2004-2005 OSAA Handbook
For Speech rules regarding individual eligibility, school representation, etc, click here.
SPEECH HANDBOOK
1.1. This organization shall be known as the Oregon High School Speech League Coaches Association.
2. Article 2 – Object
2.1. The objectives of the Oregon High School Speech League Coaches Association are to promote among Oregon high school students the techniques of formal speech preparation and delivery in a competitive atmosphere in preparation for effective citizenship.
3. Article 3 – Membership
3.1. Any coach and / or advisor in Oregon may become a member of this association and shall retain membership so long as he conforms to the Constitution and By-Laws.
3.2. The annual coaches' and / or advisors' dues shall be paid by January 15 of the current school year. Nonpayment of dues by this date shall result in inability to vote at all subsequent coaches meetings for the year.
3.3. Any student satisfying OSAA speech eligibility requirements shall be eligible to enter any Speech State Championships. See also Rule 8, Rules section.
3.4. No student may compete at a district or Speech State Championships unless the coach of that student or another representative of the principal is in attendance and assumes full responsibility for the student including judging responsibilities.
4. Article 4 – Officers and Duties
4.1. The officers of the association shall be a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and an Immediate Past President.
4.1.1. Officers shall be currently teaching or coaching speech in secondary schools.
4.1.2. Officers shall be elected by a statewide preferential ballot of all association members.
4.1.3. The Second Vice President shall be elected yearly. In subsequent years, that person shall become First Vice President, President, and Immediate Past President in that order. Vacancies shall be filled by automatic succession and the office or offices thus vacated shall be filled at the next opportunity by a vote of the membership. In the case of all offices being vacated during a year, the Executive Committee shall meet as a whole and provide a slate of nominees, which shall be voted upon by preferential ballot.
4.1.4. The Secretary and the Treasurer shall be elected for terms of two years. The Secretary shall be elected on even years and the Treasurer on uneven years.
4.1.5. District Directors shall be selected yearly by the coaches of the respective districts and named at the Annual Business Meeting.
4.1.6. All officers shall assume the duties of their respective offices on the Sunday following the Speech State Championships.
4.2. The Executive Committee of the association shall consist of the President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Immediate Past President and each District Director, or their representatives.
4.3. The duties of the President shall be to preside at all association and Executive Committee meetings; to call Executive Committee meetings when necessary; to prepare and publish agendas for association and Executive Committee meetings; to be responsible for seeing that all association and Executive Committee directives are carried out; to update Coaches membership lists on a timely basis; to serve as a member of the Coaches Workshop Committee and assist with location selection, preparation of the program, and registration at the site; and to assist the Speech State Championships Committee at the Speech State Championships Workday.
4.4. The duties of the First Vice President shall be to assume the duties of the President when the President is unable to do so; to serve as chairperson of the Protest and Nominating Committees; to publicize the person selected as the "Speech Educator of the Year"; to serve as the high school liaison to the college Speech State Championships Directors; to serve as a member of the Coaches Workshop Committee and send price and facilities information to the Newsletter Editor, assist with preparation of the program, and assist with registration at the site; and to assist the Speech State Championships Committee at the Speech State Championships Workday.
4.5. The duties of the Second Vice President shall be to assume the duties of the President and First Vice President when they are unable to do so; to assist the Speech State Championships Committee at the Speech State Championships Workday; and to assist as required at the Speech State Championships. During the Speech State Championships, the Second Vice President shall investigate anticipated retirements and resignations from current speech and debate positions at member schools. Before the end of the school year, the Second Vice President shall forward a letter to the school administration of the district with the anticipated vacancy emphasizing the importance of continuing the program of speech and debate at that school.
4.6. The duties of the Secretary shall be to keep minutes of all meetings of the association and its Executive Committee and mail those minutes in a timely fashion to the President and Newsletter Editor for distribution to the membership; to publish the agenda for all meetings; to prepare and count all mail ballots; to assist the president in the creation of a Coaches membership list; to make arrangements for the Speech State Championships Banquet / Dessert; to assist the Treasurer with banquet / dessert ticket preparation at the Speech State Championships Workday; and to assist the Treasurer with registration at the Speech State Championships.
4.7. The duties of the Treasurer shall be to collect the annual coaches' and advisors' dues; to disburse the funds of the association; to publish quarterly financial statements; to complete banquet / dessert ticket preparation at the Speech State Championships Workday; to assist the Secretary with registration at the Speech State Championships; to arrange for the purchase and presentation of "Four-Year Participant” awards; and to collect registration forms and fees for the Coaches Speech Workshop.
4.8. It shall be the duty of the Immediate Past President to serve as Ombudsman at the Speech State Championships; the Ombudsman shall act as a resource for Speech State Championships inquiries, and shall provide information and support for coaches in a non-protest setting. Additionally, the duties of the Immediate Past President shall be to assist the Speech State Championships Committee at the Speech State Championships Workday; and to serve as the Chairperson of the Coaches Workshop Committee and to set the workshop program, serve as moderator, assist with registration, and arrange for guest speakers including negotiating fees, expenses and housing arrangements.
4.9. The Executive Committee shall confirm a volunteer to the position of Newsletter Editor. The duty of the Newsletter Editor shall be to write and solicit articles, agendas, reports, ballots and other information in order to publish timely issues of the association Newsletter.
4.10. All other Speech State Championships duties and responsibilities not listed in the officer duties listed here and Speech State Championships Committee duties listed elsewhere in this rules book shall be performed by the OSAA. Duties to be performed by the OSAA shall include but not limited to distribution of District Tournament forms and materials to District Directors; collection of district results and preparation of Speech State Championships Workday materials; Speech State Championships arrangements including site and facilities, finances, forms and ballots, and publicity; maintenance of state speech coach and judge lists; creation and distribution of a yearly schedule of sanctioned speech tournaments; supervision of the policy and value debate topic selection process and / or notification; and serve as editor of the State Speech Handbook.
4.11. The duties of the Executive Committee shall be to nominate and elect a Speech State Championships Committee and Director to operate the Speech State Championships according to the instructions provided in this Speech Handbook; and to formulate the policies and procedures for all activities of the association not established elsewhere in this Constitution.
4.12. The Executive Committee shall meet not fewer than three times each year. The first meeting shall be held in early fall with the purpose of planning the association's activities for the coming year. The second meeting shall be held in mid-winter to evaluate progress and plan spring activities for the year. The third meeting shall be held in the late spring for the year-end evaluation and planning for summer activities. Officers who must travel solely for the purpose of attending a meeting of the association shall be reimbursed by the association.
4.13. All action taken by the Executive Committee shall be subject to veto by a majority vote of the membership on a statewide mail ballot.
5. Article 5 – Annual Business Meeting
The Annual Business Meeting of the association shall be held at a time and location designated by the President. Each association member present shall be entitled to one vote.
6. Article 6 – District Placement
6.1. Each school shall compete at the District Speech Tournament in the district to which it has been assigned according to the list maintained by the OSAA.
6.2. New schools joining the activity shall be placed in the appropriate geographical district by the OSAA using the following criterion in the order listed: geographic location of the school, creation of districts of relatively balanced size, league affiliation of the school in other activities, previous placement (if the school is re-entering the activity), school preference.
7.1. District Tournaments shall be held and directed by the District Director for each district. To the extent possible, District Tournaments shall follow Speech State Championships rules and procedures.
7.2. The Speech State Championships shall be held in April on a date and at a location selected by the OSAA.
7.3. The Speech State Championships shall be directed by the Speech State Championships Committee and Director who have been nominated and elected by the Executive Committee according to the procedures included in the By-laws of this Speech Handbook. The Speech State Championship Director shall operate the tournament according to the rules contained in this Speech Handbook.
8.1. Schools participating at the District and Speech State Championships shall be registered with the OSAA to participate in Speech Activities.
8.2. Students participating at the District and Speech State Championships shall meet OSAA student eligibility standards. See also Rule 8, Rules section.
9. Article 9 – Amendments
This Constitution may be amended by a majority vote of members responding to a statewide ballot. Amendments may also be made at any time by a majority vote of the Executive Committee subject to ratification by a majority vote of the members responding to a statewide mail ballot. Changes thus approved shall not take effect until September following the adoption, or until approved by the OSAA where applicable.
10. Article 10 – OSAA Student Activities Advisory Committee Representatives
Two coaches shall be elected to serve three-year terms on the OSAA Student Activities Advisory Committee according to the timeline established by the OSAA. Consecutive terms for individuals are prohibited unless no other candidate chooses to run for the position.
11. Article 11 – National Topic Selection Meeting Representative
11.1. The association shall maintain a representative to the yearly debate topic selection meeting of the National Federation.
11.2. This representative shall be selected in the following manner:
11.2.1. Anyone interested in the position may file for consideration two weeks prior to the Annual Business Meeting, or up to one year in advance of the availability of the position.
11.2.2. Any coach in good standing with the association may file for the position.
11.2.3. The representative shall be elected by a majority vote of the members responding to a statewide preferential ballot.
11.3. The duties of the National Topic Selection Meeting Representative shall be as follows:
11.3.1. The representative shall serve for three consecutive years.
11.3.2. The representative shall-
(a) Gain input from the coaches of the association as to their desires and priorities dealing with the topics under consideration for debate and discussion areas.
(b) Present a yearly report on the National Topic Selection Meeting at the winter Executive Committee meeting.
(c) Prepare a topic report to be presented at the second National Topic Selection Meeting attended.
11.4. Full transportation and lodging plus per diem shall be provided by the association to the coach elected as the association's National Topic Selection Meeting Representative.
BY-LAWS
1. Annual Business Meeting Procedures
The following rules shall apply to the conduct of the Annual Business Meeting:
1.1. Any Constitutional Amendment proposed for consideration at the Annual Business Meeting shall be submitted to the President and Secretary with justification at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
1.2. Committee Reports shall be submitted to the President and Secretary at the Annual Business Meeting.
1.3. Any potential Agenda Items shall be submitted to the President and the Secretary at least two weeks prior to the Annual Business Meeting.
1.4. The agenda for the Annual Business Meeting shall be mailed to all members prior to the meeting. Copies of Constitutional Amendments, Committee Reports, and other items of business shall be made available to members at the beginning of the meeting.
1.5. Once a business item has been covered, that item may not be reopened until after the agenda has been completed.
1.6. The President shall invoke the written motion and the amendment sections of Robert's "Rules of Order," Revised.
2. Speech Educator of the Year Award
2.1. General. Each year, the association may honor a member of the speech education field as Speech Educator of the Year. To be considered, the educator must be nominated in writing. The nomination form should address the qualities of the nominee based on some or al of the following criteria: level of involvement in speech and related activities (the nominee need not be presently coaching or in the classroom, but needs to have made significant contributions to this field); demonstration of commitment or dedication to improvement of speech curriculum; demonstration to students and professional peers of model behavior; and receipt of other professional awards.
2.2. Nomination procedures and timelines. Nomination forms may be obtained from the OSAA, and should be submitted to the Executive Committee to be received prior to the Annual Business Meeting. Any active coach may nominate up to two candidates per year. The nominator assumes the responsibility for writing a biography of the candidate and serving as an advocate for the selection of the candidate.
2.3. Selection. The Executive Committee shall select the Speech Educator of the Year and shall announce the recipient at the Speech State Championships. The recipient shall receive the award the following year at the Speech State Championships Banquet / Dessert.
2.4. Publicity. The First Vice President shall work in conjunction with the advocate / nominator to publicize the winner of the Speech Educator of the Year Award and to complete and submit the state nomination form for possible NFISDA recognition of the nominee.
