These rules have been updated and approved by the organization in November 2018.
FORENSIC GUIDELINES
LEAGUE RULES
1. Content Areas:
A. Prepared Prose Reading:
Subject Matter: Any non-original prose selection, including short stories, cuttings from novels, and essays may be used in the contest.
The piece may be fiction or nonfiction. The selection must be read, not memorized. A short introduction is required. The introduction
should include the author and title of the selection. The introduction may be read or memorized.
Materials: The contestant will not be allowed use of any costumes or props for this division. Gestures are limited to
natural/emotional expressions. Gestures that mimic interaction with an object or person are prohibited. No stage properties may be used.
Time: Minimum: Three minutes
Maximum: Six minutes
B. Prepared Poetry Reading:
Subject Matter: Any non-original poem or several poems of one poet or several poems on the same subject/theme may be used in the
contest. The selection must be read, not memorized. A short introduction is required. The introduction and any transitions between poems should include the poet and title of the selection. The introduction and any transitions may be read or memorized.
Materials: The contestant will not be allowed use of any costumes or props for this division. Gestures are limited to
natural/emotional expressions. Gestures that mimic interaction with an object or person are prohibited. The contestant may not walk
except during the introduction and transitions time. No stage properties may be used.
Time: Minimum: Three minutes
Maximum: Six minutes
C. Storytelling:
Subject Matter: A presentation in storytelling shall be any appropriately themed children’s story, legend, myth, folktale, or fairy tale. The contestant shall give a short introduction, which includes the title and author(s) (if any), to create the atmosphere and mood of the story. It
is suggested that material take a simple, complete form, and be told in the contestant’s own words. Note cards may be used, but are not required.
Materials: No costumes or props may be used. A contestant should use gestures and bodily expression to enhance the story. He/she may not move around the room. However, it is the option of the speaker to sit or stand during the presentation.
Time: Minimum: Three minutes
Maximum: Eight minutes
D. Demonstration:
Subject Matter: A demonstration speech explains how to do something or how something works. The speech must be instructive and present information in an organized manner. The speech must be the original work of the contestant. The speech may be read or
memorized. The use of firearms, live animals, and/or computer technology will not be allowed.
Materials: All materials needed to demonstrate must be brought by the contestant. Tables and chairs in the room may be used by the contestant. An assistant may be used, if needed, to help with the demonstration. However, all the speaking and actual demonstrating must
be done by the contestant.
Time: Minimum: Four minutes
Maximum: Eight minutes
E. Readers Theatre:
Subject Matter: Any non-original one act play, cutting from a play, or prose/poetry piece found in script format is presented by a group
of 3-5 students (individual students may have multiple parts). In the event one member of the group is unable to perform, any other
student not already participating in another category may be substituted. Selection must be read in such a manner that the audience
imagines the action through the use of facial and voice expression rather than witnessing it being performed. A brief introduction is required
to set the scene and introduce the title, author, and characters of the selection.
Materials: The contestants will not be allowed use of any costumes, make-up, or lights. Music stands provided by the host school should be used for scripts. No movement is allowed, but contestants may interact with each other when appropriate. Gestures are limited to natural/emotional expressions. Gestures that mimic interaction with an object or person are prohibited.
Time: Minimum: Four minutes
Maximum: Ten minutes
F. Solo Acting/Duet Acting:
Subject Matter: Any humorous or serious selection of drama or dramatized literature may be used. A short introduction is required. The introduction should include the author and title of the selection. The introduction must be memorized.
Materials: Solo Acting/Duet Acting selections must be non-original, abridged, or purchased from a publishing firm. The contestant(s) will
not be allowed to use any costumes or props. The presentation must be memorized. The contestant(s) should use movement, gestures, and
impersonation appropriate to his/her character(s). Tables and chairs in the room may be used by the contestant(s).
