PERRY HIGH SCHOOL SPEECH & DEBATE

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1 PERRY HIGH SCHOOL SPEECH & DEBATE HANDBOOK OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

2 TOURNAMENT CALENDAR OCTOBER Bronx Science New York** 21 Carrollton Novice 28 GlenOak Novice NOVEMBER 4 Perry (AE) 11 Wadsworth (AE) 18 Copley/Mentor DECEMBER 2 Stow-Munroe Falls (AE) 9 Tusky Valley GlenOak (Debate) 16 Canton McKinley (IE, SC, P) PHS WILL HOST A BIG QUESTIONS DEBATE TOURNAMENT IN DECEMBER PENDING DISCUSSION WITH TEAM. JANUARY 6 North Canton Hoover (AE) Sylvania (AE, PDQ, P) * Wooster (Debate PDQ) 20 Wooster (AE) 27 Norton FEBRUARY 3 OSDA Little Districts All Events (Jackson) 10 NSDA Big District Workshop PHS NSDA Big Districts (Perry)

3 MARCH 2-3 OSDA State Tournament (Sylvania) 24 NSDA Student Congress Big Districts-Elms JUNE NSDA National Tournament (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) AE All Events IE Individual Events P Policy Debate PF Public Forum LD Lincoln Douglas SC Student Congress BQ Big Questions Debate (***Fundraiser) PDQ Pre-District Qualifying NSDA National Speech & Debate Association (formerly known as NFL) OSDA Ohio High School Speech League (formerly known as OHSSL) SPEECH & DEBATE BANQUET: Tuesday, April 17, 2018

4 TEAM PHILOSOPHY Speech and debate clearly hones your academic skills; however, if it fails to teach fundamental moral principles, it fails absolutely. Thus, the coaches expect that you respect certain behavioral guidelines. We believe every member of our team should be a good person who speaks well! A gracious competitor keeps in mind the following: The speech and debate team functions as ONE TEAM encouraging each other and working together without competition. (To that end, a social gathering is not a speech and debate gathering unless ALL team members are invited.) To enhance the educational and competitive value of speech and debate, competitors must work for the good of the whole team. Selfishness helps no one. Competition is healthy, but not to the point of refusing to help team members. The team should function so that people truly encourage each other s efforts. Disrespecting a team member or category may result in your being ineligible to compete at tournaments or being removed from the team. Education, not egotism, should comprise your primary reason for competing. The coaches are here for a reason; their judgment is based on many years of experience in this activity. In and out of the classroom, your behavior reflects on the speech and debate team as a whole. People characterize you, and your teammates, as the competitor Perry High School produces. Our reputation is also important in terms of winning rounds. If we are respected as individuals, we are more likely to be respected as competitors. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS OF TEAM MEMBERS Local, In-State, and Out-of-State Tournaments Perry Local School District generously supports the Speech and Debate program. Your membership fee to NSDA, along with all transportation fees, and housing at the state and national tournaments is covered by the Board of Education and/or our booster club. However, students who commit to attend overnight tournaments will incur a $25 to $50 overnight fee. We will have a number of fundraising activities to help subsidize the high cost of running a program of our size. Participation in those fundraisers is strongly encouraged. Students are responsible for lunch at practice, district, and state tournaments. This is usually a lucrative fundraiser for any school that volunteers to host a tournament, and we honor their request to not allow students to bring their own food to the venue. (Hosting a tournament is HARD work!)

