HELLGATE HIGH SCHOOL SPEECH AND DEBATE
RULES AND REGULATIONS HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Note from the Head Coach…………………………………………………………………………………... 2
Staying Connected & Communication………………………………………………................................ 3
Meet Schedule………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4
Meetings and Practices…………………………………………………………………………………………... 4
Absence Policy……………………………………………………………………………………………………….5
Traveling Team Selection Procedure………………………………………………………………………. 5
Earning a Varsity Letter…………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
Competition Rules…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6
Bus Rules………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
Hotel Rules……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
Speech and Debate Event Descriptions…………………………………………………………………... 8
National Forensic League Membership, Participation Fee, and Deadlines………...………. 10
Signature Page………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11
A NOTE FROM THE COACH
Welcome to Speech and Debate! I am so excited to see what this season has in store for the Hellgate Knights. Speech and Debate is a unique activity because students travel as a team, but have the opportunity to compete individually. Just like any other sport or activity students are required to practice on a regular basis and attend meets to which they have been invited. Because tournament rules only allow us to bring forty-two competitors to any given meet, not all students will be able to attend every meet. Students who strive to meet the guidelines for competing will be the first selected to travel (see page 6). My goal is to have the most students attend as many meets as possible; I will do my best to get every participant to at least a few meets. However, with such a large team and so many newcomers, I ask that parents and participants stay flexible.
I am thrilled that you have chosen to be a part of this team and activity. Speech and Debate, often overlooked due to the fact that it is not a spectator sport, aids students in their ability to think critically, research, speak well in public, write persuasively, and understand the complexity of a controversial topic. It urges students to have an open mind until they are informed enough to individually develop an opinion based on research, and gives young people the confidence, resources, and skills needed to deliver a speech in a variety of ways. Hellgate’s team has grown immensely in size and in ability over the past few years, and we can’t wait to see what this new season has to offer!
Thank you so much for participating and for encouraging your students to participate. Please feel free to contact me with ANY questions or concerns that you might have; I know that you will have plenty with this complex and competitive event!
Best Regards,
Kelly Bathje
Hellgate Head Speech & Debate Coach
[email protected]
406-728-2400 x6082
STAYING CONNECTED & COMMUNICATION
Due to changes in coaches over the past few years, the previously designated website (hellgatespeech&debate.weebly.com) is under construction but will be up and running in October! It will contain contact information for coaches and our parent group, updated practice and meet schedules, current topics, opportunities for parents to get involved, this handbook, and additional resources! A notification will be made on our Facebook page once it’s up and running. It will most likely be updated weekly based on fundraising events, changes in the schedule, etc.
Students and parents are welcome to join the Hellgate Speech and Debate Facebook page where we also post information. This is a great place for students and parents to communicate with each other as a collaborative community. The 2017-18 season captains will be in charge of adding students, and then students can help add parents (if desired).
Finally, if you have any questions or concerns at all, please don’t hesitate to contact your coaches!!! Here is our contact information:
Head Coach
Kelly Bathje
[email protected]
Events: Public Forum, Policy, Lincoln Douglas, and Legislative Debate; Extemporaneous Speaking and Impromptu Speaking
Assistant Coach
Hillary Sea Bard
Events: Humorous, Dramatic, and Duo Interpretation, Original Oratory; Memorized Public Speaking, Expository Speaking
2017-18 Season Captains
Su Su Oo, Otis Peterson, Dillon Deschamps, Natalie Millar
MEET SCHEDULE
Attending speech and debate meets, if selected for the traveling team, is required. We are not a club, but rather a competitive activity. State and NSDA meets are “qualified” meets, meaning that only those who the coaches approve to attend may attend. PUT THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDAR NOW AND SCHEDULE AROUND THEM – there are plenty of SAT/ ACT dates, so remember to plan ahead.
NOTE: This schedule is tentative - we may not be attending every single meet depending on outside factors such as hotels, travel, competitor numbers, etc.
