archdiocese of denver catholic schools catholic schools ...€¦ · lines, procedures and forms...

Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools 1

October 23, 2013

Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools Catholic Schools Activities Board

Handbook of Co‐C rricular Organizations

Contact: Archdiocese of Denver, Office of Catholic Schools A ention: Superintendent Richard Thompson 1300 South Steele Street Denver, CO 80210 303.715.3200 office 303.715.2067 fax

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Catholic Schools Activities Board / Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools 2

October 23, 2013

Catholic Schools Activities Board

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... Page 3

Bylaws ............................................................................................................................................................. Page 4

Academic Decathlon

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... Page 9

Archdiocesan Speech Association

Bylaws ........................................................................................................................................................... Page 12

Guidelines .................................................................................................................................................... Page 19

Speech Categories ....................................................................................................................................... 1

Speech Meets ................................................................................................................................................ Page 32

Hosting Checklist ........................................................................................................................................ Page 41

Dress Code ................................................................................................................................................... Page 44

Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association

Bylaws ........................................................................................................................................................... Page 47

Rules .............................................................................................................................................................. Page 51

Guidelines .................................................................................................................................................... Page 57

Catholic Schools Arts Fair

Bylaws ........................................................................................................................................................... Page 63

Catholic Schools Athletic League

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. Page 72

Bylaws ........................................................................................................................................................... Page 75

Guidelines and Regulations ....................................................................................................................... Page 80

Job Descriptions ........................................................................................................................................... Page 88

Appendix .................................................................................................................................................................... Page 97

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS ACTIVITIES BOARD INTRODUCTION


October 23, 2013

The Catholic Schools Activities Board (CSAB) was formed to promote the mission of the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools through archdiocesan sponsored co‐curricular programs, activities and events. The Catholic Schools Activities Board and all archdiocesan sponsored co‐curricular programs, activities and events are overseen by the Office of Catholic Schools at the Archdiocese of Denver. The archdiocesan sponsored co‐curricular programs, activities and events for the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools currently include:

• Academic Decathlon

• Catholic Schools Athletic League

• Archdiocesan Speech Association

• Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association

• Catholic Schools Arts Fair

Each archdiocesan sponsored co‐curricular program has its own by‐laws, guidelines, procedures and forms that govern the program and are included in the Catholic Schools Activities Board Handbook of Co‐Curricular Organiza‐tions. The CSAB Handbook is maintained by the Office of Catholic Schools and all changes to any by‐laws, guide‐lines, procedures and forms must be presented and approved by the Catholic Schools Activities Board before prom‐ulgation. If changes are approved by the Board, the Board Chairperson will make a recommendation to the Superin‐tendent of Catholic Schools for consideration and approval.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS ACTIVITIES BOARD BYLAWS


October 23, 2013

Article I—Purpose

The purpose of the Catholic Schools Activities Board shall be to promote the mission of the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools through archdiocesan sponsored co‐curricular programs, activities and events.

Article II—Board Structure, Membership and Tenure

Section 1: The Catholic Schools Activities Board (CSAB) shall serve as the governing body for the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools Co‐Curricular programs, activities and events.

Section 2: Members of the CSAB shall consist of a minimum of four (4) principal and/or assistant principal repre‐sentatives from the member schools, the CSAL Director, the Superintendent, and other representatives from the Office of Catholic Schools such as regional athletic directors and the co‐curricular program directors as determined by the Superintendent.

Section 3: One principal shall be appointed by the Superintendent to be the Chairperson. The Chairperson votes on‐ly in case of a tie.

Section 4: The remaining principals and/or assistant principals shall be voting members of the Board.

Section 5: Non‐voting members of the Board include the CSAL Director, regional athletic directors, co‐curricular program directors, and representatives from the Office of Catholic Schools and the Superintendent.

Section 6: Voting members of the Board shall serve for a term of three (3) years. Initial terms may be staggered by the Superintendent.

Article III—Responsibilities

Section 1: Responsibilities of the Catholic Schools Activities Board are to oversee all approved co‐curricular pro‐grams, activities and events as identified; to generate and distribute the co‐curricular calendar for the current year; to provide qualified individuals for the approved co‐curricular programs, activities and events; to annually review all approved co‐curricular programs, activities and events; to determine policies and procedures for all co‐curricular programs, activities and events; to provide for fiscal management of the approved co‐curricular programs, activities and events; to provide advice and guidance to the Superintendent in ma ers affecting the co‐curricular programs, activities and events.

Section 2: Approved co‐curricular programs, activities and events currently include the Catholic Schools Athletic League, Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association, Archdiocesan Speech Association, Academic Decathlon and the Catholic Cultural Arts Fair.



October 23, 2013

Section 3: The CSAB shall consist of four (4) additional standing commi ees. These standing commi ees are:

• Protest and Discipline Commi ee (PDC). This commi ee shall be responsible for investigating all ma ers of alleged misconduct of anyone involved in any co‐curricular programs, activities and events that cannot be addressed at the local‐level or related to decisions with more serious and/or greater im‐plications to the entire system. In some cases, time constraints require the immediate action of the CSAL director, principal and athletic director; the Superintendent and the Protest and Discipline commi ee chair should be notified. This commi ee shall be responsible for rendering decisions on appeals con‐cerning ejection of coaches, players or spectators from games, events and any non‐monetary ma ers. The commi ee shall be composed of one (1) member of the CSAB as Chair, two (2) additional principals not serving on CSAB, plus any additional representatives from the Catholic school community. Because certain decisions may be needed quickly, the PDC Chairperson is authorized to replace a member of this commi ee if a regular member cannot a end. The commi ee shall meet whenever necessary. All deci‐sions shall be rendered promptly and communicated to all interested parties. If a school is involved in an issue before the PDC and the principal serves on the PDC, the principal must recuse him/herself from the final decision process.

• Budget and Finance Commi ee. This commi ee shall be responsible for assisting with the determina‐tion of a yearly budget to be approved by the CSAB. The commi ee shall also be responsible for long‐range budget forecasting and planning. The commi ee shall establish organizational controls, and shall engage in an external audit at least every five (5) years or in accordance with Archdiocesan policy to determine whether the appropriate internal controls are being observed and followed. This commi ee shall be composed of one (1) member of the CSAB as Chair, two (2) additional principals not serving on CSAB, respective co‐curricular program directors, plus any additional representatives from the Catholic school community.

• Seeding Commi ee. This commi ee shall be responsible for seeding teams into the appropriate com‐petitive division or into the appropriate tournament. The commi ee shall strive to place teams into CSAL divisions or tournament brackets based upon their abilities to ensure that all teams in a particular division are competitive. The commi ee has the discretion to move teams up or down to meet the needs and goals of the CSAL. The commi ee shall meet one time (1x) per season for each sport. The commi ee may also meet when asked by the Superintendent. The commi ee shall consist of one (1) member of the CSAB, the CSAL Director and the Sports directors.

• Policy and Rules Commi ee. This commi ee shall be responsible for conducting business necessary to operate the regular rules of the co‐curricular programs, activities and events. The commi ee shall identi‐fy necessary rule or policy changes, evaluate proposed rule or policy changes, and make recommenda‐



October 23, 2013

tions to the CSAB and Superintendent on the structure and content of the rules. This commi ee shall consist of two (2) CSAB members with one member serving as Chair, two (2) additional principals not serving on CSAB, CSAL director, plus any Sport directors or co‐curricular program directors as deter‐mined by the Chair. This commi ee shall meet annually in May or as necessary.

Article IV—Master Calendar

Section 1: A master calendar developed by the CSAB is used to help plan upcoming co‐curricular programs, activi‐ties and events and prepare calendars for distribution to participating schools. Master calendar guidelines can be found in the Appendix.

Section 2: The CSAL Director, Speech Association Director, Spelling Bee Director, Academic Decathlon Director, Catholic Cultural Art Fair Director and a representative from the Office of Catholic Schools will determine dates for the co‐curricular calendar.

Section 3: The Office of Catholic Schools will generate the co‐curricular calendar for the upcoming school year using the Master Calendar guidelines as established by the CSAB and input from the various co‐curricular program chairs/directors.

Section 4: The co‐curricular calendar for the upcoming school year must be approved by the CSAB before distribu‐tion to the member school community.

Section 5: Co‐curricular program directors must submit calendar dates to the Office of Catholic Schools no later than February 15; the approved co‐curricular calendar must be published by March 15.

Section 6: Any changes and/or updates to the co‐curricular calendar are to be sent out to all member schools in a timely manner by the Office of Catholic Schools.

Article V—No Sunday Play, Limited Play Dates and No Play Dates

Section 1: Effective with the 2008‐09 school year, all co‐curricular programs, activities and events, including sporting events, will no longer be scheduled on Sundays. Rare exceptions to the No Sunday Play can be granted by the Su‐perintendent after consultation with program directors. A copy of the No Sunday Play memo can be found in the Appendix.

Section 2: Limited play dates are established to provide students an opportunity to participate in the non‐athletic co‐curricular programs, activities and events during the sport season. Limited play dates and times are published in the co‐curricular calendar for the current school year.



October 23, 2013

Section 3: No play dates are established to provide students and families an opportunity to worship and spend time together. No play dates are published in the co‐curricular calendar for the current school year and include Holy Days of Obligation, Ash Wednesday, Christmas and Easter breaks.

Article VI—Review

All decisions and actions of the Catholic Schools Activities Board are subject to review by the Superintendent of Catholic Schools.

Article VII—Meetings

Section 1: Meetings of the Catholic Schools Activities Board shall be held once a quarter during the academic year.

Section 2: A quorum consisting of a majority of the CSAB members must be present if a vote is required.

Section 3: The Chairperson of the Board is responsible for formulating and disseminating the meeting agenda and for conducting the CSAB meetings. In his/her absence a principal, designated by the Chairperson, shall serve as in‐terim Chairperson.

Section 4: The Chairperson shall appoint a secretary whose responsibility shall include keeping the role and minutes of each meeting and distributing these to all CSAB members.

Article VIII—Treasury

No funds will be held in the name of the Catholic Schools Activities Board. Revenue collected and expenses incurred by the CSAB shall be the responsibility of the Office of Catholic Schools.

Article IX—Amendments

Amendments to the Bylaws of the Catholic Schools Activities Board must be approved by a majority of the total vot‐ing membership and the Superintendent of Catholic Schools.

Article X—Removal from Board

Failure to a end Catholic Schools Activities Board meetings or adequately perform the duties outlined shall be cause for the Superintendent of Catholic Schools to remove that person from the Catholic Schools Activities Board and



October 23, 2013

appoint a replacement.

Article XI—Approval

Catholic Schools Activities Board Bylaws reviewed and recommended for Approval by the Board.

Date : October 23, 2013

Catholic Schools Activities Board Bylaws approved by the Superintendent.


Article XII—Acceptance and Implementation at the Local Level

Policy 4180—Archdiocesan School Co‐Curricular Programs outlines the roles and responsibilities of all parties in‐volved in Co‐curricular programs, activities and events. On an annual basis, each school submits to the Office of Catholic Schools their Acceptance and Implementation form encompassing all co‐curricular programs, activities and events. The Acceptance and Implementation form will be sent to all principals at the beginning of the school year.


October 23, 2013

Academic Decathlon


ACADEMIC DECATHLON

Academic Decathlon / Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools 10

October 23, 2013

The Academic Junior High Decathlon is held once a year in March. The competition rules and policies are created by State of California Academic Decathlon Coordinator. Study guides are created by the California Catholic Schools Curriculum Commi ee are provided to each of the archdiocese/diocese moderators in October. An introductory meeting is hosted each September for new and returning schools but a endance is not required to participate in the competition.

Schools select their own teams using criteria created at their local school. Teams, consisting of students in grades 6‐8, are to have no less than eight and no less than ten students. The competition has two team tests‐Logic Quiz and Su‐per Quiz‐and eight individual tests‐math, English, literature, science, current events, religion, and social studies. Students can only take one individual test.

Awards are announced at the end of the competition and the overall school champion will have the option of repre‐senting the Archdiocese of Denver at the California State competition held during the first weekend of May.


October 23, 2013

Archdiocesan Speech Association


ARCHDIOCESAN SPEECH ASSOCIATION BYLAWS

Archdiocesan Speech Association / Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools 12

October 23, 2013

Article I—Purpose

The Archdiocesan Speech Association is an organization of Speech coaches in the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools who promote Speech activities for Catholic middle school students in grades 7 and 8.

Article II—Catholic School Membership and Participation

Section 1: The principal of the Catholic school shall be recognized by the Archdiocesan Speech Association as the Chief Administrator of the school’s Speech program.

Section 2: To qualify for membership in the Archdiocesan Speech Association, a school must be a Catholic school recognized by the Archdiocese of Denver; and submit current class lists for grades 4‐8. Application information must be submi ed by the date designated by the Speech Association Director.

Section 3: A endance at officially scheduled Archdiocesan Speech Association meetings is mandatory for all Catho‐lic schools requesting participation in the current school year Speech meets. Schools not represented at these meet‐ings may not be eligible for open and trophy meets.

Section 4: Each member school shall be required to pay to the Archdiocesan Speech Association all fees set by the Catholic Schools Activities Board (CSAB).

Section 5: Member schools shall rotate hosting a speech meet or critics workshop based on capacity (i.e. an open meet will be hosted by a larger school that can that can accommodate 200+ students).

Article III—Board Structure and Membership

Section 1: The Archdiocesan Speech Association (ASA) Board is made up of the following officers: President, Secre‐tary, and Treasurer. A representative from the Office of Catholic Schools offers assistance, direction, and materials.

• The officers are elected for two‐year terms by the membership of the ASA.

• The president and secretary are elected in years alternating with the years of the treasurer election.

• Elections are held each year on or about the date of the 7th Grade Trophy Speech Meet or May 1 and will take effect in August of the succeeding school year.

• Officers names and contact information is to be forwarded to the Office of Catholic Schools within one (1) week of the election.

Section 2: The Duties of the President include:

• To conduct meetings of the Archdiocesan Speech Association.

• To contact the representative at the Office of Catholic Schools concerning dates and places for Speech



October 23, 2013

events.

• To a end all meetings for co‐curricular program directors as established by the Office of Catholic Schools.

• To send to all principals at the beginning of the school year information concerning mandatory meetings and an invitation to join the ASA.

• To insure overall coordination of the Archdiocesan Speech Association.

Section 3: The Duties of the Secretary include:

• To keep minutes of all meetings.

• To distribute meeting minutes to all coaches and copies to the representative at the Office of Catholic Schools.

• To provide copies of updated coaches manual to all members and the representative from the Office of Catholic Schools.

• In the absence of the president, the secretary will assume the duties of the ASA President.

