2024-25 Compe��ve Events Guidelines

Introduc�on to Programming
Introduction to Programming provides members with the opportunity to code a program based on a
specific topic. This competitive event consists of a presentation component where the program is
demonstrated for the judges.

Event Overview
Division: High School (9th and 10th grades only)
Event Type: Event Type: Team of 1, 2 or 3 members
Event Category: Presentation
Event Elements: Presentation with a Topic
Presentation Time: 3-minute set-up, 7-minute presentation time, 3-minute question & answer time
NACE Connections: Career & Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Leadership,
Professionalism, Teamwork, Technology

2024-25 Topic
Write an interactive story that occasionally asks the user what they’d like to do, and changes where the
story goes based on user input. Allow the user to stop interacting with the story by saying “stop.”

This topic was created in partnership with code.org. Learn more about code.org, resources
available, and expanding computer science in your school or district at this link.

Region
This is not a region event.

State
State Eligibility
Each chapter may enter two (2) teams of 1, 2, or 3 members of active local chapters and are on record in
Blue Panda as having paid dues by the event submission deadline as posted.

Members may compete in an event more than once if they have not previously placed in the top ten of
that event at NLC. If a member places in the top ten of an event at NLC, they are no longer eligible to
compete in that event at RLC, SLC, or NLC.

Only members enrolled in grades 9 and 10 as of May 20 of the current school year are eligible for this
event.

It is the responsibility of the local chapter adviser

• to pay membership dues for all competitors by the published submission deadline for this event
and to register students through Blue Panda by the published deadline.

Finalists for this event will be an equal number advancing from the preliminary round groups to a
maximum of 15 in events in which there are no preliminary rounds. Finalists will be notified by the PA
FBLA Executive Director/State Chairman by the date indicated on the FBLA website. Finalists will be
required to give an oral presentation at the SLC.

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State Regulations
Pre-Recorded Video
1. The pre-recorded video is to be the same as the oral presentation (see oral presentation section
below) that will be given in person at Hershey should the participants advance. Student competitors
must be visible in PA FBLA Dress Code in the video. All competitors must participate in the
presentation of the project. The presentation should follow the presentation rating sheet.
2. Penalty points will be given if the pre-recorded video doesn’t adhere to the guidelines.

State Procedure
Preconference Requirements

1. The materials must be received by the PA FBLA Executive Director/State Chairman by the deadline
date published at https://www.pafbla.org/about-pafbla/important-dates/, which is posted on the
PA FBLA web site. Failure to submit the URL in Blue Panda by the received by date will result in
the participants being disqualified.
2. Pre-recorded video must be uploaded to YouTube as unlisted by the chapter adviser and the URL
posted in Blue Panda and received by the deadline posted on the www.pafbla.org website.
3. Up to 15 finalists will be announced based on the combined score of the report and pre-recorded
video.
4. After the announcement of the finalists, presentations can be changed in preparation for the state
competition.
5. The pre-recorded video score will not be used in the final round.

Conference Requirements

1. The event consists of two parts: (1) submission of a pre-recorded video and (2) an oral presentation.
2. Participants are required to complete both parts to be eligible to win an award.

Oral Presentation
1. The participants must comply with the PA FBLA Dress Code which can be found at
https://www.pafbla.org/about-pafbla/dress-code/. If the participants do not comply, points will
be deducted UNLESS there is an egregious violation.
2. The team members must perform all aspects of the presentation (e.g., speaking, setup, operating AV
equipment, etc.) Other representatives of the chapter may provide no additional assistance.
3. All team members must actively participate in the presentation.
4. Visual aids and samples related to the project may be used during the presentation; however, no
items may be left with the judges or audience.
5. Advisers may not participate during the actual delivery of the presentation, including assisting with
setup, distribution of handouts, operation of audiovisual equipment, etc.
6. Presentation should cover the following aspects of the program:
a. The development, usability and functionality of the program must be demonstrated and
explained to the judges.
b. Solution must run standalone with no programming errors.
c. Data must be free of viruses/malware.
d. Competitors must show the judges any of the following that are applicable: readme file,
source code, documentation of templates/libraries used, documentation of copyrighted
material used.

