2008-2009 Literary Information

GENERAL INFORMATION:

1. There are two (2) events in the Fine Arts that produce State Champions in each of the five classifications. Those events are One Act Play and Literary. There is one event, which is Debate, that produces a State Champion in two classifications: AAAAA/AAAA and AAA/AA/A.
   
   1. The Literary events include:
      
      1. Dramatic Interpretation - Boys and Girls
      2. Essay - Boys and Girls
      3. Extemporaneous Speaking - Boys and Girls
      4. Boys Quartet
      5. Solo - Boys and Girls
      6. Girls Trio
   2. The season designation for all Literary events begins on August 11, 2008, and ends on May 16, 2009.
      
      1. The maximum number of contests in Debate shall be 18, excluding region and state competition.
      2. The maximum number of contests in One Act Play shall be 6, excluding region and state competition.
      3. The maximum number of contests in all other Literary events shall be 15, excluding region and state competition.
   3. Eligibility reports are required for all Literary contestants.
      
      1. Contestants must be academically eligible as specified in By-Law 1.50, and can not be a migrant student as defined in By-Law 1.60.
      2. Eligibility reports must be received in the GHSA Office at least twenty (20) days prior to the first Literary contest.

2. The rules and regulations of the GHSA as developed and enforced by state and region personnel and as published in the GHSA Constitution and By-Laws shall govern the operation of all Literary meets.
   NOTE: It is important that all rules be followed precisely in all competitions leading up to the state competition in order to avoid “surprise” disqualifications.

3. A student may represent his/her school in not more than two (2) individual events. There is no limit in the number of group events the student may enter (trio, quartet, one act play, debate). A school may have only one entry per contest.

4. Photography, recording, or video taping will not be allowed at any GHSA Literary event, One Act Play, or Debate contest.

5. Each school wishing to enter One Act Play and Literary must notify the Region Secretary in writing by the deadline dates.
   
   1. The One Act Play “Notification of Entry” Form must be filed by October 3, 2008.
   2. The Literary “Contestants List” Form must be filed by February 1, 2009.
      NOTE: The above forms can be found on the GHSA web site (www.ghsa.net).

   3. Qualifying for State Debate must be completed by January 17, 2009. (See Debate Section for details)
   4. The Region Literary Meets may be held on any date after February 1 provided they are completed by March 14, 2009.
   5. The State Literary Meet will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2009. See schedules at the end of the Literary Section.

REGION INFORMATION (One Act Play and Literary):

1. The first-place winner from every region in each Literary event and One Act Play qualifies for the State Meet.
   
   1. When the first-place winner in a region is not able to compete in the State Meet, the next person or group in the order of finish may replace the original winner.
      
      1. The school whose winner will not compete must notify the Region Secretary so the replacement can be notified.
      2. The Region Secretary must notify the GHSA Office about any changes in contestants.
      3. The deadline to make any changes is the Wednesday (noon) prior to the State Meet.
   2. In a Region Meet where there is a tie in any event involving more contestants than the region is entitled to enter in the State Meet, the contest among the tied competitors must be continued or reheld until one representative can be determined.
      
      1. In this situation, the points shall be divided equally among the persons or groups who were tied in the original competition.
      2. The extended competition shall carry no points.
      3. Ties in the State Meet shall stand, and the points shall be divided equally among those who are tied.

2. The GHSA Office will furnish each Region Secretary with a copy of score sheets that will be used in region competitions.
   
   1. The same score sheet used in region competition will be used at the State Meet.
   2. The GHSA score sheet includes:
      
      1. space for the timekeeper to note the amount of time allotted for the event and the amount of time consumed by the contestant.
      2. space for the rank of the contestant to be clearly noted
      3. a place in which to write the name of the selection(s) performed
      4. the amount of possible points available marked in parentheses
      5. space to note if the contestant was disqualified and to state the reason for the disqualification
   3. Individual copies of the score sheet may be obtained from the GHSA Office or the GHSA web site.

