Bishop Kelley Speech and Debate Handbook
(updated December 2013)
Welcome to Bishop Kelley Speech Activities
Going to speech tournaments is one of the most unique and exciting experiences you will have
during your high school days. The work is hard, but the rewards are numerous. You will spend
many hours reading, listening, researching, and rehearsing. You will acquire a taste for quality;
develop poise, and a thirst for more knowledge. You will travel to many different schools and will
associate with the top students from other cities and states. You will be spending many hours in
close association with other students on our speech squad and will learn to get along with all
kinds of people. Pride, discipline, and teamwork are qualities that are expected from every team
member. You will find that working hard and working together to develop a quality performance
is exciting, rewarding, and fun.
This Speech Activities Handbook is designed to provide you with the information you
and your parents will need. It contains the policies and procedures designed to ensure that you
are involved in a quality activity that appropriately reflects the mission of Bishop Kelley High
School. It also contains information about the various opportunities you will have to participate.
We hope that participation in speech activities will enhance your high school education as it has
so many others before you.
Mrs. Clark, Ms. Schaunaman, Mrs. Walker, and Mrs. Hoagland are available to help you achieve
your goals. Please feel free to seek us out. While we are "specializing" in certain events at Bishop
Kelley, we all have had experience with all the events of competitive speech and drama and each
of us would be happy to help you with any of your events or concerns.
The strength of any successful program lies in its leadership. We have a very capable and
dedicated group of seniors who will also do whatever they can to help make your competitive
experience a great one. They, along with some of the other experienced underclassmen, want
you to be successful and have the knowledge to assist you. Ask them!!
Please review this handbook and let your parents review it as well. Keep it handy for reference.
Be sure you have the appropriate forms on file in time for the first tournament. Bishop Kelley has
had a very successful program over the last ten years. Let the tradition
continue!!!
In what Speech categories am I allowed to compete?
Original Oratory (OO)
This is a persuasive speech that you write yourself and memorize. Its maximum length is ten
minutes. You may only quote 150 words directly. The rest must be your original work.
Standard Oratory (SO)
This is a speech, editorial, or essay written by someone else that you memorize and deliver. The
maximum time is ten minutes. This event is limited to grades nine and ten.
Extemporaneous Speaking (DEX or FEX)
This is an event where you will speak on current events. You will draw five topics, choose one,
and then have thirty minutes to prepare a 4-7 minute speech.( NOTE: There is no longer a state
required minimum but there is an expectation that BK extempers will speak for at least 4
minutes.) You will be able to use a file containing magazine and newspaper clippings in your
speech preparation. You have the choice to enter Domestic Extemp (topics about events in the
United States) or Foreign Extemp (topics about US Foreign Policy or the internal affairs of foreign
countries).
Prose Interp (PR)
This is an interp event for ninth and tenth grades only. You select a short story or cut a longer
story to fit the eight-minute time limit. You keep the script in your hands although you know it so
well you only have to refer to it occasionally.
Poetry Interp (PO)
This is an interp event for eleventh and twelfth grades only. You select a single poem or a
program of poems on a theme. The maximum time is eight minutes. You keep the script in your
hands although you know it so well you rarely have to refer to it.
Monologue (MO)
This is an acting event for one person. You must select two contrasting pieces – one humorous
and one dramatic - in which only one character speaks. The maximum time is six minutes and it
must be memorized. You are allowed to use one chair and to move about as the character would.
You have an introduction at the beginning that introduces both pieces.
Humorous or Dramatic Interp (HI or DI)
These are two separate events. While the usual cutting comes from a play, it is possible to
cut a novel as well. You will use different voices, facial expressions, gestures, and body positions
to convey the conversation happening among the characters, or you may choose a monologue.
You may use some movement. You do not use a chair. The maximum time is 10 minutes. You
must memorize it.
Humorous or Dramatic Duet (HD or DD)
These are two separate events. A duet implies that two people are involved, although
(especially in humorous) these two people may play multiple parts. You are allowed two chairs
and may move, jump, twirl, and twist to your heart's (and coach's) content. The time limit is ten
minutes. Once you "qualify" you will not be able to change partners, so pick your partners
carefully.
In what Debate categories am I allowed to compete?
Lincoln Douglas Debate (LD)
This is an event where two students from different schools present arguments on a topic
selected by a national committee. You must be enrolled in class before you can begin
competing in this event.
Policy Debate (CX)
This is an event where two students from one school debate two students from another
school on a topic selected by a national committee. You must be enrolled in class before you
can begin competing in this event.
Public Forum Debate (PFD)
This is an event where two students from one school debate two students from another school
on a topic selected by a national committee. The topic changes monthly and is geared toward
people who have never debated before. You do not have to be enrolled in class to compete in
this event.
What rules must I follow to compete?
The following rules are provided so that there will be no misunderstanding as to what is
expected. They apply to every member of the speech squad. The coaches and sponsors alone
cannot enforce these rules. Take pride in obeying them and helping to enforce them. Bishop
Kelley Speech will be a team with class!
