2025 Spring Fling in Chicago

Aspire (IL) - Mar 20-22, 2025 | Status: Preview | 4:20 AM Central

Tournament Time
4:20 AM Central

JUNIORS IMPROMPTU RULES

1. You must pick three topics set out on the table by one of the judges.

2. You must choose one topic quickly as “prep-time” (thinking time) begins when you take the topics from the table. “Prep-time” lasts for three minutes.

3. The timekeeper will start the timepiece when the speaker draws and will give auditory countdown signals every minute until three minutes of prep time have elapsed. Unused preparation time may not be added to the speaking time.

4. No outside sources may be brought into the room other than a blank piece of paper. You may write notes during “prep-time,” but you cannot use them during your speaking time.

5. The chosen topic paper may be held and quoted from during the speech but no notes may be written on the chosen topic paper.

6. No visual aids or props may be used.

7. You must state your name.

8. You must state your topic somewhere near the beginning of your speech.

9. Each speech should adhere to the chosen topic, while demonstrating originality and creativity.

10. Only feet are permitted to touch the floor at any time.

11. You may not watch any other speakers before you, only those that compete afterwards.

12. The judge will set aside the chosen topic after the speech, so that it is not chosen again.

13. Each speech may be a maximum of three minutes. There is no minimum time.

Preparation time – Three (3) minutes.

Speaking time limit - Three (3) minutes maximum. No minimum time.

JUNIOR INTERPRETATION RULES

1. You may use traditionally published literature, literature published on the internet, or original writing. Examples include: prose, poetry, short stories, plays, historical speeches, children's books (no script submission is required).

2. Selections may be humorous, dramatic, or a combination of the two.

3. Media transcription from movies, television, or tape recordings are not allowed.

4. The title(s) and author(s) of the selection(s) must be introduced near the beginning of the speech and may follow a teaser or other background information.

5. You must state your name.

6. No props, costumes, audiovisuals, or vulgarity is allowed.

7. Limited singing and dancing is permitted, but must be purposeful and motivated by the literature.

8. Only your feet are permitted to touch the floor.

9. If performing a DUO Interpretation, you must not touch or look at your partner. Also, lines should be shared as equally as possible between partners.

10. Memorization is encouraged but there is no automatic penalty for using a script.

11. The timekeeper will start the timepiece when the speaker begins and will stop the timepiece when the speaker finishes. No hand signals will be given.

The performance may be up to 7 minutes in length. There is no minimum time.

JUNIOR PLATFORM RULES

1. Each speech must be original to the student with only 30% of the total speech being direct quotes. All direct quotations and primary sources must be cited verbally within the body of the speech. Use of another person’s words or ideas without crediting them is plagiarism and is strictly forbidden.

2. Memorization is encouraged.

3. For a Persuasive, the student must definitely be trying to persuade their audience of something. An Original Oratory can be on any topic and can inform, entertain, and motivate. An Expository is a speech to inform that uses visual aids.

4. If performing an Expository: you may only use as many props as you can carry into the room by yourself. You may explain or demonstrate a method, object, or idea. You may use picture boards as well as physical props to enhance your speech. Music and other audio recordings are allowed.

5. The timekeeper will start the timepiece when the speaker begins and will stop the timepiece when the speaker has concluded his speech.

The maximum speaking time is 7 minutes. There is no minimum time.

Rules Specific to an Expository Speech:

1. The speaker may use visual aids. Audio aids and effects may be used to enhance the speech.

2. The speaker must set up his/her own props (and any other aids) without the assistance of anyone else.

3. No setting up is allowed during the judges’ evaluation time between speakers.

4. Students may set down their props when they get to the front of the room. All other setup and cleanup must occur within the time limit of the speech.

5. Special clothing related to the speech may be put on, or displayed, and taken off, or hidden, during the course of the speech.

6. The speaking area must be left in the same condition as it was prior to the speech.

7. Use of weapons, explosives, or incendiary devices is prohibited.

8. Nothing may be distributed or offered to the judges or audience members.

9. People and live animals may not be used as aids in the speech.

10. Gratuitous vulgarity is strictly prohibited.

JUNIOR APOLOGETICS RULES

1. The Apologetics topic will be prepared ahead of time and must be chosen from the list on the Junior Tournament website.

2. You must prepare two speeches and give a different speech given for each round.

3. For the topic you choose, you will be expected to define and explain the attribute of God in terms you can understand and its importance to yourself.

4. You may use 4 x 6 cards during your speech.

5. The timekeeper will start the timepiece when the speaker begins to speak and will end the time at the completion of the speech.

