Section 1 - General Rules

1. Student Eligibility can be found in the By-Law 1.00 of this manual.
1. Elementary (ES) events are open to first (1st) through fifth (5th) grade students unless otherwise indicated. 
2. Middle School (MS) events are open to sixth (6th) through eighth (8th) grade students. Fifth (5th) grade students may play up in the MS division. If an event includes both ES and MS divisions on the same day, a fifth grade student may only compete in one division.
3. High School (HS) events are open to ninth (9th) through twelfth (12th) grade students. Eighth grade students may play up in the HS division. If an event includes both MS and HS divisions on the same day, an eighth grade student may only compete in one division.
2. Each school entering any Fine Arts or Academics event must submit an online roster for all students participating by the posted due date.
3. If an individual/ team qualifies for State and is unable to participate but doesn’t inform the league within 48 hours of the State competition, there will be a $50.00 fee charged to the school. If more than 48 hours notice is given, the next team/ student will be moved up to State and the canceling school will not incur a fine.

1. A timekeeper will be provided for all timed events. The timekeeper will be in plain view of each contestant. 
2. Cards will be used to let the contestant know when the minimum time limit has been reached and when they are within one minute of the time limit. The timekeeper will stand up and give an audible STOP when the time limit is reached.
3. If the contestant does not stop when the time limit is reached, there will be a point deduction. 
4. There will be a written record of each contestant’s time on the judge’s evaluation sheet.

1. All Coaches must inform parents that they are only allowed to videotape their child.
2. Participants are not allowed to possess or operate any type of electronics in the performance and/ or competition areas.
3. School uniforms are appropriate and allowed for all events except One-Act Play and Literary. 
1. At One-Act Play and Literary, all students/ participants are not allowed to wear school uniforms and logos, and audience members are discouraged from wearing any clothing with school logo, so as not to unintentionally or unfairly bias the judges.

1. A Christ-like manner shall be exhibited in all presentations. A GAPPS staff member will be at every Region and State Event. There should be no lewd or sexual gestures nor any profanity in any event. If anything of this nature is presented, it can be an automatic disqualification for that participant(s).
2. Because of copyright laws, no music or script duplication will be permitted. A letter from the publisher authorizing duplication is acceptable. If the music or script is purchased via the internet from the publisher, it must include proof of purchase or a receipt.

1. In GAPPS Fine Arts Events, all schools will be identified by a number. No school’s or contestant’s names will be used until all judges’ evaluation sheets have been turned in and tabulated.
2. Rules and evaluation forms will be sent to judges two weeks prior to Region and State Competitions.
3. Each contestant will be judged based on merit according to the points set out as essential for judging each particular contest.
4. All mistakes due to errors in arithmetic or made contrary to the rules of the contest and discovered before or after the decision of the judges, shall be corrected. Corrections in the Region and State Meets must be made within 48 hours of the meet.

1. Region venues must contain enough seating for ALL schools to observe performances at one time.
2. There may be a charge for admission for the audience members at regional competitions. State Championships may charge up to $10.00 per person.

1. First place and Second place advance to State in high school competitions.
2. Champion and Runner-Up trophies will be presented for all Fine Art and Academic events at the Region and State Level.

Chorus Festival
Middle School (Grades 6-8) and High School (Grades 9-12)

Choral Festival Categories

1. Middle School 
1. Small Ensemble: 6-16 participants
2. Large Ensemble/ Choir: 17 and above participants
2. High School
1. Small Ensemble: 6-16 participants
2. Large Ensemble/ Choir: 17 and above participants

1. The hosting venue must provide an appropriate performance setting, including safe choral risers, a spacious hall/ auditorium, a tuned piano in good condition and acoustics that lend well to choral activities.
2. GAPPS is responsible for providing payment to the judges. 
3. Region venues must contain enough seating for ALL schools to observe performances at one time.

1. This event is for students in 6th-12th grade. 
2. 6th-8th grade students should participate in the Middle School Division because of their vocal range and quality. However, 8th grade students are allowed to compete in the High School Festival.
3. 9th-12th grade students may only participate in only High School categories. 

1. Selections should be two contrasting pieces, one sacred and one standard repertoire. 
2. The songs should focus on a choral sound, rather than on solos. If the song includes a solo, it should not be the major portion of the song. Judges will use their discretion in this determination.
3. The songs must be sung in the language in which they are printed in the music provided for the judges.
4. All selections must be memorized. 
5. There will be no soundtracks allowed, only live accompaniment as indicated in the music (two instruments at most). The intent is to highlight the choral sounds and not be distracted by the accompaniment. 
6. All music must be from published material. Published is defined as a process whereby the sheet music is provided or distributed so that the public has access through purchase or public domain. For examples, please refer to the ACDA https://acda.org/ and GMEA https://www.gmea.org/ websites. 
7. No alterations to the accompaniment are allowed.
8. No microphones may be used.
9. One original copy of music must be provided for each judge (usually 3). If it is a downloaded copy, proof of purchase must be included with the music.
10. Please number measures to make it easier for the judges to score. 
11. No Chorus Director is allowed to be the accompanist.
12. Each school will supply their own accompanist.
13. A source for purchasing sheet music:  http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/welcome.jsp

1. Performance attire is up to each school. Dress should be appropriate for a concert setting. It may include a school uniform or traditional concert dress. The uniform may not have any clear identification of the school.
2. Cousin's Concert Attire has some great options https://www.concertattire.com/

1. Groups will have twenty (20) minutes to perform, with a warm-up immediately prior to their performance slot in a separate room that contains a piano.
2. Directors should hand an original copy of their music to each judge (usually 3). 
3. The measures must be numbered for the judges. 
4. The Directors will have the option to begin with a one minute balance check. This time is included in their twenty (20) minute time limit.
5. Scoring is based on a 100 point scale. 
6. There will be an awards ceremony at the conclusion of the event where each group will receive a Festival Rating.
7. The judges may be asked to stay until after the awards to discuss any comments notated on the score sheets with the school’s director.

1. Upon entering the performance stage, make sure that your students are situated correctly on the risers and that the accompanist can see you.
2. Use none, any, or all of one minute to make sure that your balance between the choir and the piano is optimal. This can be accomplished by having a few measures of a separate piece prepared to sing while the piano accompanies.
3. Once you are prepared, turn and face the judges. Present your school by number, the name of the first selection, and the name of the composer/ arranger. Then, turn to your choir to begin the performance of that piece.
4. Upon completion of your first piece, turn to acknowledge the judges and wait for their signal. When they motion that they are ready for your second selection, introduce the name of the second selection and the name of the composer/ arranger, then turn to begin the performance of that piece.
5. Upon completion of your second piece, turn to acknowledge the audience and their applause. Appropriately indicate the accompanist and the members of the choir, and then have your choir immediately exit the stage.

1. Superior (90 - 100) - Reserved for uncommonly exceptional groups that stand out as having performances that are nearly flawless
2. Excellent (80 - 89) - Truly fine work, worthy of compliment and praise. Students are performing well.
3. Good (70 - 79) - Performance demonstrates some good technical and musical achievements; however, improvement is needed to be considered excellent.
4. Fair (60 - 69) - A moderate number of significant problems mar the desired positive effect of the performance.

High School Literary

1. A school may enter one student or one group per event. 
2. There is no minimum number of events that a school must enter in the Region competition.
3. A student may only perform in two individual events and two group events for a maximum of four events.
4. In the Interpretation, Vocal, Instrumental, and Piano events, contestants must perform the same piece at both the Region and State competitions.
5. Each GAPPS region will determine a first through fourth place winner for each event. First and second place winners will advance to the State competition.  
6. All judges will be asked to rank each contestant. Rankings will determine final placings in each event for the day. Points will be used as a tie-breaker.
7. Each school will earn points for first through fourth place winners in each event according to the following scale:
1. 1st Place-7 points
2. 2nd Place-5 points
3. 3rd Place-3 points
4. 4th Place-1 point
8. Medals will be awarded to the contestants who place first and second in each event at Region and State.
9. A Champion and Runner-up trophy will be awarded at each Region and the State event to the schools earning the most points for the day.
10. A league official or their appointee shall be at every region and state event. 
11. Performance Dress: Students are encouraged to dress modestly for every event  and at all times at Literary. No uniforms or any clothing that identifies their school should be worn. All clothing should be modest and appropriate for a church setting (no flip flops, crocs, or similar footwear) throughout the day. Please keep in mind that the stages are often elevated and judges and audience members are below the contestants. 
12. GAPPS Standards:
    (A league official or their appointee can disqualify a performance for any violation)
    Recognizing that all we do should honor God, special care should be taken in all selections for content, language, characters, and gestures. Penalties may be incurred for violations at the discretion of the judges and GAPPS officials.

Specific areas of concern: 

1. No graphic or lewd gestures towards other actors and/or the audience. 
2. No profanity should be used at all during ANY performance. 
3. No vulgar humor ever, and please watch/ minimize “low humor”

Interpretation-Dramatic, Humorous & Duo

1. Explanation: The art of interpretation is to be regarded as recreating the characters in the story presented and making them life-like to the audience.
2. Divisions: Separate contests will be conducted in Dramatic, Humorous, and Duo Interpretations. Each will be presented as memorized selections, without the use of objects, props, costumes, musical selections, hats, scarves, sound effects, etc.
1. There are no gender restrictions on any competition divisions.
3. Re-Use: No contestant or school will be allowed to perform the same selection in consecutive years in GAPPS competition.
4. Plagiarism: In all interpretations, Coaches are encouraged to create a presentation of an original nature and should refrain from imitating a published performance such as one found on YouTube, etc. If a judge, school representative, or GAPPS representative recognizes a piece that has been copied from a media presentation, that participant will have points deducted.
1. The reporting process requires the suspected plagiarism be reported by a school’s director utilizing the Grievance Form. If reported, GAPPS will have 24 hours from the Region or State competition to determine if there is plagiarism and communicate the penalty required.
5. Disqualification: A league official or their appointee can disqualify a performance for any and all of the following:
1. Profanity
2. Graphic lewd gestures towards other actors and/or the audience
3. Subject matter that could not be construed as awkward or uncomfortable for the opposite sex.

1. A photocopy of every page from which any line of the cutting is taken. Pages are to be in the order in which they are performed. 
2. All words used from the script should be highlighted and all other words left untouched OR all words not used crossed out with no highlighting needed. 
3. If the entire script is used, no highlighting is necessary.
4. Any word changes to eliminate profane language and any additions/subtractions for transition must be clearly marked. 
5. Proof of publication provided by the coach or supervising adult: 
1. An original printed source with an ISBN#, ISSN# or IFFN#. 
2. If these options are not available, then proof that the material was obtained commercially or otherwise from the author, literary agent or publisher or is publicly available and verifiable for download, purchase or use on the internet by any individual.
6. Failure to provide a complete script and/ or original published source can result in a disqualification.

1. Introduction: During the presentation, the contestant/ team must name the author and the book or magazine from which the cutting was made. Contestants may recite the title and author of the piece and give a brief introduction of the piece. In interpretation, the teaser must be from the same script or piece as the one being performed.
2. Narration: If the selection contains narration, either or both of the performers may present the narration. Narration, if included, should be vivid and animated so as to be an interesting and integral part of the story rather than just filler between portions of dialogue.
3. Focus: In both dramatic and humorous interpretation, the use of focal points and/or direct contact with the audience should be determined by the requirements of the literature being presented. 
1. In Duo Interpretation, focus may be direct during the introduction (the performers may look at each other), but must be indirect (not looking at the other contestant) during the performance itself. The performers may not touch each other at any time during the performance, nor make eye contact.
2. Performance should be limited to the performance space and performers may not enter the audience at any time during the presentation.
3. All contestants are required to maintain center stage at all times during their performance. (No “box” will be taped out, but “center stage” is understood to be in front of the judges. Movement is encouraged, but students should never move away from center stage during a performance. If the stage area is elevated then the performers should stay on the elevated part at all times (not moving to steps, etc.). 
4. Evaluation of Performance: 
1. Contestants are evaluated on poise, quality and use of voice, inflection, emphasis, pronunciation, enunciation, physical expression, and especially the ability to interpret characters correctly and consistently. 
2. The final test of good interpretation is the ability to use all of these factors so successfully and unobtrusively that the hearer forgets that this is a contest and in a created atmosphere is carried away to the time and place of the story being unfolded.
5. Order of Performances: At Region and State Competitions, numbers will be drawn at each individual event to determine the order of performance. 
6. Timing: The presentation minimum time limit is four (4) minutes with a maximum of ten (10) minutes. Time cards will be used to let the contestants know how much time they have left.
1. If a student does not meet the minimum time limit of four (4) minutes, there will be a five (5) point deduction.
2. If a student exceeds the maximum of ten (10) minutes, there will be an immediate three (3) point deduction and then two (2) points for every five seconds over the time limit thereafter.
7. Audience: Audiences will be permitted based on available space in the performance room. Once a performance has started, the doors will be closed and no further entrance will be allowed. There should always be a monitor in the room to maintain control of the exits.
8. Script Submission: Contestants will hand a copy of the original manuscript, the highlighted photocopy and a script submission form to the monitor of the event at Region and State in order to certify the script. No scripts will be given to the judges unless they ask for it at the end of the performance. 
9. Judges: There will be two judges at each event.

1. Sources 
1. Selections must be cuttings from published, printed novels, short stories, plays or poetry. No recorded material that is not published will be allowed. Monologues are acceptable in either interpretation.
2. A cutting must be a single work of literature: one short story or one play or one novel or one or more poems from the same published volume. The original published source must be made available at the event as well as a complete script of the cutting used.
3. The intention of oral interpretation is to interpret a written piece using the performer’s voice. Therefore, selections should not be taken from works that are oral in their original format (ex. sermons, speeches, etc.). 
2. Adaptations: Adaptations may only be used for the purpose of transition. The gender stated by the author must be honored. However, a female contestant may play a male role and a male contestant may play a female role.
3. Evaluation of Material: The selection should be judged for its appropriateness as contest material and its suitability to the particular contestant using it. The use of good literature should be noted favorably and a selection devoid of literary merit graded lowest. Scripts with universal appeal, literary merit and substance will be given more favorable consideration by the judges. 
1. It is the responsibility of the coach and participant to determine that the cutting that is being performed meets GAPPS content rules.

