Information on
Forest City Speech
Speech Team Rules
1. Two unexcused practices will result in a student being dropped from the category. Alternates are available who will step in and take this place. Being more than five minutes late to practice is one tardy. Two tardies equal an unexcused absence. (At discretion of the coach in the event.
2. For a practice to be excused, inform the coach in advance of your absence. It is NOT the responsibility of another student to inform a coach in advance of your absence or it will be unexcused. The coach will determine whether an absence is excused. Do not leave a note or cross off your name the day of the practice.
3. All students will ride the bus to and from contest. Any exception would need to be approved by Mr.Bertlesen BEFORE LEAVING THE SCHOOL. If permission is given, a student must ride with a faculty member or his or her parent. Notes must be presented to Mr. Bertlesen before the bus leaves. Most, if not all, exceptions would be made for another school activity on the same day.
5. Coaches have final approval on choice of topic or script
6.At contest you will be expected to attend performances by members of our own team and those of other schools. Expect for a short time before your own performance, you should be watching others.
7.A dress code will be enforced for contests. No blue jeans, denim overalls, sweats, pajama pants, or other very casual clothing is appropriate. Failure to follow this rule will result in the student being asked to go home to change if time permits before loading the bus or not participation at contest. You are expected to dress appropriately from the time you get on the bus, to the time we arrive home. No short skirts, low cut tops, spaghetti straps, sling tops, etc. Chose your clothing with performance in mind. This dress code is in effect during any speech activity where we are in public, including awards night, All State nights, and All State festivals.
8.Speech team members are responsible for receiving updates/announcements via Schoolway. Schedules can change at the last minute, or practice times can be changed or cancelled.
9. If you are ill and unable to attend a contest, email Mr. Bertlesen the evening before or very early on the contest day. Do not have a fellow team member relay your message to us when they arrive at school
10. You will be given a copy of the rules for your category at one of the first practices. Read them and retain this information for contest. This is your responsibility.
11. Students may take blankets, pillow, music equipment, etc. on the bus; however, please limit this to meets where we travel long distances.
12. Students participating in Individual Events should meet with their Individual coach in October in order to perform at contest. Students must also attend three practices to be eligible to perform at District Contest and beyond. Those who do not meet this requirement will be assessed for the cost of the registration fee for the contest.
13. To maintain the integrity of the FCHS speech program and the contests we attend, students and.or parents should never speak with a judge concerning a rating, and should never contact a host school to change a performance time. All communication should go through one of the speech coaches.
14.Any plans for an extended vacation or trips during the speech season should be discussed with Mr. Bertlesen WELL IN ADVANCE. It may not be possible to be a member of some groups and/or individual events with an extended trip. Informing Mr. Bertlesen early is your best bet to being a part of events of your choosing.