• To aid in the overall administration of the Archdiocesan Speech Association.

Section 4: The Duties of the Treasurer include:

• To collect the balance of funds and a report of income and expenditures from Speech event director at the conclusion of each event.

• To obtain funds for events as needed from the Office of Catholic Schools following Archdiocese of Den‐ver Accounting protocols.

• To purchase trophies and ribbons to be awarded at Speech meets.

• To develop a Speech budget for the upcoming academic year and provide the budget and all documen‐tation to the Office of Catholic Schools.

• To provide the Office of Catholic Schools with all invoices, receipts, etc. for reimbursement using the authorized forms.

• To aid in the overall administration of the Archdiocesan Speech Association.

Article IV—Volunteer Positions

Section 1: The Archdiocesan Speech Association has two volunteer positions: the Director of the Critics Pool and the Director of Critics Training.

Section 2: Duties of the Director of the Critics Pool include:

• To serve as a channel for coaches who need critics for meets.



October 23, 2013

• To encourage coaches and others to provide names of certified critics to be included in the pool.

Section 3: Duties of the Director of Critics Training include:

• To set dates and locations of two (2) training sessions with the help of the Archdiocesan Speech Associa‐tion president.

• To provide copies of the Critics Manual for all new critics.

• To train all new critics according to the criteria agreed upon by the Archdiocesan Speech Association.

• To supply a list of all new critics to the Archdiocesan Speech Association president.

Article V—Interaction with the Office of Catholic Schools

Section 1: A representative from the Office of Catholic Schools will keep a file available for all Speech coaches as ref‐erence material.

Section 2: A representative from the Office of Catholic Schools will set the dates for the yearʹs events in cooperation with the ASA officers.

Section 3: A representative from the Office of Catholic Schools will set the date and place for the first organizational meeting of each year in cooperation with the officers. This is a mandatory meeting for any school wishing to partici‐pate in Archdiocesan Speech Association activities for the current year.

Section 4: A representative from the Office of Catholic Schools will promote Speech events and inform the principals concerning the Archdiocesan Speech Association at meetings conducive to such information.

Article VI—Speech Coaches

Section 1: Speech coaches shall be responsible for their particular schoolʹs Speech team.

Section 2: Speech coaches or their representatives must a end the mandatory coachesʹ meeting held at the beginning of each school year. If the coach or a representative cannot a end, the Archdiocesan Speech Association officers must be notified or the school must forfeit Speech competition for that school year. New Speech coaches must a end a mandatory new coaches meeting, usually held one week before the all‐coaches meeting.

Section 3: Speech coaches shall volunteer to host one of the meets during the year or to assist in the planning of an event. Those hosts and planners shall be known as Speech Event Directors.

Section 4: Speech coaches will be responsible for the behavior and location of their students at all Speech events.



October 23, 2013

Section 5: Speech coaches must give serious consideration to holding an office in the Archdiocesan Speech Associa‐tion when called to do so.

Section 6: Speech coaches will be responsible for supplying the requested number of critics for the events. Speech coaches are responsible to see that their critics are certified.

Section 7: Speech coaches will be responsible for registering for meets by the deadline. Late registrations will not be accepted except under special consideration.

Section 8: Speech coaches will be responsible for determining the correct category for each studentʹs Speech.

Section 9: The Speech coach(es) of record may not also function as a critic, except under special circumstances that have been previously approved in writing by ASA officers.

Section 10: The Archdiocesan Speech Association officers will determine the gravity of infractions to any wri en or stated rules and proceed with appropriate consequences after consultation with the Superintendent. Wri en docu‐mentation will be provided to the CSAB documenting the issue.

Article VII—Speech Critics

Section 1: All critics who are used at Speech meets must be certified.

Section 2: Each critic must be an adult, or a junior in high school, or at least 16 years old.

Section 3: Each critic must a end one Critics Training Workshop. At the workshop each critic will receive a Critics Manual and will be trained in the expectations of the Archdiocesan Speech Associationʹs critiquing of studentsʹ Speeches.

Section 4: The Speech coach(es) of record may not also function as a critic, except under special circumstances that have been previously approved in writing by ASA officers.

Section 5: The Speech Critics Pool was established to provide certified critics when it appears that there will be in‐sufficient critics to staff a meet. Coaches may call on the Speech Critics Pool at any time, but it is recommended that they call at least one (1) week prior to a meet, if possible. In case of emergency cancellation, however, a coach may call as late as noon the day before. If a coach needs to use the Speech Critics Pool for all his/her critics, special ar‐rangements must be made in writing with the Director of the Speech Critics Pool at least three weeks prior to the event.



October 23, 2013

Article IX—Discipline Involved at Speech Meets

Section 1: All students a ending the Archdiocesan Speech Association Meets are governed by the general decorum of behavior advocated by Catholic social principles.

Section 2: Coaches are required to explain and emphasize the common courtesies expected of student participants and to present the sanctions for failure to comply with general regulations.

Section 3: Coaches are required to select a teacher/parent who will supervise students in the cafeteria and/or gym when students have free time during Speech meets. Parents who wish to take students from the Speech meets be‐cause of elimination from Trophy Meet, etc. must sign out the student with the supervisor.

Section 4: Halls are to be clear of students during Speech meet rounds. Peeking in windows and standing in door‐ways will be construed as distracting to speakers and could result in disciplinary action.

Section 5: No student may leave the round until all are dismissed by critics in that particular room. Students are then to leave the area quickly and quietly.

Section 6: Students are not allowed to leave, visit, chat, talk to each other, or move about between Speeches or dur‐ing Speeches. Loud laughing, grimacing, hand gesturing and/or evidence of boredom distracts speakers and is not acceptable.

Section 7: Timekeepers must be a entive to duty and should show interest in Speeches.

Section 8: Electronic Devices. Cell phones and personal electronics ARE NOT ALLOWED IN SPEAKING ROOMS. A student will be disqualified if a cell phone or personal electronic device is in the speaking room. If this happens at an Open Speech Meet, for example, the student may not go to the Trophy Speech Meet.

Article X—Sanctions

Section 1: Any violation of ASA Speech courtesy is to be recorded. The Archdiocesan Speech Association Board will determine disciplinary action to be taken. The CSAB and the Superintendent in the Office of Catholic Schools are to be informed of the violation and the disciplinary action taken.

Section 2: A second violation during any meet of that school year must again be recorded. The Archdiocesan Speech Association Board will determine disciplinary action in consultation with the CSAB and the Superintendent in the Office of Catholic Schools.

Section 3: The offending student may not receive certificates, medals, trophies, or any other award for the Speech meet.



October 23, 2013

Section 4: Coachʹs follow‐up to any violation that occurs during a Speech meet should be submi ed to the Archdioc‐esan Speech Association Board via an ASA Discipline Report.

Section 5: In the event that a coach is not aware of the infraction while the Speech meet is in progress but discovers it at a later time, the coach should do the following:

• report infraction to ASA;

• report to host school;

• forward a copy of discipline report to ASA President. Any certificate or award should be forfeited.

Article XI—Amendments

Amendments to the Bylaws of the Archdiocesan Speech Association must be approved by the total voting member‐ship of the Catholic Schools Activities Board.

Article XII—Review

Section 1: The Office of Catholic Schools and the Catholic Schools Activities Board have the responsibility for ad‐ministering the Archdiocesan Speech Association, acting for the school principals in ma ers of the Speech program’s administration, and monitoring sportsmanship.

Section 2: All decisions and actions of the Archdiocesan Speech Association are subject to review by the CSAB and the Office of Catholic Schools.

Article XIII—Bylaws

Any items not covered by the Bylaws shall be decided upon and resolved by the Catholic Schools Activities Board in consultation with the Superintendent.



October 23, 2013

Article XIV—Approval





Article XV—Acceptance and Implementation at the Local Level


ARCHDIOCESAN SPEECH ASSOCIATION GUIDELINES


October 23, 2013

Guidelines for Organizing a Speech Program

Before organizing the school’s Speech program, you need to meet with your principal to let him/her know the goals you would like to achieve. You will need the cooperation of the school when competing in a Speech meet and when planning to host a Speech meet. There will be times when you will need to solicit teachersʹ help in preparing for Speech meets. Point out to the principal that being involved in the Speech program is good public relations for the school. Participation in the Speech program also involves both high and low achievers, and this point should be stressed not only to the principal but to the other teachers and the parents.

Once you have met with the principal and have a definite understanding of what each wants and needs from the Speech program, you can proceed with se ing up the program.

If possible, have a unit on Speech during a regular class period, such as English or literature. This way, students get exposure to the program and then can decide whether they would like to pursue competitive Speech. You might want to start with the category of Impromptu because few students are familiar with it so they all start on the same level. It can be a good ʺice‐breaker.ʺ

Some schools set aside a specific class period dedicated to Speech. Some schools have a Speech Club as an extracur‐ricular activity after school. In some schools the Speech coach simply uses part of other class periods to prepare stu‐dents. You will need to work these specifics out with your principal.

You might want to work with the students on short pieces at first. The critic sheets are good examples for what the students need to work on in preparation for meets. Soon you will be able to give students the opportunity to choose scripts for themselves. Plenty of practice and memorization of the script is really important. Ask other teachers to allow the students to present their Speeches to their classes. This will introduce other students to Speech and will prepare the Speech participants for upcoming meets.

Always let the rest of the school know the results of each Speech Meet. Pu ing up a congratulatory sign in a main hallway or asking the principal to announce results over the intercom are two suggestions. An assembly or an awards ceremony honoring Speech participants would be wonderful.

ARCHDIOCESAN SPEECH ASSOCIATION GUIDELINES


October 23, 2013

Ideas for practice

• The students need much more practice than can be done during a Speech class or club.

• Encourage students to practice with each other outside of class.

• Ask them to practice with family members.

• Recording themselves with a video camera or using a tape recorder and watching themselves in a mir‐ror are also good practice techniques.

ARCHDIOCESAN SPEECH ASSOCIATION—SPEECH CATEGORIES


October 23, 2013

Summary of Speech Categories

Category Description

Humorous Funny oral interpretation; 3‐7 minutes; at Trophy Meet may use same speech as used in 7th Grade Open Meet. No poetry may be presented in the category.

Dramatic Serious or sad oral interpretation; 3‐7 minutes; at Trophy Meet may use same speech as used in 7th Grade Open Meet. No poetry may be presented in this category.

Poetry Either humorous or dramatic poetry (only); 3‐7 minutes; at Trophy Meet may use same speech as used in 7th Grade Open Meet. May combine two or more poems on the same sub‐ject or by the same author, to make time.

Impromptu Extemporaneous speech from selected topics; 45 seconds minimum; 5 minutes preparation time at Meet.

Speechmaking Informative, persuasive, or entertaining speech; 3‐7 minutes; wri en by student; opinions must be backed up with facts; refer to at least two distinct sources within speech, not as a bibliography.

Oratory A famous speech given by a real person; 3‐7 minutes; this speech must include date and location of original presentation; (examples: “I Have a Dream” or “Human Equality”; be careful—a speech such as Kurt Vonnegut’s “Wear Sunscreen” is NOT oratory because the author never gave the speech, and Chief Sea le’s speech on the environment is NOT orato‐ry because it was not recorded exactly as he gave it.)

Readers’ Theater Two or more interpreters communicate from a prepared script and create for the audience a “theatre of the mind”; no minimum time, maximum time is 15 minutes.

Oral Interpretation Includes humorous, dramatic, poetry and oratory; same criteria as listed above; this general category is used at the 7th Grade Open Meet.



October 23, 2013

Oral Interpretation Guidelines

Definition

Oral interpretation, like the other speech arts, is concerned with the process of communication. It differs from some of the other speech events in that the interpreter’s primary goal is to convey, from the printed page, the ideas and emotions inherent in an author’s work rather than projecting his own ideas. In short, the speaker’s goal is to make the printed page come alive from his audience. In this respect, he/she acts as a middleman who, by suggestion rather than acting, helps the listener re‐create the author’s characters, action and emotion in his own mind. During a skill‐ful interpretation, the listener should be more involved with the literary work than concerned with the technique of the interpreter. In the Archdiocesan Speech Association, Oral Interpretation includes four categories: Humor, Dra‐ma, Poetry and Oratory.

Characteristics

Choice of Selection. In preparing for Oral Interpretation, the first consideration must be the material the student should use. Students have a wide range of types of literature from which to choose—short stories, essays, plays, po‐ems—however, the imitation of a comedian’s routine is not considered suitable for Oral Interpretation. The im‐portant considerations:

• Does the material interest the student?

• Does the material have some literary merit?

• Does the material fit the student’s abilities?

It is well‐known that students do a be er job of interpreting material in which they become involved. The material should, first of all, be from a published source—not an imitation of a recording, for instance—and should be of suffi‐cient merit to justify the student’s expenditure of time working on it.

Some students are excellent readers and polished interpreters. They should be encouraged to a empt more ad‐vanced material. Others are “average” readers and should work with material that fits their own level. It is far be er to have a student work with “The Most Dangerous Game,” which can be understood and identified with, than to launch a student on the seas of Shakespeare without a paddle.

Each selection must begin with an original introduction which includes the title and author of the selection. This in‐troduction is included in the time frame of three to seven minutes. Selections are often too long for this time frame



October 23, 2013

and will need to be cut down, again by either the student or coach.

Preparation. In order to communicate the meaning and emotion of his selection, the interpreter uses two tools—his voice and his body. Since his purpose is to suggest what is happening in the material—not to act it out—whatever techniques he/she employs must be used with subtlety so as not to distract from the material.

The most important element in communicating the thought and feeling that is necessary in Oral Interpretation is the voice. Voice techniques, such as projection, volume, stress, pitch, intensity and quality are used well when they in‐terpret the author’s work.

The same holds true of gestures. The interpreter’s gestures and facial expression should be only enough to suggest an emotional response. A rule of thumb: whatever gestures are used will be effective only so long as they add to the desired audience response and do not distract from the speech presentation.

In the introduction, include the title and author. Some background material may be included.

Guidelines for Oral Interpretation

1) The length of the selection must last a minimum of three minutes but not more than seven minutes. This includes the introduction.

2) An introduction is necessary.

3) Gestures that are appropriate for the selection will be used. The legs and feet are to remain still through‐out the speech.

4) The interpreter may take one step in any direction as a transition between the introduction and main body or at the conclusion of the speech.

5) If the speech contains dialogue, the speaker may change his voice to indicate character delineation.

6) The interpreter may or may not use a script.

7) Failure to meet “time”—minimum or maximum—results in a deduction of five pints from the total score.



October 23, 2013

8) In addition, for Oratory Oral Interpretation, failure to include elements in the introduction (see Oratory Guidelines) results in a deduction of five points from the total score.