Piano

1. Each school may enter one (1) contestant.
2. Each contestant is allowed a one minute warm-up prior to their performance on stage.
3. Each host will provide a warm-up room with a tuned piano.
4. The performance minimum time limit is four (4) minutes with a maximum of ten (10) minutes.The time will begin after the first note is played and does not stop between selections. Time cards will be used to let the contestants know how much time they have left.
1. If a student does not meet the minimum time limit of four (4) minutes, there will be a five (5) point deduction.
2. If a student exceeds the maximum of ten (10) minutes, there will be an immediate three (3) point deduction and then two (2) points for every five seconds over the time limit thereafter.
5. Contestants will choose two pieces from two different genres listed below. The pieces must be contrasting in style (tempo, mood, key, etc.). Music Submission Forms (found on the GAPPS website) may be submitted prior to competition to ensure adherence to this rule.
1. Baroque
2. Classical
3. Romantic
4. Patriotic
5. Sacred/ Traditional Hymns
6. Contemporary (includes Impressionism)
7. Jazz (Note: Contestants will be judged on playing the piece as written in the sheet music)
6. Pieces will be played from memory. No sheet music is allowed on piano. 
7. All music must be from published material that includes all mark-ups (rests, pedals, etc.). Contestants will be judged on playing the piece as written in the sheet music. Published is defined as a process whereby the sheet music is provided or distributed so that the public has access through purchase or public domain.
8. Please number measures to make it easier for the judges to score. 
9. A contestant will not be allowed to play the same piece in consecutive years.
10. Contestants will provide a Music Submission Form (found on the GAPPS website) and 2 copies of each piece of music to the judges. Failure to do this will result in a five point deduction. One piece MUST be an original and the other can be a photocopy. The photocopy is considered a complimentary copy and MUST be destroyed after competition.
11. If only a photocopy of the music is being provided, the contestant must present a letter from the publisher authorizing duplication. Downloaded music will only be authorized with a proof of purchase.
12. Every contestant will only have one chance to perform.
13. Audiences will be allowed at this event.
14. There will be two judges for this event. The two judges will score and give written comments without discussing with one another and will hold all evaluation sheets until all contestants have performed.
15. Judges will score on the following:
1. Accuracy (as determined by the sheet music): Notes, time value, pedals, etc. Contestants will be judged on playing the piece as written in the sheet music.
2. Technique: Fingering, facility and  appropriateness
1. Judges should be in plain sight of pianists.
3. Rhythm: Steadiness, tempo and freedom
4. Interpretation: Understanding of composition, expression marks, contrast and general effort
5. Presentation: Stage deportment, poise and stage personality 
6. Difficulty of piece

Instrumental (Acoustic Strings, Brass, Woodwind)

1. Each school may enter one (1) contestant in the category of Instrumental.
2. Each contestant is allowed a one minute warm-up prior to their performance on stage.
3. Each host will provide a warm-up room.
4. The performance minimum time limit is four (4) minutes with a maximum of ten (10) minutes.The time will begin after the first note is played and does not stop between selections. Time cards will be used to let the contestants know how much time they have left.
1. If a student does not meet the minimum time limit of four (4) minutes, there will be a five (5) point deduction.
2. If a student exceeds the maximum of ten (10) minutes, there will be an immediate three (3) point deduction and then two (2) points for every five seconds over the time limit thereafter.
5. Contestants choose two pieces from two different genres listed below. The pieces must be contrasting in style (tempo, mood, key, etc.). Music Submission Forms (found on the GAPPS website) may be submitted prior to competition to ensure adherence to this rule.
1. Baroque
2. Classical
3. Romantic 
4. Patriotic
5. Sacred/Traditional Hymns
6. Modern (1900 - 2000)
7. Contemporary - includes Impressionism (2001 - current)
8. Jazz 
6. Pieces will be played from memory. No sheet music is allowed. 
7. Recognizing that many musical arrangements are written for piano and an additional instrument, piano accompaniment (live or recorded) is allowed. the solo piano portion may not constitute more than 51% of the overall performance, so as to not detract from the Instrumental performance overall.
8. All music must be from published material that includes all mark-ups. Contestants will be judged on playing the piece as written in the sheet music. Published is defined as a process whereby the sheet music is provided or distributed so that the public has access through purchase or public domain.
9. Please number measures to make it easier for the judges to score. 
10. A contestant will not be allowed to play the same piece in consecutive years.
11. Contestants will provide a Music Submission Form (found on the GAPPS website) and two copies of each piece of music to the judges. Failure to do this will result in a five point deduction. One piece MUST be an original; the other can be a photocopy. The photocopy is considered a complimentary copy. It MUST be destroyed after competition.
12. If only a photocopy of the music is being provided, the contestant must present a letter from the publisher authorizing duplication. Downloaded music will only be authorized with a proof of purchase.
13. Every contestant will only have one chance to perform.
14. Concert dress for Instrumental Events will consist of the uniform worn by the student when performing concerts with their local school/ensemble.
15. Audiences will be allowed at this event.
16. There will be two judges for this event. The two judges will score and give written comments without discussing with one another and will hold all evaluation sheets until all contestants have performed.
17. Judges will score on the following:
1. Accuracy (as determined by the sheet music): Notes, time value, etc. Contestants will be judged on playing the piece as written in the sheet music.
2. Technique: Fingering, breathing, facility, and  appropriateness
1. Judges should be in plain sight of the  contestant.
3. Rhythm: Steadiness, tempo, and freedom
4. Interpretation: Understanding of composition, expression marks, contrast, and general effort
5. Presentation: Stage deportment, poise, and stage personality 
6. Difficulty of piece

Solo(Male & Female)

1. Each school may enter one (1) contestant of the appropriate gender in each category: Male Solo and Female Solo.
2. The performance minimum time limit is four (4) minutes with a maximum of seven (7) minutes.The time will begin after the first note is played and does not stop between selections. Time cards will be used to let the contestants know how much time they have left.
1. If a student does not meet the minimum time limit of four (4) minutes, there will be a five (5) point deduction.
2. If a student exceeds the maximum of seven (7) minutes, there will be an immediate three (3) point deduction and then two (2) points for every five seconds over the time limit thereafter.
3. Each contestant must perform two (2) contrasting (tempo, mood, key, etc.) pieces. One (1) selection MUST be from the genre list below. The other selection may be any piece, any genre other than the genre of the first selection, that is contrasting (tempo, mood, key, etc.) to the first selection.
   Genre/Repertoire categories (choose 1 piece)
1. Art song
2. Oratorio aria
3. Operatic aria
4. Broadway musical
1. This must be from a professional theatrical staging of the musical. Songs only from the movie or television versions are not allowed. Songs included in both the film and stage versions are permissible, but the contestant should use the theatrical arrangement for their performance. 
4. Songs must be sung from memory.
5. Songs should be original vocal solo compositions and not arrangements of instructional or choral pieces. 
6. All music must be from published material. Published is defined as a process whereby the sheet music is provided or distributed so that the public has access through purchase or public domain.
7. Please number measures to make it easier for the judges to score. 
8. Soloists must use an accompanist. Students may use recorded music only if they cannot find an accompanist. The recorded music must have only one (1) musical instrument, which must be the only instrument throughout the recording. Also, the school/student is responsible for providing the means to play and hear the recording. (Hosts will not be required to have audio capabilities.)
9. Contestants must provide a Music Submission Form (found on the GAPPS website) and  two (2) copies of each piece of the music to the judges. One piece must be an original and the other can be a photocopy. The photocopy is considered a complimentary copy and MUST be destroyed after competition. Failure to do this will result in a five-point deduction.
10. If only a photocopy of the music is being provided, the contestant must present a letter from the publisher authorizing duplication. Downloaded music will only be authorized with a proof of purchase.
11. No individual soloist will be permitted to perform the same piece in consecutive years.
12. An adult is expressly prohibited from “conducting” during any musical contest at the Region or State levels. 
13. Audiences will be allowed during performances.
14. There will be two judges for this event. The two judges will score and give written comments without discussing with one another and will hold all evaluation sheets until all contestants have performed.

Female Trio

1. A Female Trio will be made up of three female vocalists and carry the following distinct parts:
1. First soprano
2. Second soprano
3. Alto
2. Some vocal sections may be unison or duet, but the majority of the piece (51% or more) should involve singers having their own harmonizing part. 
3. The music given to the judges must be written in SSA. These pieces must adhere to copyright laws.
4. Please number measures to make it easier for the judges to score. 
5. The performance minimum time limit is four (4) minutes with a maximum of eight (8) minutes.The time will begin after the first note is played and does not stop between selections. Time cards will be used to let the contestants know how much time they have left.
1. If a student does not meet the minimum time limit of four (4) minutes, there will be a five (5) point deduction.
2. If a student exceeds the maximum of eight (8) minutes, there will be an immediate three (3) point deduction and then two (2) points for every five seconds over the time limit thereafter.
6. Two contrasting (tempo, mood, key, etc.) selections will be sung from memory, each of which shall be appropriate for a small group of singers. At least one selection must be from one of the following categories. The second selection may be from any genre other than that of the first selection.
1. Art song
2. Chorale
3. Traditional folk or hymn
4. Madrigal
5. Broadway musical
1. This must be from a professional theatrical staging of the musical. Songs from movie or television versions are not allowed. Songs included in both the film and stage versions are permissible, but the contestant should use the theatrical arrangement for their performance. 
7. Trios can sing a capella or use an accompanist. Students may use recorded music only if they cannot find an accompanist. The recorded music must have only one (1) musical instrument, which must be the only instrument throughout the recording. Also, the school/student is responsible for providing the means to play and hear the recording. (Hosts will not be required to have audio capabilities.)
8. All music must be from published material. Published is defined as a process whereby the sheet music is provided or distributed so that the public has access through purchase or public domain.
9. Contestants will provide a Music Submission Form (found on the GAPPS website) and two (2) copies of each piece of the music to the judges. One piece must be an original and the other can be a photocopy. The photocopy is considered a complimentary copy and MUST be destroyed after competition. Failure to do this will result in a five-point deduction.
10. If only a photocopy of the music is being provided, the contestant must present a letter from the publisher authorizing duplication. Downloaded music will only be authorized with a proof of purchase.
11. Choreography will be allowed; however, it will not be scored.
12. No trio (school) will be allowed to perform the same piece in consecutive years.
13. An adult is expressly prohibited from “conducting” during any musical contest at the Region or State levels. 
14. Audiences will be allowed during performances.
15. There will be two judges for this event. The two judges will score and give written comments without discussing with one another and will hold all evaluation sheets until all contestants have performed.

Impromptu Speaking

1. Entry: Schools may enter one (1) student regardless of gender. 
2. Explanation: Impromptu is a public speaking event where students have seven minutes to select a topic, brainstorm their ideas, outline the speech, and finally, deliver the speech. The speech may be given with the use of one (1) side of a 3X5 notecard given to the student during prep .The speech can be light-hearted or serious and uses an introduction, body, and conclusion.  The speech can be based upon prompts that range from proverbs, abstract words/concepts, events, quotations, famous people, Bible, History, Pop Culture, etc.
3. Topics: The GAPPS office shall prepare a list of general topics for both the Region and State Literary competitions. Each student will have the same. GAPPS will release a list of exact topics to be used two weeks prior to Region competition. 
4. Drawing: At Region and State competition, contestants will draw for positions (1-8) to determine the order of performance. The student will be in the same room as the judges during their draw. The student will pull three (3) topics from the envelope handed out by a monitor. The student will then determine their topic. 
5. Timing: The student has a total of seven (7) minutes for drawing and preparing their speech. At the end of seven (7) minutes the monitor will require the student to start their speech.
6. Recusal: Contestants shall not leave the preparation area until dismissed by the Proctor or Contest Manager. Consultation with any person other than the Contest Manager between the time of drawing and time of speaking is prohibited.
7. Profanity: No profanity is allowed. 
8. Time Limit: There is no minimum qualifying time for an impromptu speech. Do not penalize a contestant for brevity unless the student fails to adequately cover the subject chosen. Maximum time is seven (7) minutes.  Time cards will be used to inform contestants of time remaining and stop time. There is no penalty for slight overtime (up to 30 seconds) to finish a sentence. 
9. Podium: NO podium will be used or provided.
10. Audiences: Audiences are permitted based on space available at the site. Once the performances have begun, audience members are not allowed to enter or exit the performance room during the performances. The contest manager or monitor shall have complete control over entry/exits during performances.
11. Judges: There shall be two (2) speech judges for this event. Judges shall sit apart during the presentations. They shall score and give written comments without conferring with one another or any other person.  Judges shall hold all evaluation sheets until after all the contestants have presented.

High School One-Act Play
(Grades 9-12)

Considerations for One-Act Plays

1. 9th-12th grade students are allowed to compete.
2. Schools will be divided by 9th-12th enrollment numbers for Class-A & Class-AA.
3. A schedule for unloading will be provided by GAPPS prior to the State competition.
4. Schools will have fifteen (15) minutes from the time the previous school clears the wings until they announce START TIME. After a school completes clearing the wings, a  GAPPS representative will notify the director of the official start time for the next play. If a school is not ready to start at the designated time, the time delay will count against their competition time.
5. Spiking the stage (adding tape or another form of marking) is prohibited. A school may utilize their fifteen (15) minutes prior to their start time to mentally strike including the use of set pieces on stage. Please be aware that all pieces must be off stage prior to your official start time to avoid the time delay penalty. In the event that a school is not ready to begin on time, GAPPS will announce START TIME.
6. Microphone use by speakers or singers on stage is prohibited.
7. Oral critiques will be given at Region for the top two schools moving on to State. No oral critiques will be made at the State competitions. 
8. Videotaping is permitted only with advanced knowledge and approval of the Event Coordinator or Director. Should permission be granted to videotape, it may only be done with one’s own contestant(s) or school. Videotaping of another school’s performance is strictly prohibited.

GAPPS Standards:
A league official or their appointee can disqualify a play for a violation. Recognizing that all we do should honor God, special care should be taken in all selections for content, language, characters, costumes, and gestures. Penalties may be incurred for violations at the discretion of the judges and GAPPS officials.