Friday, October 27- Saturday, October 28 Butte
Friday, November 3 - Saturday, November 4 Billings/Kalispell
Friday, November 10 - Saturday, November 11 Bozeman
Friday, December 1 - Saturday, December 2 Helena/Carroll
Friday, December 8 - Saturday, December 9 Kalispell Regional
Friday December 15 - Saturday December 16 Billings Regional
Friday, January 12 - Saturday, January 13 Missoula
Friday, January 26 - Saturday, January 27 State AA Great Falls
Friday, February 9 - Saturday, February 10 Helena
MEETINGS AND PRACTICES
Full Team Mandatory Weekly Monday Meetings, 3:15 pm, Room 303C
We will have a meeting every Monday directly after school. If there is a short week due to school holidays we will meet the first school day that week. DO NOT SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS FOR MONDAY AFTER SCHOOL. WE HAVE MEETINGS EVERY MONDAY FROM 3:15-3:30 AND THERE ARE NO EXCUSES. YOU MUST BE THERE OR YOU WILL NOT ATTEND THE NEXT MEET. FAILURE TO ATTEND MORE THAN 2 MEETINGS WILL RESULT IN BEING CUT FROM THE TEAM. You must practice each week, attend meets regularly, and attend our weekly informational meetings so that you can be kept abreast of any and all changes or important requirements for the team.
Practice
All competitors wishing to travel must complete at least two practices a week. Failure to do so will mean your spot will be filled by another student at the next meet. Students who will not be traveling are still expected to practice once every week. I encourage students to attend as many practices as possible, even if you don’t stand up and speak helping other team members will help build your knowledge as a competitor. Students who do not attend practice for two weeks consecutively will be cut from the team.
ABSENCE POLICY
We understand that there may be unavoidable scheduling conflicts that require students to miss meets or team meetings. Please notify coaches AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you are unable to attend for any reason; the more notice we have the more flexible we can be. In order for absences to be excused coaches must be notified at least one week (7 days) in advance. Please note that we may not excuse every absence; sleepovers, ski trips, and other non-school events that can be rescheduled will be considered unexcused. You now have the schedule for the entire season, so please plan accordingly. Unexcused absences will result in the loss of travel privileges for the next meet.
TRAVELING TEAM SELECTION PROCEDURE
As stated earlier, it is my goal to have the most students attend as many meets as possible, and I will do my best to get every participant to at least a few meets. However, with such a large team and so many newcomers, I ask parents and participants to be flexible and respectful of decisions made in the best interest of the team. In the four years I’ve been at Hellgate I have never had a student meet all the traveling requirements and not be invited to at least a few meets each season.
EARNING A VARSITY LETTER
Criteria for earning a Varsity Letter in Speech and Debate at Hellgate High School:
Attend mandatory meetings (Mondays after school and any emergency); minimum of 2 practices per week or all debate practices depending on your event; attend all meets that you are invited to (a maximum of one (1) can be missed & NEITHER the State Meet nor the NFL Meet can be missed in order to letter). Attend at least 2 fundraising events or be involved in at least 1 fundraising campaign should they occur (raffles, showcase, etc…).
COMPETITION RULES
HOTEL RULES
SPEECH AND DEBATE EVENT DESCRIPTIONS
taken from the National Forensic League website, www.speechanddebate.org
Debate Events
Policy Debate: A two-on-two debate that focuses on a policy question for the duration of the academic year, this format tests a student’s research, analytical, and delivery skills. Policy Debate involves the proposal of a plan by the affirmative team to enact a policy, while the negative team offers reasons to reject that proposal. Throughout the debate, students have the opportunity to cross-examine one another. A judge or panel of judges determines the winner based on the arguments presented.
Lincoln Douglas Debate: In this one-on-one format, students debate a topic provided by the NFL Association. Lincoln Douglas Debate topics range from individual freedom versus the collective good to economic development versus environmental protection. An entire debate is roughly 45 minutes and consists of constructive speeches, rebuttals, and cross-examination. Many people refer to this event as a “values” debate, as questions of morality and justice are commonly examined. Students prepare cases and then engage in an exchange of cross-examinations and rebuttals in an attempt to convince a judge or panel of judges that s/he has won the round.
