**Updated July, 2011**
There are three ways to qualify for the NIETOC: automatically,
with bids, or as an at-large.
a. Novice-level results are not applicable for automatic, bid or
at-large qualification.
b. Although a host school's team may compete in their
tournament, they are not eligible for a bid or an at-large
qualification from that competition.
c. Students may qualify through competition in a main event (DUO,HI,DI,OO)
only.
Option 1 – Automatic Qualifier* -- To automatically qualify for
the NIETOC, students must meet one of the following criteria:
A - Semifinalist or Finalist at previous year’s (2011) NIETOC,
NFL or NCFL tournaments. (Contestants in NCFL Dramatic
Performance would have to declare as either HI or DI, depending
on the piece that was performed.)
B – Top three finish at current year’s (2012) state tournament
(if held prior to entry deadline)
Option 2 – Bid Qualifier* -- To qualify via the Bid System for
the NIETOC, students must earn two bids in a given event at
NIETOC-designated tournaments throughout the country.
A – Regular Season Bids -- The list of tournaments at which
students can earn bids is being developed and will be posted on
the NIETOC website in the near future. The bids are gained at
the following levels:
Less than 20 contestants = First place
*20-34 Entries – 1st, 2nd or 3rd place *35-50 Entries – Finals
Round bid
*51-70 Entries - Semifinals Round bid *71+ Entries –
Quarterfinals Round Bid
B – Post-Season Bids -- Contestants receive one bid for each of
the following:
>One bid earned by being a Quarterfinalist at previous year’s
(2011) NIETOC.
>One bid earned by being a Finalist at previous year’s (2011)
state tournament.
>One bid earned by being a Semifinalist at current year’s (2012)
state tournament
(if more than 50 contestants).
Option 3 – At-Large Qualifier* (Requires a $25 non-refundable
application fee) -- To be considered under the At-Large system,
a student must earn three “legs” that accumulate to a total
ranking of 10 or less. To illustrate:
Tournament: Joe Smith’s DI ranks:
Sarah Jones’ HI ranks:
Tournament A 4th place
4th place
Tournament B 6th place
3rd place
Tournament C 4th place
1st place
Tournament D 3rd place
2nd place
Tournament E 8th place
12th place
In this scenario, Joe’s best 3 tournaments result in a total of
11, while Sarah’s best 3 result in a total of 6. Thus, Sarah
would qualify for consideration as an at-large entry to the
NIETOC but Joe would not.
*Students meeting any of the above qualification criteria must
complete the NIETOC application form and will be placed on a
waiting list until all information can be confirmed.
STATE TOURNAMENT DEADLINE EXTENSION
In the event that an official state tournament is held after
March 20th, and if, as a result, a student qualifies for the
NIETOC National Tournament (as an automatic, bid, or at-large
entry) they are eligible to apply for secondary registration via
the Joy of Tournaments website no later than April 20, 2012. A
copy of the official tab sheets must be emailed to mheimes@lps.org
by April 20th and all paperwork and payments associated with
these entries must be received by April 30th or the entry will
be dropped. No refunds will be issued. Only state tournament
results will be accepted after March 20, 2012.
The NIETOC reserves the right to deny or refuse to accept the application from any participant to the competition. The NIETOC reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to change, modify or alter the procedures, rules or regulations regarding any aspect of the competition without notice.
Students who qualify for the NIETOC are able to enter up to two main events and two supplemental events. The choice of events to participate in is up to the student(s), along with coaches and parents.
