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Slippery Rock Autumn InvitationalNational Educational Debate Association Tournament

Slippery Rock University

October 18 - 19, 2019

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Invitation Letter

Dear colleagues,

On behalf of the Slippery Rock Debate Society and the National Educational Debate Association, we are excited to welcome you to the Slippery Rock Autumn Invitational at Slippery Rock University on October 18th and 19th, 2019.

Because this is our inaugural tournament at Slippery Rock, we are thrilled to introduce you to our beautiful campus set in the peaceful countryside of Western Pennsylvania. Although we are just one hour away from Pittsburgh, Slippery Rock is surrounded by natural wonders like the Slippery Rock Gorge and Lake Arthur in nearby McConnells Mill State Park and Moraine State Park—if you have the time, go for a team hike and take in the views! We hope that the autumn leaves inspire arguments of many shapes and colors and that you enjoy our small town hospitality and charm.

Our tournament will follow NEDA’s standards and regulations and feature all normal NEDA events and divisions, including novice and open divisions of Traditional policy debate and Crossfire debate. In the event that we cannot fill both novice and open, we will collapse the divisions. All divisions will use NEDA’s Fall 2019 resolution: RESOLVED: The United States should abolish the Electoral College. Awards will be presented for top teams and top speakers in Open Traditional, Novice Traditional, Open Crossfire, and Novice Crossfire, as well as Sweepstakes awards for top overall teams.

The Slippery Rock Debate Society is committed to making you feel at home here—please do not hesitate to let us know of any requests or questions you might have. We can’t wait to welcome you to our campus for a ROCK SOLID tournament.

Sincerely,

Tim MichaelsCoach and Co-AdvisorSlippery Rock Debate Societytimothy.michaels@sru.edu

Heather FrederickCoach and Co-AdvisorSlippery Rock Debate Societyheather.frederick@sru.edu

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SchedulePlease note that, as per NEDA tradition, the schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Friday, October 18th, 2019

3:30 - 4:00 Registration (Spotts 111)4:30 - 5:30 Crossfire Round 1 4:00 - 5:30 Traditional Round 1 5:30 - 6:30 Crossfire Round 2 5:30 - 7:00 Traditional Round 2

*Snacks/refreshments will be available

Saturday, October 19th, 2019

8:00 Breakfast (Spotts 111)9:00 - 10:00 Crossfire Round 3 8:30 - 10:00 Traditional Round 3 10:00 - 11:00 Crossfire Round 4 10:00 - 11:30 Traditional Round 411:00 - 12:00 Crossfire Round 5 11:30 - 1:00 Traditional Round 512:00 - 1:00 Crossfire Round 6Lunch Lunch2:00 - 3:00 Crossfire Semi-finals 1:30 - 3:00 Traditional Round 63:00 - 4:00 Crossfire Finals 3:00 - 4:30 Traditional Finals5:00 Awards

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Entries

In order to ensure that we have enough food, rooms, and judging for the tournament, entries will be due by Monday, October 14th. Entries can be submitted on www.tabroom.com. You will need to create an account unless you already have one. If you have any issues please contact Tim Michaels (timothy.michaels@sru.edu) or Heather Frederick (heather.frederick@sru.edu).

We will accept entries in open and novice divisions in Traditional and Crossfire formats. Overall entries will determine the feasibility of offering separate divisions. In the event that we cannot fill both novice and open, we will collapse the divisions. Please note that NEDA’s eligibility requirements for the novice division is a debater who has no more than six tournaments of experience at any debate competition.

*Please let us know about any food allergies your coaches or students may have, and we will do our best to accommodate them.

Registration and Fees

The entry fees for teams/pairs in all divisions (open traditional, novice traditional, open crossfire, novice crossfire) is $60.00 per entry. Registration will be held from 3:30 to 4:30 on Friday in Spotts 111 (please see the map included in this invitation for guidance).

Judging

NEDA maintains a tradition of using both expert and lay judges. While we will do our best to create a lay judge pool, coaches will also be expected to judge some rounds. Each judge covers two entries. All uncovered teams will be assessed a judge hire fee of $60.00 per two teams.

Rules and Regulations

We will follow all standards, policies and procedures as set forth by the National Educational Debate Association (NEDA). Debaters and coaches are expected to adhere to the expectations and behaviors consistent with NEDA’s mission. All debates for both the Traditional and Crossfire formats will utilize the normal NEDA formats and time limits.

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Parking and DirectionsWhen you arrive, please park in the West Lake parking lot. Registration, announcements, and pairings will be in the Auditorium of the Spotts World Culture Building (Room 111). From the West Lake lot, walk up the hill and between the Eisenberg Classroom Building and Advanced Technology and Science Hall, cross the quad and enter Spotts. The auditorium will be on your left. Debates will take place in both Spotts and Eisenberg. (See map next page)

GPS ADDRESS: 100 Central Loop, Slippery Rock, PA 16057

FROM THE PITTSBURGH AREATake I-79 North to Exit 105 (Slippery Rock Exit). At the exit, turn left onto Route 108 East (4 miles). Once in the village of Slippery Rock, turn right onto Route 173 South (Main St., first set of lights) and at the second stop light use the left turning lane to turn left onto Kiester Rd. At the flashing yellow lights, turn left into the main entrance to campus. Make the immediate right and park in the large parking area (West Lake lot) on the right side.

FROM POINTS NORTHTake I-79 South to exit 113 (Grove City). Turn left onto Leesburg-Grove City Road and then turn right (at stop light) onto 258 South (Mercer Butler Pike). Proceed into the Village of Slippery Rock, proceeding along Main Street. Use the left turning lane to turn left onto Kiester Rd. At the flashing yellow lights, turn left into the main entrance to campus. Make the immediate right and park in the large parking area (West Lake lot) on the right side.