3. Miscellaneous Regulations:
   
   1. During speech, music, and one-act play competitions, contestants will be identified by “order of appearance” numbers.
   2. A director/coach is expressly prohibited from “conducting” during a musical contest at the region and state competitions.
   3. Digitally created music downloaded from the internet may be used so long as all copywrite laws have been met.
   4. Each school having one or more students participating must have a school representative at the Region and State Meets.
   5. When there is more than one judge, judges will rank the contestants based on the point totals of each contestant.
      
      1. Winners will be chosen by adding up the rankings of each judge.
      2. There can be no tied rankings or point totals on any judge's score sheet.
      3. In the event of a tie between contestants when the rankings are tallied, point totals will be used to break the tie.
      4. All judges decisions are final. Mistakes due to mathematical errors or decisions made contrary to GHSA rules that are discovered before or after the decision of the judges shall be corrected.
      5. Judges will be seated in different parts of the competition room, and will render their decisions without conferring. NOTE: When necessary, judges may sit together to view a single piece of music, but they may not confer with one another.
   6. The presiding official at each event shall not (by word, gesture, or any other expression) indicate approval or disapproval of the performance of the contestant.
   7. For timed events:
      
      1. a timekeeper who has a stopwatch must be present.
      2. the timekeeper shall not be a judge.
      3. the timekeeper shall time all contestants and note the amount of time they consumed on all score sheets.
         
         1. If a contestant fails to meet a minimum time, he/she shall be penalized two (2) points for each fifteen (15) seconds or portions thereof that the presentation was too brief.
         2. If a contestant goes beyond the time allotted, he/she shall be penalized two (2) points for each fifteen (15) seconds or portions thereof that the presentation was too long.
      4. Flashcards for time should be used in Debate, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Dramatic Interpretation.

4. Point totals are the same for determining the Region Champion and State Champion in Literary as follows:
   
   1. First Place - 7 points
   2. Second Place - 5 points
   3. Third Place - 3 points
   4. Fourth Place - 1 point

   NOTE: Debate and One-Act Play are separate Championship events.

STATE INFORMATION:

1. The GHSA will provide:
   
   1. A competent person at each State Literary Meet to discuss the rules with the judges prior to the contest.
   2. Competent judges to officiate the various competitions and will provide the judges with written copies of the rules for the various competitions.
   3. Two judges will be used for all musical events and all speaking events.

2. Score sheets at the State Meet are submitted to the chairperson of each contest.
   
   1. The chairperson will place the score sheets in a properly marked envelope, seal it, and turn it in to the GHSA representative.
   2. The envelope will be opened by the GHSA representatives who will tabulate the results and announce the winners.
   3. In the event of error by the judges (i.e., mathematical errors, having tie scores, etc.) the score sheets will be returned to the judges for correction.
   4. All judges decisions are final. Protests are not allowed.

DRAMATIC INTERPRETATION

1. Separate contests will be held for boys and girls in Dramatic Interpretation.

2. This is a competition involving the communication of prose, poetry, and/or dramatic literature.
   
   1. The selection may be either serious or humorous, but should be of good literary value and appropriate to the contest.
   2. The contestants are judged on how well they communicate the author's meaning to the audience.
      
      1. The contestant is expected to give the audience a brief introductory statement about the selection(s).
      2. The material must be memorized and delivered without the use of a manuscript.
      3. Prompting shall lead to disqualification.
      4. No costumes, props, music, or sound effects may be used in the presentation. Area of presentation should be completely vacant.
         NOTE: Definition of Properties from The Stage and The School, 8th Edition, 1999, page 600: All the stage furnishings, including furniture and those things brought onstage by the actors; also called props.

      5. Movement of the speaker is not limited.

3. Each contestant is allotted ten (10) minutes for the presentation.
   
   1. The time allotment includes the introduction to the presentation.
   2. A penalty of two (2) points will be imposed for each fifteen (15) second period or portions thereof that the contestant is over the time limit.
   3. An official timekeeper and time cards will be used in the competition.

4. Contestants shall draw for order of presentation upon reporting to the site of the competition.
   
   1. Contestants who are not present at the time of the drawing, will have their position drawn for them.
   2. Contestants who are not present at the time designated for their presentation will be disqualified.
   3. Contestants who have conflicts with other Literary events should consult with the GHSA representative at the scoring area, and may have early or late presentation positions designated for them.

