CODE OF CONDUCT:

With respect, and integrity, shall all participants endeavor to behave in a manner befitting of a young lady and gentleman. They will conduct themselves in a kind, polite, respectful, and professional manner, while being committed to participating in the competition with honor and sportsmanship.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITY:

All competitors must have registered and paid online ahead of time.
Competitors MUST show up at the time assigned. 
Competitors who come in late will be disqualified.
Speech competitors must turn in a copy of their speech with full citations prior to the tournament as mentioned prior.

COMMUNICATIONS:

Cell phone usage is not permissible when the tournament is being held.
We kindly ask all cellphones be on DND mode in order to not disrupt the students or judges.

 ZSDA seeks to equip students with communication skills that apply to both professional and social settings. Obscene, profane, rude and/or disrespectful language, behavior or gestures are strictly prohibited and may lead to disqualification.

DRESS CODE:

The dress code emphasized for the tournament is modesty and professionalism, as our goal is to minimize the focus on the body or outward appearance and maximize the focus on learning and the development of communication skills. The focus of ZSDA’s dress code is to encourage leadership, professionalism, and the pursuit of excellence. Consequently, students are required to adhere to professional dress standards during competition. All clothing should act as a credibility-boosting component of the student’s presentation.

• Suits are strongly recommended for all competitors.
• However, gentlemen can wear a blazer with dress slacks, and a professional collared shirt and tie, along with dress shoes and socks.
• Ladies can wear a professional skirt/pants and blouse, or a professional dress (skirt length must be 2 inches above the knee or longer); no fancy or party outfits will be allowed.
• Hair should be neatly groomed and basic hygienic standards should be met for both ladies and gentlemen.

Students must comply with the dress code in order to compete.

RECORDINGS:

No photography and/or video recordings is allowed by students and parents/family during the tournaments. Parents and students agree to this clause unilaterally and unequivocally. Doing so is expressly prohibited and may be grounds for disqualification and a legal suit. 
ZSDA has permission to photograph student(s) during our training and tournaments, unless otherwise specified by the parent in writing.
ZSDA photographs will be used for promotional purposes only.

NON-REFUNDABLE FEES: 

Any and all fees are non-refundable and non-transferable; there will be no exclusions made to this clause (including any parent withdrawals due to change of mind or schedule conflicts etc). Student’s registration and enrollment is the parent’s commitment that your student will participate to the best of their ability in their registered event and that both parents and students will abide by all rules of ZSDA. ZSDA has the right to terminate any student’s registration for any reason including parents’ discord or non-adherance to tournament policies and no refund will be made as well in that account. Our policy enables us to provide for the best possible learning and competitive experience for your student(s) and all others too, while serving everyone with honor and integrity.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY:

Parents or legal guardians acknowledge that they have freely chosen to register their child in a ZSDA Tournament, and release ZSDA LLC, our staff, and host facilities from all liability in the event of accident or injury while participating in our event. Parents or legal guardians also agree to be held liable for any and all damages, costs, and/or reparations to ZSDA and the host facilities for any damages caused by their child(ren) and towards that end, will sign an indemnity statement prior to the tournament, if they haven’t already done so. Parents or legal guardians also represent that their child(ren) are in good health, and do not possess any contagious illness, physical or mental limitations that affect/limit their participation in the program.

TERMINATION:

Parents agree to register in the Tournament of their own free will, in agreement of all the Tournament Policies, and will do so without any discord; causing unnecessary dissension/discord or violation of any of our Policies may lead to termination of your student’s registration. There will be zero-tolerance of discriminatory behavior/language or harrassment, disrespectful behavior or language, misuse of facilities and electronic platforms, and other basic rights and of our Policies; this applies to both students and parents. ZSDA reserves the right to disqualify any student due to lack of punctuality or being away from premises, lack of discipline, inappropriate behavior, and/or student/parental or guardian noncompliance with the policies. No fees or money paid otherwise will be refunded as per our policy.

REFUSAL OF SERVICES: ZSDA reserves the right to refuse services to anyone for any reason.

POLICY CHANGES: ZSDA reserves the right to change policies, fees, or waivers at any time.

HISTORICAL (DECLAMATION) SPEECH RULES: 

Description: A Historical speech is a re-giving of a speech written and given by a noted historical figure and spoken in the tones of the historical figure. 

