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Main Tournament Events

A. TOPIC — All speeches entered must be the original work of the contestant. Any appropriate subject may be used, but the orator must be truthful. Any non-factual reference, including a personal one, must be so identified. All speeches must have been prepared during the current competitive year. Speeches that have been used in tournaments or service club contests in previous years shall be disqualified; this rule applies to a new speech by a speaker based on the same subject used in a previous year or to any subject used for any original speech by the same contestant during the same or previous years.

B. TIME — Speeches shall be no longer than ten minutes; there is no minimum time. Speakers exceeding this time limit by more than 30 seconds shall not be ranked first. Judges should use discretion if the speaker is forced to exceed this time limit due to audience reaction.

C. QUOTATIONS — No more than 150 words of the speech may be direct quotations from another speech or writing. Extensive paraphrasing from other sources is prohibited.

D. MANUSCRIPT — A double-spaced, typewritten copy of the speech with all quotations underlined must be submitted upon registration. The manuscript must follow the MLA or APA style guidelines for internal citations and must include a “works-cited” page.

E. AIDS — No notes, visual or audio aids, or manuscripts shall be permitted in the contest rounds. Speeches must be delivered from memory.

F. TIME — Oratories shall be no more than ten (10) minutes in performance. There is no minimum time limit. Speakers exceeding this time limit by more than 30 seconds shall not be ranked first. For each final round, a tournament official, or designee shall serve as the official timer, and will have the discretion of waiving time violations for contestants exceeding the time limit due to audience reactions. This may be extended to the semi-final round at the discretion of the tournament director or designee.

G. VIOLATION – A violation of any of the rules stated above may result in disqualification

A. SELECTION — Selections used in Dramatic or Humorous Interpretation shall be cuttings from a single source from a published printed novel, short story, play, poem or screenplay. One-character selections, or monologues, may be used. No contestant may use the same literary work that s/he used in previous competitive years. No contestant may enter the same selection in two qualifying events. The material may be humorous or dramatic, or combine both tones depending on the selected work. Contestants may not combine two or more pieces of literature. A piece of literature shall be defined as one piece of writing which was written with the intent to be published as one work.

B. PUBLICATION — All contestants must use published materials. “Published” as used in these rules means materials for which the coach is able to provide proof of publication using either of the following methods: — Originating in print form (book, photocopy of the book, or a manuscript) — Originating in digital form (a printed copy of an online transcript) Unpublished material used for introductions and transitions of interpretations shall be the original work of either or both of the contestants. Transitions and other added material must not change the author’s intent.

C. MANUSCRIPT – An original or photocopy of the original selection must be submitted at registration. Script check is the last step in the registration process. Schools that do not complete the registration process are not eligible to compete in the tournament. The portion(s) of the author’s work being used in the interpretation must be highlighted. All introductory and transitional phrases shall be clearly indicated as such on the manuscript. Transitions and other added material must not exceed 150 words and must not change the author’s intent. Contestants must adhere to the material as submitted when performing during rounds.

D. TIME — Interpretations shall be no more than ten (10) minutes in performance including introductory and transitional materials. There is no minimum time limit. Speakers exceeding this time limit by more than 30 seconds shall not be ranked first. For each final round, a tournament official, or designee shall serve as the official timer, and will have the discretion of waiving time violations for contestants exceeding the time limit due to audience reactions. This may be extended to the semi-final round at the discretion of the tournament director or designee.

E. PERFORMANCE — The interpretation must be delivered from memory; no notes, prompting or scripts shall be permitted. No costumes or props shall be permitted.

F. VIOLATION – A violation of any of the rules stated above may result in disqualification

Duet Acting is now eligible under both the BID and AT-LARGE systems. If a bid school tournament offers Duet, bids will be awarded at the appropriate level. We will also continue to allow teams to apply for acceptance via the at-large system.

We realize that duet acting is not offered at a large number of tournaments across the country. Therefore, in an effort to help generate interest and encourage growth of the event, we are offering the following incentive: If you have a single-entered NIETOC qualifier, that student may enter duet acting with a partner of their choice, as an at-large entry at the NIETOC. Each school is eligible for two of these at-large duet entries.

A. SELECTION — Selections used in Duet Acting shall be cuttings from a single source from a published printed novel, short story, play, poem or screenplay. No contestant may use the same literary work that s/he used in previous competitive years. No contestant may enter the same selection in two qualifying events. The material may be humorous or dramatic, or combine both tones depending on the selected work. Contestants may not combine two or more pieces of literature. A piece of literature shall be defined as one piece of writing which was written with the intent to be published as one work. Each of the two performers may play one or more characters so long as performance responsibility in the cutting remains as balanced as possible. Introductory and/or transitional material may be presented by either or both contestants.

B. PUBLICATION — All contestants must use published materials. “Published” as used in these rules means materials for which the coach is able to provide proof of publication using either of the following methods: — Originating in print form (book, photocopy of the book, or a manuscript) — Originating in digital form (a printed copy of an online transcript) Unpublished material used for introductions and transitions of interpretations shall be the original work of either or both of the contestants. Transitions and other added material must not change the author’s intent.

C. MANUSCRIPT – An original or photocopy of the original selection must be submitted at registration. Script check is the last step in the registration process. Schools that do not complete the registration process are not eligible to compete in the tournament. The portion(s) of the author’s work being used in the interpretation must be highlighted. All introductory and transitional phrases shall be clearly indicated as such on the manuscript. Transitions and other added material must not exceed 150 words and must not change the author’s intent. Contestants must adhere to the material as submitted when performing during rounds.

D. TIME — Interpretations shall be no more than ten (10) minutes in performance including introductory and transitional materials. There is no minimum time limit. Speakers exceeding this time limit by more than 30 seconds shall not be ranked first. For each final round, a tournament official, or designee shall serve as the official timer, and will have the discretion of waiving time violations for contestants exceeding the time limit due to audience reactions. This may be extended to the semi-final round at the discretion of the tournament director or designee.