Criteria for Evaluation

The following questions can serve to guide your thinking and judgment of the Oral Interpretations you will evalu‐ate.

1) Was the introduction suitable for the material presented?

2) Could you understand the content of the selection?

3) Did the speaker speak clearly and at an appropriate rate for you to understand the selection?

4) Did you have an emotional response to the presentation?

5) Did the interpreter sustain the mood?

6) If characterization was used, was delineation vivid and consistent?

7) Were scripts held comfortably, if used?

Included in the appendix are the critique sheets used during the meets. They are very useful in training the students in what is expected of them during a presentation.

Oratory Guidelines

Definition

Oratory is best defined as an oral interpretation re‐creation of a previously delivered public speech. The speech usu‐ally covers a serious topic and most often is somewhat “formal” in nature; however, the speech may contain some humor.

Characteristics

The characteristics are the same as for all the other categories of oral interpretation. The important difference is in the introduction. The speaker must tell (1) the name of the original orator, (2) when, and (3) where the speech was originally delivered. In preparing for Oral Interpretation, the first consideration must be the material the student should use. Students have a wide range of types of literature from which to choose—short stories, essays, plays, po‐



October 23, 2013

ems—however, the imitation of a comedian’s routine is not considered suitable for Oral Interpretation.

Some problems do arise when choosing a speech. The original orator must have been a real person. For example, A icus’ summation to the jury in To Kill a Mockingbird would not be considered Oratory because A icus was a fic‐tional character. The original speech must have been recorded in wri en or audio/visual form. Consequently, Chief Sea le’s speech on the environment would not be considered Oratory because it was not recorded in its original form. A speech such as Kurt Vonnegut’s “Wear Sunscreen” is not oratory because Mr. Vonnegut never gave the speech. The speech coach is responsible for the authenticity of the speech.


The criteria are the same as for all other categories of Oral Interpretation. The critique sheet used by critics at meets is included in the Appendix and is very helpful in preparing the students.

Impromptu Speaking Guidelines

Definition

Impromptu Speaking is, as the name implies, a spur‐of‐the‐moment speaking activity. The speaker has five minutes in which to organize his thoughts before presenting his speech. This event can be fun for students who enjoy the challenge of the moment and not having to prepare and practice a speech for days ahead.

Characteristics

Preparation. Creativity is the key word. However, Impromptu Speaking should also demonstrate good speechmak‐ing techniques, including:

1) Introduction,

2) Logical development, and

3) Conclusion.

Although this form of speechmaking appears to take li le preparation, the speaker must practice organizing his thoughts quickly with full consciousness of the qualities of good speaking. The main purpose of Impromptu Speak‐ing is to demonstrate the student’s skill and creativity in speaking spontaneously on a given topic.



October 23, 2013

Procedure. Students choose among three topics after drawing a slip bearing (1) a word, (2) a phrase, and (3) a sen‐tence. The student chooses one of these. Examples:

Word: dogs

Phrase: up the road

Sentence: Teenagers can make the world a be er place.

The student has five minutes to prepare his speech. At the end of the five minutes, all materials must be put on the floor. This will assure that no one has an unfair advantage by continuing to write while others are speaking.

The only aid a student may use is one 3x5 index card on which to enter notes. Students may use the index card as a script during the presentation. The student must give her topic slip (not the index card) to a critic prior to delivering the speech. A student must identify her choice of topic to the critic. Following this procedure assures all students of an equal opportunity, with the exception of mental activity, which cannot be controlled.


The following statements can serve to guide your thinking and judgment of the Impromptu Speaking you will eval‐uate. Included in the Appendix is the critique sheet that critics will use at meets. It will be helpful in the preparation of students.

1) The student must use the topic he/she chooses somewhere in his speech.

2) The topic should be clearly stated.

3) The student should expand and develop the topic as much as possible with anecdotes and examples.

4) There should be an adequate introduction and conclusion.

5) The speech should have a logical development and follow of ideas.

6) The speaker should clearly communicate an idea, an impression, or a mood.

7) The speaker should appear poised and confident.



October 23, 2013

8) Speaking time must be at least 45 seconds.

Please note:

1) The student must speak for at least 45 seconds, or 5 points will be deducted from the total score.

2) The timekeeper will raise his hand at the end of 45 seconds if the speaker wishes to indicate to the speaker that he/she has reached the minimum time. The hand should remain raised until the timekeeper is certain the speaker has seen it. There is no maximum time, so the speaker may then continue until he/she has reached the conclusion of the speech.

3) All guidelines for Impromptu Speaking are essentially the same as those for Oral Interpretation.

Readers’ Theatre Guidelines

Definition

Readers’ Theatre consists of a creative oral reading which calls forth mental images of characters reliving a scene that exists primarily in the minds of the participants—for both the readers and the audience.

1) A medium in which two or more interpreters can read orally from a prepared script and create for the audience a “theatre of the mind.”

2) A group activity in which the best of literature is communicated from manuscript to the audience through vocal and facial expressions.

A Readers’ Theatre presentation differs from a conventional play in that it demands stricter a ention to the aural elements of the literature. The interpreter must express the emotions, the a itudes and the actions of the characters he portrays by using his face and his voice...but no gestures.

In Readers’ Theatre, the major part of the action does not take place on stage with the interpreters, but in the imagi‐nation of the audience. Through the artistry and skill of the readers, the audience is stimulated to experience the emotional impact of the literature as well as its intellectual content. Since so much of the performance depends upon the mental creativity and contribution of the audience, Readers’ Theatre may well be called the “Theatre of the Mind.”



October 23, 2013

Characteristics

1) No scenery, no costume, no music and no props (mechanical devices) may be used.

2) Action and physical movement is limited to head, eyes and facial expression. Eye contact must be estab‐lished with the audience, and may be established with team members as appropriate for the piece. A telephone gesture with finger and thumb to ear and mouth may be used.

3) A narrator, speaking directly to the audience, usually establishes the basic situation or theme, describes actions and links various segments of the selection together. The narrator may give the names of charac‐ters and the students involved in the reading. Narration is included in the time.

4) A physical script is carried by the readers. Characters must have script in hand.

5) Students may take more than one character to read. Also, boys may portray feminine roles and girls may assume masculine parts.

6) Students indicate entrances or exits by turning in or out in relationship to the audience. Students may turn their back to the audience while their character is not involved in the scene.

The focus of Readers’ Theatre is on the wri en word and there is a continuing effort to develop and maintain a closely personalized relationship between the performers and the audience.


The following questions can serve to guide your thinking and judgment of the Readers’ Theatre production.

1) Does the performance have an overall unity?

2) Is the meaning of the script projected?

3) Is the narration delivered in a manner that makes it an integral part of the script and the performance?

4) Do the readers project distinct and believable characters?

5) Is there rapport among readers?

6) Is it clear at all times which readers are in the scene?

7) Do the interpreters handle their scripts efficiently and unobtrusively?

8) Are the readers arranged so that all their faces can be seen clearly?



October 23, 2013

Please note:

1) Readers’ Theatre may involve two to twenty students (or the maximum invited to the meet).

2) Maximum time per Readers’ Theatre: 15 minutes. There is no minimum time. A coach may enroll no more than five Readers’ Theatre groups at a speech event.

3) The critique sheet used by critics during the meet is included in the Appendix and is very helpful when training students for this category.

Speechmaking Guidelines

Definition

Speechmaking is the art of sharing ideas with an audience for the purpose of communicating with them. In speechmaking, the student may have in mind one of three purposes: informing, persuading in a serious manner or entertaining. In any case, it is imperative that the ideas are presented with structure and clarity. This speech must be researched by the student. At least two different sources are to be cited within the speech. Sources should be cited as the information is presented, not as a bibliography at the end.

Characteristics

Preparation. Any speech can be broken into three main parts which are requisite for concise understanding. The following parts are necessary:

1) Introduction,

2) Body, and

3) Conclusion

The introduction serves a twofold purpose. It should get the a ention of the audience, and it introduces the topic and purpose of the speech. A few ways of obtaining a ention include the following: asking a question, making a startling statement, reading a statistic, using a quotation or anecdote, or citing an example.

In the body of the speech, the major idea (thesis) of the talk is developed. Subheadings should be developed around



October 23, 2013

the thesis. The ideas should flow with ease so that the audience can receive them with understanding. Supporting material must be pertinent and retain the a ention of the listener.

The conclusion of the speech informs the listener that the speaker is bringing his speech to a close. Major ideas should be summarized. No new ideas should be included in this part of the presentation. Generally, it is most effec‐tive to end the speech with a statement suitable to the purpose of the presentation.

Procedure. There are three types of speeches:

1) Informative Speech. In this type of speech, the speaker is concerned with sharing information with the audience. He develops his talk around a central idea (thesis). For example, a thesis for an informative speech might be “Rock climbing is a popular pastime in Colorado.” The speaker will develop subpoints around this main idea to expand the topic with examples, anecdotes, quotations, statistics, etc., to clari‐fy information for the audience.

2) Persuasive Speech. In this type of speech, the speaker wants to change the thinking of his audience, or perhaps, convince them of his point of view. A thesis might be : “Catholic education is the wave of the future.” The organization of supporting material will be similar to that of the informative speech, but it will be somewhat stronger and, sometimes, more emotional in its appeal.

3) Entertaining Speech. This speech is very similar to the informative speech and the persuasive speech in research and organization; however, it uses a more satirical, cynical, entertaining, humorous touch in its appeal and conclusion.

Time Limits. For speechmaking, three to seven minutes is the criteria.


The following questions can serve to guide your thinking and judgment of Speechmaking.

1) Speeches are to be researched. Were at least two different references from sources cited in the speech? If only one or no sources were cited, five points will be deducted from the total score.

2) Were the speaker’s ideas presented in an orderly fashion?

3) Did the speaker make effective use of his voice?



October 23, 2013

4) Were gestures suited to the material presented?

5) Did the speaker maintain eye contact with his audience?

6) Was the script handled unobtrusively?

Please note that citation of sources should include the following:

1) Bible: version, publisher and copyright

2) Book: title, author

3) Electronic media: video: copyright & publishing company

4) Magazine or newspaper: name and date

5) Reference books: volume and copyright date, author or editor

6) Personal interview: qualifications and name

7) Audio/visual: name of the “show,” network and date of airing

8) Computer: website, program, etc. “link accessed on (date)” or “title of website accessed on (date)

ARCHDIOCESAN SPEECH ASSOCIATION—SPEECH MEETS


October 23, 2013

7th Grade Open Meet

General Information

The 7th Grade Open Meet is held on the fourth Saturday in January.

Categories

Oral Interpretation

1) Makes the printed page come alive for the audience.

2) By suggestion, rather than acting, helps the listener recreate the author’s characters, action and emotion in his own mind.

3) Material: short stories, essays, monologues from plays, etc.; not an imitation of a comedian’s routine.

4) Time: 3‐7 minutes

5) Includes: Humor, Drama, Poetry and Oratory

Readers’ Theatre

1) A group effort; a play without props.

2) Group must contain at least two students and as many as all members of the speech team. Everyone must speak.

3) No gestures, except for telephone.

4) Group rapport important, but minimal movement.

5) Time: no minimum/15 minutes maximum.

6) Includes: Humor, Drama, Poetry and Oratory

All students must participate in both events. There is a limit of 20 students per school unless the meet host gives per‐mission for more. The coach should give each student a number prior to the meet. Each Readers’ Theatre group will also be given a separate number. At the meet, each school will be give a le er code. The student will use the le er/number code on the critics’ sheets (A‐2, C‐7, F‐5, etc.). One student, usually the narrator, will also be responsible for the Readers’ Theatre code.



October 23, 2013

Cost of Meet: $5.00 per student

Critics: One for every four students or part thereof (4 students = 1 critic; 6 students = 2 critics). Extra new critics may be brought to the Meet for the purpose of gaining experience. Please notify the host school.

Recognition: Certificate and ribbon are presented to each participant.

8th Grade Open Meet

General Information

The 8th Grade Open Meet is held on the third Saturday in October.

Categories

Speechmaking

1) An original speech, usually informative or persuasive.

2) Sometimes entertaining; may contain some humor, but not stand‐up comedy.

3) Must have a distinct introduction, body and conclusion.

4) Cite/show use of two or more sources used in the research; name the source alone, or

5) Give a quotation from the source. The source should be named within the body of the speech. A source could be a magazine or newspaper article, book, website, pamphlet, professional in a field, etc.

6) Time: 3‐7 minutes

Impromptu

1) Student chooses from a word, a phrase, or a sentence from a topic slip given to him or her as the round begins.

2) Student has 5 minutes to write down thoughts on a 3x5 index card (furnished)



October 23, 2013

3) Speech should be organized; that is, have an introduction, body and conclusion.

4) Time: at least 45 seconds (maximum not stated)

All participants must participate in both events. There is a limit of 20 students per school unless the Meet Host gives permission for more. The coach should give each student a number prior to the Meet. At the Meet, each school will be given a le er code. The student will use the le er/number code on the critic sheets (A‐2, C‐7, F‐11, etc.).

Cost of Meet: $5.00 per student

Critics: One critic for each four students registered or part thereof (4 students = 1 critic; 6 students = 2 critics, etc.). Extra new critics may be brought to the Meet for the purpose of gaining experience. Please no‐tify the Host school.

Recognition: Certificate and ribbon are presented to each participant.

Tabulation for Ratings

At Open Meets, each student receives a rating of Superior, Very Good or Good. These are determined in the follow‐ing manner:

Speechmaking

• Each sheet totals 45 points

• Of 3 critics, the 2 top score sheets are used

• Total score for 2 critics is 90 points

Superior 90—83

Very Good 82—75

Good 74—00



October 23, 2013

Impromptu




Superior 90—83

Very Good 82—75

Good 74—00

Oral Interpretation—which includes Dramatic, Humorous, Poetry and Oratory




Superior 90—83

Very Good 82—75

Good 74—00

Readers’ Theatre




Superior 90—83

Very Good 82—75

Good 74—00



October 23, 2013

Totals for Ribbons

Blue Ribbon 180—165 points

Red Ribbon 164—149 points

White Ribbon 148—0 points

Additional Information for Critics and Coaches on Scoring and Categories

Scoring

Evaluation forms include a scoring of 1 (Needs Improvement) to 5 (Superior) and a comment section. Give individu‐als the marks they deserve; that is, all participants could possibly earn all 5’s, or no participants in the round could earn 5’s. Please complete the comment section. Comments are to be stated in a positive manner. At Trophy Meets, a ranking is also necessary. Suggestion: place all evaluation forms in a fan shape according to the succession of speak‐ers, so you can remember who spoke first, second, etc. Then, you should rank whose speech was the very best, whose was second best, and so forth. In ranking, the best receives a 1st, the second best a 2nd and so on.