• The speaker may choose a speech by a famous historical figure from the list of ZSDA curated speeches. The speech must be the original work of the historical figure.
• The speech should advocate for a specific position or course of action or shed light on an event or a situation of significance, and showcase the delivery skills of the speaker. Speakers are not permitted to express personal opinions that are contrary to those of the author and are not at liberty to change the speech from the original piece.
• Topics and content must be appropriate for all audiences, including younger students. 
• Humor is permitted but must be in good taste.
• A competitor may not reuse the same speech during multiple years of competition.
• The speech must be memorized. No written scripts or notes may be used in competition rounds. Competitors will receive a multiple point penalty for use of a written script or notes in competition.
• No visual aids, props, electronics, or costumes are allowed. The term “visual aids” refers to items or audience members used to enhance the speech. A costume refers to a part or all of the speaker’s attire that is worn to enhance the speech.
• Only feet are permitted to touch the floor at any time. Acrobatics are not allowed.
• The competitor must bring a typewritten hard copy of their speech to each tournament/round. A hard copy of the speech must be turned in at the time of check-in.
• Time limit: Maximum speaking time is  six (6) minutes; no minimum time as it is based upon the original speech by the historical figure. Judges may use discretion when weighing time-limit violations into their ranking. 
• The judge will start the timer when the competitor begins speaking and will stop the timer when the competitor finishes. No hand signals will be given.

OPEN INTERPRETATION RULES:

Description:

An Expository speech is a speech presented by the competitor with the intent to inform the audience on a topic of significance, using digital visual aids.

1. The speaker must use the curated speech provided by ZSDA but may add in their own personal elements.
2. Speech time is limited to seven (7) minutes maximum, no minimum time. Judges may use discretion when weighing time-limit violations into their ranking. However, the speaker should not be penalized for excessive audience laughter, which may occasionally extend the time of a speech. 
3. The judge will start the timer when the competitor begins speaking and will stop the timer when the competitor finishes. No hand signals will be given.
4. Nothing may be distributed or offered to the judges or audience members. No acrobatics are allowed. 
5. The speech must be memorized. No written scripts or notes may be used in competition rounds. Competitors will receive a three (3) point penalty for use of a written script or notes in competition. 
6. The competitor must bring a typewritten hard copy of the speech and a Citation Page to each competition. Copyrighted Expository images must also be cited on the Citation Page.
7. A digital presentation must accompany the speech:
   • • A minimum of 10 slides and a maximum of 20 must be used, not including the introductory and concluding slides.
     • The presentation must begin with an introductory slide with a topic or title visible to the judges. The presentation must conclude with a blank, solid-colored slide. 
     • Audiovisuals such as sound, video, motion pictures, films, etc. are not allowed. 
     • Sources for supporting material must be be listed on the slides under the images. Use of another person’s words or ideas without crediting them is plagiarism and is strictly forbidden. Common knowledge that is known to most people or clip art images do not need to be cited in any way.  Credit for non-original images or graphics must be visible on the slides.
8. Equipment requirements and limitations:
   • The presentation must be run independently of any Wi-Fi (use in Offline mode).
   • A video monitor with HDMI connection, a male HDMI cable, and a USB-C connector along with a surface area for the speaker’s device will be provided by ZSDA. 
   • When using the equipment provided by ZSDA, the speaker may not relocate the equipment. The provided HDMI cable must be used and may not be moved to other input ports. 
   • The speaker’s device (laptop or tablet) may be used in lieu of equipment provided by ZSDA. 
   • Power cords for a speaker’s device must be provided by the speaker; please ensure that your device is fully charged. 
   • Setup is allowed but may not exceed two (2) minutes. 
   • Special accommodations will not be made for a speaker’s equipment failure.
9. Speakers must leave the presentation area in the same condition as it was prior to the speech.

JUNIORS’ IMPROMPTU SPEAKING RULES –  Time Limit for speech: 3 minutes / Time Limit for prep: 2 minutes

Description: Impromptu speaking is a speech event where the competitor speaks on a topic with only 2 minutes of preparation.

