Rules for Taping Async Events

Students competing in asynchronous events must follow these rules while recording their performances.

a. Professional equipment enhancements may not be used. Professional equipment includes professional lighting kits, professional grade camera recording and audio devices, and softboxes. Students are welcome to film their recording on their school’s auditorium stage, but the use of stage lighting is not permitted. Lavalier/lapel microphones and ring lights are permitted.

b. Recordings may not be edited using any software; all submissions must be non-stop footage of the entire performance.

c. Students may not trim a recording, even to remove the seconds that they walk to and from the recording device to push start/stop.

d. The length of the recording must not exceed the time limit with the grace period.

e. Competitors may not use green screens, virtual backgrounds, or on-screen text.

f. The camera being used must remain stationary throughout the entire performance, and no zooming or panning is permitted.

g. The camera must remain on throughout the duration of the performance; a student may not turn off their video at any point during their recording.

h. The use of lighting tricks like shadow puppets are not permitted.

i. Students may move closer to and further from the camera to simulate zooming, though the camera must remain stationary.

j. Students may cover the camera with their hands or body.

k. Students may move out of frame during the recording.

l. Other individuals may be present while filming, but audience interaction (laughing, applause, etc.) must not be included in the performance.

m. Competitors may determine how close or distant the camera is set up in order to maximize both verbal and nonverbal communication.

n. If possible, it is recommended that students and judges remove items that may be distracting in the background. Backdrops of a solid color with no special markings may be used by competitors and judges.