Tournament Etiquette:
Protocol
It is our goal for the Southern California Classic and Stoa Competitive Speech and Debate to be above reproach in integrity, professionalism, and Christ-like stewardship. Students and guests are asked to conduct themselves appropriately both on and off the competition floor, and to respect the local community and campus.
Students will be held to the Stoa NITOC dress code standard of professional business attire. If in violation, students will be asked to come into compliance before being allowed to compete.
In each speech room, there will be a head judge. The head judge is responsible for supervising the time, managing the room, and, in some limited-prep events, distributing the topics.
Speech Overtime Penalty - There will be a large red timer in each speech room which will be turned toward the competitor during the speech. With the ability to see the timepiece when speaking, the competitor will now receive a 1 rank penalty if his/her speech is overtime by 15 seconds or more. This overtime penalty is for EVERY speech event. All debate rounds will be self-timed and debaters must provide own timers.
Video/audio or other recording will not be allowed of any individual or team without the express consent of all competing members. Tournament staff reserves the right to record debate and speech events for the purpose of adjudication and/or promotion.
Stoa Competitors must be ages 12 to 18 as of October 1st of the current season, privately home-educated, members of Stoa, and parent members must be in agreement with Stoa Statement of Faith (see competitor eligibility requirements) to be tournament eligible. Junior competitors are those under 12 as of October 1st.
Adjudication
The tournament adjudication team reserves the right to review and/or disqualify any team or individual on the basis of the appearance of ethics violations inconsistent with Stoa competition guidelines. Evidence ethics will be followed as set forth in Stoa Evidence and Philosophy Standards.
Any allegation of impropriety should be brought to the attention of the Tournament Director promptly following the completion of the round in dispute. The allegation must articulate the specific Stoa rule that is being challenged. A coach or parent representative must be present with the written complaint. The adjudication committee will then meet with all parties involved and come to a decision.
Tabulation
As per Stoa Minimum Tournament Standards, representation from at least two clubs must staff the tournament tabulation room. Southern California Classic will adhere to Stoa Tournament Tabulation Standards for tabulation procedures.
Liability
Individuals shall assume responsibility for the safety and security of personal possessions, to include electronic devices, for the duration of the tournament. Tournament staff are not responsible for personal items. All personal belongings should be labeled with participant's name and contact information in case of lost or misplaced items.
By registering for and/or attending the Southern California Classic, you knowingly assume the risks of contracting COVID-19 at this tournament and agree to hold the Southern California Classic staff, Ex Nihilo Speech & Debate, Stoa, and Concordia University harmless for those risks. Parents, by sending your student to the Southern California Classic Tournament each day, you are acknowledging that your student is healthy and not exhibiting any signs of sickness.