Policies and Guidelines Governing the Program

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education, National Conference of State Legislatures and the Center for Civic Education are the official sponsors of the We the People.Project Citizen Program. The program is made possible through the volunteer efforts of legislators, teachers and other community members who serve on a Statewide Advisory Committee. The Arizona State Legislature, Corporate donors and the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers Trust Account Program) provide funding for the program.

The program is available for grades 5-9 and any public, private or charter school class may participate. In the interest of ensuring fairness and promoting uniformity, the competition shall be governed by the following set of rules: Class Eligibility

Classes comprised of students in grades 5-9 are eligible to compete in the competition. The class must be a regularly-rostered class. For purposes of the competition this means that the class is:

• Constituted according to the school's normal programming procedures and not by a selection of students specifically for the competition.
• Designated on the school's master program.
• Meets during regular school hours.
• Students are enrolled in the school as evidenced by permanent school records.
• Students are registered for the class as evidenced by the teachers' official class register or roster.

Class Competition

For purposes of the competition, a competing class must be comprised of students enrolled in the class. The teacher, coach or any other individual in an official capacity working with the competing class is considered part of the class composition.

• Each class must be divided into four groups. Each group must have at least three students. The number of students in each group should be equal, if possible.
• No student may be in more than one group unless there are not enough students in the class to have four three-member groups.
• When a class has fewer than 12 students, teachers may allow some students to participate in two groups in order to meet the criteria for composition.
• Two classes may be combined in order to compete, if the total number of students in the combined class does not exceed 35 students. Combining two classes must have prior approval of the state coordinator.

State Level Competition

A school may register an unlimited number of classes for regional competitions.

• Students who compete must arrive on time and be prepared to compete by the first round of competition. Classes arriving after the beginning of the first round will be disqualified from competing.
• Each school shall have its teacher present at all times at the competition. Each class shall participate in all competition-related events.
• Competition units are 10 minutes in length: 4 Minutes- Prepared Testimony and 6 Minutes- Follow-up Questions. If the 4 minutes are not utilized during the opening testimony phase, the remaining time shall be added to lengthen the follow-up questioning period. Each class member is expected to adhere to any requests made by judges concerning time.
• Notes (no larger than 81/2 by 11) may be used during the prepared testimony only. No notes or textbooks may be used during the follow-up questioning portion of the unit.
• Only students in groups testifying before the panel may answer questions during their follow-up questioning period.
• It is recommended that students, teachers, coaches, parents and guests remain with their class during the rounds to avoid disruptions during the competition.
• All classes are assigned to a hearing room for the duration of the competition and should not leave unless for an emergency.
• At the start of each unit, students must introduce themselves to the judges and state which portion of the portfolio they have prepared.
• Every student on the group is expected to participate in all phases of the hearing. This means that each student shall have a role in the four minute opening testimony. Most students in the testifying group should respond to follow-up questions.
• There shall be no communication between teachers and judges during a hearing.
• There shall be no communication between students testifying and other members of the class during the hearing.
• Only those students who are testifying may respond to follow-up questions from the judges.
• There shall be no communication between teachers and students or non-testifying students and testifying students while students are testifying. Testifying students may communicate amongst themselves.
• Usual rules of hearing room decorum apply to all participants. Appropriate dress is required.
• The State and Regional Competitions will consist of two rounds.
• A maximum of nine classes will be invited to participate in the State Competition. Participation will be determined by a ranking of the portfolio and regional hearing scores (combined). The State Coordinator shall make the final determination regarding schools participating in the State Competition.

Dispute Resolution

In the event of a protest, conflict or dispute during the course of the competition, the final arbitration shall be the responsibility of the Regional or State Coordinator subject to the rules of competition and the policies of the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education Project Citizen program.