1. In competition, after the pronouncer gives the speller a word, the speller should: 1) Say the word before spelling it, to make sure they understand the word. 2) Spell the word slowly and carefully 3) Repeat the word again after spelling it.

2. Before Spelling the Word Before Spelling the Word The speller may: 1) Ask the pronouncer to repeat the word 2) Ask for a definition of the word 3) Ask the pronouncer to use the word in a sentence. 4) Ask for the origin of the word. The pronouncer shall grant all these until the judges agree that the word has been made reasonably clear to the contestant.

3. Spelling The Word Spelling The Word After the speller has started to spell a word, they may stop and start over, retracing the spelling from the beginning, but there can be NO change of letters or their sequence from those first pronounced. If letters or their sequence is changed in the respelling, the speller will be eliminated. In other words, a speller can’t correct himself, even while it is still his or her turn.

4. Bee-havior There may be no talking before, during, or after the spelling of a word. There will be breaks given by the judges & pronouncer. If a student talks during the rounds, they are immediately disqualified.

5. Spelling Words Given Words are given in order off of the official list provided by the National Spelling Bee organization. This means that while words are in grade level order, some words are more difficult than others. The word you get might seem more (or less) difficult than your neighbors.

6. Most Important Rule!!! Most Important Rule!!! This is the most important rule of all. Please have fun and relax Good Luck!!!