E. PERFORMANCE — The interpretation must be delivered from memory; no notes, prompting or scripts shall be permitted. No costumes or props shall be permitted. During the performance, on-stage focus (meaning contestants MAY look directly at each other) may and/or should be employed by both contestants. Contestants are encouraged to touch and make eye contact during any part of the performance. Two chairs will be allowed for use as props or to facilitate blocking and to create levels, atmosphere and environment. Two standard classroom chairs will be provided. If the performers deem it necessary, they may provide their own chairs.

F. VIOLATION – A violation of any of the rules stated above may result in disqualification

A. SELECTION — Selections used in Dramatic or Humorous Interpretation shall be cuttings from a single source from a published printed novel, short story, play, poem or screenplay. One-character selections, or monologues, may be used. No contestant may use the same literary work that s/he used in previous competitive years. No contestant may enter the same selection in two qualifying events. The material may be humorous or dramatic, or combine both tones depending on the selected work. Contestants may not combine two or more pieces of literature. A piece of literature shall be defined as one piece of writing which was written with the intent to be published as one work.

B. PUBLICATION — All contestants must use published materials. “Published” as used in these rules means materials for which the coach is able to provide proof of publication using either of the following methods: — Originating in print form (book, photocopy of the book, or a manuscript) — Originating in digital form (a printed copy of an online transcript) Unpublished material used for introductions and transitions of interpretations shall be the original work of either or both of the contestants. Transitions and other added material must not change the author’s intent.

C. MANUSCRIPT – An original or photocopy of the original selection must be submitted at registration. Script check is the last step in the registration process. Schools that do not complete the registration process are not eligible to compete in the tournament. The portion(s) of the author’s work being used in the interpretation must be highlighted. All introductory and transitional phrases shall be clearly indicated as such on the manuscript. Transitions and other added material must not exceed 150 words and must not change the author’s intent. Contestants must adhere to the material as submitted when performing during rounds.

D. TIME — Interpretations shall be no more than ten (10) minutes in performance including introductory and transitional materials. There is no minimum time limit. Speakers exceeding this time limit by more than 30 seconds shall not be ranked first. For each final round, a tournament official, or designee shall serve as the official timer, and will have the discretion of waiving time violations for contestants exceeding the time limit due to audience reactions. This may be extended to the semi-final round at the discretion of the tournament director or designee.

E. PERFORMANCE — The interpretation must be delivered from memory; no notes, prompting or scripts shall be permitted. No costumes or props shall be permitted.

F. VIOLATION – A violation of any of the rules stated above may result in disqualification

Duo Interpretation

A. ELECTION — Selections used in Duo Interpretation shall be cuttings from a single source from a published printed novel, short story, play, poem or screenplay. No contestant may use the same literary work that s/he used in previous competitive years. No contestant may enter the same selection in two qualifying events. The material may be humorous or dramatic, or combine both tones depending on the selected work. Contestants may not combine two or more pieces of literature. A piece of literature shall be defined as one piece of writing which was written with the intent to be published as one work. Each of the two performers may play one or more characters so long as performance responsibility in the cutting remains as balanced as possible. Introductory and/or transitional material may be presented by either or both contestants.

B. PUBLICATION — All contestants must use published materials. “Published” as used in these rules means materials for which the coach is able to provide proof of publication using either of the following methods: — Originating in print form (book, photocopy of the book, or a manuscript) — Originating in digital form (a printed copy of an online transcript) Unpublished material used for introductions and transitions of interpretations shall be the original work of either or both of the contestants. Transitions and other added material must not change the author’s intent.

C. MANUSCRIPT – An original or photocopy of the original selection must be submitted at registration. Script check is the last step in the registration process. Schools that do not complete the registration process are not eligible to compete in the tournament. The portion(s) of the author’s work being used in the interpretation must be highlighted. All introductory and transitional phrases shall be clearly indicated as such on the manuscript. Transitions and other added material must not exceed 150 words and must not change the author’s intent. Contestants must adhere to the material as submitted when performing during rounds.

D. TIME — Interpretations shall be no more than ten (10) minutes in performance including introductory and transitional materials. There is no minimum time limit. Speakers exceeding this time limit by more than 30 seconds shall not be ranked first. For each final round, a tournament official, or designee shall serve as the official timer, and will have the discretion of waiving time violations for contestants exceeding the time limit due to audience reactions. This may be extended to the semi-final round at the discretion of the tournament director or designee.

E. PERFORMANCE — The interpretation must be delivered from memory; no notes, prompting or scripts shall be permitted. No costumes or props shall be permitted. During the performance, off-stage focus (meaning contestants may not look directly at each other) must be employed by both contestants; during presentation of narration, or transitional material, eye contact should be made with the audience. The contestants may react to each other’s verbal and/or non-verbal expressions, but are discouraged from touching one another. Contestants may touch and make eye contact during introductory material.

F. VIOLATION – A violation of any of the rules stated above may result in disqualification

A. SELECTION — With a spotlight on argumentation through literature, Program Oral Interpretation focuses on a student’s ability to combine multiple genres of literature centered around a single theme. Selections used in Program Oral Interpretation shall be cuttings from a minimum of two genres of literature (prose, poetry, drama) constructed to create a theme or argument. The material may be humorous, dramatic or combine both tones, and be taken from the following:
*Drama which includes plays, screenplays or monologues
*Poetry which includes literature written in verse and free-verse.
*Prose which includes fiction or nonfiction, and may be taken from but not limited to, novels and short stories; journal, magazine or newspaper articles; research from governmental and educational documents; as well as essays, speeches and blogs.
While a contestant may not include cuttings from a literary work used in previous competitive years, the contestant may use different cuttings from the same literary work. No contestant may enter the same selection in two qualifying events.