1. The goal of the event is to take a topic and develop a meaningful presentation with minimal preparation.
2. All topics shall be either a selection of phrases or abstract words.
3. One judge in each room will be given a list of topics to distribute to each competitor. 
4. In the room, a competitor will draw one (1) card with three (3) single prompts on it, choose one (1) of the three prompts, and start their speech. Preparation time begins as soon as the competitor receives the three (3) topic choices. 
5. The speaker must speak on the chosen topic. The speech must be an original work, prepared on the spot.
6. No outside sources or material may be brought into the competition room other than the topics’ card. The speaker may write notes during prep time, but they cannot be used during the speech.
7. The speaker must state the chosen topic early in the speech. A multiple point penalty is required for failure to do so.
8. The speaker may approach the topic creatively, but the chosen topic must be the central theme of the speech and not peripheral to it. A multiple point penalty is required for failure to adhere to the chosen topic.
9. Speakers are permitted to express opinions that are contrary to those of the judge.
10. Content must be appropriate for all audiences, including younger students.
11. Gratuitous vulgarity such as obscene, or profane language or gestures is not allowed.
12. Humor is permitted but must be in good taste.
13. Only feet are permitted to touch the floor at any time. Acrobatics are not allowed.
14.  The speaker may not take his chosen topic paper out of the room at the end of the speech, and should not disclose the speech topics to other individuals until the round is finished.
15. Time limit: 2–minute preparation time; 3-minute maximum speaking time; no minimum time. There is no official penalty for time, and judges may use discretion when weighing a speaker’s time into their ranking. Unused preparation time may not be added to the speaking time.
16. The judge will start the digital timepiece when the competitor begins speaking and will stop the digital timepiece when the competitor finishes. 

SENIORS’ IMPROMPTU SPEECH RULES: Time Limit for speech: 5 minutes / Time Limit for prep: 2 minutes

Description: Impromptu speaking is a speech event where the competitor speaks on a topic with only 2 minutes of preparation. 

1. 1. The goal of the event is to take a topic and develop a meaningful presentation with minimal preparation. 
   2. The topics shall be either a selection of quotations, idioms, or abstract words. 
   3. One judge in each room will be given the envelope of topics to distribute to each competitor. 
   4. In the preparation room, a competitor will draw a paper with three (3) topics, choose one (1) to give the speech on. The chosen topic should be checked off the card. Preparation time begins as soon as the competitor receives the three (3) topic choices. 
   5. The speaker must speak on the chosen topic. The speech must be an original work, prepared on the spot.
   6. No outside sources or material may be brought into the competition room; a 3×5 index card will be provided for preparation. The speaker may write notes during prep time, but written notes cannot be used during the speech. 
   7. During the presentation, the speaker may only hold the chosen topic slip in hand. No notes may be written on the chosen topic slip. 
   8. The speaker must state the chosen topic early in the speech. A multi-point penalty is required for failure to do so. 
   9. The speaker may approach the topic creatively, but the chosen topic must be the central theme of the speech and not peripheral to it. A multi-point penalty is required for failure to adhere to the chosen topic. 
   10. Speakers are permitted to express opinions that are contrary to those of the judge. Content must be appropriate for all audiences, including younger students.Gratuitous vulgarity such as obscene, or profane language or gestures is not allowed. Humor is permitted but must be in good taste. 
   11. Only feet are permitted to touch the floor at any time. Acrobatics are not allowed. 
   12. The speaker may not take his chosen topic paper out of the room at the end of the speech, and should not disclose the speech topics to other individuals until the round is finished. 
   13. Time limit: 2-minute preparation time; 5-minute maximum speaking time; no minimum time. There is no official penalty for time, and judges may use discretion when weighing a speaker’s time into their ranking. Unused preparation time may not be added to the speaking time. 
   14. The judge will start the time when the competitor begins preparing/speaking and will stop the time when the competitor finishes. Hand signals will not be given.

PLATFORM – INFORMATIVE & PERSUASIVE – SPEECH RULES: Time Limit for speech: max. 8 minutes; min. 5 minutes

Description: 

An Informative speech is a speech written by the competitor with the intent to inform the audience on a topic of significance, using well-researched support.

A Persuasive speech is a speech written by the competitor, to advocate for a specific position or course of action, using convincing arguments and well-researched support.

Rules (apply to both speeches):

