Lettering Criteria

  • An EARNED point system is the basis for lettering.

  • Fifty points (50) over the most recent two-year cycle are needed to qualify for a letter.

  • Lettering-point totals will be tallied weekly by the coaches but will only be published after the state meet.

  • Only “this year’s” points will carry over to next year’s tally: Total points equals the sum of two years.

  • A varsity speaker (9-12) is eligible for earning letter points at practices and meets; a junior varsity speaker (grades 6-8) begins earning letter points with his or her first “varsity” meet.

  • A Letter award  will be forfeited in the event of being dropped from the team.

  • A team member must be in “Good Standing” at the end of the season to be considered for a letter.

    • Participates in one practice/week, unless excused by coach.

    • Participates in all meets, unless excused by coach.

    • Exhibits proper conduct and sportsmanship.

    • A “no show” is when a speaker misses a meet without properly notifying the coach.

                    *  In the event of  a schedule conflict, the speaker must notify the coach the Tuesday before the meet.

                    *  In the event of an illness, the speaker or parent must contact the coach before the bus loads, fol-                              lowed by a written note from the parent.

                    *  Consequences after a “no show” infraction: to regain “good standing” a speaker must attend one                            practice and the subsequent meet without earning letter points.

How to accumulate points:

  • Five points for speaking at the State meet, plus ten points for being a medalist

  • One-half point (.5) for speaking at a varsity meet

  • One point per twenty-minute practice session (once given varsity status): no more than two practice points/week. Note: in order to receive credit at a practice session, the speaker must actually speak; one half point will be awarded for fulfilling other tasks at practice if not speaking (at the direction of a coach), otherwise no credit will be earned.

  • 3/2/1 point values for “Non-Ranked” meets: Top ribbon = 3; Next ribbon = 2; Lowest ribbon = 1

  • For “Ranked” meets, 3 points for 1st; 2 points for being called up on stage; 1 point for “honorable mention”

Other Lettering Guidelines:

  • Junior Varsity team members (grades 6-9, along w/older novices) will earn one-half point for speaking at a JV meet.

  • No letter points will be issued for “observing,” whether at a practice or a meet; moreover, those prospects who observe an “away” meet may only do so once before making a commitment to the team.

  • NOTE: All points are assigned at the coaches’ discretion.