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Contest Guidelines & Rules

Official rules, role descriptions, and eligibility criteria for all District 230 contests — everything you need to run or participate in a contest with confidence.

RULEBOOK

The Official TI Contest Rulebook

All Toastmasters speech contests are governed by the Toastmasters International Contest Rulebook. This is the single authoritative reference for every rule, timing requirement, judging criterion, and disqualification procedure. Contestants, officials, and judges must read it before contest day.

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Toastmasters International Contest Rulebook

The official TI Contest Rulebook governs all speech and evaluation contests. All contestants, judges, and contest officials are required to be familiar with its provisions before the contest date. Updated each programme year.

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ROLE DESCRIPTION

Who Does What at a Contest?

Every Toastmasters contest requires a team of trained officials working behind the scenes to ensure a fair, smooth, and professional experience. Below are the key roles, their responsibilities, and what each person is accountable for on contest day.

Chief Judge

Oversees the entire judging process, ensures rulebook compliance, collects and tallies ballots, and announces disqualifications where applicable. Must be an experienced Toastmaster.

Timekeeper

Tracks each speaker’s time using official green, yellow, and red light signals. Submits completed timing records to the Chief Judge for disqualification review and verification purposes.

Contest Chair

Facilitates the contest session, introduces contestants and judges, coordinates transitions between speakers, and ensures the programme runs on schedule.

Sergeant-at-Arms

Maintains order in the contest area, ensures contestants are isolated from the audience prior to speaking, and assists the Contest Chair with logistics.

Ballot Counter

Works alongside the Chief Judge to tally judging ballots accurately and confidentially. Results remain sealed and undisclosed until the official announcement.

Judge

Evaluates contestants against official TI judging criteria on the standard ballot. Judges must be members in good standing from outside the hosting club.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Who Can Compete?

Before registering for any District 230 contest, all contestants must meet the eligibility requirements set by Toastmasters International. These apply regardless of contest type or level. Failure to meet any single requirement may result in disqualification — even after a speech has been delivered.

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Paid Membership in Good Standing

Contestants must hold a paid, active membership in a Toastmasters club that is in good standing with Toastmasters International at the time of the contest.

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Club in Good Standing

The contestant’s home club must be a chartered club in good standing with TI throughout the current contest season. A club not in good standing cannot send contestants to higher-level contests.

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Contest-Specific Speech Requirements

Certain contests (e.g., Humorous Speech, Table Topics) require contestants to have completed a minimum number of speeches or projects in Pathways prior to competing. Refer to the TI Rulebook for each contest type.