B. PUBLICATION — All contestants must use published materials. “Published” as defined by these rules mean materials for which the coach is able to provide proof of publication using either of the following methods: — Originating in print form (book, photocopy of the book, or a manuscript) — Originating in digital form (a printed copy of an online transcript) Unpublished material used for introductions and transitions shall be the original work of the contestant. Transitions and other added material must not change the author’s intent.

C. MANUSCRIPT – An original or photocopy of the original selections must be submitted at registration, along with a work-cited page in APA or MLA format. Script check is the last step in the registration process. Schools that do not complete the registration process are not eligible to compete in the tournament. The portion(s) of the author’s work being used in the interpretation must be highlighted. All introductory and transitional phrases shall be clearly indicated as such on the manuscript. Transitions and other added material must not exceed 150 words and must not change the author’s intent. Contestants must adhere to the material as submitted when performing during rounds.

D. TIME — Interpretations shall be no more than ten (10) minutes in performance including introductory and transitional materials. There is no minimum time limit. Speakers exceeding this time limit by more than 30 seconds shall not be ranked first. For each final round, a tournament official, or designee shall serve as the official timer, and will have the discretion of waiving time violations for contestants exceeding the time limit due to audience reactions. This may be extended to the semi-final round at the discretion of the tournament director or designee.

E. PERFORMANCE —The interpretation must be delivered via manuscript. The student is allowed to use the manuscript as a prop to enhance blocking as long as the manuscript is in the student’s physical possession throughout the performance. No costumes or props other than the manuscript shall be permitted. The introduction shall be memorized. All titles and authors used in the performance must be cited in the introduction. Transition material may be memorized.

F. QUALIFICATION – Recognizing that not all states and regions offer POI as a competitive event, the NIETOC allows the follow exceptions for qualifying POI entries to the NIETOC:

1–POI contestants may qualify under both the BID and AT-LARGE systems. If a bid school tournament offers POI or TI (Thematic Interp), bids will be awarded at the appropriate level. We will also allow students to apply for acceptance via the at-large system.

2–If an attending school is from a state that does not offer POI at the state level OR from a state in which NO bid tournaments offer POI, that school may apply for a BONUS entry in POI at NIETOC. Each school, provided they have qualified students in at least one event, is eligible for one bonus POI entry.

G, VIOLATION – A violation of any of the rules stated above may result in disqualification.

A. TOPIC — An informative speech is an original memorized speech designed to explain, define, describe, or illustrate an object, idea, concept or process. The general purpose of the speech is for the audience to gain understanding and/or knowledge of a topic that the student believes important for the audience. Informative speaking avoids predominantly persuasive subjects and techniques. All speeches must have been prepared during the current competitive year.

B. TIME — Speeches shall be no longer than ten minutes; there is no minimum time. Speakers exceeding this time limit by more than 30 seconds shall not be ranked first. Judges should use discretion if the speaker is forced to exceed this time limit due to audience reaction. Expedient set up and take-down (less than two minutes each) is expected.

C. QUOTATIONS— No more than 150 words of the speech may be direct quotations from another speech or writing. Extensive paraphrasing from other sources is prohibited.

D. MANUSCRIPT- The script must identify the quoted materials, state the number of quoted words, include a work-cited page in APA or MLA format, and both the speaker and the coach must attest by signature that the speech is the original work of the contestant. If a visual aid displays published pictorial material, the source must be included on the work-cited page, but does not need to be cited orally.

E. VISUAL AIDS- The use of visual aids is optional. It is important to note that a visual aid is an integral part of the speech content and not an unnecessary gimmick. Visual aids may be two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional, but may not violate local, state or federal laws and/or school policies. The use of animals or any additional people as visual aids is not allowed during the speech. The host school is not responsible for providing any facilities, equipment, or assistance in a contestant’s use of visual aids. Electronic equipment such as projectors, cell phones, radios, iPads, computers are allowed, but all equipment and any risks associated with using these devices is the speaker’s responsibility. Contestants may not distribute items to the judges or audience before, during, or after the round.

F. VIOLATION – A violation of any of the rules stated above may result in disqualification.

NIETOC Extemporaneous Speaking Rules

 A. TOPIC – Topics for each round will alternate between international and domestic topic areas. Topic areas for the final round shall alternate between even and odd-numbered years so that the final round topics for the 2020 NIETOC will be from International Extemp (IX) topic areas, the final round topics for the 2021 NIETOC will be from USX (United States Extemp/domestic) topic areas, and so forth in the subsequent years.

 B. PREPARATION TIME – Speech preparation time will be 30 minutes with draw times at 7-minute intervals to accommodate 7-minute speeches. Internet sources, books, and pre-collected articles may be utilized to prepare speeches. Pre-written speeches, briefs, handbooks nor pre-written outlines shall be allowed in draw. Communicating with, emailing or texting persons inside or outside of draw is not allowed while in the draw room or in hallways prior to speaking. Use of power outlets in draw is not permitted.

 C. QUOTATIONS – Speeches should include quoted material from multiple verifiable sources. Fabrication of sources and/or evidence is not allowed.

 D. AIDS – No notes, visual or audio aids shall be permitted while speaking in the contest rounds.

 E. SPEAKING TIME – Speeches shall be no more than 7 minutes in length. There is no minimum time limit. Speakers exceeding this time limit by more than 30 seconds may not be ranked first in the round. For each final round, a tournament official or designee shall serve as the official timer, and this person will have the discretion of waiving time violations for contestants exceeding the time limit due to audience reactions. This authority may be extended to the semi-final round at the discretion of the tournament director or designee.