Public Forum Debate: Public Forum Debate involves opposing teams of two, debating a topic concerning a current event. Proceeding a coin toss, the winners choose which side to debate (PRO or CON) or which speaker position they prefer (1st or 2nd), and the other team receives the remaining option. Students present cases, engage in rebuttal and refutation, and also participate in a “crossfire” (similar to a cross-examination) with the opportunity to question the opposing team. This event is focused upon debating varying resolutions that change frequently, which exposes students to a variety of topics during a singular competitive season.
Legislative Debate: Students generate a series of bills and resolutions to debate in this event. Debaters alternate delivering speeches for and against a topic in a group setting. Students are assessed on their research, argumentation, and delivery skills, as well as their knowledge and use of parliamentary procedure.
Short-Time Prep Events
Extemporaneous Speaking: Extemporaneous is a public speaking event where students have a total of thirty minutes wherein they draw a question, formulate arguments, outline a speech, collect topical evidence, practice, and deliver a five-to-seven minute speech. The speech is given without the use of notes and uses an introduction, different sub-bodies, and a brief conclusion. The speech generally has an informative or persuasive tone with variations of conveying information. Speeches are based upon questions begging consideration of both foreign and domestic policy, as well as social and world issues that are pressing in current events. Students consider the use of various news sources, current events, anecdotes, quotations, and logic to help formulate ideas to help prepare a speech.
Impromptu Speaking: Impromptu is a public speaking event where students have seven total minutes to select a topic, brainstorm their ideas, outline the speech, and finally, deliver the speech. The speech is given without notes and uses an introduction, body, and conclusion. The speech can be light-hearted or serious. Speeches are based upon prompts that range from nursery rhymes and celebrities to organizations, current events, and more. Students consider the use of humor, personal anecdote, historical perspectives, news stories, and logic to help formulate their ideas when preparing the speech.
Memorized Speech Events
Original Oratory: Students deliver a self-written, ten-minute speech on a topic of their choosing. Limited in their ability to quote words directly, Original Oratory competitors craft an argument using evidence, logic, and emotional appeals. Topics range widely, and may be informative or persuasive in nature. The speech is delivered from memory.
Memorized Public Address: Students deliver a 10 minute speech that has previously been presented to a live audience by a person of the students’ choosing. Student must strive to make their presentation unique in order to make it memorable and stand out for judges in a round. Each speech will also include a short analysis which accounts for no more than 30% of the piece.
Expository Speaking: Expository Speaking is an informative speech that introduces to the audience a topic of the student’s choosing. The speaker should provide unique insights and explore interesting implications. At its core, Expository Speaking is an informative speech. Students doing Expository may cover topics ranging from an organization to a product , a process or concept. Effective speeches provide new information or perspectives on a topic, including those that are widely known.
Interpretation Speech Events
Humorous Interpretation: Using a play, short story, or other published work, students perform a selection of one or more portions of a piece up to ten minutes in length. Humorous Interpretation is designed to test a student’s comedic skills through script analysis, delivery, timing, and character development. Competitors may portray one or multiple characters. No props or costumes may be used. Performances can also include an introduction written by the student to contextualize the performance and state the title and author.
Dramatic Interpretation: Using a play, short story, or other published work, students perform a selection of one or more portions of a piece up to ten minutes in length. With a spotlight on character development and depth, Dramatic Interpretation focuses on a student’s ability to convey emotion through the use of a dramatic text. Competitors may portray one or multiple characters. No props or costumes may be used. Performances may also include an introduction written by the student to contextualize the performance and state the title and author.
Duo Interpretation: Two competitors team up to deliver a ten-minute performance of a published play or story. Using off-stage focus, Duo Interpretation competitors convey emotion and environment through a variety of performance techniques focusing on the relationships and interactions between the characters. No props or costumes are used. Performances may also include an introduction written by the students to contextualize the performance and state the title and author.