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Introduc�on to Programming
e. The presentation should follow the rating sheet and include the following:
i. Code Quality: What are the specifics of and the big picture of the code?
ii. User Experience: What focus is on the ease-of-use and accessibility of the interface?
iii. Functionality: Speak to all aspects of the topic
7. Links and QR codes (for display only; cannot be clicked or scanned by judges before, during, or after
the presentation).
8. The chapter must provide the computer for the event. An LCD projector, screen, table, and
electrical power will be provided on-site. Participants that will be utilizing Apple products or other
devices that do not have an HDMI port will need to provide their own adapters.
9. Internet access is provided as Wi-Fi or cable. Internet access may not be Wi-Fi, so competitors
should plan appropriately when selecting devices on which to present. Please note that internet
reliability at any conference venue cannot be guaranteed. Always have a backup plan in case
internet connections go down.
10. Five (5) minutes will be allowed to set up and remove equipment or presentation items.
11. Seven (7) minutes will be given to describe the project.
12. At the end of six (6) minutes, a timekeeper will stand until noticed and hold up a colored timecard
indicating one minute is left, and at seven (7) minutes the timekeeper will stand and hold up a
colored timecard indicating time is up. When time is called, the presenter must end the
presentation.
13. Following each presentation, the judges will conduct a three-minute (3) question-and-answer
period.
14. The performance is open to all conference attendees, except performing participants of this
event. If participants of the event view other presentations before or after their scheduled
presentation time, they (or their team if they are part of one) will be disqualified.

State Judging
Pre-recorded video will be screened to determine if participants have complied with event eligibility and
regulations. A panel of judges will select the finalists, and all decisions of the judges are final.

All competitors will be given 10 points for Demonstrates the ability to effectively answer questions on
the pre-recorded video rating sheet only.

Judges must make a definitive decision on ranking. Ties are not permitted. The decision of the judges is
final.

State Awards
The state will present a maximum of ten (10) awards at the State Leadership Conference.

National Conference Eligibility

The first-, second-, third-, and fourth-place award-winning projects at the State Leadership Conference
are eligible for entry at the National Leadership Conference. All NLC qualifiers will be expected to
present a seven-minute (7) oral presentation of the project at the NLC.

In the event that the local chapter of the first-, second-, third-, or fourth place winning project cannot
attend the National Leadership Conference or does not wish to have its project submitted for
competition at the National Leadership Conference, it is the responsibility of the:

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Introduc�on to Programming
local chapter adviser

• to contact the PA FBLA Executive Director/State Chairman about not participating at the
National Leadership Conference.
PA FBLA Executive Director/State Chairman

• to contact the next eligible award winner about participating at the National Leadership
Conference.

National

Required Competition Items

Items Competitor Must Provide Items FBLA Provides
Preliminary • Technology and presentation items • Table
Presentation • Conference-provided nametag • Internet access
• Photo identification
• Attire that meets the FBLA Dress Code
Final Presentation • Technology and presentation items • Table
• Conference-provided nametag • Internet access
• Photo identification • Power
• Attire that meets the FBLA Dress Code • Projector with HDMI cord
• Projector screen

Important FBLA Documents

• Competitors should be familiar with the Competitive Events Policy & Procedures Manual, Honor
Code, Code of Conduct, and Dress Code.

Eligibility
• FBLA membership dues are paid by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on March 1 of the current school
year.
• Members may compete in an event at NLC more than once if they have not previously placed in
the top ten of that event at NLC. If a member places in the top ten of an event at NLC, they are
no longer eligible to compete in that event.
• Members must be registered for the NLC and pay the national conference registration fee to
participate in competitive events.
• Members must stay in an official FBLA hotel block to compete.
• Each state may submit four entries.
• Each competitor can only compete in one individual/team event and one chapter event
(American Enterprise Project, Community Service Project, Local Chapter Annual Business Report,
Partnership with Business Project).
• Only competitors are allowed to plan, research, prepare, and set up their presentations.
• Each competitor must compete in all parts of an event for award eligibility.
• All members of a team must consist of individuals from the same chapter.

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• Picture identification (physical or digital: driver’s license, passport, state-issued identification, or
school-issued identification) matching the conference nametag is required when checking in for
competitive events.
• If competitors are late for their assigned presentation time, they will be allowed to compete
with a five-point penalty until such time that results are finalized, or the accommodation would
impact the fairness and integrity of the event.
• Some competitive events start in the morning before the Opening Session of NLC. The schedules
for competitive events are displayed in the local time of the NLC location. Competitive event
schedules cannot be changed.

Recognition
• The number of competitors will determine the number of winners. The maximum number of
winners for each competitive event is 10.