1. Act like ladies and gentlemen. Ordinary good manners, courtesy, and respect for
authority make us all a good deal easier to be around. This ensures everyone will have
a good time and others will think well of our team and our school.
2. Be helpful to other squad members. Listen to them practice and offer constructive
suggestions. Give them moral support at the tournament. Show appreciation for
those who do well even if disappointed with the results of your own performance.
3. No drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. Possession or consumption of any illegal substances will
cause all of us a great deal of pain. It causes harm to Bishop Kelley's reputation with
other schools and causes harm to the program's reputation at Bishop Kelley. The OSSAA
handbook states that "any student found using tobacco. . . on the grounds of the
tournament shall be disqualified and expelled from the tournament." Expulsion from
the speech team in addition to suspension from school may result from infractions
involving drugs or alcohol.
4. Obey all adult sponsors. A sponsor, coach, or judge is in charge of each student's
safety and well-being. Their authority is without question as far as you are concerned
at the moment and their requests should be followed implicitly without hesitation or
disrespect.
5. All school and speech policies are to be followed. (See "What should I expect at a
tournament?") Since this is a school activity, all Bishop Kelley rules are in effect.
6. Transportation arrangements are binding. School-arranged transportation will be
provided for all tournaments that are not in the immediate Tulsa Metro Area to the
extent that it is possible. At no time may a student drive to a tournament that is outside
the Tulsa Metro Area.
7. Parents will be able to sign permission for a student to drive or ride with other
students to tournaments in the Tulsa Metro Area. However, students who go to the
tournament in school transportation must return in school transportation unless
the parent picks the student up. It is important for both students and parents to
understand that a parent must check with a coach before taking his student from the
tournament site. Parental requests for students to ride with other students for a
specific tournament must be made by Wednesday of the tournament week.
8. Students who know that school and speech policies are being ignored or not followed
properly, but yet fail to inform one of the coaches at that time, will be held
accountable for their lack of action.
9. Finally, the coaches reserve the right to deny any student the privilege of attending and
competing in tournaments.
What are my financial obligations?
Entry Fees
Bishop Kelley pays all entry fees for students enrolled in a competitive class. By OSSAA
rules once the entry is made, the fees are owed to the tournament. Therefore, if a student
drops after the entry has been made (which is usually done on Monday before the
tournament), then the student will be responsible for paying the entry fee (between $3 and
$10 per event).
Drop Fees
If a student drops an event after noon on Tuesday, both the entry fee and a drop fee of $5
per event will be owed. Debate drop fees called in after 9:00 on Friday earn an additional $25
drop fee. Dropping at the tournament, including forfeiting rounds or not showing up for
rounds costs you and us $50 for debate and $15 for all other events. The moral here: Make
up your mind and check your calendar before you sign up. If an unforeseen circumstance or
illness arises, call at the earliest opportunity. Don't leave it for us to figure out that you aren't
in school on Friday!!
Motel Fees
Overnight trips that require staying in a motel will be mostly at the expense of the
students. In order for you to be able to anticipate costs ahead of time, we will collect a standard
fee of $20 per student per night. This rate will assume that three or four students will be
assigned to a room. If you require your own bed, let us know and expect to pay double the fee.
Food
Concessions stands are always available at tournaments. They usually serve a variety of
normal concession stand food at normal concession stand prices. Do not plan on being able to
leave the tournament site during the day. Therefore, students may find it helpful to bring fruit or
other snacks along. On overnight trips, we will eat somewhere "reasonable" but not necessarily
fast food - count on $5-$10 depending on your appetite.
Materials
Students enrolled in Competitive Acting and Speech have paid a course fee at the time they
bought books that will be used to cover the cost of materials and some entry fees.
Also, much of our budget goes toward purchasing materials. Competitive Debate student have
paid a higher fee due to the large number of copies needed. Therefore, students who are not
enrolled in any of the competitive classes will be asked to pay the same $25 fee charged all
competitive students.
The bottom line is this: it is not our intention to exclude anyone based on finances. The cost of
participation is modest and students certainly have choices about their participation and the
ability to plan ahead. However, if there is a financial hardship, students or parents should feel
free to speak with one of the coaches privately so that
arrangements can be made.
Please Note: All financial obligations from one tournament must be cleared before a student
will be allowed to sign up for another one.
What do I need to know about entering tournaments?
Students are eligible to enter no more than five Qualifying Tournaments. These are the
Oklahoma tournaments October through February, which qualify students for the Regional
Tournament. When a student enters only the Novice or Championship Division at a tournament,
that tournament will not count against the five-tournament rule.
Students may enter three events at any tournament. In order to be eligible for overnight trips,
students will be expected to enter at least two events. Once you have qualified an event for
Regionals, you may not enter that same event again until the Regional tournament unless you
enter it in the Championship Division. This rule does not apply to Extemp and Debate.
Material used by a student in a state or NFL National tournament may not be used by that
student again as long as s/he participates in high school forensics. See the coaches for
clarification.
Before entering the first tournament, a student must have on file parental permission and
transportation forms. Notarized medical forms signed by a parent or guardian will be required
of all students going on overnight trips.