Specific areas of concern: 

1. No graphic or lewd gestures towards other actors and/or the audience.
2. No profanity should be used at all during ANY performance. 
3. No vulgar humor ever, and  please watch/minimize “low humor”
4. Please be especially vigilant for dialogue that takes the Lord’s name in vain by using it in a flippant or exclamatory manner (ex. “Oh my God!”, “OMG!”). If such wording exists in the script you are using, please replace it with a more appropriate substitute. Directors, if you have scenes involving non-scripted/improvised reactions from performers, please work with them in your practices to make sure they are not using this type of language in their reactions. Any instances in a performance will, at minimum, result in a warning at the Region level and a penalty at the State level.

1. Schools may enter a cutting or abridgment of a play as their One-Act Play selection. There will be NO musicals allowed. 
2. Proof of performance rights and payment of royalties must be submitted to GAPPS prior to the Region One-Act Play Competition.  Schools performing a cutting or abridgment of a play must also provide written permission from the publisher to cut the play. No play will be allowed to perform without proof of royalties and/or rights paid. GAPPS shall in no way be responsible for any faults that may occur with rights and/or royalties.
3. Schools performing original scripts or plays in the public domain shall be exempt from the rule regarding rights and royalties.
4. No school shall be permitted to perform the same play selection as that school performed in the year directly previous.
5. Schools should choose scripts with universal appeal, literary merit and substance.
6. Each school will be given 55 minutes to set-up, perform and strike its production. Any play which exceeds the above time limit will have points deducted. Five (5) points will be deducted for every minute or partial minute the group goes over the 55 minutes.
7. Schools will submit a cast list (found on the GAPPS website) with names, characters, and character descriptions to a GAPPS official on the day of both Region and State competitions.
8. There are no restrictions on costumes, properties and scenery. Properties are defined as any handheld items used on stage apart from the scenery. Scenery is defined as the physical structures used to stimulate an environment set forth in the play, including furniture, platforms, wagons, flats, etc.
9. Prohibited elements:
1. Anything that would require being attached to the curtain or back of the stage wall
2. Open flames
3. Significant amounts of water or another liquid (If one paper towel can’t clean it up easily, it’s too much liquid.)
10. Timing will be as follows: 
1. One student will step onto center stage and announce the school number (order), the name of the play, and an audible “Start Time.” The actors may then begin placing items on the stage.
2. Once the play has concluded and the stage is cleared, the student will then step back onto center stage and give an audible “Stop Time”. The curtain must be open to ensure all materials have been removed.
3. This time will be recorded on the judge’s evaluation sheets.
11. No ineligible person or adult shall be visible on stage, in the acting area as part of the production nor shall offer conspicuous direction once the school’s number has been called. This also includes no directors on stage in the acting area to start or stop the play. An adult may be an accompanist on a musical instrument if that person is off stage. An adult may be the lighting and/or sound person.
12. If a play is disqualified by GAPPS during competition, the school will incur a fine of $50.00 from GAPPS.

1. There shall be three (3) judges for this event.
2. Judges shall sit apart during the performances. They shall score and give written comments without conferring with one another or any other person. Judges may discuss individual, group and production awards after all performances have been completed and team score sheets have been turned in for tabulations. Judges may confer to choose best actor/actress. In cases of clear inconsistencies in scores, the judges will be allowed to confer to decide on the final rankings. The decision to allow for conferencing will be at the discretion of the GAPPS Fine Arts director. 
3. Judges shall hold all evaluations sheets until after all schools have performed. The League Official will total the evaluations at the end of all performances. The rankings must be in line with the total scores. The rankings will be averaged for placement.
4. Judges shall avoid contact with directors or cast members until after all schools have performed.
5. A league official or their appointee will be at every region and state event.

1. The winner and runner-up in Region and State competitions will be determined by the judges’ rankings.  Judges are asked to match their scores to their rankings (i.e. highest point score gets the #1 ranking and so forth.)
2. Champion and Runner-Up trophies will be presented at Region and State. 
3. At the Region level, medals will be awarded to the five (5) Best Performers regardless of gender.
4. At State competition, an All-State Cast of up to ten (10) actors will be selected consisting of 1 actor from each play plus 2 actors at-large, regardless of gender. These students will receive medals.

Middle School One-Act Play

General Festival Rules

1. Schools may enter a cutting or abridgment of a script as their One-Act selection. Musicals are allowed as well as comedy and drama or other genres. Schools should choose plays with universal appeal, literary merit, and substance. Please, no social awareness plays. This should be a fun, engaging, learning experience for all students. 
2. Proof of performance rights and payment of royalties must be submitted to GAPPS prior to performing.  Schools performing a cutting or abridgment of a script must also provide written permission from the publisher to cut the script. No play will be allowed to perform without proof of royalties and/or rights paid. GAPPS shall in no way be responsible for any faults that may occur with rights and/or royalties.
1. Schools performing original scripts or plays in the public domain shall be exempt from the rule regarding rights and royalties.
3. No school shall be permitted to perform the same selection as that school performed in the year directly previous.
4. Schools should choose scripts with universal appeal, literary merit, and substance. Please no social awareness plays. This should be a fun, engaging, learning experience for all students. 
5. Each school will be given 45 minutes maximum to perform. (Set up and striking of the stage are not timed). 
6. After performing, schools will strike the stage and then attend a conference with the judges. 
7. There are no restrictions on costumes, properties, and scenery. Properties are defined as any handheld items used on stage apart from the scenery. Scenery is defined as the physical structures used to stimulate an environment set forth in the play, including furniture, platforms, wagons, flats, etc. 
8. Prohibited elements:
1. Anything that would require being attached to the curtain or back of the stage wall
2. Open flames
3. Significant amounts of water or another liquid (If one paper towel can’t clean it up easily, it’s too much liquid.)
9. No ineligible person or adult  shall be visible on stage in the acting area as part of the production nor shall offer conspicuous direction once the school has introduced their play. This also includes no directors on stage in the acting area to start or stop the play. An adult may be an accompanist on a musical instrument if that person is off stage. An adult may be the lighting and/or sound person. Adults may help set the stage before the performance and strike the set after the performance is over. 

Timing/ Order

1. The day will run as follows: 
1. Each school will have about 15-30 minutes to set up, walk the stage, and get tech information. 
2. When ready, one student will step onto center stage and announce the school number (order), the name of the play, and an audible “Start Time.” The play should then begin. 
3. Once the performance has concluded the student will then step back onto center stage and give an audible “Stop Time”. This time will be recorded on the judge’s evaluation sheets. The school may then strike the stage and attend a conference with the judges.
4. The next school will then begin this process with their 15 - 30 minutes moving through each phase as outlined above. 

Judges 

1. There shall be three judges for this event.
2. Judges shall sit apart during the performances. They shall score and give written comments without conferring with one another or any other person. They will then conference with the students and directors to give suggestions for positive constructive criticism. 
3. The judges will confer to give each play a rating conferred with a plaque at the conclusion of the festival.

Ratings and Definitions

1. Superior (90 - 100) - Reserved for uncommonly exceptional groups that stand out as having performances that are nearly flawless
2. Excellent (80 - 89) - Truly fine work, worthy of compliment and praise. Students are performing well.
3. Good (70 - 79) - Performance demonstrates some good technical and musical achievements; however, improvement is needed to be considered excellent.
4. Fair (60 - 69)  - A moderate number of significant problems mar the desired positive effect of the performance.

Visual Arts

1. Schools may enter a maximum of four (4) pieces per category. 
2. Students may only enter one (1) piece per category, but may enter all categories in their division. 
3. The competition will be divided into elementary (grades 1-5), middle school (grades 6-8), and high school (grades 9-12). Fifth graders may enter their pieces in only one division (ES or MS). Eighth graders may enter their piece in only one division (MS or HS). Elementary and middle school will only compete at the Region level (no State competition). 

Category

1. Black & White Photography: Black & white and sepia (12” x 24” max size)
2. Color Photography: Color, digital, etc. (12” x 24” max size)
3. Painting: Oil, water, acrylic, etc. (16.5 sq. feet max size)
4. Sculpture: Three dimensional ceramic, clay, metal, papier-mache, plaster, soapstone, wood, etc. (max height of 6’ tall including pedestal, no more than 4’ wide) This should be a piece of art, not a craft!
5. Pencil/Charcoal Drawing: Black & white only (inclusive of paper color);  pencil, charcoal, pen, & ink (18” x 24” max size)
6. Color Drawing:  Color only: pencil, charcoal, pastels, pen & ink (18” x 24” max size)
7. Mixed Media: A combination of any of the processes above
8. Printmaking: Entries may be any form of creative prints, including, but not limited to, block print, monoprint, collagraph, serigraph, intaglio, or lithograph. (24” x 36” max size) 
9. Expressing Faith Through Art: Can be presented in any discipline. Students will create a piece from any of the above categories which they feel is a demonstration of their faith.
1. Note: Everyone’s faith is expressed in many different ways, thus the artist’s statement will be used heavily in the judging process. We do not want to stifle someone’s faith, but coaches should not just use this as a catch-all category. There should be real meaning behind the work. 
10. Reproductions: (ES and MS)This can be any medium (just like Expressing Faith)  (18” x 24” max size). This category  allows students and teachers to showcase talent that is not original to the artist, but is excellent work and worthy of recognition. We recognize that this is a valid teaching method and we encourage that, but we MUST keep the rest of the competition free from works that are not original to the student. The original artwork from which the student copied should be presented in a photograph (color or b/w) attached to the Artist Statement. The Originality portion of the rubric will not be scored.
11. Historical Reproductions: (High School) High School Reproductions  are to be of historically significant or recognizable works.This can be any medium (just like Expressing Faith)  (18” x 24” max size). This category  allows students and teachers to showcase talent that is not original to the artist, but is excellent work and worthy of recognition. We recognize that this is a valid teaching method and we encourage that, but we MUST keep the rest of the competition free from works that are not original to the student. The original artwork from which the student copied should be presented in a photograph (color or b/w) attached to the Artist Statement. The Originality portion of the rubric will not be scored.
12. Digital Illustration: (High School only) Compositions rendered directly on the computer, starting with a blank workspace. Photos can be used as references, but must not be part of the finished work. (24” x 36” max size) This must be original in concept and work. Storyboard must be included with your Artist Statement. 
13. Graphic Design: (High School only) Art with a commercial purpose, including but not limited to posters, album/CD covers, book jackets, programs, brochures, logos, business cards, advertisements, etc. Copies of previously existing work will not be accepted. Entry purpose should be indicated on the judge’s evaluation form. Do NOT use copyrighted material! (24” x 36” max size) Pieces must be mounted to black or white foam core and trimmed to size. While not required, the finished design may be displayed. However, it does not replace the required mounted work. If digitally created, the storyboard must be included with your Artist Statement.
14. Digital Sculpture: (High School Only) Submissions rendered directly from a computer utilizing 3D sculpture software. This must be original in concept and work. Storyboard must be included with the Artist Statement as well as any images depicting block-out, sculpting phases, texturing, lighting, etc. 
15. Textile Arts: (High School Only) Techniques including weaving, embroidery, knitting, macreme, quilting, and felting using items like cotton, wool, and silk to create items from textiles such as 3D sculptures and installations.

General Rules

1. Hosts should get judges with a variety of art medium backgrounds.
   (Each event will strive to have a total of six judges)
2. Recognizing that all we do should honor God, special care should be taken in all pieces for content, message, characterization, etc. Knowing that art is very subjective, please be careful of students’ content that no works are obscene, sacrilegious, or lewd in any way. Additionally, artwork should not portray violence, threats, intimidation, or any other subject matter that does not honor God.
3. No special lighting is allowed in/on exhibit (unless integrated into a sculpture or mixed media piece.)
4. Middle School students may enter digitally created work in existing categories such as Reproductions and Expressing Faith. 
5. If a MS or HS student enters a digitally created piece in ANY category that is not digital in nature, the storyboard and/or images depicting block-out, sculpting phases, texturing, lighting, etc. must be included with the Artist Statement. 
6. Mat and faux mats are acceptable. No frames are allowed.
7. Projects may be started on June 1 or later of the upcoming school year and must be certified as original works by the school Art Teacher.
8. Artwork may include quotes, words, or phrases. However, be cautious that they are not the focus of the piece.
9. Multiple students may collaborate on a piece. Only one ribbon will be awarded to the piece. And the collaboration counts as each student’s entry in that category.
10. The student must complete the Artist Statement Form (found on the website) which is to be signed by the teacher certifying that the artwork was completed by the student. The Statement is to be in the handwriting of the student (students below third grade may dictate their responses to the teacher). This Statement is weighed heavily by the judges and is included on the judges rubric. 
11. Submitted artwork must be original work created by the student. By participating in the GAPPS Visual Arts Competition, students and teachers agree to the GAPPS terms. Even if you have permission to use a work or if the work is in the public domain, the work that you submit to GAPPS must represent a new, original work.
1. If a submitted work is found to have been copied from another artist or is plagiarized, the work will be disqualified from the GAPPS competition.

How Do I Know If My Work Is Original?

Below are some guidelines from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards website.
(https://www.artandwriting.org/awards/how-to-enter/copyright-plagiarism)

An original work is one that is new and different from what others have created. This means that you are the author of the work, and the work is not copied from someone else’s original work. Even if there is no exact or literal copying, but the average person may notice substantial similarities between the submitted work and the source material, it is possible that the work is not considered original and should not be submitted to the competition.  

We understand that artists and writers sometimes create work that references other artists, writers, and popular culture in original and meaningful ways. If your work transforms some sort of source material, then it may be considered original. 

We define transformative work as a new work that adds value, substantially changes, comments on, or gives a new expression or meaning to the source. If the submission uses another artist or writer’s work as raw material and transforms the original work by bringing new insights and understandings to the piece, it may be submitted to the competition. 

