Disclaimers

Copyright

All entries must be the original work of the student participant or student team. All ideas, text, images (photos), computer generated, video and/or other), sounds and other media from other sources must be cited, including anything that is from the public domain. References and resources are to be cited using the most current edition of the Modern Language Association, or MLA, style. If copyrighted material is used, proper written permission must be included. Failure to follow this procedure will automatically result in disqualification of the student project and may potentially disqualify the entire chapter from the RGVTSA Regional Competition.

Contest Limitations

Due to time limits and other extenuating circumstances, RGVTSA reserves the rights to make modifications on how it conducts National Qualifying Events (NQEs) and Unique to Texas Events (UTEs) at the regional contest. Individual event coordinators must have any such modifications approved by the Contest Director at the regional contest. These may include the following:

• How projects are submitted for each contest
• Shortening the contest time or interview time allowed
• Only having 1 round for public performance style events
• Limiting the number of teams interviewed in the final round

Rule modifications should be procedural only and not affect the intent of the competition rules.

Dress Code

Nationals Dress Code will be enforced in all NQE events. Dress code is

• Official TSA Blue Competition Shirt, gray pants, black socks, and black shoes
• Females may opt to wear skirts and/or hosiery in lieu of pants and socks
• Chapter Team must wear official TSA blazers, with patch, and the red TSA tie (males). Per National TSA, females will not be penalized for wearing the tie, but it is optional for them
• At a minimum, students are always required to be in compliance with their school dress code when present at the regional contest whether in person or online

Compliance with dress code is required for any part of an event that is a video submission or an online video platform.

Contest Grievance Procedure

All contest / competition related issues must be reported and submitted by the official Advisor of the chapter.

• Complete the Rules Interpretation Panel Grievance form
• The form must be filled out and submitted by an official Advisor for the chapter. No forms will be accepted from students or their parent / guardian
• The form/protest must be submitted to the Contest Director
• The CRC will review the protest to decide if and what action is necessary

Contest protests must be filed while the event is underway to ensure the best outcome.
The CRC will determine the impact of the issue and determine if an outcome will affect all participants equally.

Once an event is finalized protests may not be filed. Chapter advisors not following this procedure are subject to a review by the RGVTSA Executive Board.