PARTICIPATION FEES AND DEADLINE
Every member must pay the Hellgate High School $60.00 activity participation fee and have an activity card ($25.00) in order to participate in practices and meets. Please let your coaches or your AD know if you need help paying for this. Pay Jeanie Hughes in the main office (all checks payable to Hellgate High School) and bring the head coach your receipt by October 6th.
In addition, each student competing on the Hellgate High School Speech and Debate Team will be required to pay a one time fee of fifteen ($15) dollars to become a member of the National Speech & Debate Association (formerly known as the National Forensics League). Membership in the NSDA grants you many things, including:
BY OCTOBER 6th, THE HEAD COACH NEEDS:
· The final page of this packet signed by student and parent.
· Receipts from Jeanie showing you paid your participation fees.
· To be shown your activity card
· Completed, signed medical/code of conduct card (found in main office)
· Receipt showing you paid your NSDA fee
SIGNATURE PAGE
(Please detach this page from packet and submit to Head Coach)
We have read and understand the rules and regulations for Hellgate High School’s 2017-18 Competitive Speech and Debate Team season as written in the Handbook.
________________________________________ ____________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
________________________________________ ____________
Student Signature Date
RULES AND REGULATIONS HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Note from the Head Coach…………………………………………………………………………………... 2
Staying Connected & Communication………………………………………………................................ 3
Meet Schedule………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4
Meetings and Practices…………………………………………………………………………………………... 4
Absence Policy……………………………………………………………………………………………………….5
Traveling Team Selection Procedure………………………………………………………………………. 5
Earning a Varsity Letter…………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
Competition Rules…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6
Bus Rules………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
Hotel Rules……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
Speech and Debate Event Descriptions…………………………………………………………………... 8
National Forensic League Membership, Participation Fee, and Deadlines………...………. 10
Signature Page………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11
A NOTE FROM THE COACH
Welcome to Speech and Debate! I am so excited to see what this season has in store for the Hellgate Knights. Speech and Debate is a unique activity because students travel as a team, but have the opportunity to compete individually. Just like any other sport or activity students are required to practice on a regular basis and attend meets to which they have been invited. Because tournament rules only allow us to bring forty-two competitors to any given meet, not all students will be able to attend every meet. Students who strive to meet the guidelines for competing will be the first selected to travel (see page 6). My goal is to have the most students attend as many meets as possible; I will do my best to get every participant to at least a few meets. However, with such a large team and so many newcomers, I ask that parents and participants stay flexible.
I am thrilled that you have chosen to be a part of this team and activity. Speech and Debate, often overlooked due to the fact that it is not a spectator sport, aids students in their ability to think critically, research, speak well in public, write persuasively, and understand the complexity of a controversial topic. It urges students to have an open mind until they are informed enough to individually develop an opinion based on research, and gives young people the confidence, resources, and skills needed to deliver a speech in a variety of ways. Hellgate’s team has grown immensely in size and in ability over the past few years, and we can’t wait to see what this new season has to offer!
Thank you so much for participating and for encouraging your students to participate. Please feel free to contact me with ANY questions or concerns that you might have; I know that you will have plenty with this complex and competitive event!
Best Regards,
Kelly Bathje
Hellgate Head Speech & Debate Coach
[email protected]
406-728-2400 x6082
STAYING CONNECTED & COMMUNICATION
Due to changes in coaches over the past few years, the previously designated website (hellgatespeech&debate.weebly.com) is under construction but will be up and running in October! It will contain contact information for coaches and our parent group, updated practice and meet schedules, current topics, opportunities for parents to get involved, this handbook, and additional resources! A notification will be made on our Facebook page once it’s up and running. It will most likely be updated weekly based on fundraising events, changes in the schedule, etc.
Students and parents are welcome to join the Hellgate Speech and Debate Facebook page where we also post information. This is a great place for students and parents to communicate with each other as a collaborative community. The 2017-18 season captains will be in charge of adding students, and then students can help add parents (if desired).
