Competition Events

The NCFL Grand National Tournament offers six speech events and four debate events. NCFL Grand National Tournament rules and procedures are documented in the NCFL Bylaws. Failure to comply with event rules may lead to student disqualification.

Dramatic Performance

• The speaker must offer a memorized dramatic presentation. If the speaker refers to prepared notes of any kind or a script during the presentation, the speaker will be disqualified.
• The presentation must be from a single published play, single published script, or single fictional or non-fictional work (not poetry). It is the affirmative obligation of all NCFL coaches to ensure that all materials presented in interpretation events must be available and readily accessible to all members of the league. Lines which are attributed to one character in a published play or script must not be attributed to another character in the performance. The author's words as published in the literature must not be altered for the presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted.
  
• No properties or costumes of any kind may be used. Using “properties” means manipulating articles of clothing or objects to enhance the performance. Speakers using properties and/or wearing costumes will be disqualified.
  
• Positions other than standing should not be excessive in length or dominate the performance.

Critique Sheet and Judging Criteria for Dramatic Performance (Last updated 2019)

​Duo Interpretation of Literature

• ncfl_master_critique_duo__fall_2019_.pdfThe selection, delivered by two students each representing the same member school, must be from a single play, fictional, or nonfictional work. A series of poems is permitted. The poetry may be taken from a variety of published sources united by a single poet. It is the affirmative obligation of all NCFL coaches to ensure that all materials presented in interpretation events must be available and readily accessible to all members of the league. Performing the author’s exact words from the published original work is a core value of interpretation in NCFL. Cutting, the removal and rearrangement of the author’s words to shape a 10 minute performance, is permitted.
• The selection must be memorized. If the speaker(s) refers to prepared notes of any kind or a script during the presentation, the team will be disqualified.
• No properties or costumes of any kind may be used. Using “properties” means manipulating articles of clothing or objects to enhance the performance. Speakers using properties and/or wearing costumes will be disqualified.
• Performers are not allowed to make deliberate physical contact with each other during the performance, except during the introduction. Physical movement is restricted to performers moving around one another, switching position, pivoting from side to side, or turning around completely. Should the performers make deliberate physical contact with each other during the performance, except during the introduction, or make deliberate physical movements other than those permitted herein, the performers will be disqualified.
• Positions other than standing should not be excessive in length or dominate the performance.

Critique Sheet and Judging Criteria for Duo Interpretation of Literature (Last updated 2019)

Extemporaneous Speaking

• The speech must be an original synthesis by the contestant of the current fact and opinion on the designated topic as presented by numerous sources. Source materials must be represented with relative accuracy in the speech. The speaker is responsible for the ethical use of source information.
  
• The speech must be extemporaneous and delivered without notes. If the speaker refers to prepared notes of any kind or a script during the presentation, the speaker will be disqualified.
  
• During the competition round, students must not access any research materials, oral, written, or electronic, outside of the preparation room.
  
• Speakers must not be penalized for expressing views with which the judge happens to disagree.
  
• Positions other than standing should not be excessive in length or dominate the performance.

Critique Sheet and Judging Criteria for Extemporaneous Speaking (Last updated 2019)
Extemp Prep & Connectivity Rules (Last updated 2022)

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

1. The resolution is a proposition of value, not policy. Debaters are to develop argumentation on the resolution in its entirety, based on conflicting underlying principles and values to support their positions. To that end, they are not responsible for practical applications. No plan or counterplan shall be offered by either debater. 
2. In making the decision, the judges should ask the following questions: 
   1. Which debater was more persuasive? 
   2. Did the debater support his or her position appropriately, using logical argumentation throughout and evidence when necessary? 
   3. Which debater communicated more effectively? Speed, word choice, and delivery all count. 
3. Since this is a debate, clash is necessary. It may be direct clash or clash by opposing principles. Thus, the debate does not have to match point for point. 
4. Good judges make decisions only on what was debated by the contestants. If the judges consider an argument to be flawed, but the opponent does not refute it, the original argument must stand. If, however, there is a clash, then the judges decide which argument is more persuasive. 
5. Judges may not discuss the progress of the debate either with each other or with the debaters. 
6. The judges should distance themselves from the content of the debate. Personal values of the judges should not influence the decision. 

