................................................................... 7

C. Behavioral or Ethical Issues ........................................................................................................... 7

VI. Appeals. ............................................................................................................................................... 7

A. Matters not eligible for appeal ....................................................................................................... 7

B. Matters eligible for appeal .............................................................................................................. 7

VII. Judges .................................................................................................................................................... 8

A. Judge Philosophy ............................................................................................................................. 8

B. Judge Eligibility ............................................................................................................................... 8

C. Training ............................................................................................................................................ 8

D. Head Judge. ...................................................................................................................................... 8

E. Decisions .......................................................................................................................................... 8

VIII. Debate ................................................................................................................................................. 8

A. Style .................................................................................................................................................. 8

B. Structure .......................................................................................................................................... 9

IX. Speech ............................................................................................................................................... 10

A. Speech Rules. ................................................................................................................................. 10


B. Content. .......................................................................................................................................... 10

C. Script Submission .......................................................................................................................... 10

D. Equipment ..................................................................................................................................... 10

E. Timekeeping .................................................................................................................................. 10

F. Extemporaneous Prep Room ....................................................................................................... 10

X. Tournament Administration ........................................................................................................ 11

A. Script Submission. ......................................................................................................................... 11

B. Judge Liaison ................................................................................................................................. 11

C. Compliance Verification… ........................................................................................................... 11

D. Ballot Distribution ......................................................................................................................... 11

E. Ballot Return.................................................................................................................................. 11

F. Tabulation. ..................................................................................................................................... 11

G. Timekeeping.. ................................................................................................................................ 11

H. Extemporaneous Preparation. ..................................................................................................... 11

I. Communications.. ......................................................................................................................... 11

XI. Tournament Resolution ................................................................................................................ 11

A. Results ............................................................................................................................................ 11

B. Validation Process. ........................................................................................................................ 12


I. NCFCA Mission Statement

The mission of NCFCA is to promote excellence in communications through competitive opportunities where homeschool students develop the skills necessary to think critically and communicate effectively in order to address life issues from a biblical worldview in a manner that glorifies God.

II. Sanctioning Process

A. Scheduling. Tournaments that are part of the NCFCA Qualification System must be applied for through each Regional Director by November 1st via the appropriate online application for the upcoming competitive season. Any requested changes to the schedule after submission must be approved in writing by the Sanctioning Committee before the tournament begins.

B. Rule Changes/Modifications. NCFCA qualifying speech and debate tournaments must follow the policies and requirements included in these Tournament Rules, the NCFCA Qualification System, the NCFCA Tabulation Guidelines, and other documents published on the NCFCA website.

III. Participation

A. Eligibility. A qualified competitor will be an NCFCA Affiliate in good standing. Specifics regarding qualifications for eligibility and appropriate standing may be found on the NCFCA website and in the Affiliate Handbook.

B. Expectations. Every parent and competitor should anticipate being actively involved for the duration of the tournament. Competitors who are unable to participate for the full duration of a tournament should not register for that tournament. Early exit from a tournament will result in revocation of any qualification to the next level of competition and forfeiture of any at-large points gained from that tournament. Exceptions to this rule must be approved by the Sanctioning Committee.

C. Limitations

1. Debate

a. A debater may participate in Lincoln Douglas Value Debate, Team Policy Debate, and Moot Court over the course of the competitive season.

b. A debater may only register for either Lincoln Douglas Debate or Team Policy Debate at any given tournament. Debaters may choose to participate only in Moot Court or participate in Moot Court in addition to either Team Policy or Lincoln Douglas debate and/or various speech events. It is not possible for a debater to participate in Team Policy with two different debate partners at the same tournament.

c. Competitors who qualify for either their Regional Championship or the National Championship in both Team Policy and Lincoln Douglas Value Debate will be required to choose a style of debate in which to participate at that tournament.

d. Team Policy debaters may compete and qualify with different partners over the course of the competitive season, but must choose only one of those qualified partners with whom to participate at the next level tournament (either the Regional Championship or the National Championship).


2. Speech

a. A competitor may participate in a maximum of five events at any given tournament except for the Regional Championship, where the competitor may compete in all events for which he has qualified.

b. A competitor may only register once in each event at any given tournament. For example, a competitor may not register for Duo Interpretation twice, with two different partners, or register twice for Illustrated Oratory with two different speeches at the same tournament.

c. A Duo Interpretation competitor may compete and qualify with different partners during the competitive season, but must choose only one of those qualified partners with whom to participate at the next level tournament (either the Regional Championship or the National Championship).

d. A competitor may not enter the same speech in more than one event at the same tournament. However, the speech may be entered in a different category at a different tournament. If the speech qualifies to advance to the next level tournament (Regional Championship or the National Championship) in more than one category, the competitor must choose only one category in which he will perform the piece at the higher level of competition.

e. At the Regional Championship or the National Championship, a competitor must perform the same piece that he performed when the invitation to compete at that tournament was awarded. In other words, it is the combination of both the piece and the person that is awarded an invitation to the higher level of competition. Minor revisions, such as changing a point in a platform speech or revising a cutting to an interpretation, are allowed. The competitor should not go so far as to change the topic of his speech or take a cut from a different section of his literary selection as he is preparing for advanced competition with a speech that has already qualified.

