WHAT IS A PROTEST?
A protest at the State Tournament is a formal complaint against a competitor or team that appears to have violated a rule governing the event. For example, in delivering his speech, a competitor may add jokes to a humorous interpretation that are not part of the original script.
HOW IS A PROTEST MADE?
A protest form must be completed by a coach/advisor stating the number identification of the competitor, the number of the By-Law that has been violated, the nature of the violation, and the desired penalty.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A PROTEST IS FILED AGAINST AN INDIVIDUAL COMPETITOR OR TEAM?
When a protest form is received, the Protest Committee, made up of the four Area Chairs and the CHSSA President, meets to review the protest. The committee will interview all of the parties involved. After discussion, the committee will determine whether to reject the protest (no by-law applies), deny the protest (the complaint is not upheld), or uphold the protest and determine a penalty. Penalties range from warnings to reduction of rank to disqualification. The decision is then shared with each of the parties involved.
