2016 Battle of the Yard

Homecoming Step Show

GENERAL INFORMATION

Show Information

The 2016 Battle of the Yard Homecoming Step Show will be held on November 3, 2016
at Brookland Baptist Convention Center. The show time is scheduled for 7-10 pm.

Host

The Host for the 2016 Battle of the Yard Homecoming Step Show is contingent upon the
committees selection

Ticket Prices

Ticket sales will begin September 24, 2016 and will end on November 3, 2016 via
Eventbrite.

Stage Dimension

28 x 32

Prize Money

There will be one sorority and one fraternity winner that will receive $650 each.
JUDGING CRITERIA

Each group is to be judged using the appropriate measure scale of 1-10, 1 being
the worst, based on the following criteria:

Creativity (1-10 Scale): This category should be evaluated on the groups creative
thought in prop/step selection to effectively enhance their theme and overall show.

Theme/ Theme Execution (1-15 Scale): How well the group establishes the theme of
their show and remains consistent to their theme throughout the duration of the show.

Uniformity/Precision (1-15 Scale): This category should be evaluated according to how

uniform the group is. The group should be together and well-rehearsed. The group
should also be evaluated on how the group carries out accurate rhythmic syncopation of
beats. This should also reflect how they perform as a group.

Vocal Clarity (1-10 Scale): This category should be evaluated on how the group carries
out accurate rhythmic syncopation of beats. It should also be evaluated by how well you
can hear the words or chants spoken and how clear the steps sound. (Do not consider
the sound of music because we have no control over the clarity of the sound system.)

Execution (1-10 Scale): This category should be evaluated according to how well the
performance is executed and free from error or defect.

Stage Presence/Enthusiasm (1-20 Scale): This category should be evaluated by how

the group conducts themselves and the overall appearance of the costume of their
choosing and its relevance to the act. They should appear confident and well poised
and not engage in overly vulgar expressions.

Difficulty of Steps (1-10 Scale): This category should be evaluated on the complexity
of the steps.

Crowd Response (1-10 Scale): This category should be evaluated on how the
audience responds to the overall performance.

**Groups that use another organizations name negatively will be automatically

disqualified. However, they are allowed to refer to colors, mascots, logos,
signs, etc.
TABULATOR & TIMEKEEPER CRITERIA
It is the responsibility of the tabulators and timekeepers to enforce the following:

1. Groups that use another organizations name at all will be automatically

disqualified. However, they are allowed to refer to colors, mascots, logos,
signs, etc.

2. Two points of your overall score will be deducted for every 2 Minutes you go
over the 12 Minute allotted time block.

3. The highest and the lowest total scores for each group are to be dropped. The
remaining totals will be averaged for the final score.

4. The official time will begin after the introduction of each group and it will end once
the last person from the group exits the stage. Each act will only be allowed 12
Minutes. Setup and cleanup time will be allowed before the introductions occur.
CHAPTER RESPONIBILITIES & DEADLINES
Each Chapter is responsible for completing the 2016 Step Show Application and
returning it to RaShon Murray or Abrianna Means no later than September 2, 2016 in
order to participate in the 2016 Battle of the Yard Homecoming Step Show. Including in
the packet will be these materials:

1. Each Chapter needs to complete the 2016 NPHC Performance Contract, located on
page seven of this packet. If an organization fails to sign and return the document to
NPHC, they will not be participating in the 2016 Battle of the Yard Homecoming
Step Show.

2. Each organization must submit two options for Judges to represent their organization
during the judging process. The requirements for the judges are as follows:

A member of your organization

Removed from a College or University 2 years or more

The Judges name, phone number, email address, must be included. If an

organization fails to provide the above information, than they will not have a judge to
represent them during the 2016 Battle of the Yard Homecoming Step Show.

3. Each organization must provide a chapter member, to remain with the music
technician while they are performing in order to instruct the technician on when to
start and stop their music.

4. Each organization must provide a chapter member, to remain with the video
technician while they are performing in order to instruct the technician on when to
start and stop their video.

5. Each organization must provide a roster of everyone who is stepping for their
organization. You may take away from this list, but you cannot add to it after the
deadline.

6. If your organization does NOT perform in the 2016 Battle of the Yard Homecoming
Step Show after committing via contract, your organization is subject to a $300 fine
paid to the USC National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).
2016 NPHC PERFORMANCE CONTRACTS
(Sign the one that applies to your Organization)

We the _______________________ Chapter of _______________________________

agree to perform in the 2016 National Pan-Hellenic Council Homecoming Step Show on
November 3, 2014. We are clearly aware of the guidelines for the 2016 Battle of the Yard
Homecoming Step Show and we agree to follow them. If your organization does NOT perform in
the 2016 WKU NPHC Homecoming Step Show after committing via contract, your organization
is subject to a $300 fine paid to the USC National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC)

_____________________________ _______________________________
Step Show Committee Chair Chapter President Date

We the _______________________ Chapter of _______________________________

will NOT be performing in the 2016 National Pan-Hellenic Council Homecoming Step Show on
November 3, 2014.
_____________________________ _______________________________
Step Show Committee Chair Chapter President Date

___________________________________________
Chapter Advisor Date
Rules:
1. All teams planning to participate in the Step Show must sign and
submit a contract of participation by Friday, September 2 at 6:00 pm.
The teams must also turn in their registration packets and judge
nomination by this time.
2. A breach of any of the terms outlined in the contract of participation
will result in deductions or disqualification.
3. Rules and Regulations Meetings:
a. There will be two Rules and Regulations meetings held on
Thursday, October 6th at 6 pm and on Thursday, October 27 at 6
pm.
b. The Step Team coordinator/ representative must attend the
October 27 meeting to discuss day-of specifics.
c. Failure to have a representative present at one of the meetings
will result in a 15-point deduction from the teams score. If no
one is available, the chapter must notify the Step Show director
48 hours in advance via email, text, or call to schedule other
arrangements.