 F. VIOLATION – A violation of any of the rules stated above may result in disqualification.

 

a. SELECTION — No contestant may use exactly the same literary work(s) that s/he used in previous competitive years. No contestant may enter the same selection in two qualifying events. Prose expresses thought through language recorded in sentences and paragraphs: fiction (short stories, novels) and non-fiction (articles, essays, journals, biographies). No plays or other dramatic materials, such as a movie script, may be used.

b. PUBLICATION — All contestants must use published materials. “Published” as used in these rules means materials for which the coach is able to provide proof of publication using either of the following methods: –Originating in print form (book, photocopy of the book, or a manuscript) –Originating in digital form (a printed copy of an online transcript) Unpublished material used for introductions and transitions of interpretations shall be the original work of either or both of the contestants. Transitions and other added material must not change the author’s intent.

c. MANUSCRIPT — An original or photocopy of the original selection must be submitted at registration. Script check is the last step in the registration process. Schools that do not complete the registration process are not eligible to compete in the tournament. The portion(s) of the author’s work being used in the interpretation must be highlighted. All introductory and transitional phrases shall be clearly indicated as such on the manuscript. Transitions and other added material must not exceed 150 words and must not change the author’s intent. Contestants must adhere to the material as submitted when performing during rounds.

d. TIME — Interpretations shall be no more than five (5) minutes in performance including introductory and transitional materials. There is no minimum time limit. Speakers exceeding this time limit by more than 30 seconds shall not be ranked first. For each final round, a tournament official, or designee shall serve as the official timer, and will have the discretion of waiving time violations for contestants exceeding the time limit due to audience reactions. This may be extended to the semi-final round at the discretion of the tournament director or designee.

e. PERFORMANCE — The selections must be interpreted from a manuscript in the hand or hands of the contestant. The contestant may interpret the selection by referencing the manuscript or may give the selection solely by memory without reference to the manuscript, but in either event must hold the manuscript in his/her own hand or hands at all times. No costumes or props, with the exception of the intact manuscript, shall be permitted in prose interpretation.

 

a. SELECTION — No contestant may use exactly the same themes and/or literary work(s) that s/he used in previous competitive years. No contestant may enter the same selection in two qualifying events. Poetry is writing which expresses ideas, experience, or emotion through the creative arrangement of words according to their sound, their rhythm, their meaning. Poetry may rely on verse and stanza form. Plays or fiction written in verse would be acceptable material in this event. A student may use one long poem or a combination of two or more poems unified by author or theme.

b. PUBLICATION — All contestants must use published materials. “Published” as used in these rules means materials for which the coach is able to provide proof of publication using either of the following methods: –Originating in print form (book, photocopy of the book, or a manuscript) –Originating in digital form (a printed copy of an online transcript) Unpublished material used for introductions and transitions of interpretations shall be the original work of either or both of the contestants. Transitions and other added material must not change the author’s intent.

c. MANUSCRIPT — An original or photocopy of the original selection must be submitted at registration. Script check is the last step in the registration process. Schools that do not complete the registration process are not eligible to compete in the tournament. The portion(s) of the author’s work being used in the interpretation must be highlighted. All introductory and transitional phrases shall be clearly indicated as such on the manuscript. Transitions and other added material must not exceed 150 words and must not change the author’s intent. Contestants must adhere to the material as submitted when performing during rounds.

d. TIME: Interpretations shall be no more than five (5) minutes in performance including introductory and transitional materials. There is no minimum time limit. Speakers exceeding this time limit by more than 30 seconds shall not be ranked first. For each final round, a tournament official, or designee shall serve as the official timer, and will have the discretion of waiving time violations for contestants exceeding the time limit due to audience reactions. This may be extended to the semi-final round at the discretion of the tournament director or designee.

e. PERFORMANCE — The selections must be interpreted from a manuscript in the hand or hands of the contestant. The contestant may interpret the selection by referencing the manuscript or may give the selection solely by memory without reference to the manuscript, but in either event must hold the manuscript in his/her own hand or hands at all times. No costumes or props, with the exception of the intact manuscript, shall be permitted in poetry interpretation.

TOPIC — Expository speeches are original compositions of the contestant. The expository speech is a speech to inform, and should describe, clarify, illustrate or define an object, idea, concept, or process. A fabricated topic/subject may not be used. In expository, a student may not use any portion of his/her original oration entered at the NIETOC tournament.

ORIGINALITY — All speeches entered must be the original work of the contestant. All speeches must have been prepared during the current competitive year. Speeches that have been used in tournaments or service club contests in previous years shall be disqualified; this rule applies to a new speech by a speaker based on the same subject used in a previous year or to any subject used for any original speech by the same contestant during the same or previous years.

VISUALS — No visual aids may be used during the expository speech.

TIME: Speeches shall be no longer than five (5) minutes; there is no minimum time. Speakers exceeding this time limit by more than 30 seconds shall not be ranked first. Judges should use discretion if the speaker is forced to exceed this time limit due to audience reaction.

DELIVERY — The speech must be delivered from memory with no reference to notecards and/or manuscript.

A) TOPIC. In Impromptu students have seven minutes to select a prompt, interpret it and express their interpretation in the form of a thesis statement or argument, develop analysis, and then deliver the speech. The speech is given without notes and should have a clear structure for organizing thought and analysis, such as the standard: Introduction, Points of Analysis, and Conclusion. The speech can take on any tone the speaker choses.

B) DRAW. Competitors will draw once they enter the competition room, using a digital device (smartphone, tablet, laptop) to do so. After electronically receiving three prompts, the speaker will select one and then immediately begin prep within the room. The judge should open the door (when applicable) between speakers so the next competitor knows they may come in and begin draw/prep

C) TIME: Competitors are provided 7 mins to choose their prompt, prepare, and deliver the speech. Judges should begin timing once the competitor has received their prompt options. Judges are strongly encouraged to provide time signals if asked, and students should be allowed to time themselves as well. Ask students to specify their time signal needs. There is no minimum amount of time required for preparation and no minimum amount of time for speaking. The student should use their time wisely to develop their speech in as short an amount of time as possible, to have enough time to deliver a speech with substance. Speakers exceeding this time limit by more than 30 seconds shall not be ranked first in the round. For each final round, a tournament official, or designee shall serve as the official timer, and will have the discretion of waiving time violations for contestants exceeding the time limit due to audience reactions. This may be extended to the semi-final round at the discretion of the tournament director or designee.