5 Communication will be centralized. GENERAL RULES AND EXPECTATIONS Mrs. Patron is the director of the Speech and Debate program, and she will be the primary contact of all team policy issues. However, rules and expectations have been agreed upon and will be enforced by the entire coaching staff (Assistant Coaches Mr. John Weaver, Mr. Kevin McDougal, Ms. Karen Zimmer, Mrs. Melody Woodson, Mr. Garth Woodson, and Mr. Sean Keane) Check your and Remind often. In addition to in-class announcements and reminders, you will be sent information via , Google classroom, and/or Remind about practice schedules, tournament sign-ups, and drop deadlines. UNLESS YOU HAVE ALREADY BEEN NOTIFIED VIA , ALL PRACTICE TIMES WILL BE POSTED ON THE OUTSIDE DOOR OF ROOM 229 ON THE FRIDAY PRECEDING THE WEEK OF PRACTICES. (We will not be using You Can Book Me to schedule any practices this season.) At no point will the excuses I did not receive the , or I did not read the , or I forgot to check the door or I did not sign up for Reminders be accepted for not meeting your responsibilities. Mrs. Patron, Mr. Weaver, or Mr. McDougal, who are in the building/on site every day, MUST also be notified, either in person or via , of anything that will affect your participation in a particular practice or tournament. Do not rely on a teammate or anyone else to tell a coach. You need to directly handle any issues and provide sufficient notice of any cancellation of practices (24 hours hours in advance) or tournaments (Monday preceding tournament). Practice is mandatory if you want to be successful in this activity. We will not be successful as a team without practice. Participation on the team and other extracurricular activities is encouraged. We firmly believe that while you are in high school, you should not be forced to limit your activities. We understand that you may have to miss some tournaments. However, those who wish to be considered for overnight tournaments will be expected to show maximum commitment to the team, and, in general, missing a large portion of the competitive season is incompatible with such a commitment. There is NO MINIMUM TOURNAMENT requirement. MANDATORY TOURNAMENTS? All novice team members should plan to compete at the Carrollton and GlenOak Novice Tournaments. The entire team should commit to competing at the varsity season opener, which has been hosted by Perry for many years. However, no tournament is mandatory. 25 NSDA POINT REQUIREMENT: Team members must compete at as many tournaments as it takes to earn 25 NSDA points for membership into the NSDA in order to pass the course.

6 ALL DEADLINES MUST BE MET: All work assignments research, writing, revision, cutting, filing, memorization, etc. will be due at specific times. Entry and drop deadlines will be announced for every tournament. If you want to ENTER after entry deadline, it may not be possible. Entry deadline, unless otherwise stated, will always be the Monday preceding the tournament. Please check your schedules PRIOR TO MONDAY, and let us know upon arrival in class if you have a conflict. If you DROP after the deadline, there will be a $25 drop fee. Not meeting your obligations has consequences. Consequences for not meeting these commitments will range from warnings, to extra work assignments, to being barred from a tournament, to suspension from the team, to permanent removal from the team. If you are barred from participation in a tournament, you are still responsible for all non-recoverable tournament fees. RULES AND EXPECTATIONS GOVERNING LOCAL & IN-STATE TOURNAMENTS Students are expected to ride in the transportation provided by the District FOR EVERY TOURNAMENT. Please listen in class for departure times, which are also sent via Remind. A tournament schedule has been posted in your Google Classroom and on Mrs. Patron s website. Students are expected to remain at all tournaments through the awards ceremony except in the case of true and real conflicts. Upon returning to Perry, PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR RIDE IS ON TIME. TEXT THEM 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO OUR ESTIMATED RETURN. If for some reason, it becomes necessary for you to provide your own transportation to and from a local tournament, you must complete a transportation form signed by a parent giving permission and the means in which you will arrive / depart from the tournament. TRANSPORTATION FORMS ARE DUE THE THURSDAY PRIOR TO THE TOURNAMENT. If someone is picking you up, they MUST come inside and see / speak with a Perry coach. Students who are chosen to compete at the NSDA District Qualifying Tournament, must be available to compete at the district and national tournament. Do not schedule events that will conflict with these tournaments. Similarly, students who compete in and qualify for NFL Nationals in June are expected to attend. Although it is rare, a Perry coach may not be present in a building where a Perry student is competing. We are obligated to fill our judging requirement and provide our expertise in tabulation rooms. However, a tournament official will be present in every building. RULES AND EXPECTATIONS GOVERNING OVERNIGHT TOURNAMENTS In June, members of the team who have earned slots at the district qualifying tournament will travel to NSDA Nationals. Certain members of the team will travel to other national-level tournaments, at the discretion and invitation of the coaches. This travel, which is partially subsidized by the speech and debate budget, is a privilege that must be earned. Specifically, it is earned by:

7 1. Having been a member of the team for at least one full year. 2. Having faithful and prompt attendance at meetings and practices; 3. Completing work assignments by the deadlines set by the coaches; 4. Helping to teach younger members of the team, when asked to do so; 5. Achieving the competence (as assessed by the coaches) necessary to succeed on the national circuit. TOURNAMENT ETIQUETTE Given the amount of commitment and effort invested in this activity, it is easy to become wrapped in the competitive nature of speech and debate; however, it is important to remember that this is primarily about education, socialization, and enjoyment. It is only natural to want to do well, but mere accolades must be overlooked. Good all around competitors are rewarded for their efforts one way or another. THESE RULES MUST BE FOLLOWED AT ALL TIMES: First and foremost, it must be understood that all of the rules and regulations governing student behavior as outlined in the Perry High School Handbook apply at all times while a member of the Speech and Debate Team is representing Perry High School at a tournament or on a trip. The tournament begins upon arrival at the hotel or the school. Potential judges are always watching. No one should have to remind you to be polite at all times, at tournaments, and at Perry. Do not even consider unethical behavior of any sort. Never use an obscenity or anything less than professional language while at a tournament. Never gossip or talk negatively about competitors, judges, coaches or teams anytime, anywhere. The walls have ears. Never write anything negative or unprofessional about any judges, coaches, and opponents, especially, but not limited to, social media sites. Diplomacy is key. Whether talking to judges, coaches or other competitors, exercise good judgment. Alienating anyone in any way will hamper your future success. Competitors come back to judge after graduation. Judges always remember rude people. Coaches have elephants memories. When not competing or when waiting outside the room for the judge to arrive, do not make noise that will disturb nearby rounds in progress. Arrive to the rounds on time and prepared. Walk in ready to compete. Appearance should be checked and touched up before entering the room. Remove coat, gloves, change from trouser pockets, etc. Never walk into a round during someone s performance. IE competitors should sit where they can see the other speakers / performers, and where their approach can be useful. Regard the audience on the approach. Begin making eye contact during the approach. Debaters should set up your files/tables so that you can watch the judge(s) during the debate.

8 In IE, wait until the judge calls your name or code before taking the stage. Never ask, Are the judges ready? If they have called for you, they are ready. Simply pause until you have eye contact with them. Don t BOW your head at the beginning or the end of your speech / performance. Good posture and professional delivery may not always win rounds, but sometimes they do. More importantly, they never lose rounds and can only enhance your image, even with a good judge. Therefore, you should stand up straight during your speeches regardless of where you compete. Don t chat with friends, other competitors or the judge between speeches / performances. It may distract the judge(s). Pay attention to the speaker / performer. Don t practice (even if just mouthing the words), daydream, read, or maliciously distract the performer. Keep facial expressions during the other competitor s presentations positive and encouraging. NEVER talk to your partner during his or anyone else s speech for any reason. This means do not tag team CX. Keep such talk quiet and minimal everywhere else. Also, keep facial expressions during your opponent s presentation to a minimum. Do not react negatively to your partner, to your teammate or to your opponent during the round. Even a frown can convey rudeness. Don t ever volunteer to keep time unless asked by the judge to do so. Don t volunteer information on event rules or judging procedures to inexperienced judges. Don t appear to be a know-it-all. Don t nag or prod judges for their decision or how they ranked the round. In debate, when a decision is given, do not argue; simply say, Thank you. In IE, if a judge approaches you to give you an oral critique, listen to their comments. (An IE judge should never approach a student until competition has concluded.) Don t try to butter up a judge. Don t say, Thank you for judging. Be polite but not overwhelming. Never give compliments or wishes of luck to competitors unless sincerely felt. Never give unsolicited critiques. During postings and awards, don t show anger or uncontrolled elation: remain calm. Be aware that one person s elation is someone else s disappointment. Handle yourself in a professional manner. Be gracious at all times. Win and lose gracefully. Always be supportive of teammates. If you have a round off, watch someone. If you don t break, it is important to watch the elimination rounds. You will almost certainly make friends, show that you bear no hard feelings, and maybe even learn something. THIS RULE IS NOT AN OPTION! You should always plan to attend awards ceremonies even if you do not break and sit with our team. During the awards assembly, remember that we represent Perry High School and that alone determines our behavior. Always stand for the competitor or team taking 1 st place. Reward success

