NCFCA Values 

Godly Wisdom, Redeeming Truth, Gracious Communication, Enduring Excellence, and Constructive Community

The NCFCA Values not only uphold our mission, but they also provide an excellent framework for understanding why our compliance protocols are implemented. This module is written for Compliance Leads to prepare their teams, but all team members are encouraged to watch the videos and review this material throughout the season. 

Godly Wisdom (click for video and training suggestions)

Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” 

Godly wisdom is the right use of knowledge. Since the primary role of the Compliance Team is to receive and research queries as they arise in the tournament, Godly wisdom is especially needed for this position. It is crucial that each team member is seeking the Lord through prayer and the reading of the Word for the wisdom needed to carry out these tasks.

Redeeming Truth (click for video and training suggestions)

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” 

As Christian communicators, we value messages of redeeming truth. We have the privilege of discovering, meditating upon, and communicating whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy in all areas of life. 

• Always assume that the student is in compliance with the rules unless otherwise demonstrated through the process of information gathering.
  
  
• In order to discover truth, which ensures a fair adjudication, the Compliance Team must practice asking un-biased, clarifying questions. 
  
  
• Answers to clarifying questions often create the need for follow-up questions. Keep asking clarifying questions and seek the missing pieces that will help to paint a complete picture. We are seeking the truth.
  
  
• Focus on the rule in question. What information is needed to determine compliance? This is the information that is needed by the National Adjudication Team (NAT).
  
  
• Work as a team of two. Always give the recording partner an opportunity to also ask questions. 
  
  
• Avoid viewing speeches and debates in an online tournament as this can create bias. The Compliance Team should be given the opportunity to view only their own children’s speeches and debates once during the tournament.

Gracious Communication (click for video and training suggestions)

Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” 

Gracious speech comes from a heart of love and respect for both God and our fellow man. The Compliance Team primarily communicates with judges and families.

Communication with Judges

• Answer questions using NCFCA verbiage. Be familiar with documentation (e.g. rules, handbook, judge training, etc.). It is wise to use downtime during the tournament to read through the documentation.
  
  
• When your answer is a stated rule, be careful not to offer an interpretation in addition to the stated rule.
  
  
• Answers should be short and non-biasing. (In general, don’t offer more than is being asked, don’t provide anecdotes, etc.).
  
  
• Answer questions out of earshot of other judges.

Communication with Families (click for video)

Consider the role differences in the two types of meetings. 

Meeting to Gather Information: (Role: Information Gatherer)

• Introductions 
• Clearly state the issue
• Compliance role as information gatherers
• Present the rule in question
• Take good notes.
• Ask questions prepared beforehand, including those the NAT has requested.
• Invite the student(s)/parents to give all of the information they believe to be relevant
• If you are the speaking partner, ask your team member if they have anything to add.
• Ask the family if they have any questions about the process.
• Remind those involved that the Compliance Team will keep the matter confidential. Don’t ask them to keep the matter confidential, but do not encourage them to discuss it. They can make their own decision regarding the matter.
• Ask the family to remain in the meeting room while you and your partner leave.
• Give the information to the Compliance Lead.

Meeting to Deliver Decision: (Role: Decision Deliverer)

• Before the meeting: 
  • Pray
  • Be prepared with the rule(s), talking points, and the NAT decision.
• During the meeting: 
  • Take good notes
  • Introduce yourself (If not done in prior meeting).
  • Explain the role of Compliance (information gatherers and deliverers of decisions) and NAT (decision makers). 
  • Give the decision. Include a review of the rule that is in question, what the student did that was in violation, and the course of action that will take place.
  • If the family still has questions or concerns, they can be directed to the Director of Competition or the Speech/Debate Committee.” (DirectorOfCompetition@ncfca.org, speechcommittee@ncfca.org, debatecommittee@ncfca.org)

Enduring Excellence (click for video)

Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” 

• Our commitment to excellence is based on our desire to do our best for the Lord.
   
• Attention to detail: Double-check your work, allow another set of eyes to look over your work, and don’t leave out information.
  
  
• Organization: The Compliance Dashboard is a great help in this area. If needed, maintain hard copies of some information to ensure organization. (e.g. Keep a list of people who have been asked to fill out Compliance Query Requests (CQRs) through the Chat. Follow-up with those individuals if a CQR is not received.)
  
  
• Professionalism should always be maintained in communication, manner, relationships, and dress. This standard of excellence should be modeled for your team.

Constructive Community (click for video and training suggestions)

Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” 

We are committed to engaging with one another in ways that refine, encourage, support, and challenge one another to be our best. The following guidelines help the Compliance Team to work together more effectively:

• Compliance Team members work in groups of two, usually remaining with the same partners in a tournament.
  
  
• Compliance Team members must maintain confidentiality. 
   
  • For training during the tournament, the Compliance Lead may brief the team with results of CQRs, etc. if it is beneficial for training; however, personal details should not be used.
    
    
  •  As much as possible, avoid using pronouns and competitor names when documenting or discussing CQRs.
    
    
  • Train your team to be confidential when speaking with judges in the Judge Hospitality area. They should point to the student’s names, not say them out loud. 
    
    
• The Compliance Team has a specific role that operates in the tournament. Operation within that role avoids confusion and helps to streamline the tournament.