D) JUDGING CRITERIA. Impromptu judges should evaluate each competitor on the following: Comprehension – The competitor addresses the prompt directly and is able to articulate their interpretation of its meaning with clarity. Analysis & Structure – The competitor utilizes a clear structure to organize their analysis, and employ logic, reasoning, and examples to support it. Delivery – The competitor utilizes voice, expression, and tone effectively. Originality – The competitor’s commentary and creativity in exploring the prompt demonstrates original thought and expression.

E) VISUALS — No visual aids may be used during the expository speech.

F) DELIVERY — The speech must be delivered from memory with no reference to notecards and/or manuscript.

Contestants eliminated from the main events after Round 4 may participate in two of these events (Prose, Poetry, Expository,
Impromptu) if pre-registered for each. The students/coaches should quickly complete supplemental re-registration during the
posted time.
PRELIMS
In the three preliminary rounds there will be two judges, whose ranks will not be combined. If more than 50 students compete
in an event, 12 students will advance to a semifinal round. If less than 50 students compete, 6 students will advance to the
final round.
After adjusting all individual ranks of 6 or 7 to a 5, the lowest rank will be dropped. Advancing to an elim round is based on the
following:
1. Lowest preliminary cumulative rank total, using the five best modified ranks
2. Highest preliminary cumulative reciprocal total, using the five modified reciprocals
3. Lowest preliminary rank total using all six ranks, reverting to original/unmodified ranks
4. Head-to-head in prelims (two-way ties only) using all six unmodified ranks
5. Lowest Opponent’s Average Rank using all six unmodified ranks
6. Greatest number of 1s, then greatest number of 2s, all the way down to the worst rank using all six unmodified ranks
7. Drop the worst unmodified rank (leaving five unmodified ranks)
8. Drop the best unmodified rank (leaving five unmodified ranks)
SEMIFINALS — The semifinal round, if held, will be power balanced with three judges in each section. All individual ranks
earned in the Semifinal round will remain unmodified. The six students with the best overall rankings from the two semifinal
round sections will advance to the final round based on the following:
1. Lowest cumulative rank total in all rounds (five best modified prelims + semis)
2. Highest cumulative reciprocal total in all rounds (five best modified prelims + semis)
3. Lowest rank total in the semifinal round only
4. Highest reciprocal total in the semifinal round only
5. Lowest Panel Rank in Semifinals. Panel Rank will be computed in the following way:
A. Students in the section will be ordered according to their semifinal rank total
B. In case of a tie, judges’ preference will be employed*
C. If judges’ preference is unable to break the tie, use semifinal round reciprocals to break the panel rank tie.
6. Judges’ preference* in semifinal round only (if tied contestants are in the same semifinal panel)
7. Lowest Opponent’s Average Rank
8. Greatest number of 1s, then greatest number of 2s, all the way down to the worst rank in all rounds (five best modified
prelims + semifinals)
FINALS — The final round will have five judges. The six finalists will speak in a random order. All individual ranks earned in
the final round will remain unmodified. Tournament placing will be determined on the following:
1. Lowest cumulative rank total in all rounds (five best modified prelims + semis + finals)
2. Highest cumulative reciprocal total in all rounds (five best modified prelims + semis + finals)
3. Lowest rank total in the final round only
4. Highest reciprocal total in the final round only
5. Judges’ preference* in final round only
6. Lowest Opponent’s Average Rank
7. Greatest number of 1s, then greatest number of 2s, all the way down to the worst rank in all rounds (seven best modified
prelims + octofinals + quarters + semis + finals)
* – Judges’ preference: If a student received the top rank among the tied students from a majority of the judges in the
section containing the tie, that student will come out of the tie in first via judges’ preference. If a three-or-more-way tie is
broken in this fashion, a tie may still remain – if so, judges’ preference will then be used on it, as well.

Main Event Pairing & Tabulation Rules

  1. PRELIMS — In the four preliminary rounds there will be two judges, whose ranks will not be combined. After adjusting all
    individual ranks of 6 or 7 to a 5, the lowest rank will be dropped. Advancing to an elim round is based on the following:
    1. Lowest preliminary cumulative rank total, using the seven best modified ranks
    2. Highest preliminary cumulative reciprocal total, using the seven modified reciprocals
    3. Lowest preliminary rank total using all eight ranks, reverting to original/unmodified ranks
    4. Head-to-head in prelims (two-way ties only) using all eight unmodified ranks
    5. Lowest Opponent’s Average Rank using all eight unmodified ranks
    6. Greatest number of 1s, then greatest number of 2s, all the way down to the worst rank using all eight unmodified ranks
    7. Drop the worst unmodified rank (leaving seven unmodified ranks)
    8. Drop the best unmodified rank (leaving seven unmodified ranks)

OCTOFINALS — The octofinal round will be power balanced with three judges in each section. All individual ranks will remain
unmodified. Events with 60 will advance 30 to quarters; events with 48 or 40 will advance 24. Those students with the lowest
overall cumulative rankings (from octofinal and prelim rounds) will advance to the quarterfinal round based on the following:
1. Lowest cumulative rank total in all rounds (seven best modified prelims + octos)
2. Highest cumulative reciprocal total in all rounds (seven best modified prelims + octos)
3. Lowest rank total in the octofinal round only
4. Highest reciprocal total in the octofinal round only
5. Lowest Panel Rank in Octofinals. Panel Rank will be computed in the following way:
A. Students in the section will be ordered according to their octofinal rank total
B. In case of a tie, judges’ preference will be employed*
C. If judges’ preference is unable to break the tie, use octofinal round reciprocals to break the panel rank tie.
6. Judges’ preference* in octofinal round only (if tied contestants are in the same octofinal panel)
7. Lowest Opponent’s Average Rank
8. Greatest number of 1s, then greatest number of 2s, all the way down to the worst rank in all rounds (seven best
modified prelims + octofinals)
9. Preliminary rank total using seven best modified ranks

