NCASA presents the only statewide middle school forensics tournament in North Carolina. The competition gives students the opportunity to grow their communications skills and showcase their public speaking talents.

Students and Coaches: Please read the rules and requirements thoroughly before beginning to prepare for the competition. Send any questions regarding the rules to Leon Pfeiffer.

SECTION ONE: Participation

Middle School Team Composition

1. Coach: One individual who is not a student (e.g., a teacher, assistant principal, etc.) may serve as a Coach to train and supervise the team.
2. Entries

1. Each school may field up to twelve entries.
2. Each school may field a maximum of three entries per event.
3. Each student may participate in one event per competition.
4. A school must have six or more entries to qualify for team sweepstakes awards.

Elementary School Team Composition

1. Coach: One individual who is not a student (e.g., a teacher, assistant principal, etc.) may serve as a Coach to train and supervise the team.
2. Entries

1. Each school may field up to six entries.
2. Each school may field a maximum of three entries per event.
3. Each student may participate in one event per competition.

Middle School Events

1. The following events will be contested at each competition. Shown in parentheses is the number of students per entry.

1. Humorous Interpretation (1)
2. Dramatic Interpretation (1)
3. Extemporaneous Speaking (1)
4. Original Oratory (1)
5. Duo Interpretation (2)
6. Public Forum Debate (2)

2. For event descriptions and Rules, please see Section Three of the rulebook.

Elementary School Events

1. The following events will be contested at each competition. Shown in parentheses is the number of students per entry.

1. Original Oratory (1)
2. Storytelling (1)

2. For event descriptions and Rules, please see Section Three of the rulebook.

Registration

1. All teams must register online before the competition
2. All teams must submit their roster, including student names and corresponding events, by the deadline published by NCASA. Teams who fail to submit their roster on time may be disqualified.

Judge Requirement

1. Each middle school team must provide 2-3 certified judges for the competition.

1. Schools with 2-6 entries must bring two certified judges.
2. Schools with 7-12 entries must bring three certified judges.

2. Each elementary school team must provide one certified judge for the competition.
3. Judges can be adults and high school juniors and seniors. High school judges must have previous speech and debate experience.
4. Certification includes viewing the judge training presentation on the website and reviewing the event ballots before the tournament. It is also highly recommended that new judges attend a team meeting to practice judging.
5. Judges must arrive on-site the day of the competition in time for the judges' meeting.
6. Teams failing to furnish the necessary judges will have the Coach serve in that role.
7. If the coach is unwilling or unable to serve as a judge or volunteer as needed, the team will forfeit.
8. Teams failing to furnish the necessary judges will forfeit.

Withdrawal

Teams that choose not to participate in a competition after registering to participate in that competition must notify NCASA.

1. Registered teams that withdraw from a competition during the registration period will not pay a penalty.
2. Registered teams that withdraw from a competition after the conclusion of the pre-competition registration period must pay a penalty.

1. Registered teams that withdraw from a competition eight (8) or more days prior to the day of the competition must pay a $30 penalty.
2. Registered teams that withdraw from a competition between eight (8) and one (1) day prior to the day of the competition must pay a $50 penalty.
3. Registered Teams that withdraw from a competition less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the start of the on-site check-in period shall incur a $100 penalty.
4. Penalties for withdrawal from a competition may be waived at the discretion of NCASA based on circumstances.

SECTION TWO: Tournament Procedure

Competition Check In

1. NCASA will publish a “check-in” period for the tournament at least a week prior to the day of the tournament.
2. A representative from each team must check in during this time period and confirm the roster of speakers that will compete.
3. Non-participating students must check in at the registration table with their team.
4. The team representative will receive a roster with speaker code name tags. The coach is responsible for ensuring students have the correct speaker code.

Note: Students should only refer to their speaker codes during the tournament  Students should not give judges their names or schools during rounds.

5. Late team check-ins will only be accepted until the beginning of the kick-off meeting unless prior contact has been made with the Tournament Director.
6. During check-in, teams may substitute up to two students without penalty. These substitute students must compete in the same events as the original entry. Teams should make NCASA aware of substitutions as soon as they are known during the week prior to the tournament.

1. Additions to the roster are not permitted.
2. Teams with more than two substitutes will be penalized two sweepstakes points per substitute over two.
3. Roster deletions without substitution will be penalized two sweepstakes points per deletion.

Rounds

1. Each Regional competition will contain two rounds of competition.
2. The State Final will contain three rounds of competition for all events except Public Forum Debate. In Public Forum Debate, the top two entries based on rankings and scores from the first three rounds will compete in a public final round 4.

Kick-off meeting

1. The Tournament Director will conduct a kick-off meeting for all teams and volunteers to review essential procedures, room assignments, schedule, and other necessary information.
2. The Judges Coordinator will conduct a kick-off meeting for all judges. Every effort will be made to keep judges from scoring students from their own school. However, this may not be possible for small tournaments.

