Coaching Guide - University of Vermontdebate.uvm.edu/dcpdf/NFL_coachingguide.pdf · 2011. 12. 24. · Coaching Guide 5 Summer/Before School Begins (continued) 6. Investigate establishing

CoachingGuide:DirectingSpeechandDebateActivities

Release:September15,2011Version#:6.0.0

Fall 2011‐2012

NationalForensicLeagueOurcoachesmatter.YourworkasanNFLcoachwillchallenge,motivate,andinspirestudentstoseetheworldasnever

before.Alongtheway,you'lltestyourskillsandbroadenyourhorizons–andlearnafewthingsyourself.

Thiscoachguidewasdesignedtohelpyoumanageyourteamsuccessfully.Betweenitscovers,you’llfindeverythingyou

needtojumpstartyourteam,fromanoverviewoftheactivityitself,totheprocessesofmanaginganNFLchapter,to

administeringandbuildingyourprogramingeneral.We’veevenincludedaglossaryofspeechanddebateterms.

Additionalresourcesarealsoavailableonourwebsite,www.NFLonline.org.

w w w . N F L o n l i n e . o r g

©2011•NationalForensicLeague CoachingGuide 2

ON

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TableofContentsPurposeoftheNationalForensicLeague 3

StartingUp:ACoachToolkit 4TournamentsforNewbies 10

RunninganNFLChapter 11CompetitiveEventsOffered 11TypesofNFLSchool(Chapter)Membership 12BasicNFLTerminology 13FrequentlyAskedQuestions 14

EarningCompetitionPoints 15MembershipandDegrees,andService 16ViewingandRecordingPoints 18ParticipatinginNFLTournaments 22PartnerPrograms 23

BuildingYourProgram 24GettingParentsInvolved 31ProfitableFundraising 34

TournamentCompetitionGlossary 35

Appendices 39A.ProgramPolicySamples 39B.SampleHealthCertificate 44C.SamplesofTravelForms 45D.JudgeTraining 47

ContactingtheNationalOffice 50

ChangeLog 50

YourStartingPoint:www.NFLonline.orgResourcesandCommunity:www.ForensicsOnline.net

Fundraising:www.GiveYouthAVoice.org

InstructionalVideos:www.NFLtv.org

“Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.”‐RalphWaldoEmerson


PurposeoftheNationalForensicLeagueTheNFLpromotesinterscholasticdebate,oratory,publicspeaking,andinterpretationofliteraturebyencouragingaspiritoffellowshipandconferringupondeservingcandidatesaworthybadgeofdistinction.Anationwidenetworkofcompetitivetournamentshonorsstudentsfortheirachievements,culminatingwiththeNationalSpeechandDebateTournamentinJune.Theleaguealsoservesasanhonorarysociety,promotingsecondaryandmiddlelevelspeechanddebateactivitiesandinterscholasticcompetitionasameanstodevelopastudent’slifelongskillsandvalues,aswellasthepublic’sawarenessofthevalueofcommunicationeducation.Tothisend,theNFLservesasthecentralagentforcoordinationandfacilitationofheightenedpublicawarenessofthevalueofspeechcommunicationskills,developmentofeducationalinitiativesforstudentandteachertraining,excellenceininterscholasticcompetition,andthepromotionofhonorsocietyideals.Asanorganization,theNationalForensicLeagueembracesdiversity,interconnection,andvisionaryleadership.Weempowerstudentstobecomeeffectivecommunicators,ethicalindividuals,criticalthinkers,andleadersinademocraticsociety.

BenefitsofMembershipWeofferseveralservicesandopportunitiesforforensicsprograms,including:

Membershipintheonlynationwideeducationalsocietyforspeechanddebate.CollegesanduniversitiesconsiderNFLmembershiptobeabadgeofacademichonoranddistinction.

Asubscriptiontothemonthlyeducationalmagazine,Rostrum.Completewithonlinearchives,Rostrumisthemostcomprehensivepublicationforsecondaryschoolspeechanddebate.

Anextensivevehicleforhonoringmembersofyourprogram.Studentsreceivecertificates,seals,andotherhandsomeinsigniaasrecognitionoftheiraccomplishmentsinforensics.

InvitationtoparticipateinDistrictcompetition,whichcouldqualifystudentstotheNFLnationaltournamentandanopportunitytoearnsomeofthe$200,000incollegescholarshipsawarded.

Onlinefundraisingportalexclusivetomembers,allowingdonorstochooseprojectstogiveto.

Weofferseveralcoachtraining/professionaldevelopmentinitiatives,whichinclude:

Hundredsofcoachingresourcesincludinglessonplans,fundraisingideas,drills,managementandteam‐buildingexercisesandanonlinecommunityforcoachesandstudents.

Accesstoanextensiveonlinevideoportal,trainingallareasofforensics,aswellasannualcomplimentaryDVDsoffinalroundperformancesinHumorous,Dramatic,andDuoInterpretation.Publicationinformationandauthorsofall600interpretationselectionsperformedatseveralpastnationaltournaments.

Local,regionalandnationalcoachclinicsandworkshopscholarships,onlineprofessionaldevelopmenttutorialcourseforcontinuingeducationunits(CEUs)orgraduatecredit,schoolfacultyseminars,aswellascoachmentoring.

Professionalcoach/educatoraccreditationtohonorexpertiseandexperience.

Onlinestoreofmementos,supplies,books,videosandothermerchandisetosupportyoursquad.


StartingUp:ACoachToolkitNFLfounderBrunoE.Jacob(picturedatright)oftenexpressedthestrongconvictionthatindividualstudentmembershipwasthecornerstoneoftheNationalForensicLeague.Thismeansthatregardlessofcompetitivesuccess,participationisthemostvaluableaspectoftheforensicexperience.

Directorsofspeechanddebateprogramsserveasbothadministrators(managinglogisticalresponsibilities)andcoaches(educatingandguidingstudents).Insomeschoolsandstates,speechanddebatehasacurriculumandisofferedasaclass.Moretraditionallyandmoreoften,itissimplyanextracurricularactivity.

Timeline&ChecklistfortheYear

Summer/BeforeSchoolBegins

1. ContactyourNFLdistrictchair(ontheNFLwebsite,clickon“DistrictContacts”fromthe“Districts”section)tolearnwhenlocalareacoachmeetings,clinics/workshopsandtournamentsareheld.S/healsomaydirectyoutostateleaguewebsitesforcalendarsandrulebooks.ManystatesofferadditionalspeakingeventsnotheldbytheNFL,butthatcanearnstudentsNFLmeritpointsforparticipation.Yourdistrictchairshouldbeabletoidentifyanexperiencedcoachintheareawhocanserveasamentor.

2. Setupmeetingswiththeschooladministrator(s),athletic/activitiesdirectorandbookkeeper.Understandingschool/districtpoliciesandpaperworkforinterscholasticconduct,knowingwhereyoustandwithyourbudget,obtainingappropriatefinancialforms(suchascheckrequests),arrangingtransportation,determiningifandhowyouwillraisefunds,andbeingclearonlegalpoliciesandliabilitiesareallcriticalbeforeyouevenstartworkingwithstudents.Itpaystoknowwhatyourrightsandresponsibilitiesare,sinceyouwillbetraveling(sometimesovernight),handlingmoney,andworkingone‐on‐onewithstudents.

3. Organizestudentleadership.Ifyouareinheritingaprogram,findoutwhoexistingofficers/captainsare,andmeetwiththem.Notonlydosuchrolesteachstudentsvaluablelessonsofleadership,butyoucandelegatecertaintaskssuchaspeercoaching.Ashrewdcoachisawareofpersonalityconflicts,andralliestheirstudentleadershiparoundasharedvisionandchargesthemwithbringingthattotheteamatlarge.Ifyouarestartinganewprogram,perhapsinitiatearecommendationprocessbywhichteachersprovidefeedbackonstudentleadercandidates.

4. Deviseapracticeschedule,tournamentcalendarandprogrampolicies.Youmayseekstudentinputforthecalendarifthereareoptions,butstartwithwhatyoufeelyoucanhandle.Nothingisworsethan“bitingoffmorethanyoucanchew”whenyou’renew.Alwayshaveanadministratorand/oryouractivities/athleticdirector(andperhapsschool/districtattorney)reviewwhatyouputtogetherforlegality,sotheyareneversurprisedtohearfromaparentaboutsomething.SamplesofsuchmaterialsareintheAppendix.

5. Createabulletinboardand/orwebsiteorplacewherestudentscanfindinformationaboutupcomingmeets,whenformsaredue,etc.Gettheminthehabitofcheckingthisoften!

“The Journey is the Reward.”


Summer/BeforeSchoolBegins(continued)

6. Investigateestablishingaparentboosterclub.Sometimes,theseexistatschoolsasblanketorganizationstosupportallfineartsoractivities,soalwaysworkwithintheframeworkthatbestrespectsthecultureofyourbuilding(makefriends,notenemies).Regardless,havingaparentcommitteetohelpplantrips,judge(ifparentjudgesarecommoninyourarea),helpruntournaments,raisefunds,etc.isinvaluable.Formoreinformationandsuggestions,pleaseseethesectionofthisguideon“GettingParentsInvolved.”

7. Determinewhatsuppliesyouneed,anduseschoolchannelstopurchase,orprioritizethemtopurchaseonceadequatefundsareraised.Suggestionsforsuppliesfollowsthischecklist.

8. Listpotentialjudges.Whenyouregisterforatournament,youarerequiredtobringacertainnumberofjudges,usuallybasedonhowmanyentriesyoubring.YourcontactwithyourNFLdistrictchairand/orlocalleaguescanhelpyouunderstandtheprevailingrules,includingwhetherschoolsusuallyhireteachers,

businessprofessionals,formercompetitors,and/ormembersofthecommunity,suchasparents.Dependingontheexpertiseandexperienceofjudgesandregionalnorms,judgesmaybeaskedtovolunteer,ormaybemodestlyremuneratedfortheirtime.It’simportanttounderstandtheproceduresforhandlingthis–someschools/districtsevenrequirejudgestocompletepayrollandfederalW‐2andI‐9forms.

9. Makesurejudgesaretrained.Regardlessoftheexpertiseandbackgroundofjudges,thevariousNFLandlocalstandardsandrulesforeventsincludeseveraltechnicalitiesandconventionsthatchangeperiodically(astheyareupdatedbycoachcommittees).Additionally,notalljudgesrealizetheimportanceofwritingspecificandconstructivecriticismswhentheyevaluatecontestants.What’smore,acknowledginghumanbiasandethicalissuesisanimportantconsiderationwhenjudging.Somestateshavetrainingprogramsandclinics,soyou’llwanttobeawareoftheseandcommunicatethemtoyourjudgesasearlyaspossible.AnoverviewandbasicjudgetrainingmaterialsareincludedintheAppendixofthisguide.

10. Createasystemforcommunicatingwithjudges.Giveyourjudgesacalendaroftournamentsandaskthemtosharetheiravailabilitywithyou.Then,asyouknowhowmanystudentsyou’reregistering–andconsequently,howmanyjudgesyouwillneed–youcancontactthosejudgeswhoareavailable.Themorenoticeyoucangivejudgesastowhetheryouneedthemornotisappreciatedandgoesalongwaytowardcementingaloyal,reliablejudgecorps.

BeginningoftheSchoolYear/Season

11. Promoteyourprogramwithintheschool(seethesectiononRecruitment)andadvertiseaninformationalmeeting.Ifthere’sanactivityfair,setupabooth!

12. Holdaninformationalmeetingwhereyougivestudentsabriefoverviewofwhat“forensics”is,thebenefitsofparticipatingandwhattheycananticipateasamemberofyourprogram.Keepthemeetingpositive,butmakeyourexpectationsclear.Youmaywishtohavestudentleadersassistwithrunningthismeeting,butcommunicatewiththemaheadoftime,sotheyunderstandtheimportanceofstayingonmessageandexpressingyoursharedvisionfortheprogram.Havecopiesofthepracticeschedule,tournamentcalendar,teampolicies,parentletter,andstudentcontact/medical/permissionformsreadytodistributetostudentsatthismeeting.Parentsappreciateacoachwhoisorganizedandprepared.Iftheschoolassessesateam/participationfee(oryouareallowedtoassessoneexpresslyforforensics),and/orifyourequirefundraising,beupfrontandexplainexpectations/quotas.


RunningPractices

13. Beclearaboutyourexpectations,whichshouldbestatedinwritingwithmaterialsdistributedattheinformationalmeeting.Considerfrequencyanddurationofpracticesofferedandhowmanystudentsshouldattendeachweek.Decidehowyouwillhandleconflicts(manystudentsareinvolvedinotheractivities,suchasdrama,music,athletics,parttimejobs,etc.).

14. Determinewhatresourcesareatyourdisposal(computers,printingcapabilities,library,etc.)andanyschoolpoliciesregardingreservingspaceandresources).

15. Establishastructure–howwillstudentsusetheirtime(andyours)andshareresourceswhentheyareatapracticesession?Makingsuretheyareproductive,workingcollaboratively(theyareonateam,afterall),andpreparedisessential.Pre‐season,practicefocusesontheoriesofpresentation,formationofspeeches,casesandliterarypieces,researchandsubsequentfiling;whereas,duringtheseason,practicebecomesmoreaboutdevelopingtechnique,honingfluency,andfixingflaws.

16. Askcolleagueteachersforlightassistance.Englishteachersaregreatatproofingspeeches,socialstudiesteachersaregreatatreviewingdebatecasesorCongresslegislation,scienceteachersaregreatatprovidingideasforscience‐relateddebatetopics.Byreachingacrossdisciplines,youalsobuildrespectforyourprogramasenhancingstudentlearninginthoseareas.

17. Watchvideoofsuccessfulpresentationstoofferstudentsaperspectiveofwhatittakestobesuccessful.TheNFLoffersitsShowcaseDVDset,aswellasarobustlibraryoffinalroundvideoandaudioarchives,whichyoucanorder,andinsomecases,evenloan(consulttheorderformsthatcamewithyourmembershipmaterials).

18. Encouragepeercoaching.Whenstudentsareempoweredtoconstructivelyevaluatetheirteammates,theybegintohaveamorecriticaleyeandearfortheirownwork,andappreciatethevalueofcriticism.Actualpracticesessionscanrunasdetail‐orientedstop‐and‐gopresentations,which“surgically”fixindividualflawswhentheyhappen,ortheycanbecontinuous“run‐throughs,”wherefeedbackisgivenafterthepresentationfinishes,muchasinactualcompetition.

19. Recordvideooraudioofpresentations.Withcomputers,thishasbecomeeasierthanever.Acomputerwithanembeddedcameraand/ormicrophonewillallowstudentstoseeandheartheirperformancefromtheperspectiveofaspectator.

20. Alwaysbeawareofwhatyourstudentsarepresenting.Contentreflectsyouandtheschool.21. Invitejudges,parentsandalumnitohelpobserveandevaluatepresentations.Someschoolshavea“night

offorensics”priortotheseasontogivestudentsapre‐tournamenteventtobereadytodebate,speakorperformat.Addrefreshments,andyou’vegotamemorableteam‐buildingoccasionthatbuildsexcitementandmotivationfortheseasonahead!

22. Havingapublicshowcase,presentingatacommunity,youthorseniorcenter,orholdingapublicdebatewithacivicorganizationisagreatwaytobuildpublicawarenessofyourprogram,whilegivingyourstudentspracticalexperience.TheycanalsoearnNFL“ServiceSpeaking”meritpoints.ThereareseveralreferencesthroughoutthisguidetoadditionalNFLpartnershipopportunitieswherestudentscanengagethecommunityinthismanner.

23. Coachesoftenhaveafolderorbindersystemwherestudentskeepjudgeevaluations,goal‐settingsheets,competitiverecordandevenjournalreflectivelyabouttheirgrowth.

“Practice does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect.” - Vince Lombardi


WhenTournamentSeasonStarts

24. Pre‐seasonworkshops/clinicsarecommoninmanylocales,soinvestigatewhat’soffered,andmakesureyourstudentsareawareofthisopportunity.

25. Watchforinvitations.ManyNFLdistricts,stateorganizationsandinvitationalsposttournamentinformationandregistrationformsonlineorviaemail,whileothersstillmailoutinformation.Makesureyouareontheappropriatemailinglists(postalorvirtual).

26. Arrangetransportationinthemannermostappropriateforyourschoolandregion.Whilemanyareascharterschoolbusses,someschoolsrequirecoachestoreserveanddrivevans,whilestillothersrequirefamiliestofindtheirownwaytotournaments.Withtransportation,there

areoftenseveralliabilityissues,sobeabsolutelyclearonyourschool’spolicies.Regardless,makesurethesearrangementsaremadewellinadvanceofthetournamentsyouattend.

27. Ifyouaretravelingadistancetoatournament,youmustalsoconsiderbookinglodgingandothermodesoftransportation,suchasairfare.This,ofcourse,requiresadditionaladvanceplanningandmeticulousorganization,suchascommunicatingdetailstoparents.Sampleformsfortravel‐relatedpurposeshavebeenincludedintheAppendix.IfyourstudentsarefortunateenoughtoqualifytotheNFLNationalTournament,thentravelisassuredlyaconsideration,andyoushouldtalktoyouradministrationaboutsupportingthisendeavor.TheNFLNationalTournamentisoneoftheoldestsupportedactivitiesbytheNationalAssociationofSecondarySchoolPrincipals,andmanyschools/districtwillcoveratleastpartofateam’sexpenses,sincetheNationalTournamentistheterminuslevelofcompetitionforthisacademicsport.

28. Registerpromptlyandaccurately.Manycoachesrequirestudentstosignupforeachtournament,toindicatetheiravailabilityandreadiness.Ifclasscreditisinvolved,there’softena“contract”oragreementthatparentssign,acknowledgingthatattendanceatacertainnumberoftournamentsisattachedtothestudent’sgrade.Tournamentshaveregistrationdeadlines–oftenatleastaweekprior,andearlierforlargertournaments.Schoolswhohosttournamentsplanmuchinthesamewayasforawedding:orderingfoodforparticipantsandcoaches/judges,determininguseofrooms,orderingawards,makingsureenoughcustodialstaffisavailable,etc.Anytimecoachesarelateorinaccuratewithregistration,theycontributetodegradingtheefficiencyofthewholetournament.Pleasebeateamplayerwithyourcolleagues.Readthespecialproceduresandrulesforeachparticulartournamentandfollowinstructionscarefully.