Here are some examples of work that should not be submitted:

1. A pencil drawing that directly copies a portrait that was taken by another artist is NOT transformative.
2. Changing the medium or visual style of another artist’s work is NOT considered transformative. For example, a painting or drawing of a photograph taken from the internet or a magazine is not considered original and should not be submitted.
3. Creating a painting or digital artwork based on a photo that was taken by someone else does NOT make the work transformative. 
4. Cropping or resizing an image that a friend created or that you found on the internet does NOT make the work transformative. 
5. Fan art (such as a painting or drawing of an actor, musician, or preexisting character) or fan fiction is NOT considered original work and should not be submitted. Exceptions to this rule are only allowable when the likeness of the actor, musician, preexisting character, etc. are not the focus of the piece. For example, utilizing a recognizable likeness in printmaking is allowed because the focus of the piece is the quality of the printmaking and not the subject matter.  Again, if there is any question about the originality of a piece, err on the side of caution and do not submit the piece for judging.   

These examples are simply for guidance and they are not meant to represent all instances of non-transformative work. 

If you have any doubt about whether any part of a submission is original, we advise that you choose not to submit that work. 

COPYRIGHT & PLAGIARISM PROTOCOL

TIPS FOR PREVENTING COPYRIGHT & PLAGIARISM VIOLATIONS

Educators and students are responsible for educating themselves on copyright and plagiarism issues. This page is only a guide. There is no formula for creating an original work. 

For both visual and written submissions, always cite all sources, whether the source is protected by copyright or not. 

No percentage of a source can be safely assumed to render a work original. 

Educators: if a classroom assignment involves any copying of another artist’s work, even if it’s just for the purpose of practicing and learning, please direct students not to submit these works. 

The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers uses the following definitions for Copyright and Plagiarism: Copyright is a form of legal protection prohibiting others from copying one’s creative work without permission. A copyright is a property right. Copyright law grants the creator of an original work the exclusive rights for its use and distribution. 

Plagiarism is an ethical violation resulting from failure to cite sources and engaging in the act of passing someone else’s work or ideas off as one’s own. This applies even if you have only copied a part, rather than the whole, of another’s work.

Trophies & Awards

1. Ribbons will be awarded for the top three pieces in each of the categories in each division (ES, MS, HS) in each Region. Only the top three in each of the fourteen (14) categories (56 pieces per region) in the HS division will advance to state. 
2. Points will be awarded in each division as follows:
1. 1st Place- 7 points
2. 2nd Place- 5 points
3. 3rd Place- 3 points
3. The school with the most points in each division (ES, MS, HS) at Region and State will be awarded a first place trophy and the school with the 2nd highest points will be awarded a runner-up trophy.

Elementary Academic Day

1. One day event
2. Region event only
3. Medals will be given to:
1. Math Bowl - 1st and 2nd place teams; 1st place individual high score
2. Quiz Bowl - 1st and 2nd place teams
3. Spelling - 1st and 2nd place individuals in each grade level
4. Schools will earn points for every 1st and 2nd place medal (except Individual Math) throughout the day. A Champion and Runner-up trophy will be awarded to the schools with the highest and second highest points for the day. 
1. Individual math scores will be the tie breaker. 
2. To be eligible for the overall trophies, a school must enter at least two events one of which must be a team event.

1. Morning (these events will run concurrently)
1. Math Bowl (team event grades 3-5; teams are specific to each grade level)
2. Written Spelling Bees (grades 3-5)
2. Lunch Break
3. Afternoon 
1. Quiz Bowl (grades 3-5; mixed team)

1. A school may send a team of four (4) students from each grade (3rd, 4th, & 5th).
2. The competition area will be:
1. one (1) large room to accommodate all teams in one area OR
2. three (3) rooms (one per grade level) 
3. The students will take two (2) grade-appropriate tests, allowing thirty (30) minutes per test with a short break between the two.
4. Medals will be awarded to the first place individual scorers from each grade. The first and second place teams will also receive medals.
5. Individual and team event for grades 3-5 consisting of two (2) rounds.
1. Round 1: Individual Quiz  
   1. Each student will take the same individual quiz (twenty questions). Students will have thirty minutes to complete the quiz. This must be done individually with no communication between students and coaches at all. 
   2. The individual quiz will be a combination of computational and reasoning questions.
   3. Correct answers will score one (1) point each. The average of the top three (3) scores from each team will count in the overall score.
2. Round 2: Team Quiz
   1. The four-student team will be given twenty problems to solve. They will have thirty minutes in which to complete the quiz. The team may work together or separately to solve the problems, but only one (1) answer sheet per team will be turned in. 
   2. The team quiz will consist mainly of reasoning questions. Complex computation may also be included.
   3. All answers will be turned in on an “Answer Sheet” with the team’s name clearly written on it. All work should be stapled to the back of the answer sheet.
   4. Correct answers will earn one (1) point each. No partial credit will be given. 

1. Teams
   1. Teams will consist of a minimum of three (3) students, with a maximum of five (5) competing at a time.
   2. Teams are allowed to make substitutions at halftime.
   3. For an extra fee and with permission from the GAPPS Fine Arts and Academics Director, a school may have an additional Quiz Bowl team as long as the first team has at least five (5) players. Players cannot switch teams during the tournament. 
2. Matches
   1. There will be twelve (12) toss-up questions per round, plus a two-part bonus question for each correctly answered toss-up. If bonuses are answered incorrectly, they will be bounced back to the other team for an opportunity to answer. 
   2. Competitions will be set up as round robins, unless otherwise stated.
   3. Each round will generally last 25-30 minutes.
3. General Rules 
   1. Each team will supply their own buzzer system at Region.
   2. Buzzer systems can be found at:  www.andersonbuzzersystems.com/productoverview.html 
   3. GAPPS will purchase all Region questions and supply Region hosts with the questions and format. 
   4. Score checks will be made at halftime. Each coach/team captain may request one additional score check per round. 
   5. Cell phones or other electronic devices are to be turned off by all players, spectators and coaches during competition.
   6. Reference books, calculators, etc. are not permitted during competition. 
   7. Each school will supply their own paper and pens/pencils for competitions.
   8. At no time will opponents display any unsportsmanlike conduct towards each other. The Moderator will deduct ten (10) points after the first warning to the team displaying the unsportsmanlike conduct.
   9. Study questions can be found at: www.naqt.com/YouGottaKnow
4. Toss-up Question Procedures 
   1. Players from either team may answer the toss-up questions. 
   2. Players must buzz in within five (5) seconds of the end of the question being read, unless it is a math computation question, in which case, players must buzz in within fifteen (15) seconds of the end of the question.
   3. Players have three (3) seconds to answer once the Moderator has recognized them.
   4. Toss-up questions are only read once. 
      1. If a completed toss-up question is answered incorrectly by the first team, the opposing team may still buzz in within five (5) seconds and attempt to answer.
      2. If a toss-up question is interrupted and answered incorrectly, the reader will pick up at a logical place and finish the question for the opposing team only.
      3. No points will be subtracted if the interrupted toss-up question is answered incorrectly. 
      4. There will be no pauses or breaks allowed while answering a toss-up question. 
   5. On toss-up questions, players may only engage in non-verbal, non-written conferencing with teammates only (no spectators, alternates, coaches) as long as it does not involve conveying the answer. 
   6. If the Moderator accidentally provides the correct answer on a toss-up question after the incorrect answer is given, that toss-up question will be eliminated and another toss-up question will be given to the opposing team only.
   7. A player may give two pieces of information in relation to the “creator-creation” rule. 
      1. Example: The Great Gatsby is one answer; The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald are two answers and is correct according to the rule.
      2. Each toss-up question is worth ten (10) points. 
5. Bonus Question Procedures 
   1. When answering a toss-up question correctly, the team earns the first opportunity to answer a two part bonus question. 
   2. Players on both teams may consult one another during bonus questions for five (5) seconds, unless it is a math computation question, in which case, fifteen (15) seconds is allowed. 
   3. Each part of the bonus question will be read only once and will be answered before moving on to the next part of the question.
   4. Team captains will answer bonus questions unless the captain designates another team member to answer, but answers must still be given within the five-second time limit. 
   5. If someone other than the team captain is giving an answer without the captain’s permission, the Moderator will look directly at the captain and ask for an answer. If someone hits the buzzer, it will still be up to the captain to answer.
   6. Each bonus part answered incorrectly or not answered by the team earning the bonus will be bounced back immediately to the opposing team. The opposing team captain must answer within three (3) seconds after the Moderator offers the bonus to them. If the captain defers, the answer must be given immediately by the player to whom the captain defers. 
   7. If the Moderator accidentally provides the correct answer on a bonus question after the incorrect answer is given, that bonus question will be eliminated and another bonus question will be given to the opposing team only. 
   8. A player may give two pieces of information in relation to the “creator-creation” rule. 
      1. Example: The Great Gatsby is one answer; The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald are two answers and is correct according to the rule.
   9. Each bonus question is worth ten (10) points per part for a total of twenty (20) points. 
6. Ties within a Round
   1. Ties within a round will be settled by extra toss-ups. One toss-up question will be read at a time until a team scores to end the round. 
7. Protests
   1. Protests must be communicated verbally by either the coach or team captain and must be settled before the round progresses to the next tossup question. 
8. Overall Ranking
   1. Win-loss record
   2. Head-to-head (for tied teams)
   3. Total points (for tied teams)

General Information

1. A school may send 2 students from each grade (3rd, 4th, & 5th).
2. This will be a written test of 50 (fifty) age-appropriate words. The last ten will be used in the event of a tie. 
3. GAPPS will provide a list of 100 words. Some of these will be used during the bee. These lists will be posted by grade level on the GAPPS website.
4. Words will be obtained by GAPPS from the online version of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary and Thesaurus. It can be found here: http://www.merriam-webster.com/. The online version is the final authority and sole source for the spelling words.
5. Words are to be written in ink only.
6. Contestants will not be allowed to use scratch paper to write the word. They will only be allowed to write the word once on their exam paper. 
7. If the contestant makes an error, they are not allowed to start over on a new sheet.
8. Contestants are only allowed one sheet of paper for the exam.
9. When judges are correcting papers, the following will count as errors:
1. Words written so poorly you cannot read them
2. Any word written with letters written on top of another (ex. a “c” over a “k”)
3. Any words left off
4. Any word that is scratched through, corrected, and/or re-written
5. When a word can be spelled more than one way, the preferred spelling will be the correct spelling of that word. Any variation would be considered incorrect
10. The 10 tie-breaker words will only be used in the event of a tie and will only be graded one at a time between the tied individuals until a word is spelled incorrectly.
11. The examiner will provide a definition and the word used in a sentence.
12. There will be two judges for this contest. The judge will hold all exams until they are all scored.
13. The number of correctly spelled words will determine first and second places. Medals will be awarded to first and second place spellers.

Pronouncer's Role

The pronouncer strives to pronounce words according to the diacritical markings given to them by GAPPS and taken from the online version of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

1. Homonyms: If a word has one or more homonyms, the pronouncer indicates which word is to be spelled by defining the word.
2. Pronouncer’s sense of helpfulness: The pronouncer may offer word information if the pronouncer senses that the information is helpful and the information appears on the information provided by GAPPS or in the Webster’s Online Dictionary.

Middle School Academic Day

Quiz Bowl, Spelling Bee, and Math Bowl, History Bowl, Spelling Bee, Geography Bee, Personal Essay, Creative Writing

1. Each Region as well as State will be a one-day event
2. In addition to medals for each event (outlined below), schools will earn points throughout the day. Points will be awarded for each event (with the exception of individual math) as follows:
1. 1st Place- 7 points
2. 2nd Place- 5 points
3. 3rd Place- 3 points
4. 4th Place- 1 point
3. The school with the most points at Region and State competition will be awarded a first place trophy; and the school with the second highest points will be awarded a runner-up trophy.
1. Individual math scores will be the tie breaker. 
2. To be eligible for the overall trophies, a school must enter at least three events one of which must be a team event.
4. All rules for individual events are outlined below.

Format of the Day

1. Morning 
1. Essay, Creative Writing, History Bowl, and Math Bowl (will run concurrently)
2. Lunch Break
3. Afternoon 
1. HIstory Bowl (continued), Geography Bee, and written Spelling Bee  (will run concurrently)

1. Each school may enter one (1) contestant.  
2. The GAPPS office will prepare a list of topics for the Region and State competitions. 
3. All essays will be written in blue or black ink on paper provided by GAPPS.
4. One (1) hour will be given for drafting and writing the essay.
5. No other materials, coaching, or dictionaries will be allowed in the room.
6. The essays will be judged on the following:
1. Originality
2. Form
3. Vividness
4. Voice
5. Style
7. Verbal and grammatical correctness, spelling and punctuation will be considered; however, they are of less importance than the interest and general effectiveness of the whole composition. Points will be deducted if there is evidence found of a pre-memorized composition. 
8. There will be two judges for the essay event. Judges will score and give written comments without discussing with one another or anyone else. Judges will hold all evaluation sheets until after all essays have been scored.
9. The sum of the judges’ point totals will determine placings. Medals will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place in each region and state event.  1st and 2nd place winners at each region will advance to the state event.
10. Essay judges are approved to be off-site in a controlled atmosphere.

Teams 

1. Teams will consist of a minimum of three (3) students, with a maximum of five (5) playing at a time. 
2. Teams are allowed to make substitutions in between periods.
3. If there is room, a school may have an additional History or Math Bowl team (for an additional fee and with permission from the GAPPS Fine Arts and Academics Director) as long as the first team has at least 5 players. Players cannot switch teams during that day’s tournament. Team rosters will be submitted to GAPPS two weeks before the first tournament. 
1. A school may only advance one (1) team to State Competition. At that point, any of their students listed on their overall roster is eligible for the State team.

