LITERARY

GENERAL INFORMATION:

1. Literary is a Fine Arts and Academic event that produces State Champions in each classification.
   
   1. The Literary events include the following:
      
      1. Literary Interpretation: Solo Dramatic, Solo Humorous and Duo (Dramatic or Humorous)
      2. Essay: Personal, Argumentative and Literary Analysis
      3. Extemporaneous Speaking: Domestic and International
      4. Music: Male Vocal Solo, Female Vocal Solo, Trio and Quartet
   2. Eligibility reports are required for all Literary contestants.
      
      1. Contestants must be academically eligible as specified in By-Law 1.50 and cannot be a migrant student as defined in By-Law 1.60.
      2. Eligibility reports must be received in the GHSA Office at least twenty (20) calendar days prior to the first contest.
2. The rules and regulations of the GHSA as developed and enforced by state and region personnel and as published in the GHSA Constitution and By-Laws shall govern the operation of all Literary meets. NOTE: It is important that all rules be followed precisely in all competitions leading up to the state competition.
3. In Literary, a student may represent their school in not more than two (2) individual events and one group event, or two (2) group events and one individual event. A school may have only one entry per contest. NOTE: There may be a conflict in schedule when a student is in two events.
4. Schools are encouraged to avoid using the same performance selections in consecutive years.
5. In Literary, audiences WILL BE ALLOWED in the competition room (if space allows) for all events EXCEPT Essay writing and Extemporaneous Speaking preparation.
6. Photography, video recording, and audio recording ARE NOT ALLOWED at any GHSA Literary or One Act Play event.
7. Decisions related to rules’ violations can be made only by judges (acceptable criteria are met) or tabulators (timing infractions) in collaboration with the Meet Director.
8. Literary is an inclusive competition. Students with academic accommodations are allowed to compete and receive their accommodations. Appropriate documentation must be provided to GHSA and the Region Coordinator and State Coordinator by the registration deadline.
   
   1. Items to be presented to GHSA, the Region Coordinator, and the State Coordinator include the following:
      
      1. A copy of the student’s official education plan (504 or IEP) - the plan should be active and used by the student in the classroom on a daily basis as well as on local and standardized assessments.
      2. A written request for the accommodation from the member school’s administration
   2. The following rules will apply for students who receive technology-based accommodations:
      
      1. The school must provide a device and a printer.
      2. The contestant must arrive 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the competition time to ensure that all technology is set up and functioning properly.
      3. The device cannot be connected to the Internet.
      4. The word processing program must not have spell check or grammar check capabilities (suggestions: TextEdit on a Mac or Notepad on a PC).
      5. The device will need a wired connection to a printer.
      6. The school must provide the writing device (laptop), printer, ink, all power and connection cables, and paper for the printer.
9. Each school wishing to enter Literary must notify the Region Secretary by the deadline date.
   
   1. The Literary roster must be electronically filed at app.ghsa.net by February 1 of each year.
      1. Schools are encouraged to list alternates when submitting their roster. Only students listed on the submitted roster will be allowed to participate.
         1. If necessary, schools may shift students to different categories, provided that the students were listed on the original roster submission.
   2. Region Literary Meets may be held on any date after February 14, 2026, provided they are completed by March 7, 2026.
   3. State Literary Meets will be held on the date indicated in the Beginning and Ending Dates table at the front of this publication. Schedules will be posted on the GHSA web site
10. Effective for 2026: all literary judges will be required to complete the judges' orientation and present their completion certificate to the meet coordinator.

REGION INFORMATION:

1. The first-place winner from every region in each Literary event qualifies for the State Meet.
   
   1. When the first-place winner in a region cannot compete in the State Meet, the next person or group in the order of finish may replace the original winner.
      
      1. The school whose winner will not compete must notify the Region Secretary so the replacement can be identified and informed.
      2. The Region Secretary must notify the GHSA Office about any changes in contestants.
      3. In group events (Duo Interpretation, Trio, and Quartet), one student may be substituted between region and state, provided that substitute was listed either as a competitor or an alternate on the original entry form.
      4. The deadline to make any changes is noon on the Thursday prior to the State Meet unless special circumstances exist.
   2. In a Region Meet where there is a tie in any event involving more contestants than the region is entitled to enter in the State Meet, the judges should deliberate and determine a winner. If, because of very unusual circumstances, two students or groups of students are allowed to represent a Region at State Literary for the same position, only one of these can score at the State Meet.
2. The GHSA Office will furnish each Region Secretary with a copy of score sheets that will be used in region competitions.
   