FROM OHIO AND POINTS WESTTake I-80 East into Pennsylvania. Take exit 19 A (1-79 South). Take exit 113 (Grove City). Turn left onto Leesburg-Grove City Road and then turn right (at stop light) onto 258 South (Mercer Butler Pike). Proceed into the Village of Slippery Rock, proceeding along Main Street. Use the left turning lane to turn left onto Kiester Rd. At the flashing yellow lights, turn left into the main entrance to campus. Make the immediate right and park in the large parking area (West Lake lot) on the right side.

FROM POINTS EAST (I-80)Take I-80 West to Exit 29 (Barkeyville Exit). At the exit, turn left onto Route 8 South (8 miles). Turn right onto Route 108 West (2 miles). Once in the Village of Slippery Rock, turn left onto Route 173 South (Main St., first set of lights) and at the second stop light use the left turning lane to turn left onto Kiester Rd. At the flashing yellow lights, turn left into the main entrance to campus. Make the immediate right and park in the large parking area (West Lake lot) on the right side.

FROM POINTS EAST (I-76 / PA TURNPIKE)Take the I-76 / PA Turnpike West to Exit 28 (Cranberry Township). Upon exiting the turnpike, follow Route 19 North towards Zelienople. Stay right on Route 19 and look for signs directing you to I-79 North to Erie. From I-79 North (35 miles), take Exit 105 (Slippery Rock Exit). At the exit, turn left onto Route 108 East (4 miles). Once in the Village of Slippery Rock, turn right onto Route 173 South (Main St., first set of lights) and at the second stop light use the left turning lane to turn left onto Kiester Rd. At the flashing yellow lights, turn left into the main entrance to campus. Make the immediate right and park in the large parking area (West Lake lot) on the right side.

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Accommodations

Slippery Rock offers small town hospitality and convenience, but accommodations are limited so consider booking quickly. Many more options are available in nearby Grove City, just a few miles to the north. Grove City is a major retail hub, home to a large outlet mall and several chain restaurants. Below are some hotels and motels available in Slippery Rock and Grove City:

Slippery Rock:

APPLEBUTTER INN - BED AND BREAKFAST666 Centreville PikeSlippery Rock, PA 16057724.794.1844https://applebutterinnpa.com

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES1000 University ParkwaySlippery Rock, PA 16057724.406.0535http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pitrk-fairfield-inn-and-suites-slippery-rock/

Grove City:

BEST WESTERN1924 Leesburg Grove City RoadGrove City, PA 16127724.748.5836https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-details.39113.html?iata=00171880&ssob=BLBWI0004G&cid=BLBWI0004G:google:gmb:39113

CANDLEWOOD SUITES GROVE CITY, PA37 Holiday Blvd.Mercer, PA 16137724-748-6900https://www.ihg.com/candlewood/hotels/us/en/mercer/pitgc/hoteldetail

COMFORT INN118 Garrett DriveGrove City, PA 16127724.748.1005https://www.choicehotels.com/pennsylvania/grove-city/comfort-inn-hotels/pa448?source=lb

HAMPTON INN & SUITES GROVE CITY, PA4 Holiday BlvdMercer, PA 16137

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724.748.5744 Option 0http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/hampton-inn-and-suites-grove-city

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS GROVE CITY, PA21 Holiday BoulevardMercer, PA 16137724.748.5514 Option 0https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/mercer/gvcpa/ 

MARRIOTT TOWNEPLACE SUITES GROVE CITY MERCER/OUTLETS231 Westside Square DriveMercer, PA 16137724.748.6322http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/fklts-towneplace-suites-grove-city-mercer-outlets/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2

MICROTEL INNS & SUITES--GROVE CITY2049 Leesburg Grove City RdGrove City, PA 16127724.748.9920https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/microtel

PARK MOTEL1334 W Main StreetGrove City, PA 16127724.458.8850

SUPER 8 MOTEL2001 Leesburg Grove City RoadGrove City, PA 16127724.748.3000https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/super-8/grove-city-pennsylvania/super-8-grove-city/overview?CID=LC:SE::GGL:RIO:National:10471&iata=00065402

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Restaurants

We encourage you to enjoy our village! Slippery Rock’s Main Street offers all the charm of a small town business district, including several local eateries, and the village features several great establishments outside Main Street as well. Below are a few of our favorite recommendations, but you’ll also find plenty of well-known chain restaurants and fast food in nearby Grove City.

GINGER HILL TAVERNPizza, burgers, sandwiches, and other tavern food278 S Main St, Slippery Rock, PA 16057(724) 794-3504

NORTH COUNTRY BREWINGRustic brewpub with housemade beers, sandwiches, and pub fare141 S Main St, Slippery Rock, PA 16057(724) 794-2337

BIGSHOT BOB’S HOUSE OF WINGSWings (dozens of different flavors!), burgers, and subs354 S Main St, Slippery Rock, PA 16057(724) 794-6799

HOLY COWFast casual burgers and milkshakes near the interstate1230 W Park RoadSlippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057(724) 406-0035

BOB’S SUB & SANDWICH SHOPMade to order deli subs, open late252 S Main St.Slippery Rock, PA 16057(724) 794-6799

KATANA ASIAN FUSIONChinese and Japanese fusion with hibachi and sushi223 Grove City Rd #6, Slippery Rock, PA 16057(724) 748-5888

B&J’S CONEY ISLANDHot dogs, fries, burgers, sandwiches, and other pub food

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635 Kelly Blvd, Slippery Rock, PA 16057(724) 794-4899