29. Makesureyourschoolissuesacheckforthetournamentpromptly.Manytournamentsrequirepaymentwhenyouenter;somerequireitwhenyouarrivewithyourstudents.

30. Confirmwiththejudgesyouneedforthistournament,andmakesureyousharelogisticalinformation(whentheyshouldarrive),aswellasanyrulesparticulartothattournament.

31. Remindstudentsandverifytheirintenttoattendeachtournament.Justasyoudowithjudges,sharetheessentiallogisticalinformation,aswellasspecialrules.Ifstudentscancelparticipation,communicatethese“drops”tothehostingschoolimmediately.

32. Confirmwithyourbuscompanyortransportation,andmakesureyoubuildinsomeextratime.It’sbettertoarriveearlyandhaveadditionaltimetopractice,thantoarrivelatebecauseofaweatherissueorothermitigatingcircumstance.Thisalsomodelsresponsiblebehaviorforyoungpeopleontheimportanceofpromptness.Tournamentswillusuallyhaveascheduleintheinvitation;planwithneededtraveltimetoarriveatthebeginningoftheregistrationperiod.


TournamentDay(Consulttheglossaryattheendofthisguideforspecifictournamentlingo).

33. Prepareanattendancerosterofstudentsandtheirevents(youcanalsousethistotracktheirachievementforafterthetournament).Makesureyouhavemedicalformsandanyotheressentialpaperworkwithyoubeforeyouleaveforthetournament.Ifstudentsaremissinganyclasses,besuretosharetheattendancelistwiththeoffice/faculty,soteachersareawarethosestudentswillbeoutofthebuilding.

34. Besurestudentsbringappropriatematerials,includingevidencetubs,literarypieces,visualaids,timingdevices,etc.

35. Whenyouarriveatthetournament,youwilllikelyregisteryourstudents,andreceivesuchmaterialsasjudgeassignments,schedules,mapsoftheschoolandschematics.Remindyourstudentstoabidebybothyourownschool’sandteam’srules,aswellasthehostschool’sintermsofrespectingspace,andreturnanymovedfurnituretowhereitwaswhenyouarrive.Don’tforgettosharejudgeassignmentswiththosewhomyouhired!

36. Attendthegeneralmeetingforcontestants,judgesand/orcoaches(ifapplicable).37. Coacheshavevaryingresponsibilitieswhileatatournament.Theyareoftenaskedtojudge,sometimes

askedtohelpcomputeresults(tabulate,or“tab”forshort),theymayfollowtheirstudentsaroundandofferadviceonperformance,andtheymaysocialize.Asanewercoach,donotdiscountthevalueofnetworkingsociallyattournaments.Aseducators,mostcoacheslovetosharetheirtechniquesandthemoreenthusiasticanovicecoachis,themorelikelyanexperiencedcoachistosharethewealthoftheirknowledge.Often,tournamentshavea“lounge”orhospitalityareafortheadults–thisiswhereyouwillmeetpeopleandlearnaboutthevariousleagues,rules,standards/conventions,methods/techniques,etc.

38. Attheawardsassembly,remindyourstudentstorepresentyourschoolwithdecorumandappropriateconduct.Losingwithdignityisanimportantskilltofoster.Neverallowstudentstospeakillofstudents,judgesorcoachesfromotherschools–untilyou’rebackatyourownschool.Evenaschoolbuswithopenwindowsoranairplanecanattractunsuspectedlisteners.

39. Beforeyouleave,youwillbeissuedacopyofthetournament’sresultsandstudentevaluationsheets.Makesureyourstudentsretrieveanymaterialstheybrought–aswellaspersonaleffects(whichinvariablygetforgotten).Makesurestudentscleanthebusbeforeleaving.

AftertheTournament

40. Studentsarequicktoblamejudgesfortheirweakperformances.Remindstudentsthatjudgesareuniquehumanbeings,whoeachbringtheirownbackgroundsandperspectivestoassessingstudents’performances.Askthestudenttoanalyzehowtheycan“winover”aparticularjudge,giventhatjudge’scomments.Ifajudge’scommentsareincompleteorincoherent,chalkthatuptohumanerror–afterall,chancesarethatjudgeshowedthesamelackofcourtesytoallthecontestantsthatday.Dependingonthecultureofyourlocalleague,itmaybeacceptabletobringaproblematicjudgetotheattentionofthecoachwhohiredhim/her,ortothetournamenthost.Alwayscheckwithexperiencedcolleaguestoseewhatthepreferredprotocolisinthatcase.

41. Sendthankyounotestothetournamenthostandjudges,ifnecessary.42. RecordNFLmeritpoints(unlessitistheNFLDistrictorNationalTournament).Seethe

“HowtoRecordNFLPoints”sectionofthisguide.43. Publicizesuccesses(seemoreonthatintheprogram‐buildingsection).


WrappingUptheSeason/Year

44. Investigatesummeropportunitiesfortrainingforbothyouandyourstudents.Thereareseveralscholarshipsavailable(includingtheNFLCoachscholarshipprogramdescribedonp.24),sothesooneryouinvestigatethis,thebetter.

45. Appointcaptainsand/orhavestudentselectnewofficersforthefollowingseason.Meetwithcurrentandnewofficerstoensureatransferofknowledge/experienceandexpectations.

46. Planaseason’sendbanquettocelebrateaccomplishments,tosend‐offseniors,andtothankparents,judges,administrators,sponsorsandothersfortheirsupportofyourprogram.TheNFLsellsseveralmementos,suchassilverlapelpins,chenilleletterjacketpatchesandhandsomegraduationhonorcords.

47. Reflectonhowthingswentthisyearandre‐toolfornextseason!Plantoattendanylocalcoachconventionsorclinicsattheendoftheyear.SeeifyoucanattendtheNFLNationalTournamentinJune(ifnoneofyourstudentsqualified)toseethenation’sbestandbrightestcompete.

ChecklistofMaterials Generalsupplies:writingutensils(multi‐coloredpensfordebate),paper

(copy/printaswellaslined),notecards,scissors,tape,binderthatfits5½"x8½"“half‐sheets”(picturedatleft)fororalinterpretationscripts,three‐holepunch,cardstocktoprintliterarypieceson(orhalf‐sizesheetprotectors),plastictubsforevidence,filefolders.

Periodicalsforreference,whichareparticularlyusefulforExtemporaneousSpeaking,CongressandPublicForum.

Books:literatureforinterpretiveevents,referencefordebate.Telleveryoneyouknowthatyouwilltakeanymaterialstheydiscard!

CompetitionDress&AppearanceAnimportantaspectofcommunicationisthecredibilityofthesource,andyoungpeopleinspeechanddebateadvocateforserious,matureissues.Aspartofthisprofessionalendeavor,itiscustomaryforstudentstoweardressclothing,with“businesscasual.”Coachesoftenhearstudents“bellyache”aboutbuyingorwearingsuchclothes,fromthesamestudentswhoalsoownnamebrandathleticshoesanddesignerjeansworthtwicethevalueofasimpledressoutfit!Coachescaneducatestudentsandtheirparentsabouttheinvestmentthathavingaprofessionaloutfitrepresents(suchasforinterviews,specialoccasions,etc.).Additionally,severalteamshave“hand‐me‐down”programs,and/orshopatlocalthriftandconsignmentstores.

Forcompetitivesuccess,suitsarethemostuniversaloutfit,andusuallydarkcolors(black,charcoalornavy)arethecustomarychoiceofattorneysandinvestmentbankers–theadultdecision‐makers.Inspeechevents,suchasoratoryandinterpretation,boldcolors(suchasred)oftengrabattention.Theideaistolookconservative,sotheemphasisisonthecontentanddeliveryofthemessage,andnotadistractingaspectofastudent’sappearance.


TournamentsforNewbies**becausethatyellowbookseriesusesaderogatoryterm

Thissectionisintendedforthenewcoachorstudentalike.Aspeechordebatecontestislikeathree‐ringcircus,withseveraleventshappeningatonce,withaseaofteenagersactingouthysterics(becauseacharacterintheirinterpretivepiececallsforit,becausetheyarehavingacrisiswiththeirsignificantother,becausetheyareanxiousaboutabigpaper,orbecausetheyarenervousaboutcompetition).Ah,suchisthebeautyofworkingwithyoungpeople!

Notwotournamentsarealike.Somearesmallanextremelylocal,oftenhappeningafterschoolforafewhours,whilesomehavemorethanathousandcontestantsfromseveralstates,spanningseveraldays.Getasenseofthenormfortournamentsfromanexperiencedcoachinyourarea,soyouaren’toverwhelmed.Psycheyourkidsoutinapositivemanner.Familiarizeyourselfwiththeterminology(foundintheglossaryonp.36).

Therearesomeuniversalfacetstoeverytournament:theyusuallyhavestudentspresentacoupletimesbeforedifferentjudges(andusuallydifferentopposingcontestants,dependingonhowmanyenterinthatparticularevent).Judgesevaluatetheperformanceofstudents(indebate,awardingawinorloss;andinspeechandcongress,awardingranksorratings/points).Somecontestsofferteamorsquadawards(oftencalledsweepstakes),whicharehigh‐stakesschoolawards,whichprincipalslove,whileothercontestsemphasizeindividualstudentachievement.

Hereareafewpearlsofwisdomforthenewbiecoachorstudent:

Observeroundswheneveryouhavetheopportunity.Forstudents,thismeanseliminationroundswhentheydon’tbreak.Watchdifferentevents,especiallyifthey’reoutsideyourareaofexpertise/comfort.Youmaypickupatechniqueyoucanincorporateelsewhere.Watchthespecifictechniquesofsuccessfulcontestants.

Bringhomeworkandothermaterialsforthebusrideorfordowntime.Read,quietlylistentomusic,orcompleteaSudokuorcrosswordpuzzle.

Eatwellandgetenoughrest.Bothcoachesandstudentsalikeareguiltyofignoringtheirhealthandwellnessinthethroesofcompetition.Tournamentsare(unfortunately)knownforjunk/fastfood,becauseit’scheapandconvenient.Packhigh‐protein,low‐carbohydratesnacksandbottledwater.Bottledwaterisalsothehealthiestwayofkeepingyourvoicehydrated,especiallygivenhowoftenstudentsandcoachestalkattournaments!

Don’tobsessoveryourrecordasacontestantorcoach.Successcomeswithexperience.Justhavefunandenjoytheride!Themostsuccessfulparticipantsinthisactivityreportthatevenwiththeirlasttournament,theirkeyisthattheyenjoyexpressingthemselves,raisingawarenessofanissuethroughwhattheypresent,andengagingwiththeirpeersinthisgreatcommunity.


RunninganNFLChapterWhetheryoujustregisteredyourschoolwiththeNationalForensicLeague,oryouinheritedacharterchapterfromanothercoach,youwilllearnabouttheprocessesofchartingpointsyourstudentsearn,thehonorsystemsforbothstudentsandcoaches,thespecificNFLeventsandtournamentsavailable,andconsideringinvolvementinoneormoreofourspecialpartnerprograms.

CompetitiveEventsOfferedBelowaredescribedtheNFL’sninemain,fivesupplemental,andtwoconsolationevents.IndividualstateshaveothereventsthatcanearnstudentsNFLpoints(seep.15).

MainEventsInordertocompeteattheNFLDistrictTournamentandbeeligiblefortheNFLNationalTournament,studentsmustqualifyinoneofthefollowingevents.Theseeventsarealsoweightedatapremiumvalueforpointrecordingpurposes.

PolicyDebate–teamdebatethatevaluatesaproposedresolutiononthe

basisofaffirmativeandnegativecases.

PublicForumDebate–teamdebatethatevaluatesapositionposedbytheresolution.Clashofideasmustbecommunicatedinamannerpersuasivetothenon‐specialistor“citizenjudge”,i.e.amemberoftheAmericanjury.

LincolnDouglasDebate–one‐on‐onedebate,whichexaminesavalueresolution.

CongressionalDebate–contestantsresearchandwritelegislationthatwillimprovesociety,thendebateandsubsequentlyvoteinanassemblyofabout12‐24legislators,whichemploysparliamentaryprocedureandastudentpresidingofficer.

OriginalOratory–thecontestantcomposesanoriginalspeechthatdiscussesintelligentlyandwitha

degreeoforiginality,inaninterestingmannerandwithsomeprofittohis/heraudiencethetopics/hehaschosen.

UnitedStatesExtemporaneousSpeaking–requiresaspeakertoansweraquestionaboutdomesticsubjectsoreventsbysynthesizingpublishednewsmaterial.

InternationalExtemporaneousSpeaking–requiresaspeakertoansweraquestionaboutinternationaleventsbysynthesizingpublishednewsmaterial.

DramaticInterpretation–contestantrecreatescharactersinadramaticstory,makingthemseemalivetotheaudience.

HumorousInterpretation–contestantrecreatescharactersinahumorousstory,makingthemseemalivetotheaudience.

DuoInterpretation–twocontestantsrecreatecharactersfromadramaticorhumorousliterarywork.


TopicsInPolicyDebate,LincolnDouglasandPublicForum,currentandpastresolutiontopics(andascheduleofreleasedates)canbefoundontheNFLwebsiteunder“Resources>Topics.”SupplementalandconsolationeventtopicsfortheNationalTournamentalsocanbefoundthere.

SupplementalEventsAttheNationalTournament,studentswhosecoacheshavepre‐registeredthem,andareeliminatedfrompreliminarycompetitioncanre‐registertocontinueparticipatingintwoofthefollowingevents:

Prose–expressesthoughtthroughlanguagerecordedinsentencesandparagraphs:fiction(short

stories,novels)andnon‐fiction(articles,essays,journals,biographies).

Poetry–expressesideas,experience,oremotionthroughcreativearrangementofwordsaccordingtotheirsound,theirrhythm,and/ortheirmeaning.Poetrymayrelyonverseandstanzaform.

ExtemporaneousCommentary–contestantsprovideadditionalinsightand

opinionsonprescribedtopics.

ExpositorySpeaking–thecontestantgivesaspeechtoinform.Itshoulddescribe,clarify,illustrateordefineanobject,idea,concept,orprocess.

SupplementalDebate–brief,one‐on‐onedebateinwhichthestudentmustrespondtopropositionswithlimitedpreparation.

ConsolationEventsAttheNationalTournament,studentswhosecoacheshavepre‐registeredthem,andareeliminatedfromcompetitionbyWednesdayeveningcanre‐registertocontinueparticipatinginoneofthefollowingevents:

Storytelling–asinglepublished,printedstory,anecdote,tale,mythorlegendisretoldwithoutnotesorprops.

Impromptu–contestantsareaskedtoevaluatepromptsincludingproverbs,abstractwords,events,quotations,andfamouspeople.

TypesofNFLSchool(Chapter)Membership

ProvisionalChaptersProvisionalchaptersareschoolsthathavenewlyjoinedtheNFL,orreturnedafteralapseinmembershipofmorethanfiveyears.Provisionalchaptershavedistrictandnationalvotingrightsofone‐halftheirdegreestrength,andcountasone‐halfofafullcharterchapterindeterminingwhetherornotadistricthasmettheminimumrequirementof16paidcharterchapters.

MemberChaptersMemberchaptersareschoolsthathaveeithercompletedthreeyearsofprovisionalmembershipandnotmettheminimumcharteringrequirement,orisreturningasamemberchapterwithinfiveyearsofabsence.Charterchaptersthatdonotmeetcharterrenewalrequirementsoverathree‐yearperiodarealsomovedtomemberchapterstatus.Memberchaptershavethesameone‐halfvotingrightsasprovisionalchapters,butarenotcountedtowardthedistrict'sminimumrequirementof16paidcharterchapters.


CharterChaptersCharterchaptersarethehighestschoolmembershiphonorintheleague.Aschoolisautomaticallychartered(receivingacertificateuponitsinitialcharter;seethesampletotheleft),onceithas:

Beenaprovisionalormemberchapterforatleastone(1)year;and Metminimumstrengthrequirementof50newmembers/degreesenrolled

overtheeyears,or,forschoolswithgrades9‐12enrollmentoflessthan500students°°°,25newmembers/degrees.

Ifacharterchapterdoesnotmeetminimumstrengthrequirements,itwillbegivenoneyearoftemporarycharterstatustomeettherequirementbeforemovingtomemberchapterstatus.Achapterlosesitscharterfornon‐paymentofdues,butmayreturnasasacharterchapterifithasbeenlessthanthreeyearssinceitslastmembership,andallpriorinvoices(includingmissingyeardues)arepaidinfull.

°°°Suchschoolsmustnotifythenationalofficeastotheirenrollmentstatus.

NFLMembershipTerminology NFLPoints–awardedwhenstudentsspeakattournaments,festivals,orduringpublicspeaking

engagements.Pointsarerecordedastheyareearned(seep.18‐21);eachround(whetherwinoraloss),countsforaspecificnumberofNFLpoints),aswellas“servicespeaking”engagements(seep.14‐15).

NFLMembership–onceastudentorcoachachieves25points,s/heisenrolledinlifetimeindividualmembership.Aone‐time$15feemustbepaidtothenationaloffice(billedtotheschoolNFLadvisor).

Degree–cumulativepointlevelsachieved:25=merit,75=honor,50=excellence,250=distinction,500=specialdistinction,750=superiordistinction,1000=outstandingdistinction,1500=premierdistinction.Eachdegreeearnedisacknowledgedbyadistinctivesealtobeaffixedtothemembershipcertificate.Sealsareautomaticallysentwhenstudentsearnnewdegrees.

District–EachschoolisplacedinadistrictdependingonitsgeographyrelativetootherNFLschools/districts.Allschoolsinadistrict–ledbyadistrictchair–competeagainsteachotherattheDistrictTournament(seep.23)todeterminewhichstudentsqualifytotheNationalTournamentinJune.

NFLKeyorPin–silverforstudents,goldforinstructors–jeweledtomarkthedegreeacompetitorhasattained.Purchaseisoptional.

CoachDiamond–coachesqualifyformembershipandadvanceddegreesaccordingtothesamescheduleprovidedforstudentsandmustapplyandpaythemembershipfee.Onattainingatotalof1,500points,theinstructorwillbeentitledtowearadiamond‐setNFLkeyorpin;additionaldiamondsaccrueat3,000,6,000,10,000andeach3,000pointsthereafter.MinimumtimeforeachdiamondisfiveyearsasanNFLmembercoach.Aninstructorwhoobtainedmembershipasastudentshouldreportthatfacttothenationaloffice.Membershipaswellas1/10ofthepointsearnedasastudentwillbetransferredwithoutapplicationorfee.