Matches 

1. There will be 3 rounds per match:
1. Round 1 (Toss-up): 
1. Ten toss-up questions made up of 2 Biblical, 4 American, and 4 World History.
2. The questions will be called out, and team members will buzz in to answer. Any team member may answer. A team receives ten (10) points per correctly answered question.
2. Round 2 (Speed): 
1. The team that is behind in points will be allowed to choose between two (2) categories. (Note: If no team is behind then a coin toss is used to determine first pick.) Then they will have 120 seconds to answer ten (10) questions from that category. The other category will be for the other team. 
2. Only answers from the captain will be accepted, but all team members may call out answers to the captain.
3. All questions answered incorrectly will go over to the other team at the end of the allotted time and thus may be “stolen”. The stealing team will be given one (1) minute to “steal” questions. 
4. After the first team’s questions are completed, the other team will have their set of questions, with incorrect answers allowed to be “stolen”. The stealing team will be given one (1) minute to “steal” questions.
1. Special note: Questions not called out by the Moderator cannot be “stolen''; however, if in the opinion of the Moderator a team makes little to no effort to attempt to answer the questions, then all ten (10) questions will be given to the other team. 
5. Teams receive five (5) points per correctly answered question.
3. Round 3 (Bonus): Six toss-up questions made up of 2 Biblical, 2 American, and 2 World History, with 2 related bonus questions for each correctly answered toss-up question.
1. Team captains will answer bonus questions unless the captain designates another team member to answer. If someone other than the team captain attempts to give an answer without the captain’s permission, the Moderator will look directly at the captain and ask for the answer. If someone hits the buzzer, it is still up to the captain to answer unless he defers to the other team member.
2. If bonuses are answered incorrectly, they will be bounced back to the other team for an opportunity to answer. Teams receive ten (10) points per correctly answered toss-up and bonus question. 
2. Each match will generally last 25-30 minutes.
3. Teams may substitute students only between rounds.

 General Rules 

1. Each team will supply their own buzzer system at Region and State meets, if needed.
2. Buzzer systems can be found at:  www.andersonbuzzersystems.com/productoverview.html 
3. All teams will compete in Region. First and second place teams will advance to State.
4. GAPPS will purchase all Region and State questions and supply Region hosts with the questions and format. 
5. Score checks will be made between each period, and each coach/ captain may request one additional score check per round. 
6. Cell phones or other electronic devices are to be turned off by all players, spectators and coaches during competition. 
7. Reference books, text books, magazines, etc. are not permitted during competition. 
8. Each school will supply their own paper and pens/ pencils for competitions.
9. At no time will opponents display any unsportsmanlike conduct towards each other. The Moderator will deduct ten (10) points after the first warning to the team displaying the unsportsmanlike conduct.
10. Based on the number of participating teams and competition space available, the tournament may be conducted as follows:
1. Teams will participate in pool play then the top four (4) teams will move to the semi-final match. The top two (2)teams will play head to head in the final match to determine the champion and runner-up OR
2. Teams will play in a round-robin where the champion and runner-up will be determined by win-loss records.
3. Ties will be broken as follows:
1. head-to-head record
2. total points 
11. Once scoresheets have been reviewed and subsequently signed/initialed by the competitor and/or school representative, the score is final. No changes or adjustments will be made.

 Toss-up Question Procedures 

1. Players from either team may answer the toss-up questions. 
2. Players must buzz in within five (5) seconds of the end of the question being read.
3. Players have three (3) seconds to answer once the Moderator has recognized them.
4. Toss-up questions are only read once. 
5. If a completed toss-up question is answered incorrectly by the first team, the opposing team may still buzz in within five (5) seconds and attempt to answer.
6. If a toss-up question is interrupted and answered incorrectly, the reader will pick up at a logical place and finish the question for the opposing team only.
7. No points will be subtracted if the interrupted toss-up question is answered incorrectly. 
8. There will be no pauses, nor will a break be allowed, while answering a toss-up question. 
9. On toss-up questions, players may only engage in non-verbal, non-written conferral with teammates only (no spectators, alternates, coaches) as long as it does not involve conveying the answer. 
10. If the Moderator accidentally provides the correct answer on a toss-up question after the incorrect answer is given, that toss-up question will be eliminated and another toss-up question will be given to the opposing team only. 

 Bonus Question Procedures

1. When answering a toss-up question correctly, the team earns the first opportunity to answer a two-part bonus question. 
2. Players on both teams may consult one another during bonus questions for five (5) seconds, unless it is a math computation question, in which case, 15 seconds is allowed. 
3. Each part of the bonus question will be read only once and must be answered before moving on to the next part of the question. 
4. Team captains will answer bonus questions unless the captain designates another team member to answer. Answers must still be given within the 5-second answer time. 
5. If someone other than the team captain is giving an answer without the captain’s permission, the Moderator will look directly at the captain and ask for an answer. If someone hits the buzzer, it will still be up to the captain to answer.
6. Each bonus part answered incorrectly or not answered by the team earning the bonus will be bounced back immediately to the opposing team. The opposing team captain must answer within three (3) seconds after the Moderator offers the bonus to him/her. If the captain defers, the answer must be given immediately by the player to whom the captain defers. 
7. If the Moderator accidentally provides the correct answer on a bonus question after the incorrect answer is given, that bonus question will be eliminated and another bonus question will be given to the opposing team only. 
8. A player may give two (2) pieces of information in relation to the “creator-creation” rule. 
9. Example: The Great Gatsby is one answer; The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald are two answers and is correct according to the rule. 
10. Each bonus question is worth 10 points per part, for a total of 20 points. 

 Ties Within A Round

1. Ties within a round will be settled by extra toss-ups (as in period 1). One toss-up question will be read at a time until a team scores to end the round. 

 Protests 

1. Protests must be communicated verbally by either the Coach or team captain and must be settled before the round progresses to the next toss-up question. 

 Awards

1. Medals will be awarded to first and second place teams at Region (who will also advance to State) and State competitions.
1. A school may only advance one team to State. If a school comes in first and second, they will only receive the champion trophy. The runner-up trophy will go to the next team according to the tournament rules.
2. In this event, any of the students listed on the overall roster of the team placing both first and second place is eligible for the State team.

***Math Bowl is a team event.***

Depending on space available, schools may bring additional teams with the approval of the GAPPS Arts & Academic Director.  Additional teams must pay the appropriate fee for their team to compete. Only one team per school may advance to the state competition.

Team Composition

1. Teams must have a minimum of 3 and no more than 4 students.
2. Teams are allowed to make substitutions between rounds.
3. A school must have a team of 4 before adding an additional team (see Divisions above for information regarding additional teams.)
4. Team rosters are final once competition has begun.  Team rosters should be given to the coordinator/host of the day’s tournament.  Competitors cannot change teams during the competition.  
5. A school may only advance one (1) team to State competition. At that point, any of their students listed on their overall roster are eligible for the State team.

Competition

1. A competition will be four rounds as described below. All the teams at the event will be given the same problems at the same time. Schools are not competing against just the teams in their room, but against all the teams at the event.
2. Calculators are allowed only in rounds 3 & 4. Graphing and scientific calculators are allowed. Other digital devices or calculators with a QWERTY keypad are NOT allowed.
3. All units of measurement will be indicated in the answer blank (in plural form, even if the answer is singular) on the answer sheet for questions where appropriate.  Competitors will not have to provide the unit of measurement to receive credit for the question.  If there is no unit of measurement for a question, then the answer blank will not have one. 

Round 1 – Team Warm-up Round (10 Questions Total, Easy-Medium Level)

1. Time: About 30 minutes (10 points)
2. Format: Students will sit by team, with one miniature marker board each team. A question will appear on a PowerPoint slide, and the teams will be given 2 minutes to quietly discuss the question and put a final answer on their markerboard. Each question correct will contribute 1 point to the overall team score. This round is meant to be a fun warm-up round.

Round 2 – Individual Testing Round (20 Questions Total, Easy-Medium Level)

1. Time: 30 minutes (20 points)
2. Format: Students will be given a 20-question written test to take individually, and they will have 30 minutes to complete. Each question will contribute 1 point to the student’s individual score.

Round 3 – Individual Ciphering Round (10 Questions Total, Medium-Hard Level) – Calculator Allowed

1. Time: About 40 minutes (20 points)
2. Format: Students will be given five 2-question written tests, one at a time, to take individually, and they will have 6 (5 for middle school) minutes to complete each test. Therefore, students will be given #1-2 for 6 (5 for middle school) minutes, then #3-4 for 6 minutes, etc. Each set of 2 questions will contain one medium and one hard question. Each question will contribute 2 points to the student’s individual score.

Round 4 – Team Round (10 Questions Total, Medium-Hard Level) – Calculator Allowed

1. Time: 30 minutes (20 points)
2. Format: Students will be allowed to collaborate as teams for this round. Each question will contribute 2 points to the overall team score.

Break: A 3-5-minute break will be taken between each round. At this time, coaches may make substitutions and talk to their students.

Rooms

1. One large room (large enough to accommodate all teams).
2. Teams should be able to work quietly together but remain mindful that other teams are in the room, and they could be overheard.
3. A representative from GAPPS or a school that is not competing in the room will be the Moderator for the room. 

Scoring

1. Between rounds, the Answer Sheets will be given to the Scorers.
2. Each contest should be graded two times by two different teachers from two different schools.  Preferably a coach or teacher would not grade their own team’s contest.  A GAPPS representative will also “grade” the Answer Sheets.
3. A running total of points will be kept.

Winner

1. Team scores will be tallied as the sum of the following four components:: 
1. Round 1 – Total points accumulated by team (max 10 points)
2. Round 2 – Average of top 3 scores, low score dropped from calculation (max 20 points)
3. Round 3 – Average of top 3 scores, low score dropped from calculation (max 20 points)
4. Round 4 – Total points accumulated by team (max 20 points)
2. The highest score that any team could score is 70. 
3. If two teams tie in their total score, the team with the most points from Round 4 will be declared the winning team. If the two teams are still tied, the highest averages from Round 2 will be declared the winning team.
4. Medals will be awarded to the highest Individual Score and the First and Second Place Teams at each region and State. First and Second Place teams will advance to State.

***Geography Bee is an individual event. ***

General Information 

1. Geography Bee will be held during the Middle School Academic Day Competition.
2. Schools may send up to five (5) students to the Region event.
3. Questions will be read and answered using the computer program Socrative. 
4. Students must be practiced on Socrative and have accounts prior to competition. Information about this is on the GAPPS website.
5. Each student MUST have their own device (computer, phone, ipad, etc.) with internet connection availability. 
6. Region hosts MUST have Wi-Fi service available for each student.
7. One round of 36 questions will be played for all students simultaneously.
   1. The questions will be broken down as follows:
      1. 12 American Geography
      2. 12 World Geography
      3. 12 Bible Geography
   2. Each question will have four answers to choose from, of which only one answer is correct (no “all of the above” or “none of the above” questions will be included).
   3. Each answer is numbered 1-4, and each student will need to select the coordinating number on the computer or electronic device.
8. The top 12 students with the highest scores will proceed to the semi-finals. If there are ties in the top 12, then more than 12 can proceed to the semi-finals.
9. Semi-final questions will consist of 15 questions, broken down equally between American Geography, World Geography, and Bible Geography
10. The top six students with the highest scores will proceed to the Final Region Championship Round as well as the Championship for MS Geography Bee in the State Competition. No ties are allowed in the top six; a single elimination round will be played to decide the positions for the tied spots.
11. The final round will be in 2 stages: In stage 1, nine questions will be asked. Students will be placed according to their correct answers. Ties will move on to the “Process of Elimination” round within position. For example, students tied for 2nd will be competing against each other for 2nd and 3rd respectively.

The Host School

1. The Host School will need one large room set up for Region competition
2. The room must contain tables and chairs for the contestants and a Moderator’s table with three chairs.
3. The Host School is encouraged to ask the participating schools in their region to provide Moderators for this event.
4. The Host School may use people from their school’s administration to act as Moderators. 

The Moderator

1. The Moderator will introduce the teams and explain the flow of the Geography Bee.
2. The Moderator will read aloud the questions and answers once in the order in which they have been presented. 
3. Once the Moderator has finished reading the question and 4 possible answers, he/ she will say “ANSWER,” and the students select their answer on their device.
4. Once all students have answered, the moderator will move to the next question.
5. The Moderator will then proceed with the next question until the end of the round.
6. There will be a 3-5 minute break between rounds to double check scores, before moving forward. 

Room Monitors

1. The Room Monitors are responsible for welcoming the students and observers in the room in an orderly fashion and seating the students at their tables with a device. Students from the same school MAY NOT sit at the same table.
2. The Room Monitors will walk the room to make sure all students are on Wi-Fi and and Socrative program.
3. They will assist the Moderator with any questions that may arise. 

Awards

1. At Region, students who place first through fourth will advance to State
2. Medals will be awarded to the 1st and 2nd place finishers at Region and State.

General Information

1. Each school may send a maximum of three (3) spellers to the MS competition.
2. The spellers may be any combination of grades 6, 7, or 8. (e.g. 2 students from 8th and 2 from 7th or 3 from 7th, etc.)
3. The spelling competition will be in written form. 70 words total (the last 10 will be used as tie-breaker) 
4. GAPPS will provide a practice list of 100 words. Some of these words will be used during the bee. The practice list will be posted on the GAPPS website.
5. Words will be obtained by GAPPS from the online version of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary and Thesaurus. It can be found here: http://www.merriam-webster.com/. The online version is the final authority and sole source for the spelling words.
6. Words are to be written in ink only.
7. Contestants will not be allowed to use scratch paper to write the word. They will only be allowed to write the word once on their exam paper. 
8. If the contestant makes an error, they are not allowed to start over on a new sheet.
9. Contestants are only allowed one sheet of paper for the exam.
10. When judges are correcting papers, the following will count as errors:
1. Words written so poorly you cannot read them
2. Any word written with letters written on top of another (ex. a “c” over a “k”)
3. Any words left off
4. Any word that is scratched through, corrected, and/or re-written
5. When a word can be spelled more than one way, the preferred spelling will be the correct spelling of that word. Any variation would be considered incorrect
11. The 10 tie-breaker words will only be used in the event of a tie and will only be graded one at a time between the tied individuals until a word is spelled incorrectly.
12. The examiner will provide a definition and the word used in a sentence if a contestant asks for either one.
13. There will be two judges for this contest. The judge will hold all exams until they are all scored.
14. The number of correctly spelled words will determine first and second places. Medals will be awarded to first and second place spellers.

