SPEECH, DEBATE, AND THEATRE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Held: May 6, 2014
Board Action: June 18, 2014
Recommend to add language to Section 5-E-5 to include the use of cell phones in Radio Speaking.
“The use of electronic devices, including cell phones, without sound capabilities is now permitted in
Radio Speaking.”
Recommend to add language to Section 7-13-e further restrictions to the use of material in US Extemporaneous
Speaking. (v. The use of pre-prepared speeches or speech outlines or cut evidence is prohibited.
Recommend to add language to Section 7-14-e further restrictions to the use of material in International
Extemporaneous Speaking. (v. The use of pre-prepared speeches or speech outlines or cut evidence is
prohibited.
Recommend to normalize all language in the MSHSAA Speech/Debate/Theatre Manual and on all state trophies
the use of “Policy” Debate rather than the current use of (Cross Examination, Policy, Team Debate).
Recommend to allow the formation of a Debate Scheduling Committee to look at changes to the format for
scheduling of debates for district tournaments.
Recommend to survey member schools with speech/debate in regards to the tabulation of Individual Events.
Survey Question: In preliminary rounds for Individual Events at district and state tournaments,
should all ranks of 6, 7 or 8 be tabulated at a 5?
Recommend to add to Section 5-D-2, Lincoln-Douglas Debate: *Note 2: The NFL Novice LD Debate Topic
is not permitted to be used at any regular season debate tournament/invitational.
Recommend to make the LD Topic calendar for MSHSAA the same as used for the NFL.
Section 5-D-2
a. The topic for debate shall be the bi-monthly topic chosen by the National Forensic League, which is
released on the first day of the previous month.
b. The district and state tournaments shall use the NFL topic for March/April.
Recommend that all areas in the MSHSAA Speech/Debate/Theatre Manual that references “NFL” (National
Forensics League), be changed to use the new abbreviated “NSDA” (National Speech and Debate Association)
since the NFL has changed to the NSDA.
Recommend to delete “elimination rounds” in Section 11-B-7-a:
a. The entry with the best total win-loss record (all ballots, including elimination rounds) shall be advanced.
Recommend to add language to Section 7-B-5-h to define “cube” as an object of 6 equal dimensioned sides. A
freestanding ladder is one which stands by itself with no assistance from any other object.
Recommend to survey member schools with speech/debate:
1. During the regular season do you primarily compete in:
a. Duet Acting
b. Duo Interpretation
c. Both Duet Acting and Duo Interpretation
2. Would you prefer the following events at the MSHSAA District and State Tournament.
a. Duet Acting
b. Duo Interpretation
c. Both Duet Acting and Duo Interpretation
*** Recommend to change language in Section 7-B-6-c(DI) and Section 7-B-8-c(HI) to eliminate the following:
This event is an oral interpretation. Characterization and action are to be suggested rather than represented.
Contestants shall be required to stand in place except for minor stance alterations. Communication of the
interpreter's understanding of the ideas and mood of the scene is of primary importance.
Amended: MSHSAA staff believes that this rule change could substantially affect the presentation
in these two events; therefore, a survey of the member schools registered in this activity would
give a better idea of whether to allow substantial amount of movements in these speaking events.
* Denied
** Tabled for further study
*** Approved as amended
**** No Action
All others approved