   1. The same score sheet used in region competition will be used at the State Meet.
   2. The GHSA score sheet includes:
      
      1. Space for the tabulator to note the amount of time allotted for the event and the amount of time used by the contestant if over or under time. 
      2. Space for the rank of the contestant to be clearly noted
      3. Space for the name of the selection(s) performed
      4. The number of possible points available
      5. Space for written comments that reflect why points were deducted from presentations.
   3. Individual copies of the score sheet may be obtained from the GHSA Office or the GHSA web site.
3. C. Miscellaneous Regulations:
   
   1. During competitions, contestants should be identified by order of appearance numbers ONLY.
   2. A director/coach is expressly prohibited from conducting during a musical contest at the region and state competitions.
   3. Digitally created music downloaded from the Internet may be used so long as all copyright laws have been met. It is the school’s responsibility to make sure all copyright laws have been met. When digitally-created music is used, schools should provide proof of purchase or website documentation if retrieved from public domain websites.
   4. Host sites shall provide a warm-up room(s) for music contestants. Keyboards may be provided in the warm-up rooms, but are not required. Schools requiring a keyboard for warming up should consider bringing their own.
   5. Each school having one or more students participating must have a school representative at the Region and State Meets.
   6. Judges will rank the contestants based on the point totals of each contestant.
      
      1. Winners will be chosen by adding up the rankings of each judge.
      2. There can be no tied rankings or point totals on any judge's score sheet. NOTE: Judges shall not score a presentation below 70 except in very unusual circumstances.
      3. In the event of a tie between contestants when the rankings are tallied, point totals will be used to break the tie.
      4. All decisions are final. Mistakes due to mathematical errors or decisions made contrary to GHSA rules that are discovered before or after the decision of the judges shall be corrected.
      5. Judges will render their decisions without conferring. When necessary, judges may sit together to view a single piece of music, but they may not confer with one another.
   7. The presiding official at each event shall not (by word, gesture, or any other expression) indicate approval or disapproval of the performance of the contestant.
   8. For timed events:
      
      1. An adult timekeeper MUST be present at all region and state events. Timekeepers should be at least two years removed from high school graduation.
      2. The timekeeper shall not be a judge.
      3. The adult timekeeper will show time cards upon request, record times, and provide them to the event coordinator or tabulator at the end of the competition.
   9. Point totals for determining the Region Champion and the State Champion in Literary are as follows: 1st Place = 7 team points; 2nd Place = 5 team points; 3rd Place = 3 team points; 4th Place = 1 team point.
      
      1. If contestants finish in a tie (equal ranking points and numerical points), the points shall be divided equally among the contestants who are tied.

STATE INFORMATION:

1. The State Literary Coordinator is Tim Harris (e-mail: tim.harris@bufordcityschools.org).
2. The GHSA will provide:
   
   1. A competent person at each State Literary Meet to discuss the rules with the judges prior to the contest.
   2. Two competent judges to adjudicate each competition.
   3. Written copies of the rules for each competition.
3. Completed score sheets at the State Meet are submitted by the judges to the chairperson of each contest.
   
   1. The chairperson will place the score sheets in a properly marked envelope, seal it, and turn it in to the GHSA representative.
   2. The envelope will be opened by the GHSA representatives who will tabulate the results and announce the winners.
   3. In the event of error by the judges (i.e., mathematical errors, having tie scores, etc.) the score sheets will be returned to the judges for correction.
   4. Ties in the State Meet shall stand, and the points shall be divided equally among those who are tied.
   5. All judges' decisions are final. Protests are not allowed. 
4. Schedules for the State Meet will be posted on the GHSA web site.