Time: Minimum: Three minutes
Maximum: Eight minutes
2. To observe the minimum and maximum time limitations, the hand of the timer will be raised at the maximum time limit and thirty (30) seconds later the timer will stand and the contestant will be stopped. A penalty of one point will be assessed if the contestant is more than thirty seconds under or over the time limit.
3. Timers will hold up time cards (or fingers) showing the number of minutes elapsed, (1, 2, 3, etc.) so that the contestant can be aware if the minimum time has not been reached, or if the maximum time is being neared.
4. The league calendar will consist of two events. The first league contest will be held the first Monday of November. The second league contest will be held the third Monday of November. Schools may also elect to hold practice tournaments prior to the two league contests either on their own or in conjunction with other members.
5. Contestants:
A. As a guideline (not a rule), each member school may enter three contestant groups in Readers Theatre; other categories may have two contestants.
B. No student may compete in more than one category.
C. Contestants must be from the fifth, sixth, seventh and/or eighth grade of the participating schools.
D. A list of contestants, selections, and judge(s) will be furnished to the host school before the day of the contest.
6. Each participating school is to furnish judges for the contest and judges will be paid by their respective schools. Each school will be responsible for 1 judge for every 6 entries. For example, if a school has 9 entries, they would be responsible for 2 judges. Judges’ pay will be at the each school’s discretion. The average pay for judges is $40.00.
7. Judges are to fill out comments, constructive suggestions, and award a rating to each individual contestant, using the criteria sheets provided by the league as a basis for their decision.
8. Contestant’s order and judging assignments are to be arranged by the host school.
9. Rules for Doorkeeper:
A. Station yourself outside the door during the entire contest. You may take a “break” when the judge takes a “break”.
B. Do not allow anyone to enter the room while a contestant is speaking.
C. Open the door immediately after each speaker has spoken and close the door just before the new speaker is introduced.
D. After each contestant has given a presentation, cross off his/her name neatly on the program which is posted outside the door so the spectators can tell which speaker is next.
E. Please keep the halls clear and free of talking in the immediate area of the contest room.
F. If students do not follow your requests, ask any teacher for help.
10. Rules for Timer:
A. Introduce yourself to the judge before the contest begins.
B. You must use time cards for each contestant. When one minute has elapsed, hold up the 1, then 2, and so on. When the maximum time
has elapsed, raise your hand.
C. When the contestant has finished, record the time on a white card and give it to the judge immediately.
D. Be accurate and do a good job.
E. If a school does not have enough volunteers to fill this requirement, they may elect to have judges keep time without the use of time
cards. This will be indicated on the tournament invite.
11. Timeline and Organization for Holding League Forensic Contests:
A. By third Tuesday of September, send out announcement of contests with rules to all participating schools (Brillion, Chilton, Kiel, Kohler,
Mishicot, New Holstein, Plymouth, Sheboygan Falls, and Valders).
B. Contests will be held the first and third Monday of November, with the alternate dates the first and third Tuesday of November.
C. Two weeks before the contests - when the lists of participating students arrive from the schools, type up the program for the contest.
D. As soon as entries arrive, send the criteria and critique sheet for their category to the judges so they know the rules for the contest in advance.
E. Enter names of students on individual critique sheets and put in each judge’s folder.
F. Set up contest rooms and two hospitality areas: one for students and one for adults (coaches, judges, bus drivers, and parents). Appoint student timers and doorkeepers for each room.
G. Get checks ready for judges.
H. Day of Contests:
1. Meet with the judges. Explain rules and give folder of category criteria and critique sheets with contestant name and selection(s) to judges.
2. Give envelopes with programs for each school to each group as they arrive for the contest.
3. Welcome everyone at the general assembly.
4. Record scores and return final tally of all schools to forensic coaches.
5. Pay judges.
12. Yearly tournament hosts are based on an alphabetical rotation of current league members (Brillion, Chilton, Kiel, Kohler, Mishicot, New Holstein, Plymouth, Sheboygan Falls, and Valders). Any additions to membership would be placed in the rotation. Members who are unable to hold a tournament may pass on their spot in the rotation, but all members are encouraged to host.