9 of other teams and competitors with polite applause. Do not scream and holler or call out cute remarks. Never worry about things that are beyond your control. Act maturely, no matter how difficult that may be! THE NECESSITIES FOR SUCCESS Review all ballots with an open mind. Determine, with the coach, which ballots merit attention. Begin working toward the changes suggested on ballots. Keep in mind that any changes should be perfected before the next tournament. If time doesn t permit, only make the changes that can be perfected. For debate and speech events, head to the library for new research. Update the research in your debate cases and speeches whenever new information is available. The research and revision process is never ending. Keep all drafts to document and review the progression of an oratory or expository speech. Through the year, deleted information may want to be retrieved. For interpretation events, the cutting may need revisions in order to find the most perfect 10 minutes possible. The tech work and characterization work is a never-ending process. TOURNAMENT DRESS In our society, first impressions are everything. Whether it s an interview, a public speaking engagement, or a business deal, the initial impression can be the key. Attire, hair, hygiene, and make-up are all a part of the credibility package. Looking professional increases an individual s credibility and confidence. The same idea can be applied to the realm of competitive speech and debate. If two speakers are equally talented, the audience will indirectly use physical appearance and dress as an unwritten criterion. It may or may not be fair, but a speaker should always look and feel his/her best. While men and women dress differently, these are some basic guidelines that should be followed. As your coaches, we are here to mentor you. We reserve the right to comment on what you are wearing if we feel it is detrimental to your success as a competitor. Everyone must wear a color-coordinated, appropriately fitted suit coat or jacket; avoid bold, bright, distracting colors. Suggestion: Blacks, navy blues, and greys are power colors. o Outfits should be properly tailored and hemmed. ABSOLUTELY NO FITTED/SPANDEX PANTS OF ANY KIND. Hair should be neatly cut/trimmed; face should be clean-shaven o Hair color should be natural, styled away from the face, and out of the eyes. Competitors should appear career ready. In this activity, we simulate acting, policy making, and presenting. You need to look the part. Any time you stand in front of an audience, it warrants looking your best. o No white socks! Ever!

10 o Men - WEAR A TIE THAT COORDINATES WITH YOUR SUIT/DRESS SHIRT. (Warning: your coaching staff is not fond of bow ties:-)) o Button-down shirts should be long-sleeved. o Women - No low cut blouses; skirts must be worn to the knee; hosiery completes the professional look unless it is ostentatious (avoid fishnets/patterns). Dress shoes must be worn at all times. o Exercise good judgment when selecting heel height. o Select shoes that you can comfortably walk and perform in. Clothing should be clean, cleanly pressed, and fit appropriately. Jewelry should be tasteful and non-distracting. No tattoos or any visible body art will be allowed. Tongue and nose rings are NOT permitted. Tongue rings destroy articulation and should never be worn during competition. The only piercings permitted are earrings. Make-up should be worn tastefully. Never wear nail colors that are distracting; polish should be tasteful, and nails should be neatly maintained (not chipped). If you would like to show the coaches what you ve chosen to wear, arrange a fashion consultation with them! When in doubt, please refer to the slide show that staff will be or has already shared with you as a guideline in your choices.

11 I have read and understand the policies and procedures outlined in the Perry High School Speech and Debate Team Handbook. Student Signature Date Parent / Guardian Signature Date

Blaine High School Speech Team Handbook

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