Rostrum–theNFL’smagazine,publishedmonthlyduringtheschoolyear.Itincludesteachingandlearningarticles,rulechanges,tournamentresults,districtstandings,aswellasNFLnews.


FrequentlyAskedQuestionsQ:I’manewcoach.WhomcanIcontactaboutstartingateam?

A:ExperiencedcoachesareeagertotalktonewNFLcoaches.Youmayuseourcoachingresources,online,forusefuldocumentationonhowtostartyourteamsuccessfully.Also,feelfreetocontactAdamJacobi,ProgramsandEducationCoordinator,[email protected].

Q:HowcanIfindschoolsinmyareathatcompeteinspeechanddebate?

A:NFLcoacheshaveaccesstoreportsthatlistparticipatingschoolsinyourdistrict.Goto:www.NFLonline.org/points_application/reports.phpandselect“District”fromtheoptionsatthetop.Then,click“DistrictTournamentReport(Listofschoolsbystrength)”andselectyourdistrictnamefromthedropdownlistandclick“Search.”Finally,yourstateorganizationmostlikelyhasawebsitethatwillgiveyouascheduleofupcomingtournamentsandalistofschoolsthatparticipatethroughoutyourstate,andyourdistrictchairwillbeabletodirectyouthere.

Q:CanIjoinNFLmid‐year?

A:Yes!However,wesuggestthatyoujoinquicklytomaximizeeveryopportunitytoparticipate.

Q:CanmyformerstudentsgetcreditincollegeforbeingintheNFL?

A:Yes!SomeinstitutionsoffercreditorsimplyawardcreditbyexaminationtoNFLalumni.Callthenationalofficeforofficialproofofmembership.

Q:IusedtocompeteinNFLyearsago,howcanIfindmyrecord?

A:Ifyoucompetedsince1996,yourrecordcanbefoundonline.However,ifyourcompetitiondaysoccurredbefore1996,callusat920‐748‐6206oremailalumni@nationalforensicleague.org.Wewillbehappytoprovideyourrecord.Also,one‐tenthofyourstudentpointscancounttowardyourcoachingpointrecord.Contactuswithyourgraduationyear,schoolandstate,andnameatgraduation,andwe’lldotherest!

Q:Myschoolisburdenedfinancially.Aretheregrantsavailable?

A:LincolnFinancialGroupisaproudsponsoroftheNFLandoffersgrantstospeechand/ordebateprogramswithfinancialneeds.Thegrantconsistsoffreeschoolmembership.ContactAdamJacobiatadam.jacobi@nationalforensicleague.org.

Q:Whatisthedifferencebetweena“Member”and“Charter”chapter/school?

A:SchoolsnewtotheNFL,orwhosemembershiphaslapsedformorethanfiveyearsaregrantedprovisionalstatus,whichallowsthemtocounttowarddistrictstrength/quotarequirements.Withinthreeyears,theymustmeetcharterrequirementsbyenrollingatleast50newdegrees(or25newdegreesforaschoolwhoseenrollmentislessthan500students).Anyschoolthatdoesnotmeetthecharterrequirementsafteraperiodofthreeyearsisconsideredamemberchapter,whichdoesnotcounttowarddistrictstrength/quotarequirements,orhaveavoteindistrictornationalelectionsforNFLleadership.

Q:HowdoesmyschoolqualifytoparticipateintheDistrictTournament?

A:Youwillreceiveinformationfromyourdistrictchair,howeveritisoursuggestionthatyoucontactyourdistrictchairandnotifythemofyourinterest.Ifyouarehavingproblems,pleasecontactAdamJacobiatthenationaloffice.AllschoolsareencouragedtoparticipateintheDistrictTournament!


EarningCompetitionPointsStudentsearnpointsatlocal,state,andnationwideopeninvitationalevents.

In2010,theNFLintroducedasimpler,moredirectwayofunderstandingitspointstructure.Studentsearnpointsintwoclassifications:forparticipationinNFLmainevents,andforparticipationinnon‐NFL(includingsupplementalandconsolationevents).Therearethreeareasinwhichpointsarerecorded:debate,speechandservice,andtherearenocapsinanyareaorevent.

NFLMainEvents

Debate Speech

Policy,LincolnDouglas,andPublicForum(incl.IPPF*) Oratory,Extemp,Dramatic/Humorous/DuoInterpWin 6pts. 1stPlaceRank 6pts.Loss/NoDecision 3pts. 2ndPlaceRank 5pts.

3rdPlaceRank 4pts.4thPlaceRank 3pts.

CongressionalDebateUpto6pts.perspeechorfullhourofpresiding;limit24pts.percalendarday;noparticipationpoints. 5th‐LastPlaceRank 2pts.

Non‐NFLandSupplemental/ConsolationEvents

Debate Speech

Impromptu,Storytelling,Prose,Poetry,Declamation,etc.ParliamentaryDebate,MockTrial,SupplementalDebate,CIDNI,etc. 1stPlaceRank 5pts.Win 4pts. 2ndPlaceRank 4pts.Loss/NoDecision 2pts. 3rdPlaceRank 3pts. 4thPlaceRank 2pts. 5th‐LastPlaceRank 1pt.

Non‐CompetitiveContests/Festivals

Variousforensicorganizationsholdinterscholasticcontests,wherestudentsareratedwithpoints,ratherthanranked.Thesearerecordedunder“Speech”(notService)undertheappropriateeventcategory(e.g.,Poetry,Prose,SpecialOccasion,etc.)RoundRating NFLRanktoInputSuperior 1Excellent 2Good,ExceedsExpectations,“A,”20‐25or71‐100points 3Fair,MeetsExpectations,“B,”15‐19or42‐70points 4Average,DoesNotMeetExpectations,“C,”10‐14or12‐41points 50‐9points(severedeficiency;therefore,notworthanypoints) NoRankVisitwww.NFLonline.org/CoachingResources/RecordingNFLPointstolearnmoreaboutspecificcircumstancesofpointentry.*CoachesmaynowrecordpointsontheirownfortheInternationalPublicPolicyForumdebateessaycontest.ThroughpartnershipwiththeNFL,thiscontestcountsasanNFLmainevent.


MembershipandDegreesAchievingMembershipandAdvancingDegrees

Onceastudenthasearned25points–withatleast10earnedinhighschoolinterscholasticcompetitionhe/sheachievesNFLmembershipstatus,knownasthemeritdegree(andthecoachmustpaytheone‐time$15enrollmentfee).Astheyearprogresses,studentscanearndegreesbasedontheirspeechexperiences.ThefollowingexplainsstudentdegreesandtheinsigniajewelsthatmaybeplacedinNFLpinsandkeys,aprestigiousbadgeofhonor:

(Nojewel)–Meritdegree(basemembership)–25pointsEmerald–Honordegree–75points

Sapphire–degreeofExcellence–150pointsRuby–degreeofDistinction–250points

DoubleRuby–degreeofSpecialDistinction–500pointsTripleRuby–degreeofSuperiorDistinction–750points

QuadrupleRuby–degreeofOutstandingDistinction–1000pointsQuintupleRuby–degreeofPremierDistinction–1500points

TheNFLKeyorPin–Thisawardissilverforstudents,goldforinstructors.Itisjeweledtomarkthedegreeacompetitororcoachhasattained.Purchaseisoptional.COACHESalsoreceivepoints!Coachesreceiveone‐tenththepointsearnedbytheirstudents,andearndegreesperthescheduleabove.AfteraminimumoffiveyearsasanNFLmember,acoachwhoattains1500pointsisawardedadiamond;heorshereceivesaseconddiamondfor3000points,athirdfor6000points,andsoon.Fiveyearsmustpassbetweeneachdiamond.

ServiceAcommonmistakeamongnewcoachesisthattheyaccidentallyoverlooktheservicepointscategory.RecognizedServiceProjects

• Aspeechbeforeatleast25adultsoronradio,television,orcable,however,schoolpublicaddress(PA)announcementsarenotallowed.

• Contestsheldbeforeaudiencesofatleast25adultsoronradio,TV,orcablemaybecountedasbothserviceandcompetition.

• Minimumspeakingtimemustbefour(4)minutes(lengthofindividualparticipationinapanel/discussionmustbeestimated).

• StudentswhoholdDegreeofExcellenceonrecordinthenationalofficemayjudgeupto4roundsofnovicecompetitionperdayandreceive2pointsperround.

• Nomorethan4serviceprojectsmayberecordedeachday.

TypeofSpeaking

• MasterofCeremonies• Anyspeechorliteraryinterpretation.• BookRevieworCommentatingor

Sportscasting• DebateorDiscussionPanel• SalesTalkorSermon• TelevisionorRadioAnnouncing• PTAMeetingorCivicGroupMeeting

• OptimistOratoricalContestorAmericanLegionContests(alsorecordedasaspeechcontest)

• HSAssembly‐‐Nopointsareearnedforspeakingtoastudentaudienceofanykindotherthantheofficialhighschoolassembly,sothisexactterm,"HSAssembly,"mustbeused.Suchvagueentriesas"schoolauditorium,""church,"or"school"invalidatetheentry.

NationalServiceProjects

• InternationalPublicPolicyForum–seep.23• AmericanLegionOratoricalContest–seep.23

Judging

AstudentholdingtheDegreeofExcellenceonrecordmaybeawardedtwoservicepointsperroundorsectionofjudginginanoviceormiddleschooltournament,limitof4roundsperday.

AllowedAudiences

• ExceptforNFL‐sanctionedserviceprojects(describedabove),atleast25adultsmustbepresentinapublicaudienceassembled.

• TheseAudiencesQualify(besuretoidentifythespecificnameofthegroup/assembly):HighSchoolAssembly,Radio/BroadcastTV/CableStation(notecallletters),BroadcastorCableTelevisionStation,Rotary,Kiwanis,andotherserviceclubs,ChurchCongregation,Adultcommunityorpoliticalorganizations.

• Iftheaudienceisoneusuallycomposedofyoungpeopleand25adultsarealsopresent,theaudiencemaybedesignatedas"ScoutsandParents"or"Hi‐YandAdults."

InformationRequiredforReportingService

• Date:Month,day,andyear.• Description:Includeexacttypeofspeaking(seethatsectionabovefordescriptivephrases).Donot

includetitleorsubject;theword"Service"istoovague.• NumberofAdults:Entertheapproximatenumber,atleast25.Onlypersonsbeyondhighschoolage

areregardedasadults.ScheduleforAwardingNFLPointsDegreeStanding° PointsperProject

Non‐member(lessthan25points) 1pt.

Member(25+pts.) 2pts.

Honor(75+pts.) 3pts.

Excellence(150+pts.) 4pts.

AnydegreeofDistinction(250+pts.) 5pts.

°ToreceivetheextrapointsallowedforAdvancedDegrees,amembermustactuallyhavetheadvanceddegreesonrecordinthenationalofficeatthetimeoftheserviceproject.Foraspeakingprojectbeforethehighschoolassemblytheminimumonepointprevailsunlessthereportindicatesthat25adultswereintheaudience.Ifaninterscholasticdebateorcontestisheldunderconditionsqualifyingitasaserviceproject(overradio/TV/cableorbeforeanadultaudienceorhighschoolassembly),itistobelistedinacompetitivecategoryandalsointheservicecategory.Pointsaretobeawardedinbothcategories.Astudentmaynotreceivepointsformorethanfourservicespeakingprojectsaday.SummerServicespeakingmayberecorded.


OnlinePointsDatabaseStartatwww.NFLonline.orgbyclickingthebuttonintheupperright‐handcornertitled“ClickheretoenterNFLpoints>”

ViewingRecordsandStandings

Anyonecanviewexistingrecordswithoutloggingin.Thesiteoffersseveralreports:contendersforAll‐American(pointleader)honors,schoolswiththehighestnumberofdegrees,

etc.Toaccessthesereports,selectMembershipReportsfromtheleftmenu.Youmaychoosewhichtypeofreportyouwishtoviewbyclickingthecirclenextto:Student,Coach,School,orDistrict.EachofthesecategoriesoffersdifferentreportlinksintheSearcharea.Clickthereportyouwishtoview,completerequestedinformation,andclick[Search].

Step1:AnnualSchoolMembership

Ifyouarealreadyamemberschool,pleaseseethenoteon“Renewing.”Ifnot,orifyouwishtorenewyourmembership,thenfollowthedirectionsbelow:

ApplyingOnlineANEWschoolmayjoinwithacreditcardbyclickingApplyOnline.1. Onthenextscreenclick[Continue].2. Next,completealloftheinformationboxes.Note:FillintheAdvisorboxwiththenameofthe

headcoachofthespeechanddebateprogramfortheschool.3. Completebillinginformationrequested(annualduesare$99;thereisa$6creditcardprocessing

fee,sothetotalwillbe$105).4. Click[Apply]afteralltheinformationfieldsarecompleted.AnewschoolmayalsojointheNFLbycheckorpurchaseorder:1. Click[ApplyOnline].2. Onthenextscreen,clickon[SchoolMembershipApplication].3. Printtheapplicationandcompletealloftheinformation4. Mailittothenationalofficealongwiththe$99annualdues.

RenewingMembershipAschoolthatwasamemberoftheNFLlastyearmayrenewitsmembershiponline:1. Logontowww.NFLonline.organdaccessingtheschoolprofilepage.2. Clickthe"redstopsign"ontheschoolprofilepage.3. MarktheboxforAnnualDues.4. Completetherequiredinformationatthebottomofthescreen.Acreditcardwillberequiredto

renewaschool’smembershiponline.

AschoolmayrenewitsmembershipthroughthemailbyaccessingtherenewalformontheNFLwebsite,availableunderCoachingResources,GettingStarted.Printtheappropriateformandmailtothenationalofficealongwiththeduesandanyoutstandingmoniesowed.

NEW

SCHOOLSO

NLY


Step2:Logon

AtthestartofeachyearacoachwhowastheAdvisorlastyearwillbeabletologinwiththesameusernameandpassword.Pleasenoteeachsubsequentfall,coacheswillnotbeabletologonuntilduesandanyoutstandinginvoicesarepaid.Withinaweekofreceivingcompletedpaperworkanddues,coaches’accountswillbeenabled.NewNFLschooladvisorswillbeemailedtheirassignedusernameandpassword.

Forgotyourpassword?Usernamesandpasswordsarecasesensitive.TheNFLOfficedoesnotknowyourpassword,however,wedohaveyourusernameonfile.Ifyouforgetyourpassword,click[ForgotPassword]ontheLogInscreenandfollowtheinstructions.Youmaykeepthesamepasswordfromyeartoyear.

PreviousUserRightsOnlytheNFLadvisorcanactivatecoachesthatwereonlineuserspreviously.Todoso,firstclickonthecoach'snameandthenonthepencilbehindthecoach'sname.Next,selectwhichpermissionsthecoachshouldhave.[EditPoints]allowsthecoachtoenterpointsforexistingstudentsaswellasmakecorrectionstothoseentries.[AddMembers]allowsthecoachtoaddNEWmembers,addpointstonewandexistingmembers,andeditallpoints.Finally,youmustmarkthemEnabledandclick[SubmitChanges].

NewCoachesUserRightsTosetupanassistantcoachasanonlineuser,firstselect[Add[Coaches]andcompleteinformationrequestedintheAddNewsectionandclick[Add].Next,clicktheschoolnameatthetopofthescreentoreturntotheSchoolProfile.Thenclick[ViewNon‐MemberCoaches]andclickthecoach'snameyouwishtogiveonlinerightsto.Now,clickthepencilbehindthatcoach'snameandtypethatcoach'semailaddress.Next,click[AssignUserName]andtypeausername(whichyouwillneedtotellhim/heranditmustbetypedEXACTLY)andassignhim/herapasswordandthenconfirmit(again,itmustbeEXACT).Thenclick[ManagePermissions]tochoosewhichrightsyouwishforthecoachtohave.Finally,click[AccountEnabled],andclick[SubmitChanges].

Step3:Enrollnewmembers

1. Click[AddStudents]andcompletetheinformationrequestedintheboxandclick[Add].

2. Newstudents’nameswillappearinyourschoolprofileunderViewNon‐MemberStudents.3. Thesystemmay,asasafetycheck,respondwithalistofstudentnameswiththesamegraduationyear

astheonesyouareentering.Scrolldownandchecktobesurethatthestudentyouaddingwasnotastudentmemberatapreviousschool.

4. Ifyourstudentdidnotpreviouslycompeteatanotherschool,click[Save].5. Ifyourstudent’snameappearsbecauseheorshewasanNFLmemberatapreviousschool,clickon

thedotinfrontofthatrecordandclick[Save].Thiswilltransfertherecordtoyourschool.NOTE:Thenationalofficemustbenotifiedwithin24hoursofaduplicationofastudentrecord.

Step4:Managespeechcategories

Beforeenteringpointsyouwillneedtosetupyourlistofspeechevents.Todoso,

1. Ontheschoolprofile,click[ManageSpeechCategories].

2. ClickonanyeventthatyourschoolparticipatesinandmoveittotheCurrentCategoryside.Todothis,holddownthecontrolkeyandclickindividualevents.

3. Movethehighlightedeventsbyclickingthearrowstotheright.


4. Oncefinished,click[SAVE].5. Eachtimeyourecordpoints,youwillonlyseetheseeventsinyourdropdownlist.Thisfeatureis

designedtosaveyoufromhavingtoscrollthroughtheentirelistofeventseachtimeyourecordpoints.Atanytime,youmaymakechangestothislistbyaddingorremovingthem.

Step5:Enterpoints

Youmaychoosetoenterpointseitherbystudentpointsheetorbytournament.ToenterpointsbyStudentPointSheet:1. Click[ByStudentPointSheet].2. Choosethecategoryyouwishtoenterbyclicking

nexttoDebate,Speech,CongressorService.3. Selectthestudent'snameyouwishtorecord.4. Next,fillinthedateofthetournamentbytypingin

thedateorusethecalendarbehindthebox.5. Selectacoachtoreceive10%ofthestudent’spoints.6. Completetheremaininginformation.7. Clickon[AddPoints].Theentryyoumadewillnow

appearinthelistofpointentriesforthatstudent.ToenterpointsbyTournament:1. Click[ByTournament].2. Completethetournamentinformation.3. Choosethefirstcategorytoenter.4. Next,choosethecoachtoreceivecoachingcredit

forthepointsinthiscategory.5. Selectallstudentswhoparticipatedinthiscategory

byclicking/checkingboxesinfrontoftheirnames.6. Clickon[NEXT].7. Completetheresultinformationforeachstudent.8. Click[AddPoints].9. Whenthescreenreplysays"PointsAdded

Successfully"youwillclickon[Next].10. Choosethenextcategoryandrepeattheabove

stepsuntilalleventsforthattournamentareentered.