Pronouncer’s Role

The pronouncer strives to pronounce words according to the diacritical markings given to them by GAPPS and taken from the online version of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

1. Homonyms: If a word has one or more homonyms, the pronouncer indicates which word is to be spelled by defining the word.
2. Pronouncer’s sense of helpfulness: The pronouncer may offer word information — without the speller having requested the information — if the pronouncer senses that the information is helpful and the information appears on the information provided by GAPPS or in the Webster’s Online Dictionary.
3. Alternate Spellings: The Official Dictionary and Source of Words Merriam-Webster Unabridged is the final authority and sole source for the spelling of words. If more than one spelling is listed for a word, any of these spellings will be accepted as correct if the following three criteria are met: (1) the pronunciations are identical, (2) the definitions are identical, and (3) the words are identified as being variants of each other. Spellings having temporal labels (such as archaic, obsolete), stylistic labels (such as substand, nonstand) or regional labels (such as North, Midland, Irish) that differ from main entry spellings not having these status labels will not be accepted as correct.

High School Academic Day

1. Each Region as well as State will be a one-day event
2. In addition to medals for each event (outlined below), schools will earn points throughout the day. Points will be awarded for each event as follows:
   1. 1st Place- 7 points
   2. 2nd Place- 5 points
   3. 3rd Place- 3 points
   4. 4th Place- 1 point
      The school with the most points at Region and State competition will be awarded a first place trophy; and the school with the second highest points will be awarded a runner-up trophy.
      1. Individual math scores will be the tie breaker. 
      2. To be eligible for the overall trophies, a school must enter at least three events one of which must be a team event.

All rules for individual events are outlined below.

Format of the Day

Morning  - Essay and History Bowl (at least five rounds) (will run concurrently)

Lunch Break

Afternoon - HIstory Bowl (continued), Math Bowl, and Spelling Bee  (will run concurrently)

General Rules for All Essay Categories

1. Each school may enter one (1) (male or female into each essay contest (i.e. Argumentative; Personal; or Rhetorical). 
2. Individual contestants may only enter one essay contest category.
3. The GAPPS office shall prepare a list of topics for the Region and State Literary competitions.
4. All essays will be written in blue or black ink on paper provided by GAPPS.
5. Two (2) hours will be given for drafting and writing the essay.
6. Supplemental published materials will not be allowed.  The use of a dictionary and coaching during the contest is not permitted.
7. The essay shall be judged by the thought, the order, the arrangement and the elements of style. Verbal and grammatical correctness, spelling  and punctuation shall be considered of less importance than the interest and general effectiveness of the whole composition, but should be weighed.  It is a ready writer’s contest, and evidence of pre-memorized composition shall weigh heavily against the contestant.
8. There shall be two (2) judges for this event. Judges shall score and give written comments without conferring with one another or any other person.  Judges shall hold all evaluations sheets until after all essays have been scored.
9. Essay judges are approved to be off-site in a controlled atmosphere.
10. Medals will be awarded to the first and second place essay in each category.

Personal Essay

1. The essays will be judged on the following:
1. Originality
2. Form
3. Vividness
4. Voice
5. Style

Argumentative Essay 

1. The GAPPS office shall prepare a list of topics for the Region and State Literary competitions on current state, national and international policies discussed in periodicals published since September 1 of the current school year. The current year and preceding year’s debate topics will not be considered.
2. The contestants from each school shall write upon any of the subjects provided.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay 

1. The GAPPS office shall select an excerpt from a work of poetry or prose.  Students are to read the passage and write an essay analyzing the narrative and literary techniques and strategies the author uses to achieve his or her purpose in writing the piece.
2. The essay shall be judged by the quality of the analysis of elements of the essay including how the writer interprets, develops and organizes the essay, as well as style and correctness.

Divisions

1. High Schools will be split into 2 classes and play on separate days. 
1. AA (Larger Schools): ALL schools would typically be designated AA in Arts & Academics by the number of students in HS.
2. A (Smaller Schools): All schools designated A by HS numbers.
2. Depending on space available, schools may bring additional teams with the approval of the GAPPS Arts & Academic Director.  Additional teams must pay the appropriate fee for their team to compete.  Only one team per school may advance to the State Competition.  

Team Composition

1. Teams must have a minimum of 3 and no more than 4 students.
2. Teams are allowed to make substitutions between rounds.
3. A school must have a team of 4 before adding an additional team (see Divisions above for information regarding additional teams.)
4. Team rosters are final once competition has begun.  Team rosters should be given to the coordinator/host of the day’s tournament.  Competitors cannot change teams during the competition.  
5. A school may only advance one (1) team to State competition. At that point, any of their students listed on their overall roster are eligible for the State team.

Competition 

1. A competition will be four rounds as described below. All the teams at the event will be given the same problems at the same time. Schools are not competing against just the teams in their room, but against all the teams at the event.
2. Calculators are allowed only in rounds 3 & 4. Graphing and scientific calculators are allowed. Other digital devices or calculators with a QWERTY keypad are NOT allowed.
3. All units of measurement will be indicated in the answer blank (in plural form, even if the answer is singular) on the answer sheet for questions where appropriate.  Competitors will not have to provide the unit of measurement to receive credit for the question.  If there is no unit of measurement for a question, then the answer blank will not have one.  

Round 1 – Team Warm-up Round (10 Questions Total, Easy-Medium Level)

1. Time: About 30 minutes (10 points)
2. Format: Students will sit by team, with one miniature marker board each team. A question will appear on a PowerPoint slide, and the teams will be given 2 minutes to quietly discuss the question and put a final answer on their markerboard. Each question correct will contribute 1 point to the overall team score. This round is meant to be a fun warm-up round.

Round 2 – Individual Testing Round (20 Questions Total, Easy-Medium Level)

1. Time: 30 minutes (20 points)
2. Format: Students will be given a 20-question written test to take individually, and they will have 30 minutes to complete. Each question will contribute 1 point to the student’s individual score.

Round 3 – Individual Ciphering Round (10 Questions Total, Medium-Hard Level) – Calculator Allowed

1. Time: About 40 minutes (20 points)
2. Format: Students will be given five 2-question written tests, one at a time, to take individually, and they will have 6 (5 for middle school) minutes to complete each test. Therefore, students will be given #1-2 for 6 (5 for middle school) minutes, then #3-4 for 6 minutes, etc. Each set of 2 questions will contain one medium and one hard question. Each question will contribute 2 points to the student’s individual score.

Round 4 – Team Round (10 Questions Total, Medium-Hard Level) – Calculator Allowed

1. Time: 30 minutes (20 points)
2. Format: Students will be allowed to collaborate as teams for this round. Each question will contribute 2 points to the overall team score.

Break: A 3-5-minute break will be taken between each round. At this time, coaches may make substitutions and talk to their students.

Rooms

1. One large room with space enough for all teams to be seated at a team table.
2. Teams should be able to work quietly together but remain mindful that other teams are in the room, and they could be overheard.
3. A representative from GAPPS or a school that is not competing in the room will be the Moderator for the room. 

Scoring

1. Between rounds, the Answer Sheets will be given to the Scorers.
2. Each contest should be graded two times by two different teachers from two different schools.  Preferably a coach or teacher would not grade their own team’s contest.  A GAPPS representative will also “grade” the Answer Sheets.
3. A running total of points will be kept.

Winner

1. Team scores will be tallied as the sum of the following four components:
   1. Round 1 – Total points accumulated by team (max 10 points)
   2. Round 2 – Average of top 3 scores, low score dropped from calculation (max 20 points)
   3. Round 3 – Average of top 3 scores, low score dropped from calculation (max 20 points)
   4. Round 4 – Total points accumulated by team (max 20 points)

The highest score that any team could score is 70. 

If two teams tie in their total score, the team with the most points from Round 4 will be declared the winning team. If the two teams are still tied, the highest averages from Round 2 will be declared the winning team. 

Medals will be awarded to the 1st and 2nd place teams as well as the student with the highest individual score.

Teams 

1. Teams will consist of a minimum of three (3) students, with a maximum of five (5) playing at a time. 
2. Teams are allowed to make substitutions in between periods.
3. If there is room, a school may have an additional History Bowl team (for an additional fee) as long as the first team has at least 5 players. Players cannot switch teams during that day’s tournament. Team rosters will be submitted to the coordinator/ host two weeks before the first tournament. 
   1. A school may only advance one (1) team to State Competition. At that point, any of their students listed on their overall roster is eligible for the State team.

Matches 

1. There will be 3 rounds per match:
   1. Round 1 (Toss-up): 
      1. Ten toss-up questions made up of 2 Biblical, 4 American, and 4 World History.
      2. The questions will be called out, and team members will buzz in to answer. Any team member may answer. A team receives ten (10) points per correctly answered question.
   2. Round 2 (Speed): 
      1. The team that is behind in points will be allowed to choose between two (2) categories. (Note: If no team is behind then a coin toss is used to determine first pick.) Then they will have 120 seconds to answer ten (10) questions from that category. The other category will be for the other team. 
      2. Only answers from the captain will be accepted, but all team members may call out answers to the captain.
      3. All questions answered incorrectly will go over to the other team at the end of the allotted time and thus may be “stolen”. The stealing team will be given one (1) minute to “steal” questions. 
      4. After the first team’s questions are completed, the other team will have their set of questions, with incorrect answers allowed to be “stolen”. The stealing team will be given one (1) minute to “steal” questions.
         1. Special note: Questions not called out by the Moderator cannot be “stolen''; however, if in the opinion of the Moderator a team makes little to no effort to attempt to answer the questions, then all ten (10) questions will be given to the other team. 
      5. Teams receive five (5) points per correctly answered question.
   3. Round 3 (Bonus): Six toss-up questions made up of 2 Biblical, 2 American, and 2 World History, with 2 related bonus questions for each correctly answered toss-up question.
      1. If bonuses are answered incorrectly, they will be bounced back to the other team for an opportunity to answer. Teams receive ten (10) points per correctly answered toss-up and bonus question. 
      2. Team captains will answer bonus questions unless the captain designates another team member to answer. If someone other than the team captain attempts to give an answer without the captain’s permission, the Moderator will look directly at the captain and ask for the answer. If someone hits the buzzer, it is still up to the captain to answer unless he defers to the other team member.
2. Each match will generally last 25-30 minutes.
3. Teams will play three (3) matches of Pool Play then the top 4 teams will move to the Semi-Final match. The top two teams will play head to head in the Final match.
4. Teams may substitute students only between rounds.

General Rules 

1. Each team will supply their own buzzer system at Region and State meets, if needed.
2. Buzzer systems can be found at:  www.andersonbuzzersystems.com/productoverview.html 
3. All teams will compete in a region. First and second place teams will advance to State.
4. GAPPS will purchase all Region and State questions and supply Region hosts with the questions and format. 
5. Score checks will be made between each period, and each coach/ captain may request one additional score check per round. 
6. Cell phones or other electronic devices are to be turned off by all players, spectators and coaches during competition. 
7. Reference books, text books, magazines, etc. are not permitted during competition. 
8. Each school will supply their own paper and pens/ pencils for competitions.
9. At no time will opponents display any unsportsmanlike conduct towards each other. The Moderator will deduct ten (10) points after the first warning to the team displaying the unsportsmanlike conduct.
10. Based on the number of participating teams and competition space available, the tournament may be conducted as follows:
1. Teams will participate in pool play then the top four (4) teams will move to the semi-final match. The top two (2)teams will play head to head in the final match to determine the champion and runner-up OR
2. Teams will play in a round-robin where the champion and runner-up will be determined by win-loss records.
3. Ties will be broken as follows:
1. head-to-head record
2. total points 
11. Once scoresheets have been reviewed and subsequently signed/initialed by the competitor and/or school representative, the score is final. No changes or adjustments will be made.

Toss-up Question Procedures 

1. Players from either team may answer the toss-up questions. 
2. Players must buzz in within five (5) seconds of the end of the question being read.
3. Players have three (3) seconds to answer once the Moderator has recognized them.
4. Toss-up questions are only read once. 
5. If a completed toss-up question is answered incorrectly by the first team, the opposing team may still buzz in within five (5) seconds and attempt to answer.
6. If a toss-up question is interrupted and answered incorrectly, the reader will pick up at a logical place and finish the question for the opposing team only.
7. No points will be subtracted if the interrupted toss-up question is answered incorrectly. 
8. There will be no pauses, nor will a break be allowed, while answering a toss-up question. 
9. On toss-up questions, players may only engage in non-verbal, non-written conferral with teammates only (no spectators, alternates, coaches) as long as it does not involve conveying the answer. 
10. If the Moderator accidentally provides the correct answer on a toss-up question after the incorrect answer is given, that toss-up question will be eliminated and another toss-up question will be given to the opposing team only. 

Bonus Question Procedures

1. When answering a toss-up question correctly, the team earns the first opportunity to answer a two-part bonus question. 
2. Players on both teams may consult one another during bonus questions for five (5) seconds, unless it is a math computation question, in which case, 15 seconds is allowed. 
3. Each part of the bonus question will be read only once and must be answered before moving on to the next part of the question. 
4. Team captains will answer bonus questions unless the captain designates another team member to answer. Answers must still be given within the 5-second answer time. 
5. If someone other than the team captain is giving an answer without the captain’s permission, the Moderator will look directly at the captain and ask for an answer. If someone hits the buzzer, it will still be up to the captain to answer.
6. Each bonus part answered incorrectly or not answered by the team earning the bonus will be bounced back immediately to the opposing team. The opposing team captain must answer within three (3) seconds after the Moderator offers the bonus to him/her. If the captain defers, the answer must be given immediately by the player to whom the captain defers. 
7. If the Moderator accidentally provides the correct answer on a bonus question after the incorrect answer is given, that bonus question will be eliminated and another bonus question will be given to the opposing team only. 
8. A player may give two (2) pieces of information in relation to the “creator-creation” rule. 
   1. Example: The Great Gatsby is one answer; The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald are two answers and is correct according to the rule. 
9. Each bonus question is worth 10 points per part, for a total of 20 points. 

Ties Within A Round

1. Ties within a round will be settled by extra toss-ups (as in period 1). One toss-up question will be read at a time until a team scores to end the round. 

Protests 

1. Protests must be communicated verbally by either the Coach or team captain and must be settled before the round progresses to the next toss-up question. 

Overall Ranking

1. Win-loss record
2. Head-to-head (for tied teams)
3. Total points (for tied teams)
4. Medals will be awarded to first and second place teams.

