Summer Leagues 2023 Rubric
A points-based rubric, broken down into point... sentences? Get to the point!
Welcome to the revised Summer Leagues OCT rubric, where points correlate to statements— to help both judging & feedback! (If you’re curious in the first iteration of this rubric, used for the 2021 tournament, please view it here.) Points as statements are kept general enough for use of as a rubric, but can be elaborated upon when feedback is given.
This rubric has less flexibility in “estimating” a point score per item— for example, in the 2021 rubric, a 4.5 in flow & pacing approximated to an entry being pretty easy to follow with only slight confusion. In the new rubric, that score might be a 3 if the entry uses the appropriate amount of acceleration/deceleration and clear scene transitions, but the flow of the story doesn’t feel natural.
To see the rubric as a Google sheet, follow this link. (It will also likely be available as a tool in the future.) Continue reading for a more in-depth breakdown of the rubric.
How to use:
Each statement is worth 1 point— certain subcategories (ie. Hook) may have multiple statements, so that an entry can have a maximum of 2 points for their use of a literary hook. Hook is a subcategory of Engagement, which is a maximum of 6 points. Engagement is a category under the section of Storytelling, which is a maximum of 26 points, with a potential of 3 bonus points. Altogether, the rubric’s maximum point value is 87, exclusive of bonus points. Bonus points are available to reward difficult work, but aren’t expected of entries.
Storytelling is 30% of the total. Execution is 63%. Editing is 7%.
The rubric is subjective in its weights, but we believe it is an accurate approximation for proper judgement.
When judging— award entries a statement if that statement accurately describes the entry or an element within it. The number of statements awarded to an entry correlates with its numeric total score— which will then be used for comparisons against other entries in the audition & round phases of the tournament.
Debugging log added to the tool as of ver 1.1
Entries are not expected to earn a perfect score on the rubric, but do your best to meet its expectations! Summer Leagues is best utilized as a space to practice comics & receive feedback.
Storytelling
26 point maximum. Up to 3 additional bonus points. This section focuses on the planning stages of an entry & laying the foundation of an excellent story. It is judging the content of an entry, not the execution of the content.
Engagement
6 point maximum. This category focuses on techniques used to capture the audience’s engagement— and if that content is interesting enough for them to stick around to see it through.
Hook (2)
Hook exists in the entry.
Hook is strong & engaging.
Foreshadowing (2)
Foreshadowing is present in the entry.
Foreshadowing is well-done—subtle & engaging.
Invest & Impress (2)
Easy to get invested in the entry.
Entry leaves an impression (ie. reader continues to think about the entry after reading it).
Overarching Plot Development
10 point maximum. Up to 1 additional bonus point. This category focuses on the development & utilization of the submitted entry’s competitor character(s).
Defn. Character— Creator’s character(s)
Detail (1)
Continuous story— Uses elements from previous entries effectively.
Bonus: Generous attention to detail given to previous entry elements.
Events (2)
Character is affected by events happening to them (ie. an event has changed their current physical/mental/socioeconomic/relationship/etc. state).
Events affecting the character are appropriate external responses to the character’s own behavior, or events that occur give the character more potential to grow & develop.
Developing (2)
Character is experiencing development caused by the events happening to them (ie. character’s response to an event that changed their state).
Character development (in response to a given event) is given enough set-up for readers to follow along; the progression feels natural.
Goals (3)
Character goals are established, or reiterated (if the goal has been established in a previous entry, especially when the goal changes or develops).
Character goals evolve in response to character development.
Character goals evolve in response to given events.
Motives (2)
Character motivations are established, or reiterated upon.
Character motivations are elaborated with new detail.
Entry Plot Development
10 point maximum. Up to 2 additional bonus points. This category focuses on the development & utilization of the submitted entry’s opponent character(s). This category is not applicable to audition entries.
Defn. Character— Opponent’s character(s)
Defn. Protagonist— Creator’s character(s)
Detail (1)
Continuous story— Uses elements from previous entries effectively.
Bonus: Generous attention to detail given to previous entry elements.
Screen Time (1)
Character had sufficient "screen time" (presence) in the entry where they were a focus.
Goal (1)
Character goals are established.
Motive (1)
Character motivations are established.
Challenge (3)
Character was present as an antagonist.
Character was an effective antagonist for the protagonist (ie. character challenged the protagonist & was an obstacle to overcome, actively opposing [and/or hostile] to the protagonist).
Character was a daunting challenge for the protagonist; this challenge caused the protagonist to need to develop in response to succeed.
Development (1)
Character responded to the protagonist and developed; given enough time for set-up such that progression feels natural.
Exit (1)
Character is given a sufficient exit from the spotlight, even if they will appear in future entries.
Bonus: Character’s story is resolved well by the end of the round, meeting the character’s goal effectively.
Foil (1)
Character was an effective foil for the protagonist.
Narrative foil defn.— character contrasts with protagonist to highlight or differentiate specific qualities of the protagonist.
Execution
55 point maximum. Up to 4 additional bonus points. This section focuses on the execution of ideas & concepts conceived during the prior section.
Creativity in Environment
10 point maximum. Up to 2 additional bonus points. This category focuses on how the setting of Crossroads & its NPCs are utilized.
Setting Usage (2)
Entry fight effectively used the environment it took place in.
Entry creatively used the environment, either in the setup or fight, or both.
Bonus: Created a new location (business, etc.) that expands on the existing setting of Crossroads appropriately.
Story in Setting (3)
Story is influenced by the setting (ie. story would not happen if it did not take place in the setting used); characters take advantage of the location’s elements.
Story is so heavily influenced by the setting & its elements it could not have occurred anyplace else.
Environmental storytelling present in background details; use the background details to world-build.