D. Dress Code. The spirit of the Dress Code is modesty and professionalism with the intent to glorify Christ. The goal is to minimize the focus on the body or outward appearance and maximize the focus on the development of ideas and communication skills.

1. During Competition. Competitors must be professional, clean and well groomed. No part of a competitor’s apparel, such as a jacket or shoes, should be removed before or during the competitor’s presentation. The letter of the Dress Code is as follows:

a. Gentlemen: Gentlemen shall wear suits or sport coats with dress slacks, together with a dress shirt and tie. Tight-fitting pants are not appropriate.

b. Ladies: Ladies shall wear pant suits or skirt suits, or dresses, or skirts and tops. Pants may not be worn without a jacket. Skirt hemlines must fall to at least the middle of the knee. Tight-fitting/low-cut clothing is inappropriate. Midriff must remain covered when gesturing in speeches.

2. Casual Events. For those times during NCFCA events where competitive dress code is not required and more casual attire is allowed (occasionally during check-in, at various social events, etc.), the spirit of NCFCA’s dress code, which is a focus on modesty with the intent to glorify Christ, should always be honored. Short shorts or skirts, halter tops, tight, ill-fitting, or low-cut clothing, etc. are always inappropriate.

E. Conduct. With respect to general behavioral constraints, competitors, coaches and parents are reminded that NCFCA forensics competition is a formal event done for the glory of the


Lord. Conduct should always reflect respect for our Lord Jesus Christ, other participants, the NCFCA leadership, the communications activity, and the Mission Statement. In debate, judges have the option of giving a double loss in a round in which neither team argues in a manner consistent with these standards. In speech, judges have the option of requesting a student be removed from the round if such unbecoming conduct is observed. Generally speaking, issues involving conduct unbecoming an NCFCA competitor will be handled following the same guidelines as other behavioral or ethical issues.

F. Special Needs Students. No exceptions to the rules may be made for students with special needs/learning disabilities and/or circumstances. From an administrative standpoint, providing for exceptions is not possible. The ultimate purpose for participating in competitive forensics is to improve communication skills. Special needs students have shown much improvement in this environment.

G. Physically Disabled Participants. As NCFCA does not own its tournament locations, the league’s ability to accommodate physically disabled individuals will vary from tournament to tournament. Accommodations for physically disabled individuals attending NCFCA tournaments will be made when practical. In the case of a physically disabled competitor, requests to make special arrangements which may affect competition must be made in advance of the tournament by sending a detailed explanation of the situation to the Director of Forensics.

IV. Tournament Authority

A. Final Authority. The National Board of Directors has final authority over all NCFCA Tournaments.

B. Regional Qualifying Tournaments. The Regional Director, working under the guidance of the Director of Forensics, is responsible to ensure that all Regional Qualifying Tournaments are run in accordance with NCFCA rules, guidelines, policies, procedures, and Mission Statement. To help meet this goal, the Regional Director is responsible for approving key tournament administrative positions such as Tournament Coordinator and other administrative staff (including but not limited to Tabulation, Compliance Verification, Judge Liaison, Ballot Distribution, Ballot Return, Extemp Prep, Timing, Logistics, and Communications) who are adequately trained. Under the guidance of the Director of Forensics, the Regional Director shall resolve problems that threaten either the integrity or operation of the tournament in order to maintain a safe, educational environment for tournament participants.

C. National Level Tournaments. The Tournament Director, working under the guidance of the Director of Forensics, is responsible to ensure that all national level tournaments are run in accordance with NCFCA rules, guidelines, policies, procedures, and Mission Statement. The Tournament Director appoints key tournament administrative positions such as Tabulation, Compliance Verification, Judge Liaison, Ballot Distribution, Ballot Return, Extemp Prep, Timing, Logistics, and Communications. The tournament staff should be adequately trained in NCFCA rules, guidelines, policies, and procedures so that any tournament issues which may arise are handled appropriately, thoroughly, and consistently from tournament to tournament. Under the guidance of the Director of Forensics, the Tournament Director shall resolve problems that threaten either the integrity or operation of the tournament in order to maintain a safe, educational environment for tournament participants.