Remember,unlimitedroundsmayberecordedinspeechanddebate(remembertoenterroundsnotballots),butonly24pointsadaymaybeearnedinCongressandonly4ServiceProjectsperday.

CorrectionsTocorrectanerrormadewhenenteringpoints1. Clickthestudent'sname.2. Thenclickthepencilinfrontoftheerroneousentry.3. Changetheinformationthatiswrong.4. Clickonthediskinfrontoftheentrytosavethecorrection.5. Todeleteanentry,youwillneedtocompileallinformationabouttheentry,includingentryinformation,

schoolname,state,student'snameandcoachrequestingthedeletion,[email protected].

BillingandFeesTopayduesandfees:


1. Assignpointsfornewstudentsfirst.2. Clickontheschoolnameatthetopofthepage.3. Clickontheredstopsignnexttotheschoolname.Thenextscreenwilllistanynewstudentsthatarenot

paid.Thenationalofficemustbenotifiedwithin24hoursregardinganyduplicatedstudentrecords.ApplyforStudentMembershipWhenstudentshaveearned25points,theyareeligibletobecomemembersoftheNFL.Tocompletetheapplicationforstudentmembership:1. Clicktheredstopsignnexttotheschoolname.2. Atthetopofthebillingscreenclickon[MembershipApplication]3. Completethedaterangewithstartingandendingdate(MM/DD/YYYY)andclick[Search].4. Verifyallnamesandgraduationdates.Onlythestudentswiththerequired25pointstobecomeamember

willbelisted.Studentswithlessthan25pointsarenotmembersandwillshowontheschoolprofileunder"ViewNon‐MemberStudents.”

5. Printtheapplicationforstudentmembership.6. Haveyourprincipalsigntheapplicationandretainitinyourchapterrecordbook.Pleasedonotmailthe

application.7. WhentheNFLdatabasereceivesyournewmembers,thenationalofficewillsendyouaninvoicefornew

members($15each)inthesameenvelopewiththeirmembershipcardsandhandembossedandsealedNFLstudentcertificates.

Note:Theinvoicewillnothavethenamesofthenewstudentsonit.Theinvoicewillsay"fournewmembersforthetotalowedof$60".Youcanrefertotheapplicationformyouprintedorthemembershipcardsintheenvelopetocheckandseewhatfournewstudentstheinvoiceisfor.

8. Pleasepaythisinvoicein30days.After60daysa$25latefeewillbeassessed.Additionally,aschoolwithanyoutstandingdebttotheNFLwillnotbeallowedtoparticipateintheDistrictorNationalTournament.

ContactCustomerServiceTheCustomerServicebuttonisawayforyoutocontactthenationalofficewithanyquestionsorconcerns.Clickthe[Help?]buttontofindananswerbeforecontactingourstaffwithyourquestion.Tocontactstaff:1. Click[CustomerService]inthemenuontheleft

sideofeachpage.2. Completeallinformationrequested.3. Includeyourquestionsorconcernsinthe

Commentsbox.4. Click[Submit].Youwillreceiveareplyfrom

CustomerServiceortheproperdepartmentwithin48hours.


ParticipatinginNFLTournamentsTheNFLholdstwomajorcompetitionseachyear;theDistrictTournamentandtheNationalTournament.TheDistrictTournamentholdscompetition“MainEvents”(see“CompetitiveEventsOffered”sectionofthisguideforfurtherinformation).TheNationalTournamentofferscompetitioninMain,aswellasSupplementalandConsolationEvents.WhiletheNFLonlyhoststwotournaments,itisimperativetorememberthatastudentreceivesNFLpointsthroughouttheentireforensicseasonbyenteringpointsfromatlocal,invitational,regional,andstatecontests.Otherspeakingevents,suchaspresentationstocivicorganizationsandcommunityserviceactivities,mayalsoqualifyforpoints.Forthisreason,NFLinvolvementextendsthroughouttheyearasstudentscontinuallyengageinpublicspeaking,service,andleadershipopportunities.

DistrictTournamentTheDistrictTournamentdetermineswhatstudentsqualifytocompeteattheNationalTournament.ToparticipateintheDistrictDebate/SpeechTournamentSeriesand/ortheDistrictCongress,astudentmust(1)beamemberoftheNFLataschoolingoodstanding(coachesmustverifythatalloftheirentriesweremembersofNFLsevendayspriortothetournament),(2)havenotattendedasecondaryschoolmorethan9semesters,and(3)meettheageandeligibilityrequirementsofhis/herstateactivitiesassociation.Thesizeofateam’sdistrictentrydependsonthenumberofmembersanddegreesearned.AsolospeechorLincolnDouglascontestantcountsasoneentry.Ateam(includingpublicforum,policy,andduo)alsocountsasoneentry.Regardlessofateam’ssize,allNFLmemberschoolsareencouragedtoenterallNFLpointsandattendtheDistrictTournament.Thenumberofqualifiersineacheventvariesbetweendistrictsdependingondistrictstrengthandnumberofentries;checkwiththedistrictchairforthisinformation.Inadditiontoqualifiers,therearealternatepositionsavailable(incaseaqualifierdoesnotattendtheNationalTournament).Amorein‐depthexplanationoftheDistrictTournamentprocesscanbefoundintheDistrictTournamentManual,foundonlineontheNFLwebsite.

NationalTournamentHostedinadifferentlocationeachyear,theNFLNationalTournamentisthelargesthighschoolforensicstournamentintheworld!Withmorethan3,500students,coaches,andsupportersinattendance,simplyqualifyingtotheNationalTournamentisconsideredamarkofachievementandexcellence.RegardlessofwhetherastudentqualifiestotheNationalTournament,weencourageallcoachestoattendforeducationalpurposes.Often,coachesremarkthatseeingthenation’stopcompetitorsmadeforensics“click”forthem.


PartnerProgramsInadditiontocompetitivepublicspeaking,theNFLproudlypartnerswiththeseprograms.Formoredetailsonsuchincentives,visitwww.NFLonline.org/Partners.

Thefollowingtwocontestsmeetanumberofcross‐curriculargoalstoextendcommunicationskills.ThePeopleSpeakasksstudentstoengagemembersofthepublictoraiseawarenessofissues,toimplementsolutionsthroughservice,andtodocument/blogtheirexperiences.TheInternationalPublicPolicyForumcultivatesstudents’abilitiesindevelopingconvincingwrittenarguments,bridgingthegapbetweenwrittenandoralcommunication.StudentswhoparticipateintheseopportunitiesnotonlyearnNFLmeritservicepoints,butcouldearnanopportunitytowinatravelexperienceofalifetime.

AmericanLegionOratoricalContestThiscontestoffersstudentsanopportunitytosupplementtheirexperiencesinspeechanddebatecompetition,andisespeciallyvaluablefororators,extemporaneousspeakers,andcongressionaldebaters.Theconteststartsatthelocalpostlevel,thenmovesontoregional,districtandstatelevels.AllstatechampionsareflowntoIndianapolisfortheNationalFinals.Afterpostlevel,winnersreceiveincrementalscholarships,withthetopthreenationalfinalistsearning$18,000,$16,000,and$14,000,respectivelyandearningaberthinOriginalOratoryattheNFLNationalTournament.Followthesesimplestepstoenter:1. Visitwww.legion.org/oratoricaltolearnmore.2. ClickRequestInformationorcontactyourstate’sAmericanLegionDepartmenttolearn

whenthefirstcontestwillbe.3. AlsoclickonAssignedTopicstolearntheextemporaneoustopicareas.4. PrepareanoriginalorationonsomeaspectoftheConstitutionwithemphasisonthe

dutiesandobligationsofacitizentoourgovernment.

InternationalPublicPolicyForumThiscontest–sponsoredbyNewYorkUniversityandtheBickel&BrewerFoundation–givesstudentstheopportunitytoparticipateinoralandwrittendebatesonissuesofpublicpolicy.TheIPPFisavailabletoallhighschoolsfreeofcharge,andparticipatingschoolsareeligibleforsubstantialrewards,bothintermsofexperienceandprizes(withagrandprizeof$10,000).Forguidelines,deadlines,andmoreinformation,visit:

www.bickelbrewer.com/debate.

CoachProfessionalDevelopmentNFLbelievesitsmostvaluableresourceisitspeople.Whetherwearegivingyouthavoice,trainingyouthforleadership,orempoweringeducators,ourgoalissimple:toreinforcecoaches’identityasprofessionals,providetraininganddevelopmentinforensics,andaccredit/recognizetheaccomplishmentsofitsmembers.Herearetheprogramsweoffer:

OnlineProfessionalDevelopment(inpartnershipwithMinnesotaStateUniversity,Mankato) CoachAccreditation CoachWorkshopScholarships(inpartnershipwithseveralleading,nationalinstitutes) NationalTournamentClinics SchoolFacultySeminars

Visitwww.NFLonline.org/CoachingResources/ProfessionalDevelopmentformoreinformation.


BuildingYourProgramWhileforensicsprovidesanenormouspotentialbenefitforeverystudentwhoparticipates,manystudentsdonotrealizeit!Forthisreason,recruitmentisnecessarytobuildasuccessfulforensicsprogram.Infact,oneofthemostimportantrolesofaforensicadvisorinvolvesidentifyingandrecruitingstudentsthatcouldbenefitfromspeechanddebatecompetition.Everyschoolisdifferent,soconsiderthecultureoftheschoolanddecidehowmanystudentsyourteamcanaccommodate(aimhigh!).Makethatnumberyourgoal.Then,usingthestrategiesprovidedinthisguide–orevenafewofyourown–pursuethestudentsyouneedtorealizethatgoal!Onceyouhaverecruitedaspeechanddebateteam,continuetobuildyourteambyengagingfaculty,administrators,parents,andcommunitymembers.Fundraisingmayalsoenableyourteamtotravelandcompetesuccessfully.Aboveall,bepersistentandoptimistic.Whoknows–usingsomeofthesetactics,youmayevensurpassyouroriginalambition!

RecruitmentIdeasCreateaTeamWebsiteBecausetheInternetisquicklybecomingthefastestgrowingmarketingtoolavailable,websitesareagreatideaforrecruitingstudentsandparentstohelpmoveyourprogramforward.Ifyourschoolhasawebsite,talkwiththewebmasteraboutcreatingaspaceforyourteam.Theteamsitecanincludeamembershiproster,yourmission,atournamentcalendar,team/schoolforms,news/pressreleasesonthesuccessoftheteam,andmostimportantly,yourcontactinformation.Thiswebsitewillalsobeagreatassettokeepallfacultyandadministratorsabreastofthehappeningsofyourteam.PublicShowcaseAgreatwaytorecruitotherstudentstojoinyourteamisbyhavingthemwatchlivepresentationsofspeeches,debatesorperformances.Somecoachesputonannualpublicperformancestoshowwhattheforensicsteamhasbeendoingallyear.Showcasingyourteamisagreatwaytogainfinancialsupportfromadministratorsanditoffersachanceforthecommunitytoseeyourteaminaction!Publicperformancescanalsobeduringthedayforthestudentbodyofyourschool.Whenstudentsseeotherstudentshavingfunwithforensics,theyaremoreinclinedtojointhemselves.Additionally,yourprogramcanearnincentivesandNFLpointsbyholdingpublicdebate–seep.26fordetails.

WriteaLetterSinceeffectiveoralandwrittenverbalskillsarenecessarycomponentsinforensiccompetition,oneideaforrecruitmentistosendalettertoallofyouradvancedEnglishclasses.Thisisawaytorecruitstudentsthatarealreadymakinggoodgradesandhavesufficientwritingskillsthatareimperativeinspeechanddebatecompetition.Also,manyestablishedteamssendoutletterstheyearpriorfortheupcomingseason.Ingeneral,teachersinthehumanitiesaregreatalliesforyourprogram.SeeFigure1foransampleletterthatcouldbeformattedtouseatyourschool.

PublicizeAccomplishmentsAfteratournament,publicizetournamentresultsfromyourteam.Thisisagreatwaytogetyourteam’ssuccessinthepubliceye.Often,atthebeginning,ateamdoesn’thavemanytrophiestoreport.Don’tletthisdeteryoufromwritingacompellingpressrelease.Youcouldwrite“JaynaBealreceivedaperfectscoreattheMcLeodHSInvitationalonSaturdayforherperformanceinDramaticInterp.”Then,whenastudentwinshisorherfirsttournament,treatitliketheAcademyAwards.


Sendyourtypedresultseverywhereyoucan,andsendthemeverytimeyoucompete: tothepublicrelations/communicationsdirectorforyourschool/district tothefacultyandstaffatyourschool,includingyourwebsitestaff toyourBoardmembersandSuperintendent tothepersonwhomakesthedailyannouncementsatyourschoolandtoyourlocalpaper.

SeeFigure2forasamplepressrelease.

StepsforEffectiveRecruitment:Extra‐CurricularModel

Pre‐Step:AnsweringSomeBasicQuestions Whatareyourrecruitmentgoals? Howmanystudentsdoyouwishtohaveinyourprogram? Howwillrecruitmentaffectyourbudgetsituation(isthereadditionalfundraisingpotential)? Howmanystudentsdoesyouradministrationwantintheprogram? Willthelevelofadministrativesatisfactionincreasewithariseinnumbers? WhattypeofstudentdoIwishtorecruitandworkwith? Howmanystudentstomyassistants(ifany)wishtoworkwith? WhatarethechancesofincreasingmynumberofassistantswhenIincreasethenumberofparticipants? HowmuchtimeamIwillingtoputinbeforeandafterschooltoaccommodatetheincreaseinnumbers? WhatotherprogramswillIdirectlyaffectinmakeamassivepushforincreasedparticipationinmy

program? WhodoIdefinitelyhavetohaveonmysideduringtherecruitmentprocess? WhatresourcesdoIhaveavailabletometoreachthekidsthatIwouldliketorecruit?Onceyouhavethebasicquestionsanswered,youwillthenhaveabetterunderstandingoftheextenttowhichyouwanttorecruitandconcernsyoumayhave.Makesurethatyoudiscussyourconcernswithassistantcoaches,administrators,orfellowteacherspriortobeginningtherecruitmentprocess.

StepI:AttitudeSpeechandDebateisauniqueactivity.Ifyouwanttorecruitthecreativestudentsnecessarytobesuccessfulintheactivity,youhavetobethewackiestpersoninthebuilding.Thismeansthatalthoughyouareunbelievablybusy,youneedtoparticipateinasmuchschoolstuffaspossible.Youhavetoestablishthatarelationshipwithyou,inyourprogram,willbethemostincredibleexperiencethatthestudenthaseverhad.Examplesofthisinclude:Dressingupwiththekidsoncrazydress‐updays;gettingontheannouncementseveryonceinawhileanddoingcrazystuff;beinginthehallsduringthepassingperiodswaving"hello"tovariousclassroomstudentsaswellascurrentdebatersandspeechteammembers.Youhavetogeneratediscussionaboutwhoyouareandwhatyoudo.Ifyougetkidstalkingaboutyouortheactivity,youwin!

Step2:GetintoClassroomsDuringthefirstweekofschool,workoutyourschedulesoyouorselectstudentscanentereverysingle9thand10thgradeEnglishclassroomfora3‐minuterecruitmentspeechaboutspeechanddebate.Thisspeechisdesignedtomakethestudentsinterestedineitheryouortheconceptofspeechanddebate.YoumightdothisoverthecourseofaTuesdayandWednesdaysoyoucanhaveaninformationalmeetingfornewmembersonThursdayafterschool.Itisimportantthatthisoccursduringthefirstweek.Ifyou(thecoach)dothis,youmayhavetoarrangeforperiodiccoverageofyourclasses.


Step3:AnnouncementsThisisano‐brainer.Makesurethatyourmeetingfornewmembersispublicizedinannouncementsandwheneverpossible,allweek.Themeetingshouldgetannouncedtothepointthatstudentscanfinishtheannouncementbeforetheannouncerfinishesreadingit.

Step4:RecruitmentAssistancefromTeachersDuringthefirstfew"teacheronly"daysandattheendand/orbeginningofeachsemester,emailalloftheEnglishteachersandaskthemforalistofthosestudentsthattheyfeeloughttoconsiderspeechanddebate.Describeforthemthetypeofstudentyouarelookingfor.Also,encouragetheteacherstomentionspeechanddebatetothesestudentsaswell.Ithelpstorememberthatforensicsisapoliticalnightmare.Ifateacherfeelstheyweresomehowresponsibleforthefuturesuccessofastudentwhocameintotheprogrambecauseoftheirencouragement,theywillbeyoursforlife.Don'tforgettogobacktothoseteachersandtellthem,"weowealottoyou."

Step5:RecruitmentfromKidsGreatkidsbreedgreatkids.Whilepeerpressurecanbethemajordownfallforsomestudents,itcanalsobetheirsavior.Sitdownwithcurrentkidsatthebeginningandendofeachschoolyearandhavethemlistatleastthreestudentsthattheyfeelwouldmakewonderfuladditionstoourprogram.Beforetheymaketheirlist,remindthemofthetypeofstudentyouarelookingforanddiscusspotentialproblemswithrecruitingfriendsthatwillnotbededicatedtotheprogram.Makesurethestudentsgiveyouthecorrectspellingofthename,gradelevel,andarea(speechordebate)thattheyfeelthispersonwouldexcelin.

Step6:ConstantRecruitingOncetheschoolyearbegins,itiseasytoresignyourselftothefactthatyounowhaveyourteamandthisistheteamyouwillhavetolivewiththerestoftheseason.Thisisjustnottrue.Somechampionstudentsjointeamslate.Keepyoureyeoutforstudentswhomayhave“slippedthroughthecracks”earlier.