QUARTERFINALS — The quarterfinal round will be power balanced with three judges in each section. All individual ranks will
remain unmodified. The twelve students with the lowest overall cumulative rankings (from the octofinal, quarterfinal and
prelim rounds) will advance to the semifinal round based on the following:
1. Lowest cumulative rank total in all rounds (seven best modified prelims + octos + quarters)
2. Highest cumulative reciprocal total in all rounds (seven best modified prelims + octos + quarters)
3. Lowest rank total in the quarterfinal round only
4. Highest reciprocal total in the quarterfinal round only
5. Lowest Panel Rank in Quarterfinals. Panel Rank will be computed in the following way:
A. Students in the section will be ordered according to their quarterfinal rank total
B. In case of a tie, judges’ preference will be employed*
C. If judges’ preference is unable to break the tie, use quarterfinal round reciprocals to break the panel rank tie.
6. Judges’ preference* in quarterfinal round only (if tied contestants are in the same quarterfinal panel)
7. Lowest Opponent’s Average Rank
8. Greatest number of 1s, then greatest number of 2s, all the way down to the worst rank in all rounds (seven best
modified prelims + octofinals + quarterfinals)
9. Preliminary rank total using seven best modified ranks

SEMIFINALS — The semifinal rounds will be power balanced with five judges in each section. All individual ranks will remain
unmodified. The six students with the best cumulative rankings (from the semifinal, quarterfinal, octofinal and preliminary
rounds) will advance to the final round based on the following:
1. Lowest cumulative rank total in all rounds (seven best modified prelims + octos + quarters + semis)
2. Highest cumulative reciprocal total in all rounds (seven best modified prelims + octos + quarters + semis)
3. Lowest rank total in the semifinal round only
4. Highest reciprocal total in the semifinal round only
5. Lowest Panel Rank in Semifinals. Panel Rank will be computed in the following way:
A. Students in the section will be ordered according to their semifinal rank total
B. In case of a tie, judges’ preference will be employed*
C. If judges’ preference is unable to break the tie, use semifinal round reciprocals to break the panel rank tie.
6. Judges’ preference* in semifinal round only (if tied contestants are in the same semifinal panel)
7. Lowest Opponent’s Average Rank
8. Greatest number of 1s, then greatest number of 2s, all the way down to the worst rank in all rounds (seven best
modified prelims + octofinals + quarterfinals + semifinals)

FINALS — The final round will have seven judges. The six finalists will speak in a random order. All individual ranks earned in
the final round will remain unmodified. Tournament placing will be determined on the following:
1. Lowest cumulative rank total in all rounds (seven best modified prelims + octofinals + quarters + semis + finals)
2. Highest cumulative reciprocal total in all rounds (seven best modified prelims + octos + quarters + semis + finals)
3. Lowest rank total in the final round only
4. Highest reciprocal total in the final round only
5. Judges’ preference* in final round only
6. Lowest Opponent’s Average Rank
7. Greatest number of 1s, then greatest number of 2s, all the way down to the worst rank in all rounds (seven best
modified prelims + octofinals + quarters + semis + finals)
* – Judges’ preference: If a student received the top rank among the tied students from a majority of the judges in the section
containing the tie, that student will come out of the tie in first via judges’ preference. If a three-or-more-way tie is broken in
this fashion, a tie may still remain – if so, judges’ preference will then be used on it, as well.

Bid Schools

QUALIFIERS

Deadline for applications will be June 1. Late and incomplete applications will not be accepted. The fee for the application is $50, which can be paid via PayPal or check. No application fee is charged if the applying school attended the previous NIETOC and was a bid school for the previous competitive season. However, all schools must reapply each year. If your school is not accepted, the $50.00 fee is returned.

The $50.00 fee includes a listing in the Tournament Program Book. If you would like to purchase aditional ad space, you may do so for 5% less than our list price. Non-copy-ready ads and ads received after the deadline (March 15th) will not be included in the program.

CRITERIA

1. Previous attendance and/or support of the NIETOC tournaments

2. A geographic/regional balance of qualifying tournaments

3. Entry numbers of last year’s tournament

The decision to accept/deny a bid tournament request will be at the sole discretion of the NIETOC Executive Committee.

Bids are gained at the following levels:

0-19 contestants = FIRST PLACE BID

20-34 contestants = FIRST, SECOND & THIRD PLACE BIDS

35-50 contestants = FINAL ROUND BIDS

51-70 contestants = SEMIFINAL ROUND BIDS

71-99 contestants = QUARTERFINAL ROUND BIDS

 100 + contestants = OCTAFINAL ROUND BIDS

Please note that bid level qualification is determined by the total number of contestants that compete in the event as opposed to the total number that register for the event. Duet Acting and Duo Interpretation are team events, therefore each team member counts towards the total competing in the event. 

Extemp bids can be offered to separate divisions or to a single combined division. In either situation, the total number of contestants will determine the bid level.

For bids to be awarded, the post-preliminary round that is a qualifier must take place. The “split finals format” (ie ‘Champs’ and ‘Honors’) is an acceptable alternate format for bid rounds.

If your tournament date changes for any reason, you must notify the NIETOC. Your bid status may change, based on your new date.

If weather forces a tournament to adjust its schedule, a tournament may appeal to the NIETOC about awarding “ghost” bids to those entries that would have advanced to out rounds.

If accepted as a NIETOC bid school, you agree to announce the bid level qualifications at your awards ceremony and in your tournament results packet (print or electronic). You also agree to submit the tournament results within 7 days of your tournament.

APPLICATION FEES

$50 application fee for each bid school. You may pay with PayPal. (You do not need a Paypal account – credit/debit cards are accepted on paypal as a normal card transaction).