2.5. Award. An award will be presented to the winning coach at the Speech State Championships Banquet / Dessert. The principal and school district of the winner shall also be notified by the First Vice President. Individuals receiving the Speech Educator of the Year award are automatically inducted into the Oregon Speech Hall of Fame upon retirement.
3. Communicator of the Year Award. Each year, the association may honor a non-coach who has made exceptional contributions as a communicator in fields such as business, politics, acting, journalism, civil leadership, etc. The criteria and selection process are the same as the Speech Educator of the Year.
Each year, the association may honor a member of the speech community who has made exceptional contributions to speech education with election to the Oregon Speech Hall of Fame. The criteria and selection process are the same as the Speech Educator of the Year, with these exceptions:
(a) Potential nominees are not eligible until three years after retirement from coaching.
(b) Retirement means not presently coaching; candidates may still be associated with education as teachers, administrators, etc.
5.1. District Directors shall be selected each year by the coaches in the respective districts and named at the Annual Business Meeting for the following year.
5.2. District Directors should make every attempt to represent their districts at the fall, winter and spring Executive Board Meetings.
5.3. When feasible, District Directors should hold a pre-District Tournament meeting of coaches in the District to:
5.3.1. Decide upon District policies.
5.3.2. Set the date and site for the District Tournament.
5.3.3. Establish acceptable guidelines to prevent misunderstandings.
5.3.4. Discuss any other concerns the coaches may have.
5.4. District Directors shall make arrangements to conduct the District Tournament.
5.4.1. The District Tournament shall resemble the Speech State Championships as closely as possible.
5.4.2. Colleges and other sources of judges should be notified of the date, site and potential judging needs.
5.4.3. Certificates should be ordered from the OSAA at least one month prior to the contest.
5.4.4. Exact timing for the Radio event should be arranged.
5.4.5. All Speech State Championships information available (schedule, hotels list, banquet information, etc.) should be distributed to schools at the District Tournament.
5.4.6. Results of the District Tournament, complete in every detail, should be transmitted to the OSAA following the District Tournament according to the timelines and procedures established by the OSAA.
6. District Tournament Procedures
6.1. To the extent feasible, District Tournaments shall operate under Speech State Championships rules, except in debate matching to determine Speech State Championships participation. See Speech State Championships Committee and Director section in this Handbook.
6.2. No contestant may appear at the Speech State Championships without first competing and placing in a District Speech Tournament and being certified as a Speech State Championships participant by a District Director unless the contestant is a substitute speaker in Oregon Style Cross-Examination Debate or Dual Interpretation.
6.3. In the absence of competing schools, it may be necessary to declare a winner by default to represent the District at the Speech State Championships.
6.4. Tear-apart ballots shall be used at District competitions.
6.5. District Tournaments must be held at least 10 days prior to the Speech State Championships. There shall be no exceptions to this rule.
6.6. Number of Individual Event Entries at District Tournaments. Each school may have a maximum of 26 entries, including Lincoln-Douglas Debate, at the District Tournament. A maximum of three entries may be placed in any one event. Each Dual Interpretation entry counts as a single individual events entry.
6.7. Number of Oregon Style Cross-Examination Debate Entries at District Tournaments. Each school may enter a maximum of three Oregon Style Cross-Examination Debate Teams at the District Tournament.
6.8. Number of Public Debate Entries at District Tournaments. Each school may enter a maximum of three Public Debate Teams at the District Tournament.
6.9. Number of events per student. Any student may enter a maximum of two Individual Events and one Debate event at the District or Speech State Championships. No student may participate in more than two Individual Events or more than one Debate event.
6.10. District Debate Tournament Matching Procedures. District Debate Tournaments are "double elimination" tournaments; after round two and subsequent rounds, teams with two losses shall be eliminated from competition.
6.10.1. After round one, winners shall face winners; losers shall face losers, EXCEPT:
(a) If there is an odd number of winners, a team with one loss shall be randomly chosen (consistent with the criterion listed in Section 5 of the Speech State Championships debate matching procedures) to face the additional winner.
(b) Teams from the same school shall not meet unless the only remaining teams are from the same school, or three of the four remaining teams are from the same school.
6.10.2. Byes shall be drawn using the same procedures and rules as used at the Speech State Championships except as specified in Section C-2 below. See Speech State Championships Committee and Director section in this Handbook.
6.10.3. The following rules apply to districts sending only two teams to the Speech State Championships:
(a) If, at the time of the deciding or final round, an undefeated team has defeated all remaining contenders in District competition, the undefeated team shall receive a bye. Additional Speech State Championships Qualifiers shall be determined by the matching of one-loss teams.
(b) If only three teams remain in the tournament, and one team has defeated the other two, that team shall receive a bye to the Speech State Championships regardless of overall record.
(c) In the deciding round to determine two slots for the Speech State Championships, one-loss teams may not be given a bye unless the one-loss team has defeated the other two remaining teams.
6.10.4. If, following the “final” debate round at the district tournament, fewer debaters remain than there are qualifying slots available for that district to the Speech State Championships, the additional qualifiers shall be selected from those that received their second loss during the “final” round using the following criteria in the order listed:
(a) Head-to-head competition among the teams being considered for the additional slot.
(b) If the debaters have not met, a run-off round shall be held.
6.11. Certification of District Winners for the Speech State Championships.
6.11.1. Speech State Championships Oregon Style Cross-Examination Debate Entries. The number of Oregon Style Cross-Examination Debate Entries for the Speech State Championships from each District shall be based on the following schedule:
1-2 teams at District District qualifies 1 team to Speech State Championships.
3-4 teams at District District qualifies 2 teams to Speech State Championships.
5-6 teams at District District qualifies 3 teams to Speech State Championships.
7-8 teams at District District qualifies 4 teams to Speech State Championships.
9-11 teams at District District qualifies 5 teams to Speech State Championships.
12-15 teams at District District qualifies 6 teams to Speech State Championships.
16-19 teams at District District qualifies 7 teams to Speech State Championships.
6.11.2. Speech State Championships Public Debate Entries. The number of Public Debate Entries for the Speech State Championships from each District shall be based on the following schedule:
1 team at District District qualifies 1 team to Speech State Championships.
2-8 teams at District District qualifies 2 teams to Speech State Championships.
9-16 teams at District District qualifies 3 teams to Speech State Championships.
17+ teams at District District qualifies 4 teams to Speech State Championships.
6.11.3. Speech State Championships Lincoln-Douglas Debate Entries. The number of Lincoln-Douglas Debate Entries for the Speech State Championships from each District shall be based on the following schedule:
1-5 speakers at District District qualifies 2 speakers to Speech State Championships.
6-10 speakers at District District qualifies 3 speakers to Speech State Championships.
11-15 speakers at District District qualifies 4 speakers to Speech State Championships.
NOTE: All debaters qualifying for the Speech State Championships must debate at District unless only one school is entered in the event.
6.11.4. Speech State Championships Individual Event Entries. The number of Individual Event Entries for the Speech State Championships from each District shall be based on the following schedule:
1-11 speakers at District District qualifies 2 speakers to Speech State Championships.
12-17 speakers at District District qualifies 3 speakers to Speech State Championships.
18-24 speakers at District District qualifies 4 speakers to Speech State Championships.
24 + speakers at District District qualifies 4 speakers to Speech State Championships.
6.11.5. Alternates. At District Tournaments, District Directors shall announce Individual Event alternates who shall come to the Speech State Championships whenever a District place winner is unable to attend. It is the responsibility of the coach of a Speech State Championships Qualifying Contestant to notify the District Director if that contestant cannot attend the Speech State Championships; the District Director shall then confirm that the alternate will attend and contact the OSAA with the substitution. If the alternate is unable to attend, the next highest placing district participant in that event may fill the position.
6.11.6. Team Event Substitutions. In Oregon Style Cross-Examination Debate, Public Debate, and Dual Interpretation, a coach is allowed to substitute one speaker who has not qualified for the Speech State Championships in that event for one who has.
7. Speech State Championships Site Selection. The Speech State Championships shall be held in April on a date and at a location selected by the OSAA.
8. Speech State Championships Fees. Neither team nor individual participant entry fees shall be charged to schools with participants in the Speech State Championships. Funds for administration of the state championships shall be generated from OSAA membership dues, activity fees, and corporate sponsorship agreements.
9. Speech State Championships Committee and Director
9.1. There shall be a nine member Speech State Championships Committee charged with conducting the tournament equitably while following all procedures in Section 4. The first five members shall be elected by the Executive Committee and the last four members selected by the elected five member Committee. The Speech State Championships Committee shall designate one of its members as Speech State Championships Director.
9.1.1. The Speech State Championships Director shall have had prior experience as director or supervisor of at least two tournaments involving 10 or more schools.
9.1.2. The Speech State Championships Director and Committee shall be able to devote the necessary time to successfully conduct the Speech State Championships.
9.2. The amount paid to the Speech State Championships Director and Committee members shall be set by the OSAA.
9.3. The duties of the Speech State Championships Committee and Director shall include the following.
9.3.1. Cooperate with the OSAA in the distribution of District Tournament results forms and Speech State Championships Schedules to district directors.
9.3.2. Operate the Speech State Championships according to the rules contained in this Speech Handbook.
9.3.3. The Director shall consult with the Speech State Championships Committee members and assign the duties of the individual members before and during the Speech State Championships.
9.4. The Speech State Championships Committee and association officers shall meet on the Saturday prior to the tournament at a Speech State Championships Workday at which preliminary rounds of all events shall be pre-matched.
9.4.1. To the extent possible, there shall be no speaking, district or selection / subject conflicts in individual events during the preliminary rounds. Rounds shall be scheduled at enough different times to prevent conflicts.
9.4.2. Each individual event contestant shall be scheduled to perform twice during the preliminary rounds. Pre-matched rounds shall be distributed at the beginning of the Speech State Championships.
9.4.3. The first round of debate shall be matched at the Workday using the criteria listed in Section 5. However, the pairings shall not be distributed at the beginning of the Speech State Championships; pairings shall be posted 30 minutes prior to each debate round. Subsequent preliminary rounds shall match teams of the same record (“power match”) except that when there are an uneven number of teams in a power bracket, a team from the next lower power bracket shall be randomly drawn up to debate in the higher power bracket.
9.5. Preliminary round debate pairings shall be made according to the following criteria. These considerations take precedence in the order listed. AVOID:
9.5.1. The meeting of two teams from the same school.
9.5.2. The meeting of two teams, which have met previously in the Speech State Championships.
9.5.3. The meeting of two teams from the same district.
9.5.4. If teams must meet again, sides shall be reversed from the previous meeting.
9.5.5. To the extent possible, teams should alternate sides.
9.6. Byes shall be given with the following considerations taking precedence in the order listed.
9.6.1. All byes must be drawn at random from the lowest power bracket after determining that all items in Section 5 have not been violated.
9.6.2. No team shall receive more than one bye unless all remaining teams have previously received a bye.
9.6.3. At the district tournament, no undefeated team shall receive a bye unless all remaining teams are undefeated.
9.7. After the four preliminary rounds, teams shall be selected to advance to a single elimination tournament using the following criterion in the order listed:
9.7.1. Higher number of wins.
9.7.2. Higher speaker points.
9.7.3. Higher quality of competition in preliminary rounds.
9.8. The quantity of teams to advance past the four guaranteed rounds shall be set using the following guidelines:
9.8.1. 32 or more teams entered – 16 teams shall advance.
9.8.2. 16 to 31 teams entered – 8 teams shall advance.
9.8.3. 8 to 15 teams entered – 4 teams shall advance.
