Technology Rules

General:

• Cell phone use by students is prohibited during competition (including Extemp prep time and Congress recesses). If a student‘s phone is seen, heard, or used during competition, the student WILL be disqualified. THIS IS YOUR WARNING.

• Cell phones (silenced and in airplane mode) may be used by judges exclusively for timing.

• If it can make and receive phone calls, it’s considered a cell phone. That includes Galaxy Note-type devices and Apple Watches with cellular capability.

• Laptops, netbooks, tablets, and convertible PCs are permitted in certain events (see below). These devices may not be used for any purpose other than information retrieval/sharing, flowing, and timing as permitted by the specific event's rules. Students who use their devices for other purposes may be asked to cease use of their devices.

• All devices used in competition are subject to examination by the tournament staff at any time. This includes file or history searches.

• Where connectivity is permitted, the only permissible network is the HCPS-Guest network. No tethering or mobile hotspots may be used. Contestants may not charge during competition.

• Peripheral devices are prohibited except for flash drives and necessary accessibility tools.

• Access to power and the internet are not guaranteed. Contestants assume all risk of equipment failure, damage, theft, and loss.

• Students wishing to use digital devices must be responsible for providing these resources and for having an alternative plan if the digital device fails. 

LD, PFD, and Congress:

• Computers, electronic storage and retrieval devices are permitted.

• Connectivity for search and retrieval is permitted.

• Electronic communication is permitted only with the assigned judges and competitors inside the competition room.

• Electronic communication with any other person, through wired or wireless networks, cell phones, etc., outside the competition room is NOT permitted.

Extemp:

PREP ROOM:

• Computers, electronic storage and retrieval devices are permitted. All networking capabilities must be removed or disabled.

• Connectivity with any person inside or outside the prep room is NOT permitted. Materials can be on files on their computers or retrieved from an attached thumb, flash, or hard drive.

• Prepared speeches are not allowed. Speechwriting, outlining, and notetaking are not allowed.

• All technology must remain in the prep room.

COMPETITION ROOMS: No tech devices or connectivity may be used.

DC, DP, DU, OI, OO:

No tech devices or connectivity may be used.