Room Assignments

1. Immediately following the kick-off meetings, students and judges will be directed to their classrooms.
2. Judges will call the roll and ensure all students are present. Performance order will be reviewed and should follow the pre-determined speaking order.
3. Debate: A pair will not debate another team from their own school where possible. Pairings will be set up such that teams will debate other teams with the same record.
4. Speech: Competitors from each school will be evenly distributed across the rooms.

Performance Expectations

1. Students are to conduct themselves appropriately while other students are performing. Students should remain in the room until all performances are complete.
2. Judges will listen attentively and score performances according to the guidelines presented during certification and the kick-off meeting.
3. Judges should show courtesy to the students but not comment on their performances.
4. Completed ballots are not to be revealed to anyone (students, coaches, parents, etc.) and should be sent to the Tabulation Room as soon as all performances are complete.
5. The judge is responsible for ensuring the competition runs smoothly and may remove any spectator or student disrupting the room.
6. Parents may videotape their own child’s performance but may not videotape other children’s performances.

Scoring

1. Entries in each event will be scored and ranked using NCASA ballots. (Please see ballots in Section 4 of the rulebook.)
2. Judges may give point deductions up to five points for major rule violations.
3. Overall ranking in each event will be determined by the following, in order:

1. Ranking in Rounds 1-3
2. Total speaker points earned (Reciprocals of ranks are only used as a second tie-breaker; highest reciprocal of ranks is highest rank.)
3. Head-to-head
4. Note: The winner of Public Forum at the State competition will be determined by the final ranking in the final round debate.

4. For the middle school competition, sweepstakes points will be awarded according to the following guidelines:

1. Only the eight highest scoring entries for each team will earn sweepstakes points.
2. First place entry in each event will earn 10 points.
3. Second place entry in each event will earn 9 points, and so on to the tenth place entry will earn 1 point.

Team Awards (For middle school only)

1. Teams will be ranked according to the overall sweepstakes points.
2. If sweepstakes points are tied, most winners, then second place, and so on will be used as a tiebreaker.
3. The Forensics Committee will determine team advancement requirements to the State Finals after registration is closed but prior to the Regional competitions.
4. The top 15% of all entries (rounded up) in the Regional but whose teams do not advance to the State Final will be permitted to advance to the State Final.

        State Tournament Qualification

1. Only schools that compete as a team at Regionals ( 6 or more entries) may advance to the State Tournament.
2. Students from schools with fewer than six entries will compete as individuals and may advance to the State Tournament by placing in the top 15% of their event
3. Only schools that compete as a team will earn NCASA Cup Points.

Returning Ballots

1. Once the awards are announced, the ballots and sweepstakes sheet will be given to the appropriate coaches.

Scoring Challenges

1. Subjective reviews and scoring may not be challenged or appealed. The decisions of the judges and Tournament Director are final.
2. Coaches may appeal scoring calculation errors in writing to the Tournament Director.

SECTION THREE: Event Rules and Descriptions

Unless noted otherwise, each event will be presented according to standard middle school rules and guidelines from the National Speech and Debate Association. COACHES AND STUDENTS: PLEASE MAKE SURE TO READ RULES CAREFULLY.

Humorous, Dramatic, and Duo Interpretation (Middle School Only)

This includes categories of individual (solo) performance of dramatic (serious) and humorous literature, as well as duo performance (either dramatic or humorous).

1. Length: The time limit in Interpretation is ten minutes with a 30-second “grace period.” Should a student go beyond the grace period, the student may not be ranked 1st. There is no other prescribed penalty for going over the grace period. The ranking is up to each individual judge’s discretion. However, students should make every effort to finish their performance by the end of the grace period. Judges should use accurate (stopwatch function) timing devices. No minimum time is mandated.

2. Material: Selections used in the oral interpretation events of Dramatic, Humorous, and Duo Interpretation must be cuttings from a single published work of literature (i.e. one short story, play, or novel). Material can be from a print or digital publication. Students must bring two copies of their script to competition. (One copy will be turned in at check-in, and one should be available for judges to review upon request during rounds.)

3. Performance:  The presentation may not use physical objects or costuming. During the presentation, the contestant/team must name the author and title of their piece. The introduction may also include some remarks descriptive of the work, including plot, themes, mood, setting, character, and/or information about the author; Additionally:

1. Adaptations to the material may ONLY  be used for the purpose of transition or to eliminate inappropriate language.
2. Selections must be presented from memory. No scripts may be used.
3. Movement and blocking are permitted and should be determined by the requirements of the literature.