Finally, if you have any questions or concerns at all, please don’t hesitate to contact your coaches!!! Here is our contact information:
Head Coach
Kelly Bathje
[email protected]
Events: Public Forum, Policy, Lincoln Douglas, and Legislative Debate; Extemporaneous Speaking and Impromptu Speaking
Assistant Coach
Hillary Sea Bard
Events: Humorous, Dramatic, and Duo Interpretation, Original Oratory; Memorized Public Speaking, Expository Speaking
2017-18 Season Captains
Su Su Oo, Otis Peterson, Dillon Deschamps, Natalie Millar
MEET SCHEDULE
Attending speech and debate meets, if selected for the traveling team, is required. We are not a club, but rather a competitive activity. State and NSDA meets are “qualified” meets, meaning that only those who the coaches approve to attend may attend. PUT THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDAR NOW AND SCHEDULE AROUND THEM – there are plenty of SAT/ ACT dates, so remember to plan ahead.
NOTE: This schedule is tentative - we may not be attending every single meet depending on outside factors such as hotels, travel, competitor numbers, etc.
Friday, October 27- Saturday, October 28 Butte
Friday, November 3 - Saturday, November 4 Billings/Kalispell
Friday, November 10 - Saturday, November 11 Bozeman
Friday, December 1 - Saturday, December 2 Helena/Carroll
Friday, December 8 - Saturday, December 9 Kalispell Regional
Friday December 15 - Saturday December 16 Billings Regional
Friday, January 12 - Saturday, January 13 Missoula
Friday, January 26 - Saturday, January 27 State AA Great Falls
Friday, February 9 - Saturday, February 10 Helena
MEETINGS AND PRACTICES
Full Team Mandatory Weekly Monday Meetings, 3:15 pm, Room 303C
We will have a meeting every Monday directly after school. If there is a short week due to school holidays we will meet the first school day that week. DO NOT SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS FOR MONDAY AFTER SCHOOL. WE HAVE MEETINGS EVERY MONDAY FROM 3:15-3:30 AND THERE ARE NO EXCUSES. YOU MUST BE THERE OR YOU WILL NOT ATTEND THE NEXT MEET. FAILURE TO ATTEND MORE THAN 2 MEETINGS WILL RESULT IN BEING CUT FROM THE TEAM. You must practice each week, attend meets regularly, and attend our weekly informational meetings so that you can be kept abreast of any and all changes or important requirements for the team.
Practice
All competitors wishing to travel must complete at least two practices a week. Failure to do so will mean your spot will be filled by another student at the next meet. Students who will not be traveling are still expected to practice once every week. I encourage students to attend as many practices as possible, even if you don’t stand up and speak helping other team members will help build your knowledge as a competitor. Students who do not attend practice for two weeks consecutively will be cut from the team.
ABSENCE POLICY
We understand that there may be unavoidable scheduling conflicts that require students to miss meets or team meetings. Please notify coaches AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you are unable to attend for any reason; the more notice we have the more flexible we can be. In order for absences to be excused coaches must be notified at least one week (7 days) in advance. Please note that we may not excuse every absence; sleepovers, ski trips, and other non-school events that can be rescheduled will be considered unexcused. You now have the schedule for the entire season, so please plan accordingly. Unexcused absences will result in the loss of travel privileges for the next meet.
TRAVELING TEAM SELECTION PROCEDURE
- Willingness to work hard towards presentation goals both at practices and on own time.
- Follow all school policy rules for participation in a Missoula County Public Schools sponsored activity.
- Regular attendance and obvious effort at all required practices for your event.
- Attend all mandatory meetings required by the coaches.
- Attend all designated meets for the season.
- Strive to meet lettering requirements – including the FUNDRAISING.
- Work well with fellow team members.
- Maintain positive attitude throughout the season.
- Maintain good grades – 2.5 or better. *Students will be required to submit grade checks once a month*
- Obey bus rules stated by coaches & the Beach Bus Company.
- Obey all participation rules set down by coaches for competition.
- Students must have the activity fee and NFL fee paid before the first meet of the season.
- Represent self, team, school, and community with pride and dignity.