V. Adjudication Procedures

A. Dress Code Violations

1. Subjective Violations

a. If it is reported that a competitor has violated the more subjective parts of the dress code (such as tight clothing), the Tournament Director (at a national level tournament), or the Regional Director (at a Regional Qualifier), will consult with the Director of Forensics to determine the validity and consequences of the violation and give the competitor a warning and a chance to change into appropriate attire.

b. If a competitor does not heed the instruction to change into appropriate attire, the Tournament Director (at a national level tournament), or the Regional Director (at a Regional Qualifier, under the direction of the Director of Forensics), may disqualify the competitor from the tournament. If a competitor has a history of repeated dress code warnings spanning the course of the season, he or she may be disqualified from the tournament in question without another warning.

2. Objective Violations. Failure to adhere to the objective parts of the dress code (such as skirt length or missing suit coat) may result in immediate dismissal from the event.

B. Competitive Event Rule Violations. In the event that a potential Debate or Speech rule violation is identified or observed, the matter shall be brought to the attention of the Compliance Verification staff, who will notify the Compliance Verification Director. The Compliance Verification Director and either the Tournament Director (at a national level tournament) or Regional Director (at a Regional Qualifying Tournament) will determine the validity and consequences of the violation under the direction of the National Adjudication Team.

C. Behavioral or Ethical Issues. In the event that a potential behavioral or ethical issue is identified or observed, the matter shall be brought to the attention of the Tournament Director (at a national level tournament) or Regional Director (at a Regional Qualifying Tournament). The Tournament Director or Regional Director will determine the validity and consequences of the situation under the direction of the National Adjudication Team.

VI. Appeals

A. Matters not eligible for appeal. Adjudication decisions rendered during the tournament are not eligible for appeal.

B. Matters eligible for appeal. Post-tournament appeals may be brought to NCFCA for either a suspected tabulation error or a suspected ethics issue which comes to light post-tournament.

1. Filing Process. Any appeal meeting the above criteria must be in writing and include the complete name and contact information of the appealing party along with a brief description of the concern and any relevant documentation. This appeal must be emailed to the Director of Forensics at [email protected].

2. Time Frame. All tabulation appeals must be filed within 72 hours of the close of the tournament. Concerns of an ethical nature must be brought to the attention of NCFCA as soon as possible.

3. Resolution. Any appeal properly filed will be carefully considered by the Director of Forensics, the National Adjudication Team, and the President. After investigation and


assessment of all available and relevant information, the NCFCA leadership will render a decision and inform the affected parties. This decision will be final and no other consideration will be made for this issue.

VII. Judges

A. Judge Philosophy. Generally speaking, NCFCA values a balanced judge pool in order to offer our competitors varied feedback and encourage them to be universal in their impact. More complete information on judge recruitment and the NCFCA Judge Philosophy may be found in documentation published on the NCFCA website.

B. Judge Eligibility

1. Age. A judge must be at least 19 years old, must not have been eligible to compete in any NCFCA event during the current season, and must not be currently enrolled in high school.

2. Relationship. Judges must be completely unrelated to the competitors they are assigned to judge.

3. Re-Judging. A judge may not judge a specific speaker more than one time in the same prepared speech or on the same side of a debate round in any given tournament. The same judge may judge that speaker in a different event or Limited Preparation speeches.

C. Training. Each judge should attend the appropriate Judge Orientation training presentation before judging.

D. Head Judge. For each round of Speech, one judge will be appointed as “Head Judge” of the room and will handle the related duties as presented by the Ballot Distribution Staff. These duties may include handling the topics for a Limited Prep round or the timepiece for a prepared speech.

E. Decisions. All judge decisions are final as they apply to assessment of the round. However, adjudication determinations by NCFCA officials resulting from issues regarding dress code or rule violations or behavioral or ethical matters supersede judge assessments. All adjudication decisions are final.

VIII. Debate

A. Style

1. Delivery. Eloquence invigorates content. Delivery should be civil and comprehensible. Conversational style debate is valued.

2. Content. Content of NCFCA debate rounds should be appropriate for general audiences. Content should enhance the judge’s understanding of the topic. Explicit material should not be included for shock value. Vulgarity is never acceptable. Discretion should be exercised by students, parents, and coaches when determining material for competition, keeping in mind that NCFCA is a high school league.