​Lincoln Douglas Debate Ballot

Oral Interpretation of Literature

• The speaker shall prepare two programs of manuscript-based literature substantially different in content, author, and/or original source. Each program shall consist of a single piece, a cutting, or a series of short pieces united by author or theme. One program shall be published prose; the other, published poetry. If using a series of pieces, all titles and authors must be cited. It is the affirmative obligation of all NCFL coaches to ensure that all materials presented in interpretation events must be available and readily accessible to all members of the league.
• Each program must contain an introduction for purposes of explication, setting, or selection transitions.
• Lines attributed to one character in the published source must not be attributed to another character in the performance. The author's words as published in the literature must not be altered for the presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted.
• The literature chosen may include any form of prose or poetry, fiction or non-fiction. Drama, including theatrical monologues, is prohibited. Speeches written to be delivered in real-life are prohibited.
• Speakers may use a persona and/or character voices, but it is not necessary.
• No properties except a manuscript or binder may be used. Using “properties” means manipulating articles of clothing or objects to enhance the performance. Speakers using properties and/or wearing costumes will be disqualified.
• Only the performer’s feet may touch the ground.

Critique Sheet and Judging Criteria for Oral Interpretation of Literature (Last updated 2019)

Oratorical Declamation

• A selection used in Oratorical Declamation must have been originally delivered in the form a speech by its author, a person other than the present speaker. The speaker must have an introduction which is at most one minute and names the work, author, and describes the circumstances under which the speech was originally presented. The original speaker's words must not be altered for the presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted. Selections may include professional speeches, public orations, eulogies, and sermons. Stand-up comedy routines are prohibited.
  
• The selection must be memorized. If the speaker refers to prepared notes of any kind or a script during the presentation, the speaker will be disqualified.
  
• No particular style should be demanded of the speaker; rather, the contestant should be free to select and to develop a personal style and be judged according to the degree of perfection attained and the effectiveness in influencing the listeners. While the specifics of the speech and any style of delivery which the speaker adopts should be judged in light of the purpose of the speech, artificiality is to be discredited. This event is an interpretation, not an impersonation.
  
• This event is limited to freshman and sophomore students.
  
• No properties or costumes of any kind may be used. Using “properties” means manipulating articles of clothing or objects to
  enhance the performance. Speakers using properties and/or wearing costumes will be disqualified.
  
• Positions other than standing should not be excessive in length or dominate the performance.

Critique Sheet and Judging Criteria for Oratorical Declamation (Last updated 2019)

Original Oratory

• The speaker should be expected to discuss with a degree of originality, and in an interesting manner, the topic chosen.
  
• The speakers should be given wide latitude in the ideas they express, but they should be held closely accountable for the manner in which they are expressed.
  
• Speakers must not be penalized for expressing views with which the judge happens to disagree. 
  
• It is suggested, but not obligatory, that the topic be a subject of contemporary significance.
  
• The speech must be one that has been composed by the student delivering it.
  
• The speech must be memorized. If the speaker refers to prepared notes of any kind or a script during the presentation, the speaker will be disqualified.
  
• The number of words quoted from authors other than the contestant must not exceed 150. Extensive paraphrasing of other sources is prohibited and constitutes grounds for disqualification.
  
• Visual and audio-visual aids are not permitted. No properties or costumes of any kind may be used. Using “properties” means manipulating articles of clothing or objects to enhance the performance. Speakers using properties and/or wearing costumes will be disqualified.
  
• While singing is permitted it should not be excessive or dominate the performance. Judges' ranks may reflect if singing has dominated the performance.
  
• Positions other than standing should not be excessive in length or dominate the performance.

Critique Sheet and Judging Criteria for Original Oratory (Last updated 2019)

Policy Debate

• ​Each team, comprised of 2 debaters each representing the same member school, shall be prepared to debate both sides of the proposition selected by the NCFL. The proposition normally selected by the NCFL shall be the proposition selected by the National Federation Debate Topic Selection Committee (NFDTSC) at its annual meeting. Announcement of the topic shall be made to all member Leagues and Independent School members by the Permanent Tournament Director who shall serve as the NCFL representative to the NFDTSC. The problem area selected by the NFDTSC shall define the context of the debates at the Tournament.
• Debaters may use visual aids if they contribute to the presentation.

