Getting to Know The UIL

I. Things to Know for All UIL Contests

Constitution and Contest Rules - available in hard copy and online
Academic Coordinator's Manual - copy mailed to each school
TEA-UIL Side by Side - question and answer format concerning state laws, eligibility; available online
Importance of roll call, checking ballots, contest verification procedures

Topic Release - topic announced in January and debated the following fall; posted on website, in Leaguer
CX Fall District Planning Meet - held prior to October 1; contact principal to know the date and permission to attend
District selects CX District Director - register name and contact info online by November 1
Fall Planning Meeting Agenda - all agenda items should be discussed; posted online at www.uiltexas.org/speech/debate
District CX Meet - District Director sets up entry form in the Spring Meet Entry System by December 1; link to system found on speech web page
Dates for CX Debate District contest - see UIL calendar for window
Tournament Format - District: prelim rounds, advancing to elimination rounds or round robin
District Entry Form - submit online at least 10 calendar days before meet
Winner's Info - details about State tournament posted online for students
Coach's Packet - large red and white envelope you are responsible for picking up from District Contest Director before leaving the district tournament
Judging requirement if qualified for State Meet - deadline posted in Constitution & Contest Rules
Judging form - completed online; there is a late fee if you miss the deadline
UIL's A Guide to Cross-Examination Debate Handbook - order form available online and in Academic Coordinator's Manual
Rules particular to UIL Debate - certification of some 1st and 2nd place teams; procedures for substitutions at State; prompting, open CX, scouting prohibited

Topic Release - mid-August/mid-December; posted online
Tournament Format - District: prelim rounds, advancing to elimination rounds or round robin
UIL's LD Debate Guide - order form online and in Academic Coordinator's Manual
Winner's Info - details about State tournament posted online for students
Coach's Packet - large red and white envelope you are responsible for picking up from Regional Contest Director before leaving Regional contest site
Judging requirement if qualified for State Meet - deadline posted in Constitution & Contest Rules

Contestants prepare two performances
Categories/Category restrictions - see Constitution and Contest Rules
Documentation requirements - students don't compete without approval of documentation
Prose and Poetry Handbook - responsible for reading, critical for documentation explanation; order form available online and in Academic Coordinator's Manual
State Office assistance - contact with questions or for clarification
Research opportunities - links at www.uiltexas.org/speech/oral-interp/resource-web-sites-for-interpretative-speech
Contest Procedures - sectioning, drawing for the category, time limit
Speech IE Ranking System for Multiple Judges - TalkTab software downloadable free from UIL speech webpage

Rules in the Prep Room - what materials are allowed and not allowed
Informative/Persuasive Handbook - order form online and in Academic Coordinator's Manual
Sources for files - website links and news sources to explore at www.uiltexas.org/speech/extemp/extemp-web-resources
Contest Procedures - no talking in prep room, draw at 10 minute intervals, no outlines in prep, one card no larger than 3" x 5" is permissible, limitation on what can be taken out of prep room
Speech IE Ranking System for Multiple Judges - TalkTab software downloadable free from UIL speech webpage