Scoring

The Texas Public Safety Association (TPSA) aims to provide a fair and transparent scoring system to ensure the integrity and credibility of our competitions. This policy covers the process for scoring, handling ties, advancing to the state competition, and addressing potential integrity violations.

(a) All scores from individual judges will be averaged to determine a competitor or team's final score for each event. This process ensures fairness and objectivity in scoring.

(b) Ties are not allowed for a numerically scored event. In the event of a tie, judges are required to review and adjust their scorecards to break the tie. The revision should be based on the team or individual's overall performance, paying close attention to aspects like adherence to safety protocols, accuracy in executing tasks, professionalism, teamwork, and communication. Under no circumstances should ties be broken based on time. All options must be exhausted to break a tie, in the event that a tie is still unable to be broken the Competition Governance Team for that conference must approve a tied placement.

(c) A minimum score of 60 points is required for a team or individual to advance from a Regional Conference to the State Conference. Competitors scoring below this threshold can still receive a placement in the regional competition but will not qualify for the State Conference. In the event that a competitor or team receives an averaged score of 59.50- 59.99 and places 1st thru 3rd at Regional Conference the competitor or team shall advance to the State Conference. Competitors or teams who receive an averaged score of 59.00- 59.49 and place 1st thru 3rd shall not advance to State Conference.

Standard Operating Procedure for Integrity Violations

In the event that the integrity of a competition event is compromised, the following standard operating procedure (SOP) should be followed by the onsite Competition Governance Team:

(a) Any potential integrity violations should be immediately reported to the Competition Governance Team. This can be done by a judge, TPSA official, competitor, or any other participant in the competition.

(b) The Competition Governance Team will review the incident, which may include interviewing involved parties, examining scorecards, and evaluating any available evidence.

(c) The Competition Governance Team may consult with judges, officials, and potentially independent experts to understand the nature and severity of the violation.

(d) The Competition Governance Team will decide on the appropriate response, if needed, which may be to disqualify the affected team or individual or repeat the competition event.

(e) All decisions made by the Competition Governance Team will be communicated in a timely and transparent manner to all affected parties.

This scoring policy and SOP aim to ensure fair competition, maintain the integrity of our events, and uphold the principles of the Texas Public Safety Association.