Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Fine Arts Rules Changes

Notification of Changes from AACS -- Please pass on to your Fine Arts Coordinator

Debate – Rule 3 (AACS Competition Manual 2010, p. 40) states that AACS competition “will adhere to the rules published by the National Forensic League.” The NFL has developed guidelines for allowing the use of computers in competition. Each NFL district is allowed to determine whether or not to allow the use of computers in the district-level competition. AACS has determined that computers will be allowed at the national level. The guidelines for computer use as published by the NFL will be followed. The guidelines are below:

At its fall meeting, the NFL Board of Directors approved computer use in all debate events using the existing computer use guidelines for Policy Debate that are published in the district and national tournament manuals (see below). Permission to use laptop computers at NFL district competitions will be the autonomous decision of each individual district committee. Laptop use: The use of laptop computers in Policy, Public Forum, Lincoln Douglas, and Congressional Debate is permitted at the NFL Speech & Debate National Tournament. The use of laptop computers in any event at the district competition will be the autonomous decision of each individual district committee. Guidelines for Laptop Use in Debate Events
A. 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.
B. 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.
C. Wired connections (Ethernet or phone) during rounds of competition are not permitted.
D. 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. Internet access, use of e-mail, instant messaging, or other means of receiving information from sources inside or outside of the competition room
are prohibited. (This does not prohibit non-electronic communication between debate partners during prep time if applicable.)
E. Penalty: Contestants found to have violated provisions A through C above will forfeit the round of competition and receive zero NFL points. Contestants found to have violated provision D (above) will be disqualified from the tournament and will forfeit all rounds and NFL points. At NFL district tournaments, the district committee will make the final decision concerning disqualification. In case of a serious dispute or critical question, the acting tournament referee (representing the national office) can be contacted for a ruling.
F. Availability of Evidence: Contestants electing to use computers have the responsibility to provide promptly a copy of any evidence read in a speech for inspection by the judge or opponent. Printers may be used. Evidence may be printed in the round or produced electronically, but must be provided in a format readable by the opposing team and the judge.
G. Contestants electing to use computers are responsible for providing their own computers, batteries, extension cords, and all other necessary accessories. Tournament hosts will not be responsible for providing computers, printers, software, paper, or extension cords for contestants.
H. Because public speaking decorum remains an important element of debate, all debaters are expected to stand at the front of the room and face the judge while speaking.
I. Contestants choosing to use laptop computers and related equipment accept the risk of equipment failure. Judges and/or contest directors will give no special consideration or accommodation, including no additional speech time or prep time, should equipment failure occur.
J. By choosing to use laptop computers in the round, debaters are consenting to give tournament officials the right to search their files. Debaters who do not wish to consent should not use computers in the round/.

Extemporaneous Speaking – U.S. News and World Report no longer is available as a print magazine. The magazine has transferred remaining subscriptions to Time Magazine. The three publications that will be referenced for extemporaneous speaking will be World Magazine, Human Events, and Time Magazine. Please inform your schools.

Organ Solo – Organ Solo is a competition category that was not listed in the AACS Competition Manual 2010. Rules and judging form are available on the AACS website.

Science Fair – The Science Fair will be judged according to the Science Fair – Revised October 2010 form which is available on the AACS website.

Spelling – See the AACS website for information regarding spelling study lists.