Please make personal or school checks payable to:

NIETOC – C/O Matt Heimes, 5330 NW 6th Street, Lincoln NE 68521-4306.

The registration and payment deadline is June 1. All bid schools will be announced on the NIETOC website on or before July 1st.

How To Qualify

Click on the sections to find out the 3 options on how to qualify.

Option 1

Automatic Qualifier* — To automatically qualify for the NIETOC, students must meet one of the following criteria:

A – Semifinalist or Finalist at previous year’s NIETOC, NSDA or NCFL tournaments in the same main event for which they are currently registering.  (Contestants in NCFL Dramatic Performance would have to declare as either HI or DI, depending on the piece that was performed.)

B – Top three finish at current year’s state tournament (if held prior to entry deadline).

Option 2

Bid Qualifier* — To qualify via the Bid System for the NIETOC, students must earn two bids in a given event at NIETOC-designated tournaments throughout the country.

A – Regular Season Bids — The list of tournaments at which students can earn bids is posted on the NIETOC website.

During with the 2020-2021 competitive season, bids are gained at the following levels:

0-19 contestants = FIRST PLACE BID

20-34 contestants = FIRST, SECOND & THIRD PLACE BIDS

35-50 contestants = FINAL ROUND BIDS

51-70 contestants = SEMIFINAL ROUND BIDS

71-99 contestants = QUARTERFINAL ROUND BIDS

 100 + contestants = OCTAFINAL ROUND BIDS

The following adjusted criteria have been established for the determination of acceptance of tournament bid applications, beginning with the 2018 NIETOC Tournament.  In the event that the tournament reaches maximum room capacity, the following criteria will be taken into account, on an event-by-event basis, when accepting bid applications:

1.  Best two bid ranks earned

2.  Total number of bids earned

3.  Total number of entries in the event where bids were earned

4.  Contestant’s entry in another main event at this year’s NIETOC competition

5.  Contestant’s or contestant’s school attendance at least year’s tournament

B – Post-Season Bids — Contestants receive one bid for each of the following:
>One bid earned by being an Octafinalist or Quarterfinalist at previous year’s NIETOC in that event..
>One bid earned by being a Finalist at previous year’s state tournament in that event..
>One bid earned by being a Finalist at current year’s state tournament in that event.. We will also extend a bid to semifinalists at the current year’s state tournament if there are more than 50 contestants in that event.

One bid earned by being a current year NSDA qualifier in that event

Option 3

To be considered under the At-Large system, a student must earn three “legs” which can be earned at any NIETOC Bid or non-Bid tournaments that accumulate to a total ranking of 12 or less. This is a change from previous years.

To illustrate:           

Joe Smith’s DI ranks:   4th, 6th, 4th, 5th, 8th

Sarah Jones’ HI ranks: 4th, 3rd, 1st, 2nd, 12th

In this scenario, Joe’s best three tournaments result in a total of 13, while Sarah’s best three results in a total of 6. Thus, Sarah would qualify for consideration as an at-large entry to NIETOC, but Joe would not.

*Students meeting the above qualification criteria must complete the NIETOC online registration via SpeechWire and provide a working link to documentation via a Google folder. Competitors will be placed on a waiting list until all supporting information can be confirmed. At-large registration is due by March 31, with acceptance notifications provided by April 10.

Judge Requirements

Each school owes one judge per four entries (both main and supplemental). *Each school is required to pay a $200 judging bond, which is refundable if all judging assignments are covered. Bonds are only refundable if at least one judge was provided. *The first missed round of judging forfeits the judging bond. Subsequent missed rounds result in a $100 fine that must be paid before the school is allowed to compete in future tournaments.

School Requirements

Each school participating in the NIETOC Tournament must have school approved coaches or chaperones at the various NIETOC Tournament sites at all times.

Right To Decline

The NIETOC reserves the right to deny or refuse to accept the application from any participant to the competition. The NIETOC reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to change, modify or alter the procedures, rules or regulations regarding any aspect of the competition without notice.

Fees and Deadlines

Fees

– Main Events – $75 per entry
– Judging Requirements – Each school must provide at least one judge. Each judge covers four entries.
– Judging Fees- $100 per uncovered judge; $200 judging bond per school. If all judge responsibilities are met, this bond is refundable at the conclusion of the tournament.
– Late Fee – $200 per school (missed deadlines or missing paperwork)

Late Fees

– Any school registering entries after the initial deadline of 3/31 (but before 4/25 will be assessed a $25 per entry late fee. An exception of the late fee will only be made if the late entry(ies) qualify via state tournaments held after 3/31.

– Any school not making the initial payment deadline of 4/15 will be assessed a $200 late fee.

– Any incomplete or unpaid entries will be dropped from the tournament, and without refund of monies paid, on 5/1.

Deadlines

INITIAL DEADLINES
– Registration -3/31
– Payment of fees to NIETOC 4/15

LATE DEADLINES
– Registration 4/25
– Payment of fees 5/1

NIETOC BOB ICKES MEMORIAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP

In early 2022, the speech community lost a very special person.  Bob Ickes was a dedicated and successful educator who coached many students to national success. Bob was an advocate for the NIETOC tournament and, in some cases, even helped students financially so that they could attend NIETOC. To honor his life and legacy, the NIETOC board would like to offer the Bob Ickes Memorial Student Scholarship Program to help cover entry fees for students and schools who need assistance in order to attend the NIETOC tournament. We will award $250.00 to six schools to help cover entry fees. The application, linked below, can also be found on our SpeechWire registration page and is due by April 10.