LITERARY INTERPRETATION

1. Separate contests will be held in Solo Dramatic Interpretation, Solo Humorous Interpretation and Duo Interpretation (dramatic or humorous) in all classifications.
2. This contest is designed to showcase a performer’s ability to interpret narrative literature.
   1. Contestants may perform selections from prose, poetry, or dramatic literature.
      1. Selections should be narrative in nature and must be sourced from a published book, play, musical, or online written source.
      2. The following are not permitted: unpublished original pieces, selections from television or movie scripts, content from video games or social media platforms, or content from other visual media sources (such as YouTube).
         1. Coaches will verify during the notification of entry process that the presentations meet the established criteria and have not been copied from any visual media source.
   2. Contestants will be judged on how well they communicate the meaning, tone, and emotional depth of narrative literature through vocal and physical techniques.
      1. Each performance should include an introduction that provides the title, author, and context of the presentation. NOTE: The introduction may be embedded into the performance; it does not have to be given at the beginning.
      2. The material must be memorized and delivered without the use of a manuscript.
      3. The performance space should be completely vacant - CHAIRS ARE NOT ALLOWED. Additionally, costumes, props, music, and recorded sound effects are not allowed. NOTE: Props, as defined in The Stage and the School (1999, p. 600), are “all the stage furnishings, including furniture and those things brought onstage by the actors.”
         1. Performers should use pantomime for most physical actions. (For example, a pair of glasses becomes a prop when removed as part of the presentation.)
      4. Movement, physical contact, and eye contact are allowed.
   3. In solo interpretation (dramatic and humorous), contestants should portray a minimum of two characters. In duo interpretation, roles and characters should be balanced between the two performers.
   4. A student may participate in only one individual contest in Literary Interpretation, but may also participate in the group event of Duo. (Please refer to Rule C in General Information above.)
3. Each contestant’s interpretation must be a minimum of five (5) minutes and no more than ten (10) minutes in length. A five-second buffer will be allowed on either side of the scale.
   
   1. Any performance that does not meet the timing requirements will be scored, but cannot be ranked.
   2. The time allotment includes the introduction.
   3. The adult timekeeper will show time cards upon request, record times, and provide them to the event coordinator or tabulator at the end of the competition.
4. If the order of performance is not assigned by the GHSA, contestants shall draw for order of presentation upon reporting to the site of the competition.
   
   1. Contestants who are not present at the time of the drawing, will have their position drawn for them.
   2. Contestants who have conflicts with other Literary events should consult with the GHSA prior to the contest and may have early or late presentation positions designated for them.
   3. The first place winner in each Region competition shall advance to the State competition.
   4. One (1) substitution will be allowed in Duo between the Region Meet and the State Meet. (Please refer to Rule A1c in Region Information above.)
5. There shall be two (2) judges assigned to this competition at the Region and State levels.
   
   1. Judges shall use GHSA score sheets and shall follow scoring directions provided by the GHSA office
   2. The following criteria will be considered in the judging:
      
      1. Selection of material and preparation
      2. Vocal techniques
      3. Physical techniques
      4. Overall communication

ESSAY

1. Separate contests will be held in Argumentative Essay, Personal Essay and Literary Analysis in all classifications. A student may compete in only one (1) of the essay categories.
2. This is an on-the-spot writing contest in which contestants are provided with topics on which to write.
   
   1. The GHSA Office shall select at least three (3) topics for the contests in Argumentative Essay and Personal Essay, and two (2) topics in the Literary Analysis contest.
      
      1. Argumentative Essay topics will be selected from current events discussed in the media through the end of January prior to the competition. The most successful responses will include ample evidence that supports the line of reasoning; sources may be mentioned, but citations are not required.
      2. Personal Essay topics will be short prompts designed to elicit creative and descriptive narrative responses.
      3. Literary Analysis topics will be excerpts from prose or poetry along with a prompt that directs students to use evidence, support and commentary to develop a defensible interpretation of the excerpt.
   2. For the Region competition, the GHSA Office will send the topics to the Region Secretary (or their designee) in sealed envelopes, and the seal will be broken for the first time in the presence of the contestants at the competition site.
   3. For the State competition, the GHSA Office will send topics to the State Literary hosts in sealed envelopes, and the seal will be broken for the first time in the presence of the contestants at the competition.
   4. Topics used at State Literary will be different from those used at Region Literary.
3. Contest Rules:
   
   1. Contestants will compete at the same time in a group setting.
   2. Contestants will have one (1) hour to write their essay. Contestants must stop writing when time is called.
   3. Contestants may NOT use a dictionary or other reference materials during the competition.
   4. Essays shall be written on lined paper in blue or black ink.
   5. Contestants must provide their own paper and pens.
   6. This is an on-the-spot writing contest. Any evidence of pre-written, memorized of plagiarized compositions will result in disqualification.
   7. The first place winner in each Region competition shall advance to the State competition.
4. Judging Criteria:
   
   1. The essays shall be judged on the following:
      
      1. Thesis & Line of Reasoning (20%)
      2. Content & Development (20%)
      3. Analysis & Support (20%)
      4. Organization & Structure (20%)
      5. Style & Sophistication (20%)

EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING

1. Separate contests will be held in Domestic and International Extemporaneous Speaking in all classifications.
2. This is a speaking contest in which contestants are provided with a selection of topics dealing with current national and international issues that have been discussed in periodicals since September 1, of the current year that have been compiled by the GHSA Office. In late January, the GHSA will distribute three (3) general areas that topics will be chosen from in both Domestic and International Extemporaneous Speaking The most successful responses will directly attack the question provided in an organized, well-structured speech that includes ample evidence, mentions sources, and demonstrates engaging delivery; a reference to counterargument is suggested, but not required.
   1. Contestants will be allowed to use one notecard (either 3x5 or 4x6) during the speech. NOTE: Contestants who use more than one notecard or something other than a notecard will be scored, but will not be ranked.
   2. Thirty (30) minutes before the contest is scheduled to begin, the student who is to speak first shall draw three (3) topics and select one (1) on which to speak. The remaining two (2) topics are returned.
   3. Contestants will draw for topics at seven-minute intervals in the order of presentation.
   4. The presiding official of the contest shall record the contestant’s name, contestant’s school, position for presentation, and topic drawn.
   5. A student may compete in only one of the two Extemporaneous Speaking events
3. The procedure for the contest shall be as follows:
   
   1. After each student has drawn a topic, that student will be escorted to a room where they will have 30 minutes to prepare a speech in brief, outline form.
      
      1. Students should not compose and read an entire speech from their notecard.
      2. Students cannot leave the prep room during their 30-minute prep time.
   2. Contestants may not receive assistance from another person, but may use any paper copy materials that have been brought to the site as well as self-contained computers or laptops. (Cell phone and/or smart phone use and Internet access ARE NOT allowed and will result in disqualification. Cell phones must be left outside the prep room or with the monitor). Contestants may make use of a computer or laptop to store and to retrieve subject matter only. NOTE: If the Internet is needed to retrieve stored material, this retrieval will not be allowed.
   3. At the end of the preparation time, the contestant will be escorted to the presentation area and the contestant shall give a copy of the selected topic to a judge.
   4. Each contestant shall be allotted seven (7) minutes in which to deliver the speech. The adult timekeeper will show time cards upon request, record times and provide them to the event coordinator or tabulator at the end of the competition. Contestants that exceed the time limit (7 minutes) will be scored, but will not be ranked. A five second buffer will be allowed for before the infraction is enacted. 
   5. The first place winner from each Region competition shall advance to the State competition.
4. There shall be two (2) judges for Extemporaneous Speaking at the Region and State competitions.
   
   1. The judges shall take into consideration the following components:
      
      1. Thesis & Content (20%)
      2. Development & Support (20%)
      3. Organization & Structure (20%)
      4. Language & Delivery (40%)
   2. The judges shall use GHSA score sheets and shall follow scoring directions given to them by the GHSA Office.
5. If the order of performance is not assigned by the GHSA, contestants shall draw for order of presentation upon reporting to the site of the competition.
   1. Contestants shall report to the drawing area at the designated time set for the contest.
   2. Contestants who are not present at the time of the drawing, will have their position drawn for them.
   3. Contestants who have conflicts with other Literary events should consult with the GHSA prior to the contest, and may have early or late presentation positions designated for them.

TRIO & QUARTET

1. Trio and Quartet are singing competitions held in all classifications.
   
   1. The singing parts for these events are as follows:
      
      1. Trio - Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Alto
      2. Quartet - Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Bass 1, Bass 2
   2. Two selections shall be sung from memory.
      
      1. Both selections shall be appropriate for a small group of singers.
         
         1. For Trio, both selections should be specifically arranged for SSA and should conform to copyright law.
         2. For Quartet, both selections should be specifically arranged for TTBB and should conform to copyright law. Barbershop arrangements are allowed.
      2. Both selections must be copyrighted, published pieces, and not arrangements of instructional or choral pieces. Please limit divisi (i.e., limit to cadences, isolated measure, etc.).
      3. One selection must be one of the following:
         
         1. Chorale
         2. Madrigal
         3. Art song
         4. Folk song
         5. Spiritual song
            1. For further information, please refer to the chart at the end of the music section.
      4. One selection must be a cappella.
      5. Any group that does not perform selections that meet the above stated criteria will be scored, but will not be ranked.
   3. A legal copy of the music to be performed must be presented to the judges.
      1. Refer to Rule C3 under Region Information above to review expectations related to the presentation of music.
   4. The performance should match the instrumentation of the arrangement of the music presented to the judges. (For example, a cappella arrangements should be performed a cappella. Accompanied arrangements should be performed with appropriate accompaniment. Points may be deducted in the “Choice of Music” category for failure to comply.)
      