3. General Argumentation

a. Reasoning. Arguments should be supported with what a general listener would consider “good reasons.” Analysis, explanation, and appeals to common sense are considered appropriate argumentative strategy.


b. Evidence. Use of evidence and support adds validity to the advocate’s arguments. Further guidelines regarding evidence and ethics are in the NCFCA Evidence and Ethics Guidelines posted on the NCFCA website.

i. Debaters should be prepared to provide the full citation of sources, source qualifications, and publication dates to enable clash over evidence quality.

ii. Debate is primarily a verbal activity; visual aids are not permitted.

iii. During their own speaking time or prep time, a team may request to see evidence which has been presented by the opposing team.

iv. In the rare instance that a judge has a question about the evidence presented, the judge may request to review it for clarification or accuracy at the end of the round by speaking with a Compliance Verification staff member. Evidence requested must have been actually presented and read in the round.

v. No “outside the round” discussion is allowed between the debaters and the judge regarding evidence or the round itself.

B. Structure

1. Speaker Order/Times. NCFCA debate rounds shall adhere to the structure outlined in the NCFCA Timer Schedules for Team Policy and Lincoln Douglas Value Debate, found on the NCFCA website.

2. Tag Teaming. A debater should rely upon his or her own reasoning while speaking in the round. Communicating with his or her partner in any way while at the podium (i.e., “tag teaming”) is not allowed.

3. In and Out Speaking. In Team Policy Debate, the 1AC speaker shall deliver the 1AR; the 2AC delivers the 2AR; the 1NC delivers the 1NR; and the 2NC delivers the 2NR. Partners switching order in the middle of the round (i.e., “in and out speaking”) is not allowed. Each speaker shall participate in his respective cross-examination role, both asking and answering questions.

4. Timekeeping. Tournaments will provide an additional (non-judge) person with a digital timepiece to give time signals for each speech and prep time. No team is allowed to take prep time immediately before cross-examination. Prep time is deducted from the team who speaks next. Complete instructions for timing debate can be found on the NCFCA website.

5. Internet Use. Internet use during the debate round is not allowed; therefore, any item that may have internet access (i.e. computers, smartphones, etc.) may not be used, except with special permission from the Director of Forensics.

6. Audience Influence. An observer may not attempt to influence the outcome of the round in any way whatsoever. If this behavior is identified or observed, the matter shall be brought to the attention of the Compliance Verification staff, who will notify the Compliance Verification Director. The Compliance Verification Director and either the Tournament Director (at a national level tournament) or Regional Director (at a Regional Qualifying Tournament) will determine the validity and consequences of the situation under the direction of the Director of Forensics and the National Adjudication Team.


IX. Speech

A. Speech Rules. All Speech rules will be followed at all NCFCA sanctioned tournaments. The rules for each event may be found on the NCFCA website under Educational Resources.

B. Content. There is a great responsibility on the part of the competitor to choose material carefully and from sources that will not compromise their witness for Christ. Material chosen for NCFCA competition should be appropriate for general audiences. Content should enhance the judge’s understanding of the topic. Explicit material should not be included for shock value. Vulgarity is never acceptable. Discretion should be exercised by students, parents, and coaches when determining material for competition, keeping in mind that NCFCA is a high school league. Speeches that advocate positions which are counter to the foundational beliefs of the league will not be accepted for competition.

C. Script Submission. Scripts will be submitted for all Platform and Interpretive Events at all NCFCA sanctioned tournaments. The script must be submitted before the competitor will be allowed to compete. The Script Submission Rules and Guidelines and Script Submission forms can be found on the NCFCA website.

D. Equipment. Competitors should ensure that all personal belongings, including equipment used in their speech and debate events are properly labeled with the competitor’s name. This includes Illustrated Oratory easels and portfolios, visual aids boxes, Apologetics boxes, debate boxes, etc.

E. Timekeeping

1. Limited Preparation Events

a. Tournaments are required to provide an additional (non-judge) person with a digital timepiece to give time signals for Apologetics, Extemporaneous, and Impromptu. Complete instructions for giving appropriate time signals can be found on the NCFCA website.

b. The timekeeper will report the length of the speech to the judges once the speech has ended.

c. Judges should never interrupt the speaker, even if he exceeds the maximum time, unless the overage seriously threatens timely completion of the round.

2. Prepared Events

a. Each competition room will be supplied with a digital timepiece.

b. In preliminary competition, the Head Judge may keep time. In elimination rounds, time should be kept by a different designated time keeper.

c. The timepiece is to be kept running during the speech but NO time signals of any kind are to be given.

d. The timekeeper will report the length of the speech to the judges once the speech has ended.

e. Judges should never interrupt the speaker even if he exceeds the maximum time, unless the overage seriously threatens timely completion of the round.