Refund Policy

As of April 15th of each calendar year all tournament fees are non-refundable. If there is an Act Of Nature event preventing a team from attending the NIETOC tournament, with a note from the Principal or Superintendent stating that s/he will not allow the school to attend as a result of an Act Of Nature event, the NIETOC will automatically credit the school’s tournament fees toward the following year’s NIETOC tournament only. An Act Of Nature is defined as a catastrophic event that could not have been prevented or avoided by caution or foresight such as weather, terrorism, war etc. Notification via email or mail shall be presented no later than the first day of the NIETOC tournament. The credit must be used by the following year of the occurrence or the fees are forfeited. If the school does not plan on attending the NIETOC tournament the next year they may apply for a credit of 25% of all fees to be returned by check. Application for return of 25% of all fees, due to an Act Of Nature event only and accompanied by a letter from the Principal or Superintendent, shall be made by November 1st of the same year of the date of the occurrence or all fees and credits are forfeited. Note: Notification for not attending the tournament must be made by the first day of the tournament or all fees and credits are forfeited.
All application for credits or refunds are subject to review on a case-by-case basis by the NIETOC Executive Board. Checks will be mailed, following Executive Board approval, within 30 days of receipt of the request.

NOTE – WHEN YOU CLICK ON THE PAYPAL LINK BELOW, YOU WILL SEE THAT THERE IS NO SET AMOUNT. YOU ENTER THE AMOUNT TO PAY IN THE ITEM PRICE BOX, THEN HIT UPDATE AND THE PAYMENT CAN BE MADE.

NIETOC PROTEST POLICY

PROTESTS:
The members of the NIETOC Executive Council shall have full power to adjudicate any protest, dispute, or interpretation of the rules.

The NIETOC will provide a form in the tab room on which protests may be filed. The following procedures will be followed:

PAPERWORK:

Name of coach filing protest (a coach on record with the tournament must file the protest) school, city, state.

Code of person/team, or name of judge being protested.

Round being protested.

Section/room and speaker number of person/team being protested.

Specific rule or procedure or action being protested.

Signature of protesting coach.

PROCESS:
After the infraction has been observed/discovered, the protest must be filed within 30 minutes following the round in question. In the event of a protest, the coach of the person/team or affiliated judge protested must provide an official response in writing to the ombudsman within 30 minutes of receiving the details of the protest. If the protest involves the legitimacy of the script being used in the competition, the coach of the student/team must provide the original source within 30 minutes of recieving the details of the protest from the ombudsman.

ADJUDICATION:
Information regarding the protest shall be gathered by the tournament ombudsman, who shall rule or request a ruling by the NIETOC Rules Committee. If so desired, the ruling of the NIETOC Rules Committee may be appealed to the NIETOC Executive Committee. The decision of the NIETOC Executive Committee will be final.

DISQUALIFICATION:
In case of a disqualification of a contestant in the NIETOC tournament, the ranks of other contestants will be adjusted for the round being protested only; any prior rounds will remain unchanged

Our Awards

The NIETOC Individual Event Awards Scholarships

NIETOC will award the following scholarships for each event:
Champion = $750
2nd place = $400
3rd place = $200
4th, 5th & 6th place = $100

In addition, NIETOC will award the following scholarship to the top performing individual at the tournament: Perfect Performance Award = $750

The NIETOC Individual Event Awards

Main Events
Those competing in Octofinals, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals will receive trophies.

 

Supplemental Events
Those competing in Semifinals and Finals will receive trophies.

The NIETOC "Perfect Performance" Award

This award will be given to the highest individual point earner at the NIETOC tournament. Points awarded for finals based on the following:
MAIN EVENTS: (Dramatic Interpretation,Humorous Interpretation, Duo Interpretation, Duet Acting, Original Oratory, Informative Speaking Program of Oral Interpretation and Extemporaneous Speaking.)

 

FINALISTS
1st 20 points
2nd 18 points
3rd 16 points
4th 14 points
5th 12 points
6th 10 points
Nonadvancing Semifinalists: 5 points each
Nonadvancing Quarterfinalists: 3 points each
Nonadvancing Octofinalists: 1 point each

Ties broken in the following order:

Higher ranks in final rounds
Higher ranks in semifinal rounds
Higher ranks in quarterfinal rounds
Lower cume total in all prelim rounds

The NIETOC "Encore" Team Award

Upon the close of registration at the tournament, and based on competing entries, schools will be divided, as equally as possible, into three separate divisions for sweepstakes purposes.
Act I
Act II
Act III
The top four teams in each Act will be Encore Nominees.
The top scoring team in each Act will be the Encore Recipient.
Team points will be awarded on the following basis:

 

MAIN EVENTS: (Dramatic Interpretation,Humorous Interpretation, Duo Interpretation, Duet Acting, Original Oratory, Informative Speaking Program of Oral Interpretation and Extemporaneous Speaking.)

FINALISTS
1st 20 points
2nd 18 points
3rd 16 points
4th 14 points
5th 12 points
6th 10 points
Nonadvancing Semifinalists: 5 points each
Nonadvancing Quarterfinalists: 3 points each
Nonadvancing Octofinalists: 1 point each

 

The NIETOC Mrs. Josephine Dukes Award
This will be presented to the educator of the year by the NIETOC Executive Committee

NIETOC BOARD MEMBERS

Meet the brilliant minds behind the NIETOC.

Matt Heimes

President

Dr. Tommie Lindsey

Executive Director

Demond Wilson

Producer

Rachel Warnecke

Treasurer

Reggie Chapman

Executive Board Member

Jolee Denis

Executive Board Member

Justin Kurup

Executive Board Member

Kim Lenger

Executive Board Member

Travis Rother

Executive Board Member

Anna Steed

Executive Board Member

Grant Thomas

Executive Board Member

EMERITUS MEMBERS

Robert Shepard

Karen Gossett

Contact us 

Are you interested in being a sponsor? Have questions about attending the event? Get in touch now.

NIETOC
5330 NW 6th Street 
Lincoln, NE 368521-4306

By Phone: (402) 310-4153
By Fax: (402) 436-1085 ATTN M.HEIMES
By Email: info@nietoc.com