Entries will close at 12 noon the Monday of the tournament unless otherwise noted. Sign up
with a coach! PLAN AHEAD. Once the entry has been finalized on Monday, transportation and
hotel arrangements will be made. "Tournament Information" for that week's tournament will
be posted by the end of school on Tuesday on the bulletin board in the commons. Students
may also be given a sheet with information regarding the tournament.
What organizations sponsor which tournaments and who goes?
Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association
This is the same organization that sponsors sports, music, and academic bowl. They sponsor the
"qualifying" tournaments that lead to Regional qualification. Any student in grades 9-12 who is
academically eligible and in good standing with the school may attend a qualifying tournament.
Usually, students who place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in an event will qualify for the Regional tournament
in that event. The Regional tournament will be held in March. All regional qualifiers are eligible to
attend and enter a maximum of three events that they have qualified. The top 8 students will
advance to the State Tournament at OU in April.
National Forensic League
This is an honorary organization that offers recognition for participation in speech activities. They
sponsor the National Speech and Debate Tournament which is held every June. The only way to
enter the national tournament is to qualify through the NFL District Tournament. Our entries are
limited by our "chapter size." Our chapter size is determined by the number of students who
earn membership and advanced degrees throughout the year. The coaches will choose NFL
District contestants. Criteria will include competitive success, work ethic, and having prepared
the NFL events (LD, OO, DI, HI, Duo Interp, FEX, DEX, and Student Congress).
Out of State trips
The coaches will determine on a yearly basis which out-of-state tournaments we will attend.
Entries are often limited at these tournaments. The coaches will determine the criteria by which
students will be selected. Students will be expected to pay most or all of their expenses for an
out-of-state tournament.
What is expected of me at a tournament?
1. Wear appropriate clothing. Men should wear dress slacks, long-sleeved dress shirt, and a
tie. A jacket is a nice touch for speaking events (but is optional). Dark dress shoes and socks
are required - no boots or sneakers. Jewelry other than a watch and a ring are discouraged.
Earrings for men will not be allowed. Ladies should wear a skirt and blouse or a dress unless
doing an acting event that requires wearing slacks. Denim clothing is not acceptable for
ladies or men. Ladies should wear hose - not socks - and dress shoes. Avoid the clunky style.
Absolutely no flip-flops of any kind! It is fine to wear comfortable shoes and change into
your dress shoes for performing only. Skirts should be a length appropriate for school. No
spaghetti straps bare shoulders, or bare midriffs. No mini skirts or wrap around skirts.
Students who are not appropriately dressed will not be allowed to represent Bishop Kelley
High School.
2. Be on time. We will always run on a tight schedule. Promptness is essential. At the
tournament, be prompt to your rounds. Find out when your rounds are scheduled and
make arrangements to work out conflicts if you have multiple events.
3. Never enter a room while someone is speaking. If the door is closed, listen carefully. If you
can't tell if someone is speaking, err on the side of caution. Wait until you hear applause or
until the door opens.
4. Do not leave campus. The only exception to this will be if you are with an adult sponsor.
Even if you have driven your own car to the tournament, you are not allowed to leave until
the tournament is over or you have been dismissed.
5. Do not disturb anything in the room in which you are competing. Many schools can no
longer host tournaments because students abused the privilege of being guests. Do not
even get near the teacher's desk. If you observe someone else abusing a room or its
contents, either get them to stop or let a tournament official or adult know. It has become
common practice at many tournaments to prohibit students entering a room unless the
judge is present. Heed these warnings!
6. Before watching any teammates' performance, ask permission. Some students love a
friendly crowd. Other students are nervous performing in front of their friends. Respect
their wishes. And don't be shy about letting your own wishes be known.
7. Watch the entire round unless you have a conflict. If you have two events scheduled at
the same time, do the one you are scheduled in earliest first. Be sure you go to the other
room before the round begins and write "John Doe - Conflict at 8:00 with Prose - Please
wait" or something similar on the board. You may also be able to send a teammate in to
tell the judge. If the conflict involves extemp, always go to extemp first and ask to be
moved up in speaking order. If there is not a conflicting event, you should stay to watch
the entire round and be a polite audience to your competitors. The same rule applies to
friends who watch you - stay for the whole round. Getting up and leaving as a group after
one particular performance is rude and distracting and often offends the judge. WATCH
WHAT YOU SAY IN FRONT OF JUDGES!
8. If you have problems of any kind, find the coaches, or another district coach to help you.
We will be scattered over the campus judging rounds or perhaps working in the tab room. If
you can't find one of us, find another coach you recognize and ask for help.
9. Keep derogatory comments to yourself.
10. Do your part to keep the tournament location clean. Put trash in the trashcans, not on the
floor. Keep the area in the cafeteria that we are occupying clean. NEVER walk off and leave
a lot of trash on the table or floor where we have been sitting.
11. Turn off cell phones and audible pagers anytime you are in a round. DO NOT TEXT
during a round.
What special rules apply to overnight tournaments?
1. Room assignments will be made by the coaches. Do not ask to change rooms - it is only one
night, and a very short one at that. Boys will not be in girls' rooms; girls will not be in boys'
rooms. Period.