As stated earlier, it is my goal to have the most students attend as many meets as possible, and I will do my best to get every participant to at least a few meets. However, with such a large team and so many newcomers, I ask parents and participants to be flexible and respectful of decisions made in the best interest of the team. In the four years I’ve been at Hellgate I have never had a student meet all the traveling requirements and not be invited to at least a few meets each season.
EARNING A VARSITY LETTER
Criteria for earning a Varsity Letter in Speech and Debate at Hellgate High School:
Attend mandatory meetings (Mondays after school and any emergency); minimum of 2 practices per week or all debate practices depending on your event; attend all meets that you are invited to (a maximum of one (1) can be missed & NEITHER the State Meet nor the NFL Meet can be missed in order to letter). Attend at least 2 fundraising events or be involved in at least 1 fundraising campaign should they occur (raffles, showcase, etc…).
COMPETITION RULES
- If a pre-arranged absence form is not turned in by the assigned date, the student will not be allowed to attend the meet. (It will result in a drop fee of $20 charged to the student). Be responsible for getting this signed by teachers.
- The bus leaves at the appointed time from the school. Be on time or be left behind. If a competitor misses the bus or does not show up for the bus, the competitor will be charged a late drop fee of $20 and registration fee.
- Competitors must attend all classes prior to the time that they are excused on the day of a meet. Failure to attend morning classes before boarding the bus will result in a $20 drop fee and inability to attend the meet.
- CONCERNING DROP FEES – any drop made after the registration has been turned in (10 days prior to each meet) will result in a $20 drop fee. Please realize the team is charged a fee to drop students, and coaches must redo all rooming lists and registrations in addition to making extra phone calls to notify the host school. PLEASE LET THE HEAD COACH KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND A MEET.
- If a competitor does not make the bus, a parent may drive the student to competition. The student CANNOT drive himself/herself to a competition. The student will not be allowed to compete for liability purposes. Also, if a parent would like to pick a student up from a meet, they must present a signed letter asking permission to the Activities Director at least 3 days before departure. The AD will sign it and give a copy to the head coach. The coach must see the parent with the student to release the student into parental custody. (Ask if you have questions on this one.)
- Professional dress will be worn at all times during competition and through the awards ceremony. NO EXCEPTIONS! Violation of this rule will result in the competitor sitting on the bus during the Awards ceremony or from the time of the infraction. MULTIPLE INFRACTIONS WILL RESULT IN BEING CUT FROM THE TEAM.
- Award ceremony behavior will be dignified! No catcalls, screaming at the top of your lungs, or snide remarks. Clap, then sit down. This moves the awards ceremony along.
- No boom boxes will be allowed on meets.
- Leave valuables at home. There has been theft of personal articles between rounds.
- Pack it in; pack it out. Remember we are guests in the school(s) holding the meet. Clean up after yourselves in the area designated for students.
- Inappropriate behaviors (i.e., making sounds or faces during another competitor’s performance) during rounds that result in comments from other competitors or coaches will be dealt with immediately by removal from competition and loss of traveling privileges.
- Do not leave the school or campus during the meet EVER! Dismissal from the team will be immediate, and your parents will have to come pick you up from the meet.
- Display appropriate behavior between rounds. No public displays of affection. Do this on your own time. You are representing Hellgate High School.
- Students are encouraged to bring schoolwork to do between rounds. As coaches, we realize students are missing valuable class time, and thus they need to keep up with assignments. Schoolwork is always our #1 priority. IF STUDENTS DO NOT HAVE A PASSING GPA IN ALL CLASSES, SUSPENSION FROM COMPETITION WILL TAKE PLACE UNTIL GRADES ARE PASSING (all teachers must approve).
- Remember—we want to be remembered as a “Class Act.”
- At the last practice before a meet, a complete cut/ case/presentation must be given with visuals (if applicable).
- Food/drinks within reason. For example: no pudding, no sunflower seeds, pizza, loose condiments (ketchup) and no ice cream or other milk products. Avoid nut products due to potential allergy issues. Drinks with a screw top lid only will be allowed on the bus. Violation will mean no food or drink on the bus and staying after to clean the bus. Clean up your trash.
