2025 Evergreen Classic

Verve (WA) - Feb 20-22, 2025 | Status: Closed | 9:47 PM Pacific

Tournament Time
9:47 PM Pacific

Electronic Script Submission will open on Wednesday, February 5th.

Our script team is amazing but will take some time to review all scripts. Be kind to them and to yourself by getting your scripts in early!

All scripts must be SUBMITTED no later than Wednesday, February 12th, at 10:00 PM. There will be a $10 late fee, per script, submitted after February 12th.

If your script requires corrections, it must be corrected and approved by Tuesday, Feb. 18th.

MANDATORY ELECTRONIC SCRIPT SUBMISSION: You will find all the rules for submitting your scripts on the Speech Documents & Resources page of the Stoa website.

Click on the 'Rules' box to read rules for each of your speech events.

Click on the 'Submission Forms' box to watch the short Rapid Review & Approve - tutorial for competitors video and find the Script Submission links, the Publication Guidelines, Citation Tips and the Plagiarism Policy. Note: one of the most common errors is forgetting to underline your direct quotes that correlate with the citation page.

Each speech event script must be submitted separately. Prepare your Script Submission Form with your parent or coach. Include required initials and signatures.

Combine all required files into a single file in PDF format. The ONLY format that is acceptable is PDF. NO zipped, .tif, .jpeg, or shared files will be accepted. Your file name format should be as follows: Last name, First name -EventFiletype.pdf. (Example ~ 'Doe, John -OOScript.pdf')

Use a PDF combiner, or scan into a single PDF. You may join PDF files with free applications such as: <https://www.pdfmerge.com/> where from the website you can choose files and merge.
It may be helpful to turn your mobile device into a scanner with an application like CamScanner

PDF file must include: Script Submission form: signed and initialed, Typed script, Platform speeches must include a Citation Page. For Interps only – A copy of the original source: Only include pages from which words were taken. Check that pages are right side up, the words used are highlighted, & added words are written, pasted, or typed in.

Submit script via linked Submission Form HERE: https://form.jotform.com/250260695229156

Script approval:
Once your script is received via the web form, our volunteer script approval team will review your script. Upon approval, you will be sent a script approval email. Any issues with your script will also be communicated via email ... so be checking your inbox!

Please print your approval email to have available at the tournament.

Questions? Contact: <vervescripts@gmail.com>

NO SCRIPT SUBMISSION FOR JUNIORS!

JUNIOR 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. If needed, a judge may read the three topics to the student. The topics may be read to the student a maximum of three times.

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. 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 notes 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.

Thank you for your interest in judging at our tournament! Your time and input are crucial to providing our students with the opportunity to compete. We appreciate you!

This tournament offers all Stoa speech and debate events.

Please view our schedule page for the exact time that each round will start. We ask judges to arrive 45 minutes before the round they wish to judge. If you sign up for the first round of the day, 30 minutes will be sufficient.

When you arrive, check in at our Judge Check-in desk. From there you will be directed to Judge Orientation, where you'll receive all the training you need! Please plan to spend 20-30 minutes after the round filling out your ballot.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at: vervetournament@gmail.com

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Judge registration is closed because the tournament has started. Walk-ins are welcome, and very much appreciated! Just choose a round from the schedule, and come to Providence 45 minutes before the start time of the round. We have staff waiting to greet you and show you everything you need to get started. Thank you for considering joining us!

NOTE:

This tournament is not currently accepting community/alumni judge registration.

Please contact the tournament director for more information.