2. Once we arrive at the hotel after competition Friday night, you will have ten minutes to
"settle in". After that time, the door is to be closed for the evening. Noise will be kept to
a minimum. The hotel has given us a special rate and they have other customers. This is
an issue of good manners.
3. You will be informed the room number of the coaches/sponsors. Keep this
4. handy if you need it. You will be able to call room to room, but don't. A ringing
phone disturbs not only the people in the room, but the people on either side of the
room as well.
5. Treat the rooms with respect. Any damages that occur in the room will be the
responsibility of the people assigned to that room. If there is a problem with your
room when you check in, report the damages or problem to a coach immediately. If
something happens to your room while you are in it, tell the coaches. It is far better
to own up for responsibility at the time than to have the hotel "discover" the
problem and call us.
6. DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING FROM THE MOTEL ROOMS!!
7. Be sure to take an alarm clock as well as arranging for a wake-up call. Hotel
wake-up calls can be very unreliable. Be sure you allow enough time for
everyone to shower. It will take longer than it does at home.
8. Overnight trips are not slumber parties. It is important that you make an honest
effort to sleep. Not only do you need to be well-rested for your own performances
the next day, it is also common courtesy to your roommates. The adult sponsors
also need sleep and will not tolerate noise or students out of their rooms. Those
who stay up half the night won't be going on overnights again.
9. Clean up after yourself. Put all trash in the trashcan. Put all dirty towels in the tub.
Put all furniture back in place. Check the room for all articles. (We won't be going
back - if you leave something, it is your problem of how to get it back.)
What is the National Forensic League and how do I join?
The National Forensic League is an educational honor society founded in 1925. Its
purpose is to encourage and motivate high school students to participate and become
proficient in the forensic arts: debate, public speaking, and interpretation. The NFL hosts
the national tournament every summer; it is the NFL District Tournament in March that
serves as the qualifying tournament for Nationals. You must be a member of NFL in order
to attend the District Tournament.
The National Forensic League is a well-recognized and well-respected organization. It is a
great activity to be able to put on your resumes; it is favorably recognized by both colleges
and scholarship sponsors. Prominent NFL alumni include President Lyndon Johnson, VicePresident Hubert Humphrey, Senator Karl Mundt, University of Oklahoma President David
Boren, international media visionary Ted Turner, Academy Award winners Patricia Neal
and Don Ameche, Emmy award winner Daniel J. Travanti, actress Shelly Long, television
host Oprah Winfrey, news anchor Jane Pauley, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and
former Attorney General Janet Reno.
Points are earned by participation in competitive speech, debate, mock trial, and student
congress. Debate wins earn six points; losses earn three points. Each speech round earns
points based on how you placed in the round. Extemp and Original Oratory start with six
points for first place; all the interp and acting events start with five points. You earn
points every time you compete!!
It takes 25 points to earn membership. There is also a one-time $10 membership fee. As a
member you will receive a very nice certificate and you may purchase an NFL pin, which
many students wear to contest. You will also get your name on the NFL Chart located
commons and will have voting privileges in chapter elections and business. As you earn
more points, you will also earn advanced degrees. Every degree earns a new seal to place
on your certificate, a different color stone to set in your pin, a "star" on the chart, and an
additional vote in chapter business. All certificates will be presented and Advanced
Degree recognition given at the end of the year at the Speech and Drama Banquet.
Points
25
75
150
250
500
750
1000
Degree
Merit
Honor
Excellence
Distinction
Special Distinction
Superior Distinction
Outstanding Distinction
Pin Stone
Emerald
Sapphire
Ruby
2 Rubies
3 Rubies
4 Rubies
Chart Star
Gold
Green
Blue
Red
2 Red
3 Red
4 Red
1500
Premier Distinction
5 Rubies
5 Red
What other recognition can I earn?
Bishop Kelley awards "Letters" to competitive speech and debate participants who meet
the criteria for recognition. In order to letter in "Speech" a student must compete in a
minimum of 15 rounds of individual events. In order to letter in "Debate" a students must
compete in a minimum of 25 debate rounds. Novice Division will not count toward
lettering. Students who qualify for Regionals or State and do not attend will forfeit their
letter. Letters are awarded at the annual Speech Awards Reception. Drama letters are
earned through participation in plays and productions. Ms. Schaunaman, and Mrs.
Hoagland have details.
OSSAA Rules Governing Standard Oratory
1. This event is limited to students in grades nine and ten.
2. For the purpose of this contest, a standard oratory is defined as a speech, editorial, or
essay written by a person other than the speaker and must be memorized. Use of a
script is prohibited. Plays and fictional monologues are unacceptable.
3. Each participant is to precede his selection by a short introduction in which s/he
acquaints the audience with the author, and the reason why this particular material
was chosen for delivery, i.e., why it is worth giving.
4. The maximum time including the introduction is not to exceed 10 minutes.
5. Prompting from the audience is not allowed.
6. All performances must be void of profanity, vulgarity, nudity, and obscenity.
Bishop Kelley Guidelines for Standard Oratory
1. See the coaches for help in selecting an oratory.
2. Videos are available for many of the speeches we have in our file. These can be helpful
in getting ideas for presentation and understanding the author's intent behind certain
phrasing; you should not try to copy the performance exactly.