NPC Usage (5)
NPCs are present for their basic functions (God Eater as the host, Miss X as the MC, etc.)
NPCs are effectively used for their functions and interact with the world, characters, or protagonist.
NPCs are used creatively and their usage leaves an impression on the audience.
NPCs affect the protagonist as an event.
NPCs help the protagonist develop or give direction to their potential.
Bonus: Created a new NPC that expands on the existing setting of Crossroads appropriately.
Creativity in Medium
7 point maximum. Up to 2 additional bonus points. This category focuses on how the chosen medium (written, comic, or animation) is utilized.
Chosen Medium (3)
Medium choice is effective for the content of the story.
Medium choice is effective for how the characters are portrayed.
Medium choice is effective for the atmosphere of the story.
Usage (3)
Medium's usage is effective in communicating to the audience.
Medium's usage excels in communicating to the audience; defining elements of the medium are used well.
Medium is used so well, it is difficult to imagine the story told in a different medium.
Creativity (1)
Medium is used in a creative manner.
Bonus: Medium is utilized in a unique manner.
Bonus: Entry makes light usage of additional media (ie. illustrations in a written entry, gifs in a comic, etc.) to push the limits of their chosen medium.
Flow & Pacing
6 point maximum. This category is focused on how the flow & pacing of the entry are utilized.
Flow (1)
Flow of story feels logical and naturally progresses.
Pacing (2)
Pacing accelerates when story events are escalating.
Pacing decelerates for de-escalating events.
Transitions (2)
Transitions to new scenes are clear.
Transitional style is effective for ending the prior scene’s tone or establishing the preceding scene’s tone.
Atmosphere (1)
The collection of scenes’ tones come together to create a consistent atmosphere.
Plot & Scene Organization
10 point maximum. This category focuses on the structure of the entry.
Plot (4)
Structure of plot follows comprehensible logic (ie. story goes from point A to B).
Structure of plot is clear (audience understands the format of the story organization, ie. chronological, achronological, etc.)
Plot structure is effective in conveying the content of the plot.
Structure keeps the momentum going throughout the story.
Scenes (6)
Scenes are distinct from one another.
Each scene was focused.
The conflict in each scene is focused on the scene’s goal.
Each scene’s goal had a purpose in furthering the plot.
Scenes had a clear tone or mood.
Each scene was interesting.
Clarity
6 point maximum. This category focuses on the entry’s readability & communication.
Readability (6)
Story is able to be followed & understood by audience.
Actions are able to be followed & understood by audience.
Characters are described/drawn clearly and are distinct from one another.
Dialogue is clearly portrayed. Spoken & internal dialogues are discernable.
Sound effects/onomatopoeia are denoted.
Time & location of scene are clearly conveyed; or if time/location is purposefully obscured, the new timeframe/location is clearly different from the prior scene. (ie. comic panels using sepia to portray events in the past)
Characterization
7 point maximum. This category focuses on character portrayal in the entry.
Story (1)
Each character has a clear role to play in the story.
Distinction (2)
Characters are unique enough to tell apart by speech.
Characters stand out from each other visually or descriptively.
Persona (2)
Each character’s speech is consistent with their personality.
Characters are expressive; level of expression is in proportion to their personality.
Motives & Goals (2)
Characters’ actions are consistent with their motives or goals.
Characters’ actions are accurate to their hierarchy of goals & motives.
Climax
5 point maximum. This category focuses on the highlight of the entry. While most think of the climax being the main event of the overarching plot, each entry should have a “peak” moment— for example, the decision to join the tournament in the audition, the fight against an opponent, a dramatic personal moment for the protagonist, etc.
Setup (1)
Setup to climax is effective.
Climax (3)
Climax is present in entry.
Climax is effective for the established entry.
Climax is satisfactory for the audience.
Falling Action (1)
Falling Action after climax is effective.
Polish
4 point maximum. This category focuses on the final touches that make an entry shine.
No errors in spelling or grammar (excluding dialogue/sfx).
“Colorful” descriptions or imagery for each scene.
(note: not necessarily “full color” for visual mediums).
“Finalized” feeling to the entry— every element is cohesive and works together. If visuals are present, they complement the writing (in dialogue and/or descriptions).
Entry’s style is consistent throughout the piece.
Editing
6 point maximum. Up to 1 additional bonus point. This section focuses on the revision stages of an entry.
Editing
5 point maximum. Up to 1 additional bonus point. This category focuses on how well an entry was edited.
Spelling & Grammar (2)
Spelling & grammar is sufficient for audience understanding of the gist of the scenario.
Entry has been proofread and edited to ensure as few errors in spelling & grammar as possible, improving audience comprehension of scenarios.
Editing (3)
Entry is comprehensible; enough information is given to sufficiently portray the entry.
Entry is concise. No scenes are redundant or unnecessary; descriptions are clear and vivid without repeating or overstaying their welcome; dialogue is effective and concise while retaining characterization.
Chekhov's gun: all elements present serve a purpose or are used ("use" including foreshadowing).
UX
1 point maximum. Up to 1 additional bonus point. This category focuses on the user experience for both enjoying & working on the entry.
Platform (1)
Entry is presented on a platform with good user experience; seamless experience when consuming the entry. (ie. Cubari.moe is a great experience for reading comic entries by scrolling or flipping pages; .PDFs are best for narrative prose; videos hosted on a streaming platform that don't need to buffer with decent WiFi connection.)
(Audience should not need to hunt down pieces [multiple links] of the entry to experience it in full.)
Bonus: Communicative
(Rounds) Creator(s) was reasonably available for answering opponent(s)’s questions & responsive when working on the entry.
(Audition) Creator(s) followed OCT guidelines and was reasonably available for answering organizer(s)’s questions if follow-up was needed when submitting.