Step7:ShowcaseyourCurrentTeam

Duringthecurrentyearofcompetition,youalsoneedtothinkaboutthenextyear.Somekidswillneverjointheteamuntiltheyhaveaclearunderstandingoftheteam.Likewise,manyfacultymemberswillneveradvocatetheteamuntiltheyseethetangiblebenefitsitbringstoyoungpeople.Hereareafewwaystoshowcaseyourteam: Performancenight–inviteeveryone,advertiseit!Trytogetstudents,facultymembers,

administrators,boardmembers,etc. Havestudentsdebateorperformatafacultymeeting.Forexample,ifafacultyistryingtodecideifa

weightedgradesystemwouldbenefitstudents,manyteacherswantedtobemoreeducatedontheweightedgradeconceptpriortovotingonit.Twotopstudentscoulddebatetheissueinfrontoffaculty.

PublicDebates‐Agreatcommunitypublicitystunt.Rememberthatmanymembersofthecommunitywillhaveyoungpeopleatyourschool.Parentsalsoenjoyattendingtheseevents,andparentalinfluencecanbequiteeffective.TheNFLwillalertcoachestoopportunitiesastheyarise.

PressReleaseseverysingleweek.Youmustdothisyourselforfacilitateit.Sportsteamsarereallytheonlyconstantarticle.Reporterswillnotfindyouforfineartsarticles.Findaconnectionatyourfavoritepaper.Thiswillleadtosomespecialinterestarticleswhenmajorthingshappen.


Haveyourspeechteamdothemorningannouncements.However,makesurethatthepeopleyouchoosewilldoagreatjobandwillbeappropriate.

Lockersignsforgoodluckattournaments.Youdon'thavecheerleaders,butyoumayhavegroupiesorjustpeopleonyourteamwillingtodothis.

Studentsinthebuildingwillnotknowthatamajordebateorspeecheventiscomingupifyoudon'ttellthem.

Hosttournaments.Theactivitysurroundingatournamentwillalwaysarousesomeinterest.Whenstudentsstartasking,"What'sgoingon?"youhaveexposedthemtosomeextent.

Haveyourstudentsdressupduringthedaypriortoleavingforamajortournamentorhostingamajortournament.Otherstudentswillinquireastothereasonfordressingup,whichmeansthatagainyouhaveinformedandexposedthemtotheactivity.

Step8:MiddleLevelSpeechandDebateProgramsThisisanessentialelementtoestablishingaconstantflowofcompetitorswhoareinterestedinthelonghaul.Italsoallowsyoutogetanideaofwhetherornotyouwanttostronglyrecruitthatchildwhentheyreachhighschool.Useseniorsintheprogramtohelpanassistantcoachoradvisoratthemiddleschoolfacilitatethisprogram.

Step9:EndoftheYearBarbequeBringyourgrillfromhomeandsetitupontheschoolgrounds(getpermissionfirst,ofcourse).AnnounceonthePAthatyouwillbehostingacookoutfornewrecruits.Createalistofprospectivestudentsfromteachersandcurrentmembersandsendthemspecialinvitestothecookout.AttheBBQ,tellalittlebitabouttheprogramandwhattheyneedtodointhefalliftheyareinterested.Then,showcasethestate/nationalsteam.TheentiregoaloftheBBQistoshownewprospectsthatthespeechteamisformorethanjustnerds,andthatitcanbea"cool"thingtodo.AllcurrentmembersarerequiredtoattendtheBBQaswell.

Step10:Over‐recruitManypeoplegetcaughtupinwhetherornottheywillendupwithtoomanypeopleontheirteam(orthewrongpeople).Donotworryaboutwhoisjoininguntiltheyallhavetheprograminformationandhaveactuallysignedthecommitmentsheet.Onceyoubeginthegruelingscheduleofpractices,youwillmostlikelylosethebadseeds.However,YOUMUSTSTICKTOYOURPOLICIESoryouwillnotlosethesepeople.Evenworse,theywillprobablycausechaosonyourteam.Ifpeopleleave,don'ttakeitpersonally.Fighttokeepeveryoneyoucan,butifyouknowthereasontheyareleavingisbecausetheydon'twanttofollowthepolicies,letthemgo.Eachyear,youwilllosefewerandfewerpeople.Also,rememberthateveryinteractionwithastudentthatyouhavenevermetcouldbearecruitingopportunity!

Finally,havefunrecruiting!Itis,byfar,thebestpartoftheactivity,becauseeverystudentyourecruitwouldnothavereceivedtheopportunityorbenefitsofspeechanddebateifyouhadnotgoneoutandfoundthem!!!


Figure1:SampleRecruitmentLetter

Dear(StudentName):Congratulationsonreceivingthisletter!Youhavebeennominatedbyoneormoreofyourteachersforthe20xx‐20xx(AnytownHighSchool)Forensicsteam.Ihopethatyouconsiderthisoutstandingacademicopportunity. Onthe(AnytownHighSchool)Forensicsteam,oursuccessisadirectresultofourcharacter,integrity,andhardwork.Ourstudentshaveachievedrarehonorsandtopaccoladesfortheirachievement.Youtoocanbeoneofournextsuccessstories.ConsiderstudentslikeDevinSmith–a9thgraderatAHSwhowontheWashburnRuralHighSchoolNoviceTournament.Or,thinkaboutLaToshaSeals,whowentundefeatedin3tournamentsthisyear.YoumightknowMattLangorAnishPatel...theyearnedtophonorsatourNationalForensicsLeagueDistrictDebateTournament.Theseandsomanyother9thand10thgradestudentsbegantheirdebatecareerlastyearandsoonbecamesomeofthebestcompetitorsinthestate.Youcantoo! Themedals,thetrophies,theovernighthoteltrips,thesquadparties...theyarejustpartofthereasonourstudentsworkhardandhavefun.Ourprogramiscenteredonproducingthebestandbrighteststudentsinthestate.Imagineyourpotentialasagraduateof(AnytownHighSchool)withabackgroundinDebateandForensics...youthinkfaster,youarguebetter,andyouspeakclearlyandwithasenseofpurposeandstyle.Thisiswhatyourteachersseeinyou,andit’swhatIwanttoseefromyoutoo. Don’tgetmewrong...I’llexpectyoutoworkharderthanyou’veeverworked.You’llberequiredtogiveupseveralFridaysandSaturdaystoattendtournamentsalloverthestate.You’llbeexpectedtowearprofessionaldressclothes.Asastudentinourprogram,you’llbeexpectedtobethemodelofcharacterandintegrity.Iexpectnothinglessthanyourbest.Buttherewardsforyourhardworkwillfaroutweightheeffortyouputintoit.Youwillbeapartofafamilythatworkshardandhasfun.Fromthedayyouontoourteam,youwillhaveacircleofcolleaguesthatyou’llbeproudtocallyourfriends. Ifyouareinterested,andIhopeyouare,Iwantyoutotalkwithyourparents.Whenyourfamilyhasdecidedtobeapartofourfamily,IwanttoyoutovisitwithyourAHScounselorandaskedtobeenrolleditthedebateand/orforensicsclasses.IhopetoseeyouinclassthisAugust!Onceyouenroll,you’llreceiveaninvitationinMaytoattendourannualSpeechandDebateSummerCampduringthefirstweekofAugust.It’soptional,butwillbecriticalforthoseforensicsstudentswhowanttobeamongtheverybestinthestate!

BestWishes,(I.M.Coach)or(I.M.CaptainandA.Co‐Captain)


Figure2:SamplePressRelease

FORIMMEDIATERELEASE Formoreinformation,contact: MitchJacob,(555)555‐1234 [email protected]

SpecificandConciseTitleDescribingtheAccomplishment

ANYTOWN‐‐AnytownHighSchoolplaced3rdoftwentyschoolsattheMetropolisInvitationalon

Saturday,November20.Theteamwonsevenawardsatthemeet.SeniorMeredithAbernathled

theteamwithfirstplaceinPoetryandsixthinStorytelling.MerryvilleWestHightookfirstatthe

tournament,followedbyAshtonFalls,Anytown,Eldorado,Mayberry,andValleyForgerounding

outthetopsixschools.

AnytownwillnextcompeteattheCrestCityHolidayClassicInvitationalonDecember4.

Fullteamresultsarelistedbelow.

JaneEyre:2nd,Prose;AgnesCorum:6th,DramaticInterpretationand2nd,ImprovDuo;K.C.

Outfielder:1st,Poetryand6th,Storytelling;EbenezerScrooge:3rd,Prose;WaltWhitman:2nd,

ImprovDuo.

AnytownHighSchool’sForensicsprogramiscoachedbyMitchJacob,atwo‐diamond

NationalForensicLeaguecoachandsecretaryoftheAnystateLeague.

###


DraftingaPlantoBuildYourProgram

Figureouttheanswers: Startsmallandbuildwithyoursuccess.

Visitkeywebsites:www.NFLonline.org,www.ForensicsOnline.org,andyourstate/regionalleaguewebsite!

TalktoyourPrincipal,ActivitiesDirector,DepartmentChair,andothercoachestofindoutwhatfinancialandpersonnelresourcesareavailable.

Findoutfromtheotherfineartsteacherswhatlevelofperformanceandparticipationistypical.

Talktootherfacultyaboutthehistoryofspeechanddebateattheschool.ObtainAdministrative/Facultysupport: TakeyourfloorplantoyourPrincipalorActivitiesDirectorandestablishyourgoalswithhim/her.

Askforpermissiontointroduceyourselfatafacultymeetingandintroducewhatyouwillbedoingforthestudents.

EatlunchintheFacultyLoungeanddiscussyourupcomingplanstopromote,keepfacultyaware,andgarnersupportforyourendeavors.

FinancetheProgram: Explorealloptionsforfundingyourprogram.

Gotoyouradministrationwithaconservativecostestimatebasedonteamsize.

Findoutifyouareallowedtochargeparticipationfees.

Findoutifotherprogramsareallowedtofundraise.

Askfourbasicquestions: WhatdoIwanttobuild?

WhatresourcesdoIneed?

HowdoIbeginconstruction?

HowdoIsustainitthroughthestorms?

Establishafloorplan: HowmanystudentsdoIwantinvolvedinmyprogram?

HowmanystudentsamIexpectedtohaveinmyprogram?

Whatareasofspeechanddebateareavailable?

WhatkindofresourcepooldoIhave?

Whatisthehistory,ifany,ofthecurrentprogram?

Whatbuiltinrewardswilltheprogramoffer?


GetParentsInvolvedAscoach,youshouldmakeeveryattempttoutilizeparentsasavaluablecompetitiveresource.Thinkofparentsaspartners.Afewstepsmayfacilitatethisprocess: Holdameetinginthefirsttwoweeksofschoolwithinformationforthe

parentsaboutwhatisexpectedofthemandwhatisexpectedoftheirchildintheprogram.Setthemeetingintheeveningandhaverefreshmentsaswell!Parentslovefood!Thisisalsoagoodplacetogetparentstosign‐upforcommittees.Communicateyourcoachingphilosophyandexpectationsclearlyanddirectly.Informthemofanyneedsyouhavefortheirassistance.Letthemknowhowtobestcommunicatewithyou.

Haveatrainingsessiontoshowparentswhattheeventsareandhowtojudge.Makeavideotapeofthisto

sharewithparentswhowerenotabletogototheworkshop. Ifyouaretravelingtolocaltournaments,askparentstodrive(ifthisisacceptablewithinschool/district

policies).Whentheparentsarrive,havealistofallofthestudentswhowillberidinginthecar. Formparentcommittees.Haveatournamentcommittee(whohelpwiththetournamentconcessionsand

oftenwithgettingjudges),fundraisingcommittee,specialeventscommittee(recruitmenticecreamsocialatthebeginningoftheschoolyear,organizeapublicshowcaseevening),andPRcommittee(pressreleases,emailsparents,etc.).

Haveawebsiteparentscanaccesstogetitineraries,readannouncements,etc.Communicationisvital. Formanemaillistsothateverythingyougivetothestudentsalsogetstotheparents.Parentswanttobe

informed,andstudentsoftenforgettogivetheirparentspaperbulletins. Whenparentshelpout,sendoutthankyounotesforallthattheydo.Mentionthemattheendoftheyear

banquet/reception.Letthemknowhowmuchyouappreciatethem. Rememberyouarethecoachandyouaretheoneincharge.Parentsarewonderful…considertheiradvice,

butyouultimatelyruntheprogram.Seektheassistanceoftheprincipalifneeded,butalwaysbeproactiveinalertingyourschooladministrationtoanyconflictsaheadoftime,soyouradministratorsaren’tcaughtbysurprise(neveragoodthing).

SeeFigure3forasampleofaparentbulletin,andtheAppendixforadditionalsamplesofpoliciesandotherforms.


Figure3:GeneralForensicProgramInformationBulletinforParents

ANYTOWNHIGHDEBATEANDSPEECH

Director: MitchJacob School:(515)123‐4567/Cell:555‐5555

Email:[email protected]: LacyMcGuire,RandallHanks,GeoffreyHutchins

DEBATEPRACTICESCHEDULESAlldebatemembermeetings Mondaysfrom3:30pmto3:45pmVarsityLincolnDouglas TuesdaysandThursdaysfrom3:30to6pmNoviceLincolnDouglas Tues.,Wed.,andThurs.from3:30pmto6pmVarsityPolicy Monday‐Thursdayfrom3:30to6pmStudentCongress Thursdaysfrom3:30pmto6pmSPEECHPRACTICESCHEDULESAllspeechmembermeeting 1stand3rdMondayofeverymonthat7:45amExtemporaneousSpeaking Tuesdaysfrom3:30pmto5:30pmAllotherevents One20minute,individuallyscheduledpracticeperweek.

(Moreareoptional)TOURNAMENTSCHEDULES(Seeattachedsheetforcombinedschedule)NoviceLincolnDouglasAnkenyDuals(heldatDMRooseveltthisyear Sat.Oct.7thCedarFalls,IA FriOct.20thTheGlenbrooks,Chicago,IL Fri‐Sun.Nov.17‐19IHSFLCubed,IowaCityCommunitySchools Fri/Sat.Dec.1‐2VarsityLincolnDouglasDallas,TX Thurs‐SunSept.14‐17W.DesMoinesValley Fri‐SunSept.22‐24AnkenyDuals(heldatDMRooseveltthisyear Sat.Oct.7thKANELLISOVERNIGHTER HostFri/Sat.Nov.10‐11TheGlenbrooks,Chicago,IL Fri‐Sun.Nov.17‐19GREATMIDWESTERNNOVICE HostFri/SatMarch30‐31 NovicePolicyAnkenyDuals(heldatDMRooseveltthisyear) Fri/Sat.Oct.6‐7KANELLISOVERNIGHTER HostFri/Sat.Nov.10‐11TheGlenbrooks,Chicago,IL Fri‐Sun.Nov.17‐19GREATMIDWESTERNNOVICE HostFri/SatMarch30‐31VarsityPolicyDallas,TX Thurs‐SunSept.14‐17Dallas,TX Thurs‐Sun.Oct.19‐22KANELLISOVERNIGHTER HostFri/Sat.Nov.10‐11TheGlenbrooks,Chicago,IL Fri‐Sun.Nov.17‐19DowlingParadigm,WDesMoines,IA Sat.Dec.9Minneapolis,MN Fri/Sat.Dec.15‐16GREATMIDWESTERNNOVICE HostFri/SatMarch30‐31


Figure3,Continued:GeneralForensicProgramInformationBulletinforParents

StudentCongressAnkenyDuals(heldatDMRooseveltthisyear) Sat.Oct.7thCedarFalls,IA Sat.Oct.21KANELLISOVERNIGHTER HostFri/Sat.Nov.10‐11IHSSAStateDebate,Ankeny,IA Fri/Sat.,Jan.5‐6GREATMIDWESTERNNOVICE HostFri/SatMarch30‐31SpeechEventsAnkenyDuals(heldatDMRooseveltthisyear) Fri.Oct.6thCedarFalls,IA Sat.Oct.21KANELLISOVERNIGHTER HostFri/Sat.Nov.10‐11TheGlenbrooks,Chicago,IL Fri‐Sun.Nov.17‐19DowlingParadigm,WDesMoines,IA Fri.Dec.8GREATMIDWESTERNNOVICE HostFri/SatMarch30‐31MONETARYCOMMITMENT Allhotelfeeswillbedividedevenlyamongthosestudentsinattendance. Onceafamilyhaspaid$300forhotelfees,nomorefeeswillbeassessed. Studentswhogobeyondthefundraisinggoalwillbeallowedtoapplytheadditionalprofittotheirhotel

fees.FUNDRAISING Eachstudentintheprogramwillberequiredtoparticipateinthe"StockinTalk"program.Complete

paperworkonthisprogramwillbedistributedinmid‐October. Eachstudentwillberequiredtoraise$100inthestockprogram.Additionalmoneyraisedwillbeapplied

tothatstudent’shotelfees. Wewillalsobegeneratingfundsfromtwotournamentsthatwehost,aswellasareststopfundraiseron

MemorialDayweekend. Itisextremelyimportantwiththeincreaseinnumbersofparticipantsthatweprioritizefinancialbacking. Ifanyparenthasconnectionstopossiblecorporatesponsorshipsorfuturefundraisingventures,please

contactMitchJacob.FRIENDSOFANYTOWNHIGHDEBATEItisourhopetobegintheorganizationof"TheFriendsofAnytownHighDebate."Thisparticulargroup(consistingprimarilyofparentsofcurrentstudentsandalumni)willestablishspecificcommitteestoassistantinmanyfacetsoftheprogram.Belowisalistofthecommitteesthatwillbeformedwithinthegroup.

TOURNAMENTCONCESSIONSFUNDRAISINGPARENTALJUDGINGTRANSPORTATIONASSISTANCE

Ifanyoneisinterestedinvolunteeringforchairpositionsoneachofthesecommittees,pleaseseeMitchJacob.Wearealsohopingtohaveonevolunteertoserveasthisyear'scoordinatorof"TheFriendsofAnytownDebate."Thiscouldbeasharedpositionifitwouldmakeindividualsmorecomfortablewiththecommitment.

Thanksinadvanceforyourdedication!Weanticipateasuccessfulandfulfillingyear!


ProfitableFundraisingFundraisingenablesspeechanddebateprogramstogrowthrive.Whileyoumaybeabletoprocuresomefinancialsupportfromyourschooladministration(oftenintheformofNFLmembershipduesorotherstart‐upcosts),youwillneedadditionalmoniestocoverexpensessuchastravelcosts,entryfees,andothermiscellaneousexpenses.Fundraisingopportunitiesareboundless;selecttheprogramthatworksbestforyourteam.Regardlessofthefundraisingopportunityyoupursue,however,acommonapproachtofundraisingmaymaximizeyourwindfalls.

