1. Are performance times exact? No. Plan on arriving at your student’s Center at least 1/2 hour early. Most often, centers run ahead of time.
2. Are videotaping and photography allowed? NO videotaping or photography. You must call or email the IHSSA Executive Director for permission. In fact, it may disqualify the performing school.
3. May a school logo be worn? Refrain from all apparel that informs the judge of what school the participants are from.
4. Are students permitted to leave after they are finished performing? It is up to each individual school and their head coach. Please contact your school’s head director.
5. What are the qualifications of the judges? ALL IHSSA judges have gone through training and certification. Please accept your student’s ratings with pride and dignity. Adhere to proper sportsmanship at all times. If you have concerns, talk to your school's coach.
6. How are ratings given? At State, three judges critique the performance with a I, II, III, or Disqualification IV rating. No oral critique is given. Only those performances that receive at least two All-State nominations AND also are in the upper percentages of point ratings advance to All-State. At the All-State Festival, a professional artist adjudicates the performance. All-State is not a competition, but a celebration of excellence.
7. If I don’t know where/when my student performs what should I do? DO make sure you DO know ahead of time your student’s times and locations. Please do not rely on the head office, as the contest managers are extremely busy. Students WILL know the schedule the week of the contest. Also, please contact your own head coach from your school.
8. Can anyone come to contest? Yes, all are invited. There is a $3 donation that is asked of all audience members at the main door for Districts and State. Programs for all Centers are available for $2.
9. May I watch anyone perform? Yes, and you are encouraged to watch students from other schools as well as in other categories.
10. What if I I have a question about a rating? All questions concerning ratings should be taken to your school’s head coach. Only the head coach should inquire with the Contest Manger. A coach/audience member/student should never inquire with a judge. If you do have a question, please see your coach. Then, the coach will inquire at the head office.
11. May I enter a center once the door has closed? No, please do not disrupt any performance when the door has closed. Your entrance could detract from the performance. Please be kind and respectful to our doorkeepers. They are there to support the student performers.
12. Is there a health care worker available? Yes! If you need medical assistance, please contact the office directly.