Category

If a speech is not properly categorized at an Open Meet, the student will receive normal scoring on the Evaluation form, but receive a white ribbon for participation, regardless of the overall score. If a speech is not properly catego‐rized at a Trophy Meet, the student will be disqualified from competition. However, the speaker is still included in the total number of students the school brings when tallying scores for All School Trophy. Questions/concerns re‐garding category should be addressed to a Archdiocesan Speech Association officer immediately after the round has finished.

Occasionally, a room will have only 2 critics. When this happens, the following formula is used so that each student has 3 scores:

1) Add the scores on the 2 sheets.

2) Divide by two; round up to the next higher number if there is a fraction.

3) This score becomes the student’s third score.

In this way, each student has three scores, from which the top two are chosen.



October 23, 2013

Trophy Meets

General Information

8th Grade Trophy Meet is held the second Saturday in December. The 7th Grade Trophy Meet is held the second Saturday in April, or if Easter coincides, then the Trophy Meet is held the Saturday before Holy Week.

1) Six categories involved

• Humorous. Funny, oral interpretation (no poetry.)

• Poetry. Either funny or serious poem.

• Dramatic. Serious or sad oral interpretation (no poetry).

• Speechmaking. Same guidelines as for Open Meet.

• Impromptu. Same guidelines as for Open Meet.

• Oratory. See guidelines for Oratory.

2) Each school may send a maximum of twelve students.

3) A team consists of at least two competitors; however, a single entrant may compete for an individual trophy.

4) A maximum of two students may be entered in each category. Students participate in only one category at the Trophy Meet. Each student will have only the number one or two plus the school code le er (A‐1, B‐2, F‐1, H‐2, etc.).

5) There are two elimination rounds in which everyone for that round and event competes. The six partici‐pants earning the highest number of points in their category (total number of points earned in the two elimination rounds) continue on to the final round.

6) All those who participate in the Final Round are awarded an individual trophy.

7) All School Plaques are presented to the three schools which earn the highest average scores. (See Trophy Meet information on tabulation of scores).

• Large team All School Plaques—9 or more competitors. All School Plaques are awarded to the three schools with the highest total score, divided by the number of students. A traveling plaque will be held by the 1st place team in addition to the 1st place All School Plaque. The 1st place team



October 23, 2013

will bring the traveling plaque to the next year’s meet.

• Small team All School Plaques—2‐8 competitors inclusively. All school plaques are awarded to the three schools with the highest total score, dived by the number of students.

8) Any student who participates in the Trophy Meet must have participated in the Open Meet. Exceptions may be made for medical emergencies.

9) A student may not use the same speech at two trophy meets.

10) Cost of meet—$5.00 per student.

11) Critics—one critic for each four students registered or part thereof, plus one (4 students = 2 critics; 6 stu‐dents = 3 critics, etc.)

Trophy Meet Scoring Procedures

The existing Trophy Meet scoring procedure was developed on December 2, 1995 with these considerations in mind: fairness in the elimination of students, consistency and simplification of the process. In short, the process includes the following:

• Two elimination rounds for each student speaker.

• Use three critics per round.

• Drop the lowest of three scores from each round.

• Add the four remaining scores.

• Top six overall go to final round.

• Tie breakers: best ranking, then best of highest score dropped, then lowest score dropped.

Final Round

• Use five critics per room.

• Keep all scores.

• Add the ranks.

• Lowest rank takes first place, etc.

• If a speaker does not make time, they automatically become 6th place.



October 23, 2013

• If more than one speaker does not make time, they are all labeled 6th place. The tabulator will review scores to determine who is 5th place, 6th place, etc. between the speakers who did not make time.

• Tie breakers: highest score of final round, then highest total score, then lowest rank in elimination round.

Trophies are to be awarded to top six in each category. Green ribbons and certificates to be awarded to all others who make time; they are considered semifinalists. Only certificates are to be awarded to those who do not make time.

Large team All‐School Plaques—9 or more competitors

All‐school plaques are awarded to the three schools with the highest total score, divided by the number of students. A traveling plaque will be held by the 1st place team in addition to the 1st place All‐School Plaque. The 1st place team will bring the traveling to next year’s meet.

Small team All‐School Plaques—8 or fewer competitors

All‐school plaques are awarded to the three schools with the highest total score, divided by the number of students.

Note: If a student is disqualified, the team’s number of students is less that one person when dividing by number of students.

Tabulation for Ratings—Trophy Meet

At Trophy Meets, each student receives a rating of Superior, Very Good or Good. These are determined in the fol‐lowing manner:

Speechmaking


• Add 2 top scores from first round to 2 top scores from second round


Superior 180—165



October 23, 2013

Very Good 164—149

Good 148—0

Impromptu




Superior 180—165

Very Good 164—149

Good 148—0

Oral Interpretation—which includes Dramatic, Humorous, Poetry and Oratory




Superior 180—165

Very Good 164—149

Good 148—0

ARCHDIOCESAN SPEECH ASSOCIATION—HOSTING CHECKLIST


October 23, 2013

Speech Meet Host’s Checklist

The checklist below is provided in an effort to provide guidance, suggestions and support to the school hosting a Speech meet in the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools.

Hosting schools do not pay registration fees for their school.

Have returned to you a “Registration Form” by the deadline stated on the form. Late registrations will result in a sanction.

Begin keeping track of all expenses your school incurs. Give copies to the ASA treasurer a the Meet for reimbursement. School registration fees should be brought to the Meet. If any school mistakenly sends fees to you, give them to the treasurer at the Meet.

Create/order certificates to be presented—one certificate per student. Decorated paper can be purchased just about anywhere; a certificate can be printed on most computers; make copies on your school’s copi‐er.

Put your signature and that of the host school’s principal on all certificates before they are run off.

Make sure you have enough room to accommodate the number of students and events for the meet. Do not put too many students in one room. Note: more than one Readers’ Theatre must be scheduled in a room in order to provide adequate audience.

Draft a detailed room, event, time, critic and student schedule for the Meet. See Samples page.

Plan the timing of all events so as to end the meet as early as possible.

Run off critic sheets for all events. Many forms may have been run off already by another host school, so check the supplies that were given to you before you run off forms. All critics will need one sheet per student per event—except in the case of Readers’ Theatre—one sheet per critic for each RT group. The number of sheets each critic receives in his/her packet depends on the number of students in the room for each round the critic is a judge. Always make extra copies.

Draft a critic le er welcoming them for the day; describe the events they will be judging at the Meet.

Have a “Coach’s Packet” and a “Critic’s Packet” for each coach and critic ready for pick‐up at the Regis‐tration area. See Samples page.

Line up your own critics for your school. Discuss the need for extra critics with the Critic’s Pool Direc‐



October 23, 2013

tor.

Line up timers. Students from your school work fine. Or, you can use one critic from each room. Indi‐cate this on critic’s packet. Get ASA stopwatches and check to make sure each one works. If you need to, purchase replacements (Target, Wal‐Mart, etc.); give receipts to Treasurer.

Line up runners, floor monitors and any others you might need to help you. Students from your school work fine.

Have a teacher or parent as supervisor for these helpers.

Run off Tabulation forms for coaches.

Have maps of your school and signs posted. It clears up a lot of confusion for both critics and partici‐pants.

Provide a list of schools and codes for Tab Room. If hosting a Trophy Meet, provide 6 posters in com‐mon area to list finalists’ codes.

Have refreshments available (coffee, tea, water, donuts and fruit for coaches and critics—free; pop, juice and snacks for students to purchase). Try to have the parent group that is in charge of your school’s con‐cessions do this, if you have one.

At a Trophy Meet, lunch must be provided for coaches, critics and those adults supervising students. If your school needs assistance with this expense, keep complete records to give to the Treasurer.

At a Trophy Meet, lunch must be available for purchase by the students, even if this is pizza ordered in by the hosting school.

Trophy Meet scheduling

• Critics can only judge a category once; this includes judging in the final round.

• Critics cannot judge students from their own school.

• No two critics should be in the same room more than once.

• No two students can compete against each other more than once, with the exception of the final round.

• No students from the same school can compete against each other, with the exception of the fi‐nal round.



October 23, 2013

Conduct a Critic’s Meeting at least one half hour before Round One begins. The director of the Critics’ Training is usually in charge of this.

Provide a room for coaches. This will also be the Tabulation Room. The Coaches’ meeting will begin soon after Round One begins. Refreshments for the coaches should be in this room as well.

Conduct a dignified “Awards Ceremony” at the end of the meet.

Please feel free to call any Archdiocesan Speech Association officer with any questions; they are quite willing to be of assistance.

ARCHDIOCESAN SPEECH ASSOCIATION—DRESS CODE


October 23, 2013

Dress Code for Archdiocesan Speech Meets

A endance at a Speech Meet gives students an opportunity to become confident in public speaking. Dressing appro‐priately for this type of endeavor is part of the learning process. We would like to clarify what dress is appropriate for this day.

All Students

• Nice a ire

• Slacks/pants

• Skirts, dresses (girls) at least fingertip length

• Collared shirts

• Blouses (girls)

• Sweaters

• Capris (girls)

• School uniforms acceptable when they meet all of these standards

Girls

• No short shirts that show skin when arms are raised

• No sheer blouses

• No plunging necklines

• No spaghe i straps

• No strapless blouses or shirts

• No short skirts unless work with solid color tights or leggings

• No “fashionable” holes on side of pants or skirts

• No stile o heels

ARCHDIOCESAN SPEECH ASSOCIATION—DRESS CODE


October 23, 2013

Boys

• No sagging pants

• No army fatigues

Unacceptable Dress

The following items are unacceptable dress for a Speech Meet.

• Jeans including jean skirts

• Shorts

• T‐shirts

• Shirts with writing and/or logos

• Sweat pants

• Athletic outfits


October 23, 2013

Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association


ARCHDIOCESAN SPELLING BEE ASSOCIATION BYLAWS

Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association / Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools 47

October 23, 2013

Article I—Name

The name of this organization shall be the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association (ASBA).

Article II—Purpose and Mission

The Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association, under the supervision of the Office of Catholic Schools, is an organiza‐tion of the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools spelling bee coaches and others dedicated to:

• Challenging archdiocesan Catholic elementary school students to realize and exercise their intellectual gifts from God;

• Maintaining the excellence of the archdiocesan Spelling Bees in order to prepare archdiocesan elemen‐tary school students for possible competition in the regional and national Spelling Bees.

The Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association is commi ed to:

• Educating students about spelling, word derivation, word structure and language usage.

• Providing a fun and instructive, yet challenging way to compete.

• Fielding a competitive team for the Scripps Spelling Bee.

Article III—Board Structure and Membership

Section 1: The Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association Board is made up of the following officers: Director, an Editor/Pronouncer, Spelling Bee coaches from the host schools and any other member schools spelling bee coaches as need‐ed. A representative from the Office of Catholic Schools offers assistance, direction and materials as required.

Section 2: Duties of the Director include:

• To maintain all files of the Association including bylaws, bee rules, le er and records regarding past spelling bees.

• To maintain and update a mailing list of all Association members.

• To collect all registration fees from a host school coach after each event.

• To submit all collected funds to the Office of Catholic Schools.

• To maintain the annual financial report sent by the Office of Catholic Schools.



October 23, 2013

• To coordinate and obtain the various trophies and ribbons as needed for each Spelling Bee.

• To setup and conduct the annual Spelling Bee Coaches meeting in the fall.

• To contact the representative from the Office of Catholic Schools concerning dates and places for spelling bee events.

• To aid in the overall administration of the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association.

Section 3: Duties of the Editor/Pronouncer include:

• To compile the wri en and oral word lists for each Spelling Bee, with the assistance of Hexco’s Spelling Bee Organizers.

• To prepare for and practice the pronunciation of the words on the word lists.

• To pronounce the words during the Wri en and Oral Rounds and the Final Spell Down.

Section 4: Duties of the Host Schools Spelling Bee Coaches include:

• To plan and coordinate either the Intermediate or Advanced Spelling Bee as outlined in the “Organizing a Spelling Bee” section.

Article IV—Catholic School Membership and Participation

Section 1: The principal of the Catholic school shall be recognized by the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association as the Chief Administrator of the school’s Spelling Bee program.

Section 2: To qualify for membership in the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association, a school must be a Catholic school recognized by the Archdiocese of Denver; and submit current class lists for grades 4‐8. Application infor‐mation must be submi ed by the date designated by the Spelling Bee Director.

Section 3: A endance at officially scheduled Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association meetings is mandatory for all Catholic schools requesting participation in the current school year Spelling Bees. Schools not represented at these meetings may not be eligible for regional and national spelling bees.

Section 4: Each member school shall be required to pay to the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association all fees set by the Catholic Schools Activities Board (CSAB).

Section 5: The winning school of each Bee will serve as the Host School for its respective Bee the following year. The Host School shall, along with the help of the Director, host and organize the Spelling Bee.



October 23, 2013

Article V—Meetings

Section 1: The Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association will conduct regularly scheduled meetings during the aca‐demic year as published in the co‐curricular calendar.

Section 2: Fall Meeting. A endance by all Spelling Bee coaches is mandatory. Exceptions can be made at the discre‐tion of the Director. The purpose of the fall meeting is to announce the schedule of the Spelling Bees, update the ros‐ter, orient new schools and/or coaches, and review the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association Bylaws and Bee rules.

Section 3: Coaches Meetings at Bees. The purpose of these meetings is to update coaches, make announcements, etc.

Article VI—Spelling Bee Dates

Section 1: Dates for the Archdiocesan Spelling Bees are determined using the Master Calendar guidelines for all archdiocesan co‐curricular programs, activities and events.

Section 2: A representative from the Office of Catholic Schools will set the dates for the year’s Spelling Bees and events in cooperation with the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association officers.

Article VII—Amendments

Amendments to the Bylaws of the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association must be approved by the total voting membership of the Catholic Schools Activities Board.

Article VIII—Review

Section 1: The Office of Catholic Schools and the Catholic Schools Activities Board (CSAB) have the responsibility for administering the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association, acting for the school principals in ma ers of Spelling Bee administration and monitoring sportsmanship.

Section 2: All decisions and actions of the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association are subject to review by the CSAB and the Office of Catholic Schools.



October 23, 2013

Article IX—Bylaws

Any items not covered by the Bylaws shall be decided upon and resolved by the Catholic Schools Activities Board in consultation with the Superintendent.