Revised/Approved 11/18
LEAGUE RULES
1. Content Areas:
A. Prepared Prose Reading:
Subject Matter: Any non-original prose selection, including short stories, cuttings from novels, and essays may be used in the contest.
The piece may be fiction or nonfiction. The selection must be read, not memorized. A short introduction is required. The introduction
should include the author and title of the selection. The introduction may be read or memorized.
Materials: The contestant will not be allowed use of any costumes or props for this division. Gestures are limited to
natural/emotional expressions. Gestures that mimic interaction with an object or person are prohibited. No stage properties may be used.
Time: Minimum: Three minutes
Maximum: Six minutes
B. Prepared Poetry Reading:
Subject Matter: Any non-original poem or several poems of one poet or several poems on the same subject/theme may be used in the
contest. The selection must be read, not memorized. A short introduction is required. The introduction and any transitions between poems should include the poet and title of the selection. The introduction and any transitions may be read or memorized.
Materials: The contestant will not be allowed use of any costumes or props for this division. Gestures are limited to
natural/emotional expressions. Gestures that mimic interaction with an object or person are prohibited. The contestant may not walk
except during the introduction and transitions time. No stage properties may be used.
Time: Minimum: Three minutes
Maximum: Six minutes
C. Storytelling:
Subject Matter: A presentation in storytelling shall be any appropriately themed children’s story, legend, myth, folktale, or fairy tale. The contestant shall give a short introduction, which includes the title and author(s) (if any), to create the atmosphere and mood of the story. It
is suggested that material take a simple, complete form, and be told in the contestant’s own words. Note cards may be used, but are not required.
Materials: No costumes or props may be used. A contestant should use gestures and bodily expression to enhance the story. He/she may not move around the room. However, it is the option of the speaker to sit or stand during the presentation.
Time: Minimum: Three minutes
Maximum: Eight minutes
D. Demonstration:
Subject Matter: A demonstration speech explains how to do something or how something works. The speech must be instructive and present information in an organized manner. The speech must be the original work of the contestant. The speech may be read or
memorized. The use of firearms, live animals, and/or computer technology will not be allowed.
Materials: All materials needed to demonstrate must be brought by the contestant. Tables and chairs in the room may be used by the contestant. An assistant may be used, if needed, to help with the demonstration. However, all the speaking and actual demonstrating must
be done by the contestant.
Time: Minimum: Four minutes
Maximum: Eight minutes
E. Readers Theatre:
Subject Matter: Any non-original one act play, cutting from a play, or prose/poetry piece found in script format is presented by a group
of 3-5 students (individual students may have multiple parts). In the event one member of the group is unable to perform, any other
student not already participating in another category may be substituted. Selection must be read in such a manner that the audience
imagines the action through the use of facial and voice expression rather than witnessing it being performed. A brief introduction is required
to set the scene and introduce the title, author, and characters of the selection.
Materials: The contestants will not be allowed use of any costumes, make-up, or lights. Music stands provided by the host school should be used for scripts. No movement is allowed, but contestants may interact with each other when appropriate. Gestures are limited to natural/emotional expressions. Gestures that mimic interaction with an object or person are prohibited.
Time: Minimum: Four minutes
Maximum: Ten minutes
F. Solo Acting/Duet Acting:
Subject Matter: Any humorous or serious selection of drama or dramatized literature may be used. A short introduction is required. The introduction should include the author and title of the selection. The introduction must be memorized.
Materials: Solo Acting/Duet Acting selections must be non-original, abridged, or purchased from a publishing firm. The contestant(s) will
not be allowed to use any costumes or props. The presentation must be memorized. The contestant(s) should use movement, gestures, and
impersonation appropriate to his/her character(s). Tables and chairs in the room may be used by the contestant(s).
Time: Minimum: Three minutes
Maximum: Eight minutes
2. To observe the minimum and maximum time limitations, the hand of the timer will be raised at the maximum time limit and thirty (30) seconds later the timer will stand and the contestant will be stopped. A penalty of one point will be assessed if the contestant is more than thirty seconds under or over the time limit.