Event Administration
• This event has two parts: preliminary presentation and final presentation
• Preliminary Presentation Information
o Equipment Set-up Time: 3 minutes
o Presentation Time: 7 minutes (one-minute warning)
o Question & Answer Time: 3 minutes
o Internet Access: Provided (Please note that internet reliability at any conference venue
cannot be guaranteed. Always have a backup plan in case internet connections are lost
or are unable to connect to your device.)
o Competitors/teams are randomly assigned to sections.
o The presentation is judged at the NLC. Preliminary presentations are not open to
conference attendees. The presentation will take place in a large, open area, with a
booth size of approximately 12’ x 12’.
o Timing: The presentation time is exclusive to the allotted times. Once the set-up time
has been reached, the presentation time automatically begins. The presentation time
shall not exceed the stated time, meaning that the set-up and Q&A time cannot be used
as presentation time.
o Technology
 Competitors present directly from a device which includes a laptop, tablet,
mobile phone, or external monitor (approximately the size of a laptop screen).
Competitors can present with one or two devices. If presenting with two
devices, one device must face the judges and one device must face the
competitors.
 Projectors and projector screens are not allowed for use, and competitors are
not allowed to bring their own.
 Wireless slide advancers (such as a presentation clicker or mouse) are allowed.
 External speakers are not allowed. Only device audio can be used.
 Power is not available.

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o Non-technology Items: Materials, notecards, visual aids, and samples related to the
project may be used during the presentation; however, no items may be left with the
judges or audience.
o Restricted Items: Animals (except authorized service animals), Food (for display only;
may not be consumed by judges during the presentation), Links and QR codes (for
display only; cannot be clicked or scanned by judges before, during, or after the
presentation)
o Teamwork: If performing as a team, all team members are expected to actively
participate in the presentation.
o Presentation should cover the following aspects of the program:
 The development, usability and functionality of the program must be
demonstrated and explained to the judges.
 Solution must run standalone with no programming errors.
 Data must be free of viruses/malware.
 Competitors must provide comprehensive documentation including a readme
file, source code, templates/libraries used, and documentation of any
copyrighted or open-source material used.
 The presentation should follow the rating sheet and include the following:
• Code Quality: What are the specifics of and the big picture of the code?
• User Experience: What focus is on the ease-of-use and accessibility of
the interface?
• Functionality: Speak to all aspects of the topic

• Final Presentation Information

o Equipment Set-up Time: 3 minutes
o Presentation Time: 7 minutes (one-minute warning)
o Question & Answer Time: 3 minutes
o Internet Access: Provided (Please note that internet reliability at any conference venue
cannot be guaranteed. Always have a backup plan in case internet connections are lost
or are unable to connect to your device.)
o An equal number of top scoring competitors/teams from each section in the preliminary
round will advance to the final round. When there are more than five sections of
preliminary presentations for an event, two competitors/teams from each section will
advance to the final round.
o Final presentations may be open to conference attendees, space permitting. Finalists
may not view other competitors’ presentation in their event.
o Timing: The presentation time is exclusive to the allotted times. Once the set-up time
has been reached, the presentation time automatically begins. The presentation time
shall not exceed the stated time, meaning that the set-up and Q&A time cannot be used
as presentation time.
o Technology
 Competitors can present with one or two devices which includes a laptop,
tablet, mobile phone, or external monitor (approximately the size of a laptop
screen). If presenting with two devices, one device must be connected to the
projector or facing the judges and one device must face the competitors.

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 The following will be provided for the final round if it occurs in a conference
room: Projector, projector screen, power, and table.
 Competitors using laptops or other devices that do not have an HDMI port will
need to provide their own adapters.
 It is up to final-round competitors to determine if they wish to use the
technology provided.
 Wireless slide advancers (such as a presentation clicker or mouse) are allowed.
o Non-technology Items: Materials, notecards, visual aids, and samples related to the
project may be used during the presentation; however, no items may be left with the
judges or audience.
o Restricted Items: Animals (except authorized service animals), Food (for display only;
may not be consumed by judges during the presentation), Links and QR codes (for
display only; cannot be clicked or scanned by judges before, during, or after the
presentation)
o Teamwork: If performing as a team, all team members are expected to actively
participate in the presentation.
o Presentation should cover the following aspects of the program:
 The development, usability and functionality of the program must be
demonstrated and explained to the judges.
 Solution must run standalone with no programming errors.
 Data must be free of viruses/malware.
 Competitors must provide comprehensive documentation including a readme
file, source code, templates/libraries used, and documentation of any
copyrighted or open-source material used.
 The presentation should follow the rating sheet and include the following:
• Code Quality: What are the specifics of and the big picture of the code?
• User Experience: What focus is on the ease-of-use and accessibility of
the interface?
• Functionality: Speak to all aspects of the topic

Scoring
• The preliminary presentation score will determine the finalists.
• The final presentation score will determine the winners.
• Judges must break ties.
• The decision of the judges is considered final. All announced results are final upon the
conclusion of the National Leadership Conference.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• FBLA meets the criteria specified in the Americans with Disabilities Act for all competitors with
accommodations submitted through the conference registration system by the registration
deadline.