5. There shall be two (2) judges assigned to this competition at the State level.
   
   1. The following criteria will be considered in the judging:
      
      1. selection of material
      2. communication skills
      3. vocal technique
      4. visible technique
   2. The judges shall use GHSA scoring sheets and shall follow scoring directions given to them by the GHSA Office.

ESSAY

1. Separate contests will be held for boys and girls in Essay in all classifications.

2. This is a writing contest in which contestants are provided with topics on which to write.
   
   1. The GHSA Office shall select six (6) topics for the contest.
      
      1. Three (3) topics will be selected from current topics discussed in newspapers and magazines.
      2. Three (3) topics will be selected from literature topics.
   2. For the Region Literary competition, the GHSA Office will send the topics to the Region Secretary in a sealed envelope, and that seal will be broken for the first time in the presence of the contestants at the competition site.
   3. At the State Literary competition, a new essay shall be written on a new topic.

3. Contest Rules:
   
   1. Contestants will compete in a group setting by writing an essay that is not to exceed 600 words on any one of the topics.
   2. Two (2) hours will be given for writing the essay. If a contestant exceeds the time limit, that student will be penalized two (2) points for each 15-second period or portion thereof.
   3. The use of dictionary or other reference materials during the competition is prohibited.
   4. Essays shall be written in ink. EXCEPTION: Visually-challenged students will be allowed to use typewriters.
   5. Contestants must furnish their paper and pens.
   6. The first place winner in each Region competition shall advance to the State competition.

4. Judging Criteria:
   
   1. The essays shall be judged on:
      
      1. thought development
      2. order and arrangement
      3. elements of style
   2. Verbal and grammatical correctness, spelling, and punctuation shall have weight, but shall be considered of lesser importance than the interest and general effectiveness of the whole composition.
   3. This is a ready writer's contest, and evidence of memorized composition shall weigh heavily against a contestant.
   4. Judges shall follow scoring directions provided by the GHSA Office.

EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING

1. Separate contests will be held for boys and girls in Extemporaneous Speaking.

2. This is a speaking contest in which contestants are provided with a selection of topics dealing with current national and international issues that have been discussed in periodicals since September 1, of the current year that have been complied by the GHSA Office.
   
   1. The current Debate topic or the Debate topic from the previous year will not be included in the selection of topics.
   2. Contestants will be allowed to use one note card (either 3x5 or 4x6) during the speech.
   3. Thirty (30) minutes before the contest is scheduled to begin, the student who is to speak first shall draw three (3) topic cards and select one (1) on which to speak. The remaining two topics are returned.
   4. Contestants will draw for topics at seven (7) minute intervals in the order of presentation.
   5. The presiding official of the contest shall record the contestant's name, contestant's school, position for presentation, and topic drawn.

3. The procedure for the contest shall be as follows:
   
   1. After each student has drawn a topic, that student will be escorted to a room where he/she will have 30 minutes to prepare a speech in brief, outline form.
   2. Students will be disqualified for reading the speech.
   3. The student may use any materials that have been brought to the site (including a self-contained computer, i.e., a laptop - no Internet access), but may not receive assistance from another person.
   4. At the end of the preparation time, the contestant will be escorted to the presentation area.
      
      1. The contestant shall give a copy of the selected topic to a judge.
      2. Failure to speak on the selected topic will result in disqualification.
   5. Each contestant shall be allotted seven (7) minutes in which to deliver the speech. If the time limit is exceeded, the contestant shall be penalized two (2) points for every fifteen (15) second period or portion thereof.
   6. Timekeepers must be present and time cards shall be used.

4. There shall be two (2) judges for Extemporaneous Speaking at the State competition.
   
   1. The judges shall take into consideration:
      
      1. analysis of topic
      2. organizational skills
      3. logical support
      4. language skills
      5. delivery skills
   2. The judges shall use GHSA score sheets and shall follow scoring directions given to them by the GHSA Office.