9.8.4. If fewer than 8 teams are entered, the event shall be run as a double elimination tournament using the same rules as the district tournament until only two teams remain. When only two teams remain, they shall debate and the winner shall be declared state champion.
9.9. The teams advancing shall be ranked according to the same criterion used to determine which teams advance, and brackets shall be established such that the top ranked team shall debate the lowest ranked team, the second ranked team shall debate the second lowest ranked team, and so on. The posting should obscure the brackets. See Appendix – Speech Brackets.
9.9.1. Teams shall flip for sides in all "out" rounds unless the teams have met previously in the tournament. Teams that have met previously shall reverse sides when they meet for the second time.
9.9.2. The brackets shall be maintained through subsequent rounds, and shall be broken only to prevent the meeting of two teams from the same school prior to the final round.
9.10. The Director and Speech State Championships Committee are to secure judges for the Speech State Championships.
9.10.1. Coaches shall be given minimum judging assignments at the time of registration.
(a) Coaches with students remaining in competition on Saturday must be available to judge beginning with the first Saturday morning round.
(b) If a coach does not fulfill assigned judging obligations without prior clearance from the Judging Committee, the school may be subject to censure and fine by the OSAA.
9.10.2. Judges' qualifications:
(a) Judges shall have experience in competition or college speech courses.
(b) Judges shall have experience in the events they judge.
(c) Professional people may be used as judges if they have had speech training and experience in judging the events to which they are assigned.
9.10.3. Assigning judges. To the extent possible, AVOID ASSIGNING:
(a) Judges to hear a contestant from a school in which the judge has served recently as a student, coach, teacher, student teacher or observer.
(b) More than one judge from the same school to a panel of multiple judges.
9.10.4. Protests of judges. The Director shall post a list, before the Speech State Championships start, of all judges to be used at the Speech State Championships. Additions to this list may be made during the course of the Speech State Championships the judge's name is posted one hour before being assigned to judge or by consent of all coaches involved. Any protest over the assignment of a judge MUST BE MADE BEFORE THE JUDGE IS ASSIGNED.
(a) Coaches are responsible for checking the list of judges when it is posted and immediately informing the Director of the protest. Protests made as the rounds are posted shall not be honored.
(b) The Director shall inform the Judges' Coordinator of any valid protests so that the protested judge is not assigned to judge the protesting school.
(c) The Judges' Coordinator shall ignore any requests by coaches or students to have a particular judge for their round.
(d) Each school shall be limited to a maximum of three protested judges at any Speech State Championships.
(e) Coaches may not be protested.
9.10.5. In debate:
(a) Single judges shall be used in the four preliminary rounds.
(b) Three judges shall be used in rounds past the preliminary rounds unless the Speech State Championships site and judge availability prohibit it.
(c) For the Semifinals and Finals, the Judges' Coordinator shall create judging panels, which include two, or three coaches unless such panels are impractical.
9.10.6. In individual events, two judges shall be used in preliminary rounds, and three judges shall be used in semifinal and final rounds.
9.11. The Speech State Championships Committee and Director shall tabulate results and determine winners. In Individual Events, winners shall be determined using the following criterion:
9.11.1. Ranking. All ranks, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and so on, shall be recorded and counted in determining finalists and winners.
9.11.2. Advancing. Following the preliminary rounds (two rounds with two judges each round), the scores shall be added and the lowest cumulative score method shall be used to select the speakers who shall advance to Semifinals. The scores from the three Semifinal judges shall be added to the preliminary round scores to determine which speakers shall advance to Finals. Clean slate finals shall be used to determine winners in all Individual Events.
9.11.3. Semifinals. Semifinals shall be held in any Individual Event in which eight or more contestants are in contention for finals.
9.11.4. Ties. A simple tie in total score shall be resolved in favor of the contestant preferred by two of the three final judges. In a triple or greater tie, the ranks shall be converted to reciprocal fractions: 1st to 1.0; 2nd to .50; 3rd to .33; 4th to .25; 5th to .20; and places awarded to the highest totals. If conversion to reciprocal fractions does not resolve the tie, the following factors shall be considered in the order listed: overall cumulative score, then overall number of ones, then overall number of twos, and so on, until the tie is resolved. In the case of an unbreakable tie at the District Tournament, a run-off would have to be conducted.
9.11.5. Timing. Absolutely no disqualification may take place on the basis of time if a stopwatch is not used. This rule applies to all events except finals in ADS and Memorized Humorous, which are not to be timed.
9.12. The Speech State Championships Director shall file a Speech State Championships Report with the association President within two weeks of the completion of the Speech State Championships.
10. Speech State Championships Protest Committee
10.1. Purpose. It is the function of the Protest Committee to deal with all Speech State Championships protests. All protests shall be handled at the earliest possible time.
10.2. Committee membership. Each year, the association membership shall elect two non-officer Protest Committee members who have coached for at least three years for the ensuing year. The First Vice President shall be the Protest Committee Chairperson.
10.3. Acceptable grounds for protest. A judge's decision may not be protested, but the procedures may be.
10.4. The Protest Committee Procedures are as follows:
10.4.1. At least one member of the Protest Committee shall be on duty at the Speech State Championships at all times. Members of the Protest Committee must serve all three days and shall remain on duty 30 minutes past the awards assembly at the conclusion of the Speech State Championships.
10.4.2. A coach may present a written protest including the following items to the Protest Committee member on duty. (A printed form on which the protest may be filed is available from the Director.)
(a) Name of coach and school filing the protest.
(b) Other coaches and school directly involved.
(c) Students involved.
(d) Event, round, section and room involved.
(e) Name of the judge (or judges) and timekeeper.
(f) Exact reason for the protest.
10.4.3. Upon receiving the protest, the Protest Committee member on duty shall:
(a) Send for the other members of the Committee.
(b) Contact the other coaches involved in the protest.
(c) If one or both other members of the Protest Committee are not available after thirty minutes, select a replacement or replacements from available non-involved coaches to join the on-duty member and serve as the Protest Committee for that protest.
(d) Obtain approval of the coaches involved in the protest of the committee, which will respond to the protest.
10.4.4. The Protest Committee shall attempt to gather the facts by privately:
(a) Talking to the coaches involved, and, if possible, directly with the contestants.
(b) Talking to the judges and timekeepers.
(c) Talking to other witnesses.
(d) Talking to the Speech State Championships Director about the rationale for the procedures that were used.
10.4.5. The Protest Committee shall privately discuss the case and arrive at a conclusion. The Protest Committee Chairperson shall write a response to the protest stating the reasons for the committee's decision based upon the point of contention, and shall provide a copy of the decision to the coach(es) involved. The Committee Chairperson shall also inform the Speech State Championships Director of the outcome of the protest.
10.4.6. If possible, the Speech State Championships Director shall respond to the decision of the Protest Committee before the next round. All decisions of the Speech State Championships Director (in consultation with the State Championships Committee) are final and subject only to OSAA regulations.
10.4.7. Each district shall handle its own protests.
11.1. State Team Championships. State Team Championships shall be awarded to schools in two classifications: "Small Schools" (all 1A, 2A and 3A schools as classified by the OSAA) and "Large Schools" (all 4A schools as classified by the OSAA). The top five schools in each classification shall receive trophies.
11.2. Team Championship Points shall be awarded as follows:
11.2.1. Oregon Style Cross-Examination Debate
First 20 points
Second 15 points
Semifinals 10 points for each team, including ties
Quarterfinals 5 points for each team, including ties
Octofinals 2 points for each team, including ties
11.2.2. Public Debate and Lincoln-Douglas Debate
First 15 points
Second 10 points
Semifinals 7 points for each debater, including ties
Quarterfinals 4 points for each debater, including ties
Octofinals 2 points for each debater, including ties
11.2.3. Individual Events. NOTE: In the event of an unbreakable tie in an individual event, each speaker in the tie shall receive the full amount of points for that place.
First 10 points
Second 8 points
Third 6 points
Finalist 4 points
Semifinalist 2 points
11.2.4. Student Congress. NOTE: Students shall not receive points for serving as chairperson.
First 10 points
Second 8 points
Third 6 points
Final Congress:
Outstanding Speaker Nominees 4 points
Final Congress: Participants 2 points
11.3. First Place Winners. Speakers winning first place at the Speech State Championships are eligible to compete in the same event in subsequent years.
11.4. Awards.
11.4.1. Competition Awards. The OSAA shall provide medals for first, second and third place finishers as well as finalists in all events. All speakers participating at the Speech State Championships shall also receive certificates of participation.
11.4.2. Four-Year State Participant Awards.
(a) A student who participates in the Speech State Championships during all four years of his or her high school speech career shall receive a “Four-Year State Participant” award.
(b) A student who represents a high school that serves only grades 10-12 shall be eligible to receive the “Four-Year State Participant” award if the student participates at the Speech State Championships for all three years of high school.
(c) It shall be the responsibility of the qualifying student’s coach to notify the OHSSL-CA Treasurer immediately following the district speech tournament if a student with whom the coach works qualifies to receive a “Four-Year State Participant” award. The OHSSL-CA may set a deadline by which notifications must be received.
(d) It shall be the responsibility of the OHSSL-CA Treasurer to arrange for the purchase of a suitable award at OHSSL-CA expense.
(e) “Four-Year State Participant” awards shall be presented at Friday-night Recognition Assembly or the Speech State Championships Awards Assembly at the discretion of the OHSSL-CA Executive Board and the Speech State Championships Director.
11.5. Number of events per student. Any student may enter a maximum of two Individual Events and one Debate event at the District or Speech State Championships. No student may participate in more than two Individual Events or more than one Debate event, nor may a student perform on more than one Dual Interpretation team.
11.6. New speeches and readings. Individual Event speakers shall prepare new speeches and readings each year. No contestant may use a speech or selection for more than one year.
11.7. Timing. Absolutely no contestant may be disqualified for a timing violation unless a stopwatch was used for timing.
11.8. Bibliographies. Coaches are responsible for instructing their students on how to prepare bibliographies for individual events. See Appendix – Sample Bibliography.
11.9. Plagiarism. Students found to have plagiarized shall be disqualified. The following information on plagiarism is reprinted from WRITING: A COLLEGE HANDBOOK (New York: Norton, 1982) by James A. W. Heffernan and John E. Lincoln:
"Definition: Plagiarism is the dishonest act of presenting the words of another writer as if they were your own. You commit plagiarism whenever you use a source in any way without indicating that you have used it.
Five ways to plagiarize -
1. Word-for-word continuous copying without quotation marks or mention of the author's name.
2. Copying many words and phrases without quotation marks or mention of the author's name.
3. Copying an occasional key word or phrase without quotation marks or mention of the author's name.
4. Paraphrasing without mention of the author's name.
5. Taking the author's idea without acknowledging the source."
11.10. External Extenuating Circumstances. Judges shall deal with external extenuating circumstances during the round. The criteria for external extenuating circumstances are:
11.10.1. The circumstances must take place during the presentation.
11.10.2. The circumstances must significantly inhibit the judge's ability to evaluate the presentation.
12.1. Application. These rules apply to all debate forms: Oregon Style Cross-Examination Debate, Public Debate and Lincoln-Douglas Debate.
12.2. Conflicts. Debaters may enter only one form of debate.
12.3. Scheduling. Oregon Style Cross-Examination Debate and Lincoln-Douglas Debate shall run concurrently, if possible.
12.4. Posting time. Debate pairing shall not be posted more than 30 minutes before each round.
12.5. Eliminations. At the district tournament, every team is assured of two debates, but shall be eliminated from further competition after losing two debates. At the Speech State Championships, every team is assured of four debates, but shall be eliminated from further competition after losing one debate past the fourth round.