Recording of Presentations
• No unauthorized audio or video recording devices will be allowed in any competitive event.

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• Competitors in the events should be aware FBLA reserves the right to record any presentation
for use in study or training materials.

Penalty Points
• Competitors may be disqualified if they violate the Code of Conduct or the Honor Code.
• Five points are deducted if competitors do not follow the Dress Code or are late to their
assigned presentation time.

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Introduc�on to Programming
Introduction to Programming Presentation Rating Sheet
Points
Expectation Item Not Demonstrated Below Expectations Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Earned
Code Quality

Comments provided Comments provided are

Appropriate use of comments, Comments provided
No comments provided assist judges throughout logical, useful, and
naming conventions, and but are not logical
the demonstration complete
proper formatting

0 points 1-6 points 7-8 points 9-10 points

Program is either Program exhibits an

The program is modular in a Program does not make Program is logical and
logical or readable, advanced knowledge of
way that makes logical, logical, readable sense readable
but not both programming
readable sense

0 points 1-6 points 7-8 points 9-10 points

User Experience

Instructions provided Program is intuitive and

No instructions provided Appropriate & clear
User interface is intuitive or or program is not clear instructions are
and is not intuitive instructions are provided
clear instructions are provided intuitive provided

0 points 1-6 points 7-8 points 9-10 points

Interface contains no
No help menu or Includes basic help spelling errors, has Program use also includes
Users can easily navigate navigation system menu and usable interactive help menu, an intelligent feature such
between pages incorporated navigation and has no navigation as an interactive Q&A
errors
0 points 1-6 points 7-8 points 9-10 points
User input validation
attempted, but does Input validation applied on
User input isn’t
not catch important User input is validated both syntactical and
User input is validated validated
edge cases or is not semantic levels
done correctly
0 points 1-2 points 3-4 points 5 points
Functionality

Program fully addresses

Program does not Program addresses the
Program fully addresses the topic/problem, and the
Program addresses all parts of address the topic/problem at a
the topic/problem correlation is explained in
the prompt topic/problem minimal level
the instructions

0 points 1-6 points 7-8 points 9-10 points

Output reports are error

Output reports are not Output reports are not Output reports allow user
free and provide all
Program generates a accurate or not sufficient to analyze to customize and analyze
necessary information to
presentable report available data information
analyze data

0 points 1-6 points 7-8 points 9-10 points

Variable name and usage

is clear. Variables store More complex data
Variables are used data that updates when storage such as arrays and
There is no storage of
inconsistently, or in a necessary. Each variable lists are used where
Data storage data
way that is unclear performs only one job, appropriate and variable
and the correct data type scope makes sense
is used

0 points 1-2 points 3-4 points 5 points

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Introduc�on to Programming
Points
Expectation Item Not Demonstrated Below Expectations Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Earned
Presentation Delivery

Presentation flowed in a
Competitor(s) were
Competitor(s) did not Presentation flowed in logical sequence;
Statements are well-organized prepared, but flow
appear prepared logical sequence statements were well
and clearly stated was not logical
organized

0 points 1-6 points 7-8 points 9-10 points

Competitor(s)
Competitor(s)
Competitor(s) did not Competitor(s) demonstrated self-
Demonstrates self-confidence, demonstrated self-
demonstrate self- demonstrated self- confidence, poise, good
poise, assertiveness, and good confidence, poise, and
confidence confidence and poise voice projection, and
voice projection good voice projection
assertiveness

0 points 1-6 points 7-8 points 9-10 points

Interacted with the judges

Unable to answer Does not completely Completely answers in the process of
Demonstrates the ability to
questions answer questions questions completely answering
effectively answer questions
questions

0 points 1-6 points 7-8 points 9-10 points

Staff Only: Penalty Points (5 points for dress code penalty and/or 5 points for late arrival penalty)

Presentation Total (100 points)

Name(s):
School:
Judge Signature: Date:
Comments:

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