Beginfundraisingwithaplanningsession.Setfinancialgoalsandafundraisingtimeframe(werecommend2weeksforafundraiser).

Obtainnecessaryapprovalofyourschool/schooldistrictadministration.

Alertyourcommunityaboutfundraiserviaparentletters,postersandcommunityannouncements.Publicitypromotesprofits!

Holda"kick‐off"rally,whicheducatesthekidsonthefundraisingprograms,andbuildenthusiasmtoreachfundraisinggoals.

Oncethefundraiserisunderway,monitoryourstudents’progress.Provideencouragementandincentivestokeepstudentsmotivated.

Oncethefundraiseriscomplete,collecttheorderformsandmoney.Returntheseformsandpaymentstothefundraisingcompany.Atthistime,youwillprobablyalsowanttoscheduledeliverydatewithfundraisingcompany.

Keepaccuraterecords–especiallyreceipts–andcommunicatewithyourschoolbookkeeper.

Settimeandplaceforstudentandparentstomeettopickupdeliveredproducts.Haveparentsandteacherstovolunteertohelpdistributetheproductinanorderlyfashion.

Checkfordamagedproductsandanyerrorsandmakethenecessaryarrangementswiththefundraisingcompanyforreplacements.

Havetheystudentdelivertheirproductsthattheysold.Apersonalthankyouletterbythestudentscan'thurt.

Enjoythefruitsofyourlaborandstartthinkingofwaysonimprovingyournextfundraiser.

Createaspaceforyoursquad’sonlinefundraising,wheredonorscanchoosewhichprojectstogiveto:www.GiveYouthAVoice.org

Remember,fundraisingoftenimproveswithpracticeandpersistence.


TournamentCompetitionGlossaryAswithanyspecializedactivity,jargonandabbreviationspervadeforensics.Below,andinthepagesthatfollow,aresomeofthemostessentialtermsofartthatwillalleviateyouruncertaintyasanewcoach,aswellasthehesitancyanystudentsnewtoforensicsmayfeel.

BasicTournamentTerminology Ballot:thesheetofpaperwherejudgeswritetheresultsofanindividualroundofcompetition,whichthey

submittotheTabroom.

Break:advancingtothenextlevelofcompetition;break,elimination(elims)oroutroundsaremuchlike“playoffs,”withcertainnumbersofstudentseliminatedattheendofeachheat.Thelastbreakroundofatournamentisthefinalround,or“finals,”featuringtwoopposingdebateteamsorsixspeechcontestants.Alsosee“posting.”

Code:manytournamentsuseacodesystemtokeeptheidentityofcontestants–andtheirschools–anonymous.Codesareoftenacombinationofnumbersandletters,whichdesignateschool,eventandsequence(howmanystudentsfromaparticularschoolareinagivenevent).

Divisions:categorizationsofcompetitionatatournament,suchas“varsity,”“junior”or“JV,”“novice,”and“open.”

Ethics:rulesorstandardsthatgovernconduct;whenthesearebroken,there’susuallyaprocedureforacoachtoinitiateaprotestwithacommitteeofimpartialcoaches,whoadjudicateethicalproblems.

Flight:duetoroomortimeconstraints,tournamentswillsometimesscheduleback‐to‐backcontestsinthesameroomduringasingleround’stimeframe.

Forensics:overarchingtermforspeechanddebate,thoughitsometimesconnotesspeechcompetition,particularlyinstateswithsplitdebateandspeechseasons.

Judge(oradjudicator):anadultwhoevaluatesaroundofcompetition.Judgesaredrawnfromeducators,formercompetitors,andbusinessprofessionals.Judgesdrawnfrommembersofthelocalcommunity,includingparentsareconsideredlayjudges,fortheirlackoftechnicalunderstandingofcompetitionstandards.Judgesshouldbeequippedwithatimingdevice,writingutensilsandpaper.

Prelims:guaranteedpreliminaryroundsofatatournament,beforecompetitionbreakstoelimrounds.

Posting:process(v.)orlocation(n.)ofprelimschematicsorlistofcontestantsbreakingtoelims.

Record:indebate,thewin‐lossratio,orinspeech,thetotalranks;ageneralstandingofsuccess.

Round:anindividualheatofcompetition,wherestudentsarematchedto(an)opposingcontestant(s)omaparticularroomwithaparticularjudgeorpanelofjudges.Roundsaresometimesdividedintoflights.

Schematics(or“schem,”“schemats”):matrixthatassignsstudentstocompeteinparticularroomswithparticularjudgesforeachround.Indebate,theseareoftencalled“pairings.”

Tab:shortfortabulation,thisisthetournamentheadquarters,whereresultsarecomputed.Toprotectintegrityofcompetition,thereareusuallyprotocolsaboutseekingpermissiontoentertheTabroom.


DebateTerminology Adhominemfallacy:attackingapersonratherthantheargument

Adpopulumfallacy:claimingthatsomethingistruebecauseofpopularbelief

Affirmative/Pro/Government–theteamorcompetitorarguinginfavorofadoptingtheresolution.

BurdenofProof:theaffirmative’sresponsibilitytothattheresolutionistrue.Iftheaffirmativefailstoprovetheresolution,he/she/theyoughttolosethedebate.

BurdenofRejoinder:thenegative’sresponsibilitytodisprovetheaffirmativecase.Ifthenegativefailstodisprovetheresolution,he/she/theyoughttolosethedebate.

Clash:Directresponsestoanopponent’sarguments(Seerefutation).

Constructive:thefirstspeechgivenbyeachdebater(bothteams)inaround,usedtobuildacase.Newargumentsarepermittedduringconstructivespeeches,whichdistinguishesthemfromrebuttals(whereinnewargumentsarenotallowed).

Contention:claimsmadefororagainsttheresolution,oftenstatedinonedeclarativesentence.Adebatecasemaybeorganizedintocontentions

CostBenefitAnalysis:oneofthemostcommonwaystodecideadebateround,thisphilosophyrequiresajudgetoanalyzethebenefitsofapolicyversusthecost.Inotherwords,doestheproposaldomoreharmorgood?

Counterplan:thenegativeadmitsthepresentsystemshouldbechanged,butarguesthatthenegativeteam’sproposal(plan)isbetterthanwhattheaffirmativehasoffered.

Criterion:standard,rule,ortestonwhichadecisionorjudgmentisbased.Inpolicydebate,thebasisforestablishingorevaluatingpolicy(i.e.,netbenefits).Invaluedebate,thecriterionisthemethodbywhichthevalueisassessed(i.e.,thevalueof“safety”canbemeasuredintermsoffreedomfromharmi.e.,apersonissafewhenhe/sheisnotbeingharmed,andthat’showyouknowthatsafetyisoccurring).

CrossExamination(Cross‐Ex,CX):periodoftimewhendebatersaskeachotherquestions.

Flowing:note‐takingduringadebate,accuratelyrecordingthemostimportantargumentsandrebuttals.Thepaperonwhichthisnotetakingoccursisknownasaflow.

Inherency:thereasonaproblemstillexists.Alsounderstoodasthebarriertosolvency.Forexample,ifthefederalgovernmentpassedadiscriminatorylaw,thenthatlawwouldbetheinherentbarriertoajustsociety.

JudgingParadigm/Preferences:ajudge’seducationalphilosophy,themodelorviewthatguideshisorherdecision.Inotherwords,whatajudgedoesordoesnotwanttohearinaround.

LeaderoftheOpposition:firstandlastspeakerfortheOppositionteam(inparliamentarydebate)

MemberofGovernment:secondspeakerfortheGovernment(inparliamentarydebate)

MemberoftheOpposition:secondspeakerfortheOpposition(inparliamentarydebate)

Negative/Con:sidethatdefendsthepresentsystemandarguesagainsttheresolution

Opposition:sidethatmustnegate/disprovetheresolution(negative)

PrimeMinister:firstandlastspeakerfortheGovernment(Affirmative)team(inparliamentarydebate)


PowerMatching:systemofrankinginelimroundswhereteamswithequalrecordsdebateeachother.

Rebuttal:speechthatrebuildsargumentsafterattacks,refutesargumentsoftheopposingteam,andsummarizesthedebate.Generally,nonewargumentsareallowedinrebuttalspeeches.

Refutation:directlyattackingtheopposingteams’arguments(alsoknownasclash).

Resolution:thepropositionorsubjectofferedtodebate.

SpiritoftheResolution:whattheresolutionis“supposed”tomean.Usuallydecidedinround.

StatusQuo:thecurrentstateofaffairs,thepresentsystem.

Topicality:anargumentthatstatesacompetitorhasmisinterpretedawordintheresolution.Usuallyfoundinpolicyrounds–lesscommoninvalue/publicforumrounds.

Value:aconcept,standard,oridealinvaluedebaterounds.Somethingwhich,accordingtothedebater,shouldbeupheld,i.e.justice,freedom,equality,etc.

VotingIssues:thekeypointsinadebatethatarecrucialtotheoutcome,reasonswhythejudgeshouldgivethedecisiontoateam.

WeighingMechanism:thestandardsbywhichajudgeevaluatesthesuccessoftheGovernment’sandOpposition’scases,standardsbywhichadecisionismade(criterion).

CongressTerminology Agenda:theorderoflegislationassuggestedbyacommitteeorlegislator,andvotedonbytheassembly

(sometimescalledthe“calendar”).

Amendment:aspecificchangetoanitemoflegislation,explainingexactlywhichwordsitmodifies,andnotchangingtheintentofthelegislationitself.

Authorship:aconstructivespeechofuptothree(3)minutesgivenbyalegislator,whichintroducesanitemoflegislationfordebatebythechamber.Itiscalledasponsorshipspeechifgivenbyastudentwhoisnotaffiliatedwiththeschoolthelegislationoriginatedfrom.Allauthorshipspeechesarefollowedbyatwo‐minutequestioningperiod.Allaffirmativeandnegativespeechesthatfollowanauthorshipspeechshouldintroducenewideas(arguments)andrespondtopreviousarguments(refuteorrebut).

Bill:legislationthatdescribesdetailsofhowapolicywouldbeenacted,ifvotedintolawbytheassembly.

Committee:smallgroupoflegislatorswhomeetandbringrecommendationstothefullassembly.

Docket:thecompletepacketoflegislation(astitlesorfulltext)distributedbyatournament.

Floor:whenamemberhasthefullattentionoftheassemblytospeak(alsoreferstotheareawheretheassemblymeets,whereitslegislatorsspeak,andwhereitconductsitsbusiness).

Legislation:specific,writtenproposal(billorresolution)madebyalegislatororcommitteefordebate.

Precedence:presidingofficerrecognizesspeakerswhohavespokenleast(ornotatall).

PresidingOfficer:theleaderofalegislativeassemblywhorunsitsmeetingsbyrecognizingmembers(legislators)tospeakormove.Alsocalledthe“presidingofficer,”or“P.O.”ModeledaftertheSpeakeroftheHouse,ortheVicePresidentorPresidentprotemporeoftheSenate.

Questioning:periodwherethemembersoftheassemblyaskindividualquestionsofthespeaker(sometimescalledcross‐examination).Multiple‐part(ortwo‐part)questionsarenotallowed(unlessthe


rulesaresuspendedforthatinstance),becausetheytaketimefromothermemberswhomaywishtoquestionthespeaker.

Recency:recognizingspeakersbasedonwhohasspokenleastrecently(orearlier).

Resolution:legislationthatexpressesaconviction,orvaluebeliefofanassembly,whichmayurge,requestorsuggestfurtheractionbyanotherdecision‐makingauthority.

SpeechTerminology Blocking:movementsmadeduringaperformance.

Category:anotherwordfor“event,”referringtoaspecificcontest,suchasOratory,orDuoInterpretation.

(to)Cut:totakeonlyselectedsectionsfromaliterarypiece.Tocuttomaketimelimitsortocutinappropriatematerial.

DoubleEntered:enteredinmorethanoneeventinapattern.Alsocalledcrossentered.

Draw:limitedprepevents,suchasExtemp.,requirethatstudentspreparetheirresponsetoaquestionorpromptdistributedatthetournamentforeachround.Thedrawtimeiswhenstudentsselecttheirtopic;followedbyaprescribedpreparationtimebeforetheyspeak(which,forExtemp.,is30minutes).Duringthattime,studentsmuststayinthePrepRoom,untiltheyleavetospeak.

Evaluation(orCritiqueorBallot):formwherejudgeswritespecific,constructivecomments.

Extemporaneous:speakingwithoutthebenefitofapreparedormemorizedmanuscript.Briefnotesaresometimesallowed.

Interp.:shortforInterpretation,referstoaperformance‐basedeventwhereastudentbringsliteraturealiveofftheprintedpage.Alsosee“piece”below.

Introduction:openingofapiece;oftenreferredtoasan“intro,”whichiswrittenbythecompetitorand(usually)memorizedor(sometimes)givenextemporaneously.

Patterns:differentgroupsofevents.Eventsaredividedinto“Patterns”andrunatdifferenttimes.Usuallytherearethreepatternsinatournament:PatternAevents,PatternBevents,andDebate.

Piece:literaryselection(titleandauthor)performedininterpretationevents.It’sgoodpractice–andseveralleaguesrequire–thatstudentsfindqualityworksofliteraturefromprinted,publishedmaterials,which“showinsightintohumanmotivations,relationships,problems,andunderstandings,andnotbysentimentality,violenceforitsownsake,unmotivatedendings,orstereotypedcharacterizations.”

Pop:whenanindividualperformersuddenlychangescharacterswhenperforminginaninterp.event.

SpeakingOrder:theordercontestantsarelistedontheschematicforeachroundistheorderinwhichthosestudentsshouldpresent.Conventionalwisdomaboutspeakingorderisthatprimacy(firstimpression)andrecency(thelastword)arethechoicestpositions,sotournamentstendtomixtheorderstudentspresentin,toalloweachcontestantanequalopportunitytopresentclosetofirstandlast.

Teaser:justpriortotheintroduction,abriefselectionfromthepiece,whichgrabstheaudience’sattention,muchastelevisionshowshavebeforetheopeningcreditsbegin.

TimeSignals:handsignalsshowinghowmuchtimeacompetitorhaslefttospeakinalimitedpreparationordebateevent.Timesignalsarenotgivenforinterpretationorpublicaddressevents.

VisualAids:oftencalledVAs.Visualaids,usedtoaugmentaspeaker’smessage.


AppendixA:ProgramPolicySamples

PracticeandBusTicketsfromPracticeDependingonwhatevent(s)astudentisinvolvedin,practicerequirementsvary.Afterschoolpracticeslastuntilabout6p.m.Sincewedon’tpracticeeverynight,studentsareissuedindividualcountybusticketswhentheycome.Generally,practiceisonMondays,WednesdaysandThursdays.Debatersmeetallthreedays,SpeechstudentsmeetonMondays,andinterp/performancestudentsmeetonWednesdaysandoriginalspeech/limitedprepstudentsmeetonThursdays.Forpurposesofsafety,studentsmustusetherestroomandvisittheirlockersbeforecomingtopractice;oncetheyleave(orpracticeends),theyareexpectedtoleavethebuildingimmediately.

TournamentCalendar(abridgedsample)Informationbelowistentative.Itiseachstudent’sresponsibilitytocheckthebulletinboardweeklyforupdatesonbusleaveandreturntimes.Besuretocross‐referenceACT/SATdates,band/orchestracommitmentsandotherconflicts,soyoucanplanaroundthose.Debatersmustbesensitivetotheirpartners’schedulesandcommunicateconflictsasearlyaspossible.Wewilluseabusforallmeetsoutsideofthecounty,andtomeetswithinthecountyonFridays(pick‐upfromthosemeetswillbeatthetournament).ForSaturdaymeetsoutsideofthecounty,thebuswillpickusupandreturntothe19thStreet(west)entrance.

EventDate Speech/Congress–2007‐2008Season Bus Leave PickUp SignUp

Sat.,Jan.5 StateSpeechWorkshop,WhitefishBayHS √ 7:45a.m. 1:30p.m. Dec.13

Fri.,Jan.25 CongressatRufusKing°(BankingDay) 2:00p.m 9:30p.m. Jan.17

Sat.,Jan.26 MilwaukeeMarshall,4141N64thSt.(justnorthofCapitolDr) 7:45a.m. 4:00p.m. Jan.17

Fri.,Feb.1 WestBendCongress √ 2:45p.m. 9:30p.m. Jan.24

Sat.,Feb.2 WestBendTournament √ 6:45a.m. 4:30p.m. Jan.24

Fri.,Feb.8 CongressatCityHall200E.Wells(Kilbourn/Water) 2:45p.m. 9:45p.m. Jan.31

Sat.,Feb.9 AlvernoCollege3400S.43rdSt.(atMorganAve.) 7:45a.m. 3:30p.m. Jan.31

•Boldfaceindicatestournamentwehost.Membership1. Students areassessedanannualnon‐refundablemembership feeof$20.00 todefray costsof awardsandmaterials.

Pleaseseespecificinstructionsonthemembershipformrelatedtohandinginpayment.

2. Beforeastudentmayattendacompetitionorclinic,thefollowingmustbeverified:

a. ReceiptofmembershipfeeandsignedMembership/AgreementForm

b. Minimumschooldistrictathleticeligibilitygradepointaverage (third/fourth‐year studentsmustmaintainaminimum2.0GPA;first/second‐yearstudentsmaynotreceivemorethanonefailinggrade)

c. CompletedandnotarizedHealthForm.

d. Thestudentmustbepresentatschoolonthedayofacompetition,attendingallclassespriortoleaving.

e. StudentswhotransferfromotherschoolsaresubjecttoadditionalrequirementsbytheAthleticDirector.

3. Toearnteamawards,studentsmustbeactivemembersoftheteamuptotheendoftheyear,whichincludesearningatleast25NFLpointsinthatschoolyear.

4. Allschool/districtrulesmustbefollowedduringpracticeandmeets;infractionofthesewillresultinschooldisciplinaryaction,suspensionandpossibleexpulsionfromtheteam(forfeitingactivemembership).

5. Studentsareexpectedtoparticipateinallfundraisingactivities(includingtournamentswehost),unlessarrangementsaremadeinadvanceandinwritingwiththedirectorofforensics.