- If you bring electronic games, no sound.
- Music may be played with headphones only.
- If we have a bus with video capability, the coaches select the videos.
- No cursing; others do not appreciate listening to it.
- Keep your feet on the floor, not on the seats. ALSO, STAY SEATED, FACE FORWARD FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL.
- No yelling/screaming on the bus.
- No singing or musical instruments on bus!
- The coaches reserve the right to add rules as needed.
HOTEL RULES
- Competitors MUST treat hotel/motel property with respect. IF ANY DAMAGE is done to hotel/motel property, we will contact parents regarding financial reimbursement.
- If, upon entering your room, you discover anything wrong with your room immediately upon check-in, let us (coaches) know so that we can let the motel management know, or else they will charge back such damage to the school.
- NO BOYS IN GIRLS ROOMS—NO GIRLS IN BOYS ROOMS – PERIOD. NO EXCEPTIONS. You can talk in the hall until curfew. Violations will result in being cut from the team.
- Curfew is when stated by the coaches. The time will be strictly kept. You are at the meet to compete, not play. Getting your rest means being prepared for competition the next day.
- Don’t ask to go to the food/drink machines when coaches are taking roll for the curfew room check. You will be denied permission. Similarly, if you order take out, it must be delivered by curfew. You can tell time---use it wisely.
- Check your room before you leave it for articles you may have left. We have not had the best of luck in finding lost articles at the hotel/motels after they have been cleaned by the staff.
- When given the wake-up call and departure time from the hotel/motel, it is a firm time. If you are late, the bus will leave at the appointed time to deliver fellow teammates to the competition. The bus will then come back for you. (This could result in a “8” score or a loss in the first round of that day.) Do not jeopardize your teammates' or your own opportunities to compete by being late.
SPEECH AND DEBATE EVENT DESCRIPTIONS
taken from the National Forensic League website, www.speechanddebate.org
Debate Events
Policy Debate: A two-on-two debate that focuses on a policy question for the duration of the academic year, this format tests a student’s research, analytical, and delivery skills. Policy Debate involves the proposal of a plan by the affirmative team to enact a policy, while the negative team offers reasons to reject that proposal. Throughout the debate, students have the opportunity to cross-examine one another. A judge or panel of judges determines the winner based on the arguments presented.
Lincoln Douglas Debate: In this one-on-one format, students debate a topic provided by the NFL Association. Lincoln Douglas Debate topics range from individual freedom versus the collective good to economic development versus environmental protection. An entire debate is roughly 45 minutes and consists of constructive speeches, rebuttals, and cross-examination. Many people refer to this event as a “values” debate, as questions of morality and justice are commonly examined. Students prepare cases and then engage in an exchange of cross-examinations and rebuttals in an attempt to convince a judge or panel of judges that s/he has won the round.
Public Forum Debate: Public Forum Debate involves opposing teams of two, debating a topic concerning a current event. Proceeding a coin toss, the winners choose which side to debate (PRO or CON) or which speaker position they prefer (1st or 2nd), and the other team receives the remaining option. Students present cases, engage in rebuttal and refutation, and also participate in a “crossfire” (similar to a cross-examination) with the opportunity to question the opposing team. This event is focused upon debating varying resolutions that change frequently, which exposes students to a variety of topics during a singular competitive season.
Legislative Debate: Students generate a series of bills and resolutions to debate in this event. Debaters alternate delivering speeches for and against a topic in a group setting. Students are assessed on their research, argumentation, and delivery skills, as well as their knowledge and use of parliamentary procedure.
Short-Time Prep Events
Extemporaneous Speaking: Extemporaneous is a public speaking event where students have a total of thirty minutes wherein they draw a question, formulate arguments, outline a speech, collect topical evidence, practice, and deliver a five-to-seven minute speech. The speech is given without the use of notes and uses an introduction, different sub-bodies, and a brief conclusion. The speech generally has an informative or persuasive tone with variations of conveying information. Speeches are based upon questions begging consideration of both foreign and domestic policy, as well as social and world issues that are pressing in current events. Students consider the use of various news sources, current events, anecdotes, quotations, and logic to help formulate ideas to help prepare a speech.
