Content Standards
Independent Work
Except for team events, competitors must work independently, without assistance from judges, teachers, fellow students, or observers. Any attempt to gain an unfair advantage will be considered a violation of the Ethics rules.
Content Selection
Competitors should use good judgment and discretion when planning event content. Procedures, demonstrations, displays or speeches with content that could be interpreted as insensitive or of a highly personal nature should be avoided and may not be judged.
Changing Event Content
When advancing from one level of competition to the next (such as from regionals to state competitive events), except where expressly prohibited, competitors are allowed to change/improve their speech, notebook, portfolio, or any other event products as a part of the competitive event. All changes must be made prior to published deadlines.
Content from Year to Year
Content for all competitive events must be unique and new each membership/school year. Content used in a previous membership year's competition may not be used again. The intent of the competition is to use new material every year. If a violation of this rule is discovered, the competitor will be disqualified.
Academic Integrity and Anti-Cheating Policies
The Texas Public Safety Association has adopted a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY regarding competitive dishonesty. Competitors who have violated the integrity of a competitive event will be removed from all registered competitive events. Substitutions will not be allowed if the removed competitor is on a team; please note this will disqualify the team from their competitive event. If an advisor has violated the event's integrity, then the school and all members will be disqualified. To report competitive dishonesty, please reference the Grievance Policy.
Plagiarism, copyright violation and falsification of information are prohibited. Any attempt to gain an unfair advantage will not be tolerated. Violation of the code of conduct or bylaws will result in disqualification.