12.6. "Scouting". Contestants and coaches are discouraged from any form of scouting. In general, all students and coaches are allowed to hear their own debaters as well as any special Finals in Debate. However, debaters remaining in competition may not listen to debates in which they are not participants.
12.7. Ballots. Judges shall use Oregon High School Speech League debate ballots. Samples are available in the Appendix of this Speech Handbook. Competing schools shall each receive a copy of the tear-apart ballot.
12.8. Evidence Exchanges during the Round. It is recommended that evidence not be exchanged by debaters during debate rounds. Judges shall limit their requests for evidence to checks for accuracy and authenticity.
12.9. Evidence Source Citations. Debaters must cite, in the round, complete source citations including author, qualifications, publication, date and page number for each source used. Evidence not completely cited shall be treated as nonexistent by judges. Subsequent references to the same source in the same round may be less complete if the full source citation is included on the evidence and is available upon request.
12.10. Critiques. Judges may not provide oral critiques. All critiques including specific comments about the round and general comments about debate strategies and philosophies shall be written on the ballot. A description of the judge’s paradigm by the judge prior to the round shall not be considered an oral critique.
12.11. Disclosure. Except on the ballot, judges shall not disclose the outcome of a round with the participants in the round. Further, judges shall not discuss the performance of students they have judged with those students at any time during the tournament.
13.1. Oregon Style Cross-Examination Debate
13.1.1. Divisions
(a) At the District contest, schools shall be divided based upon OSAA size classification. Debate teams representing 1A, 2A and 3A schools shall compete in the "Small School" division; Debate teams representing 4A schools shall compete in the "Large School" division.
(b) At the State contest, all teams shall be combined into a single division regardless of the division in which they competed at the District level.
13.1.2. Team size
(a) Teams may compete as two, three or four-person teams. On a two-person team, both speakers must be prepared to debate both sides of the resolution; on a three-person team, one speaker shall debate both affirmative and negative, one shall debate only affirmative, and one shall debate only negative; and on a four-person team, two speakers may debate on affirmative and two on negative, or they may interchange at their discretion so long as only two speakers participate in any one debate. The third and / or fourth members of the team shall sit apart from the participants and shall not communicate in any way with the speakers during the round.
(b) Under the two, three or four-person arrangement, each ROUND shall involve only one debate, either affirmative or negative, for each team.
13.1.3. Length and order of speeches
Eight Minutes First Affirmative Constructive
Three Minutes Cross-Examination* by a Negative Speaker
Eight Minutes First Negative Constructive
Three Minutes Cross-Examination* by an Affirmative Speaker
Eight Minutes Second Affirmative Constructive
Three Minutes Cross-Examination* by the other Negative Speaker
Eight Minutes Second Negative Constructive
Three Minutes Cross-Examination* by the other Affirmative Speaker
Five Minutes First Negative Rebuttal
Five Minutes First Affirmative Rebuttal
Five Minutes Second Negative Rebuttal
Five Minutes Second Affirmative Rebuttal
*NOTE: “Tag team” cross-examination is not allowed. Cross-examination time may not be yielded to another team member. Each member of each team is responsible for asking all of the questions of one opponent and answering all of the questions of one opponent.
13.1.4. Rebuttals
(a) Speakers may change speaking order in rebuttals at the option of the coach and the team. Opening constructive speakers may speak last in rebuttal.
(b) No new arguments shall be allowed in rebuttal speeches.
13.1.5. Preparation time. Each team shall have a maximum of five minutes preparation time to be used at the discretion of the team.
13.1.6. Topic. See OSAA website, www.osaa.org, Speech homepage.
13.1.7. Other Rules. See General Debate Rules.
13.2.1. Team Size. In this debate form, there are two speakers to a team. The affirmative team is called the Proposition. The negative team is called the Opposition.
13.2.2. Length and Order of Speeches
7 minutes 1st Proposition constructive
8 minutes 1st Opposition constructive
8 minutes 2nd Proposition constructive
8 minutes 2nd Opposition constructive
4 minutes Opposition rebuttal (given by 1st Opposition speaker)
5 minutes Proposition rebuttal (given by 1st Proposition speaker)
13.2.3. Resolutions
(a) There shall be three resolutions per round.
(b) One resolution shall be a policy resolution, one resolution shall be a value resolution and the third resolution may be either a value or a policy resolution.
13.2.4. Topic Draw and Preparation Room Procedures
(a) Topics shall be drawn and preparation shall occur in the Public Debate Preparation Room.
(b) After examining the three-posted topics, teammates should discuss and prioritize the choices.
(c) When a team’s code number is called, the team may send up one representative topic proctor.
(d) The proctor shall ask the Proposition to strike first, then the Opposition. The remaining topic shall be debated.
(e) The proctor shall sign the topic slip and give it the Proposition to deliver to the judge(s) in the competition room.
(f) Teams are to prepare in the Prep Room on the selected topic. Work only with your partner. Keep your voices low so you do not help your opponents.
(g) The proctor shall dismiss both teams in a match to go to the competition room at the end of the 15-minute preparation period.
13.2.5. Materials allowed in the Public Debate Preparation Room and in the round
(a) Paper
(b) Dictionary. Allowed in Preparation Room ONLY.
(c) Pens or Pencils
(d) No other items are to be used in the round or during preparation. Other people may not be used as a resource.
13.2.6. Questions and Answers
(a) In this debate form, there is no formal cross-examination period for the speakers.
(b) Instead, the speakers have the option to ask questions during the opponents’ constructive speeches.
(c) When a question is desired, the questioner will stand and raise a hand to be acknowledged by the opponent who has two options:
(1) Say "No Thank You" and continue.
(2) Say "Proceed" and answer the question.
(d) Remember that the stopwatch will not stop for a question. Speakers must present their constructive speeches and answer questions in the allowed time. Questions cannot be asked during the first and last minute of the opponents’ constructive speeches. There shall be no questions during the rebuttals.
13.2.7. Judge Participation
(a) The Judge in a Public Debate is responsible for announcing each speaker and the amount of time for each speech. Example: "I will now call the 2nd Opposition forward for an eight minute speech," etc.
(b) The Judge is also responsible for letting the speakers know when to ask questions during the constructive by "rapping on the desk" when the speaker is one minute into the constructive and "rapping" again when one minute is left to speak.
(c) The Judge shall disregard any arguments made over the time limits. The Judge shall disregard new arguments in rebuttals with the exception of the Proposition’s response to new arguments made in the 2nd Opposition constructive. New examples, analysis, analogies, etc., which support previously introduced arguments are permitted in rebuttal speeches.
(d) The Judge shall penalize misrepresentations of opponent’s arguments, personal attacks on opponents and rudeness by reducing speaker points and factoring such infractions into the decision.
13.2.8. Heckling. No heckling is allowed other than supportive knocking, patting, or applause.
13.2.9. Points of Order and Points of Personal Privilege are not allowed.
13.2.10. Other Rules. See General Debate Rules.
13.3. Value Lincoln-Douglas Debate
13.3.1. Team. In this debate form, there is only one speaker to a team. A speaker in this contest must be prepared to debate both sides of the resolution.
13.3.2. Other events. A Value Lincoln-Douglas Debater may participate in up to two other Individual Events, but may not enter another Debate event.
13.3.3. Length and order of speeches.
Six Minutes Affirmative Constructive Speech
Three Minutes Negative Questions Affirmative
Seven Minutes Negative Constructive Speech
Three Minutes Affirmative Questions Negative
Four Minutes Affirmative Rebuttal
Six Minutes Negative Rebuttal
Three Minutes Affirmative Rebuttal
13.3.4. Preparation Time. Each Debater shall be allowed a maximum of three minutes preparation time to be used at his / her discretion.
13.3.5. Number of District Entries. Each school may enter a maximum of three Value Lincoln-Douglas teams in the District Tournament. In the absence of competing schools other than one, it shall be necessary to declare a Speech State Championships Qualifier by default. Each Value Lincoln-Douglas entry counts toward the maximum allowable quantity of individual event entries per school at the District Tournament.
13.3.6. Value Debate Topics
(a) September 1 - October 31 The September / October NFL topic (published in the September ROSTRUM) shall be used.
(b) November 1 - December 31 The November / December NFL topic (published in the October ROSTRUM) shall be used.
(c) January 1 - February 28 (29) The January / February NFL topic (published in the December ROSTRUM) shall be used.
(d) March 1 - April 30 The March / April NFL topic (published in the February ROSTRUM) shall be used.
13.3.7. Other Rules. See General Debate Rules.
13.4. Policy Lincoln-Douglas Debate
13.4.1. Team. In this debate form, there is only one speaker to a team. A speaker in this contest must be prepared to debate both sides of the resolution.
13.4.2. Other events. A Policy Lincoln-Douglas Debater may participate in up to two other Individual Events, but may not enter another Debate event.
13.4.3. Length and order of speeches.
Eight Minutes Affirmative Constructive Speech
Three Minutes Negative Questions Affirmative
Nine Minutes Negative Constructive Speech
Three Minutes Affirmative Questions Negative
Five Minutes Affirmative Rebuttal
Seven Minutes Negative Rebuttal
Three Minutes Affirmative Rebuttal
13.4.4. Preparation Time. Each Debater shall be allowed a maximum of three minutes preparation time to be used at his / her discretion.
13.4.5. Number of District Entries. Each school may enter a maximum of three Policy Lincoln-Douglas teams in the District Tournament. In the absence of competing schools other than one, it shall be necessary to declare a Speech State Championships Qualifier by default. Each Policy Lincoln-Douglas entry counts toward the maximum allowable quantity of individual event entries per school at the District Tournament.
13.4.6. Policy Debate Topic. See OSAA website, www.osaa.org, Speech homepage.
13.4.7. Other Rules. See General Debate Rules.
13.5.1. Communication among judges during the round. Judges must make independent decisions. Judges shall not discuss decisions with other judges prior to turning in ballots. Timekeepers may share the length of a given speech only. If questions arise regarding the rules or conduct of an event, judges shall ask at Speech State Championships headquarters.
13.5.2. Subject. The student chooses his own subject and develops an original speech. "Original" means "not copied, reproduced, or translated; novel, fresh; not borrowed from some other source."
13.5.3. General Purpose. To entertain.
13.5.4. Nature.
(a) The speech should have an undertone of seriousness.
(b) The speech should not be:
(1) A series of unrelated jokes.
(2) A skit or vaudeville performance.
(3) Dependent upon impersonation, although character suggestions and use of dialect in telling jokes or stories is permissible.
(4) A speech that is "acted out."
(c) Humor must always be in good taste. Offensive humor and materials shall not be permitted.
13.5.5. Length. The speech shall be no more than six minutes in length with 30 seconds of grace allowed. If laughter delays the speaker, the timekeeper shall make allowance by stopping the watch at the beginning and starting it at the end of each interruption. Time signals may be given at the speaker’s request; however, presentation within the time length is ultimately the responsibility of the speaker.
Contestants who violate the time limit may receive a lower rank. No contestant may be penalized if a stopwatch was not used for timing.
After-dinner Speaking Finals shall not be timed.
13.5.6. Preparation and Notes. The speech is prepared in advance. No notes are permitted and no promptings are allowed during the delivery of the speech.
13.5.7. Changing Speeches. The speech used at the District Tournament must also be used at the Speech State Championships.
13.5.8. Manuscripts. A copy of the speech, including the bibliography, must be available if requested by the Speech State Championships Director at the District or Speech State Championships. Failure to provide a manuscript if requested may be used as a basis for disqualification from the tournament.
