What is an adjudication?
An adjudication is a process of investigation and review that is initiated whenever there is a perceived rules violation based on the published Stoa Rules for Speech or Debate events.
Stoa aims for education, not adjudication. When parents, students, and coaches conscientiously adhere to the Rules/Evidence Standards and remain focused on learning over winning during competition, contentious adjudications are rare.
Speech and Debate is an educational activity, and the Stoa league consists of Christian brothers and sisters brought together by a shared desire to help students learn critical thinking and public speaking skills for the sake of the kingdom. As we work towards this goal, the following reminders are helpful:
● Trust each other’s intentions.
● Always assume the best!
● Remember, people make mistakes. Misunderstandings occur.
● Be teachable.
● Seek reconciliation.
Of course, Speech and Debate competitions are guided by rules. Here are two important points to consider when a perceived rules violation arises:
1. When competitors need education about a rule, adjudication is not always necessary.
2. Sometimes, a perceived rule violation is instead a disagreement over “normal practice” which can vary by region.
All competitors are responsible for reading and understanding the Rules, Evidence Standards, and Speech Publication Guidelines each year (Please look for the documents on the proper tournament link). If a coach, parent or student has read the rules and does not understand them, they should ask the committee that wrote that rule for clarification!
Adjudication Process For Camelback Classic
If a student believes a rule violation has occured:
- The student should immediatly consult the parent and/or coach. The process should begin right after the round the violation occured.
- The student with the parent and/or coach should approach the tournament directors (Katherine Spurling or Kimberly Gile)
- The tournament directors will assess the situation and after careful deliberation will decide the proper course of action.