5. Contestants shall draw for order of presentation upon reporting to the site of the competition.
   
   1. Contestants shall report to the drawing area one (1) hour prior to the time set for the contest.
   2. Contestants who are not present at the time of the drawing, will have their position drawn for them.
   3. Contestants who are not present at the time designated for their presentation will be disqualified.
   4. Contestants who have conflicts with other Literary events should consult with the GHSA representative at the scoring area, and may have early or late presentation positions designated for them.

QUARTET

1. Quartet singing is a competition held for boys in all classifications.
   
   1. The singing parts for the members of the quartet are:
      
      1. first tenor
      2. second tenor
      3. first bass
      4. second bass
   2. Two selections shall be sung from memory.
      
      1. Both selections shall be appropriate for a small group of singers.
      2. One selection must be one of the following:
         
         1. chorale
         2. madrigal
         3. art song
         4. folk song
   3. The selections may be sung with or without accompaniment.
      
      1. Live piano accompaniment is the only form allowed (no tapes allowed).
      2. Quartets must bring their own accompanist if one is to be used.
   4. Each Quartet shall be allotted eight (8) minutes to perform their selections. If the time limit is exceeded, the Quartet will be penalized two (2) points for every 15 second period or portion thereof that they are overtime.
   5. A director/coach is expressly prohibited from “conducting” during any musical contest at the Region or State levels.
   6. Audiences will be allowed in the competition room of this event.
   7. A substitution will not be allowed in the Quartet advancing to the State Meet after Region competition.

2. Contestants shall draw for order of performance upon reporting to the site of the competition at the scheduled time.
   
   1. Contestants who are not present at the time of the drawing, will have their position drawn for them.
   2. Contestants who are not present at the time designated for their presentation will be disqualified.
   3. Contestants who have conflicts with other Literary events should consult with the GHSA representative at the scoring area, and may have early or late presentation positions designated for them.
   4. At the time of check-in at the competition site, one original copy of the music (can be computer generated) will be presented for viewing by the judges.
      
      1. Photocopied music for the judges is not permissible.
      2. Violation of this rule will result in disqualification.

3. Judging Procedures:
   
   1. Two judges will be used for the Quartet competition.
      
      1. Judges shall not confer with one another during the competition, but they may sit near one another to view the copy of the music.
      2. Tabulation of score sheets shall be handled independently.
   2. Judges shall follow scoring directions provided by the GHSA Office.
   3. Judging criteria are as follows:
      
      1. Accuracy: Notes, Time, Value, Pitch 20%
      2. Tone: Quality, Quantity, Naturalness, Balance, Blend, Freedom 20%
      3. Diction: Clarity, Naturalness, Purity of Vowels and Consonants 10%
      4. Rhythm: Steadiness, Freedom, Tempo 10%
      5. Phrasing: Melodic Line, Attack, Release, Content 10%
      6. Interpretation: Understanding of Composition, Expression Marks, Contrast, General Effect 20%
      7. Presentation: Stage Presence and Personality, Posture, Poise 10%

SOLO

1. Separate contests will be held for boys and girls in vocal Solo.

2. Two selections shall be sung from memory:
   
   1. One selection must be from the standard repertory of the art song, oratorio aria, or operatic aria.
   2. Both selections must be original compositions, and not arrangements of instructional or choral pieces.
   3. The selections may be sung with or without accompaniment.
      
      1. Live piano accompaniment is the only form allowed (no tapes allowed).
      2. Soloists must bring their own accompanist if one is to be used.
   4. Each Soloist shall be allotted seven (7) minutes to perform their selections. If the time limit is exceeded, the Soloist will be penalized two (2) points for every 15 second period or portion thereof that he/she is overtime.
   5. A director/coach is expressly prohibited from “conducting” during any musical contest at the Region or State levels.
   6. Audiences will be allowed in the competition room of this event.

3. Contestants shall draw for order of performance upon reporting to the site of the competition at the scheduled time.
   
   1. Contestants who are not present at the time of the drawing, will have their position drawn for them.
   2. Contestants who are not present at the time designated for their presentation will be disqualified.
   3. Contestants who have conflicts with other Literary events should consult with the GHSA representative at the scoring area, and may have early or late presentation positions designated for them.
   4. At the time of check-in at the competition site, one original copy of the music (can be computer generated) will be presented for viewing by the judges.
      
