Event-Specific Rules

Event-Specific Rules

Unless otherwise noted, this tournament is following NSDA rules.   A brief description of rules and modifications that have been made due to the online setting can be found below. 

USX and IX:

The internet will be permitted in extemp prep, although we ask that you do not collaborate with anyone electronically or otherwise.  Notes are not permitted.  The use of notes will result in the speaker being notified and dropped one place in the round where the violation occurred.  Extemp speeches are 7:00 minutes with a 30 second grace period.   Exceeding the grace period will result in being dropped one place.    Judges will be providing time signals, which are described on the following chart. Speakers may also choose to time themselves.  Speeches for elims and possibly prelims will be followed by a 3 minute cross examination period.  Speakers are expected to watch the next speaker and ask questions.  The last speaker will question the first speaker.  Questioners are allowed to take notes, but those notes may not be used during cross ex.  Sitting is allowed during cross ex.  

Impromptu:

Speakers will be given 2 minutes to prep and 5 minutes to speak.  There is a 30 second grace period and exceeding the grace period will result in being dropped one place.  Judges will be providing time signals, which are described on the following chart. Speakers may also choose to time themselves.  Exceeding the grace period will result in being dropped one place in the offending round.  Like with extemp, notes are not permitted, and the usage of notes will result in being dropped one place in the offending round.  

Oratory:

Oratory is 10 minutes long, with a 30 second grace period.  Exceeding the grace period will result in being dropped one rank in the offending round.  The speech must be memorized and the use of notes will result in an automatic last in the offending round.  Original Oratory, Original Advocacy and propless Informative speeches are allowed to enter into this category.