Article XII—Approval





Article XIII—Acceptance and Implementation at the Local Level


ARCHDIOCESAN SPELLING BEE ASSOCIATON RULES


October 23, 2013

General

1) There shall be two Archdiocesan Spelling Bees held in each academic year. The Intermediate Spelling Bee shall be open to all fourth and fifth (4‐5) graders. The Advanced Spelling Bee shall be open to all sixth through eighth (6‐8) graders.

2) The winning school of each Bee will serve as host school for its respective Bee the following year. The Host School shall, along with the help of the Director, host and organize the Spelling Bee.

3) Each Spelling Bee shall consist of three parts: a wri en test, an oral rounds contest, and a final Spell Down. All contestants entering the Spelling Bee shall take the wri en test. The top +25 students shall advance to the oral rounds.

4) Any child having once won an Intermediate Spelling Bee is ineligible for future competition in the Inter‐mediate Spelling Bee and is encouraged to enter the Advanced Spelling Bee the same school year.

5) If a child has ever participated in an Advanced Spelling Bee, he or she is ineligible for any future Inter‐mediate Spelling Bee.

6) Spelling Bee Coaches at each school will be responsible for registering their students for each Spelling Bee by the deadlines provided or forfeit their students’ opportunity to compete.

Judging

1) Each part of the Spelling Bee will have at least two dictionary judges. These officials should not be a coach, and can not be a parent of a contestant.

2) The judges and the Association officers shall make final decisions on all questions and challenges.

3) Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, by G. & C. Merriam Co., and its Addenda Section shall serve as the final authority for the spelling of words. If more than one spelling is listed for a word, any of these spellings will be accepted as correct if the word appears in boldface type and if it matches the pronunciation and definition provided by the pronouncer, or if it is clearly identified as being a stand‐ard variant of the word that the contestant has been asked to spell. Boldface spellings at other locations having archaic, obsolete or regional labels (such as North, Midland, South, British, Irish) that are differ‐ent from those at the main entry will not be accepted as correct.

4) The judges will make every effort to verify that the speller has heard the word correctly, however, once the speller begins to spell that word the judges will not stop the speller.

5) Any question relating to the spelling of a word should be referred to the judges and officials immediate‐



October 23, 2013

ly. The deadline for making a protest is before the affected contestant would have received his or her next word. Only an Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Coach may register such a protest. No protest will be entertained after that word has been given to another speller. When only two spellers remain in the fi‐nal rounds, a protest must be made immediately, that is, before the second speller has started to spell the word given to him or her, or, if both have missed the same word, before the correct spelling is given to the audience.

6) For both Spelling Bees, the corrected (scored) wri en tests and the participation ribbons (white) will be handed out to the Coach of each team for distribution to the students who did not advance to the oral rounds. Tests and white ribbons will be available shortly after the start of the orals.

• For those progressing to the orals, the tests and ribbons (white and red) will be available at the end of the five oral rounds.

• For those progressing to the final spell down, the tests and ribbons (white, red, and blue) will be presented to each contestant as he or she is eliminated and leaves the stage.

Word Lists

1) The word lists for both Spelling Bees will be compiled by the Editor of the Archdiocesan Spelling Bee Association using Hexco’s “Spelling Bee Organizer”.

2) The word list for the wri en portion of the Intermediate Spelling Bee shall be comprised of thirty (30) words—fifteen (15) from the beginning level words and fifteen (15) from the Intermediate level words.

• The word list for the wri en portion of the Advanced Spelling Bee shall be comprised of fifty (50)words—ten (10) from the beginning level words, twenty (20) from the intermediate level words, and twenty (20) from the advanced level words.

• If necessary to break a tie to determine a champion in the final rounds, words may be used from either current or past versions of the Challenge Words list in “Spell‐It”.

Pronunciation

1) Words shall be pronounced according to the diacritical markings in Hexco’s “Spelling Bee Organizer”, which are based on Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, by G. & C. Merriam Co., and its Ad‐denda section.

2) The procedure for pronouncing in the wri en portion of both Spelling Bees shall be to give the word,



October 23, 2013

give the part(s) of Speech and the definition, and pronounce the word again. After that the contestants are encouraged to ask questions as below.

3) In both the wri en and oral portion of each Spelling Bee, the contestant may request the pronouncer to pronounce the word again, to define it, to give any listed alternate pronunciations or definitions, to give the word’s part of Speech, or to use it in a sentence. The contestant may ask for the language origin of a word (derivation). No other information about the etymology or history of a word will be given.

• The pronouncer shall grant all such requests as listed above until the judges agree that the word has been made reasonably clear to the contestant.

Wri en Test

1) The wri en test portion of the Intermediate Spelling Bee shall consist of thirty (30) words. See the Word List section for details.

2) The wri en test portion of the Advanced Spelling Bee shall consist of fifty (50) words given in two parts of twenty‐five (25) words each. See word list section for details.

3) The wri en portion of both the Intermediate and Advanced Spelling Bees shall begin with five (5) prac‐tice words to be wri en on the cover sheet provided to each contestant. The purpose is to test the mi‐crophone system and acoustics and enable the contestants to become familiar with the voice of the pro‐nouncer.

4) Wri en tests will be graded by a minimum of three (3) independent scorers. Words must be wri en IN PRINT, no cursive, no extra spaces between le ers, and capital le ers only when indicated by proper nouns or based on Webster’s Third New International Dictionary. Lower case le ers used (even when appropriately capitalized words) will not be penalized.

5) Any contestant arriving late to either Spelling Bee will be admi ed at any time during the wri en por‐tion of the Spelling Bee. There will be a table near the door already set up for the wri en test for any latecomer. The tardy contestant will begin with the word being given by the pronouncer when he or she arrives and no provisions shall be made or allowed for said contestant to obtain the words for which he or she was not present.

6) A contestant may be excused during the wri en portion of the Spelling Bee to use the restroom, but must be accompanied by a monitor. The wri en test will continue, however, during the absence of the contestant and said contestant will pick up with the word being given by the pronouncer upon his or



October 23, 2013

her return. No provision shall be made or allowed for said contestant to obtain the word(s) he or she missed while in the restroom.

Oral Rounds

1) The oral rounds portion of each Spelling Bee shall begin with a practice round followed by five (5) oral rounds which will be continuous.

• Intermediate Spelling Bee – after the five oral rounds, the top ten to fifteen spellers will be cho‐sen from a tally of the five oral rounds and these contestants shall advance to the final rounds.

• Advanced Spelling Bee – after the five oral rounds, the thirteen to fifteen top spellers will be chosen from a tally of the five oral rounds and these contestants shall advance to the final rounds and be eligible to go to the state competition (provided the school is enrolled in the Scripps program).

• A contestant may be excused during the oral portion of either Spelling Bee to use the restroom, but must be accompanied by a monitor. The pronunciation of words will continue, however, during the absence of said contestant. No provision will be made or allowed for said contestant to make up any word(s) he or she missed while in the restroom. If the contestant is absent for his or her turn in the continuous oral rounds, the word will be counted in the tally as missed.

2) During the oral preliminary rounds, a short break will be taken between rounds two and three.

Final Spell Down

1) The contestants in the final oral rounds are the top ten to fifteen (10‐15) spellers of the Intermediate pre‐liminary rounds or the top thirteen to fifteen (13‐15) spellers of the Advanced preliminary rounds.

2) In the final oral rounds, upon missing the spelling of a word, the contestant immediately drops out of the contest. The next word on the pronouncer’s list is given to the next contestant.

3) When the contestants are reduced to two, the elimination procedure changes. A speller must spell two (2) words in a row correctly in order to be the champion. When one contestant misspells a word, the other contestant shall be given an opportunity to spell the same word. If the second contestant spells that word correctly, plus the next word on the pronouncer’s list, the second speller shall be declared the champion.

• If one of the last two spellers misses and the other, after correcting the error, misspells the new



October 23, 2013

word given to him or her, then the misspelled new word shall be referred to the first speller. If the first speller then succeeds in correcting the error and correctly spells the next word on the pronouncer’s list, then he or she shall be declared the champion.

• If both spellers misspell the same word, both shall continue to spell, and the one who first mis‐spelled the word shall be given a new word to spell. The Spelling Bee then continues under the rules as above.

Prizes

1) The following definitions apply in the awarding of prizes at either the Intermediate or Advanced Spelling Bee:

• Novice Speller – One who has never participated in an Archdiocesan spelling bee.

• Novice School – Any school that has not participated in an Archdiocesan Spelling Bee in the last four (4) years and qualifies for the oral rounds.

• Highest Finishing School – The school that places the most students in the Final Spell Down.

• Team Achievement – The school that places the highest percentage of its team in the Final Spell Down.

2) The awards for the Intermediate Bee include:

• 1st place trophy

• 2nd place trophy

• 3rd place trophy

• Blue Ribbons for each student in Final Spell Down

• Red Ribbons for each student in the Oral Rounds

• White Ribbons for each participant in the Spelling Bee

• Trophy—Highest Finishing School

• Trophy—Novice School

• Trophy—Team Achievement Award

• Certificates—1st, 2nd, 3rd place Novice spellers



October 23, 2013

3) The awards for the Advanced Bee include:

• 1st place trophy

• 2nd place trophy

• 3rd place trophy

• Blue Ribbons for each student in the Final Spell Down

• Red Ribbons for each student in the Oral Rounds

• White Ribbons for each participant in the Spelling Bee

• Perpetual Plaque (traveling) with the name of First Place Winner

• Trophy—Highest Finishing School

• Trophy—Novice School

• Trophy—Team Achievement Award Year

• Certificates—1st, 2nd, 3rd place Novice spellers

Vendors and Wording for Prizes

Please refer to the Appendix for a listing of preferred vendors to use when purchasing awards for the Spelling Bees and the specific wording for each award.

Forms Used During Spelling Bees

Please refer to the Appendix for an example of the forms used during the Spelling Bees.

ARCHDIOCESAN SPELLING BEE ASSOCIATON GUIDELINES


October 23, 2013

Guidelines for Organizing a Spelling Program

Starting a Spelling Program at Your School

Before organizing the Spelling program, you need to meet with your principal to let him/her know the goals you would like to achieve. You will need the cooperation of the school when competing in a meet and when planning to host a meet. There will be times when you will need to solicit teachers’ help in preparing for the meets. Point out to the principal that being involved in the Spelling Bees is good public relations for the school. Once you have met with the principal and have a definite understanding of what each wants and needs from the Spelling program, you can proceed with se ing up the program.

• Become familiar with the competitive spelling season; read the Rules and By‐laws.

• Advertise—hold an interest meeting for Intermediate spellers and/or their parents.

• Determine the best time for practices.

It is recommended that each school have a copy of the Webster’s Unabridged dictionary for the coaches and spellers to use. This dictionary is the official dictionary that is used at the Spelling Bees.

The Basics

• An intermediate Spelling Bee is held each January; 4th and 5th graders may participate.

• The 5th graders who qualify fro the final oral rounds from the Intermediate Spelling Bee may enter the Advanced Spelling Bee, which is held in February each year.

• The words at both Bees will be chosen from Hexco’s Spelling Bee Organizers.

• Coaches and students should use the online word lists published by Scripps. These lists are found at www.spell‐it.com. It is essential that competitive spellers become familiar with these words.

• To participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee program, schools must enroll at www.spellingbee.com. Registry and payment of associated fees are required in order to be eligible for the State and National Spelling Bee competitions.

• Read the rules and by‐laws for the Spelling Bees. Coaches must a end the Fall meeting. Informal meet‐ings are held during the grading period after the wri en test of each Spelling Bee.

Practice, practice, practice

The following practice methods may be used interchangeably, singly, or not at all, depending on your preference.



October 23, 2013

• Set goals and test the children every week, having them rewrite words they miss (i.e. “pages 3‐4‐5 this Friday; 100 word test!) MAKE SURE THEY PRINT!

• Work at the board; children seem to find this less tedious than writing on paper! They can keep track of their wins and losses.

• Choose a lesson, such as the silent consonants at the ends of French words or i before e except after c, and have the students write words that follow these rules.

• Have a “French” practice or a “eponym” practice.

• Assign students the words from one page from Spell‐It to look up, write out pronunciations and defini‐tions; at another practice, have students share what they learned.

• Encourage humor, mnemonics, even exaggerated pronunciations for the harder words.

• Let students choose 5 words each from the Challenge words of “Spell‐It” and give each other a wri en test.

• Encourage the students and parents to use the online resources to practice at home.

Prior to the bee, talk to the students about eating right, dressing right, sleeping right and behaving. See if you can arrange for them to practice at a microphone.

Get the parents involved

Write a le er to parents at the beginning of the school year to state your expectations and goals, list the practice times, list the resources that should be used at home, and encouraging them to support their children and practice with them daily.

Building your program

• If possible, provide snacks before practices.

• Ask for help.

• It is much easier to have 2 or 3 adults coaching; this enables you to differentiate.



October 23, 2013

Guidelines for Organizing a Spelling Bee

General Planning

• Talk with school administration about the dates, times and needs.

• Ask your colleagues to volunteer.

• Arrange Sites

⇒ A registration table with 4 or 5 people to man it.

⇒ A room for the wri en test, with tables and chairs.

⇒ A room for the oral bee, with a “stage area”, a podium, 2 microphones, tables for the judges and officials, and chairs for the spellers and the audience.

⇒ A hospitality/coaches room/grading room.

⇒ An area for the students and parents to wait, hang out and eat their snacks.

• Schedule

⇒ Registration 7:00 – 7:50 a.m.

⇒ Wri en test 8:00 – 9:15 a.m.

⇒ Oral Rounds 10:00 a.m.

⇒ Lunch break 12:00 p.m.

⇒ Final Spell Down 1:00 p.m.

• Arrange for an Invocation (by a priest, or the principal).

• Talk with maintenance staff to arrange for set up.

Registration

• Determine maximum number of participants based on site.

• Download a map showing directions to school and nearby eateries.

• Write and mail out registration le ers six (6) weeks in advance. Send copies to the Spelling Bee Director and to the Spelling Bee editor.

• Create a numbered registration list, arranged alphabetically, with student’s school listed; make several copies.

• Fill out 3 X 5 inch card for each registrant; write the student’s name, participant number from the regis‐tration list, school, grade and whether or not they are a novice. Arrange the cards alphabetically.



October 23, 2013

• Mail verification of registration to the Spelling Bee Director before the due date.

Wri en Test

• Arrange for a large site.

• Arrange tables and chairs or desks with plenty of elbow room.

• Print cover sheets and wri en test papers for each student.

• Write a Participant number on each Wri en test page in permanent marker.

• Write a Participant number on back of each child’s hand at check‐in.

• Sharpen pencils for each child; obtain extras.

• Obtain, set up, and check microphone for pronouncer.

• Provide water and podium for pronouncer.