13.6.1. Communication among judges during the round. Judges must make independent decisions. Judges shall not discuss decisions with other judges prior to turning in ballots. Timekeepers may share the length of a given speech only. If questions arise regarding the rules or conduct of an event, judges shall ask at Speech State Championships headquarters.
13.6.2. Length. Contestants shall speak no more than 10 minutes including the introduction and reading. Contestants who violate the time limit may receive a lower rank. If laughter delays the speakers, the timekeeper shall make allowance by stopping the watch at the beginning and starting it at the end of each interruption.
Time signals may be given at the speaker’s request; however, presentation within the time length is ultimately the responsibility of the speaker.
No contestant may be penalized if a stopwatch was not used for timing.
13.6.3. Introduction. Contestants shall appropriately introduce their readings. The introduction should be shared and memorized.
13.6.4. Presentation. Dual Interpretation is a presentation by two speakers both of whom should face the audience. The material shall be memorized.
13.6.5. Changing readings. Materials presented at the District Tournament must also be presented at the Speech State Championships.
13.6.6. Materials. The materials shall be cuttings from published, printed novels, short stories, plays or narrative poetry. For the purposes of this rule, materials published only electronically are not considered to be “published” or “printed.” Adaptations may be made for the purpose of continuity only.
Materials may be humorous and / or serious. Only one division shall exist in Dual Interpretation.
13.6.7. Re-use. No speaker may use a cutting from the same source that the speaker used in any contest previous to the current school year.
13.6.8. Overlap. Students may not use the same material or cuttings from the same source, in Dual Interpretation and any other interpretation event.
13.6.9. Instructions to the Judges. The responsibility of the speakers is to entertain the audience with the material used. The speakers should suggest the characters, moods, and changes of situation largely through their voices. Characterizations should be confined to facial expressions, postures, and character placement. Limited movement is allowed. This is a contest for the interpretation of a play, a cutting from a play, narrative poetry, or prose. This is not a contest in acting.
13.7.1. Communication among judges during the round. Judges must make independent decisions. Judges shall not discuss decisions with other judges prior to turning in ballots. Timekeepers may share the length of a given speech only. If questions arise regarding the rules or conduct of an event, judges shall ask at Speech State Championships headquarters.
13.7.2. Subject. The speaker is responsible for choosing an appropriate subject and may not use more than 100 quoted words including all short words such as "a", "an", "the", etc.
13.7.3. General Purpose. The basic purpose of the speech is to inform.
13.7.4. Nature. Argumentative, persuasive, or entertaining material may be used but only to illustrate, enliven, or clarify the information. If the emphasis is on any or all of these and information serves to develop them, the speech shall be considered to fall outside of the expository purpose. Materials should be represented in a logical manner in order to maintain a high level of interest by the listener.
13.7.5. Delivery. There should be an absence of marked defects in the mechanics of speech - poise, use and quality of voice, enunciation, fluency, bodily expressiveness. These factors should contribute to the holding of the listeners' interest.
13.7.6. Length. Eight minutes maximum with 30 seconds of grace is allowed. Time signals may be given at the speaker’s request; however, presentation within the time length is ultimately the responsibility of the speaker.
If laughter delays the speaker, the timekeeper shall make allowance by stopping the watch at the beginning and starting it at the end of each interruption.
Contestants who violate the time limit may receive a lower rank. No contestant may be penalized if a stopwatch was not used for timing.
13.7.7. Preparation and Notes. The speech is to be prepared in advance. No notes or manuscripts shall be allowed.
13.7.8. Visual Aids. These may not be in the central focus of the speech but must be used only to supplement the exposition. Animated visual aids, which are to be interpreted as any projected images, are prohibited.
13.7.9. Changing Speeches. The speech used at the District Tournament must also be used at the Speech State Championships.
13.7.10. Manuscripts. A copy of the speech, including the bibliography, must be available if requested by the Speech State Championships Director at the District or Speech State Championships. Failure to provide a manuscript if requested may be used as a basis for disqualification from the tournament.
13.8.1. Communication among judges during the round. Judges must make independent decisions. Judges shall not discuss decisions with other judges prior to turning in ballots. Timekeepers may share the length of a given speech only. If questions arise regarding the rules or conduct of an event, judges shall ask at Speech State Championships headquarters.
13.8.2. Topic. See OSAA website, www.osaa.org, Speech homepage.
13.8.3. Drawing of Subtopics. One-half hour before speaking time, each contestant shall draw three topics, one of which shall be chosen by the speaker.
13.8.4. Preparation. Contestants may use books or magazines during the preparation period, but may not confer with any other person about the topic. An extemp preparation room shall be available at Speech State Championships.
13.8.5. Length. A maximum of seven minutes shall be allowed for each speech with 30 seconds of grace. A speaker may be disqualified if he speaks more than 7-1 / 2 minutes. A timekeeper will use cards or hand signals showing the time left in the speech: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 1 / 2, 0.
If laughter delays the speaker, the timekeeper shall make allowance by stopping the watch at the beginning and starting it at the end of each interruption.
No contestant may be penalized if a stopwatch was not used for timing.
13.8.6. Notes. No notes may be used during the delivery, and no promptings are allowed.
13.8.7. District Topics. District Directors shall ask coaches to submit a certain number of topics to be used at the District Tournament.
13.9.1. Communication among judges during the round. Judges must make independent decisions. Judges shall not discuss decisions with other judges prior to turning in ballots. Timekeepers may share the length of a given speech only. If questions arise regarding the rules or conduct of an event, judges shall ask at Speech State Championships headquarters.
13.9.2. Topic Area. See OSAA website, www.osaa.org, Speech homepage.
13.9.3. Procedures of the Contest.
(a) Each contestant shall draw a topic slip containing three topics.
(b) Contestants may read aloud the topic chosen or may incorporate the topic statement into the speech.
(c) Contestants shall have 30 second to prepare before speaking. This 30 seconds shall not be counted as part of the five minutes with a 30 second period of grace provided as speaking time.
(d) Notes, materials, or previously prepared speech outlines shall not be allowed as the contestant speaks.
(e) Contestants are not allowed to hear the other speakers before them. After a contestant has spoken, however, he / she may remain in the room to hear the speakers who follow.
13.9.4. Length. Five minutes with a 30 second period of grace. A timekeeper shall use cards or hand signals showing the time left in the speech: 4, 3, 2, 1, 1 / 2, 0.
The 30-second preparation period shall not be counted as part of the speaking time.
If laughter delays the speaker, the timekeeper shall make allowance by stopping the watch at the beginning and starting it at the end of each interruption.
Contestants who violate the time limit may receive a lower rank. No contestant may be penalized if a stopwatch was not used for timing.
13.9.5. District Topics. District Directors shall ask coaches to submit a certain number of topics to be used at the District Tournament.
13.10.1. Communication among judges during the round. Judges must make independent decisions. Judges shall not discuss decisions with other judges prior to turning in ballots. Timekeepers may share the length of a given speech only. If questions arise regarding the rules or conduct of an event, judges shall ask at Speech State Championships headquarters.
13.10.2. Length. Contestants shall speak no more than 10 minutes with no grace period. If laughter delays the speaker, the timekeeper shall make allowance by stopping the watch at the beginning and starting it at the end of each interruption.
Time signals may be given at the speaker’s request; however, presentation within the time length is ultimately the responsibility of the speaker.
Contestants who violate the time limit may receive a lower rank. No contestant may be penalized if a stopwatch was not used for timing.
13.10.3. Introduction. Each speaker shall appropriately introduce the material. The title and author of the selection must be given.
13.10.4. Presentation. The materials are to be memorized. Physical objects, props or costumes are not allowed.
13.10.5. Changing Material. Materials given at the District Tournament must be given at the Speech State Championships.
13.10.6. Materials. They shall be cuttings from published, printed novels, short stories, plays, or poetry. For the purposes of this rule, materials published only electronically are not considered to be “published” or “printed.” Adaptations may be made for the purpose of continuity only. Selections may be chosen from any good literature without regard to publication date. Recordings are not allowed.
13.10.7. Re-use. No student may use a cutting from the same source, which he used in any contest previous to the current school year.
13.10.8. Overlap. Students may not use the same material, or cuttings from the same source, in Memorized Humorous and any other interpretation event.
13.10.9. Suggestions to the Judges. The responsibility of the speaker is to entertain the audience with the material used. Character portrayal should be confined to facial expression, gestures, postures, and character placement. Limited movement is allowed. This is not a solo acting contest.
13.11.1. Communication among judges during the round. Judges must make independent decisions. Judges shall not discuss decisions with other judges prior to turning in ballots. Timekeepers may share the length of a given speech only. If questions arise regarding the rules or conduct of an event, judges shall ask at Speech State Championships headquarters.
13.11.2. Length. Contestants shall speak no more than ten (10) minutes with no grace period. If laughter delays the speaker, the timekeeper shall make allowance by stopping the watch at the beginning and starting it at the end of each interruption.
Time signals may be given at the speaker’s request; however, presentation within the time length is ultimately the responsibility of the speaker.
Contestants who violate the time limit may receive a lower rank. No contestant may be penalized if a stopwatch was not used for timing.
13.11.3. Introduction. Each speaker shall appropriately introduce the material. The title and author of the selection must be given.
13.11.4. Presentation. The materials are to be memorized. Physical objects, props, or costumes are not allowed.
13.11.5. Changing Material. Materials given at the District Tournament must also be given at the Speech State Championships.
13.11.6. Materials. They shall be cuttings from published, printed novels, short stories, plays, or poetry. For the purposes of this rule, materials published only electronically are not considered to be “published” or “printed.” Adaptations may be made for the purpose of continuity only. Selections may be chosen from any good literature without regard to publication date. Recordings are not allowed.
13.11.7. Re-use. No speaker may use a cutting from the same source that the speaker used in any contest previous to the current school year.
13.11.8. Overlap. Students may not use the same material or cuttings from the same source, in Memorized Serious and any other interpretation event.
13.11.9. Suggestions to the Judges. The responsibility of the speaker is to entertain the audience with the material used. Character portrayal should be confined to facial expression, gestures, postures, and character placement. Limited movement is allowed. This is not a solo acting event.
13.12.1. Communication among judges during the round. Judges must make independent decisions. Judges shall not discuss decisions with other judges prior to turning in ballots. Timekeepers may share the length of a given speech only. If questions arise regarding the rules or conduct of an event, judges shall ask at Speech State Championships headquarters.
13.12.2. Subject. No limitation is placed on subject matter, other than that it be significant and worthy. The composition is to be the student's original work. No more than one hundred and fifty quoted words including all short words such as "a," "an," "the", etc., may be used.
13.12.3. Length. Each speech is limited to 10 minutes presentation time with no grace period.
Time signals may be given at the speaker’s request; however, presentation within the time length is ultimately the responsibility of the speaker.
If laughter delays the speaker, the timekeeper shall make allowance by stopping the watch at the beginning and starting it at the end of each interruption.
Contestants who violate the time limit may receive a lower rank. No contestant may be penalized if a stopwatch was not used for timing.
13.12.4. Manuscript. A copy of the speech, including the bibliography, must be available if requested by the Speech State Championships Director at the District or Speech State Championships. Failure to provide a manuscript if requested may be used as a basis for disqualification from the Speech State Championships.
13.12.5. Memorization. Verbatim memorization is optional. However, departures from the manuscript may not add to the length of the speech.
