Contest Tips

This is based on my own experiences as a competitor, role participant and
ordinary member of the audience. My goal really is to pass on these ideas. You 
may like them, you may not but they may make sense.

Get your hands on 'How to Organise a Contest' handbook.

Bring an up-to-date copy of the rules.

Take your role seriously.
	=> competitors have put alot of effort into this and deserve the best.

In your zest don't hide the lights from the competitors
	=> I once competed where one set of lights were behind a podium 
	and the other set beside the timer were completely covered. I guess
        the top table couldn't see the lights (and nor could I). Somehow the
        phrase 'the operation was a success but the patient died' sprung to 
        mind as I spoke in front of the podium and was disqualified for
        going over time.

Lights - only the Int'l speech contest rules mentions anything about lights.
i.e. you don't have to cover any lights in the other contests. In the rules
for the Int'l speech contest it says: 'Timers shall provide warning signal 
lights to the contestants, which shall be clearly visible to the speakers but
not obvious to the audience.' Note the words 'clearly visible'.
       => Bring the rulebook and have compassion for the competitors.


Fill in the Participation Certs before the contest
        => this saves having to fill these out while trying not to distract 
        from a contestant where mistakes can easily be made.

Fill in as much of the placed certificates beforehand and give them to the chief judge
        => the chief judge can leave the room with the certs and fill the
        certs out after adding up the scores. Consequently the Chief Judge can
        return and give the completed certs to the Contest Chairperson, saving
        time and having the Contest Chair having to fill them out.

Give out the participation certs straightaway after the contest
	=> this speeds up time and you can have a break on an applause

When giving out participation and placed certificates call each person by name
rather than 'would the competitors mind come up now and receive their certs'
	=> hearing your name with applause is a prize in itself

Have a mini topics session before the first contest at the beginning of the meeting
	=> this gently eases us into the reality of a contest and avoids
	latecomers missing the contest as well as giving the competitors
	an opportunity to get a feel for the room.

Don't thank people for stepping in at the last minute.
	=> how would you like it to be beaten by someone who only stepped in
	at the coffee break?

Don't thank people for arranging the prizes 'at such short notice' just thank
them for arranging the prizes but do have prizes
	=> I find it downer when people start apologising

For the evaluation contest find a test speaker from outside the club, Area or Division
	=> this makes the test speaker totally neutral.

Have a gift for the test speaker
	=> The test speaker has come a long way and does deserve something publically.

Delegate the buying of the prizes to the Sergeant-at-Arms or Treasurer.
	=> Delegate but make sure it is done, the President still might need to arrange the certs.

Prizes don't have to be that expensive
        => Getting the applause from your peers is 75% of the prize. 

Use the official participation and place certificates from TI.

When running the table topics contest consider having the topicsmaster run the contest
	=> this saves time and there is no need to 'pass control of the meeting'.

Tip competitors off a few weeks in advance about competing
	=> you've a better chance of getting more competitors then.

If you charge alot you better produce sandwiches or a free raffle with you or
your team bringing prizes
        => it can be off putting if it expensive to attend (and mean!)

If you ask judges, competitors, etc to be there 30 minutes beforehand please
brief them 30 minutes beforehand.
        => you can always brief the stragglers separately

Try to use official ballot sheets
        => it is an important event and deserves this respect.

Prepare properly for the night
        => you'll enjoy it all the more and learn some too.

Start on time
        => some people have probably travelled long distances and want to get
        home at a reasonable hour.

Remember the most important people in the room are not the District officers
        => it is nice to welcome them but the ordinary members are at the top
        of the pile. They have their own competition nights anyway.

Use a sealed envelope for the tie breaker judge's ballot
        => if there is not a tie then you can return the envelope unopened.

Arrange a date and venue for the event as early as possible and keep to the
date. It only takes one phone call.
        => if left too late you might be stuck with a booked out venue for the
        date you really wanted.