• Arrange dictionary judges table with 3 dictionaries.

• Place cover sheet, test sheet and pencil at each child’s place.

• Coaches will proctor during the wri en test.

• Arrange for helpers to dismantle area after wri en test.

Judging / Coaches

• Arrange for 3 judges, a bell ringer, a tally keeper, and tape recorder monitor.

• Set up coffee and snacks in coaches’ room.

• Sharpen box of red pencils.

• Have a poster board/whiteboard for listing finalists’ names and schools.

• Arrange for access to copy machine.

Hospitality

• Make nametags for spellers, coaches, judges, and volunteers.

• Make signs for registration tables (A‐J, K‐P, Q‐Z), Coaches’ Room, Wri en Test Room.

• Arrange to have snacks available for spellers after the wri en test.

• If desired, the school can arrange for concessions for the parents and families.



October 23, 2013

• Arrange the officials and coaches luncheon.

• Arrange for helpers to clean up after Spelling Bee.

Oral Bee

• Arrange plenty of seating for the audience. The audience needs to be at least 20 feet behind the Judges table(s).

• Obtain pronouncer microphone, speller microphone, and tape recorder. Check all equipment prior to start of Oral Bee.

• Provide water and podium for pronouncer.

• Set up dictionary judges’ table(s) with 3 dictionaries, bell, and tally sheet.

• Set up 30 chairs; lay a speller number over each seat.

• Arrange for helpers to clean up after Spelling Bee.

After the Bee

• During the Advanced Bee, arrange for the spellers who qualify for the Final Spell Down to register and pay for the Bi‐State Spelling Bee.

• Return Spelling Bee box to the Spelling Bee Director.


October 23, 2013

Catholic Schools Arts Fair


CATHOLIC SCHOOLS ARTS FAIR BYLAWS

Catholic Schools Arts Fair / Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools 63

October 23, 2013

Article I—Purpose and Mission

The Catholic Schools Arts Fair (CSAF) provides an opportunity to all Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Denver to showcase their students talents in the Arts. The Catholic Schools Arts Fair is a combination of a Visual Arts Show and Music Show that features students work from Kindergarten through high school. Future endeavors of the Cath‐olic Schools Arts Fair are open to showcasing students talents in other areas of the Arts such as theatre and poetry as approved by the Catholic Schools Activities Board.

Article II—Catholic School Membership and Participation

Section 1: The principal of the Catholic school shall be recognized by the Catholic Schools Arts Fair as the Chief Ad‐ministrator of the school’s Arts program.

Section 2: To qualify for membership in the Catholic Schools Arts Fair, a school must be a Catholic school recog‐nized by the Archdiocese of Denver.

Section 3: A endance at officially scheduled Catholic Schools Arts Fair meetings is mandatory for all Catholic schools requesting participation in the current school year Arts Fair. Schools not represented at these meetings may not be eligible to participate in the Arts Fair.

Section 4: Each member school shall be required to pay to the Catholic Schools Arts Fair all fees set by the Catholic Schools Activities Board (CSAB).

Section 5: Each year, a new Host School will be identified and shall, along with the help of the Director, host and organize the next Arts Fair.

Article III—Host School Responsibilities

Section 1: The organization and running of the Catholic Schools Arts Fair is managed by one Host School, each year, on a volunteer basis. The Host School’s Art Teacher commonly organizes the Arts Fair, however other teachers at the Host school may take on these duties. The Host School is chosen/volunteered every year at the end of the year Organizational Meeting. This meeting is to be held on an arranged date at the John Paul II Center. The meeting takes place in May after the Catholic Schools Arts Fair, which usually takes place in the month of April.

Section 2: Duties of the Host School include:

• Organize the dates of the Catholic Schools Arts Fair.

• Provide a space for the CSAF (usually takes place in the Host School’s gymnasium).

• Arrange a Mentor/Q & A meeting with the prior year’s Host School Art Teacher or whoever organized



October 23, 2013

the CSAF. This meeting should just be one on one and needs to occur before the Fall Organizational Meeting.

• Collect/update email addresses for all Art Teachers in the Archdiocese of Denver

• Contact all Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Denver regarding information pertaining to the CSAF for that year.

• Arrange Fall Organizational Meeting to be held at the Host School (September).

• Contact the Office of Catholic Schools Activities Board and inform them of Organizational Meeting dates and CSAF dates based upon the Master calendar schedule for all co‐curricular activities.

• Create a flyer for the CSAF which should be at least partially designed by a student from the Host School. Email flyer to all Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Denver.

• Create email and send out to all Art Teachers and the Catholic Schools Activities Board. This email should be sent out soon after the Fall Organizational Meeting.

⇒ Minutes for the Fall Organizational Meeting.

⇒ Requirements for schools to participate in the CSAF.

⇒ CSAF Registration Form.

⇒ CSAF Flyer.

• Stay in contact, via email, with all Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Denver about updates for the CSAF.

• Collect Registration Form and $50 check (to be made out to the Catholic Schools Athletic League) from schools BEFORE the weekend of the Art Fair.

• Organize and/or find two to four (2‐4) judges for the CSAF. Other Archdiocese of Denver teachers are encouraged to help find and/or provide judges for the CSAF.

⇒ Judges need to have experience in the Visual Arts and Education

⇒ Judges will be paid $50‐$100 for their time and service (to be taken out of the $500 compensation fund).

• Purchase supplies for the CSAF (to be reimbursed by the Catholic Schools Activities Fund) using the $500 compensation provided to the Host School.

⇒ Art Award Ribbons (Ribbon Ranch)

⇒ ‘S’ Hooks

⇒ Hang Tabs



October 23, 2013

⇒ Plastic Zip Ties

⇒ Snacks and Refreshments for the Opening Reception

⇒ Art supplies for Community Mural and Face Painting (optional)

• Organize further activities/fundraisers to take place at the CCAF (optional)

⇒ Community Mural

⇒ Face Painting (Fundraiser for the CCAF)

⇒ ‘Dress like an Artist Day’

⇒ Catholic Schools Music performances

⇒ Catholic Schools Poetry reading

⇒ Catholic Schools Theatre performances

• Arrange pick‐up of grids/walls for the show (each grid is 3’ x 7’)

⇒ Christ the King Catholic School stores the grates/walls.

• Host School provides tables for each school to show artwork along with the grids/walls.

• The evening before or the morning of the Opening Reception Night set‐up grids and tables for all of the schools who registered and PAID.

⇒ Each school usually receives 3 grates and one table.

⇒ High School Artworks are usually shown on the stage in the Host School’s gymnasium (15‐20 grates and 6‐8 tables).

• Arrange and/or provide volunteers to watch/sit at the CSAF during the weekend show dates.

⇒ Volunteers can be used internally from the Host School and/or be provided by other Archdio‐cese of Denver Teachers who are involved in showing/performing at the CCAF.

• Create and hand‐out a certificate for each participating Catholic School entitled ‘Catholic Schools Arts Fair Participant’

• Oversee tear‐down of show.

⇒ Usually occurs on the Sunday of the show from 4 ‐ 5 p.m.

⇒ Make sure all of the schools come to pick‐up artwork by 5 p.m. that Sunday.

• Arrange shipment of grids/walls to be sent back to Christ the King Catholic School.

• Arrange the Spring Organizational Meeting to be held at the John Paul II Center in the month of May within a few weeks after the CSAF.



October 23, 2013

Article III—Meetings

Section 1: Several meetings will be held each year as determined by the CSAF Host School.

• Mentor/Q & A Meeting

⇒ This will take place between the prior year’s and current year’s CSAF Host Schools.

⇒ Meeting should be organized by the current Host School.

⇒ Meeting needs to take place before the Fall Organizational Meeting.

• Fall Organizational Meeting

⇒ To be held at the current year’s CSAF Host School (September).

⇒ Review art awards/judging and all other process’ for pu ing on the CSAF.

⇒ Make and document changes if necessary.

⇒ Adding and/or taking away programs to the CSAF.

⇒ Distribute list of tasks to be completed to other member schools teachers in order to help the Host School with pu ing on the CSAF.

• Spring Organizational Meeting (in May or soon after the CSAF

⇒ To be held at the John Paul II Center.

⇒ Review how the current year CCAF went.

⇒ Make and document any changes discussed/made.

⇒ Determine New Host School which is chosen on one‐year volunteer basis.

Article IV—Judges, Judging and Awards for the Catholic Schools Arts Fair

Section 1: It is the Host Schools responsibility to arrange Judges (2‐4) for the CSAF. Other Arts Fair teachers in the Archdiocese of Denver are encouraged to help find and/or provide judges for the CSAF. Judges need to have experi‐ence in the fields of Visual Arts and Education.

Section 2: Judges will be paid $50‐$100 for their time and service with funds from the CSAF $500 compensation fund. Responsibilities of the judges include:

• Arrive at the CCAF on the day of the Opening Reception by 3:30 p.m.

• Arrange and document all awards handed out to Arts Fair participants.



October 23, 2013

Section 3: Roles and responsibilities for judging the CSAF include:

• Judges will be given two (2) hours to judge the artworks shown at the CSAF prior to the Opening Re‐ception.

• Judges are expected to be non biased towards any particular school that participates in the CSAF.

• Judges are expected to hand out awards based on the visual aesthetics and educational merits of the stu‐dent’s individual and group works.

• Awarding ‘Golden Paint Brush Awards’ ribbons (awarded only to K‐8 schools)

⇒ Judges will award each K‐8 school with 3 ‘Golden Paint Brush Awards’ with one per grade cate‐gory (K‐2, 3‐5 and 6‐8).

⇒ Aesthetics and merits should be compared to works within each individual schools artworks, not in comparison to other schools artworks.

⇒ Exceptions to this rule are made during the awarding of ‘Best in Show’ and High School rib‐bons.

Section 4: Catholic Schools Arts Fair Awards will be handed out via ribbons ordered by the Host School. Preferred vendor information included in the Appendix. Categories for the awards include:

• ‘Golden Paint Brush Award’ (flat yellow ribbon)

⇒ Judges will award each K‐8 school with 3 ‘Golden Paint Brush Awards’

⇒ One per grade category (K‐2, 3‐5 and 6‐8)

• High School Awards and Categories

⇒ Each category will receive a 1st (flat blue ribbon), 2nd (flat red ribbon) and 3rd place (flat green ribbon) award. Categories include:

◊ Drawing

◊ Painting

◊ Photography

◊ Mixed Media

◊ Functional Ceramics

◊ Sculpture

◊ Fibers



October 23, 2013

• ‘Best in Show’ Awards (8” mini rose e ‐ purple)

⇒ 5 ‘Best in Show’ ribbons will be awarded throughout the CSAF

⇒ ‘Best in Show’ Awards will be chosen from the works that were awarded a ‘Golden Paint Brush Award’, from K‐8 schools ‘Group Entry’ and from the High School Works that received 1st, 2nd and 3rd place Awards.

◊ ‘Best in Show’ (K‐2/Primary)

◊ ‘Best in Show’ (3‐5/Intermediate)

◊ ‘Best in Show’ (6‐8/Middle School)

◊ ‘Best in Show’ (Group Artwork from a K‐8 schools)

◊ ‘Best in Show’ (9‐12/High School)

Article V—Requirements for Participation at the Catholic Schools Arts Fair

Section 1: All Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Denver and other member schools that participate in the arch‐diocesan sponsored co‐curricular programs, activities and events are allowed and encouraged to enter their school into the Catholic Schools Arts Fair following the list of requirements. below

• Schools must have a Registration Form and payment of $50 made payable to the Archdiocese of Denver mailed to, or handed in, to the Host School no later than TWO WEEKS prior to the Arts Fair.

⇒ If a school cannot afford the $50 fee, a school representative is encouraged to contact the Arts Fair representative at the Host School so that the representative can discuss the issue with the Superintendent.

• If a school shows up on the day of the CSAF and has NOT provided the necessary Registration Form and $50 fee, the Host School has the right to not allow the school to participate in the Arts Fair.

• Every single piece of artwork or group project entered by a registered member Catholic school that the school wants to be judged MUST HAVE A CLEAR LABEL with the artist name, grade, title and media.

⇒ If it is a group project, it must be CLEARLY marked for the judges.

• Each registered Catholic school will be provided three (3) grids and one (1) table for use during the Arts Fair, therefore, do not bring any more artwork than will fit on the provided Arts Fair display materials.

⇒ Schools may fill up the grates and the table with as much Art as desired. Keep in mind that if the artwork is not CLEARLY labeled, it will NOT be judged.

• Each registered Catholic school will need to provide and/or make and hang a clear sign that advertises



October 23, 2013

which Catholic School they come from.

Section 2: All forms used for the Catholic Schools Arts Fair can be found in the Appendix.

Article VI—Amendments

Amendments to the Bylaws of the Catholic Schools Arts Fair must be approved by the total voting membership of the Catholic Schools Activities Board.

Article VII—Review

Section 1: The Office of Catholic Schools and the Catholic Schools Activities Board have the responsibility for ad‐ministering the Catholic Schools Arts Fair, acting for the school principals in ma ers of the Speech program’s ad‐ministration, and monitoring sportsmanship.

Section 2: All decisions and actions of the Catholic Schools Arts Fair are subject to review by the CSAB and the Office of Catholic Schools.

Article VIII—Bylaws

Any items not covered by the Bylaws shall be decided upon and resolved by the Catholic Schools Activities Board.

Article IX—Approval





Article X—Acceptance and Implementation at the Local Level

Policy 4180—Archdiocesan School Co‐Curricular Programs outlines the roles and responsibilities of all parties in‐



October 23, 2013

volved in Co‐curricular programs, activities and events. On an annual basis, each school submits to the Office of Catholic Schools their Acceptance and Implementation form encompassing all co‐curricular programs, activities and events. The Acceptance and Implementation form will be sent to all principals at the beginning of the school year.


October 23, 2013

Catholic Schools Athletic League


CSAL INTRODUCTION

Catholic Schools Athletic League / Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools 72

October 23, 2013

Philosophy and Mission

The Catholic Schools Athletic League (CSAL) is designed to contribute to the mission of the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools and to the health, well‐being, citizenship, and character development of the youth of the League. The mission of the Catholic Schools Athletic League, in partnership with parents, coaches, and volunteers is to offer elementary school students the opportunity to grow in virtue, develop their full potential and become a more com‐mi ed disciple of Jesus Christ. CSAL emphasizes the following values:

• Participation: Students at all levels of ability are encouraged to participate.

• Respect and Dignity: Participants are encouraged to compete while always showing respect and honoring the dignity of team mates, athletic opponents, coaches, parents, and spectators. Winning is always sec‐ondary to good sportsmanship, ethical behavior, mutual trust and showing compassion.