• The speaker may prepare a speech on any topic. The speech must be an original work, written verbatim by the speaker.
• For Informative Speech – The speech should inform, instruct, and/or inspire.  
• For Persuasive Speech -The speech should advocate for a specific position or course of action with the goal of influencing the judge’s opinion, but does not have to change the judge’s mind.
• Speakers are permitted to express opinions that are contrary to those of the judge. 
• Topics and content must be appropriate for all audiences, including younger students. Gratuitous vulgarity such as obscene, or profane language or gestures is not allowed.
• Humor is permitted but must be in good taste.
• A competitor may not reuse the same speech during multiple years of competition.
• The speech may be entered in only one category per tournament (for example, in either Persuasive, Informative, or Expository but not more than one). The competitor may place the speech in a different category in subsequent tournaments.
• A maximum of 30% of the speech may consist of quoted material. Rest should be original material. 
• All direct quotations and sources used for outside material must be cited verbally within the body of the speech. Use of another person’s words or ideas without crediting them is plagiarism and is strictly forbidden. The term “sources” refers to books, websites, interviews, song lyrics, etc. “Outside material” refers to direct quotations, specific information, and/or another person’s research, theories and/or concepts.
• Any sources used for outside material must be cited parenthetically within the script and listed on the Source Citation Page. The term “sources” refers to books, websites, interviews, song lyrics, etc.
• The speech must be memorized. No written scripts or notes may be used in competition rounds. Competitors will receive a multiple point penalty for use of a written script or notes in competition.
• No visual aids, props, electronics, or costumes are allowed. The term “visual aids” refers to items or audience members used to enhance the speech. A costume refers to a part or all of the speaker’s attire that is worn to enhance the speech.
• Only feet are permitted to touch the floor at any time. Acrobatics is not allowed.
• A hard copy of the speech with full citations must be turned in prior to the tournament. This should be in Times New Roman font with a size 12 and a line spacing of 1.5 spacing.
• Time limit: Maximum speaking time is eight (8) minutes; five (5) minute minimum time. Judges may use discretion when weighing time-limit violations into their ranking. However, the speaker will not be penalized for excessive audience laughter, which may occasionally extend the time of a speech.
• The judge will start the timer when the competitor begins speaking and will stop the timer when the competitor finishes. The judge will read out the speech length after the speech.

EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEECH RULES: Time limit for speech – max. 5 minutes

Description: Extemporaneous is a limited preparation speech in which the speaker is assigned a current event topic and given five minutes to analyze news and other sources while preparing a five minute, evidence-based speech.

1. General Speech Rules must be followed in addition to these Event Rules.

2. Preparation time is limited to a five (5) minute period maximum. Speech time is limited to a five (5) minute maximum. Cross-examination time during elimination rounds is limited to a two (2) minute maximum. 

3. Research is permitted prior to the competition.

• Internet research is allowed. Written notes from before may be accessed for research. 
• Published articles or other materials (e.g. books, magazines, newspapers) may be downloaded onto a computer or printed and stored in a personal or club file box(es).
• Previously prepared notes or analysis, including debate briefs or speech outlines or lecture notes, may be accessed from a computer, notebook, or a personal or club box(es).

4. Preparation time begins at the assigned time.

• A topic card will be assigned to the student. The topic card contains two topics, posed as questions, that refer to newsworthy events/topics, including questions about domestic politics and policy, international politics and policy, business, culture, and entertainment.
• The speaker must prepare and speak on one of the two topics.
• Rules outlined (see above) regarding research prior to competition round apply.
• Notes may be taken on paper, although this paper may not be used during the speech; only notes made on the provided 3×5 card may be used during the speech. Notes may not be taken on the computer.
• A single, 3” x 5” notecard can be used during the speech to ensure accurate information and citations.
• No help or advice about the topic may be requested before the speech.

5. A laptop or tablet computer may be used during preparation time, but there should be no sharing of information between competitors.

• Liability will not be assumed by ZSDA for lost, stolen, or broken computers. Speakers accept full responsibility for the security and safety of their computers at all times during the tournament. 
• Special accommodations will not be made for equipment failure. 
• Computer power cords may not be plugged into outlets in the Extemp Prep Room. 
• Computers must be muted, and earbuds may not be used.

6. During the speech:

1. The prepared 3” x 5” notecard must be held.
2. The speaker must state the chosen topic early in the speech. A multiple point penalty is required for failure to do so.
3. Verifiable support for analysis must be provided by the speaker.
4. Sources for supporting material used within the speech must be verbally mentioned in the speech. 
5. Content must be appropriate for all audiences, including younger students.
6. Gratuitous vulgarity such as obscene, or profane language or gestures is not allowed.
7. Humor is permitted but must be in good taste.
8. Only feet are permitted to touch the floor at any time. Acrobatics are not allowed.
9. The judge will start the timer when the competitor begins speaking and will stop the timer when the competitor finishes. No hand signals will be given.

7. After the speech

• The Extemp Speaker must turn in the topic card and the prepared notecard to the Judge before leaving the room. 
• The judge may continue with Cross-Examination should they choose to do so.
• During cross-examination, a judge will ask thought-provoking question(s) that invites dialogue and deepens understanding of the presented position. The judge may use notes, prepared during the speech. 
• There is a two (2) minute limit to cross-examination.