Preparedness,RegistrationandPunctuality6. Everyforensiceventhasstandards(distributedseparately)forproperpreparedness;studentsmustshowself‐discipline

andfulfillsuchobligationsbeforetheywillberegisteredtocompete.Examplesinclude,butarenotlimitedto:

Researchandfilingofevidencefordebateevents(includingcardingfordebate;briefingforCongress)

Reading,indexingandfilingofcurrenteventsarticlesforExtemporaneousSpeaking

Submissionofscriptedliterature(ororiginalspeech)andabibliographiccoverpage

DraftingCongresslegislation(inproperformat)andsubmittingitelectronically(emailattachmentordisk)


7. Studentsarerequiredtopracticeregularlybeforeorafterschoolandareexpectedtocommunicatewithcoachingstaffregarding their progress. Students requiring public transportation must make note on their membership form(individualticketsaredistributedonanas‐neededbasis).

8. Students signup formeetson thebulletinboard in the forensics roomby theposted registrationdeadline (see thecalendar) to be considered for competition, which indicates a commitment to attending that meet in a preparedmanner.Registrationforallmeetsisatthecoach’sdiscretion,andisbasedontournamententryrestrictions,practice,readiness,conductandattitude.Alistofregisteredstudentswillbepostedaboutaweekbeforeeachmeet.

9. Studentswhoinexcusablycancel(“drop”)fromregistrationafterthesign‐updeadline,willbeassesseda$30“dropfee”perinstancetocovercommittedregistrationandjudgingexpense.Fortournamentsinvolvingtravel/lodging,additionalfeesmaybelevied,accordingly.Twodropsinaseasonwillresultinsuspensionfromtheteam.

10. Drop feeswill be excusedper district policies (illness, death in the family, etc.); however, the parent/guardianmustcontactthecoachpriortothemeetingtimeforthatmeet,andalettermustbegiventothecoachwithin10daysofthemissedcompetition.Anytravelexpensesmuststillbereimbursedtotheteam.

11. Studentswhoarenotatthedesignatedmeetingplace(19thStreetentranceorthesiteofthemeet)onthedayofameet,bytheexacttimeannouncedforthatmeet,andwhohavenotcontactedthecoach(considereda“no‐call,no‐show”),willbeassessedfulldropfees,regardlessofexcuse–sincenocontactwouldhavebeenmade.Studentsmaybesuspendedfromtheteam.

12. FinancialPolicies.All feesassessedmustbepaid in fullwithin twoweeksof themissedmeet,or thestudentwillbesuspendedfromtheteamuntilfullpaymentisreceived.Alatefeeof$10willbeassessedforeverymonthaftertheduedatethatthepaymentisnotmade.FeesnotpaidbyMay1willbereferredtotheschoolbookkeeperandthebalancewillbeaddedtothestudent'sunfinishedbusinesslist.

Tournaments‐Inanacademicactivitywhereittakescouragetoperforminfrontofothers,proper“foretiquette”iscrucial–fromthemomentyouarriveatthecityofthemeet.Incompetition,ethicalbehaviorreflectsupontheentiresquad.Gossipforsakessquadunity,andpubliclycomplainingimpedesourintegrityinthegreaterforensiccommunity.Whilethecoachingstaffsupportsfreespeech,remembertoactresponsiblywiththisprivilege,especially inonlinesettings.Finally,rememberthatMPSstudentsarealreadymisconstruedas“urbantroublemakers.”Provethenaysayerswrong! Alwayscheerforandsupport other schools in our district. Courtesy is the golden rule in “treating others as you would be treated." Studentsperceivedasrepresentingourteamorschoolinanegativemannerwillbesuspendedandpossiblyexpelledfromtheteamandreferredtoschooladministration.

13. Students must follow district rules, and state/local laws regarding conduct in practice, competition, and on buses.Profanelanguage,disrespectfulattitudes(includinginsubordination)arenottoleratedandwillresultinsuspension.

14. Studentsshouldbringmoneytopurchasealacartefooditemsatmeetsorpackalunch.15. Donotenteraroomuntilajudgeispresent,andifacontestantisspeaking,waitoutsideuntilhe/sheisfinished.Ifyou

move any furniture or modify the room in any way, return it to the way it was before you entered. Give otherpresentersyourundividedattention.Nonverbalreactionsandfeedbackaremorepowerfulthanwhatyousay!

16. Disruptive activities, such as sports and playing stereos are expressly forbidden (stereos may be brought forDemonstrationSpeaking,butonlyplayedincompetition).Contrabanditemswillbeconfiscated,anddisciplinaryactionwill be taken. Activities that are encouraged are homework, reading, cards, theatre and improvisational games, anddiscussion/talking.Studentsmustremainonthepremisesofcompetitionsites.

17. Whentheteamarrivesatameet,studentsmust“warm‐up”andremaintogetheruntiltheyaredismissedbythecoachtopracticebeforerounds.Thecoachneedstodistributeitineraries,roomassignments,mapsandinformation,whichislogisticallyeasierwheneveryoneisinoneplace.Additionally,formingcliquesorexcludinganyoneontheteamfromagroupatanytimewillnotbetolerated.Theteammustalsosittogetheranduseproperdecorumatawardsceremonies,cheering equally for winning students from all schools, and giving the proper and standard attention to first placewinners(usually,astandingovation).

18. Ifyoususpectarulesinfractionorinappropriatebehaviorinaround,bringittoacoach’sattentionimmediately.Onlythen canwe alert the Tab roomand rectify the situation.Whining about judges aftermeets is inappropriate.Whiletheremaybeahandfulofunqualifiedjudges,theyaren’tallbad.Eachjudgebringsadifferentbackgroundanddifferentexpectationstotheround.Useconstructivecriticismasameanstogrowasanindividualandadapttodifferentstyles.Rememberthat“winnersarenotwhiners”andthat“Lose”and“Learn”bothstartwithan“L.”

19. Gotowatchapower/finalroundwhenyouareassignedtobyacoachorcaptain.Atalltimes,conductremindersanddirectivesbycaptains/officerscarrythefullweightofacoach.

20. Debateevidencetradinghascausedalotoftroubleforsomesquads,duetoleagues’rulesandcopyrightlaws.Pleasebecarefulandseekthecoach’scounselbeforeengaginginthosetransactions.


Dress Code ‐ The first impression an audience gets of presenters is theirappearance. A student’s appearance should beprofessionalanddignified,showingthatheorshecaresabouttheevent.Justasinathleticsorinaprofessionaljob,whatonewearsaffectshis/herperformance.Youwanttobelikedbyyourjudges!21. Restraint:avoidoutlandishhairstylesorapparelthatdrawattentionawayfromyourperformance.Hairshouldbekept

outofyourface,soyouraudiencecanseefacialexpressions.Jewelry,ifwornatall,shouldbekeptelegantlymodest–nothingshouldjingleorjangle.Usesuchtastefuljudgmentregardingallaccessories,andwhenindoubt,omit!Beprofessional,conservativeandclassy.Lookmature,asifyou’reinterviewingforanofficejob.Nojeans,anddress/casualshoes(notathleticorboots)mustbe

worn.22. Schoolidentity:donottellajudgewhatschoolyouarefrom,anddonotwhereattireoremblems(e.g.,letterjackets)

thatidentifyyourschool,assuchinformationcouldbiastheiropinion.23. Inspeechanddebateevents,professionalsuits/blazersordresses(rich/knee‐lengthorbelow;nottoobusy),with

conservativeblouses/shirtsshouldbeworn.Ininterpretiveevents,performersmaywearmore“stylish”clothing,butitshouldavoidbeingtoogaudy.Tastefulshoes(women:lowheels;men:conservativewithlacesarebest,loaftersareacceptable).Accessories,suchasties/scarvesshouldbesubduedandnotdistracting.

24. Finalists(powerrounds)mustremainincontestattirefortheawardspresentation,andshouldnottakeplushtoysorotherpropsonstage,perstateleaguerules.

TransportationPolicies‐Wecommonlytraveltomeetslocally,aroundthestate;andperiodically,nationally.25. Checkthebulletinboardtheweekbeforeeachmeetfortimes,incasethereisachange.Theteamwillgathertowait

forthebusatthe19thStreet/westentrancetotheschool(nearroom104.Parentsmustbewaitingbytheannouncedreturntime(wewillcallaheadfordelays).Providedschoolisnotinsession,parentsmayparkvehiclesinthelotnearthatentrance.

26. Pleasefillbusseatsfromthefront,reservingbackseatsformaterials.27. Ifabusischartered,studentsmaynotdrivethemselvesorbedrivenbyparentstomeetlocations,unlessa"Parental

PermissionSlip‐AlternateAthleticTransportation"formisfiledwiththebythatmeet’sregistrationdeadline.Honoringtherequestisatthecoach’sdiscretion,basedonthestudent’slevelofresponsibilityandotherpoliciesdeterminedbytheAthleticDirector.

28. Studentswillbesenthomeatparent/guardian’sexpenseforseriousinfractionoftheseorschool/districtpolicies.Overnight/Travel Tournaments ‐ Besides obtaining necessary parent and teacher permission to attend these advancedtournaments,studentsmustagreetoputforthextraeffortforsuchmeets.29. CostandCommitment:Dependingonthemeet,students/familieswillpayforsome,mostorallofthecostsoftraveling,

such as food and transportation, and payment must be made in full to guarantee registration. Specific details areincludedoneachmeet’sparental/guardianpermissionform.Studentsareinsuredbytheschooldistrictwhiletraveling.Whenstudentscommit to compete (or compete toqualify), theymustbeawareof theactual traveldates.Conflicts(other than severe illness or a death in the family)willnot be tolerated: studentswho fail to participatemust fullyreimbursetheteamforallexpensesassociatedwiththetournament(travel/airline,lodging,registrationanddropfees),whetherthestudentwasoriginallyresponsibleforpayingforthoseexpensesornot.

30. Conduct:Whileallofthenormalconductandetiquetterulesapply, it isespecially importanttostresswhentravelingout of town.When in airports and strange places, it is paramount that the coaches knowwhere students are at alltimes.Acoachmayneedtoserveinajudgingoradministrativecapacityatatournament.Inthosecases,studentsmuststayonhotelortournamentcompetitionpremises,oruseofficialtournamentshuttles/transportationtotravelbetweenvenues.Nostudentmayventureawayfromacompetitionorlodgingpremiseswithoutsupervision.Contrarytonormalschool district rules, it is often a good idea to carry a cellular phoneat such tournaments, so students canmaintaincontact with the coach. Any students who pose problems for the coaching staff may be sent home at theparent’s/guardian’sexpense.

31. Lodging: Overnight stays are an investment in fostering well‐rested, competition‐ready squad members.Studentsmustabidebycurfews(intheassignedroomandquietatthedesignatedtimes)andrespectthehotelpropertyandstaff.Ifstudentsoftheoppositesexareinaroom,thedoormustbeblockedopen;novisitorsfromotherschoolsunlessacoachispresent;likewise,youmustseekacoach’spermissiontovisitotherschools’rooms.Roomassignmentsaremadebythecoachingstaff,andforliabilitypurposes,arenon‐negotiableonceestablished.

32. Privilege: Studentsmust first qualify to compete at official national tournaments, such as NFL. The team obviouslydevotesagreatdealofresourcesandmoneyforlargetournaments.Thecoachingstaffwillbethefinalarbiterofwhatstudents are allowed to attend suchmeets, andwillmake decisions based on a student’s level of dedication to theteam,typicalconductandbehavior,academicstanding,andreadinessandpreparednessforcompetition.


ForensicsMembershipFormNotvalidifinformationismissing(indicaten/afornotapplicable.Pleaseprintlegibly,especiallyemailaddresses.LegalName Shortfirstname GraduationYear FirstMiddleInitialLast (Nonicknamesplease;just"Bill"forWilliam,"etc.)

Address City Zip HomePhone BirthDate IDNo.

Email CellPhone

(Cellphonesareallowedattournaments.)

Parent/GuardianEmergencyContactInformationParent/GuardianName(s) PlaceofWork Email(pleasewritetheaddressyoucheckmostoften)

Relation: Phone:() CellPhone:()

Relation: Phone:()

Ifyouridethebustoschool,andneedbustickets,checkallthatapply:PracticesFridayMeetsSaturdayMeets

PARENT/GUARDIANPERMISSIONIallowmyabove‐namedstudenttoparticipateinForensicactivitiesonthedatesasdescribedonthecalendarincludedinthe“AnytownHighSchoolForensicsPolicies,”realizingthatforeachmeet,Iamresponsiblefortransportingmystudenttoandfromthelocalmeetlocationortoandfromschooltoridethecharteredbusbytheweeklyupdatedandannouncedleaveandreturntime.Ihavediscussedtheteam’spolicieswithmystudent,andrealizethatinfractionofthesepoliciesmayresultinmystudent’ssuspensionfrommeetcompetitionandforfeitureofawardsearned.Ialsounderstandthattosupportthecontinuationofthisprogram,mystudentisexpectedtoparticipateinfundraisinginitiatives.Iunderstandtheafterschool“safety”requirementsofleavingthebuildingafterpractice.Parent/GuardianSignature: Date: STUDENTAGREEMENTI,theundersigned,herebyagreetoadheretotheguidelinessetforthinthe“AnytownHighSchoolForensicsPolicies,”andrealizethatifIviolateanyofthepolicies,Iwillbesubjecttodisciplinaryactionaccordingly,andmayforfeitanyawardsIhaveearned.Iwillcheckmeetleaveandreturntimesweekly,realizingthatthescheduleinformationinthispacketistentative.Ifurtheragreetospendmytimeinpracticeefficiently,andthatIwillleavethebuildingafterpractice.StudentSignature: Date: MEMBERSHIPFEE:Forthenon‐refundablefee,checksarethepreferredpaymentmethod,madepayablefor$20toAnytownHighSchool.Pleaseincludethestudent’sfullnameandschoolIDnumberonthecheck.Cashshouldbehand‐deliveredtoacoachinasealedenvelopewiththestudent’sfullnameandschoolIDnumberonit.

TheInterestInventoryandGoal‐SettingWorksheetonthereversesideallowsthecoachingstafftohelpstudentsfindeventsthatmatchtheiruniqueinterestsandpersonality.

s


ForensicsInterestInventoryandGoal‐SettingWorksheet Whatareyourprimaryreasonsforparticipatinginforensics?

Nameaprominentperson(celebrity,publicfigure,etc.)andqualitiesyouadmireinthatperson:

Person Qualities

Rank,inorderofimportance,thefollowingU.S.currentaffairsissues,1beingmostimportant;10beingleast

___PublicHealthCare/AffordablePrescriptions ___SocialSecurityReform___HomelandSecurity/Terrorism/Intelligence ___Education(vouchers“choice”,standards,testing)___ForeignTrade(deficits,tariffs) ___ElectionReform(finance,Electoral,termlimits)___Environment(nuclearwaste,cleanair,fossilfuels) ___EconomyandCorporateReform___CivilLiberties/Privacy ___Violence(inschools,centralcityareas)

Explainwhyyouthinktheitemaboveyourankedfirstissoimportant

Onascaleof1‐10,1beingmostimportant,hownecessaryisitforAmericanstovote?_______

Pleasecompleteeachstatement:Iworkbest… ingroups aloneIworkwellunderpressure/deadlines: Yes NoI“multitask”well Yes No Huh?Iamgoodatmemorizingthings: Yes NoIenjoyprovingmypoint: Yes NoIcanofferconstructivecriticism: Yes NoIacceptcriticismconstructively: Yes No

LastbookIreadforleisure

Favoritemagazine

Favoritetelevisionprograms

Favoritewebsites

Hobbies/interests

Talents(dancing,martialarts,batontwirling,etc.)

Favoritesubjectinschool

Ifyoucompetedinmiddleschoolforensics,pleaselistevents:

Doyouhaveapreferenceofdebateand/orspeechcategories/events?

Listsomespecific,realistic(achievable)andmeasurablegoalsandstepsyouplantotaketoachievethem.Ifyouarenew,we’llhelpyoucompletethisinaninterviewwithacoachand/orcaptain:

SpecificGoalStatements:includemeasurementsandtargettimeframeforachievement.

Actions/StepsIWillTaketoAchieveGoals:includetimeframe(season,#ofweeks,etc.)foreach12

312

312

3


AppendixB:SampleHealthCertificate

FromtheMilwaukeePublicSchools

Student–fulllegalname BirthDate Sex

ListAllergies(includingmedications) Medications(prescriptionsorover‐the‐counter)youtake

Medication Dosage

Ifnone,write

“none.”

Presentillnesses/chronicconditions

Ifnone,write

“none.”

Over‐the‐CounterMedicationsYourChildMayNOTTake

Ifnone,write

“none.”

Ifnone,write

“none.”

Listpastseriousillnessorsurgery Listphysicalrestrictions/accommodations

Ifnone,write

“none.”

Ifnone,write

“none.”

Dietaryrestrictions/accommodations Insurance*pleaseattachacopyofinsuranceandprescriptioncard(s) HealthInsuranceCarrier:

HealthIns.PolicyNumber:

InsurancePolicyExpirationDate:

WhocarriestheHealthInsurance?

Includefoodallergiesorreligious

restrictions.Ifnone,write

“none.” HealthInsurancecoversoutsideWI? Yes No

Medical EmergencyContact Name PhoneDoctor Parent

Phone Parent

Dentist Other

Phone Other

Attachadditionalinformationifnecessary. Pleaseincludeacopyofinsurancecard(s).

Theabovenamedstudenthasmypermissiontotakepartinforensics:speechanddebateactivities.IagreetoanddoherebyauthorizeMilwaukeePublicSchools,itspersonnelandrepresentatives(chaperones),toactformeinanyemergencyoraccidentorillnessintheeventmyson/daughteristoreceivemedicalattentionifdeemednecessarybyaprofessionalinthemedicalfield.Intheeventthestudentnamedaboveisunabletoparticipateintheprogramduetoillnessorinjury,theMilwaukeePublicSchoolsactingthroughitspersonalorrepresentativeisauthorizedtomakewhateverarrangementsareappropriateinreturningthestudenttomycare.IunderstandthattheMilwaukeePublicSchools,itspersonnelorrepresentativesshallnotberesponsibleforanydebtsincurredinconjunctionwithanyillnessoraccidentinvolvingmychild.Iagreetoberesponsibleforsuchdebtsaswellasforanycostsincurredfor

theearlyreturntravelfortheabovenamedstudent.Additionally,ifthereareanychangestotheinformationherein,Iwillmaintainresponsibilityforprovidingupdatedinformation.