6. No visual aids or props may be used.

7. You must state your name.

8. You must state your topic somewhere near the beginning of your speech.

9. Each speech should adhere to the chosen topic, while demonstrating originality and creativity. The use of outside sources is permitted.

10. Only feet are permitted to touch the floor at any time.

11. Each speech may be a maximum of four minutes. There is no minimum time.

Speaking time limit - Five (5) minutes maximum. No minimum time.

APOLOGETICS QUESTIONS:
Who is God?
Does Heaven exist?
Why did God create man?
Who wrote the Bible?
What is sin?
Why does God love me?
Why did Jesus die on the cross?
Where is Jesus today?
How do we know that what the Bible says is true?
Why is it important to study God’s Word?
What is the purpose of prayer?
Is God everywhere (omnipresent)? What does that
mean?

(No Script Submission is required for JR/JV student's speeches)

Deadline for submissions: Monday, March 10, 2025 6:00 PM CST

Deadline for script submission corrections: Monday, March 17, 2025 6:00 PM CST. If your script requires corrections, it must be corrected and approved by this date.

Submission address: aspirespeechscripts@gmail.com

If you have prior approval of a script from an STOA-sanctioned tournament and have not changed the script AT ALL, submit that approval email to our script submission email above no later than 6:00 pm CST, Monday, March 17, 2025.

You will receive a confirmation email once your script has been received and approved. Please save a copy of this confirmation email on your phone or print it out to have with you at the tournament.

All scripts must be submitted by the deadline above to avoid being dropped from your registration resulting in a charged drop fee for that event.

Double Click for Stoa's Helpful Videos:
7 Tips to Rapid Review & Approve for Platform & Interps
Stoa Plagiarism Policy
Stoa's Speech Citations Help Page
Stoa's Interp Speech Publication Guidelines

Double Click for Script Submission Forms to submit for each speech:
1. Open Interp
2. Duo Interp
3. Dramatic & Humorous Interp
4. Platform Speeches: Expos, OO, Persuasive

5. Slam Poetry

Here is the format for your script submission file(s):
Last name, First name, Event name
For example Smith, James, Humorous Interp

Scripts must be completed according to the STOA rules linked above and are to be PDF files. Please have the script(s) for each event with the REQUIRED pages in the following order:
• SIGNED script submission form(s) for your event(s) - found at the links above.
• Typed copy of the speech script.
• Works cited page (for platforms only).
• Highlighted photocopy of the original source text, including added words (for Interps only).

After initial submission, this is how the procedure will go.

Our Script Submission Team will get back to you with any changes that need to be made to the script or any questions we have.
Correct or Celebrate: If your script is returned for corrections, complete any requirements and resend within 24 hours. Scripts must be fully approved (with no corrections needed) no later than Monday, March 17 at 6:00 PM CST.
Bring and keep with you at the tournament hard copies of all your scripts in case they need to be referenced for any reason.

If you have any questions, please contact our Script Submission Team at aspirespeechscripts@gmail.com.

Stoa's Core Values and Principles are the standards that guide tabulation at the Spring Fling in Chicago 2025 Tournament.

Stoa is the national, Christian, home school league with which Aspire Speech and Debate Club is affiliated and a member.

Stoa Tabulation has spent thousands of hours producing tab processes and procedures to best benefit Stoa students and families participating in speech and debate.

Stoa's Tabulation Core Values and Principles which it applies to all tabulation processes.

1. The first is Stoa’s belief in a Transparent Tabulation policy based on biblical principles.
2. The second is a set of four Core Principles upon which Stoa tabulation (and any tabulation process) must be built. All choices made for tabulation procedures must abide by these four principles.

I. Stoa Transparent Tournament Tabulation Core Values

Stoa leadership believes that policies ought rightly to flow from biblical principles. Admittedly, there is no reference in Scripture to the tabulation of Speech and Debate tournaments. However, there are Biblical principles that can guide Stoa tabulation behavior.

Scripture generally speaks with condemnation of that which is done in secret. God knows the natural tendency of our sin nature to hide the secret errors of our ways. To combat this natural tendency, Scripture promotes the concept of presenting ourselves before witnesses through confession, openness, and accountability as a means of ensuring honesty and integrity.

The following Scriptures illustrate the Biblical norm. This is not a comprehensive list of verses on the subject, but it is a good representation.

“I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret.”

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”

“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”

“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

“Would it turn out well if he examined you? Could you deceive him as you might deceive a mortal? He would surely call you to account if you secretly showed partiality.”