4. Backstage Rules:
a. All final team rosters, coaches, and backstage help must be
submitted to RaShon Murray or Abrianna Means by September 2,
2016. NO EXCEPTIONS!
b. Each organization is allowed a maximum of two additional
members designated as backstage help. These are the only
people who can leave after the 5:00 pm check-in and includes
the organizations props handler, music and light people, or
backstage help.
c. Members of a chapter that are not specified on the backstage list
may not be backstage or on stage at any time during the show.
There will be a 10-point deduction for each member found
breaking this rule.
5. Performances:
a. Each team will have two minutes to set up before their
performance. This set up begins when the previous team exits
the stage. Teams will also have two minutes to clean off the
stage after their performance. Two points will be deducted from
the total score for every minute a team goes over each of the
two-minute time limits.
b. Each team will have a total of 12 minutes to perform. Each
teams time begins the second the music begins until the last
stepper leaves the stage. 2 points will be deducted from the total
 score for every two minutes a teams performance exceeds the
12-minute time allotment.
6. Deductions:
a. Judges must write out the reason for any deductions so that the
organization knows why they have received said deduction.
Reason Deduction
Failure to attend Rules and Regulations
15 pts.
meeting
Late submission of music or video 10 pts.
Reason Deduction
People backstage that are not designated on
10 pts./person
backstage list
Use of glitter, confetti, liquids, etc. not
20 pts.
previously approved
Going over 12-minute time limit 2 pts./minute
Props left on stage after performance 10 pts.
Immediate
Attempts to sneak people into event
disqualification
Immediate
Disrespectful or unsportsmanlike conduct
disqualification
Immediate
Alcohol found in the arena
disqualification
Performance is 5 minutes over 12-minute Immediate
time limit disqualification

7. Judging:
a. The decision of the judges is final.
b. The judging criteria for the Step Show will be as follows:

Criteria Possible Points

Creativity 10
Theme/Theme
15
Execution
Uniformity 15
Precision/Clarity 10
Execution 10
Stage
20
Presence/Enthusiasm
Difficulty of Steps 10
 Crowd Participation 10
Maximum 100 points

c. In the event of a tie, the Creativity and Originality score will be

used to choose the winner.
d. At the end of the show, all winners will be photographed.
8. Props and Media Guidelines:
a. Songs and videos used in the performance must be edited for
content and lyrics. An edited version of music or videos being
used for the competition must be turned in for review by 5:00 pm
on October14, 2016. Music must be submitted in CD form and
any videos or PowerPoints must be in DVD form. Submitting
music after October 14th will result in a 5-point deduction.
b. If a team is asked to change any music, it must be done by
October 21, 2016. Once the music has been approved, it can no
longer be changed. The updated music must be turned into
RaShon Murray or Abrianna Means by 5:00 pm.
c. Teams may request notification of duplicate songs by other
performers.
d. Any special requests needed for the Step Show must be sent via
email to the Step Show Director by October 14, 2016. Special
requests include scripts for cues, lighting cues, etc. Any last
minute emergencies will only be acknowledged 24 hours before
the event. NO SPECIAL REQUESTS, INCLUDING LIGHTING,
WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED THE DAY OF THE
PERFORMANCE.
e. No use of fire, firearms, pyrotechnics, confetti, glitter, or liquids
of any sort is permitted. Use of said items will result in
disqualification or point deductions.
f. Fog machines may be used only if they are water-based.
g. All props and special requirements must be approved by RaShon
Murray and Abrianna Means and before Friday, October 21.
h. Teams are responsible for cleaning up after their performance
and will be fined $300 for not doing so (i.e. leaving props behind
stage, etc.).
9. All teams will be financially responsible for any damages assessed to
their respective dressing rooms or team props not removed from the
Brookland Baptist Conference Center.
 National Pan Hellenic Council
University South Carolina Chapters

2016 NPHC Step Show

Registration Form

Date: _____________________ Number of Participants: ____________________

Organization: _________________________________________________________

College/University: _____________________________________________________

Name of Participants:

Step Master: ___________________________________

1.__________________________ 2. ___________________________

3.__________________________ 4. ____________________________

5.__________________________ 6. _____________________________

7.___________________________ 8. _____________________________

9.___________________________

Backstage Personnel/Stagehand #1: ________________________________________

Backstage Personnel/Stagehand #2: ________________________________________

**Please note that all members must be active members of your

organization.
I certify that all members in conjunction with the 2016 NPHC Step Show are active
members and have read and fully understand the rules of the completion.

Presidents Signature__________________________________ Date___________

Financial Secretarys Signature__________________________ Date____________