• Gratitude: Student athletes are invited to recognize and be grateful that, out of love, God created them as unique beings and that their varied gifts and talents should be used for the benefit of all and for the greater glory of God.

• Catholic Values: All participant—athletes, parents, coaches, volunteers, spectators—are called to uphold Catholic values and to demonstrate those values by word and deed. In addition, CSAL recognizes the importance of observing the Sabbath day by prohibiting all CSAL activities from taking place on Sun‐day including meetings, practices and games, so that families can remain commi ed to worship of the Lord and observe a day of rest.

• Safe Environment: CSAL seeks to ensure the protection of all children by requiring that individuals who work with and around children adhere to the policies and procedures as defined by the Child and Youth Protection Office of the Archdiocese of Denver.

These principles and values shall not be sacrificed in the desire to win. Basic to this is the duty of the host school at any athletic event to take every possible measure to assure courteous, friendly, and fair treatment to visiting players, school officials, coaches, spectators and game officials.

Purpose

A Catholic school participates in the Catholic School Athletic League sports programs as one dimension of its Catho‐lic education ministry. A school’s athletic program justifies its existence and the sacrifice and expense it entails only if it makes be er Catholics of its participants. In the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools athletic programs, em‐phasis rests not on the number of games won or lost, but on the participants’ a itude in victory and defeat. Learning

CSAL INTRODUCTION


October 23, 2013

how to lose is just as important as learning how to win. Learning how to win graciously is more important than win‐ning itself.

CSAL programs serve the needs of all students a ending our Catholic schools. They enable the athletically gifted to excel and the less gifted to participate and improve. “Star” athletes and teams do not receive exclusive a ention. Principles of fair play and sportsmanship govern every game. All participants should have the respect of others on their own team and the opposing team. Competitors should regard the opposition as friends, not enemies.

CSAL participants should have a spirit of loyalty to the CSAL ideals, to the school, to the coach and to the team. They should learn patience with and tolerance of those with less ability than themselves. Speech and actions should reflect Catholic values. Ultimate responsibility for the success of the CSAL programs lies with the adults involved who must remember that the program exists for the Catholic growth of young people. Conduct of adults must al‐ways model Catholic values and virtues. When adults forget the primary focus of CSAL, the program becomes de‐structive. When adults remain faithful to the Catholic ideals of CSAL, they exercise a unique and rewarding ministry to the young with whom they come in contact.

Play Like A Champion Today Sports Ministry

The Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools Athletic League has adopted the Play Like a Champion Today (PLACT) Sports as a Ministry program from the University of Notre Dame. The Sports as a Ministry initiative of the Play Like a Champion Educational Series is a research‐based, child‐centered curriculum designed to:

• Help us recognize the spiritual nature of sports;

• Train youth sport coaches to be effective ministers; and

• Promote the moral and character development of our youth.

All coaches and assistant coaches will a end a “Coaches Workshop” and be certified to coach in the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools Athletic League. Coaches and assistant coaches will receive a PLACT workshop certificate along with a badge indicating our solidarity and commitment to the CSAL and PLACT.

CSAL INTRODUCTION


October 23, 2013

All parents of students participating in CSAL programs will a end a “Parents Workshop” and receive a PLACT workshop certificate indicating our solidarity and commitment to the CSAL and PLACT. Beginning with the 2012‐13 academic school year, all 5th grade parents are required to a end a PLACT Parents Workshop. Below is the sched‐ule for the upcoming academic school years.

2012‐13 All 5th grade parents

2013‐14 All 5th grade parents and any new 6th grade parents

2014‐15 All 5th grade parents and any new 6th and 7th grade parents

2015‐16 All families whose children are playing in the Catholic Schools Athletic League for the first time and currently in grades 5th through 8th.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS ATHLETIC LEAGUE BYLAWS


October 23, 2013

Article I—Philosophy and Mission

The program of interscholastic athletics in the Catholic Schools Athletic League (CSAL) shall be so organized and administered as to contribute to the mission of the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools, and to the health, well‐being, citizenship and character development of the youth of the League. The mission of the Catholic Schools Athlet‐ic League, in partnership with parents, coaches, and volunteers is to offer elementary school students the opportuni‐ty to grow in virtue, develop their full potential and become a more commi ed disciple of Jesus Christ. CSAL em‐phasizes the following values:

• Participation: Students at all levels of ability are encouraged to participate.

• Respect and Dignity: Participants are encouraged to compete while always showing respect and honoring the dignity of team mates, athletic opponents, coaches, parents and spectators. Winning is always sec‐ondary to good sportsmanship, ethical behavior, mutual trust and showing compassion.

• Gratitude: Student athletes are invited to recognize and be grateful that, out of love, God created them as unique beings and that their varied gifts and talents should be used for the benefit of all and for the greater glory of God.

• Catholic Values: All participants—athletes, parents, coaches, volunteers, spectators—are called to uphold Catholic values and to demonstrate those values by word and deed. In addition, CSAL recognizes the importance of observing the Sabbath day by prohibiting all CSAL activities from taking place on Sunday including meetings, practices and games, so that families can remain commi ed to worship of the Lord and observe a day of rest.

• Safe Environment: CSAL seeks to ensure the protection of all children by requiring that individuals who work with and around children adhere to the policies and procedures as defined by the Child and Youth Protection Office of the Archdiocese of Denver.

These principles and values shall not be sacrificed in the desire to win. Basic to this is the duty of the host school at any athletic event to take every possible measure to assure courteous, friendly, and fair treatment to visiting players, school officials, coaches, spectators, and game officials.

Article II—Catholic Schools Athletic League (CSAL) Director

Section 1: The CSAL Director is responsible for planning, developing and administering the CSAL program for the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Denver.

Section 2: The CSAL Director is responsible to the Catholic Schools Activities Board and the Superintendent of Cath‐



October 23, 2013

olic Schools or his/her designee.

Section 3: The CSAL Director shall perform duties as outlined by the Superintendent of Catholic Schools.

Section 4: A job description for the position of CSAL Director is available in the Job Descriptions section of the hand‐book.

Article III—Sport Directors

Section 1: Sport Directors are assigned by the CSAL Director for the approved sports as determined by the Catholic Schools Activities Board (CSAB).

Section 2: Knowledge of the sport and commitment to the philosophy of the CSAL shall be major considerations for appointment.

Section 3: The term of the office for Sport Directors shall be one season. Sport Directors may apply and/or be as‐signed for additional terms annually.

Section 4: Sport Directors shall perform their duties as outlined by the CSAB and the CSAL Director.

Section 5: A job description for the position of Sport Director is available in the Job Descriptions section of the hand‐book.

Article IV—Catholic School Membership and Participation

Section 1: The principal of the Catholic school shall be recognized by the CSAL as the Chief Administrator of the school’s athletic program.

Section 2: To qualify for membership in the CSAL, a school must be a Catholic school recognized by the Archdio‐cese of Denver; submit for approval a wri en athletic philosophy signed by the principal and the athletic director; and submit current class lists for grades 4‐8. Application information must be submi ed by the date designated by the CSAL Director on an annual basis.

Section 3: A endance at officially scheduled CSAL meetings is mandatory for all Catholic schools requesting partic‐ipation in the current school year sport(s) programs. Schools not represented at these meetings may not be eligible for League play.

Section 4: Each member school shall be required to pay to the CSAL all fees set by the Catholic Schools Activities Board (CSAB).



October 23, 2013

Section 5: Member schools must follow the CSAL Code of Conduct.

Section 6: Member schools shall be required to abide by the Rules of the National Federation and the addenda for each sport as published by the CSAL.

Section 7: A member school that registers a team is expected to follow through and play or they may be subject to sanctions by the CSAL Director.

Section 8: A list of member schools can be found in the Appendix.

Article V—Number of Teams

There are no restrictions on the number of teams each school may field; however, schools participating in the Catho‐lic Schools Athletic League are expected to meet the minimum number of players required to play each sport. Schools reserve the right to place as many players on one team as they wish.

Article VI—Coaches

Head coaches for all teams participating in the Catholic Schools Athletic League must be 18 years of age or older and a high school graduate. All coaches—head coaches and assistant coaches—must a end a Play Like A Champion To‐day coaches workshop prior to the official start of the season.

Article VII—Awards

Trophies, plaques or ribbons shall be awarded to all teams participating in the final days of the CSAL city tourna‐ment for each sport. The maximum height of a trophy or plaque shall be 18”.

Article VIII—Student Eligibility

Section 1: Students participating in any CSAL sport program must be enrolled full‐time in a member school.

Section 2: Students competing in the Junior Varsity division may not be 13 years old before October 1 of the current school year, and must be in grades 5‐8. Exceptions must be approved in writing by the CSAL Director on an annual basis.

Section 3: Each member school shall determine its own eligibility requirements that may not conflict with those of the CSAL.



October 23, 2013

Article IX—Amendments

Amendments to the Bylaws of the Catholic Schools Athletic League must be approved by the total voting member‐ship of the Catholic Schools Activities Board.

Article X—Review

Section 1: The Office of Catholic Schools and the Catholic Schools Activities Board have the responsibility for ad‐ministering the Catholic Schools Athletic League, acting for the school principals in ma ers of sport administration and monitoring sportsmanship.

Section 2: All decisions and actions of the CSAL are subject to review by the CSAB and the Office of Catholic Schools.

Article XI—Bylaws

Any items not covered by the Bylaws shall be decided upon and resolved by the Catholic Schools Activities Board.

Article XII—Approval

Catholic Schools Athletic League Bylaws reviewed and recommended for Approval by the Catholic Schools Activi‐ties Board.


Catholic Schools Athletic League Bylaws approved by the Superintendent.




October 23, 2013

Article XII—Acceptance and Implementation at the Local Level


CSAL GUIDELINES and REGULATIONS


October 23, 2013

Participation and Eligibility

Membership

Refer to Article IV of the CSAL Bylaws for membership criteria.

Student Eligibility

Refer to Article VIII of the CSAL Bylaws for student eligibility criteria.

Sport Seasons and Registration

Fall—girls softball, boys volleyball, girls and boys cross‐country, and golf.

Winter—girls basketball and boys basketball.

Spring—girls volleyball and boys baseball.

Bowling tournaments/activities can be scheduled at anytime during the academic school year. Additional sports may be added throughout the course of the academic school year with approval from the Catholic Schools Activities Board and the Superintendent.

Registration information sheets are due one‐week before game scheduling via email to the CSAL Director.

Fees

Team participation fees as determined by the Catholic Schools Activities Board are due upon receipt of the invoice for each sport. Teams are not eligible for tournament play unless all fees have been paid in full.

Rosters

Team rosters will include the players names, uniform numbers, birth date, grade, and signatures of the coach, assis‐tant coach and principal are to be mailed to the CSAL Director before the team’s first game.



October 23, 2013

Additions to the roster require a new roster to be sent to the CSAL Director with additions highlighted and the new player’s name initialed by the school’s principal.

Uniforms

Refer to the NFHS rule book for each sport as well as the specific sport addendum. No jewelry or metal hair holders may be worn by any player. Medical alert bracelets or necklaces are to be taped down without covering the tag.

Team Policies

Number of Players

Refer to Article V of the CSAL Bylaws for regulations on the number of players.

Team Levels

Junior Varsity—5th and 6th grade students from member schools.

Varsity—7th and 8th grade students from member schools; can include 5th and/or 6th grade students who are ros‐tered.

Team Roster Cross‐over

Players may not be rostered on two different teams without the prior approval of the CSAL Director. Players are not allowed to play for two different teams during the post season tournament.

Divisions

There are four (4) divisions in each level of the Catholic Schools Athletic League.

Division I—(a) Schools who host a tryout or player evaluation and place their best players on one team.

Division II—(a) Schools who host a tryout or player evaluation; this level is set aside for that school’s “B”team. (b) It is recommended that schools with an all 8th/6th grade team place their teams in this division.

Division III—(a) Schools who host a tryout or player evaluation, this level is set aside for that school’s “C” team. (b) Schools who only have one team at this level. (c) It is recommended that schools with an all 7th



October 23, 2013

grade/5th grade team place their teams in this division.

Division IV—(a) This is an instructional team. (b) Teams made up of 75% of 8th/6th grade teams are not allowed to place their team in this division.

These four divisions will apply to two (2) sports—volleyball and basketball. Softball, baseball and cross‐country will participate in League play as designated by the CSAL Director. Athletic directors may request that an excep‐tion be made by submi ing the “Exception to Division Placement” request to the CSAL Director at the time of team registration. The team may be required to play in a scrimmage game arranged by the CSAL Director before the ap‐proval is granted.

Number of League Games

Outdoor sports shall have a minimum of six (6) games. Indoor sports shall have a minimum of eight (8) games. Tournament games are not included in the minimum number of games.

Playing Time

All member schools will follow the suggested guidelines for fair playing time as outlined in the Play Like A Cham‐pion Today Coaches Manual. Coaches must remember the following:

• Children want to play.

• Without the opportunity to play, a child’s growth is stifled.

• No child’s growth should be sacrificed for a victory.

The tenet of equitable playing time extends beyond a school policy or league rule; it is a principle that all CSAL coaches must embrace. Coaches must commit to providing all players with the opportunity to play. Coaches must develop a sense of fairness regarding the amount of playing time each play receives. Suggested guidelines for fair playing time are:

• 6th grade and below—as close to equal playing time as possible.

• 7th and 8th grade—at least 25% playing time for all participants.



October 23, 2013

Fairness demands that each child have the opportunity to develop to the fullest extent possible. Giving each child meaningful playing time shows a concern for fairness and the development of each child. Most importantly, giving the less skilled players on the team an opportunity to play demonstrates a commitment to the Gospel command to care for all, especially for the “least of the brothers and sisters.”

Team Practices

Each school will establish its own schedule of beginning dates based upon facility availability keeping in mind the limited play and no‐play dates as established in the co‐curricular calendar.

Forfeiture of Games

Teams not appearing at scheduled games other than for emergency reasons will forfeit the games and be responsible for the officials’ fees and any fines levied by the Catholic Schools Athletic League. All teams will be given 15 minutes from the scheduled time of the game before the game is considered a forfeit.

If a game is forfeited, and the forfeiting team is present, that team is responsible for both the officials fees; however, if the game is forfeited because of a no‐show team, the official shall send an official request to the CSAL Director for fees owed within 48 hours. CSAL will confirm the game with the master schedule and forward the request to the school owing the fees. The school will then send a check for the forfeit fees within seven (7) days to CSAL. CSAL will reimburse the official within 30 days of the forfeited game.

If there are no league officials, the game will be rescheduled. Games canceled or postponed by school administration due to weather will not be considered a forfeit.