TEAM POLICY DEBATE RULES –

Description: Team Policy debate showcases two teams comprised of two students each, debating a real-world topic with real-world policy solutions. Students prepare academic research, formulate arguments, and persuasively expose assumptions while supporting their own foundational arguments.

Skills built: Critical thinking, Public speaking, Research, Information synthesis, Persuasion, Influence, Leadership, Interpersonal communication, Teamwork, Time management, Professionalism, and use of Google ecosystem.

Rules and Guidelines:

• Resolution:
  • Purpose: The resolution will serve as the topic of debate. It will require a policy judgement: the affirmative team must present a policy change that proves the resolution true, while the negative team must negate the policy change in favor of the current system.
  • Selection: The resolution will be selected by the ZSDA staff at the end of each Spring semester. 
  • Timeline: The resolution will serve as the team policy topic for the academic year 2023-2024 resolution: Resolved:

    The United States Federal Government should substantially reform its policy regarding energy and/or agriculture.

• Teams:
  • A team policy team is comprised of two students from the Academy. Independently registered competitors may partner with another independently registered competitor.
  • Teams will be required to debate both sides of the resolution during a tournament. Teams may not request a side for any round except upon winning the coin flip in an elimination round.
  • Partner substitutions will not be allowed at a competition event once a team has registered for a tournament. If both partners are not present for a round, the team will automatically be given a loss for that round. In rare circumstances, maverick debaters may still participate at the discretion of ZSDA staff if the integrity of the tournament can be upheld.
  • Partners will decide before each round between first speaker and second speaker roles. The roles cannot be changed in the middle of rounds. First speakers must give their assigned speeches, and second speakers must give their assigned speeches.
  • Affirmative teams must prove the resolution to be true. The affirmative team will accomplish this goal by presenting a policy change directly related to the resolution. There is an implicit burden of proof for affirmative teams to reasonably prove that their case adheres to the resolution’s topic, identifies unsolved problems in the current system, shows the significance of those problems, shows how the affirmative policy will solve those issues, and shows a general benefit over the status quo. Debaters are encouraged to frame affirmative cases around a strong central thesis that is easy for the judge to identify.
  • Negative teams must ultimately negate the resolution. Typically, negative teams will accomplish this goal by exposing unproven assumptions that cause the affirmative team to fail their burden of proof, and defending the status quo as more advantageous than the affirmative team’s policy. Debaters are encouraged to frame any negative strategy around a strong central thesis that is easy for the judge to identify.

• Judge
  • The judge ultimately decides which team wins the round as well as individual speaker ratings for each student in the round.
  • Judges should ultimately consider whether or not they were convinced to affirm or negate the resolution. It is appropriate for judges to critically consider evidence, arguments, cross-examination questions, and any event within the round in making that decision. Judges may not offer verbal opinions after the round. The decision should be made on the ballot and not disclosed to the competitors.
  • Judges are highly encouraged to take notes on their flowsheet during the round and are asked to keep time as well.
  • Judges are given the opportunity to review their notes and ideas in private before completing their ballots. Judges may not discuss the round with anyone prior to making a decision, to ensure a fair and unbiased ruling. Exception: The judge can discuss with the ZSDA directors about the event rules.
  • In rare situations, the Judge may ask for evidence used in the round immediately after the round with both teams still present. The evidence must be reviewed quietly and returned to the debaters without discussion, before the judge leaves to fill out the ballot.
  • Judges are encouraged to provide as much feedback on the ballot as possible. Judges should refrain from any derogatory comments, and should focus on constructive criticism and praise.

• Round Layout
  • Speech Type: There are three types of speeches in Team Policy debate: constructive speeches, cross-examinations, and rebuttals.
  • Speech Purpose: Constructive speeches are used to construct the main arguments in the round. Cross-examinations are typically used to expose assumptions, set up future argumentation, and clarify points. Rebuttal speeches are used to deepen analysis and refutation, and ultimately convince the judge of a specific position.
  • Speech Time: Constructive speeches are a maximum of 8 minutes. Cross-examinations are a maximum of 3 minutes. Rebuttals are a maximum of 5 minutes. There is no minimum time requirement.
  • Prep Time: Each team will be given 5 minutes of prep time for the entire round. Prep time may be used before any constructive or rebuttal speech, but may not be used before cross-examination.

