FINANCIAL SERVICES

This event provides recognition for PBL members who can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the skills necessary in the general operations of various components of the financial services industry.

This event consists of two (2) parts: an objective test and an interactive role-play situation that may include ethics, government regulations, types of institutions, technology, etc.

COMPETENCIES

The one-hour objective test will consist of questions related to concepts and practices; government regulations; basic terminology; impact of technology on services; types and differences between the various types of institutions; ethics; taxation; and careers in financial services.  In the case of a team, team members will take one (1) objective test collaboratively.

ELIGIBILITY

Participants must have paid state and national dues postmarked by February 15 of the current school year.

Each chapter may enter one (1) individual or team of no more than 3, comprised of active local members.  Participants must be on record in the FBLA-PBL national office as having paid dues by February 15 of the current school year.

In the case of a team, no more than one member may have entered this event at a previous National Leadership Conference, have competed more than two (2) years at the national level, or placed 1st or 2nd at a previous State Leadership Conference.

REGULATIONS

·         Participants must be selected in accordance with the regulations of the FBLA district, state chapter, and the national association.

·         Individuals may not have competed in this event at a previous National Leadership Conference or placed 1st or 2nd in this event at a previous State Leadership Conference. In the case of a team, no more than one team member may have competed in this event at a previous National Leadership Conference or placed 1st or 2nd in this event at a previous State Leadership Conference.

·         Participants failing to report on time may be either disqualified or permitted to begin late with no extension of the time as scheduled.

·         Participants must furnish their own No. 2 pencils and erasers.  Students may bring financial calculators to the event.  No other electronic devices may be brought to the event.   No reference materials or other items are to be brought to the event.

·         Participants must adhere to the dress code established by the Board of Directors or they will not be permitted to participate in the competitive event.

PROCEDURE—ORAL PRESENTATION

·         The five individuals or teams with the highest test score will advance to the final round. Times will be scheduled by an impartial person in the state office.

·         Finalists will receive the case study the evening prior to the final round of competition.

·         Participants can research the case during the period from receiving the case until presentation time.

·         Student members, not advisers, must conduct the research and prepare the presentation.

·         Facts and working data must be cited and be secured from quality sources (peer review docs, legal docs, experts in the field, etc.)

·         Participants will be permitted to bring prepared notes.

·         Presentation materials (i.e., laptops/devices, posters, flip charts, etc.) are allowed.  Teams must provide all materials to be utilized; however, no items may be left with the judges.

·         Five minutes will be allowed to set up equipment or presentation items. When five minutes have elapsed, the timer will automatically start the seven-minute performance clock.

·         The individual or team has seven minutes to interact with a panel of judges and present the solution to the case.  The judges will play the role of the second party in the presentation and refer to the case for specifics.  This is a role-play event.

·         The teams should introduce themselves, describe the situation, make their recommendations, and summarize their case.  All team members are expected to actively participate in the performance.

A timekeeper will stand at six (6) minutes and again at seven (7) minutes.

JUDGING

The presentations will be evaluated by a panel of judges.  All decisions of the judges are final.

AWARDS

State State awards for the top five places are presented at the State Leadership Conference.

National        The judges will determine the number of awards presented at the National Leadership Conference.  The maximum number will be ten (10).