      1. Live piano accompaniment is the only form allowed. Recordings are not allowed. 
      2. Schools are responsible for arranging their own accompanist. An accompanist is not provided.
      3. Any group that does not present music to the judges will be scored, but will not be ranked. 
   5. Each group shall be allotted eight (8) minutes to perform their selections. Any group that exceeds the time limit (8 minutes) will be scored, but will not be ranked. A five-second buffer will be allowed before the infraction is enacted.
      1. In music events, the introduction is not timed. Timing starts on the first musical note whether sung or played by the accompanist. Timing ends at the end of the second selection; timing does not stop between songs.
   6. An adult is expressly prohibited from conducting during any musical contest at the Region or State levels.
   7. One (1) substitution will be allowed in Trio and Quartet between the Region Meet and the State Meet. (Please refer to Rule A1c in Region Information above.)
2. If the order of performance is not assigned by the GHSA, contestants shall draw for order of performance upon reporting to the site of the competition at the scheduled time.
   
   1. Contestants who are not present at the time of the drawing, will have their position drawn for them.
   2. Contestants who have conflicts with other Literary events should consult with the GHSA prior to the contest, and may have early or late presentation positions designated for them.
3. Judging Procedures:
   
   1. Two judges will be used for the Trio and Quartet competitions.
      
      1. Judges shall not confer with one another during the competition, but they may sit near one another to view the copy of the music.
      2. Tabulation of score sheets shall be handled independently.
   2. Judges shall follow scoring directions provided by the GHSA Office.
   3. Judging criteria are as follows:
      
      1. Musical Knowledge: Pitch Accuracy, Rhythm Accuracy (20%)
      2. Vocal Technique: Tone, Diction (20%)
      3. Musicianship: Tempo/Style, Phrasing, Dynamics (30%)
      4. Other Observations: Ensemble, Stage Presence, Choice of Music (30%)

VOCAL SOLO

1. Separate contests will be held for males and females in vocal Solo.
2. Two selections shall be sung from memory:
   
   1. One selection must be one of the following from the standard repertory:
      
      1. Art Song
      2. Oratorio Aria
      3. Operatic Aria
      4. Folk Song
      5. Spiritual 
         
         1. For further information, please refer to the chart at the end of the music section.
         2. Any contestant that does not perform selections that meet this stated criteria will be scored, but will not be ranked.
   2. Both selections should be from appropriate solo literature and not arrangements of instructional or choral pieces. All music selected should conform to copyright law.
   3. A legal copy of the music to be performed must be presented to the judges.
      1. Refer to Rule C3 under Region Information above to review expectations related to the presentation of music.
   4. The performance should match the instrumentation of the arrangement of the music presented to the judges. (For example, a cappella arrangements should be performed a cappella. Accompanied arrangements should be performed with appropriate accompaniment. Points may be deducted in the “Choice of Music” category for failure to comply.) 
      
      1. Live piano accompaniment is the only form allowed. Recordings are not allowed. 
      2. Schools are responsible for arranging their own accompanist. An accompanist is not provided.
      3. Any contestant that does not present music to the judges will be scored, but will not be ranked.
   5. Each soloist shall be allotted eight (8) minutes to perform their selections. Any contestant that exceeds the time limit (8 minutes) will be scored, but will not be ranked. A five-second buffer will be allowed before the infraction is enacted.
      
      1. In music events, the introduction is not timed. Timing starts on the first musical note whether sung or played by the accompanist. Timing ends at the end of the second selection; timing does not stop between songs.
   6. An adult is expressly prohibited from conducting during any musical contest at the Region or State levels.
   7. Soloists are not allowed to use any type of instrument or prop.
3. If the order of performance is not assigned by the GHSA, contestants shall draw for order of performance upon reporting to the site of the competition at the scheduled time.
   
   1. Contestants who are not present at the time of the drawing, will have their position drawn for them.
   2. Contestants who have conflicts with other Literary events should consult with the GHSA prior to the contest, and may have early or late presentation positions designated for them.
4. Judging Procedures:
   
   1. Two judges will be used for the Solo competition.
      
      1. Judges shall not confer with one another during the competition, but they may sit near one another to view the copy of the music.
      2. Tabulation of score sheets shall be handled independently.
   2. Judges shall follow scoring directions provided by the GHSA Office.
   3. Judging criteria are as follows:
      
      1. Musical Knowledge: Pitch Accuracy, Rhythm Accuracy (20%)
      2. Vocal Technique: Tone, Diction (20%)
      3. Musicianship: Tempo/Style, Phrasing, Dynamics (30%)
      4. Other Observations: Artistry, Stage Presence, Choice of Music (30%)