3. Once you have begun memorizing the speech, get an upperclassman to listen to you
and give suggestions. Get their help in writing an introduction if you don't feel capable
of writing one.
4. When the speech is memorized, and an upperclassman has seen it, sign up to work
with a coach.
OSSAA Rules Governing Original Oratory
1. The original oration may be on any subject the student chooses. It must be written by
the student, although the teacher may offer suggestions as to organization, content,
style, etc, and must be memorized. Use of a script is not permissible.
2. No more than 150 words may be quoted directly. Extensive paraphrasing violates the
spirit of the event. Plagiarism is defined as claiming, indicating, or implying that the
ideas, sentences, or words of another writer are your own. It includes copying the
work of another and presenting it as your own, failing to get away from the language
of the original text when paraphrasing, failing to identify the source of a quotation or
paraphrase, and following the work of another as a guide to ideas and expression that
are then presented as your own.
3. The maximum time is not to exceed 10 minutes.
4. Original work from a previous years' state or nationals may not be repeated by that
student.
5. All performances must be void of profanity, vulgarity, nudity, and obscenity. Use of
these may result in lowered ranking by the judges and a protest filed with the
tournament director.
6. Prompting from the audience is not allowed.
7. A copy of the oration must be typed, double-spaced. The quoted words must be
highlighted and counted; paraphrases must also be highlighted. The copy must be of
the oration in its entirety as it is actually delivered. The copy must be submitted in a
sealed envelope to the tournament director in case a protest is filed.
Bishop Kelley Guidelines for Original Oratory
1. Choose a topic - it should be something that you really care about and can be
passionate about. It should be something you find either research or stories or
quotations to build the speech.
2. Once you have an idea and have checked it out with one of the coaches, begin
compiling as much as you can - anecdotes, examples, research, quotations. Look to
television, music, bumper-stickers, literature, history - use as many avenues as
possible. Get a preparation packet from a coach and work through its suggestions.
3. It will be your responsibility to get a copy of your oratory (Rule #7) to Mrs. Clark before
each tournament. If your oratory is protested, and you can't produce the copy, you
will automatically be disqualified.
OSSAA Rules Governing Extemporaneous Speaking
1. Contestants will be expected to prepare on all significant topics (within the areas of
international, national, or state affairs) that have received emphasis in the major
magazines and newspapers since September 1st of the current school year. Topics will
be phrased in the form of a question specific enough for the judges to determine
whether the speech is relevant to the topic drawn.
2. Speakers will draw at 7-minute intervals and have 30 minutes for preparation.
Students will be allowed to draw 5 topics, from which one must be selected within a
few minutes and reported to the person supervising the drawing. Speakers must
remain in the extemp prep until dismissed by extemp officials.
3. Coaches are not to consult with students after drawing.
4. The student must hand the question to his/her judge(s) before she speaks. As part of
the introduction of the speech, the contestant is to state the topic in the exact words.
5. At the end of 30 minutes the student will deliver his speech. He may use no more than
50 words of notes. Numbers, symbols, and abbreviations will count as words.
6. The participant is to speak not more than 7 minutes.
7. The speech may be followed by a questioning period during which each judge or panel
of judges may ask one relevant question designed to secure verification, clarification,
or amplification.
8. A student may not compete in both divisions of extemporaneous at any one
tournament including regionals and state.
9. *9. The use of laptop computers in Extemporaneous Speaking is permitted.
a. Extemporaneous Speaking contestants may make use of electronic
retrieval devices to store and to retrieve their subject files.
b. Students can retrieve extemporaneous files to read, but cannot write
speeches or organize their thoughts on the computers.
c. This rule in no way prevents students from still utilizing traditional
paper copy files to enable the competitor to successfully compete in
Extemporaneous Speaking. The OSSAA takes no position on which
form of file storage is preferable for use at tournaments.
d. Electronic retrieval devices are defined as laptop computers,
netbooks, or other portable electronic. Cell phones or smart phones
are prohibited from being used while preparing or before speaking at
tournaments, or any other device that can access broadband networks
(eg. 3G networks).
e. Source Materials: Students may consult published books, periodical
articles, newspaper articles, think tank articles, government reports or
journal articles saved on their electronic retrieval device or present in
hard copy form provided:
i. There are no notations made within or on the
saved article other than citation information.
ii. Bolding, italicizing, or any other manipulation of
the original text of sources (other than
highlighting or underlining as previously
stipulated) is prohibited.
f. Power Source: Power plugs or outlets may not be used in the prep
room at any time. All computers used in the prep room must be
battery operated at all times. Competitors are responsible for making
certain their electronic retrieval devices are fully charged at the start
of each competition day and for proper power management ensuring
that their device remains functional throughout the competition day.
