Competition Rules

1. This is a national competition, open to all Canadian residents between the ages of 11 and 24 years as of the date of competition. On date of competition, proof of age will be required upon registration.
2. Contestants will agree to be photographed/taped or quoted, and agree to have their names and speeches used for promotional purposes.
3. Each province has a reserved allotment of three participants for both the Junior and Senior competitions until September 30th. When a provincial allotment has been filled, all additional entries will be placed on a master waiting list in the order received.
4. In the event that a province does not fill its allotment, the Board will fill the competition from the master waiting list based on the order received.
5. All contestants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.
6. Any previous first place winners of the competition are not eligible to participate in subsequent CYSA competitions. (Junior winner can compete in Senior Competition.)
7. Judges will select six speakers from the preliminary rounds to compete in the finals.
8. The Board and judges’ decisions are final.
9. It is expected that competitors will conduct themselves professionally and appropriately at all times when representing the Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture competition and its sponsors. As with all youth activities/events, 100% participation is expected from each participant.
10. Each contestant will give a five to seven minute prepared speech, as well as introduce and thank another speaker.
11. Speeches may be delivered in either of Canada’s official languages, English or French.

Rules for Speech Delivery

1. Contestants are scored out of 150 possible points. There are 60 points for presentation and 60 points for content of your speech. There are 15 additional points available for your thank-you and 15 points for your introduction of another speaker. All contestants will receive a copy of the judging scorecard prior to the competition.
2. Contestants may use a flip chart, or appropriate posters to illustrate their speech. However, slides, films, videos or overhead projectors will not be allowed.
3. There will be strict enforcement of the time limits. The following penalties will apply for being over or under the five to seven minute limits:

Over 7 minutes / Under 5 minutes		Deductions
1-10 seconds		2 points
11-20 seconds		5 points
>20 seconds		15 points

Evaluation Criteria

Senior competitors will be evaluated according to the following scoresheet:

Senior Scoresheet

Junior competitors will be evaluated according to the following scoresheet:

Junior Scoresheet