1. Contestants will take a written test consisting of 125 words total provided by the GAPPS league office. The last 25 will be for a tie-breaker only. Words are to be written in ink only. All of the words given in this and the Region contest will come from the online Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
2. Contestants will not be allowed to use scratch paper to write the word. They will only be allowed to write the word once on their exam paper. 
3. If the contestant makes an error, they are not allowed to start over on a new sheet.
4. Contestants are only allowed one sheet of paper for the exam.
5. When judges are correcting papers, the following will count as errors:
1. Words written so poorly you cannot read them
2. Any word written with letters written on top of another (ex. a “c” over a “k”)
3. Any words left off
4. Any word that is scratched through, corrected, and/or re-written
5. When a word can be spelled more than one way, the preferred spelling will be the correct spelling of that word. Any variation would be considered incorrect
6. The 25 tie-breaker words will only be used in the event of a tie and will only be graded one at a time between the tied individuals until a word is spelled incorrectly.
7. The examiner will provide a definition and the word used in a sentence if a contestant asks for either one.
8. There will be two judges for this contest. The judge will hold all exams until they are all scored.
9. The number of correctly spelled words will determine first, second, third and fourth places. Medals will be awarded to first and second place spellers.

Chess

What To Bring

1. Two tournament-size chess sets for every team 
1. Board:  2 ¼” squares (20” X 20” board)
2. King:  between 3 ¾” and 4 ¼” tall
2. Two chess clocks (not a chess clock app) for every team 
3. One Coach or another adult per team to act as a table referee/scorer (must attend the coaches’ meeting). Table Refs/Scorers may not score their own team nor give advice during the actual match. New referees/scorers will be paired with an experienced referee/scorer for at least two rounds before they are allowed to referee/score on their own. 
4. Suggested, but not required:
1. Notepads or chess notation pads for each team member 
2. Pens for notation
3. Snacks and water for your team

Team Summary

1. Each school shall be permitted to enter as many High School, Middle School, and Elementary teams as they want. (There is a cost per team entered.)
   There will be no limit to the number of teams allowed at the Region Tournament, BUT only 2 teams per school per division (i.e. 2 ES, 2 MS, 2 HS) may advance.
2. Divisions:
1. High School:  9th through 12th grades
2. Middle School: 6th through 8th grades
3. Elementary School: 3rd through 5th grades (skilled 2nd grade students may play up)
3. Students are only permitted to register in one division and cannot change once registered.
4. Each team must have a minimum of four (4) players. A team may have up to two (2) alternates.
5. Upon sign-in, each player will be given a lanyard, which will note their name, school and school number. They must wear their lanyards to every game.
6. Player seating for non-playoff rounds shall be as follows:
   1. Each table will have four chess sets (setup as shown below).
   2. Before the round begins and before the team enters the play area, each team MUST decide which four players (if a team has alternates) will sit at the four table positions by clipping the corresponding number card to their lanyard.
      
      
      
      
7. Once a team has made their player and color decisions and has entered the play area, those decisions are set for the round. Players may not change their positioning once they observe their opponent’s positioning.
8. Only players who are designated to play in a round may enter the play area. Alternates, coaches and parents are not permitted in the play area.

Event Summary – Region

1. The region tournament will be a round robin amongst the teams represented (approximately five-seven rounds). The goal is to have no more than 8 teams per region per division. 
2. If there are fewer than 5 teams in a division, then after the round robin rounds the teams will play a mini-playoff for final seeding. 
3. A bye will be issued to a team if there are not enough teams available in a round to pair teams evenly (either by the number of teams registered or a change in a team’s availability throughout the day due to an emergency.) In that case, teams issued a bye will receive 5 points. (Note: At the end of the day the bye could be increased to 6 or 7 based on the average score a team achieves. This is not automatic and is based on the judgment of the circumstances involved.)
4. If a school has multiple teams (for example #1 , #2 and #3) the first team to get a bye would be #3, then #2 and then #1. A school’s #1 team would receive a bye only if there were no other options to pair in the tournament. 
5. Team pairings and table designations for all rounds will be pre-selected at random, based on prior team registration. Modifications to this schedule will only be made if a team is not (or is no longer) available to play (ex. a late arrival or an emergency requires the team to withdraw from the event early). In this case, the event administrator will adjust the team pairings schedule to limit the number of byes issued.
6. Each team’s score for the round is the sum of the result of all round robin games:
1. Each win scores two (2) points
2. Each draw scores one (1) point
   Example: If a team wins two games, loses one, and draws one, that team would score 5 points for that round. The other team would score 3 points for that round (two losses, one win, and one draw)
7. At the end of the region rounds, the teams will be ranked from highest to lowest scores. A designated number of teams will  move to the state tournament. 
8. Ties are broken by calculating the team’s “Strength of Schedule,” calculated by totaling the number of points scored multiplied by the final resulting position of each opponent, ranked lowest to highest.

Event Summary – State

1. The top twelve teams (for High School, Middle School, and Elementary School) from Regions will be invited to the State Competition.
2. The teams will be divided into 2 groups and seeded from 1st-6th in each group. 
3. Play for the first 5 rounds will be round robin within the team’s grouping. 
4. At the conclusion of round robin rounds, all players who have won all of their played games (winning 5 for 5) will be awarded an “Undefeated” medallion.
5. The top 2 teams from each grouping will move to the playoffs. (Semi-finals and Finals)
6. In the playoff rounds, seat selection will go as follows:
1. Teams will identify which players are participating in the playoff round by clipping a number card to their lanyard. In this round, the colors of the cards do not matter. However, ties are broken in this round by game number (not seat). The #1 game is the first tie breaker, followed by game #2, #3 and #4.
2. Once both teams have their numbers set, player 1 from the higher seed sits at game board 1 and chooses the color they wish to play. Player 1 from the lower seed sits across from them.
3. Next, player 2 from the lower seed sits at board 2 and chooses the color they wish to play. Player 2 from the higher seed sits across from them. 
4. Next, player 3 from the higher seed sits at game board 3 and chooses the color they wish to play. Player 3 from the lower seed sits across from them.
5. Finally, player 4 from the lower seed sits at board 2 and chooses the color they wish to play. Player 4 from the higher seed sits across from them.
7. As colors are selected individually, it is possible that one team may play white more than twice. That is the prerogative of the players.
8. The round will score in the same way they were scored during Part 1 of the tournament. Each win is worth two (2) points, and draws are worth one (1) point.
9. Ties will be broken in the following order:
1. The winner at board 1
2. The winner at board 2
3. The winner at board 3
4. The winner at board 4
5. A single game of blitz chess (5 minutes per side). Each team will select one player to participate in the game. Color will be chosen by lots.
10. The winners of the semi-finals round will then play a final round in the same manner, resulting in first and second place in the event. The losing teams of the semi-final round will play for third and fourth place of the event. 

Game Play Rules

1. Each game must use a chess clock. Chess timers are set at 20 minutes per player
2. Each game may be notated by either or both players, either in a notebook or USCF-approved electronic notation device. Notating apps on a tablet or phone are not permitted.
3. All electronic devices must be turned OFF while in the chess play area. Any player using a phone or tablet after being instructed to turn them off by the head referee may be asked to forfeit that match. This decision is at the discretion of the head referee.
4. Play will begin for the round when announced by the head referee.
5. Table Refs/Scorers may not score their own team nor give advice during the actual match. This includes nonverbal prompts as well.
6. There is no talking between team members during the round.
7. Players will follow the “touch” rule.
1. A player may only touch the board or a piece on their turn.
2. If a player touches a piece and the piece can be moved legally, They must move it.
3. A piece that is off-center may be adjusted if the player first asks the opposing player.
4. A player may never touch their opponent’s pieces, unless it is to remove one from the board after capturing it.
8. There is to be minimal talking between opposing players during a match.
9. If a player has any question about a move, the state of the board or has any issue with their opponent’s play etiquette, they are to raise their hand and request help from the table referee.
10. If a referee acknowledges a mistake on the game board (such as an undiscovered check), he will use the game notation to reverse moves back to where the mistake occurred. If there is a discrepancy between the two notations, the referee will reverse moves back at their discretion.
11. The referee's decisions are final. If a player is causing a disruption, purposefully tipping boards or attempting to cheat in any way, the referees will instruct that player to leave the play area, and they will forfeit the match.
12. A game is over under ANY of the following conditions:
1. A player loses by checkmate or resignation, in which that player’s king has no legal move and is in check. In this state, the opponent wins and scores two (2) points and the player earns zero (0) points.
2. A game is a draw. In this state, both players score one (1) point.
1. One of the player’s board position is repeated three consecutive turns
2. One player has only a king, and the other player is unable to get them in checkmate after 50 moves.
1. The head referee may also issue a draw if they determine that players are unable to get a win with the pieces remaining.
3. A player’s clock expires, meaning that player has run out of time. In this state, the opponent wins and scores two (2) points and the player scores zero (0) points.
1. Exception: If a player only has a king and their opponent still has pieces to make checkmate but runs out of time first, this game is scored as a draw.
13. Once a game is completed, the players will raise their hand to call for a referee to record the results. Once the results are recorded, the players must leave the playing area.
14. Once scoresheets have been reviewed and subsequently signed/initiated by the competitor and/or school representative, the score is final. No changes or adjustments will be made.

Special Movement Definitions

1. King-side castling: The king may move two spaces toward the king-side rook and the rook can move to the space immediately to the left of the king if all the following are true:
1. The king hasn’t been moved previously
2. The king-side rook hasn’t been moved previously
3. There are no pieces between the king and rook
4. The king doesn’t move through or into check when moving two spaces toward the king-side rook. 
2. Queen-side castling: All rules are identical to king-side castling, with the following differences:
1. The king moves two spaces toward the queen-side rook.
2. The queen-side rook is moved to the space immediately to the right of the king.
3. En Passant: This is a special pawn capture move, both explained and illustrated below:
1. A player performs the two-space move off a pawn’s starting space.
2. An opponent’s pawn is on the fifth rank and on a file adjacent to the pawn that was just moved two spaces.
3. If both above statements are true, the opponent may capture the pawn as if the pawn had only moved one space.

Quiz Bowl

1. There is a high school and middle school division. 
1. A middle school team is defined as a team with students from 6th to 8th grades. 
2. A high school team is defined as a team with students from 9th to 12th grades.
2. Teams will consist of a minimum of three (3) students, with a maximum of five (5) competing at a time.
3. Teams are allowed to make substitutions at halftime (after eight questions).

Divisions

1. Schools will be split into 2 divisions: 
1. AA - Larger Schools and/ or Advanced: These are ALL schools that would typically be designated AA in Arts & Academics by the number of students in HS as well as all schools that participate in multiple NAQT events and are considered Advanced schools. Schools may ask to join this division (play up).
1. AA Division will have region tournaments to advance to State.
2. For an extra fee, Based on space and with the permission of the GAPPS Fine Arts and Academics Director, a school may field multiple teams as long as the first team has at least five (5) players. Players cannot switch teams during that day’s tournament. Team rosters will be given to the coordinator/host of the day’s tournament. 
1. A school may only advance one (1) team to State competition. At that point, any of their students listed on their overall roster are eligible for the State team.
2. A - Smaller Schools or Novice: These are all schools designated A by HS numbers. 
1. The A Division will only have a state tournament. .
2. A school may field one (1) team per division (HS/ MS).
3. AA schools may not play in the A Division.

Matches 

1. There will be 16 toss-up questions per round, plus a two-part bonus question for each correctly answered toss-up. If bonuses are answered incorrectly, they will be bounced back to the other team for an opportunity to answer. 
2. Competitions will be set up as round robins, unless otherwise stated.
3. Each round will generally last 25-30 minutes.

General Rules 

1. Each team will supply their own buzzer system at Region and State competition if needed.
2. Buzzer systems can be found at:  www.andersonbuzzersystems.com/productoverview.html 
3. All teams will compete at Region. The top two MS and HS teams will advance to State. 
4. GAPPS will purchase all Region and State questions from the NAQT and supply Region hosts with the questions and format. 
5. Score checks will be made at halftime. Each coach/team captain may request one additional score check per round. 
6. Cell phones or other electronic devices are to be turned off by all players, spectators and coaches during competition. 
7. Reference books, calculators, etc. are not permitted during competition. 
8. Each school will supply their own paper and pens/pencils for competitions.
9. At no time will opponents display any unsportsmanlike conduct towards each other. The Moderator will deduct ten (10) points after the first warning to the team displaying the unsportsmanlike conduct.
10. Once scoresheets have been reviewed and subsequently signed/initialed by the competitor and/or school representative, the score is final. No changes or adjustments will be made.
11. Study questions can be found at: www.naqt.com/YouGottaKnow

Toss-up Question Procedures 

1. Players from either team may answer the toss-up questions. 
2. Players must buzz in within five (5) seconds of the end of the question being read, unless it is a math computation question, in which case, players must buzz in within 15 seconds of the end of the question.
3. Players have three (3) seconds to answer once the Moderator has recognized them.
4. Toss-up questions are only read once. 
1. If a completed toss-up question is answered incorrectly by the first team, the opposing team may still buzz in within five (5) seconds and attempt to answer.
2. If a toss-up question is interrupted and answered incorrectly, the reader will pick up at a logical place and finish the question for the opposing team only.
3. No points will be subtracted if the interrupted toss-up question is answered incorrectly. 
5. There will be no pauses or breaks allowed while answering a toss-up question. 
6. On toss-up questions, players may only engage in non-verbal, non-written conferral with teammates only (no spectators, alternates, coaches) as long as it does not involve conveying the answer. 
7. If the Moderator accidentally provides the correct answer on a toss-up question after the incorrect answer is given, that toss-up question will be eliminated and another toss-up question will be given to the opposing team only. 
8. A player may give two pieces of information in relation to the “creator-creation” rule. 
1. Example: The Great Gatsby is one answer; The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald are two answers and is correct according to the rule. 
9. Each toss-up question is worth ten (10) points. 