13.12.6. Changing Speeches. The oration used in the District Tournament must be used in the Speech State Championships.
13.12.7. Notes. No notes are permitted and no promptings are allowed.
13.12.8. Instructions to the Judges. In this contest, the students have chosen their own subjects, written their speeches, and committee them to memory. They are, however, permitted to deviate from the original script in order to make a better adjustment to the speaking situation. Students are expected to choose a significant subject. They may discuss a problem of social, economical, moral, or political importance, or they may praise (eulogize) a person or idea, or inveigh against an immoral practice, law, group, or person. Ordinarily, the student combines argument with emotional appeal. Speakers employ materials and language that are graphic, striking, and sometimes dramatic - but always with the desire to put the speaker's idea across, not to call attention to the speaker's techniques. The oration is a speech, not a dramatic reading.
13.13.1. Communication among judges during the round. Judges must make independent decisions. Judges shall not discuss decisions with other judges prior to turning in ballots. Timekeepers may share the length of a given speech only. If questions arise regarding the rules or conduct of an event, judges shall ask at Speech State Championships headquarters.
13.13.2. Theme. Contestants are to choose poems, which are related to and organized around a central theme.
Example of Theme. A central or unifying theme may be a poet, statesman, philanthropist, an idea, a philosophy, nature, an element of nature, a community, trees, death, etc. For example, using the theme of love, cuttings may be taken from Robert Burns' "Mary Morrison", William Wordsworth's "She Was a Phantom of Delight", and Lord Byron's "When We Two Parted", or using the theme of nature's changing seasons; cuttings might be taken from Robert Bridges' "London Snow", Swinburne's "Autumn in Cornwall", and Robert Frost's "Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening". Humorous poetry may be used.
13.13.3. Poems. No fewer than three poems or cuttings from three poems are to be used, and at least three poems are to be not less than eight lines. Judges should check the manuscripts to enforce this rule.
13.13.4. Introductions. Each poem should be appropriately introduced in order to give setting (if necessary), to relate it to the central theme, and to establish the proper mood for the audience. Introductions should be memorized or delivered extemporaneously.
13.13.5. Length. Contestants are allowed a speaking time of no more than eight minutes with 30 seconds of grace. This includes the introduction, poetry reading, and necessary transitions.
Time signals may be given at the speaker’s request; however, presentation within the time length is ultimately the responsibility of the speaker.
If laughter delays the speaker, the timekeeper shall make allowance by stopping the watch at the beginning and starting it at the end of each interruption.
Contestants who violate the time limit may receive a lower rank. No contestant may be penalized if a stopwatch was not used for timing.
13.13.6. Presentation. Students must read from a manuscript or from the printed page. Continued practice during the time of preparation may result in memorization of some passages. The aim of the reader, however, should not be complete memorization. Rather frequent references must be made to the manuscript during presentation of the materials. While standing primarily in one place, contestants may use limited gestures and facial, verbal and vocal expression.
13.13.7. Materials - Sources. Contestants are urged to select material within their grasp, their ability to understand and to interpret, but materials, which are good literature. Anthologies of modern poetry, British or American, as well as high school literature books should prove helpful. Original work of the student is encouraged.
13.13.8. Changing Readings. Poetry prepared for and used at the District Tournament must also be used at the Speech State Championships.
13.14.1. Communication among judges during the round. Judges must make independent decisions. Judges shall not discuss decisions with other judges prior to turning in ballots. Timekeepers may share the length of a given speech only. If questions arise regarding the rules or conduct of an event, judges shall ask at Speech State Championships headquarters.
13.14.2. Length. Contestants shall speak no more than eight minutes with a 30-second period of grace including the introduction and reading. If laughter delays the speaker, the timekeeper shall make allowance by stopping the watch at the beginning and starting it at the end of each interruption.
Time signals may be given at the speaker’s request; however, presentation within the time length is ultimately the responsibility of the speaker.
Contestants who violate the time limit may receive a lower rank. No contestant may be penalized if a stopwatch was not used for timing.
13.14.3. Introduction. Each reader shall appropriately introduce the reading. Introductions should be memorized or delivered extemporaneously.
13.14.4. Presentation. The materials are to be read from a manuscript or printed page. Continued practice during the time of preparation may result in memorization of some passages. The aim of the reader, however, should not be complete memorization. Rather frequent references must be made to the manuscript during the presentation of the materials. Contestants may use limited gestures while standing in one place and freely using facial, verbal and vocal expression. Contestants may use transition steps during introductions and transitions, which should be presented in an extemporaneous manner making use of appropriate gestures and physical movements.
13.14.5. Changing Readings. Materials read at the District Tournament must also be read at the Speech State Championships.
13.14.6. Materials.
(a) The materials shall be cuttings from published, printed short stories, novels or essays. For the purposes of this rule, materials published only electronically are not considered to be “published” or “printed.” No material may be presented from any work that is identified as a play / drama, poem, stand-up-comedy routine, sermon or speech.
(b) Adaptations may be made for the purpose of continuity only. Selections may be chosen from any good literature without regard to publication date.
(c) Both narration and dialogue are encouraged, but MORE THAN 50% OF THE WORDS IN THE SELECTION MUST BE NARRATION.
13.14.7. Re-use. No speaker may use a cutting from the same source that the speaker used in any contest previous to the current school year.
13.14.8. Overlap. Students may not use the same material or cuttings from the same source, in Prose Reading and any other interpretation event.
13.14.9. Instructions to the Judges. This is a contest for the interpretation of a cutting from a published, printed short story, novel, or essay. No speaker shall be penalized for a lack of dialogue in his or her presentation. The responsibility of the speaker is to entertain the audience with the material used. The speaker should suggest the characters, moods, and changes of situation largely through his voice. Characterizations should be confined to facial expressions, postures, and character placement, but there should be no movement of the entire body.
Special Note. Judges should expect that some readers, from constant practice of their selections, may be able to present portions from memory. Speakers are not to be penalized for this, as long as they refer rather frequently to their manuscripts or to the printed page in front of them.
13.15.1. Communication among judges during the round. Judges must make independent decisions. Judges shall not discuss decisions with other judges prior to turning in ballots. Timekeepers may share the length of a given speech only. If questions arise regarding the rules or conduct of an event, judges shall ask at Speech State Championships headquarters.
13.15.2. Subject. The speech shall be an original news commentary dealing with current events of the current school year.
13.15.3. Scripts. The script is to be an analysis of news, not simply a running synopsis of news. It is to be original and written by the contestant. A copy of the manuscript, including the bibliography, must be available if requested by the Speech State Championships Director at the District or Speech State Championships. Failure to provide a manuscript if requested may be used as a basis for disqualification from the Speech State Championships.
13.15.4. Quoted Material. The speaker may use no more than seventy-five quoted words including all short words such as "a", "an", "the", etc.
13.15.5. Length. The script should be timed to end between 4:45 and 5:15 minutes. Any speaker ending before 4:45 minutes or after 5:15 minutes shall be disqualified.
Time signals shall be given to the speaker indicating the amount of time the speaker has used, not time left.
No contestant may be disqualified if a stopwatch was not used for timing.
13.15.6. Procedure. Contestants shall be out of sight of the judges.
The script is to be read from a manuscript or printed page, and not committed to memory. It is not to be acted nor highly dramatized.
13.15.7. Changing Speeches. The radio speech used at the District Tournament must also be used at the Speech State Championships.
13.15.8. Bibliography. The script must include a bibliography of no fewer than two sources.
13.16. State Student Congress.
13.16.1. Apportioning.
(a) Each District shall be limited to five berths at the Congress, with a maximum of three berths for any one school.
(1) If more than five students in any District wish to attend the Congress, the District shall select the five entries.
(2) Districts may set their own priorities for selecting Congress representatives. Each District may use but is not limited to the following guidelines, listed in no order of priority.
Priority shall be given to students who:
a) Have attended a student congress during the current school year.
b) Have attended a student congress during any previous school year.
c) Attend a school that has not yet qualified a Speech State Championships competitor in any event during the current school year.
d) Are academic seniors.
e) Have achieved some measure of competitive speech success during the current school year.
f) Have been active in competitive speech for a significant period of time.
(b) If fewer than 25 total students attend the Congress, only one house shall be formed. For 26 to 50 students- two houses; for 51 to 75 students- three houses.
(c) The Congress schedule shall consist of a preliminary session on Friday morning, followed by afternoon and evening sessions the same day. There shall be morning and evening sessions on Saturday (Congress Finals ONLY).
(1) Each scorer and / or parliamentarian shall nominate a specific number of contestants for Congress Finals on Saturday. (Non-nominating parliamentarians may be assigned if necessary.) Nominees shall be announced at the end of each session and may not be nominated again. Only nominated speakers may participate in the Congress Finals on Saturday.
(2) The number of persons nominated for the Congress Finals shall be determined by the Congress Director based upon the total number of entrants at the State Congress. The Final Congress shall be composed of no fewer than 20 members, and no more than 25.
(3) All award winners shall be selected from Final Congress members only, using the selection procedures outlined in the State and NFL Student Congress Manual.
(d) No student who has already qualified in another event shall be eligible for the State Congress. Alternates to the Speech State Championships in other events may attend the State Congress, but if they become eligible in another event, they will be required to choose between that event and Congress.
13.16.2. Congress Officials.
(a) Each house shall require the services of a parliamentarian or a chief clerk to supervise that particular house, to preside in case a student officer becomes too deeply involved in parliamentary rules, to correct gross errors in procedure, and to record actions taken. Ordinarily, the parliamentarian should remain in the background, but step forward firmly when his / her presence is needed. This will be especially necessary when the presiding officer is weak. The presiding officer is the "boss" and members of the house should not be permitted to argue with him / her. The purpose of the Congress is to debate legislation, and it is the parliamentarian's duty to see that this is done. The duties of the parliamentarian and clerk may be performed by one person or divided between two.
(b) An official scorer (one for each half of the total session) shall be appointed in each house to assign speaking points.
(c) No coach shall be assigned to judge his / her own student in the Congress.
13.16.3. Bills and Resolutions.
(a) All bills and resolutions shall be distributed and prioritized at the preliminary session Friday morning. At the conclusion of the preliminary session, participants shall recess to prepare for the afternoon session.
(b) A bill is an enumeration of specific provisions which if enacted will have the force of law. A resolution is simply a generalized statement expressing a conviction. A resolution will generally center debate on the broad principles of the concept; a bill is more apt to focus debate on the merits of the specific provisions it contains. Although they are not necessary, whereas clauses may be included in resolutions; bills never contain whereas clauses. The use of both bills and resolutions will add variety to Congress proceedings.
13.16.4. Presiding Officer.
(a) The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House shall follow parliamentary procedure according to Robert's Rules of Order and the NFL Student Congress Manual.
(b) Bills and resolution shall appear in the order in which they appear on the calendar, unless the rules are suspended. (A motion to consider a bill out of sequence or not on the calendar is a suspension of the rules and requires a two-thirds vote.)
(c) The author of the bill or resolution shall be recognized to open the debate, but thereafter has no special privilege to be recognized over other members, and does not have the privilege to close the debate.
(d) Amendments must be in writing and must state exactly the words to be added or stricken. Amendments shall be considered only if they receive a second from one third of the members by a show of hands.
(e) Members shall claim the floor in debate only if they wish to oppose the views of the preceding speaker; debate will alternate. Presiding officers should discipline members who refuse to honor this principle by refusing further recognition.
(f) A member may speak more than once on the same question.
(g) Use of the motion for previous question shall be discouraged so long as members have something new to contribute to the discussion. (When the motion for previous question is made, a standing vote shall be taken, as a two-thirds majority is required. When no one wishes to take the floor for debate, the vote shall be taken without the motion for the previous question.)
(h) A member may not yield any portion of his / her speaking time to another except for a question. If the questioner attempts to make a statement or exposition, it should be suppressed immediately by the presiding officer.
