Contest - Do's and Don'ts

DO the following best practices:

• DO promote the event (internal/external)

• DO appoint contest officials early (enlist back-up)

• DO give opportunities to those who have never done the job before and provide assistance and coaching to inexperienced contest officials

• DO follow up with contest officials to ensure everything is on track

• DO book a room large enough for the expected number of spectators, competitors and officials

• DO book a nearby smaller room for contestants while waiting for their turn to speak (required for Evaluation and Table Topics contests, optional for other contests)

• DO print the names of contestants on the contest program

• DO inform all participants and contest officials when and where their briefing will occur

• DO check with participants for special aids/requirements

• DO check eligibility of all contestants to compete according to the rulebook

• DO have extra forms and certificates on hand

• DO treat all contestants equally

• DO give all contestants an opportunity to check the contest equipment and facilities

• DO provide drinking water for the contestants and chair

• DO ensure judges aren’t seated together or next to contestants

• DO forward the results and paperwork to the official in charge of the next level contest

• At the end of the contest, DO thank everyone who contributed to the contest without mentioning the names of judges.

DON'T commit the following common errors:

• DON’T print the names of judges or the test speaker on the program

• DON’T use old or outdated rulebooks, judge’s guides or ballots

• DON’T print any information other than contestants’ names on programs

• DON’T allow contestants to compete if they arrive after the Sergeant at Arms introduces the Contest Chair

• DON’T announce the objectives of a test speech to contestants or the audience

• DON’T ask judges to stand and be acknowledged.