Bonus Question Procedures 

1. When answering a toss-up question correctly, the team earns the first opportunity to answer a two part bonus question. 
2. Players on both teams may consult one another during bonus questions for five (5) seconds, unless it is a math computation question, in which case, fifteen (15) seconds is allowed. 
3. Each part of the bonus question will be read only once and will be answered before moving on to the next part of the question. 
4. Team captains will answer bonus questions unless the captain designates another team member to answer, but answers must still be given within the 5-second answer time. 
5. If someone other than the team captain is giving an answer without the captain’s permission, the Moderator will look directly at the captain and ask for an answer. If someone hits the buzzer, it will still be up to the captain to answer.
6. Each bonus part answered incorrectly or not answered by the team earning the bonus will be bounced back immediately to the opposing team. The opposing team captain must answer within three (3) seconds after the Moderator offers the bonus to them. If the captain defers, the answer must be given immediately by the player to whom the captain defers. 
7. If the Moderator accidentally provides the correct answer on a bonus question after the incorrect answer is given, that bonus question will be eliminated and another bonus question will be given to the opposing team only. 
8. A player may give two pieces of information in relation to the “creator-creation” rule. 
1. Example: The Great Gatsby is one answer; The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald are two answers and is correct according to the rule. 
9. Each bonus question is worth 10 points per part for a total of 20 points. 

Ties within a Round

1. Ties within a round will be settled by extra toss-ups. One toss-up question will be read at a time until a team scores to end the round. 

Protests 

1. Protests must be communicated verbally by either the coach or team captain and must be settled before the round progresses to the next tossup question. 

Overall Ranking

1. Win-loss record
2. Head-to-head (for tied teams)
3. Total points (for tied teams)
4. Trophies will be awarded to first and second place teams (MS and HS) at Region (who will also advance to state) and State Competitions.

Robotics - Please visit this page again soon. More updates are coming!

***This document provides general guidelines and procedures for the Robotics Competition. Competition rules and specifics will be included in the official, annual Competition Rules.***

General Information

Divisions

1. Middle School (6th - 8th grades)
2. High School (9th - 12th grades) 

A student can only register to compete in one division.

Teams

1. A team may consist of 2-6 students. During a match, only three  (3) students per team may be at the game board at a time. If a team has more than three students, they may substitute between rounds. 
2. Each team must have its own robot; teams may not share robots during competition. 
3. Each school that registers by the registration deadline is guaranteed up to four team slots (any combination of MS and HS). More competition slots may be available after the registration deadline on a first come, first-served basis.

Kick-Off Event

1. The Kick-Off event is a fun event where coaches and students meet for the unveiling and demonstration of the specific rules for the year’s competition, game board design, and scoring information.
2. There is no competition during Kick-Off. 
3. You may bring your robotics kit and laptop as there will be experienced coaches in attendance that may be willing to help new schools get started. 

Competition

1. Competition is a day-long event in which the teams from the schools compete for both team and school awards. 
2. Spectators are allowed. However, it is REQUIRED that they remain behind the lines, ropes, barriers, etc to allow the contestants and referees ample space to conduct the competition.
3. The matches will run as follows:
1. Each team will participate in a minimum of four placement matches. 
2. The top eight teams will compete in an elimination tournament to determine the placement. The top two from these matches will compete in a final match to determine first and second place.
4. The object of the competition is to score as many points as possible during each run of each match using programmed autonomous robots to place the scoring elements on the game board according to the competition rules. 
1. There will be multiple ways to score, and an objective of the teams will be to determine the best strategy to score points using scoring zones, multipliers and bonus objectives using effective design, engineering and programming of their robot. 
2. Scoring methods will vary in complexity.
3. Once scoresheets have been reviewed and subsequently signed/initialed by the competition and/or school representative, the score is final. No changes or adjustments will be made.

Awards

1. Medals will be awarded to the members of the first and second place teams in each division (MS and HS).
2. State Champion and Runner-up trophies will be awarded to the winning schools in each division (MS and HS). If a single school wins both first and second places in a division, no Runner-up trophy will be awarded.

Purpose

The purpose of GAPPS Robotics is to provide students with a challenging, educational, and engaging autonomous robotics competition within a Christian environment that emphasizes engineering, programming, problem solving, teamwork, creativity, strategic thinking, gracious competition, and Christ-like character.

Competition Philosophy

GAPPS Robotics is designed as a staged engineering competition with problem solving, engineering design, strategic sequencing, dimensional gameplay, persistent visible scoring, and educational accessibility.

The competition is intended to reward creative, robust engineering and programming solutions while promoting long-term student learning.

Rule Authority

1. The Annual Game Rules document shall serve as the final authority for all game-specific rules, scoring, gameplay interactions, field setup, and competition procedures for a given Game.
2. In the event of a conflict between these General Rules and the Annual Game Rules, the Annual Game Rules shall govern game-specific interpretation and enforcement.

Robotics Committee and Game Design

1. The GAPPS Robotics Committee shall oversee annual game development, rule development, field and infrastructure standards, competition procedures, and long-term program sustainability.
2. Game design leadership shall rotate among participating schools.
3. A rotating committee structure is encouraged to distribute workload, preserve institutional knowledge, encourage collaboration, reduce long-term burnout, and improve continuity.
4. Participating schools may submit mission ideas, themes, mechanisms, gameplay concepts, and scoring concepts.
5. The robotics committee shall review and refine submitted ideas.

Annual Game Rules

1. Each Game shall include a separate Annual Game Rules document.
2. The Annual Game Rules document shall define field layout, mission elements, scoring rules, Staging Area placement, Collection Zones, match timing variations, robot interaction rules, possession rules, protected zones, game-specific restrictions, and game-specific scoring.
3. Annual games should emphasize engineering creativity, autonomous problem solving, strategic sequencing, dimensional gameplay, and spectator viewability.
4. Mission elements should be durable, modular, resettable, visually understandable, and reusable.
5. Annual game design should prioritize reusable infrastructure, simplified setup, and reduced volunteer workload.

Platforms

1. GAPPS Robotics supports multiple educational robotics platforms.
2. Approved competition platforms may include LEGO systems, VEX IQ/EXP systems, and additional approved educational robotics systems as determined by the robotics committee.
3. The competition infrastructure and annual game design should support fair participation across approved robotics platforms.
4. Unless otherwise specified by the annual game rules, each Robot shall utilize a single programmable control unit (“Brain”) supported by its platform.
5. Teams may utilize any supported motors, sensors, controllers, or hardware configurations available for their platform.

Official Field System

1. Official GAPPS Robotics competitions should use one of the following (unless  otherwise approved by the GAPS Robotics committee):

1. VEX IQ competition tiles
2. VEX IQ perimeter walls

1. The annual game design committee shall determine the official field dimensions, geometry, and layout for each Game.
2. Competition fields should be supported by rigid stable surfaces.
3. Robots and field systems must operate safely and may not intentionally create unsafe conditions for participants, spectators, or equipment.
4. Table-height competition fields are encouraged.
5. Field graphics should remain functional.
6. Approved graphics may include scoring zones, Staging Areas, alignment markings, labels, directional indicators, and mission outlines.
7. Graphics should use removable matte materials.
8. Unless otherwise specified by the annual game rules, objects touching a boundary line are considered within the marked area.

Competition Terminology

For purposes of GAPPS Robotics competition rules, the following terms shall apply:

1. Game - A Game is the complete annual competition challenge, including the official field, mission elements, scoring system, annual rules, and gameplay objectives.
2. Match - A Match is a single autonomous timed gameplay period. Unless otherwise specified by the annual game rules, standard Matches shall be 90 seconds in duration.
3. Round - A Round is a collection of Matches whose field state carries over between Matches. Unless otherwise specified by the annual game rules, a standard Round shall consist of two 90-second Matches.
4. Scoring Element - A Scoring Element is any game element designated by the annual game rules to score points through placement, movement, activation, delivery, positioning, or interaction.
5. Referee - A Referee is an official responsible for monitoring gameplay, enforcing rules, restoring field conditions when necessary, and determining scoring and rule compliance. Each official competition field shall have an assigned Referee during each Round.
6. Team - A Team is a group of students officially participating together in GAPPS Robotics competition. A school may field one or more Teams. Each Team shall compete independently.
7. Structure - A Structure is a fixed or movable field assembly, building, obstacle, support, or mission component intended to occupy a defined position or gameplay role as specified by the annual game rules.
8. Field State - Field State refers to the overall condition, arrangement, scoring condition, and positioning of Robots, Scoring Elements, and Structures within the competition field during a Match.
9. Retrieval Token - A Retrieval Token is a limited-use gameplay resource allowing a Team to retrieve a Robot from the field while it is In Play, as defined by the annual game rules.
10. Staging Area - A Staging Area is a designated field area where Teams may interact with their Robot between Matches of a Round. Staging Areas may also serve as possession or storage areas for Scoring Elements as defined by the annual game rules.
11. Collection Zone - A Collection Zone is a designated area defined by the annual game rules where Scoring Elements may be collected, transferred, stored, prepared, become Owned, or scored. Collection Zones may function differently from Staging Areas as defined by the annual game rules.
12. In Play - “In Play” refers to the state of a Robot, detached Robot parts, Scoring Elements, or Structures actively participating within the competition field. While “In Play”, Robots and Scoring Elements may not be touched except as permitted by the annual game rules.
13. Out Of Play - “Out Of Play” refers to a Robot, detached Robot part, Scoring Element, or Structure that is no longer actively participating within the competition field. Robots and Scoring Elements inside a Staging Area or Collection Zone are considered Out Of Play unless otherwise specified by the annual game rules.
14. Owned - “Owned” defines the state of a Scoring Element that is possessed by a Team while fully contained within that Team's Staging Area or Collection Zone. A Scoring Element becomes Owned when all parts of the Scoring Element in contact with the field surface are contained within a Staging Area or Collection Zone as defined by the annual game rules. Owned Scoring Elements are considered Out Of Play unless otherwise specified by the annual game rules.
15. Controlled - “Controlled” defines the state of a Scoring Element being manipulated by a Robot. A Scoring Element is considered “Controlled” if the element remains attached to or moves with the Robot when the Robot is lifted vertically from the field surface. Scoring Elements that remain in contact with the field are not considered Controlled. Lifting, carrying, sliding, rolling, dragging, pushing, and pulling Scoring Elements during gameplay are permitted unless otherwise restricted by the annual game rules: however, such actions do not alone constitute “Controlled” status unless the above criteria are met.
16. Loose - “Loose” defines the state of a Scoring Element or detached Robot part that is not Controlled by a Robot.

Match Format

1. Official Rounds shall consist of two Matches, 90 seconds per Match unless otherwise specified by the annual game rules.
2. The field state shall persist between Matches within a Round.
3. Referees should avoid restoring field conditions except in cases of damaged field infrastructure, unsafe conditions, or major external interference not caused by normal gameplay or Team interaction

Scoring Elements and Possession

1. Scoring Elements should have clearly defined locations, scoring states, and possession states.
2. Unless otherwise specified by the annual game rules, Owned Scoring Elements may not be manually relocated from one Staging Area or Collection Zone to another.

Objective Visible Scoring

1. Game scoring and mission progress should remain physically represented and visually observable throughout a Round.
2. The final Field State should clearly reflect scoring results at the conclusion of the Round.
3. Preferred scoring methods include activated switches, tipped poles, delivered objects, rotated mechanisms, elevated robots, inserted tubes or pipes, and other visibly persistent scoring conditions.
4. Scoring systems requiring subjective interpretation should be minimized so that independent Referees would reasonably arrive at the same score from the final Field State.

Staging Areas

1. Staging Areas are intended to preserve staged autonomous gameplay while maintaining a fully enclosed competition field.
2. Staging Areas allow teams to restart programs, relaunch robots, change attachments, and continue staged autonomous strategies.
3. A Robot is considered inside a Staging Area when all parts of the Robot in contact with the field surface are contained within the Staging Area boundary.
4. When a Robot has fully entered a Staging Area, team members may handle the robot, restart programs, swap attachments, relaunch the robot, and organize, load, transfer, or prepare Owned Scoring Elements for relaunch unless otherwise restricted by the annual game rules.
5. At the start of a Match, a Robot must begin with all parts of the Robot in contact with the field surface fully contained within a Staging Area unless otherwise specified by the annual game rules.
6. A Robot must relaunch from the same Staging Area through which it most recently entered.
7. Teams may not manually relocate robots between Staging Areas.
8. Owned Scoring Elements must remain within the Staging Area or Collection Zone where they became Owned unless transported by the Robot or otherwise permitted by the annual game rules.

Competition Format and Advancement

1. Teams shall compete on separate official competition fields.
2. Multiple competition fields may operate simultaneously during an event. Standard GAPPS Robotics events currently utilize four simultaneous competition fields.
3. Unless otherwise specified by the annual game rules, each Team shall participate in four qualifying Matches.
4. Qualification Matches shall be assigned across randomized competition fields and randomized scheduling groups.
5. Qualification seeding shall be determined by cumulative Match score.
6. Unless otherwise specified by the annual game rules, the top eight seeded Teams shall advance to semifinal competition.
7. Standard semifinal groupings should be:
1. Semifinal 1: Seeds 1, 4, 5, and 8
2. Semifinal 2: Seeds 2, 3, 6, and 7
8. The four highest semifinal Round scores shall advance to final competition regardless of semifinal grouping.
9. Final placement shall be determined by final Round score.
10. When multiple official competition fields are available, higher-seeded Teams shall receive priority competition field selection during semifinal and final competition.
11. Unless otherwise specified by the annual game rules, qualification ties shall be resolved using the following order:
1. Highest single qualifying Match score
2. Second-highest qualifying Match score
3. Fewest total Retrieval Tokens used in qualifying Matches, if applicable to the Game
4. Random draw or equivalent method approved by the Robotics Committee

Sportsmanship

Teams, coaches, students, volunteers, and spectators are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship, gracious competition, integrity, and respect for all participants.

Future Development

1. The robotics committee may approve new technologies and competition platforms as the educational robotics landscape evolves.
2. The committee should seek to balance innovation, accessibility, affordability, educational value, and competitive fairness.
3. These rules and bylaws may be revised by the GAPPS Robotics Committee as needed for the long-term health and sustainability of the program.
4. The following topics may require additional committee discussion, clarification, restriction, or expansion in future revisions of the GAPPS Robotics rules framework:
1. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision systems
2. Additional programmable hardware or co-processors
3. External software-assisted robot development tools