Scheduled/Rescheduled Games

The master schedule will be the official game schedule. Once team schedules are set, changes should only be neces‐sary under extraordinary circumstances. Changes must be approved in writing by the CSAL Director and a fee which has been set by the CSAB shall be received before the game will be rescheduled and officials assigned. The following procedures are to be followed if a game has been approved for rescheduling:

1) The League Sport Director must be notified if a game has been approved for rescheduling;

2) The opposing team Coach must be notified as soon as possible regarding a possible schedule change;



October 23, 2013

3) If a new game date/time/location agreement cannot be set by the two coaches, the game will be consid‐ered a “no game” and will count as neither a win nor a loss for each team.

Protests

Post Season Tournament: During the post season tournament, all protests must be decided before play can contin‐ue. A protest can be accepted or denied at the discretion of the CSAL Director during the post season tournament.

Regular Season: All other protests will be decided by the CSAB Protest Commi ee. The process for filing a protest with the CSAB Protest Commi ee is:

1) Protests will not be considered if they are based solely on a decision involving the accuracy of judgment on the part of an official.

2) Protests based on the misinterpretation or application of a playing rule will be considered.

3) The notification of intent to protest must be made immediately by the protesting coach before the game can continue.

4) The protest must be filed in writing within forty‐eight (48) hours after the scheduled time of the contest. A $25.00 protest filing fee must accompany the protest. The protest filing fee will be refunded if upheld.

5) A formal protest should contain the following information:

• The date, time and place of the contest;

• The names of the officials and the scorer;

• The rule and section of the Federation or CSAL Addenda rules under which the protest is made;

• The decision and conditions which caused the protest;

• All essential facts involved in the ma er protested;

• Signature of the principal.

6) The decision made on a protested game may result in one of the following:

• The protest is found invalid and the game stands as played;

• The protest is allowed for a misinterpretation of a playing rule, and the game is replayed from the point at which the incorrect decision was made with the decision corrected;



October 23, 2013

• The protest is allowed; the outcome of the game was not affected; the game stands.

Meetings

Athletic Directors Meetings

Three (3) mandatory Athletic Directors meetings will be held each year. The first meeting will require the a endance of Athletic Directors and new Principals of each member school participating in the current academic year sports. The second meeting will be held during basketball scheduling and the third meeting will be held at the end of the school year. Athletic directors will be required to a end any other meetings as needed and scheduled by the CSAL Director, the CSAB and/or the Superintendent of Catholic Schools.

Coaches Meetings

Coaches should a end meetings that are scheduled for every sport and will include:

1) Review of the sport addenda;

2) Scheduling of CSAL games, when required.

The dates of the coaches meetings will be set by the CSAL Director.

Game Scheduling

Games are scheduled by Athletic Directors or Coaches according to the requirements of each sport.

1) A endees at the game scheduling meeting should bring with them a calendar with dates of other sched‐uled school activities to prevent conflicts.

2) Games will not be scheduled on any designated “No Play Dates” as set by the Catholic Schools Activi‐ties Board and published in the Co‐Curricular calendar for the current academic year.

3) Games will not be scheduled on Sundays.

Those scheduling will be asked to remain at the meeting until all schedules of teams in their division have been turned in to the Sport Director. This will eliminate conflicts when a school has more than one team.



October 23, 2013

Parent Meetings

It is recommended that all coaches meet annually with parents of players on the team prior to each season. These meetings will:

1) Familiarize parents with the goals and objects of the CSAL sports program and the Play Like A Champi‐on Today sports ministry;

2) Enable parents to support their child in a manner positive for the child;

3) Introduce parents to coaching philosophy, team rules, game and practice procedures;

4) Provide an opportunity to solicit help from parents in supporting the team in various tasks;

5) Provide an avenue for feedback and communication with parents;

6) Provide an opportunity to discuss safety and medical considerations;

7) Discuss the actions and consequences of inappropriate student and parent behavior.

Tournaments

All sports seasons will end with a post‐season tournament provided adequate personnel and facilities are available. These tournaments will be held in school‐sponsored facilities, which are volunteered by the school principal. These school‐sponsored facilities will be staffed and supervised by volunteers from the host schools.

It will be the responsibility of the Sport Director to organize the tournaments and coaches meeting for the tourna‐ment.

In the event an outdoor sport tournament is postponed due to weather, the tournament will resume the next day with a new schedule. It will be the responsibility of both the Sport Director and the coaches to determine and com‐municate the updated schedule.

Door Admission

All tournaments will have a door admission charge as determined by the Catholic Schools Activities Board. No ad‐mission shall be charged to school pastors, visiting priests, principals, teachers, athletic directors, coaches, assistant



October 23, 2013

coaches, players, table scorekeepers or cheerleaders. Admission shall only be charged once a day.

Brackets

Tournaments shall be held for boys and girls at the Junior Varsity and Varsity levels. The records of all teams will be maintained by the Sport Director. The number of teams invited to the post‐season tournament will depend on the availability of host gyms and fields. It is assumed that all teams invited to the tournament will participate unless the Principal/Assistant Principal or Athletic Director notifies the CSAL Director in writing at least 48 hours prior to the tournament meeting of the unavailability of a team. Should a team then either drop from the tournament or forfeit a tournament game, a sanction fee of no less than $150.00 shall be paid to CSAL. This fee will be used to reimburse CSAL, the host school and the officials for monies lost. The school shall also remit a deposit of $300.00. The school will be on probation for one (1) year following the offense. The deposit will be cashed should a team from the school forfeit a tournament game any time in the following school year. The check will be returned once the probation peri‐od expires.

Tie‐Breakers

Tie‐breakers will be se led by:

• Head‐to‐head competition;

• Results of competition versus other seeded teams;

• Mini playoffs.

CSAL JOB DESCRIPTIONS


October 23, 2013

Catholic Schools Athletic League Director

The Catholic Schools Athletic League (CSAL) Director is responsible for planning, developing and administering the Catholic Schools Athletic League program for the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Denver. The CSAL Director is responsible to the Catholic Schools Activities Board (CSAB) and Superintendent of Catholic Schools or his/her de‐signee. The CSAL Director shall be an ex‐officio member of the CSAB Commi ees.

Prior to hire:

• Must authorize and pass a thorough criminal background check.

• Must a end an Archdiocese of Denver safe environment training program and provide evidence of a endance.

Requirements:

• Evidences knowledge of, experience with and support of the Catholic School mission and vision.

• Embraces the Play Like A Champion Today program reflecting the ministerial nature of athletics and coaching in a Catholic school.

• Possesses excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

• Possesses strong verbal and wri en communication skills.

• Possesses strong organizational skills.

• Evidences knowledge of basic accounting principles.

• Evidences knowledge of the Archdiocese of Denver Office of Catholic Schools’ policies, procedures, and practices to make administrative decisions, take actions, and exercise independent judgment within agreed‐upon limits.

Duties of the CSAL Director include, but are not limited to the following:

• Ensure the CSAL philosophy, rules and policies are understood and enforced by the individual schools in the league;

• Be certified by the University of Notre Dame as a “Master Trainer” in the Play Like A Champion Today (PLACT) Educational Series;

• Coordinate the PLACT training schedule with the Office of Catholic Schools (OCS);

• Assist in conducting PLACT workshops for coaches, assistant coaches, athletic directors, referees and parents;

• Forward paperwork from the PLACT workshops to the OCS so that badges may be produced and dis‐



October 23, 2013

tributed;

• Model and promote good sportsmanship;

• Provide timely communications concerning CSAL business for principals, athletic directors and others involved in CSAL activities;

• Provide marketing materials and website maintenance within the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools (AoDCS) brand platform and guidelines;

• Prepare a budget and manage financial responsibilities of the CSAL;

• Provide OCS with proposed activity dates based upon the master calendar for CSAL;

• Act as contact person for principals, athletic directors and other CSAL personnel;

• Appoint and supervise the Assignors for each sport;

• Recruit, screen and appoint all Sport Directors;

• Supervise the activities of all Sport Directors;

• Schedule and provide supervision for coaches’ meetings, officials’ clinics and other CSAL meetings;

• Ensure all officials have the archdiocesan‐approved safe environment training verification on file;

• Ensure all officials have current W‐9s on file;

• Monitor and oversee proper protocol for payment to officials;

• Track payments to officials for 1099 reporting;

• Keep rosters for teams in current sports season;

• Approve and distribute the master sports schedule to all member schools;

• Receive and review all protests and sportsmanship reports and administer per CSAL and CSAB Bylaws and Addenda;

• Respond to all communications concerning CSAL business;

• Ensure supervision of all CSAL events;

• Maintain files of all CSAL business;

• Communicate all appropriate ma ers to the Superintendent of Catholic Schools or his/her designee;

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Catholic Schools or his/her designee.



October 23, 2013

Principal

The primary administrator of the athletic program in the Catholic school is the Principal or his/her designee. While the Principal may delegate responsibility for the day‐to‐day workings of the athletic program, the Principal is ulti‐mately responsible for the overall administration and supervision of the athletic program in the school.

Prior to hire:



Requirements:






• Evidences knowledge of basic accounting principles.

• Evidences knowledge of the Archdiocese of Denver Office of Catholic Schools’ policies, procedures, and practices to make administrative decisions, take actions, and exercise independent judgment within agreed‐upon limits.

Principals are expected to:

• Appoint and supervise the Athletic Director and Coaches;

• Ensure the CSAL philosophy, rules and policies are understood and enforced by the school;

• Monitor the conduct of the students, coaches, parents and spectators represent the school at events;

• Sign off on all team rosters;


• Ensure that background checks have been performed on all employees and volunteers;

• Ensure that a signed copy of the Archdiocese of Denver Code of Conduct is on file for the athletic direc‐tor, all coaches, and parent volunteers



October 23, 2013

• Ensure the verification of Safe Environment Training is on file for the athletic director, all coaches and parent volunteers;

• Respond to Sportsmanship Reports and conflicts arising from CSAL league and tournament play;

• Communicate with the CSAL Director as needed;

• Ensure that coaches, student athletes, and parents—including relatives and friends—understand that if they cause an adverse effect on the school, the League, or during play at any event, the CSAL Director has the authority to take immediate action to correct the problem;

• Distribute Play Like A Champion Today badges and certificates to all trained athletic directors, coaches, assistant coaches and parents.

Athletic Director

The position of Athletic Director is a volunteer position.

The Athletic Director (AD) is supervised by and accountable to the Principal / Assistant Principal. The AD supports the Principal in adhering to the philosophy of the CSAL and in stressing the importance of good sportsmanship. The quality of sportsmanship displayed by all persons present at league games reflects the leadership provided by the Principal and the AD.

Prior to volunteering:



Volunteer Requirements:






In addition to the job description provided by the Principal, the AD has the following responsibilities:



October 23, 2013

• Ensure the CSAL and PLACT philosophy, rules and policies are understood and followed by all coach‐es, student athletes and parents;

• Communicate with the Principal / Assistant Principal regarding all CSAL activities, issues and concerns;

• Represent the school at CSAL meetings / activities;

• Receive and disseminate information from the CSAL Director;


• Successfully complete a PLACT coaches workshop;

• Register all teams and coaches at appropriate meetings, notify appropriate parties of meeting times and locations and ensure that all teams have representatives a end League scheduling meetings for all sports;

• Recruit qualified coaches for all sports teams;

• Review CSAL policies and procedures with all qualified coaches;

• Prepare rosters and verify eligibility in accordance with CSAL guidelines;

• Secure Principal’s signature on all rosters and submit to CSAL Director by the defined due dates;

• Ensure required fees are paid to the CSAL by the defined due dates;

• Provide use of school / parish facilities for CSAL activities when possible;

• Post the CSAL Code of Conduct in the school gym and in other appropriate locations and help enforce the Code of Conduct as necessary.

Coach

The position of Coach is a volunteer position.

Coaches are supervised by and accountable to the Athletic Director at the local‐level. The Coach has the greatest op‐portunity and responsibility for influencing the young athlete by actively modeling the Gospel values. His/her influ‐ence on the a itudes and behavior of both the players and spectators is critical. It is essential that the coach subscribe to the values of good sportsmanship and teach those values in word and deed.






October 23, 2013







In addition to the specific duties assigned at the local‐school level, the responsibilities of the Coach shall include the following:

• Ensure the CSAL and PLACT philosophy, rules and policies are understood and followed by all coach‐es, student athletes and parents;

• A end and successfully complete the Play Like a Champion Today coaches workshop;

• Wear the PLACT badge at all CSAL events;


• Refer and abide by the CSAL Code of Conduct;

• Communicate with the AD regarding all CSAL activities, issues and concerns;

• A end required pre‐season and tournament meetings;

• Provide equipment, score books and score keepers as defined in the sports addendums;

• Provide visiting teams with warm‐up balls for volleyball and basketball;

• Ensure that a first aid kit is accessible for all home games;

• Disburse officials fees per school policy;

• Call or email in the final game score within 48 hours of the game

⇒ State coach’s name, team name, division, level, opponent and score.

⇒ Failure to report scores within the time limit may result in the forfeiture of the game or exclu‐sion from the end of season tournament.

• Carry an extra uniform to games for any injury involving blood.

⇒ All procedures defined in the National Federation Rule Book shall be followed with the excep‐tion of the use of ventilation devices.



October 23, 2013

Sport Director

The position of Sports Director is a volunteer position.

Sports Directors for the various sports programs assist the CSAL Director with the implementation and execution of the sport’s season. Sport Directors will support the philosophy of the CSAL and will assist with stressing to the coaches of CSAL member schools the importance of good sportsmanship.










Sport Director responsibilities include the following:

• Review CHSAA rules to determine the addenda for each responsible sport;

• Submit addenda item changes to the CSAL Director;

• A end a Play Like a Champion Today coaches workshop;

• Organize and conduct the coaches meeting prior to each responsible sport season;

• Divide the registered teams into divisions for CSAL play;

• Conduct the games scheduling meeting for the responsible sport;

• Compile and distribute the game schedules to the CSAL Director;

• Compile the results of League games and determine tournament brackets and participating teams;

• Schedule and conduct tournaments for responsible sport;



October 23, 2013

• Coordinate presentation of the awards with the CSAL Director at the end of the responsible sport sea‐son.


October 23, 2013

CSAB Handbook Appendix Items


APPENDIX


October 23, 2013

Appendix Items

□ Current Academic Year Co‐Curricular Calendar

□ List of member schools

□ CSAL Forms

□ CSAL Fee schedule for current school year

□ Spelling Bee Forms

□ Speech Association Forms

□ Arts Fair Forms

archdiocese of denver catholic schools catholic schools ...€¦ · lines, procedures and forms...

Documents