Impromptu Speaking: Impromptu is a public speaking event where students have seven total minutes to select a topic, brainstorm their ideas, outline the speech, and finally, deliver the speech. The speech is given without notes and uses an introduction, body, and conclusion. The speech can be light-hearted or serious. Speeches are based upon prompts that range from nursery rhymes and celebrities to organizations, current events, and more. Students consider the use of humor, personal anecdote, historical perspectives, news stories, and logic to help formulate their ideas when preparing the speech.
Memorized Speech Events
Original Oratory: Students deliver a self-written, ten-minute speech on a topic of their choosing. Limited in their ability to quote words directly, Original Oratory competitors craft an argument using evidence, logic, and emotional appeals. Topics range widely, and may be informative or persuasive in nature. The speech is delivered from memory.
Memorized Public Address: Students deliver a 10 minute speech that has previously been presented to a live audience by a person of the students’ choosing. Student must strive to make their presentation unique in order to make it memorable and stand out for judges in a round. Each speech will also include a short analysis which accounts for no more than 30% of the piece.
Expository Speaking: Expository Speaking is an informative speech that introduces to the audience a topic of the student’s choosing. The speaker should provide unique insights and explore interesting implications. At its core, Expository Speaking is an informative speech. Students doing Expository may cover topics ranging from an organization to a product , a process or concept. Effective speeches provide new information or perspectives on a topic, including those that are widely known.
Interpretation Speech Events
Humorous Interpretation: Using a play, short story, or other published work, students perform a selection of one or more portions of a piece up to ten minutes in length. Humorous Interpretation is designed to test a student’s comedic skills through script analysis, delivery, timing, and character development. Competitors may portray one or multiple characters. No props or costumes may be used. Performances can also include an introduction written by the student to contextualize the performance and state the title and author.
Dramatic Interpretation: Using a play, short story, or other published work, students perform a selection of one or more portions of a piece up to ten minutes in length. With a spotlight on character development and depth, Dramatic Interpretation focuses on a student’s ability to convey emotion through the use of a dramatic text. Competitors may portray one or multiple characters. No props or costumes may be used. Performances may also include an introduction written by the student to contextualize the performance and state the title and author.
Duo Interpretation: Two competitors team up to deliver a ten-minute performance of a published play or story. Using off-stage focus, Duo Interpretation competitors convey emotion and environment through a variety of performance techniques focusing on the relationships and interactions between the characters. No props or costumes are used. Performances may also include an introduction written by the students to contextualize the performance and state the title and author.
PARTICIPATION FEES AND DEADLINE
Every member must pay the Hellgate High School $60.00 activity participation fee and have an activity card ($25.00) in order to participate in practices and meets. Please let your coaches or your AD know if you need help paying for this. Pay Jeanie Hughes in the main office (all checks payable to Hellgate High School) and bring the head coach your receipt by October 6th.
In addition, each student competing on the Hellgate High School Speech and Debate Team will be required to pay a one time fee of fifteen ($15) dollars to become a member of the National Speech & Debate Association (formerly known as the National Forensics League). Membership in the NSDA grants you many things, including:
- Membership in a national organization
- Opportunities to earn scholarships
- Eligibility for State and National Tournaments
- Opportunities to earn points towards award levels
- Resources to assist you in learning how to speak responsibly and confidently
BY OCTOBER 6th, THE HEAD COACH NEEDS:
· The final page of this packet signed by student and parent.
· Receipts from Jeanie showing you paid your participation fees.
· To be shown your activity card
· Completed, signed medical/code of conduct card (found in main office)
· Receipt showing you paid your NSDA fee
SIGNATURE PAGE
(Please detach this page from packet and submit to Head Coach)
We have read and understand the rules and regulations for Hellgate High School’s 2017-18 Competitive Speech and Debate Team season as written in the Handbook.
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Parent/Guardian Signature Date
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Student Signature Date