F. Extemporaneous Prep Room

1. Draw Times. The Extemporaneous (Extemp) speaker will report to the Extemp Prep Room at the appointed draw time. A late arrival will result in less prep time for the speaker. All Extemp speakers must speak at their designated speaking time.


2. Supervision. The Extemp Prep Room must be supervised by two tournament officials for the duration of every round. Complete instructions regarding supervision of the Extemp Prep Room may be found on the NCFCA website.

3. Access. The Extemp speaker may not come and go from the Extemp Prep Room during his prep time. The speaker should leave the Extemp Prep Room only when going to deliver his speech. The speaker will return to the Extemp Prep Room briefly to turn in his card, reorganize his Extemp boxes, or retrieve his computer after he has finished speaking, taking care not to talk or distract other speakers.

4. Assistance. There should be no unnecessary talking in the Extemp Prep Room. Students may not ask each other or Prep Room staff for help or access the internet at any time during prep time.

X. Tournament Administration

A. Script Submission. Script Submission staff will collect required scripts at the beginning of each tournament. Generally speaking, the Compliance Verification staff will serve as the Script Submission staff.

B. Judge Liaison. The Judge Liaison staff will guide community judges through the tournament experience. This will include offering a Judge Orientation before every round of each NCFCA tournament.

C. Compliance Verification. The Compliance Verification staff will handle any inquiries regarding event rules that may arise during a tournament.

D. Ballot Distribution. Ballot Distribution staff will distribute ballots to the available judge pool in a manner consistent with the NCFCA Judge Philosophy, with priority given to balancing the judge panels between various types of judges.

E. Ballot Return. At the end of every round, Ballot Return staff will collect ballots and worksheets from judges, checking for accuracy and completion before sending the ballot packets to be tabulated.

F. Tabulation. Tournament tabulation will be performed using NCFCA’s C-TaP software and must follow NCFCA Tabulation Guidelines and Appendices, all available on the NCFCA website. All scores must be tabulated at least twice independently and then the results must be verified for accuracy.

G. Timekeeping. The Timer staff will ensure that every room has a designated timepiece, and that those persons serving as timekeepers for competition are adequately trained using the appropriate timer videos available on the NCFCA website.

H. Extemporaneous Preparation. The Extemp Prep staff will oversee the Extemp Prep room and monitor for access, noise, and rule violations according to the Extemp Prep Rules and Guidelines available on the NCFCA website.

I. Communications. The Communications staff will facilitate any necessary communication from the competition areas to the Tournament Administration hub, as well as maintain order in the competition areas and ensure that rooms are prepared for the next round of competition.

XI. Tournament Resolution

A. Results

1. Recognition. All competitors participating in elimination rounds will be recognized during the Awards Ceremony. Standard protocol at Regional Qualifying Tournaments


is to announce placings for the top students participating in elimination rounds of the tournament (e.g., Speech Finalists). Other students breaking to elimination rounds are recognized alphabetically within the event (e.g., Speech SemiFinalists).

2. Confidentiality. Tabulation data is to be kept confidential except for tournament results that are publicly announced during the Awards Ceremony.

3. Posting. Tournament results announced at the tournament will be posted to the NCFCA website following the tournament.

B. Validation Process. NCFCA Qualifying Tournaments are fully sanctioned once all tournament reports have been submitted and results have been verified at the national level. Extreme care should be given to ensure accuracy of results. NCFCA cannot honor slots awarded in error or award extra slots to compensate for a tabulation or administrative error. All slots awarded at the Awards Ceremony are contingent upon tournament certification and are not considered final until tournament results have been verified.

1. Report submittal

a. Preparation/Collection. Following the tournament, the Tabulation Director will complete the tabulation files and place them, along with all Limited Prep documents, in the designated tournament Dropbox. The Compliance Verification Director will ensure the completion of the online Tournament Incident Report.

b. National Approval. The National Office will verify and approve results and documentation. Valid invitations to the Regional Championship and/or National Championship are contingent upon verification and approval of tournament submittals.

2. Timeline

a. All tournament tabulation documentation is due in the designated tournament Dropbox by the conclusion of the tournament. The Tournament Incident Report is expected within 72 hours of the conclusion of the tournament. All tournament documentation must be completed at least two weeks prior to the start of the Regional Championship, regardless of the date of the Award Ceremony.

b. If tournament documentation is submitted on time, NCFCA may take up to one month following tournament documentation submittal to verify standings before results are considered final. If tournament documentation is submitted later than one week after completion of the Awards Ceremony, NCFCA will verify standings at its convenience but before the beginning of the Regional Championship.

2017 tournament rules - ncfca · november 2016 © ncfca tournament rules 2016-2017 page 3 of 12 b....

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