      1. Photocopied music for the judges is not permissible.
      2. Violation of this rule will result in disqualification.

4. Judging Procedures:
   
   1. Two judges will be used for the Solo competition.
      
      1. Judges shall not confer with one another during the competition, but they may sit near one another to view the copy of the music.
      2. Tabulation of score sheets shall be handled independently.
   2. Judges shall follow scoring directions provided by the GHSA Office.
   3. Judging criteria are as follows:
      
      1. Accuracy: Notes, Time, Value, Pitch 20%
      2. Tone: Quality, Quantity, Naturalness, Balance, Blend, Freedom 20%
      3. Diction: Clarity, Naturalness, Purity of Vowels and Consonants 10%
      4. Rhythm: Steadiness, Freedom, Tempo 10%
      5. Phrasing: Melodic Line, Attack, Release, Content 10%
      6. Interpretation: Understanding of Composition, Expression Marks, Contrast, General Effect 20%
      7. Presentation: Stage Presence and Personality, Posture, Poise 10%

TRIO

1. Trio singing is a competition held for girls in all classifications.
   
   1. The singing parts for the members of the trio are:
      
      1. first soprano
      2. second soprano
      3. alto
   2. Two selections shall be sung from memory.
      
      1. Both selections shall be appropriate for a small group of singers.
      2. One selection must be one of the following:
         
         1. chorale
         2. madrigal
         3. art song
         4. folk song
   3. The selections may be sung with or without accompaniment.
      
      1. Live piano accompaniment is the only form allowed (no tapes allowed).
      2. Trios must bring their own accompanist if one is to be used.
   4. Each Trio shall be allotted eight (8) minutes to perform their selections. If the time limit is exceeded, the Trio will be penalized two (2) points for every 15 second period or portion thereof that they are overtime.
   5. Choreography will not be considered in the judging of this event.
   6. A director/coach is expressly prohibited from “conducting” during any musical contest at the Region or State levels.
   7. Audiences will be allowed in the competition room of this event.
   8. A substitution will not be allowed in the Trio advancing to the State Meet after Region competition.

2. Contestants shall draw for order of performance upon reporting to the site of the competition at the scheduled time.
   
   1. Contestants who are not present at the time of the drawing, will have their position drawn for them.
   2. Contestants who are not present at the time designated for their presentation will be disqualified.
   3. Contestants who have conflicts with other Literary events should consult with the GHSA representative at the scoring area, and may have early or late presentation positions designated for them.
   4. At the time of check-in at the competition site, one (1) original copy of the music (can be computer generated) will be presented for viewing by the judges.
      
      1. Photocopied music for the judges is not permissible.
      2. Violation of this rule will result in disqualification.

3. Judging Procedures:
   
   1. Two (two) judges will be used for the Trio competition.
      
      1. Judges shall not confer with one another during the competition, but they may sit near one another to view the copy of the music.
      2. Tabulation of score sheets shall be handled independently.
   2. Judges shall follow scoring directions provided by the GHSA Office.
   3. Judging criteria are as follows:
      
      1. Accuracy: Notes, Time, Value, Pitch 20%
      2. Tone: Quality, Quantity, Naturalness, Balance, Blend, Freedom 20%
      3. Diction: Clarity, Naturalness, Purity of Vowels and Consonants 10%
      4. Rhythm: Steadiness, Freedom, Tempo 10%
      5. Phrasing: Melodic Line, Attack, Release, Content 10%
      6. Interpretation: Understanding of Composition, Expression Marks, Contrast, General Effect 20%
      7. Presentation: Stage Presence and Personality, Posture, Poise 10%

Schedule Of State Literary Meet - Class AAAAA, AAAA and Class A
Northside High School, Warner Robins, Georgia
Saturday, March 21, 2009

Schedule Of State Literary Meet - Class AAA and Class AA
Houston County High School
Saturday, March 21, 2009