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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
LIN
E
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
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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FrequentlyAskedQuestionsQ:I’manewcoach.WhomcanIcontactaboutstartingateam?
A:ExperiencedcoachesareeagertotalktonewNFLcoaches.Youmayuseourcoachingresources,online,forusefuldocumentationonhowtostartyourteamsuccessfully.Also,feelfreetocontactAdamJacobi,ProgramsandEducationCoordinator,atadam.jacobi@nationalforensicleague.org.
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!
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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,andemaillisa.vossekuil@nationalforensicleague.org.
BillingandFeesTopayduesandfees:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!!!
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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)
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Figure2:SamplePressRelease
FORIMMEDIATERELEASE Formoreinformation,contact: MitchJacob,(555)555‐1234 mitch.jacob@anytown.k12.st.us
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.
###
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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?
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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.
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Figure3:GeneralForensicProgramInformationBulletinforParents
ANYTOWNHIGHDEBATEANDSPEECH
Director: MitchJacob School:(515)123‐4567/Cell:555‐5555
Email:mitch.sullivan@anytown.k12.st.usAssistants: 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
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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
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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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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©2011•NationalForensicLeague CoachingGuide 44
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)
©2011•NationalForensicLeague CoachingGuide 45
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
©2011•NationalForensicLeague CoachingGuide 46
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)
©2011•NationalForensicLeague CoachingGuide 47
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.
©2011•NationalForensicLeague CoachingGuide 48
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.
©2011•NationalForensicLeague CoachingGuide 49
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
©2011•NationalForensicLeague CoachingGuide 50
Wewelcomeyourcommentsandsuggestions!NATIONAL FORENSIC LEAGUE 125WatsonStreet•POBox38•Ripon,WI54971(p)920.748.6206•(f)920.748.9478nfl@nflonline.org•www.NFLonline.org
Program/CoachingAssistance
Buildingyourteam,findingresources,gettinginvolvedwithyourdistrict,andotherprograms:AdamJacobi adam.jacobi@nationalforensicleague.org
School/StudentMemberAssistance
Questionaboutpointprocedures,usingtheonlinepointsapplication,andmembership/financialissues:LisaVossekuil lisa.vossekuil@nationalforensicleague.org
MerchandiseSales
Apparel,books,videos,awardsandmementos:
AndreaNeitzel andrea.neitzel@nationalforensicleague.org
District/NationalTournaments
Registeringand/orqualifying:
JackieOakes nfl@nflonline.org
PublicRelationsandPublications
RostrummagazineandpromotingtheNFL:JenniferBillman jenny.billman@nationalforensicleague.org
DevelopmentandAlumni
Doyouhaveanideaorcontactforagrant?CherianKoshy cherian@nationalforensicleague.org
ExecutiveDirector
RulingquestionspertainingtoitemsproposedatNFLBoardmeetingsorcomments/concernsyoumayhaveabouttheLeagueoritsprocesses.
J.ScottWunnnfl@nflonline.org
ChangeLogThissectiondocumentsrevisionsmadetotheCoachingGuide.Overarchingmodificationsareindicatedbyachangeintheseconddigit(i.e.,2.1.0),whileminoreditsorrevisionstothecurrentdocumentareindicatedbyachangeinthethirddigit(i.e.,2.0.1).Thefollowingareupdatestotheoriginalversion.Date Version ChangeDescription09/15/11 6.0.0 UpdatedstyleofthedocumentandchangedwordingregardingNFLchaptertypes,aswellas
updatingprogramsthathavechanged.Minordocumentformatting.
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