3. Timers will hold up time cards (or fingers) showing the number of minutes elapsed, (1, 2, 3, etc.) so that the contestant can be aware if the minimum time has not been reached, or if the maximum time is being neared.
4. The league calendar will consist of two events. The first league contest will be held the first Monday of November. The second league contest will be held the third Monday of November. Schools may also elect to hold practice tournaments prior to the two league contests either on their own or in conjunction with other members.
5. Contestants:
A. As a guideline (not a rule), each member school may enter three contestant groups in Readers Theatre; other categories may have two contestants.
B. No student may compete in more than one category.
C. Contestants must be from the fifth, sixth, seventh and/or eighth grade of the participating schools.
D. A list of contestants, selections, and judge(s) will be furnished to the host school before the day of the contest.
6. Each participating school is to furnish judges for the contest and judges will be paid by their respective schools. Each school will be responsible for 1 judge for every 6 entries. For example, if a school has 9 entries, they would be responsible for 2 judges. Judges’ pay will be at the each school’s discretion. The average pay for judges is $40.00.
7. Judges are to fill out comments, constructive suggestions, and award a rating to each individual contestant, using the criteria sheets provided by the league as a basis for their decision.
8. Contestant’s order and judging assignments are to be arranged by the host school.
9. Rules for Doorkeeper:
A. Station yourself outside the door during the entire contest. You may take a “break” when the judge takes a “break”.
B. Do not allow anyone to enter the room while a contestant is speaking.
C. Open the door immediately after each speaker has spoken and close the door just before the new speaker is introduced.
D. After each contestant has given a presentation, cross off his/her name neatly on the program which is posted outside the door so the spectators can tell which speaker is next.
E. Please keep the halls clear and free of talking in the immediate area of the contest room.
F. If students do not follow your requests, ask any teacher for help.
10. Rules for Timer:
A. Introduce yourself to the judge before the contest begins.
B. You must use time cards for each contestant. When one minute has elapsed, hold up the 1, then 2, and so on. When the maximum time
has elapsed, raise your hand.
C. When the contestant has finished, record the time on a white card and give it to the judge immediately.
D. Be accurate and do a good job.
E. If a school does not have enough volunteers to fill this requirement, they may elect to have judges keep time without the use of time
cards. This will be indicated on the tournament invite.
11. Timeline and Organization for Holding League Forensic Contests:
A. By third Tuesday of September, send out announcement of contests with rules to all participating schools (Brillion, Chilton, Kiel, Kohler,
Mishicot, New Holstein, Plymouth, Sheboygan Falls, and Valders).
B. Contests will be held the first and third Monday of November, with the alternate dates the first and third Tuesday of November.
C. Two weeks before the contests - when the lists of participating students arrive from the schools, type up the program for the contest.
D. As soon as entries arrive, send the criteria and critique sheet for their category to the judges so they know the rules for the contest in advance.
E. Enter names of students on individual critique sheets and put in each judge’s folder.
F. Set up contest rooms and two hospitality areas: one for students and one for adults (coaches, judges, bus drivers, and parents). Appoint student timers and doorkeepers for each room.
G. Get checks ready for judges.
H. Day of Contests:
1. Meet with the judges. Explain rules and give folder of category criteria and critique sheets with contestant name and selection(s) to judges.
2. Give envelopes with programs for each school to each group as they arrive for the contest.
3. Welcome everyone at the general assembly.
4. Record scores and return final tally of all schools to forensic coaches.
5. Pay judges.
12. Yearly tournament hosts are based on an alphabetical rotation of current league members (Brillion, Chilton, Kiel, Kohler, Mishicot, New Holstein, Plymouth, Sheboygan Falls, and Valders). Any additions to membership would be placed in the rotation. Members who are unable to hold a tournament may pass on their spot in the rotation, but all members are encouraged to host.
Revised/Approved 11/18