4. Focus: 

1. In Dramatic and Humorous, use of focal points and/or direct contact with the audience should be determined by the requirements of the literature being interpreted.
2.  In Duo Interpretation, focus may be direct during the introduction [the performers may look at each other] but must be indirect during the performance itself. The performers may not make eye contact with each other, nor may they make any physical contact. They may have varied focal points toward the audience or to the side, as needed for characterization for the selection, particularly if multiple characters are portrayed in the scene.
3.  In Duo, performers must be very careful about the “no costume” requirement.  Dressing in compatible colors is acceptable,  but being too “matchy- matchy” is a distraction and can result in a rules point deduction.  (For example, if the characters are twins in the script, it is against the rules to wear matching outfits or accessories of any kind. This includes hairstyles/colors That would be considered a costume.)

5. Re-Use: A student may not use a cutting from a work of literature the student used in any previous contest year.

Middle School Original Oratory

1. Purpose: The general purpose of the speech is to persuade. Any other purpose such as to inform or entertain shall be secondary.

2. Contest: This contest comprises only memorized orations composed by the contestants and not used by them during a previous contest season. No visual aids are permitted.  

3. Subject: Any appropriate subject may be used, but the orator must be truthful. Any non-factual reference, especially a personal one, must be so identified.  

4.  Length: The time limit in Original Oratory is ten minutes with a 30-second “grace period. Should a student go beyond the grace period, the student may not be ranked 1st. There is no other prescribed penalty for going over the grace period. The ranking is up to each individual judge’s discretion. However, orators should make every effort to finish their performance by the end of the grace period. Judges who choose to time are to use accurate (stopwatch function) timing devices. No minimum time is mandated.

5. Quotation: Not more than 150 words of the oration may be direct quotation from any other speech or writing, and such quotations must be identified (highlighted or underlined) in a printed copy of the oration supplied at check-in. Extensive paraphrasing from other sources is prohibited.  

6.  Script: The orator's script must identify the quoted materials, state the number of quoted words at the top of the script, include a work cited page in APA or MLA format, and both the orator and the coach must attest by signature that the oration is the original work of the contestant. Orators must bring two copies of their script to competition. (One copy will be turned in at check-in, and one should be available for judges to review upon request during rounds.)

7. Re-Use: A student may not use an oration the student used in any previous contest year or in another type of speech contest.

Elementary Original Oratory

1. Purpose: The general purpose of the speech is to respond to the prompt. Speeches can inform, persuade, and entertain.

2. Contest: This contest comprises only memorized orations actually composed by the contestants and not used by them during a previous contest season. No visual aids or costumes are permitted.  

3. Subject: Competitors should speak on the pre-announced prompt.

4.  Length: The time limit in Elementary Original Oratory is five minutes with a 30-second “grace period. Should a student go beyond the grace period, the student may not be ranked 1st. There is no other prescribed penalty for going over the grace period. The ranking is up to each individual judge’s discretion. However, students should make every effort to finish their performance by the end of the grace period. Judges who choose to time are to use accurate (stopwatch function) timing devices. No minimum time is mandated.

5. Quotation: Not more than 75 words of the oration may be direct quotation from any other speech or writing, and such quotations must be identified (highlighted or underlined) in a printed copy of the oration supplied at check-in. Extensive paraphrasing from other sources is prohibited.  

6. Script: The orator's script must identify the quoted materials and state the number of quoted words at the top of the script. Both the orator and the coach must attest by signature that the oration is the original work of the contestant. Orators must bring two copies of their script to competition. (One copy will be turned in at check-in, and one should be available for judges to review upon request during rounds.)

7. Re-Use: A student may not use an oration the student used in any previous contest year or in another type of speech contest.

Extemporaneous Speaking (Middle School Only)

1. Topics: Topics for each round will be announced several weeks before the competition.  Topics will be drawn from current domestic and international issues.

2. Drawing: Thirty minutes before the contest begins, the first speaker draws three questions and chooses one. The other contestants draw in like manner, in the order of speaking, at intervals of five minutes.

3. Preparation: As soon as a question is chosen, the contestant will prepare a speech without consultation and without references to prepared notes. Students may consult published books, magazines, newspapers, and journals or articles, provided:

1. They are originals or copies of whole pages.
2. Provided those originals or copies are uncut.
3. There is no written material on that original or copy other than citation information.
4. A topical index without annotation may be present.  
5. No other material will be allowed in the Extemp prep room other than stated above. Extemp speeches, handbooks, briefs, and outlines are prohibited from the Extemp prep room.
6. Underlining or highlighting in Extemp will be allowed if done in only one color on each article or copy.
7. Use of computers or tablets is allowed but may NOT be connected to the internet during prep time. All materials must be available OFFLINE and follow the same rules as printed materials.