​Policy Debate Ballot

Public Forum Debate

• Public Forum Debate is a team event that advocates or rejects a position posed by the resolution. Each team shall be comprised of two debaters, each representing the same member school. The focus of the debate is a clash of ideas in a persuasive manner that can be understood by a “lay” judge. Good debaters should display logic and analysis. They should use evidence when needed. They should win their case and refute that of their opponents. They should communicate effectively, using the fundamentals of good speaking. There are no burdens on either side. 
• Order and time limits of the debate: 
  1. First Pro Constructive: 4 minutes 
  2. First Con Constructive: 4 minutes 
  3. Crossfire: 3 minutes (Note: the Con asks the first question; thereafter, either debater can ask questions). 
  4. Second Pro: 4 minutes 
  5. Second Con: 4 minutes 
  6. Crossfire: 3 minutes (Note: the Pro asks the first question; thereafter, either debater can ask questions). 
  7. First Pro Summary: 3 minutes 
  8. First Con Summary: 3 minutes 
  9. Grand Crossfire: 3 minutes (Note: one member of the Pro team asks the first question; thereafter, any debater may ask questions). 
  10. Second Pro Final Focus: 2 minutes 
  11. Second Con Final Focus: 2 minutes 
  12. Prep Time: 3 minutes/team 
• In making the decision, the judges should ask the following questions: 
  • Which team is more persuasive? 
  • Did the debaters back up their assertions with logical thinking and evidence when needed?
  • Were the debaters fair in their interpretation of the resolution and one another’s statements? 
  • Were the arguments intelligent? Did the debaters try to use many weak arguments instead of a few solid ones? 
  • Did the debaters speak in such a way that their ideas were understandable? 
  • Were the debaters courteous and professional? 
• Judges may not discuss the debate either with each other or with the debaters. 
• The judges should distance themselves from the content of the debate. Personal values should not influence the decision. 

Public Forum Debate Ballot

Student Congress

Student Congress will consist of three preliminary sessions, and a Semi-Final and Final Session. 

• The goal for the size of preliminary chambers will be 18 members. If there are 216 entries or less, as of 1 week prior to the Grand National Tournament, there will be 12 preliminary chambers. If there are more than 216 entries prior to the Grand National Tournament, then there will be an additional chamber added for every 18 entries above 216, or fraction thereof. Five members will advance from each Chamber to the Semi-Finals. Selection will be as defined in the NCFL Student Congress Manual. 
• The qualifiers for Semi-Finals will be distributed into approximately equal chambers of 16 to 20 students. There will be four Scorers and a Parliamentarian for each Semi-Final Chamber. Six to eight members will advance from each Semi-Final Chamber to the Grand Final Session of 24 students. Selection will be as defined in the NCFL Student Congress Manual. 
• There will be four Scorers and a Parliamentarian for the Grand Final Session. Selection to determine the National Champion will be as defined in the NCFL Student Congress Manual. 
• The chambers will hold three preliminary sessions, meeting for a total of 7.5 hours, preceded by a 30 minute caucus and committee session to set the Preliminary Agenda. Semi-Finals and Grand Finals will consist of two two-hour sessions, with Presiding Officers elected for each. 
• The bills and resolutions that will be debated by the chambers are placed in a packet by the NCFL Clerk of Congress. The Clerk of Congress attempts to select legislation that encourages educational debate on a wide range of subjects. Each diocese entering students is encouraged to submit legislation, and may submit up to two items. Submission of legislation for the tournament must be done using the templates found on the NCFL website; legislation that does not utilize the templates will not be accepted. A committee established by the NCFL National Tournament Director and the Clerk of the Congress shall select four pieces of submitted legislation for each of the Preliminary sessions, and five pieces of legislation for each of the Elimination sessions. Submitting legislation, and its selection by the committee, does not confer authorship, sponsorship, or other special rights on any student representing the diocese during competition. 

Congress Manual (Student Congress) - Current Version: Fall 2023 (for use at NCFL2024)
Parliamentarian Duties (Student Congress) - Current Version: 2015
Bill Template for Download (Student Congress) - Current Version: 2015
Resolution Template for Download (Student Congress) - Current Version: 2015
Amendment Template for Download (Student Congress) - Current Version: 2015