(i) Toward the close of the session, the presiding officer shall announce, "The chair will recognize only those who have not spoken more than once." As soon as debate lags, the presiding officer may state, "General recognition will be resumed."
(j) The presiding officer should take votes quickly and with precision using the following or similar phrasing:
The question is the adoption of the motion (STATE THE EXACT MOTION). Those in favor say, "Aye"; opposed say, "No." The Ayes have it and the motion is adopted.
On the final vote on a bill or an amendment to a bill, and in all cases where other than a majority vote is required for passage, the presiding officer should call for a standing vote. A division of the house may be demanded by any two members on any question on which a voice vote has been taken. The call for a division of the house must be made before another motion has been placed before the assembly.
(k) As soon as debate has been closed on the last bill, the presiding officer shall conduct the election for superior members.
(l) Questions of procedures not covered by these rules shall be ruled according to Robert's Rules of Order and the NFL Student Congress Manual.
13.16.5. Superior Members.
(a) First, second and third place shall be awarded in Congress as in other Speech State Championships events. All those nominated for awards shall receive certificates. A gavel shall be presented to the outstanding chairperson.
(b) The scorer from each session shall cast a ballot for the top three speakers for that session, ranking them in order. The parliamentarian shall nominate two speakers at the end of the day, ranking them in order. Neither the parliamentarian nor either of the scorers may be informed of the previous nominees prior to their nomination.
(c) If the competitor with the highest total score has not been nominated by the parliamentarian or scorers, he or she shall be added to the nominees automatically as the parliamentarian’s third nomination.
(d) Each ranking shall be converted to a score:
Rank Score
1 6
2 4
3 2
(e) The Super Congress competitors shall then vote for one of the nominees. Their votes (one point for each vote) shall be added to the total scores earned from nominations by the parliamentarian and scorers. The highest total shall be awarded first place, the second highest second place, and so on. Ties shall be broken based upon judges’ preference.
13.16.6. The Official Scorer.
(a) The Official Scorer shall call the roll from the seating chart and verify that each member is seated in the place designated on the chart for that member.
(b) Using a stopwatch, the Official Scorer shall time speakers and call "Time" at the expiration of three minutes.
13.16.7. Awarding Credit Points.
(a) For each speech, a participant shall receive not more than six points as determined by the Official Scorer.
(b) Points are given for speaking only; none are awarded for attendance or for clerical duties.
(c) As a student finishes a speech, the Official Scorer shall award from 0 to 6 points.
(d) No speaker may receive more than 24 points in any legislative day.
13.16.8. Parliamentary Procedure Review.
It is necessary for all Congress participants to have a working knowledge of parliamentary procedure and Congress rules. The following suggestions should be helpful. All students can profit from studying them.
(a) Decisions on all bills and resolutions shall be by standing vote unless a roll call is demanded by one-fifth of the members.
(b) A division of the house may be demanded by any two members on any question on which a voice vote has been taken. The call for division must be made before another motion has been placed before the assembly.
(c) A motion to suspend the rules of the assembly must be passed by a two-thirds majority. This procedure is needed when the group wishes to consider a bill or resolution which is not on the official calendar or when the order of considering the business on the agenda is to be altered.
(d) Speakers are not to ask for the floor unless they wish to oppose the views of the preceding speaker. Debate must alternate from affirmative to negative. If no one wishes to oppose the preceding speaker, the presiding officer may recognize a speaker upholding the same side.
(e) All speeches are limited to three minutes in length. A speaker must relinquish the floor at the expiration of the time. When a participant has spoken five times (parliamentary motions or questions not included), the speaker shall not be recognized by the chair unless there is no one else requesting an opportunity to speak.
(f) The author of a bill or resolution shall be recognized for the privilege to open the debate on the bill or resolution, but thereafter has no special privilege to be recognized over other members, and does not have the privilege to close the debate. This also applies to the author of an amendment.
(g) Once a bill or resolution is taken up on the floor of the assembly, it no longer belongs to the author; it is the property of the group. It therefore is not correct to ask the author "what the bill (or part of the bill) means". The bill means what it says, and the group is not obligated to accept the author's interpretation of what it means.
(h) The motion for the previous question should not be overworked. As long as someone has something to say, they should be allowed to say it.
(i) The parliamentarian is the final authority on Student Congress rules and should correct any deviations from the rules.
(j) Under no circumstances are members permitted to argue with the presiding officer. The members elected the presiding officer and should abide by his / her decisions unless those decision grievously violate the rights of the assembly or its members.
13.16.9. Writing Bills and Resolution.
(a) Format. In constructing your bill or resolution, be sure that the following procedures are followed:
(1) The bill or resolution must be typed.
(2) The typing must be double spaced, and the bill or resolution may not be longer than one page.
(3) The first words of a bill are "Be It Enacted"; following any whereas clauses, the first words of a resolution are "Be It Resolved."
(4) Each line of a bill or resolution must be numbered.
(5) A resolution may be preceded by one or more "whereas clauses" but bills never have them.
(6) The language of a bill must always be in the imperative mood. That is, it must state exactly what is to be done and by whom.
(b) Bills. A bill is an enumeration of specific provisions which if enacted will have the force of law. It must be definite; it must state exactly what is to be done or not to be done. A penalty must be stipulated or the law will not have force. A bill does not have "whereas clauses."
(c) Resolutions. A simple resolution is a generalized statement expressing the beliefs of the group adopting it, and it does not have the force of law. Constitutional amendments fall into this category since they must be submitted to the states after they are passed by congress. Resolutions may be preceded by one or more whereas clauses, stating the principle reasons for adopting the resolution, but the number of clauses should be limited and may be omitted altogether.
(d) Example Bill:
Example Bill
1 Section 1. All journalists and news reporters or anyone associated with publication, news service, or
2 radio or television, be protected from identifying confidential sources or producing unpublished
3 information.
4 Section 2. Only in an instance in which all three of the following conditions are met shall a journalist or
5 news reporter, or anyone associated with publication, news service, or radio or television, be compelled
6 to reveal confidential sources, or unpublished information:
7 A. There is evidence that the protected person has information of a law violation.
8 B. There is no alternate means of obtaining the information.
9 C. There is a compelling and overriding national interest in the information or source.
10 Section 3. Anyone found in violation, either by withholding evidence that meets the three requirements
11 or by illegally obtaining confidential sources or unpublished information, may receive a minimum
sentence of four years in prison and / or $4000 fine.
Example Resolution
1 Whereas, it is axiomatic that it is fundamental to our country and her constitutional way of life that where
2 the Press can continue to be free, so, too, will our people remain free, and
3 Whereas, freedom of the Press may be stifled by direct or indirect restraints, and currently is, and
4 Whereas, the disclosure of confidential news sources threatens the Press's ability to obtain information,
5 and
6 Whereas, research shows that every major scandal in public office in the past twenty years was
7 revealed by journalists, and
8 Whereas, if we fail to protect confidential news sources we may never have this information again, and
9 Whereas, the failure to guarantee confidentiality of news sources threatens to preclude the fulfillment of
10 the public's right to know, therefore
11 BE IT RESOLVED by the Oregon State Student Congress assembled that two levels of
12 protection for newsmen's sources be established:
13 1) An absolute immunity from forced disclosure before grand juries, legislative committees, and
14 government agencies.
15 2) A severely limited immunity before open courts involved in criminal cases.
1. An ethical coach should not share the flow sheet on a debate judged while that coach's teams are still in contention. General discussion concerning types of cases is not considered the same as sharing a flow.
2. The coach should discourage the trading of flow sheets between schools during the tournament.
3. Judges should not share a debate flow sheet or discuss with the contestants what has been judged in any event during the tournament.
4. Fabrication of evidence or taking evidence out of context is unethical in any speech event.
5. When possible, an ethical judge should not judge a student whom the judge has instructed or who is a personal friend or relative.
6. Speech State Championships rules should be enforced concerning Extemp preparation: Contestants may use books, magazines or notes during the preparation period, but may not confer with any other person about the topic.
7. An ethical coach will not allow students to enter conflicting events when the rules prohibit it, or allow students to bypass the conflict rule by entering contests under assumed names.
8. An ethical coach will not enter a student from another school as part of that coach's squad.
9. A coach should be reminded that the conduct of the squad reflects upon the total forensic organization.
10. The coach is responsible for instructing students on Speech Handbook rules regarding plagiarism.
Dement, William C. Some Must Watch While Some Must Sleep. San Francisco: San Francisco Book Co., 1976, pp.56-83.
Doods, E.R. The Greeks and the Irrational. Berkeley, 1951; rpt. Boston: Beacon, 1957, pp. 10-11.
Erickson, Erik H. Insight and Responsibility: Lectures on the Ethical Implications of Psychoanalytic Insight. New York: Norton, 1964, pp.221-222.
Foulkes, David. "Dreams of Innocence." Psychology Today, 12 (December 1978), pp.78-88.
C. Recommended Debate Divisions at Invitational Speech Tournaments
1. Adopted by the OHSSLCA, April, 1989.
2. The following debate divisions are suggested to the directors of invitational debate tournaments in Oregon:
a) NOVICE: All students in their first year of competitive debate, including those who have attended summer workshops and camps.
b) JUNIOR: All students involved in their second year of debate competition.
c) SENIOR: All students involved in their third or fourth year of debate competition.
D. Guidelines for Judging Oregon Style Cross-Examination Debate
1. Teams are assigned code numbers in order to generate an atmosphere of impartiality. Judges are not to ask students about their school affiliation. If you find that you have a personal bias against any of the competitors in the round, please disqualify yourself and ask for another ballot.
2. Teams are assigned to debate either affirmative or negative. Please judge only on the quality of debating and eliminate all personal opinions about the topic. In other words, please do not debate the debaters.
a) The affirmative team must support the debate resolution.
b) The negative team must argue against the affirmative proposal for adoption of the resolution.
3. Speeches in the debate are limited by time, follow a strict order and have specific duties. Any material offered in overtime should be disregarded. The following briefly explains what happens in each speech.
a) The first affirmative constructive speaker (8 minutes) presents reasons to change from the present system. A plan to change from the present system must be presented by the first or second affirmative constructive speaker.
b) Cross-examination of the first affirmative by a negative speaker (3 minutes).
c) The first negative constructive speaker (8 minutes) should attack the reasons to change and may attack the plan.
d) Cross-examination of the first negative by an affirmative speaker (3 minutes).
e) The second affirmative constructive speaker (8 minutes) should defend the reasons to change.
f) Cross-examination of the second affirmative speaker by the negative speaker who did not question the first affirmative (3 minutes).
g) The second negative constructive speaker (8 minutes) should attack the affirmative plan and may attack the reasons for change.
h) Cross-examination of the second negative speaker by the affirmative speaker who did not question the first negative (3 minutes).
i) The first negative rebuttal speaker (5 minutes) should re-attack the reasons for change.
j) The first affirmative rebuttal speaker (5 minutes) must defend the plan and should defend the affirmative's reasons for change.
k) The second negative rebuttal speaker (5 minutes) summarizes the debate while emphasizing the best negative arguments.
l) The second affirmative rebuttal speaker (5 minutes) summarizes the debate while emphasizing the best affirmative arguments.
m) In addition to the above, each team has a total of five minutes preparation time to be used between speeches at the discretion of the team.
4. No new arguments may be raised in the rebuttal speeches except the first affirmative rebuttal; however, new analysis or evidence supporting arguments presented in the constructive speeches is encouraged. The first affirmative rebuttalist must respond to the second negative's arguments. Judges and contestants should not be allowed to request to see evidence from debaters unless the evidence has been challenged as invalid by the opposing team during the round.
