This handbook combines in a single publication several sets of guidelines for separate competitive events sponsored by the Virginia Association of the Distributive Education Clubs of America (VA DECA). The handbook is organized to promote understanding of the relationships between the competitive events held on the national level and those sponsored by VA DECA on the district and state levels and between the distributive education regular program and DECA co-curricular chapter activities. The material has been selected to be used as a resource by both new and experienced DECA chapter advisors in their administration of competitions sponsored by VA DECA. An introductory section explains the VA DECA competitive events program's purpose and rationale and a chart of competitive events. The rest of the guide is organized in six sections. The sections provide the following information: (1) competency-based competitive events; (2) individual participation events; (3) selection and training of judges for competency-based and individual participation events; (4) individual written events; (5) chapter activities; and (6) DECA Diamond Project guide. Sample forms are provided for all activities. (KC)