“‘He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.’”

“Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace.”

“Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”

In accordance with Scripture and promoting openness and accountability, Stoa has adopted a Transparent Tabulation Policy. Stoa leadership is accountable to the members of Stoa and Stoa members have a vote on the important decisions of Stoa. To maintain this consistent model, Stoa Tabulation Processes are accountable to the members of Stoa. Without such an approach, there can be no true accountability.

II. Stoa Tabulation Core Principles

Merit

• Students should be rewarded for their performance at the tournament. The “better” students should earn the highest rankings, and the “lesser” students should earn lower rankings.

• The procedures chosen should allow for the separation of the students into appropriate placings during the tournament.

• The procedures chosen should allow the better students to “rise to the top” and the lesser students “to settle to the bottom.”

• The meritocracy process has the benefit of allowing students to more frequently compete against other students of similar ability.

Fair

• It must be understood that no process can be 100% fair to 100% of the student competitors 100% of the time.

• The procedures chosen should be made to be as fair as possible to the most students possible most of the time.

Equitable

• The procedures chosen should impact students as proportionally as possible.

Consistent

• The procedures chosen should reflect the overall goal of producing the best result and should be internally consistent with other procedures within the tabulation process.

There are different methods of tabulating speech and debate tournaments. The methods chosen should be based upon and consistent with the core values of Stoa Tab.

III. A Biblical Approach to Tournament Tabulation

Stoa Tabulation (“Tab”) Rooms will operate with the utmost integrity to serve member families and bring glory to God through that service. Biblical accountability should be a hallmark of all Stoa tournaments and the tabulation of those events. All Tabulation Rooms and Tab staff should seek to be above reproach in all their activities.

Copied from Stoa's Website: Tabulation policies & processes.

Aspire Speech & Debate Club - Spring Fling in Chicago 2025 Tournament

Mandatory Medical & Liability Release

Parents, please copy, print, sign, and bring this document to turn in at the tournament's Check-In table. Chaperones overseeing students other than your children must have a signed copy from the parent of each student for whom you are responsible.

I permit my child to participate in the Aspire Speech and Debate Club’s (ASPR) Spring Fling in Chicago 2025 (SFCHI) Speech and Debate Tournament hosted by the Aspire Speech and Debate Club March 20-22, 2025, taking place at the Cityview Community Church (CCC). I am aware that my or my child's participation in the March 20-22, 2025, Aspire Club Tournament may result in risks, which, among other things include contracting the coronavirus, Covid-19, and may include, but are not limited to, various physical injuries. I freely assume all risks incidental to such participation on my own and my child's behalf. In consideration of the participation of my child in the March 20-22, 2025, Aspire Speech and Debate Club SFCHI Tournament at Cityview Community Church, and on my child's behalf, I hereby waive all claims against, release, covenant not to sue, and forever discharge ASPR, CCC and any affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, assigns, agents, servants, employees, officers, directors, principals, agents, representatives, volunteers, contractors, successors, and assigns (the "Released Parties") of and from all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs and expenses of any nature arising out of, related to, or in any way connected with the hosting of or scoring of the March 20-22, 2025, Aspire Speech and Debate Club’s SPCHI Tournament, my attendance at the March 20-22, 2025 Aspire Speech and Debate Club’s SFCHI Tournament, the participation of my child in the Aspire Speech and Debate club’s SFCHI Tournament and/or any such related and associated activities of any kind whatsoever, and further agree to indemnify and hold each of the Released Parties harmless from and against any and all such liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs and expenses including by way of example, but not limited to, all attorneys' fees, costs of court, and the costs and expenses of other professionals, including medical or other professionals, and disbursements up through and including any appeal arising out of, related to, or in any way connected with my attendance at the Aspire Speech and Debate Club’s SPCHI Tournament, March 20-22, 2025, hosted by Aspire Speech and Debate Club at Cityview Community Church or the participation of my child in the March 20-22, 2025, Aspire Speech and Debate Club’s Spring Fling in Chicago 2025 Tournament.

We agree if we have a dispute of any kind with ASPR or CCC, arising out of or concerning in any way the March 20-22, 2025, Spring Fling in Chicago 2025 Tournament and we cannot resolve it internally, we will not go into the civil court (1 Cor. 6:1–8).

Instead, we will submit the matter to mediation and, if necessary, legally binding arbitration, in accordance with the guidelines provided and directed by Peacemaker Ministries.

Parent’s signature_____________________________________ Date_______________

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