5. The Win or Lose Decision: Many judges consider these issues important in deciding who won the debate.
a) Topicality – Does the affirmative's proposed plan reasonably adhere to the limitations created by the resolution?
b) Significance – Is there a justification to change from the present system?
c) Inherency – Is there a clear barrier, which prevents the present system from solving the problems identified by the affirmative?
d) Solvency – Can the affirmative's proposed plan solve the problems better than the present system?
e) Disadvantages – Do the advantages of the affirmative's proposal outweigh the disadvantages presented by the negative?
f) Courtesy – It is the duty of all competitors to show courtesy and respect for their opponents at all times. Lack of courtesy and respect could be a factor in your decision.
6. One team must win; one team must lose. You must make an independent decision. Please do not discuss your decision with the debaters or with other judges on the panel.
7. The areas you are asked to check on the ballot are:
a) Analysis – Logical explanation of critical issues.
b) Proof – Sufficient quantity and appropriate interpretation of evidence with complete source citation including author, qualifications, page(s) and date of publication the first time a source is used. Any subsequent citation of that source must list author and page number.
c) Organization – Logical and orderly presentation.
d) Refutation – Direct response to issues raised by he opponent.
e) Delivery – Understandable, interesting and persuasive presentation.
8. Please be certain that you sign your ballot in case we need to contact you for clarification.
9. Judges should indicate on the ballot why each team won or lost. The debaters read each ballot carefully and will learn a great deal from your comments about their ability to communicate with you, the judge.
10. Critiques. Judges may not provide oral critiques. All critiques including specific comments about the round and general comments about debate strategies and philosophies shall be written on the ballot. A description of the judge’s paradigm by the judge prior to the round shall not be considered an oral critique.
11. Disclosure. Except on the ballot, judges shall not disclose the outcome of a round with the participants in the round. Further, judges shall not discuss the performance of students they have judged with those students at any time during the tournament.
12. Judging Protocol
a) Please remember that some of the students you will be judging are very young, impressionable and easily influenced. Your critique, written or verbal, may affect their feelings about themselves and their futures in competitive debate. Regardless of their levels of competency, please keep in mind that the students are courageously striving to learn and achieve. So, please be kind.
b) We thank you all for being here today and hope that you enjoy yourselves. You are the ones who make it possible for us to offer the speech and debate program for students.
E. Guidelines for Judging Lincoln-Douglas Policy Debate
1. Speakers are assigned code numbers in order to generate an atmosphere of impartiality. Judges are not to ask students about their school affiliation. If you find that you have a personal bias against any of the contestants in the round, please disqualify yourself and ask for another ballot.
2. Speakers are assigned to debate either affirmative or negative. Please judge only on the quality of debating and eliminate all personal opinions about the topic. In other words, please do not debate the debaters.
a) The affirmative speaker must support the debate resolution.
b) The negative speaker must argue against the affirmative proposal for adoption of the resolution.
3. Speeches in the debate are limited by time, follow a strict order, and have specific duties. Any material offered in overtime should be disregarded. The following briefly explains what happens in each speech.
a) The affirmative constructive speech (8 minutes) presents reasons to change from the present system and a plan to solve for the harmful conditions in the present system.
b) Cross-examination of the affirmative by the negative speaker (3 minutes).
c) The negative constructive speech (9 minutes) should attack the reasons to change and attack the plan.
d) Cross-examination of the negative by the affirmative speaker (3 minutes).
e) The first affirmative rebuttal speech (5 minutes) must defend the plan and should defend the affirmative's reasons for change.
f) The negative rebuttal speech (7 minutes) summarizes the debate while emphasizing the best negative arguments.
g) The second affirmative rebuttal speech (3 minutes) summarizes the debate while emphasizing the best affirmative arguments.
h) Each speaker is allowed three total minutes of preparation time during the course of the debate.
4. No new arguments may be raised in the rebuttal speeches except the first affirmative rebuttal when responses to negative arguments are permitted; however, new analysis or evidence supporting arguments presented in the constructive speeches is encouraged. Judges and contestants should not be allowed to request to see evidence from debaters unless the evidence has been challenged as invalid by the opposing speaker during the round.
5. The Win or Lose Decision: Many judges consider these issues important in deciding who won the debate.
a) Topicality – Does the affirmative's proposed plan reasonably adhere to the limitations created by the resolution?
b) Significance – Is there a justification to change from the present system?
c) Inherency – Is there a clear barrier, which prevents the present system from solving the problems identified by the affirmative?
d) Solvency – Can the affirmative's proposed plan solve the problems better than the present system?
e) Disadvantages – Do the advantages of the affirmative's proposal outweigh the disadvantages presented by the negative?
f) Courtesy – It is the duty of all competitors to show courtesy and respect for their opponents at all times. Lack of courtesy and respect could be a factor in your decision.
6. One speaker must win; one speaker must lose. You must make an independent decision. Please do not discuss your decision with the debaters or with other judges on the panel.
7. The areas you are asked to check on the ballot are:
a) Analysis – Logical explanation of critical issues.
b) Proof – Sufficient quantity and appropriate interpretation of evidence with complete source citation including author, qualifications, page(s) and date of publication the first time a source is used. Any subsequent citation of that source must list author and page number.
c) Organization – Logical and orderly presentation.
d) Refutation – Direct response to issues raised by he opponent.
e) Delivery – Understandable, interesting and persuasive presentation.
8. Please be certain that you sign your ballot in case we need to contact you for clarification.
9. Judges should indicate on the ballot why each speaker won or lost. The debaters read each ballot carefully and will learn a great deal from your comments about their ability to communicate with you, the judge.
10. Critiques. Judges may not provide oral critiques. All critiques including specific comments about the round and general comments about debate strategies and philosophies shall be written on the ballot. A description of the judge’s paradigm by the judge prior to the round shall not be considered an oral critique.
11. Disclosure. Except on the ballot, judges shall not disclose the outcome of a round with the participants in the round. Further, judges shall not discuss the performance of students they have judged with those students at any time during the tournament.
12. Judging Protocol
a) Please remember that some of the students you will be judging are very young, impressionable and easily influenced. Your critique, written or verbal, may affect their feelings about themselves and their futures in competitive debate. Regardless of their levels of competency, please keep in mind that the students are courageously striving to learn and achieve. So, please be kind.
b) We thank you all for being here today and hope that you enjoy yourselves. You are the ones who make it possible for us to offer the speech and debate program for students.
F. Guidelines for Judging Lincoln-Douglas Value Debate
1. What is Lincoln-Douglas Debate?
Lincoln-Douglas Debate is "one on one" argumentation where each debater attempts to convince the judge of the acceptability of his side of the resolution.
2. Definition of a "Proposition of Value"
The resolutions chosen for use in a Lincoln-Douglas Values Debates are propositions of value concerned with ethics. In a value debate, the debaters' reasons for supporting or opposing the resolution should be based upon some system of values. Each speaker should argue in favor of what a reasonable listener should presume to be good.
3. Format
Each speaker in any debate has an equal amount of speaking time to persuade the judge. In Lincoln-Douglas Values Debate, the time is divided in the following way:
Affirmative Constructive 6 minutes
Cross-Examination by Negative 3 minutes
Negative Constructive 7 minutes
Cross-Examination by the Affirmative 3 minutes
First Affirmative Rebuttal 4 minutes
Negative Rebuttal 6 minutes
Second Affirmative Rebuttal 3 minutes
Each speaker is allowed two total minutes of preparation time during the course of the debate.
4. Duties of the speakers
a) The affirmative speaker is required to present a position supporting the resolution.
b) In the negative constructive speech, the speaker must:
1) Present an opposing value to the resolution, and
2) Directly clash with the affirmative value(s).
c) Both speakers bear the burden of clash in the rebuttal speeches; that is, each speaker must respond to his or her opponent's value in the debate.
d) It is the duty of all competitors to show courtesy and respect for their opponents at all times. Lack of courtesy and respect could be a factor in your decision.
5. Making your decision
a) One speaker must win; one speaker must lose. You must make an independent decision. Please do not discuss your decision with the debaters or with other judges on the panel.
b) Since neither side can conclusively prove a value, the decision should go to the debater who better upholds his / her side of the resolution through effective analysis, reasoning and evidence, refutation and delivery.
c) Evidence Value debating is more subjective (feelings / emotions) than policy debating (facts). That does not mean, however, that Value Lincoln-Douglas Debaters do not have to utilize evidence in support of arguments they present. In value debate, logic and reasoning are stressed, but as in all debate, evidence (quoted material from a nationally published source) should be used in supporting arguments.
d) No new arguments may be raised in the rebuttal speeches except the first affirmative rebuttal when responses to negative arguments are permitted; however, new analysis or evidence supporting arguments presented in the constructive speeches is encouraged. Judges and contestants should not be allowed to request to see evidence from debaters unless the evidence has been challenged as invalid by the opposing speaker during the round.
e) THE FINAL DECISION IN THE DEBATE SHOULD NEVER BE BASED UPON THE JUDGE'S PERSONAL CONVICTION REGARDING THE TOPIC. Remember, debaters have no choice about which side of the topic they must uphold. The ballot asks that you vote based upon "who did the better job of debating," NOT which side of the resolution you personally support.
6. Critiques. Judges may not provide oral critiques. All critiques including specific comments about the round and general comments about debate strategies and philosophies shall be written on the ballot. A description of the judge’s paradigm by the judge prior to the round shall not be considered an oral critique.
7. Disclosure. Except on the ballot, judges shall not disclose the outcome of a round with the participants in the round. Further, judges shall not discuss the performance of students they have judged with those students at any time during the tournament.
8. Judging Protocol
a) Please remember that some of the students you will be judging are very young, impressionable and easily influenced. Your critique, written or verbal, may affect their feelings about themselves and their futures in competitive debate. Regardless of their levels of competency, please keep in mind that the students are courageously striving to learn and achieve. So, please be kind.
b) We thank you all for being here today and hope that you enjoy yourselves. You are the ones who make it possible for us to offer the speech and debate program for students.
G. Guidelines for Tournaments Offering Public Debate
1. Recommended Divisions for invitational tournaments should be the same as other debate events.
2. Topic Areas
a) Novice and Junior Division should be the only divisions with established topic areas.
b) Speech State Championships Directors should establish a topic area or a list of topic areas, seeking out topics from other schools when necessary, and mail out a copy with the invitation.
c) Topic areas should be broad enough to allow for student research prior to the tournament.
d) Topic areas should be general in nature allowing them to be very "debatable" (i.e., media, crime, economics, congress, social issues, or Supreme Court).
e) Topics should be limited to fact, value, and policy resolutions only; metaphorical topics are not used at the Speech State Championships. Speech State Championships Directors may elect to use one type per round.
f) Speech State Championships Directors may elect to offer three resolutions per round. The Proposition will select a resolution to eliminate; the Opposition eliminates a second. The remaining resolution is the one to be debated during the round.
H. Guidelines for Judging Public Debate
1. No Ties. One team must win; one team must lose. You must make an independent decision. Please do not discuss your decision with the debaters or with the other judges if you are in a multiple judge panel.
2. Evidence. Evidence is of a general nature. Students may only use a dictionary while preparing for the debate.
3. New Arguments. No new arguments may be raised in the rebuttal speeches except when the proposition rebuttal responds to Opposition arguments; new arguments and analysis during constructive speeches is encouraged.
4. Disregard Personal Opinion of the Topic. The final decision in the debate should never be based upon the judge’s personal conviction regarding the topic. Remember that debaters have no choice about which side of the topic they must uphold.
Things to Reward. Reward students for using good organization, analysis, logic and reasoning, and effective refutation.