Contestants may not use external power sources in the prep room,
such as wall outlets and/or extension cords.
g. Internet: Extemporaneous Speaking contestants shall not access the
Internet or communicate electronically with any other individual while
in the prep room at any time.
h. All computers must comply with the following provisions:
i. Computers equipped with removable wireless
cards must have the cards removed before the
beginning of any round of competition. It is the
responsibility of the contestant to disengage the
equipment.
ii. Computers with built-in wireless capability may be
used only if the wireless capability is disabled. It is
the responsibility of the contestant to disable the
equipment.
iii. Wired connections (Ethernet or phone) during
rounds of competition are not permitted.
Computers or other electronic devices may not be
used to receive information from any source
(coaches or assistants included) inside or outside
of the room in which the competition occurs.
iv. Internet access, use of email, instant messaging,
or other means of receiving information from
sources inside or outside of the competition room
are prohibited.
i. Liability: Extemporaneous Speaking competitors accept full
responsibility for the safety and security of their electronic retrieval
devices throughout the entire course of any tournament.
i. The tournament host may put stickers and/or
tape on computers to ensure they are not opened
or used, or to ensure appropriate owners take
their own machines.
ii. The OSSAA does not assume any liability for the
computers.
iii. Students are welcome to use Kensington locks or
other such devices to secure their computers in
the prep room.
iv. Students, parents, and coaches should be aware
that the students are bringing and using the
computers at their own risk.
v. The OSSAA is not responsible for lost, stolen, or
broken computers. It is the coaches’ affirmative
duty to make sure that students have on file a
liability waiver before bringing electronic
equipment to a tournament.
10. No one is allowed in the extemp draw except the contestants and tournament
officials.
11. Directly cited articles must be available upon request by the tournament director.
12. All performances must be void of profanity, vulgarity, nudity, and obscenity. Use
of these may result in lowered ranking by the judges and a protest filed with the
tournament directors.
Bishop Kelley Guidelines for Extemporaneous Speaking
1. All veteran extempers will be expected to contribute to keeping the extemp files up to
date.
2. The coaches will appoint two extempers (one foreign and one domestic) at each
tournament to be responsible for making sure the extemp files (if using paper files) are
in the draw room. These same people will also be responsible for making sure that the
files get back to Bishop Kelley.
3. Everyone who uses the files at the tournament is responsible for refilling all articles
used immediately after the speech is completed.
OSSAA Rules Governing Prose
1. This event is limited to students in grades nine and ten.
2. The purpose of this contest is to stimulate the student to find the meaning of printed
prose and to communicate the meaning orally to his listeners. Participation in the
contest should also assist a student in developing critical techniques in the evaluation
of prose to convey subtleties of meaning and feeling through vocal control.
3. Gestures, if used at all, should be used sparingly. The interpreter is to get his effect
primarily through volume changes and changes in facial expressions. Character voices
are acceptable; however, physical placement of characters (eye focus on other
imaginary characters) is not allowed. Eye contact should be directed toward the
audience.
4. Prose for the purpose of this contest is defined as any published material of literary
merit (novel, short story, or essay), except poetry or drama. For this contest, the
competitor may use a single work or a collection of shorter works by the same author
or a collection of short works that are thematically related.
5. The reader may edit or cut his material as he sees fit.
6. The book or manuscript must be in the hands of the reader.
7. The time limit, including the introduction, is 8 minutes.
8. All performances must be void of profanity, vulgarity, nudity, and obscenity. Use of
these may result in lowered ranking by the judges and a protest filed with the
tournament director.
Bishop Kelley Guidelines for Prose
1. The prose files are in Mrs. Clark’s room (S-2).
2. Do not take the original copy in the folder. Use the copy machine to make yourself a
copy of the script.
3. Check the clipboard in S-1 to be sure no one else has signed up to use the piece you
are considering. Once you make your selection, sign the clipboard to reserve that piece
for yourself.
4. Get one of the upperclassmen to listen to you. Get their help in writing an introduction
if you feel unable to write your own.
5. After you have worked on their suggestions, ask one of the coaches to work with you.
6. Be sure that you have "slicks" for your script.
OSSAA Rules Governing Poetry
1. This event is limited to students in grades 11 and 12.
2. Each contestant is to give an introduction to his program. The purpose of the
introduction is: (a) to arouse and stimulate the interest of the audience in what is to
follow; (b) to reflect adequate understanding by the reader of the author and his
works, particularly in the selection read; and (c) to make the audience feel that the
reader appreciates an opportunity to read to them, and that the interpreter has a real,
lively, and enthusiastic interest in the selection.
3. Gestures, if used at all, should be used sparingly. The interpreter is to get his effect
primarily through volume changes and changes in facial expressions. Character voices
are acceptable; however, physical placement of characters (eye focus on other
imaginary characters) is not allowed. Eye contact should be directed toward the
audience.
4. Material used in the performance must be all published poetry.
5. The reader may edit or cut his material as he sees fit. For this contest, the competitor
may use one poem or a collection of poems by the same author or a collection of
poems thematically related.
6. The book or manuscript must be in the hands of the reader.
7. The time including the introduction is 8 minutes.
8. All performances must be void of profanity, vulgarity, nudity, and obscenity. Use of
these may result in lowered ranking by the judges and a protest filed with the
tournament director.
