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Rules

Open Interpretation

Rules

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Open Interpretation Rules

During competition in this event, participants must adhere to the material contained in this rule section to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all.

  • Open Interpretation Definition

    An interpretation speech that explores a published literature selection.

     

  • Speech General Rules

    A. General Rules for All Speeches

    1. Mission Alignment. Speeches must be in alignment with the NCFCA Mission Statement. Any speech content that advocates a position counter to the Foundational Beliefs of the league will not be allowed in competition. 
      1. Content. All content must be free from vulgar, heinous, sexually explicit, obscene, profane, or inappropriate material. This includes explicit and implied language or gestures.
      2. Disclaimer. Any speech that contains potentially intense or sensitive themes or examples must be preceded by this disclaimer: “This speech contains potentially intense or sensitive material.”  The speaker should then allow any time necessary for audience members to exit the room if they choose to do so.
      3. Theme. Any dark themes must provide a redemptive element.
    2. Presentation.
      1. Pre-show. A pre-show is not permitted. 
      2. Professionalism. Only feet are permitted to intentionally touch the floor at any time. Gymnastics is not permitted.
      3. Additional items. Costumes and visual aids are not permitted. 
    3. Interaction. Requesting verbal or physical participation (e.g., raising hand, clapping, verbal responses, closing eyes) from audience members, including judges, is not permitted. 
    4. Electronic Devices. Competitors may not use electronic devices to prepare or conduct research during the round. Requesting, sending, or receiving information is also prohibited.

     

  • Open Interpretation Event Rules

    A. General Rules for All Speeches (see above or ncfca.org/rules/speech-general-rules)

    B. Academic Integrity

    1. Citations. All material presented in the narrative sections must be either the competitors’ original work or include the source(s) for any supporting material. Plagiarism is not permitted.
        1. Verbal mention. Sources must be verbally mentioned.
        2. Works Cited Page. Sources must be included on a Works Cited page in the Format 1 script.
    2. Current Season. Speeches used for competition in a prior season may not be used in any other competition season.
    3. Recited Script. The submitted script must be recited during all competition rounds.
    4. Championships. During the Regional Championship or the National Championship, competitors must perform the same piece that they performed when they earned the invitation to compete at the championship tournament.
    5. Delivery. The vocal and physical delivery must primarily be developed by the competitor.

    C. Content, Preparation, and Presentation

    1. One Literature Selection. One (1)published literature selection must be presented.
      1. Non-original. The literature selection must not be written by the competitor.
      2. Single. Even when published in one volume or written by the same author, only one selection may be used (e.g., a single short story or poem from a collection, an individual book of the Bible, etc.).
    2. Cutting the Literature Selection.
      1. No new sentences. Single words from separate sentences may not be strung together to create new sentences. An author’s sentences may not be changed except for:
        1. combining or rearranging phrases from several nearby sentences.
      2. No new words. Competitors may not add words to the author’s text except for:
        1. taking a single word from another part of the author’s text for scene or paragraph transitions or character identification.
        2. repeating an author’s words even when the author does not do so.
        3. pronoun substitution, verb conjugation, or changing word form
      3. No new characters. Reassigning one character’s lines to another existing character from the literature selection is permitted, but creating new characters (including changing the name and/or gender of an existing character) is not permitted.
    3. Narrative Sections.
      1. Word count. Up to 150 words may be added in the introduction and/or conclusion.
      2. Introduction. The introduction is required and must include the title and author of the literature selection (included in the word count).
      3. Conclusion. A conclusion may be added and must be the final words presented.
      4. Clear distinction. Clear distinction must be made from the literature selection.
      5. Original dialogue. Original dialogue must not be assigned to an author’s character.
    4. Teaser. A short teaser from the literature selection may precede the introduction.
    5. Music.
      1. Singing.
        1. Word count. Singing may comprise up to 150 words of the speech.
        2. Source. Only lyrics in the author’s text may be used within the literature selection. Lyrics from the author’s text or another source may be used in the narrative sections. (Note that Rule B.1.a-b applies.)
      2. Tunes. Any tune (humming, whistling, etc) may be used at any time in the speech and must be verbally mentioned in the introduction. (Note that the Works Cited Rule B.1.b applies.)
    6. Script use. Competitors must announce script use before the speech begins.
      1. Non-championship tournaments. Script use will result in a four-rank penalty.
      2. Championship tournaments. Script use at a Regional or National Championship will result in disqualification from the event.
    7. Script Submission. Every interpretation speech requires two types of scripts: the Format 1 and the Format 2.

    D. Timing

    1. Speech Time. Speech time is limited to ten (10) minutes. Competitors must show their timepiece (set to count up) to the judges before starting their speech and after turning off their timepiece at the end of their speech. The timepiece must be started before beginning the speech and kept running until the conclusion of the speech.
    2. Time Slot. Competitors must present their speech during their prescribed 15-minute slot and are not permitted to infringe on the next competitor’s scheduled time.

    E. Online General Rules (see below or ncfca.org/rules/online-general-rules)

     

  • Online General Rules

    E. Online General Rules

    1. Camera. A single, stationary camera must be used (i.e., no zooming or panning is permitted).
    2. Visibility. Competitors should keep their cameras on at all times except when experiencing significant technical difficulties.
    3. Audio. Only audio presented live from competitors is permitted (i.e., audio that is computer-generated, recorded, generated by a third-party, etc. is not permitted).

     

  • Open Interpretation Resources

    Learn more about this event and find related resources.

    Competitor Resources

    Judge Resources