A thorough explanation of rules and guidelines for Bible, music, speech, art, and academics may be found in the National Competition Manual. Science fair rules and forms are outlined in the AACS Science Fair Rules and Guidelines publication.

Purpose

The AACS National Competition has been organized to provide a challenge toward excellence among the students of fundamental Christian schools across America. This competition will allow Christian young people to showcase disciplined skills in various areas of proficiency so that they might better serve the Lord throughout their lives. Certainly a worthy goal of Christian education is to follow the example of our Saviour who “. . . increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52).

Eligibility of Contestants

Only Senior High students (grades 9-12) who have won or placed in an AACS certified state or regional competition may participate in the National Competition. However, this requirement will be waived for the following exceptions: students in grades 7 and 8 may compete in orchestra/band and handbell/handchime choir. Students will be allowed to compete only if their school is currently a member of a state association who is in good standing with the AACS. A state may enter only one individual or group in each category.

Eligibility of Entries

The same entry (i.e., music composition, speech manuscript, art entry, science fair project, sermon, or Bible teaching lesson) which placed at the state level must be entered in National Competition. See “General Rules” of each Area for additional eligibility requirements.

Limitation of Contestants

Competition is divided into five areas (Bible, Music, Speech, Art, and Academics). In individual competition a student may enter one category in any three of the following four areas: Bible, Music, Speech, and Academics. In addition, a student may enter one category in Art.

Example:       A student may enter Sacred Piano, Declamation, English Testing, and Calligraphy.

Example:       A student may enter Expository Preaching, Vocal Solo, Humorous
     Interpretation, and Sculpture.

This applies only to individual competition. A student may enter group competition in addition to the three individual categories.

Note: Students entering Bible Memory, Debate, and Spelling may encounter irreconcilable scheduling conflicts and should give consideration to limiting their competition to one of these categories.

Registration

Registration must be completed in accordance with the instructions provided by the AACS National Office. Failure to submit the appropriate registration forms by the indicated deadline may result in disqualification. Entry fees and room and board fees will be determined annually.

Date and Location

The dates and location of the Competition will be set by the AACS National Office.

Classes of Competition

Two class distinctions shall be made in the categories of choral group, handbell/handchime choir, and orchestra/band. Class A groups in these categories are allowed to participate at the class AA level if the Class AA category does not have a sanctioned winner designated by the state competition coordinator.

      Class A....................... 80 or fewer students in Senior High (grades 9-12)

      Class AA..................... 81 or more students in Senior High (grades 9-12)

Awards

Awards will be given for first, second, and third place. The State Association which receives the most points (three points for first, two points for second, and one point for third) will be awarded the AACS Cup of Excellence. The winning state will receive a plaque that remains in the state.

National Competition Categories

BIBLE

Bible Quizzing

Bible Testing

      Old Testament Bible Knowledge

      New Testament Bible Knowledge

      Bible Memory

Bible Teaching

Bible Preaching

      Expository Preaching

      Evangelistic Preaching

      Topical Preaching

MUSIC

      Female Vocal Solo

      Male Vocal Solo

      Small Vocal Ensemble

      Large Vocal Ensemble

      Choral Group

      Instrumental Brass Solo

      Instrumental Woodwind Solo

      Instrumental String Solo

      Small Instrumental Ensemble

      Large Instrumental Ensemble

      Orchestral Ensemble

      Orchestra/Band

      Sacred Piano Ensemble

      Classical Piano Solo

      Organ Solo (Sacred or Classical)

      Sacred Piano-Organ Duet

      Handbell/Handchime Ensemble

      Handbell/Handchime Choir

      Sacred Piano Duet

      Classical Piano Duet

SPEECH

      Debate

      Dramatic Interpretation

      Oral Interpretation of Poetry

      Religious Reading

      Declamation

      Humorous Interpretation

      Duet Acting

      Original Persuasive Oratory

      Extemporaneous Speaking

      Oral Interpretation of Scripture

      Readers’ Theater

      Choric Speaking

ART

      Calligraphy

      Monochromatic Drawing

      Polychromatic Drawing

      Watercolor

      Oil Painting

      Acrylic Painting

      Sculpture

      Textiles

      Crafts

      Printmaking

      Black & White Photography

      Color Photography

      Digital Photography

      Digital Media

      Woodworking

      Mixed Media

ACADEMICS

      Academic Testing

            English

            Algebra/Geometry

            Advanced Mathematics

            Biology

            Chemistry

            Physics

            World History/Geography

            U.S. History/Geography

            Creative Writing: Poetry

            Expository Writing: Essay

            Spelling

            Accounting

            Home Economics

            Political Science/Economics

            Music Theory

      Science Fair

            Biological Sciences

            Physical Sciences