Bishop Kelley Guidelines for Poetry
1. The poetry files are in room S-1 or S-2. Original research is also very much encouraged.
2. Do not take the original copy in the folder. Use the copy machine to make yourself a
copy of the script.
3. Check the clipboard in S-1 to be sure no one else has signed up to use the piece you
are considering. Once you make your selection, sign the clipboard to reserve that piece
for yourself.
4. Write an introduction for your piece.
5. Sign up to work with one of the coaches.
6. Be sure you have "slicks" for your manuscript.
OSSAA Rules Governing Monologue
1. Monologue is to be defined for purposes of this contest as material from published
worthwhile literature in which only one character speaks. Lines performed must be
taken from one character's speeches and not those of several characters spliced
together. Material taken from a recording will not be accepted.
2. The monologue performance will consist of two contrasting pieces, one humorous and
one serious. These selections may or may not center on one theme. Actor versatility
and believability within the author's intent will be of prime importance.
3. Original wording shall be used only for the introduction. A brief introduction shall be
presented at the beginning of the program. It shall be designed to prepare the
audience favorably for the contrasting materials.
4. There shall be no spoken transition or conclusion.
5. Maximum time is not to exceed 6 minutes.
6. Properties allowed shall be limited to one chair. Blocking appropriate to the scene is to
be allowed.
7. The cutting must be presented without scenery, special lighting, costuming or sound
effects.
8. A photocopy of the original published script must be available. This photocopy must
have all lines performed highlighted if they are to be performed.
9. Prompting from the audience is not allowed.
10. This is a memorized event. Use of script is prohibited.
Bishop Kelley Guidelines for Monologue
1. The monologue files are in room S-1 or S-2. Original research is also very much
encouraged. READ, READ, READ.
2. Do not take the original copy from the room. Use the copy machine to make yourself a
copy of the script.
3. Check the clipboard in S-1 to be sure no one else has signed up to use the pieces you
are considering. Once you make your selection, sign the clipboard to reserve those
pieces for yourself.
4. Write an introduction for your performance. Do some initial blocking and memorize
your pieces. Sign up to work with one of the coaches.
5. Be sure you have a photocopy of your script with you at contest as specified in Rule 1
#8.
6. Do NOT take material from the Internet!!!
OSSAA Rules Governing Humorous and Dramatic Interp
13. Dramatic and humorous interpretation are to be defined, for practical purpose of this
contest, as material in which persons or characters other than, or in addition to, the
author speaks throughout. (Monologues are also now allowed) The material should
have sufficient merit to justify careful study and preparation by the student.
14. Material must be from a single work of published, worthwhile literature using the
same diction that the author has used in the original manuscript. Materials taken from
a recording will not be accepted.
15. Additional wording may be added for the purpose of introduction, transition, and
conclusion. Transitions must be a vehicle for time and location change only. Total time
of introduction, conclusion, and all transitions may not exceed 2 minutes. Authors
wording may not be altered except to delete vulgarities and offensive language.
16. The performance should include an introduction designed to prepare the audience
favorably for the material to be presented.
17. The maximum time including the introduction is not to exceed 10 minutes.
18. Properties shall not be used. There is to be a minimum of physical movement below
the waist and no adjustment of clothing.
a. Examples not permitted: kneeling on one or both knees, squatting,
jumping, sitting down or lying down.
b. Examples permitted: shifting weight on one or both feet, moving of
one or both feet, slightly bending one or both knees, turning, and a
minimum of walking.
19. A contestant must remain in a standing position.
20. This is a memorized event. Use of a script is prohibited.
21. A photocopy of the original published script must be available. This photocopy must
have all lines highlighted if they are to be performed. A typed copy of all transitions
must also be available. Each separate transition must be numbered with the correct
corresponding number placed in the script at the appropriate location. Penalty for
failure to have available or follow proper form is disqualification.
22. Prompting must be void of profanity, vulgarity, nudity and obscenity. Use of these may
result in lowered ranking by the judges and a protest filed with the tournament
director.
Bishop Kelley Guidelines for Humorous or Dramatic Interp
1. Refer to all guidelines for monologue. They apply to interp as well.
2. Consult with the Coaches before choosing a monologue for your material.
3. Having your script with you at each contest will be your responsibility. Be sure it
conforms to the specifications in Rule #9.
OSSAA Rules Governing Humorous and Dramatic Duet
1. This event will be divided into two divisions - Humorous Duet and Dramatic Duet.
2. Duet teams must qualify together as a team.
3. The event shall consist of a cutting from a single work of published, worthwhile
literature containing two or more characters using the same diction the author has
used in the original manuscript. Materials taken from a recording will not be accepted.
In no case may a school use more than 2 students to interpret all characters and
perform all these functions. Additional wording may be added only for the purpose of
introduction, transition, and conclusion. Transitions must be used as a vehicle for time
or location change only. Total time of introduction, conclusion, and all transitions may
not exceed 2 minutes. Authors wording may not be altered except to delete vulgarities
and offensive language.
4. The cutting must be presented without scenery, special lighting, costume and
adjustment of clothing, make-up, sound effects, or furniture (other than 2 simple
chairs furnished by the student or the host school and the chairs may be used as
props.)