Parent/GuardianSignature Date DaytimePhone EveningPhone

AdditionalParent/Guardian(ifapplicable) Date DaytimePhone EveningPhone

I’veenclosedacopyofinsurancecard(s)


AppendixC:SamplesofTravelForms

TravelTournamentItinerarySample

Tournament/Location:

Assembleat: onthisdate: nolaterthanthistime:

Specifictransportationdetails(flights,connectingflights,etc.):

Wereturnonthisdate: atthistime: at:

Specifictransportationdetails:

Hotel: Phone()

Address:

TournamentContactName: Cell()

StudentFinancialResponsibility:$ mustbepaidby:

GeneralExpectations:

Identification:bringdriver’slicenseorstate/governmentphotoIDandschoolID(forsecurity;provesaffiliationwithtrip).

Food/Money:weprovidestudentmeals,exceptduringcompetitionandothersnacks(Irecommendbringingabout____forthedurationofthetripforthosemeals).Spendingmoneyoverandbeyondthisamountisatyourdiscretion.

Clothing:bringdressclothesandshoesfor___daysofcompetition.Lookyourmostprofessional!Bringa“main”competitionoutfit,withanextrashirt/accessories(tie,scarf,lapelpin,etc.)

Luggage:packlightlyandefficiently,sinceweneedroomforevidence.Don’tforgetsupplies/materials;bringwhatyou’llneedforperformance(cases,piece/binder,pens,paper,stopwatch,legislation,“padfolio,”Constitution,etc.).

TripItinerary(atDestination)andDailyTournamentSchedule:

RoomingList:

RoomA RoomB RoomC RoomDCoach


Event/Competition Destination DepartureDate ReturnDate

TravelReleaseandIndemnificationAgreementCoveringConduct,PersonalInjury,DeathandPropertyDamage

1. Forpurposesofdefinition,“MPS”referstotheMilwaukeePublicSchools,thecommonnamefortheMilwaukeeBoardofSchoolDirectors,theschooldistrictinwhichmychildisenrolled.

2. Iunderstandthatmystudentmaynotbeunderthedirectsupervisionoftheforensic/debatecoachorapprovedchaperonesduringthecompetitionabove.Ifurtherunderstandthatitisofutmostimportancethatmystudentalerttheforensic/debatecoachastohis/herwhereaboutsatalltimesduringthetrip,andmustabidebyanyoftheDirector’sdirectivesrestrictinghis/herwhereabouts.

3. Iasthestudent'sparent/guardian,agreetoanddoauthorizetheMilwaukeePublicSchools(MPS)anditsemployees,agents,chaperonesandvolunteers,toactonmybehalfinanyemergency,accident,orillness,andfurtheragreethatMPSanditsemployeeorsuchdesignatedindividualsshallnothaveanyliabilityfortakinganysuchaction.

4. IagreethatMPShastherighttoterminatemyson/daughter'sparticipationinthefieldtripprogramforanybehaviordeemeddetrimentaltotheprogramorthestudents,andfurtheragreetoacceptallresponsibilityforanycostsinvolvedduetohis/herreturnhometomycare.

5. Iaffirmthatmyson/daughterhasnochronicmedicalconditionordisabilitythathasnotbeenstatedintheStudentHealthCertificate(filledwiththeteam)orwhichwouldmakeparticipationintheprograminadvisable.

6. IagreetoreleaseandwaiveanyandallliabilityanddischargeMPSanditsagents,chaperonesandvolunteersfromanyclaimsordemandsthatmightariseinconnectionwith1)anyaccident,illness,injury,orotherconsequenceoreventarisingfrommychild'sactionsorparticipationintheMPSprogram;2)anycausebeyondthecontrolofMPSincluding,butnotlimitedto,naturaldisasters,civildisturbances,actsofterrorism,andwars.

7. IunderstandthatIamsigningthisdocumentinadditionto,andnotinreplacementorexclusionof,anyandallotherformsandagreementsrequiredbyMPS.IagreethatMPSreservestherighttochange,orcanceltravelorotherarrangementsshouldconditionsnecessitate.

8. IunderstandthatMPSisnotresponsibleforthelossof,ordamageto,thepersonalbelongingsofanyparticipant.

9. Iunderstandthatinarrangingforstudenttravel,MPSusescommercialairlines,trains,buses,restaurants,hotelsandotherserviceswhoseperformanceandservicecannotbecontrolled.Consequently,MPSisnotresponsiblefortheactionsofthesecommercialfirmsformattersincludingbutnotlimitedtostrikes,lostluggageandthelike.

10. Iagreetoberesponsibleforandtopayanybillsforadditionalexpensesofapersonalnature(e.g.,laundry,roomservices,phonecalls,passportandvisareplacement).

11. Iagreetoberesponsibleforandtopayanybillsformedical,optical,dentalorrelatedservices,whetherornotsuchservicesarecoveredbyinsurance.IunderstandthatthestudentfieldtripaccidentalinjuryinsuranceandemergencyassistanceservicesforspecifiedamountsisavailabletoMPS,andthatthecostforthisinsuranceandemergencyassistancecoverageisincludedinthefieldtripprogramfee.Iunderstandthelimitsofthisinsuranceandemergencyassistanceservicesandacceptresponsibilityforanycostsabovethoselimitsprovidedinthepolicy.Iaffirmthatmyson/daughterhasadequatemedicalandhospitalinsurancecoverageandthatthepolicywillcontinueinforceduringtheentireextendedfieldtrip.IaffirmthattheinformationstatedintheStudentHealthCertificate/PermissionforMedicalCareisaccurate.

12. Ifurtheragreetopayanyresponsibleattorney’sfeesandcostsoflitigationshouldanylawsuitagainsttheMilwaukeeBoardofSchoolDirectorsresultfrommychild’sparticipationonthistrip.

Conduct:Thepurposeofthistripiscompetition.Toensureoptimalpreparedness,properrestisparamount.Studentsmustbeintheirassignedroomsby11p.m.(pleasepurchasesnacks/vendingitemsbefore10:59).Pleasepickupafteryourselves:throwgarbage/foodwrappers/containersintheproperreceptacles,donotleaveopenfoodlayingaroundtospoilandleaveanunpleasantodorforhousekeepingstaff,and(formultiple‐nightstays)leaveaclearpathforhousekeepingstafftochangebedlinensandvacuum.Ifyoudamageanyhotelproperty,pleasealertacoachimmediately.

Ihavereadtheaboveandattachedinformationandaminfullsupportofmychild’sparticipationinthistrip,withtheappropriate,expectedconduct.Iampreparedtoacceptthefinancialresponsibilityforthistripshouldmychildfailtodosohim/herself.Ifatthediscretionoftheforensic/debatecoach,mychildneedstobesenthomeduetoillnessorviolationofstudentrules,Iagreetoberesponsibleforalltransportationandsubsequentcosts.

Parent/GuardianSignature Date DaytimeorCellPhone EveningPhone

StudentAgreementStatement:Iagreetoabidebyallschoolandforensic/debateactivitiespolicieswhileparticipatinginthetournamentnamedabove,includinganyspokendirectivesfromcoachingstaff.Iunderstandthataviolationoftheserulesmayresultinbeingsenthomeatmyfamily’sexpense,expulsionfromtheteam,andpotentialdisciplinaryactionbytheschooladministration.Ifurtherunderstandthatmyactionsjeopardizethesafetyandsuccessofmyfellowteammates,soIwillstrivetoupholdthestandardsofgoodcharacterandethicsasarepresentativeofMilwaukeePublicSchools.

PrintLegalStudentName(w/MiddleInitial) StudentSignature Date CellPhone(duringtravel)


AppendixD:JudgeTrainingThefollowingisageneralguideforjudgetraining.Someoftherulesandconventionsmaydifferbetweenvariousstates,regionsandtheNFLitself.Judgesshouldalwaysbemindfuloftheparticularcontestthey’readjudicating,andwhatuniquepolicies/proceduresapply.Evenmoredubiousishowjudges’standardsforexcellencetendtobehighlypersonal,basedonbackgroundandtaste.Thebestjudgesareawareoftheirownbiases,andconsciouslykeeptheseinchecktomaintainobjectivity.

TheJudge’sRole

Aspeechordebatejudgenotonlyprovidessound,educationalfeedbackforstudents’presentations,buts/heservesassupervisorofeveryround,ensuringthatitproceedsinasmoothmanner,withequalrespectgiventoallcontestants.Judgesshouldnotapologizefor“lackofexpertise”–thepointofcommunicationinforensicactivitiesisforstudentstobeabletoshareamessagewithanyaudience.Judgesalsosetapositivetoneasadultsbydressingprofessionally(i.e.,businesscasual),andputtingstudentsateasewiththeirbodylanguage.

Atmanycontests,studentsareawaretheymaynotenterroomsunlessajudgeispresent,andthatiftheymovefurniture,theymustreturnit.

Studentsshouldmovefromroundtoroundquietly,asotherroundswillstillbeinsession.Judgesshouldremindstudentsofthiswhentheroundconcludes.

Judgesmustmaintainobjectivityandshouldnotsayanythingtoanystudentotherthananoverallgreetingorobservation;donotgivespecial,individualpraiseorcriticism,oraskwhatschoolastudentattends.

Studentsandjudgesareoftengivencodestomaskschoolaffiliation.Judgesshould,however,writetheirownschoolaffiliationontheballotand/orevaluationsheet,soifacoachhasquestionsafterthetournament,theymaycontactyouviathecoachwhohiredyou.

Supplies

Afewgoodpens(pleasewriteevaluativefeedbackinblackorblue,please;redishandyforpersonalnoteswhenflowingadebate)

Paper–forflowingdebates,takingoverallnotesonaroundofspeech,etc. Adigitalstopwatch,timerorothertimingdeviceforkeepingtrackoftime

TournamentTimeline:KeepingthePace

Acoachshouldinstructthejudgess/hehiredtoarriveearlytoatournament(beforetheendoftheregistrationperiod).Coachesareresponsiblefordistributingthejudgingassignmentsgiventotheirschool,andifballots/critiquesheetscanbecompletedwithpersonalinformationaheadoftime,itgivesthejudgetimetoprepareforthedayahead.Judgesmayormaynotbeassignedtoeachpreliminaryround(dependingonhowmanytotaljudgesarepresent).Followingaresomegeneraltipsforjudges:

Taketimetoreadandfollowthespecificanduniqueinstructionsofeachtournament(whichsavesagreatdealoftimeinthegrandschemeofthetournamentandhelpspreventerrors).

Makesuretoreacquaintyourselfwiththerulesforagiveneventbeforeeachround.

Pleasebepunctualandstartroundsontimesothateachroundcantakeplaceexpeditiouslyforthegoodofallparticipants.Pleasesilenceyourcellphone,anddon’teatinfrontofstudents–it’srude!

Makesurecontestantsassignedtoyourroomontheschematicarethere.Forspeech,followthespeakingorder,unlessatournamentallowscross‐entries,and/orastudentislatetotheround.Allowsuchcontestantstocatchtheirbreath,waitthroughanotherpresentation,andthenpresent.

Writelegiblyoncritiques/ballots,sostudentscanactuallyreadandbenefitfromyoursuggestions!

Beobjective.Don’tletyourownpreconceptionspredetermineyourimpressions.


Beefficient.Don’tspendtoomuchtimeoneachballot,especiallybetweenstudents’presentations.Lullsmakestudentsnervous,andholdupmeets.Startwritingevaluationsheets/ballotsduringpresentations

Aftereachround,returnballots/critiquestothenearesttabulationcollectionperson/table.

Remainatthetournamentuntilyou’redismissed(unlessspecialarrangementshavebeenmade).Don’tsmokeonschoolpremises,becausethisisagainstmoststatelaws,andsetsaterribleexampleforkids.

AjudgemustNOTconferwithotherjudgesregardingtheirdecisions/evaluationsincompetition.Paneljudgesarenottoconfer.Allcommunicationregardingresultsmustbeexclusivelywithtabulationstaff.

Makepositivesuggestionsonhowthespeakercanimprove.Donotsimplywrite“good”or“weak.”Insteadexplainhoworwhyastudentisdoingwellorpoorly.Youshouldjustifythescoreyougiveastudentbythecommentsyouwrite.

Judgesalmostneverdisqualifycontestants.Thisisuptotournamentofficials.Ifjudgessuspectarulesinfraction,rank/ratethestudentashe/sheperformedintheround.Then,bringallinformationtothetournamentstaff.

PearlsofWisdomforSpecificEvents/Situations

InDebate,judgesawardoneteamthewin,andtheotherteamaloss.Theymayalsoassignspeakerpointstoeachteam,orindividualdebater.Finally,theymayrankthedebatersfrombesttolast.

InSpeech,judgesrankstudentsagainsttheirpeers,andsometimesratestudentswithspeakerpointvalues.Forranking,1isthebestinround,2issecondbest,etc.,asfardownasthenumberofspeakers(inasectionofeightspeakers,yourranksshouldlooklikethis:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8).Manyjudgeskeeparunningorderofplacementbymakingmarksonthemasterballot,orarrangingthephysicalorderofthecritiquesheets.Contestantsshouldneverbeabletoseeorfigureoutyoursystemforranking(evenifthey’resittingrightnexttoyouinacrampedroom).Judgesshouldalwaysgivehonest,positive,constructive–buttactful–criticismwithsuggestionsforimprovement.RemembertheABCsofjudging:beAccurate,Brief,andClear!

Knowtherulesregarding“graceperiods”andhowtomodifyyourrankingifastudentextendsbeyondtheallowedtimeframe.

Studentsmayrequesttimesignals,particularlyinExtemp.Speaking.Pleasebesuretocommunicateamutuallyagreeduponsystemwithspeakerspriortotheirpresentations.

Somestates/eventsallowalimitedamountofvocalsingingandvisualaids.Alwaysknowtherules!

InCongress,judgeswillhearseveralshortspeechesinimmediatesuccession.Congresscontestsaretabulatedinamyriadofways,butjudgeswilldooneorseveraloftheseevaluativemeasures:

Rateeachspeakerandpresidingofficeronapointscale(ageneralrubricforqualitiestolookforcanbefoundinthe“CoachResources”sectionoftheNFLwebsite).

Rankuptoacertainnumberof,orallparticipantsinaround/session.Eitherarrangingindividualcritiquesassuggestedforspeechranking,ortrackingeachspeechofthesessionwillallowajudgetomakeasummativeevaluationofthesessioninthiscase.

Nominateoneorafewcontestantstoadvance(whichmaygotoavotebythestudents).

Somestatesassigntwojudgestoasessionfortheexpresspurposeofallowingthemtoalternatelyevaluatestudents.Thismethodisproblematicinsofarasitcreatesinconsistencyamongevaluatingthesamegroupofstudentswithinthesametimeframeofdebate,thereforeforsakingcompetitiveequity.


UpholdingQuality

Eachschool’scoachisthearbiterofexcellenceforhis/herownjudgingcorps,andshouldmakesurejudgesareadequatelytrainedandpreparedtoprovidethisvitaleducationalservicetoyoungpeople.Beforeanewjudgeactuallyadjudicatesatournament,havehim/her“shadow”anexperiencedjudge,whocandebriefhis/herprocess.Atanearlytournament,asktheTabroomiftheycanprovideacopyofanewjudge’scritiques/ballots,soyoucanreviewthequalityoftheirevaluations.

DescriptiveWordBankforJudgesQUALITY

amazing

breathtaking

beautiful

brilliant

decent

delightful

dynamic

enjoyable

excellent

extraordinary

fabulous

fine

first‐class

first‐rate

grand

great

impressive

incredible

lovely

marvelous

perfect

pleasant

remarkable

satisfactory

spectacular

splendid

stunning

superb

terrific

wonderful

PRESENTATION

articulate

believable

characterization

coherent

cohesive

credible

dramatic

emotional

enthusiastic

expression

honesty

genuine

innovative

understated

whimsical

rhetorical

TALENT

accomplished

capable

clever

convincing

creative

effortless

expert

proficient

natural

skilled

talented

welldeveloped

mastered

“OOMPH”

animation

energy

enthusiasm

gusto

life

liveliness

passion

pizzazz

sparkle

spirit

vivaciousness

vigor

“POOR”

artificial

awkward

broad

faulty

flawed

hinder

incoherent

incorrect

mellow

monotonous

poor

repetitive

scarce

weak

wrong

“NEEDS”

absentof

coulduse

deficientin

incomplete

lacks

missing

requires

shorton…

potential

THEPIECE

assortment

combination

compilation

execution

plethora

unified

unsuitable

wealth

DEBATE

fallacious

logicallylinked

illogical

credibility

warrant

clash

impact

refute

rebut

flow


Wewelcomeyourcommentsandsuggestions!NATIONAL FORENSIC LEAGUE 125WatsonStreet•POBox38•Ripon,WI54971(p)920.748.6206•(f)[email protected]•www.NFLonline.org

Program/CoachingAssistance

Buildingyourteam,findingresources,gettinginvolvedwithyourdistrict,andotherprograms:AdamJacobi [email protected]

School/StudentMemberAssistance

Questionaboutpointprocedures,usingtheonlinepointsapplication,andmembership/financialissues:LisaVossekuil [email protected]

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AndreaNeitzel [email protected]

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Registeringand/orqualifying:

JackieOakes [email protected]

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DevelopmentandAlumni

Doyouhaveanideaorcontactforagrant?CherianKoshy [email protected]

ExecutiveDirector

RulingquestionspertainingtoitemsproposedatNFLBoardmeetingsorcomments/concernsyoumayhaveabouttheLeagueoritsprocesses.

[email protected]

ChangeLogThissectiondocumentsrevisionsmadetotheCoachingGuide.Overarchingmodificationsareindicatedbyachangeintheseconddigit(i.e.,2.1.0),whileminoreditsorrevisionstothecurrentdocumentareindicatedbyachangeinthethirddigit(i.e.,2.0.1).Thefollowingareupdatestotheoriginalversion.Date Version ChangeDescription09/15/11 6.0.0 UpdatedstyleofthedocumentandchangedwordingregardingNFLchaptertypes,aswellas

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Coaching Guide - University of Vermontdebate.uvm.edu/dcpdf/NFL_coachingguide.pdf · 2011. 12. 24. · Coaching Guide 5 Summer/Before School Begins (continued) 6. Investigate establishing