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Apologetics

Rules

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Apologetics Rules

Event Rules set the boundaries for what is allowed within the competition space and time for the specified event. These rules apply under the umbrella of our Tournament Participation Policies, Judge Policies, Compliance Policies, and our overarching League Affiliation Policies.

  • Apologetics Definition

    A limited preparation speech that presents a well-reasoned defense and thoughtful application of basic tenets of the Christian faith.

  • 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.

  • Apologetics 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 speech must be either competitors’ original work or include the source(s) for any supporting material. Plagiarism is not permitted.
      1. Verbal mention. Sources must be verbally mentioned.

    C. Content, Preparation, and Presentation

    1. Topic. Competitors must prepare for and speak on one of the two topic options assigned to them.  The topic must be stated during the speech.
    2. Materials.
      1. Storage. During a tournament, notecards and file box(es) must not be shared.
      2. Prep time. During in-round preparation time, only prepared notecards and the Bible may be used for reference. Prepared notecards must consist of notes written, printed, or affixed on notecards up to 5” x 6”. Any notes taken must be written on additional blank notecards up to 5” x 6”.
      3. Speech time. During the speech, no written or printed material may be held except notecards and/or the topic card.

    D. Timing

    1. Prep Time. Preparation time is limited to four (4) minutes
      1. Show. Competitors must show their timepiece (set to count down) to the judges before starting their prep time.
      2. Start. They must start the timer and then draw the topic card.
      3. Show. At the end of the prep time, they must show the remaining time on the timepiece OR allow an audible alarm to indicate the end of the four (4) minutes.
    2. Speech Time. Speech time is limited to six (6) 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.
    3. 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).

  • Apologetics Resources

    Learn more about this event and find related resources.

    Competitor Resources

    Judge Resources

  • Speech Event Rule Violation Penalties

    The following penalties will be applied for confirmed rule violations as described below.

    • Relatively minor issues, generally relating to timing of prep time or speech time: 2-Rank Penalty 
    • Rule violations that are not likely to have created a significant competitive advantage: 4-Rank Penalty
    • Rule violations that have the potential to create a significant competitive advantage: Eight-rank Penalty.
    • Speeches that violate Academic Integrity Rules, Missional Rules or League Affiliation Policies are subject to penalties up to and including disqualification of the speech from further competition.