5. Maximum time of 10 minutes includes all expositions.
6. This is a memorized event. Use of script is not permissible.
7. A photocopy of the original published script must be available. This photocopy must
have all lines highlighted if they are to be performed. A typed copy of all transitions
must also be available. Each separate transition must be numbered with the correct
corresponding number placed in the script at the appropriate location. Penalty for
failure to have the script available for follow proper form is disqualification.
8. Prompting from the audience is not allowed.
9. All performances must be void of profanity, vulgarity, nudity, and obscenity. Use of
these may result in lowered ranking by the judges and a protest filed with the
tournament director.
Bishop Kelley Guidelines for Duet Acting
1. All duet partners must be cleared through Mrs. Clark. In fact, students wanting to
enter duet acting should consult with Mrs. Clark about possible duet partners.
2. All guidelines for monologue apply to duet acting as well.
3. Students may want to consider taking your own chairs. If so, you are responsible for
getting them to the tournament and back to Bishop Kelley.
4. Be sure to comply with Rule #7 and have the script with you at all tournaments.
OSSAA Rules Governing Lincoln Douglas Debate
1. Only 2 speakers are involved; one fulfilling the affirmative case responsibilities and the
other, the negative.
2. Each debater will be allowed a total of 3 minutes preparation time during the course of
the debate.
3. The national topic from the NFL Rostrum will be used for competition.
4. Judges may read evidence after the round for a period of time not to exceed 5
minutes.
5. The use of profanity and vulgarities is forbidden and may result in 0 speaker points and
a protest being filed with the tournament director.
6. Proof of falsification of evidence will result in removal from the competition.
7. No electronic retrieval systems allowed.
Bishop Kelley Guidelines for Lincoln Douglas Debate
1. Participation in this event will be with the approval of the Coaches.
2. Students not enrolled in class are welcome to debate, as long as slots exist. In case of
too many students wanting to enter the tournament, preference will be given to
those who need to compete for class requirements (assuming they signed up on
time).
3. Although students may indicate a preference, the final decision on which division
of the tournament to enter will be up to the coaches.
OSSAA Rules Regarding Cross EX Debate
1. Debate teams must qualify together as a team and two debaters must participate in
every round by giving a constructive speech, a rebuttal speech, and asking and
answering questions during cross-examination. No partner substitutions will be
allowed after the debate competition begins.
2. The following order and time shall be observed and the timekeeper shall say stop at
the end of regulation time for each speech. 8-minute constructive; 3-minute crossexamination; 5-minute rebuttals; 5-minute preparation time per team.
3. All debaters shall have available during each round complete citations for each piece
of evidence introduced to include the name of the author, qualifications, complete
source title, complete date and page number. Lack of a full citation shall void any
effect of that piece of evidence in the round. Should two or more quotations be used
from the same source, the complete citation need be given only for the first piece of
evidence used from that source. Either no internal ellipsis (Ellipses occur after the first
word of the quotation and before the final word) may be used in evidence cited on a
card, or ellipses may be shown on cards, if the original source or a photocopy is
present. The evidence may be read in ellipse form, but the entirety of the evidence
must be available in one of the two ways cited. Personal letters or telegrams shall not
be admissible as evidence.
4. Judges may read evidence after the round for a period of time not to exceed 5
minutes.
5. The use of profanities and vulgarities is forbidden and may result in a speaker rating of
1. 0 and a protest being filed with the tournament director.
6. Proof of falsification of evidence will result in removal from competition. Proof of
falsification is not subject to the 60- minute protest-filing rule.
7. Verbal prompting other than calling time is considered a violation of ethics and will
result in a speaker rating of 0.
8. The semi-final losers shall debate for third place if necessary to determine
qualification.
9. A debate team may consist of 2 or 3 members. Each team member must debate at
that contest. Only 2 members of the team may participate in any way during the
round. On a 3-member team, team members will be designated by the coach for each
round at the time of entry.
10. Forfeiting a round to gain an advantage for the school will be a violation except in
elimination rounds when teams are from the same school competing for first and
second or third and fourth.
Bishop Kelley Guidelines for Cross-Ex Debate
1. Participation in this event only is by invitation only. This is due to the limited number
of teams that Bishop Kelley can support with adequate materials and judges.
2. Attending a camp in the summer is expected.
3. The Coaches will make all decisions concerning partners and the cases to be run (if
there is a conflict).
Electronic Device Release Form
I release Bishop Kelley High School, its coaches, and any OSSAA Sanctioned Tournament
host/ host school from liability stemming from my students use, loss, or destruction of any
electronic retrieval device used during competition.
Any repairs or replacement of damaged equipment will be the sole responsibility of my family.
Parent Signature
Date
Student Signature
Date
Handbook Agreement Form
Student Signature
Date
We, the undersigned, acknowledge and accept the policies set forth by this handbook and by the
Bishop Kelley Speech coaches. We understand that any behavior that is found to be in violation of
the standards set forth by this handbook and the coaches, will result in disciplinary action from
the coaches and Bishop Kelley High School.
Parent Signature