4. Time: The time limit is seven minutes with a 30-second “grace period. Should a student go beyond the grace period, the student may not be ranked 1st. There is no other prescribed penalty for going over the grace period. The ranking is up to each individual judge’s discretion. However, students should make every effort to finish their performance by the end of the grace period. Judges who choose to time are to use accurate (stopwatch function) timing devices. No minimum time is mandated.

5. Students may bring a note card up to 5" x 7" in size into the room to reference during their speech. This note card must be prepared entirely during their preparation time and therefore must be clean and new prior to the preparation time.

6. Contestants may not leave the preparation area until dismissed by the Extemp proctor. Consultation with anyone other than the Extemp proctor between the time of drawing and speaking is prohibited.

Public Forum (Middle School Only)

1. Resolution: Topic will be announced by the Tournament Director several weeks before the competition.

2.  Entries: An entry consists of two students from the same school, each debating both sides of the resolution and advancing on its own record. No substitution is permitted once the tournament has begun.

3.  Procedure and Order of Speeches: Prior to EVERY round and in the presence of the judge(s), a coin is tossed by one team and called by the other team. The team that wins the flip may choose one of two options: EITHER the SIDE of the topic they wish to defend (pro or con) OR the SPEAKING POSITION they wish to have (begin the debate or end the debate). The remaining option (SIDE OR SPEAKING POSITION) is the choice of the team that loses the flip. Once speaking positions and sides have been determined, the debate begins (the con team may lead, depending on the coin flip results). Following the first two constructive speeches, the two debaters who have just given speeches will stand and participate in a three-minute "crossfire." In "crossfire," both debaters "hold the floor." However, the speaker who spoke first must ask the first question. After that question, either debater may question and/or answer at will. At the conclusion of the summary speeches, all four debaters will remain seated and participate in a three-minute "Grand Crossfire,” in which all four debaters are allowed to cross-examine one another. The speaker who gave the first summary speech must ask the first question. The speakers from each team will continue to ask and answer questions. Teams should alternate asking and answering questions rather than allowing one team to dominate so that a balance between teams is achieved. All speakers are encouraged to participate in the Grand Crossfire. Speakers should listen respectfully to opponents’ questions and answers.  

First Speaker - Team A                          4 minutes  

First Speaker - Team B                          4 minutes  

Crossfire                                         3 minutes  

Second Speaker - Team A                          4 minutes  

Second Speaker - Team B                          4 minutes

 Crossfire                                         3 minutes  

Summary - First Speaker - Team A                  3 minutes  

Summary - First Speaker - Team B                 3 minutes  

Grand Crossfire                                  3 minutes  

Final Focus - Second Speaker - Team A          2 minutes

Final Focus - Second Speaker - Team B          2 minutes

Prep Time (to be used as needed)                3 minutes per team

4. Plans/Counterplans: In Public Forum Debate, the Association defines a plan or counterplan as a formalized, comprehensive proposal for implementation. Neither the pro or con side is permitted to offer a plan or counterplan; rather, they should offer reasoning to support a position of advocacy. Debaters may offer generalized, practical solutions.  

5. Prompting Philosophy: Oral prompting, except time signals by the speaker's teammate, while the debater has the floor, is discouraged though not prohibited, and may be penalized by some judges. Debaters may, however, refer to their notes and materials and consult with their teammate while they do not have the floor and during the Grand Crossfire.

6. Use of Electronic Devices: Electric devices such as laptops and tablets may be used but NOT  connected to the internet.  All materials must be available offline during the round.

7. Timing: Judges are encouraged to time the round.  If the judge would prefer not to time, debaters may time for their partners. Prep time for each team is three minutes.  

Storytelling (Elementary Only)

1. Description: Speakers present a memorized performance of a single published, printed story, anecdote, tale, myth, or legend. The performance should be presented in a manner that would engage a young audience.

2. Performance:

1. The story may be delivered standing or seated (one chair is permitted).
2. During the presentation, the contestant must name the author and title of their piece. The introduction may also include brief remarks that will set the stage for the story.
3. Use of gestures, pantomime, and characterization are encouraged. No costumes, props, lighting, etc., are to be used.  
4. Selections must be presented from memory. No scripts may be used.

3. Length: Maximum time is five minutes with a 30-second “grace period.” Should a student go beyond the grace period, the student may not be ranked 1st. There is no other prescribed penalty for going over the grace period. However, students should make every effort to finish their performance by the end of the grace period. The ranking is up to each individual judge’s discretion. Judges should use accurate timing devices. No minimum time is mandated.

4. Script: Contestants must bring two copies of their script to competition. (One copy will be turned in at check-in, and one should be available for judges to review upon request during rounds.)

SECTION 4: Additional Resources

1. Sample ballots are linked on the NCASA website under the Forensics Resources tab.

2. The National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) is an excellent resource for coaches and students, especially those new to forensics. For more information, please visit www.speechanddebate.org