• Speech order:

• Timekeeping
  • During the rounds, debaters will time their own speeches, and track the prep time for the opposing team. Time may also be kept by the judge for verification purposes. 

• Tournament Layout
  • Preliminary rounds: A standard tournament will have 3 preliminary rounds that all debaters compete in. The first two rounds will be randomly generated matchups among competitors. After the second round, teams will be power-matched based on their ranking. Each team will debate at least one affirmative and one negative round. The sides teams will be on may occur in any order, not necessarily alternating (for example, one team may have a NEG-AFF-NEG pattern, whereas another may have an AFF-AFF-NEG pattern).
  • Postings: For each round, the postings will indicate which teams are competing, the room # where the teams are competing, and the side (affirmative or negative). Teams may NOT choose their side or switch sides for a debate round and must take the position indicated by the matchup. 
  • Elimination rounds: After the preliminary rounds, the teams with the best records will advance to elimination rounds. The number of elimination rounds will be decided in accordance with the size and length of the tournament.
  • During elimination rounds, teams that have not competed against each other in the preliminary rounds will flip a coin to determine sides. A ZSDA director will oversee the coin toss. Elimination rounds between teams that have already debated each other during the preliminary rounds, will have locked sides, to ensure that they debate on the opposite side of their first matchup. In the rare event that teams debated twice during preliminary rounds, the teams will flip a coin to determine sides.

• Ethics and Disputed Rounds:
  • Any disputes or rule violations should be brought to adjudication to the judge and director(s). Below are some of the key rules that competitors are required to abide by, and report violations on if they occur:
  • Tag teaming: Debaters are prohibited from receiving verbal or nonverbal prompting during speeches, except for time signals, from any parties in the room including their own partner. Instead, debaters are encouraged to consult with their partner while at the table during prep time. Students will be disciplined appropriately whether the mistake was accidental or deliberate. Disciplinary measures may include warnings, advising the judge to factor the broken rule into their decision, or handing the round to the opposing team.
  • Falsifying evidence: Debaters are expected to adhere to the highest levels of integrity, academic ethics, and leadership while using researched material for a debate round. Evidence that is distorted and does not reflect the original intent of the author is prohibited. Students will be disciplined appropriately whether the mistake was accidental or deliberate, and the adjudication process will arrive upon the most suitable discipline to encourage students to not repeat mistakes. Disciplinary measures may include advising the judge to factor the broken rule into their decision, handing the round to the opposing team, or disqualification from the tournament.
  • Inappropriate use of electronics: The use of laptop computers, tablets, or smartphones is prohibited during the debate round. Students may be disciplined appropriately whether the mistake was poor judgement or a deliberate attempt to gain a competitive advantage. The adjudication process will arrive upon the most suitable discipline to encourage students to not repeat mistakes. Disciplinary measures may include warnings, advising the judge to factor the broken rule into their decision, handing the round to the opposing team, or disqualification from the tournament.

• Professionalism
  • ZSDA’s mission is to develop principled leaders, who are accountable to a high standard of excellence. The following expectations will be enforced by ZSDA staff members.
  • Dress code: The focus of ZSDA’s dress code is to encourage leadership, professionalism, and the pursuit of excellence. Consequently, students are required to adhere to professional dress standards during competition. All clothing should act as a credibility-boosting component of the student’s presentation. Suits are strongly recommended for all competitors. However, gentlemen can wear a blazer with dress slacks, and a professional collared shirt and tie, along with dress shoes and socks. Ladies can wear a professional skirt/pants and blouse, or a professional dress (skirt length must be 2 inches above the knee or longer); no fancy or party outfits will be allowed. Hair should be neatly groomed and basic hygienic standards should be met for both ladies and gentlemen. Students must comply with the dress code in order to compete.
  • Professional communication: ZSDA seeks to equip students with communication skills that apply to both professional and social settings. Obscene, profane, rude and/or disrespectful language, behavior or gestures are strictly prohibited and may lead to disqualification.
  • Elimination rounds: After the preliminary rounds, the teams with the best records (including win-loss and speaker points) will advance to elimination rounds. The number of elimination rounds will be decided in accordance with the size and length of the tournament.
  • During elimination rounds, teams that have not competed against each other in the preliminary rounds will flip a coin to determine sides. A ZSDA director will oversee the coin toss. Elimination rounds between teams that have already debated each other during the preliminary rounds, will have locked sides, to ensure that they debate on the opposite side of their first matchup. In the rare event that teams debated twice during preliminary rounds, the teams will flip a coin to determine sides.